Head Coach: Ricardo Lopez Jr., 2nd Season

Assistant Coach: Hiram H. Lopez, Joseph W. Seale, Freddy Art Menchaca, Francisco Egnia Jr., Simon Garza

2010 Record: 14-17, District: 6-8

Career Record: 14-17

School’s District Title: 2002

Key Losses:

Returning Starters: Victor Fuentes (10), INF/P, HM All-District P

Gabriel Garza (12), SS, HM All-District SS

Phillip Guzman (11), C

Alex Morin (12), OF

Alex Olvera (11), INF/P

Tomas Mares (11), UTL

Bryan Marchan (10), P

Mario Benavides (11), OF

Jesus Zuniga (11), OF

Top Newcomers: Rudy Saenz (11), OF/P

Fernando Santos (11), UTL

Leo Zamarripa (11), 2B

Eloy Villarreal (10), 3B

Coach Lopez begins his second season with plenty of returning talent to make some real noise in District 32-4A.  “We return almost everybody from last year’s team.  We expect to make a run for the district title,” said Coach Lopez. “Community support is essential for the success of this team.  RGC High School is very eager to have a winning program, our school needs our team to win to get this high school back on top,” added Coach Lopez.  The Rattlers not only have plenty of players returning but, they are also still relatively young and the future looks very bright.  Two seniors, eight juniors, and three sophomores will fill out the team in 2011.  RGC is a very confident team but, will have to fight off both Roma and newcomer to District 32-4A Hidalgo for the district crown among others.

Head Coach: Casey Smith, 2nd season

Assistant Coaches: Ben Yzaguirre, David Alejos, Sam Tagle

2010 Record: 17-13, District: 10-4

Career Record: 17-13

Playoff Appearance: 2005 3rd seed, 2010 4th seed

Key Losses: Rick Alanis- 1st Team All-State 1B/ District MVP ( UTB)

Alex Diaz de Villegas- 1st Team All-District- (UTB)

Roy Falcon- 2nd Team All-State/ 1st Team All-District

Returning Starters: Desi Villarreal, (12), SS/P, 2010 Honorable Mention All-District

Julian Fernandez, (10), 3B/P, 2010 Honorable Mention All-District

Arnold Gonzalez, (12), 2B/SS

Danny Gutierrez, (11), P/INF

Top Newcomers: Brandon Ibarra, (9), UTL

Adrian Morales, (11), C/1B/OF

Marc Pena, (11), 3B/P/C

David Alejos, (12), 1B

Jorge Longoria (12), OF

Ruben Casiano (12), OF/P

Mission Veterans lost a lot of talent and experience from last year’s play-off team including two All-State players and several all-district performers.  With most of last year’s offensive firepower that produced 296 runs (over 10 runs per game) gone, the Patriots will have to rely of pitching, defense, and the manufacturing of runs in order to be successful this season.  This year’s squad possesses a great work ethic and a love for the game.  Villarreal and Fernandez will be asked to shoulder the load and take a leadership role for the Patriot program to make a return trip to the play-offs.  With tens teams in District 32-4A all teams will have little to no chance to gain experience with non-district games.

Head Coach: Marcus C. Galaviz, 3rd season
Assistant Coaches: Alonzo Herrera, Robert Castillo, Jaime Carvajal, Travis DeWitt
2009 Record: 12-15, District: 5-9
Career Record: 24-28-1
Schoolʼs District Titles: 2004, 2005, 2006
Bi-District Titles: 2004, 2005, 2006
Area Titles: 2004, 2005, 2006

In 2009, the Tigers fi nished one game out of the playoffs just behind Lincoln-Juarez. This season, the Tigers have several returning letterman who will direct the team.

“We will need our seniors to lead,” said Coach Galaviz. “We will go as far as our seniors will take us. The rest of the team will have to follow,” added Coach Galaviz in his 3rd season at Valley View.

