Big Country FCA News

South Sweeps Past North in FCA All-Star Volleyball Match

jhardcastle@fca.org (Josh Hardcastle) — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 16:35:22 GMT

ABILENE, Texas – The South squad swept past the North 25-21 and 25-16 in the Big Country FCA All-Star Festival volleyball match at Wylie’s Bulldog Dog gym Saturday.

Story written by Cody Coil of Big Country Blitz Magazine

The North took the two exhibition sets 26-24 and 25-16, but the South turned things around when it really counted.

Kamryn Williams (Wall), who was named the Bev Ball FCA Volleyball MVP, said energy was the key component to the turnaround. “We had a long talk, everyone in the huddle was chiming in. Our coach switched up the rotation and it just worked out. We picked up the energy, which was what we needed the most.”

The teams went back and forth in the first set, with the North (wearing blue) holding big leads of 14-9 and 15-10 before the South (wearing red) rallied. Down 19-15, the South went on a 10-2 run to close out the victory. Ella Burns (San Angelo Central) ended the set with back-to-back service aces to help the South squad win.

The South side never trailed in the second set, jumping out to an early 5-1 lead and holding on the rest of the way. The North got as close as 12-11 but the South pulled away thanks in part to the hard hitting of Williams, who led all players with 11 kills in the match. “She was one of the ones in the first two sets that was off,” said Ali Smith (Brownwood), one of the South coaches. “She got a little bit frustrated and was just like things just aren’t working for me and the other teammates stepped up behind her. We had some really good defense that allowed our setters to feed the ball to her and get her in system and get her going. Once we hit that point it was game on.”

Williams was thrilled to earn the MVP award for the match. “It means a lot to me. It was really fun being here and honestly everyone on the team deserves it. It feels really good.”

Shawntiel Watson (San Angelo Central) and Mattie Tibbets (Cooper) each added three kills for the South. Williams and Kat Williams (Wylie) topped the team with three aces each, while Burns had her two and Brylee Pursley (Wylie) added one. Tibbets topped the South with three blocks and Williams had one.

Jadyn Hernandez (Abilene High) led the North attack with six kills and a pair of blocks. Payton Phillips (Clyde) notched five and Ryleigh Lawson (Abilene High) added one. Chloe Ukle (Clyde), Trinity McGee (Sweetwater) and Madilyn Loper (Dublin) served up aces for the North.

Phillips earned the FCA Spirit Award winner for the week.

The time spent in Abilene ended with the match, but was about so much more during the week.

Williams said, “It was amazing. Everyone, all the staff, the devotionals, practice, coaches, my teammates, everyone here was amazing and I loved every second of it.”

Smith added, “It’s been tiring but a really good, just mind-blowing week for the girls and for us as coaches. I know the staff for FCA has worked so hard putting this together for us and we couldn’t be more thankful for them. It’s been a lot of fun and it’s been just great to see everybody come together. The North team and the South team we all got really close as coaches, as teammates and it was just fun to see that community grow and get together.”

The South has now won the last two FCA volleyball matches and holds the all-time edge 6-5.

Blue Overcomes Deficit to Beat Red 24-14 in 24th Annual Myrle Greathouse Classic

jhardcastle@fca.org (Josh Hardcastle) — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 16:27:22 GMT

ABILENE, Texas -- Team Blue overcame a double-digit second half deficit to defeat Team Red 24-14 in the 24th annual Myrle Greathouse Big Country All-Star Classic Saturday evening at Hugh Sandifer Stadium.

Story written by Cody Coil of Big Country Blitz Magazine

“This weekend was about so much more than wins and losses or intensity or competition,” said victorious Blue head coach Wes Wood from Snyder. “This weekend was about God and I’m just blessed to be here and be a part of it.”

Red scored on a KJ Long to Topher Foster three-yard touchdown pass to the corner of the end zone to go up 14-3 with 8:13 left in the third, but it was all Blue from there.

Tyler Hill (San Angelo Central) took command on the air and on the ground, leading Blue on a trio of touchdown drives to turn their 11-point deficit into a ten-point win.

