Head Coach: Roque Cortinas, 2nd season
Assistant Coaches: Rick Hernandez, Frank Villanueva, Carlo Hein, Michael Franco
2009 Record: 18-11, District: 13-1
Career Record: 18-11
Schoolʼs District Titles: 1994, 1997, 2009
Coach Roque Cortinas won a district title in his first season as a head coach, and with plenty of returning talent, the Gladiators look good for the next few seasons. The Gladiators finished with a 13-1 mark in district last season only losing to Valley View.
“We have some good young arms that we are counting on for this year,” said Coach Cortinas, who is a product of McAllen Memorial High School. Cortinas played baseball for two years at the University of Texas-Brownsville and another two at Texas A&I Kingsville at the time.
“We also have good overall team speed that can put pressure on teams,” said Coach Cortinas. The Gladiators lost a tough bi-district series to Laredo Cigarroa after leading in the 6th inning of the third and deciding game.
Four players will lead the Roma team this season. Joel Hinojosa (jr.), 1B/P, 2009 Newcomer of the Year hit .359 with 3 HR last year. Jesse Delgado (jr.),OF, 2nd team all-district player hit .403 in 2009. Bryan Peña (jr.), SS, 2008 Newcomer of the Year and 1st team all-district in 2009 will be a vital part of the Roma team. Peña hit .345 with 1 HR last year. Senior Eric Moreno, OF, 1st team all-district will also return after hitting .405 with 2 HR.
Other very important members of the squad are Fabian Peña (sr.), 2B; Miguel Alaniz (sr.), 3B; Rannel Rosa (soph.), P; Ryan Rosa (soph.), 1B/DH; Isaac Martinez (soph.), INF; Exiquio Gonzalez (jr.), OF; Albert Treviño (jr.), C; and Isidoro Garza (soph.), C.
The Roma team has lost three good players in the recent years. Fernando Garza (09), Albert Salinas (09), and Angel Garcia (08) all are playing ball in Laredo at Texas A&M International University.
The projected lineup will include, Eric Moreno, Jesse Delgado, Bryan Peña, Joel Hinojosa, Ryan Rosa, Isaac Martinez, Miguel Alaniz, Isidoro Garza, and Fabian Peña.
“In order for us to have a successful season defensively, we need to reduce our infield mistakes,” said Coach Cortinas. The Gladiators will be one of the top teams in South Texas this season. The Roma team will have to get by Mercedes, Valley View, and Mission Veterans if they are to defend their district title.
Tags: rgv baseball, roma baseball, texas high school baseball
 |
 |