Three seniors, four juniors, and a sophomore will be called upon this season. Robert Castillo (sr.), UTL, all-district; Ivan Garcia (sr.), OF, all-district 2 years; Edgar Salinas (sr.), INF, all-district 2 years; Fernando Lopez (jr.), INF; Gustavo Martinez (jr.), INF, all district; Rolando Rodriguez (jr.), INF, all-district; Teodoro Trejo (jr.), INF; and Gilbert Feria (soph.), OF.

“Hard work, team chemistry, playing as a team, expecting to win, and deserving to win is what we will preach this season,” said Coach Galaviz.

The Tigers have not been to the playoffs since 2006, but this season they look to get back on track. “The team must believe in themselves and in each other if we are going to be successful,” said Coach Galaviz. “We must compete for 7 innings and 21 outs of every game.”

Roma, Mercedes, and Missions Veterans could be some of the strongest competition in district 32-4A. The Tigers will look for guidance from their three seniors in 2010.

Head Coach: Ruben Riojas, 4th season
Assistant Coaches: Joe Calderon, Carlos Martell, Arturo Saldivar, Kevin Warren
2009 Record: 5-17, District: 4-10
Career Record: 18-52

Coach Ruben Riojas begins his 4th season with the Wildcats with another young team. The Wildcats fi nished 5-17 and 4-10 in district last season.

“We have a team with a good attitude. Together anything can be accomplished,” said Coach Riojas. “We are the Wildcats. One Team One Dream,” added coach Riojas.

The Wildcats have six players who will lead the team this season. Frank Ramirez (sr.), 3B; Alfred Rogers (soph.), 2B; Brian Guzman (jr.), SS; Ruben Riojas III (soph.), SS; David Gonzalez (jr.), 3B; and Primo Gurrusquieta (soph.), C, will all be vital to the success of the Wildcats season.

“We must work on our overall offense and continue to give great effort if we are to compete,” said Coach Riojas. The Wildcats have gone 7-19(08ʼ), 6-16 (07ʼ), 4-21 (06ʼ), and 8-16 (05) the past few seasons.

The Wildcats look to improve and develop throughout the 2010 season.

Head Coach: Casey Smith, 1st season
Assistant Coaches: James Smith, Sam Califa, Sam Tagle, David Alejos
2009 Record: 7-15, District: 5-9
Playoff Appearance: 2005 3rd seed

Coach Casey Smith takes over after Coach Robert Niño led the Patriots for the first six seasons of school existence. Coach Smith comes over from Sharyland where he was an assistant for the last six years.
“The biggest strength that we have is a group of kids who are willing to work and eager to learn the game of baseball,” said Coach Smith. “Our coaching staff is pleased with the strides that we have taken during what has been a very productive offseason,” added Coach Smith.
Alex Diaz de Villegas (sr.), SS/P, will return to lead the Patriots. Villegas hit over .400 last season with 3 homeruns in district play. He was also named 1st team all-district at third base. “Villegas is what we believe is our best player. He is a leader on and off the field who gets better with every practice. He looks to be our #1 pitcher with a fastball in mid-80ʼs with good movement, and he will bat in the 3 hole hitter,” said Coach Smith.
Rick Alanis (sr.), 1B/P, is a returning starter for the Patriots. Alanis was a 2nd team all-district selection at first base last season. Alanis hit over .300 in district play last year. Alanis in a tall left-handed hitter with good pop and will anchor the middle of the lineup. First team all-district Roy Falcon (sr.), OF/P, will play centerfield and has the speed to cover lots of ground in the outfield. Falcon hit .290 in district last year. Rick Perez (sr.), C/3B/P, is another returning starter. Perez moves from the OF to C in the 2010 season. Perez has the tools to be really good defensively and at the plate but still needs work on the fundamentals. Gabriel Guajardo (sr.) 2B has great work ethic and is a good base runner.
Other valuable players for the Patriots this year are Albert Farias (sr.), OF; Roy Perez (sr.), C/3B/P; Danny Vega (sr.) C/DH; Mike Trevino (sr.), P/OF; Danny Gutierrez (soph.), P/UTL; Desi Villarreal (jr.), SS/P,(honorable mention all-district pitcher last year) a player with good baseball instincts and athletic ability. Villarreal has a good loose arm and is a possible #2 or #3 pitcher; Victor Canales (jr.), OF/P, has some good speed with good ability and a loose arm. Julian Fernandez (fresh.), P/UTL, looks to see some time on the mound this year and play some infield. Fernandez has a good feel for the game.
“The front of our pitching rotation looks to be solid, and we have pretty good speed which will hopefully allow us to play an aggressive style of baseball,” said Coach Smith who will be assisted by his brother James Smith. “We must continue to work on all facets of the game paying particular attention to pitching and defense. We feel that if we do these two things consistently that we will have a chance to win some ball games and challenge for a playoff spot.” added Coach Smith. “Despite having some seniors, they have not experienced much success during their high school careers. We must overcome this mental hurdle and gain confidence in our abilities,” added Coach Smith.