“The second half was so much better than the first half,” Hill said. “We had stuff we needed to fix and we went in the locker room and went over it a little bit and we just executed a lot better in the second half.”

D’Andre Ralston (Cooper) scored from 12-yards out to pull Blue within 14-10, then after a Chris Garcia (Munday) interception Hill scored two plays later on an eight-yard quarterback keeper to put Blue up for good at 17-14.

Hill added a one-yard touchdown run with just under nine minutes to go in the game to put it away for Team Blue. He was named the Gordon Wood Offensive MVP of the Game, completing 13-17 passes for 82 yards and adding 114 yards and the two touchdowns rushing.

“I feel good about it,” Hill said. “The FCA is such a great organization and to receive an award like this means so much to me and there’s a bigger meaning to it. It just hits my heart a little different and means a lot.”

Defense ruled the first half for the most part, as the teams combined for just ten points.

The Blue defense came up with a big stop on the first drive of the game as Landon Null picked off his old teammate Long in Blue territory. They were able to turn the turnover into points on a 36-yard field goal by Chase Miller (San Angelo Central) and team Blue led 3-0 after one quarter of play.

One of the highlights of the first half came on special teams, as Red's jack-of-all-trades Kason O'Shields (Hawley) boomed a 70-yard punt that died at the two-yard line.

Red finally got on the board near the end of the half when Long scored on a one-yard quarterback keeper on 4th and goal. Red got into scoring position thanks to a couple long runs by running back Austin Cumpton (Hawley). Cumpton led Red with 54 yards rushing on nine attempts.

Red led 7-3 at the half, and they would add to their lead thanks to the defense. Defensive tackle James Burney (San Angelo Central) forced and recovered a fumble on the second play of the half and Long and company cashed in shortly after on his touchdown toss to Foster.

“I thought our kids did a great job of competing,” said Red head coach Jake Escobar from Comanche. “They did everything we asked them. I want to win, there’s no doubt about it but I think there’s joy in the bigger things in life and I’ve learned that this week as a coach. We talked about all week to understand why we’re playing this game: for relationships, bringing each other together, fellowship and our kids did that. Our kids competed and that’s all I can ask of them.”

Will Scott (Hawley) of Team Red recorded three tackles and was named the Gordon Wood Defensive MVP of the game. “Definitely surprising, a good surprise of course. It’s always an honor to get an award like this with great players all around me,” Scott said.

Blue’s Noah Hatcher (Abilene High) was the top tackler in the game with nine. His teammates Hunter Goodwin (Mason), Luke Tucker (Santo) and Noel Mekogue (Sweetwater) each recorded five tackles. Goodwin had the only sack of the game.

Kason O’Shields (Hawley) paced Red with seven tackles. Jayson Henley (Abilene High) added six and London Fuentes (Albany) racked up four tackles and an interception.

Blue outgained Red 286 to 149 in a relatively tame game as far as offense goes. Blue picked up 168 yards on the ground and 118 passing, while Red went for 92 rushing and 53 through the air.

Long went 4-6 passing for 28 yards with a touchdown and an interception and ran nine times for ten yards and a score. Jeremy Brown (Early) was the Red teams top receiver with two grabs for 28 yards. Jacob Gallegos (San Angelo Central) paced Blue with four catches for 41 yards, while Ralston caught three passes for 34 yards and ran for 39 yards and a touchdown.

Both teams wanted to earn victory, but the big takeaway was the week of fellowship and growing in Christ.

Escobar said, “I can’t put it into words but kids were praying for each other and kids were praying for me. It’s bonds and relationships they’ll probably never have again, relationships that’ll last forever. In three days I saw a lot of kids build a bond and fight for their goals and try to win. It’s bigger than the ballgame. We have a platform here and make sure we use it for the right thing. That was the message we tried to give them to understand.”

Wood added, “I was convicted, over and over. I saw kids convicted over and over. I opened up about things that I never thought I would have because of the men that I was surrounded by. This weekend was actually more powerful than I can explain in words.”

“These kids are great and love the Lord,” said Hill. “They’re just allowing people to come into their lives and it’s an awesome thing to see.”