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.

Head Coach: Sergio Rubio, 3rd season
Assistant Coaches: Jorge Franco, Roman Guerra, Jaime Garcia,
Cesar Ruiz
2009 Record: 10-16, District: 6-8
Career Record: 14-33
Schoolʼs District Titles: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1996, 1998, 1999

After a long dry spell, the Yellowjackets were able to make the playoffs last year. This season looks to be even more promising with the return of several starters.
“One of our team strengths this year is going to be experience,” said 3rd year Coach Sergio Rubio. “With seven returning starters, we are expecting a winning season, including making a strong run at the district title. Our starting line-up boasts five players who have started the previous two seasons. With their leadership and play, we are looking forward to the resurgence of Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjacket Baseball,” added Coach Rubio.
The Jackets return two 1st team all-district players this season. Andrew Jaron Garcia (sr.), SS, hit .326 last season with 14 runs, 7 SB, and 20 RBI. The other returning 1st team player is Ryan Garza (jr.), P/2B. Garcia hit .396 with 1 HR, 22 runs, 5 SB, and 15 RBI during his sophomore season.
Roger Garcia (sr.), OF, 2nd team all-district hit .414 last year with 13 runs, 9 SB, and 17 RBI. Three other Jackets return for their senior season after making the honorable mention all-district list in 2009. Jacob Garcia (sr.), C, hit .333 with 2 HR, 19 runs, and 14 RBI; Fabian Ortiz (sr.), 1B, .386 with 13 runs and 11 RBI; and Americo Valdez (sr.), OF, .214 with 11 runs, 8 SB, and 8 RBI. These three players will have a major impact on the Yellowjacket season.
The seventh returning starter is Joshua Ruiz (jr.), OF, who hit .220 with 12 runs, 3 SB, and 9 RBI.
The Yellowjackets were 10-14 overall last season with a 6-8 record in district, this was good enough for them to gain the third playoff spot. The last district title for Edcouch-Elsa was back in 1999. Coach Rubio has steadily improved the program in the last two years.
Four other players will be important in the success of the season for the Jackets. Joey Rubio (sr.), P; Tony Reyes (jr.), 2B; Aaron Bazan (jr.), UTL; and Daniel Martinez (jr.), UTL.
“Even with an experienced roster, our district is extremely tough, and every game is going to be a battle between two good teams. In order to be successful, we must play fundamental baseball and limit errors,” said Coach Rubio. Look for the Jackets to battle Mercedes and Roma for the district championship in 2010.

Head Coach: Rick Lozano, 7th season
Assistant Coaches: Leo Salinas Jr., David Mann, Jeff Moubray, Richard Palomin
2009 Record: 6-16; District: 5-9
Career Record: 80-68
Schoolʼs District Titles: 1978, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
2000, 2007, 2008

Coach Rick Lozano is beginning his 7th season as head coach at Mission High School with many questions with his 2010 Mission Eagle team. “We only return one pitcher, and we have many gaps to fi ll,” said Coach Lozano.