Scott said, “I met a lot of new friends, great people. I’ll be going to college with some of them at Texas Tech. Getting closer with Christ and getting to play for Christ, you really don’t think about it a lot whenever something like this isn’t going on. It’s just incredible.”

Red has now won three in a row and leads the all-time series 5-2. Myrle Greathouse Big Country All-Star Classic Saturday evening at Shotwell Stadium.

Red Beats Blue in 28-10, All Leave Victorious During 23rd Annual FCA All-Star Festival

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:57:26 GMT

by Cody Coil, Big Country Blitz magazine

ABILENE, Texas – Team Red used a big third quarter to pull away from Team Blue and pick up a 28-10 victory in the 2022 Myrle Greathouse Big Country All-Star Classic Saturday evening at Shotwell Stadium.

Red head coach Blake Weston (Sonora) said the victory wrapped up the week perfectly.

“It’s been great all week. It’s very challenging to try to get an offense and defense set in three or four days but these kids are great. It’s nice to just pour into them and just be with them. That’s been the best part.”

“You forget how long it takes to get ready to be a good tackler and be able to do some things defensively," joked Blue head coach Casey Pearce (Breckenridge). "If you can throw it and catch it right now, you’re probably in better shape than the defense because we didn’t get many tackle reps during the week.”

Red certainly did throw the ball around the stadium, racking up 341 total yards (206 passing and 135 rushing) in the victory. Blue picked up 278 yards, 199 through the air and 79 on the ground. The game was clean as well, with no interceptions or fumbles for either squad.

After a scoreless first quarter the Blue team opened the scoring with a 21-yard field goal from Corbin Poston (Stephenville) early in the second to go up 3-0.

However, the Blue lead was short-lived as the Red team quickly answered with a drive for a touchdown. Aden Kincaid (Wylie) found Korbin Covarrubiaz (Eldorado) on a fade to the corner of the end zone to put Red on top 7-3 with 5:48 to go in the second quarter.

Blue drove inside the Red 30 with time winding down in the half, but Abel Ramirez (Abilene High) was sacked by Bryson McNutt (San Angelo Central) to end the threat.

Red added to their advantage on the first drive of the third quarter. Hudson Welch (Comanche) hooked up with Covarrubiaz on a 31-yard touchdown to make it a 14-3 game with 9:36 to play in the quarter.

After a Blue three-and-out, Welch kept the offensive spark alive for Red, running for 30-yards on a QB keeper to the four. Zadrian Zapata (Menard) cashed in on the next play to extend the Red lead to 21-3 with 7:05 left in the third. That proved to be the final score of the third quarter.

Blue scored first in the fourth quarter, getting back in the ball game on a 30-yard Leo Holsey (Sweetwater) to Christian Ramirez (Dublin) touchdown toss down the seam to narrow the gap to 21-10 with 7:16 to go.

Red quickly answered to put the game out of reach with under four minutes to go. Kincaid hooked up with Jackson Carroll (Sonora) from four yards out and Grayson Bearden (Wylie) drilled the extra point to extend the Red advantage to 28-10.

Blue drove inside the Red ten-yard line in the final minutes but could not punch it into the end zone.

Covarrubiaz was named the Gordon Wood Offensive MVP of the game. He ran for a game high 41 yards and caught five passes for 87 yards and the two scores. The Class 2A athlete more than held his own against players from bigger schools.

“It felt good putting a name out for small schools because everybody doesn’t give them a chance, but I got it and I took care of business. I thank the quarterbacks for giving me good passes throughout the game.”

Weston added, “I knew how special he was because we played against him. They’re 18 miles from Sonora so I’ve seen him play quarterback and he put up a lot of yards on us this year. I knew what he was capable of. He’s just a special athlete and a great kid.”

Kincaid had the top night among quarterbacks, completing 13-18 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Holsey threw for 119 yards and the one touchdown for Team Blue, while Ramirez went 7-18 for 80 yards. Holsey was also the leading Blue rusher with 27 yards. Joshua Fava (Christoval) added 22 yards.

Christian Ramirez paced Blue receivers with five grabs for 66 yards, on his birthday, while Paul Alvarez (Graham) topped Red pass catchers with seven for 77 yards.

The Gordon Wood Defensive MVP was also a team Red player, Wylie Bulldog Holden Atwood. Atwood was in on a game high 11 tackles to get the honor in a tight race with McNutt, who ended up with seven tackles and a sack.

“It was a blessing,” said Atwood. “It was a blast. The letter my coach gave me saying that you’re invited was probably the best news, the happiest I’ve been in a while. It meant a lot to me. It means a lot, the award. It came unexpected but I worked hard for it and it wasn’t just me. My teammates gave a great effort. All 11 guys all worked hard and all picked each other up.”

Other defensive standouts were Team Red’s Aeneas Segura (Hawley) who broke up three passes and had six tackles and Jett Villarreal (Cooper) who had three tackles and also broke up a trio of passes. Keaton Hicks (Eastland) paced Team Blue with six tackles, with Austin Rodgers (Eastland) adding five.

The game was the culmination of a great week for FCA All-Stars competing in baseball, basketball, softball, cheer, volleyball, golf and, of course football.

“It had been 20 years since I’d gotten to be a part of this and it was a lot of fun. It was a great week. It may have been better for me than it was for some of the kids and it was a great experience to see these guys and coach on ‘em,” said Pearce.

Covarrubiaz added, “It was really a good experience learning about God throughout the whole entire week, making new friends, staying at random people’s houses that take you in and treat you as their own kids. It’s amazing.”

“I learned a ton, great stories for us to hear,” said Atwood. “There was not a single part of it where I was ready for it to be over. I enjoyed every second of it. My host family was a blessing, it was so enjoyable staying the night with guys I didn’t even know until now, that I played against and they won, still loved ‘em. They were all a blast.”

Red has now won two straight games and now leads the all-time series 4-2. The FCA switched to the current Red/Blue format in 2016, but played North against South from 2000-2015. The North leads that series 13-3.

The game was the culmination of a great week for FCA All-Stars competing in baseball, basketball, softball, cheer, volleyball, golf and, of course football.

**pictures provided courtesy Kerr Broadstreet, wyliesports.com

2022 FCA Big Country All-Star Football Classic

Red 28, Blue 10

Blue 0 3 0 7 - 10

Red 0 7 14 7 - 28

Blue - Corbin Poston 21 yd field goal

Red - Korbin Covarrubiaz 8 yd pass from Aden Kincaid (Grayson Bearden kick)

Red - Korbin Covarrubiaz 31 yd pass from Hudson Welch (Grayson Bearden kick)

Red - Sean Muniga 4 yd run (Aden Kincaid kick)

Blue - C. Ramirez 30 yd pass from Leo Holsey (Corbin Poston kick)
Red - Jackson Carroll 4 yd pass from Aden Kincaid (Grayson Bearden kick)

PHOTO GALLERY: Big Country FCA All-Star Festivities from the Entire Week

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 18:32:56 GMT

Enjoy images from the 2022 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival

*family pictures and professional game pictures from both games can be seen at wyliesports.com

South Pulls Out Hard Fought Victory Over North in 2022 FCA Volleyball Game

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:44:34 GMT

by Cody Coil, Big Country Blitz magazine

ABILENE, Texas – The South dropped the first set of the FCA All-Star Festival volleyball match but rallied to take the next two and claim the championship, 23-25, 25-15 and 25-17.

The North, wearing blue, trailed 13-3 in the first set but rallied to tie it at 17 and went on claim the set 25-23.

The North got off to a 4-0 lead in the second set but saw the South, sporting red in the match, score the next nine points to gain an advantage they would not give up to tie the match at a set a piece.

The South held 11-3 and 14-6 leads to start the third and saw the North get as close as 15-12 before pulling away down the stretch to take set and the match. Lilly Kate Doby (Wylie) did the honors with the final kill to seal the match for the South.

South coach Miranda Garcia (Jim Ned) said, “It’s fun to win, very exciting. It’s fun to have a group of girls that everyone wants to win and everyone wants to compete.”