Leading the group of returning players is Eric Flores (sr.), OF. Last season, Flores played second base but will now be the leader of the outfi eld in centerfi eld this season. Fellow senior Isaac Martinez will also be in the outfi eld for the Eagles this season. Jacob Peña (sr.), P/1B, is the only returning pitcher for the Eagles. Alex Quintero (jr.), 3B, is the fourth member of the returning players. The Eagles lost Trey Jones to Hidalgo after his father began coaching in the Hidalgo School District.

“We are going to have to rely on players who have little or no experience this season,” added Coach Lozano. The Eagles have had success in the past, so getting the Eagle program is just a matter of time. The Eagles were 3-16 in 2004, 12-13 in 2005, 20-6 in 2006, 19-10 in 2007 and 18-8 in 2008. The Eagles were district champions in 07ʼ and 08ʼ.

Roma, Mercedes, Mission Veterans, and Valley View should be the top teams in 32-4A with the Eagles playing spoiler roles throughout district play.

Head Coach: Jaime Castañeda, 9th season
Assistant Coaches: Armando Reyes,Eddie Torres, Carlos Pimentel
2009 Record: 15-11, District: 12-2 Schoolʼs District Titles: 1974, 1986, and 1993
State Finalists: 1974 and 1986

The Mercedes Tigers are no strangers to the playoffs having made the playoffs six of the last eight years. “We have a few returning players with some experience. These players are back to provide a good nucleus for our team this year,” said Coach Jaime Castañeda entering his 10th season at Mercedes High School.

Jaime Casteñeda Jr.(sr.), SS/P, will be one of the Tiger leaders after making 1st team all-district last season. Casteñeda has been a starter since his freshman season. Aaron Torres (sr.), 1B/P, returns after making honorable mention all-district in 2009. Alex Rodriguez (sr.), OF/P, was a 2nd team all-district performer last season. Joe Garza (jr.), 2B/C, was also an honorable mention all district selection last season. Rounding out the returning players are Nathan Alvarado (sr.), OF, and C.J. Alvarado (jr.), 2B/P.

“Pitching will be our number one priority this season. This will be the key to our chances of having a successful season,” said Coach Casteñeda. “I believe we are going to be able to hit and score,” added Coach Castañeda.

The Tigers made the playoffs last season by going 10-15 overall and 8-4 for the second straight year. The Tigers were defeated in bi-district action by a strong Alice Coyote team(4-14, 1-12) who went on to defeat the defending state champions C.C. Moody team. Mercedes was 11-14 in 2006 and went 6-19 in 2005. The Tigers also lost to Alice in bi-district in 2007 in two straight games.

The Huskies surprised a few people last season by getting to the playoffs after a big turnaround in the second half of district play. This year the Huskies are hoping for more of the same but with a much younger ballclub.

“Last season we were a very good hitting team, and this year I believe will be the opposite. We will be a lot better on defense, so we must really work on our hitting,” said Coach Michael Garza.

Lincoln-Juarez has one senior Arbran Gongora (sr.), P/1B, returning in 2010. The Huskies will be a sophomore filled team this season. Israel Elizondo (soph.) INF/P; Angel Garcia (soph.) 2B/P; Alex Mata (soph.), 2B/P; Joel Garcia (soph.) OF; Erik De La Garza (jr.), 3B; Alex Trevino (jr.), C; Eliazar Salinas (fresh.), 1B/DH; Edgar Mendoza (soph.), OF, and Aaron Villarreal (soph.), OF, are all expected to play key roles on the Huskies team.

The Huskies were defeated in the bi-district round by Tuluso-Midway in two games. The Huskies will also have a hard time replacing R.J. Alaniz, who signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros and will report to the Florida instructional league.

In just their 2nd season of existence, the Huskies and Coach Garza will continue to create a tradition to match those of other top programs in the Rio Grande Valley.