The North lost outside hitter Ryen Terrazas (Big Spring) to an injury in the pregame, a setback that hurt their chances of picking up a victory.

North coach Mitzi Bell (Sweetwater) said, “I think we just persevered over that. We faced it and said it is what it is and changed the lineup we’d been working on all week. They adapted and we did well. I think overall it affected us mentally, it’s hard to see a teammate on the bench even if you’ve just known them for three or four days. They bonded so quickly within the first hour. Once they knew each other’s names it was over. They just bonded and clicked and it was precious to watch.”

The South has now won the last three FCA volleyball matches and holds a 5-4 lead in the all-time series.

The South’s Lexi Miller, playing at her home gym at Wylie High School one last time, was named the Bev Ball Most Valuable Player. Miller had four kills, a match high 16 assists and five digs to earn the honor.

“It was such an honor, but there’s no way I could have done it without the girls I had on the court with me, the girls on the side or my coaches,” said Miller. “It was really nice getting to play with new teammates and our chemistry clicked so fast, there was so much excitement on the court. Nobody ever was down; everybody was up the whole time and everyone was encouraging throughout the whole week. It was a blessing to get to play with them.”

Jaron McAden (Wylie) of the South squad set a new FCA match record with six service aces, which doubles the previous record of three held by seven players. She also led all players with 12 kills, which is three off the all-time record of 15 by Brownwood’s Torrey Miller in 2019.

Olivia Fowler (Brownwood) added six kills for the South, with teammate Kodi Ann Davis (Sonora) close behind with five. Autumn King (Wall) led the way with 15 digs.

Sarah Cotter (Albany) led the North with six kills, with Gentri Anderson (Abilene High) right behind her with five. Emma Parker (Graham), Kalyn Whitehead (Big Spring) and Abby Benitez (Snyder) each served three aces, Parker led the squad with eight assists, and Benitez led the way with 16 digs for the North.

The North’s Liz Underwood (Clyde) was named the FCA Spirit Award winner for the week of the Festival. She had four kills in the match.

Both teams no doubt wanted to win, but it was the week as a whole that they will remember most.

Bell stated, “I don’t they realize we needed that as coaches as much as they need it as young athletes. They’re not just volleyball athletes they’re young girls. Being an athlete doesn’t have to define you, that’s big in our society right now. We talked about that all week, that doesn’t define who you are it’s just what you do. Being a believer is what defines you. We poured into them and they poured into us. It was beautiful. I loved it. I would do it again in a minute.”

The teams splits exhibition sets to start the match, with the North taking the first 25-19 and the South earning victory in the second 25-15.

pictures provided by Kerr Broadstreet, wyliesports.com

Who's ready for FCA Summer Camps!?! Here's the Info You Need to Know!

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 02:47:55 GMT

A BILENE L EADERSHIP C AMP

When : June 13 - 17, 2022

Where : Hardin Simmons University | Abilene, TX

Who : Boys and Girls | Grades 7-12 (Age 12-18)

Cost : $375

Description : FCA leadership camp engages, equips, and empowers student leaders with tools and skills to lead huddles on their campus.

*For registration questions, email Ben Krissel (bkrissel@fca.org).

**Contact your local FCA Staff for SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABILITY.

T EXAS T ECH S PORTS C AMP

When: June 27 - 30, 2022

Where : Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX

Who : Boys and Girls | Grades 7-12 (Age 12-18)

Early Bird Discount : $360 (deadline: 5/15/22)

Registration Fee : $400 (deadline: 6/20/22)

Deposit : $150

Description : FCA Sports Camps are for athletes and coaches seeking to develop their athletic and leadership skills by growing mentally, physically, and spiritually in their faith and sport. This is an overnight, sport-specific camp in which the camper selects one sport (football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, cross country, tennis) for the entire camp experience to practice and compete on the athletics facilities at Texas Tech University.

*At check-in, each camper will receive an FCA Bible, camp shirt, lanyard/name tag, and schedule.

*See "Parent Letter" for more details.

**For registration questions, email Jocelyn Kennedy ( jkennedy@fca.org ).

**Contact your local FCA Staff for SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABILITY.

C OACHES E NRICHMENT C AMP

When: July 5 - 8, 2022

Where: MCM Elegant Lodge & Resort | Ruidoso, NM

Who: Coaches and Families

Cost: $500 per adult | $150 per child

*For registration questions, email Jocelyn Kennedy ( jkennedy@fca.org ).

**Contact your local FCA Staff for SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABILITY.

Big Country FCA 2022 Impact Team of the Year: Goldthwaite Eagle Football

Thu, 12 May 2022 19:18:54 GMT

Big Country FCA is honored to announce the Goldthwaite Eagle football program has been selected as the recipient of 2022 Impact Team of the Year

The Eagles were a team made up of guys that had to grow up in a hurry. They were asked to do things as freshmen and sophomores that most upperclassmen would have struggled with. They faced multiple years of adversity, injury, and a lack of success. Never did these young men lose faith or waiver from their desire to be successful and to carry themselves in a manner that glorified God. This in addition to exceptional leadership amongst themselves helped them to rebound and begin to have success again as upperclassmen.

This group of young men have been determined to turn things around here in Goldthwaite, and they are a huge part in the process that has begun. For the past two seasons, Goldthwaite has made the playoffs and seen improved overall records. This year’s team did it with players of extreme character and work ethic.

“I believe this team to have had an extreme impact on not only one another as teammates, but on our school and community,” said GHS principal Colt Carmichael. “They gave us something to be excited about and to look forward to. They showed us what hard work and perseverance can help you to achieve. I've always believed that you ‘get what you deserve’, and this group of young men deserve the best because of how they carry themselves.”

These young men not only have working hard to see success on the field, but many offer their hand to help those in need within our community. Many members of the team also serve as leaders of our FCA Huddle both on our high school and middle school campuses. They too played a large role in coordinating and executing Goldthwaite's Fields of Faith host for the students of Goldthwaite as well as those in surrounding communities.

Big Country FCA 2022 Male Athlete of the Year: Jackson Patrick, Goldthwaite High School

Thu, 05 May 2022 21:25:43 GMT

The Big Country FCA Rex Fleming Male Athlete of the Year Award is sponsored by Mark Miller, Edward Jones Investments. We are grateful to Mr. Miller for his continued support of the FCA ministry.

Big Country FCA congratulates Jackson Patrick, a senior at Goldthwaite High School, as the recipient of the 2022 Rex Fleming Memorial Male Athlete of the Year award.

Jackson is a leader of Goldthwaite High School's FCA huddle, and he has spearheaded bringing FCA to our middle school campus as well. Goldthwaite also hosts a local Fields of Faith for students of local communities, and Jackson has played and active role in the coordination and execution of this event.

Jackson always put his team and teammates before himself. He carries himself in a manner that has earned the respect of not only his teammates but the respect of his competitors and opposing coaches. Jackson has always been known as a great athlete, but more importantly, an extremely fine young man.

Jackson is involved in virtually everything offered at Goldthwaite ranging from UIL Academics to FFA, NHS, FCA and a wide multitude of sports. This vast involvement keeps him extremely busy and many times away from school and practices. Jackson always finds the time to get to the work in when most would relish in the fact that they missed a class or a workout. His busy schedule has never kept him from having extreme success as an athlete and student. Jackson is an example of not just one of the most self-disciplined students but also one of the most self-disciplined people Jackson is described as the perfect teammate always putting others above himself and providing an excellent example of what is expected.

Jackson serves as NHS President, FCA Huddle Leader, Student Council Representative and Senior Class President. He received recognition for having Perfect Attendance and has always been a member of the A Honor Roll. Jackson is the 2022 GHS Valedictorian and has chosen to join our Nation's Air Force Academy.

Athletically, Jackson has received multiple All-District Honors in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a member of the Eagles varsity football team who he helped to rebuild and lead into the playoffs as a junior and senior. In basketball, Jackson helped to lead multiple teams, deemed as guys with no chance of winning, to playoff victories. Jackson has been a member of two state qualifying golf teams, where as a freshman the team claimed the state championship. Jackson also qualified for the State Track Meet as a junior where he finish in sixth place in Pole Vault

Goldthwaite's Keith Virdell added, "Jackson exemplifies what it means to be "Outstanding". I've never seen anyone work harder than Jackson at anything and rarely does anyone beat Jackson. He is one of the most self-disciplined people I have ever met in my life and is wise and mature well beyond his age. With zero hesitation or doubt, I can say that Jackson will be successful in all that he chooses to do in life. Because of his drive, hard work and faith in the Lord he will undoubtable be an amazing man, husband, father and most importantly, Man of Faith and example to all those he comes into contact."

The Rex Fleming Memorial Male Athlete of the Year Award is named in honor of Rex Fleming, a vibrant young man who in 2012 took his final breath at 10 years old after a two-year battle with cancer.

Some might say that Rex lost his battle with cancer, but that’s not the case. Cancer may have taken his earthly body, but it never touched his heart nor his soul. Those always belonged to God, just as Rex does.

Big Country FCA 2022 Female Athlete of the Year: Payton Potts, Aspermont High School

Mon, 02 May 2022 20:29:43 GMT

The Big Country FCA Rex Fleming Female Athlete of the Year Award is sponsored by Mr. Brandon Mascorro and wife Dr. Whitney Mascorro. We are grateful for their continued support of the FCA ministry.

Big Country FCA congratulates Aspermont High School senior and FCA leader Payton Potts as the recipient of the 2022 Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year award.

Payton has been a key leader in the resurgence of the FCA program at Aspermont High School through the Christians in Action lunch huddle meetings. She led a charge to get more students to attend these huddles sponsored by local churches, and this year the meetings have seen a 50 percent increase in participation. Many of the guest speakers and local preachers have commended her for inspiring this change by always being willing to speak up and answer questions, lead a prayer, and offer her own testimony of how her faith has been tested through sports and how sports held her faith in really hard times.

Payton is a team player through and through. As a new student to Aspermont this year, she has initiated spirit days and theme nights for every sport throughout the year. She has modeled yelling for your team in moments of victory and struggle. Multiple Aspermont alumni commented it was the most energetic and positive they had seen a student body in years.

On the court, Payton plays with passion. She is truly the first to celebrate the actions of a teammate and to help up an opponent when they get knocked down. She values the assist more than the score and is not afraid to do anything to help her team.

Payton tore her ACL for the third time in June of 2021 but made a personal choice to not have it surgically repaired until after her senior sports season. She was disciplined to take care of herself before and after games, never complain, and never ask for shortcuts or ways out of work because of the injury. She is in the gym working to improve and does not mind spending that time on her own to get better. She played volleyball for the first time ever as a senior and made the all-district team because of this commitment to improve.

Coaches, teachers, and administrators do not have any issues with Payton in the classroom or the playing field. She is quick to volunteer to help, is respectful of authority, and a great teammate. She makes the freshman feel valued to the team and builds the confidence of the upper classman. Referees and opposing coaches often compliment her on court demeanor and her friendliness and respect in interactions before and after the game.

Payton is an exceptional student who will complete an associates of science degree with 67 college hours from South Plains College two weeks prior to graduating high school. She has above a 100 GPA and strives to make the best grades possible in school. Payton is the president of the AHS Hornet Council and has led in weekly volunteering at the local food bank, a community clean-up, and other student led morale events.

Payton is a two-time all-district basketball player, the district MVP for basketball, and all-district in volleyball. Payton has advanced to the regional track meet the past two seasons, and she is also a three-time NCA All American Cheerleader and captain of her basketball and cheerleading squad.

Payton is the kind of kid coaches want on their team. She understands what it takes to be successful in competition but also understands the importance of handling herself with dignity, compassion, sportsmanship, and in a Christ-like manner. She is a resilient young lady who has overcome the death of a close family member, a devastating injury, and a change of schools in the last 18 months of her life. She knows that all opportunities she has been given are because of her faith in Christ and the things she has learned from being a competitive athlete. She carries herself with class on and off the court and challenges those around her to do the same. She makes a positive impact in all of those around her while silently pushing them to be better in all ways. She has been a successful athlete on the basketball and volleyball court, on the track, and on the softball field. Most importantly, she has been a successful ambassador for Christ and handle adversity and struggles with a resounding faith in the path that has been laid before her.

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes is honored to recognized Payton Potts as the 2022 Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year. FCA serves communities spread across a 37-county area including Abilene, the Concho Valley, the Brownwood area and Cross Timbers/Stephenville area.

The Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year Award is named in honor of Rex Fleming, a vibrant young man who in 2012 took his final breath at 10 years old after a two-year battle with cancer.

PHOTO GALLERY: Weekend of Champions and College Advance (February 2022)

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 02:54:36 GMT

Pictures from FCA's Weekend of Champions (girls: January 29-30)(boys: February 18-20) and College Advance (February 11-13)

PHOTO GALLERY: Big Country FCA 2022 All-Star Teams

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 02:54:59 GMT

Thanks to Stan West, Photo Image Center, for capturing these pictures of our 2022 all-stars.

FCA All-Star 2022 Rosters Announced

Sun, 06 Feb 2022 23:38:11 GMT

Congratulations is extended to more than 325 of the area’s top athletes representing 88 high schools who have been selected to participate in the Big Country Chevy Dealers 2022 FCA All-Star Festival.

The 23rd annual All-Star Festival is scheduled for June 2-11 in four different Big Country cities and includes football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf and cheerleading.

The area athletes selected to participate in the Big Country Chevy Dealers 2022 FCA All-Star Festival include:

FOOTBALL
Red Team: Paul Alvarrez III (Graham), Holden Atwood (Wylie), Brodie Bates (Graham), Grayson Bearden (Wylie), Jackson Carroll (Sonora), Markus Castleberry (Ballinger), Joseph Connell (Colorado City), Korbin Covarrubiaz (Eldorado), Logan Davis (Stephenville), Jacob Deax (Abilene Cooper), Alex DeLeon (Stephenville), Lawrence Diles (Abilene Cooper), Jeryd Fain (Coleman), Brayden Flores (Abilene Cooper), Garrett Gentry (Abilene High), Zane Hall (Clyde), Gunner Helm (Roby), Mitchel Hopper (Goldthwaite), Olen Johnson (Aspermont), Aden Kincaid (Wylie), Ben Kirbo (Stephenville), Wesley Lackey (San Saba), Luis Marques (Olney), Trey Matschek (Ballinger), Cort McFadden (Coleman), Bryson McNutt (San Angelo Central), Sean Mungia (Sonora), Brooks Neece (Albany), Jaheim Newton (Albany), Nate Nunez (Jim Ned), Dayvin Oats (Winters), Marcus Ojeda (Veribest), Jackson Patrick (Goldthwaite), Gavyn Sharp (Stephenville), Tristen Slayton (Brookesmith), Brandon Still (Brownwood), Major Stockton (Forsan), Tyler Strawbridge (Newcastle), Aeneas Segura (Hawley), Larry Telles (Junction), Justin Tidwell (Munday), Tyler Valdez (Breckenridge), Jett Villarreal (Abilene Cooper), Hudson Welch (Comanche), Canon Wiese (Water Valley), Zadrian Zapata (Menard)

Blue Team: Antonio Aguayo (Roscoe), Carter Arrott (Ballinger), Bryce Asher (Albany), Memphis Bays (Lingleville), Jake Boness (Christoval), Noel Carrasco (Sanderson), X' Zavier Collins (Wylie), Kasen Conring (Cisco), Stetson Digby (Hermleigh), Isaak Eutimio (Breckenridge), Dylan Faulks (Stamford), Joshua Fava (Christoval), Conner Fitzgerald (Jim Ned), Julian Gamboa (Eden), Tucker Hale (Early), Santiago Hernandez Cruz (Eldorado), Keaton Hicks (Eastland), Leo Holsey (Sweetwater), Cooper Hubble (Dublin), Elias Huerta- Doud (Brownwood), Jackson Huff (Clyde), Collin Humphrey (Grape Creek), Edgar Ibarra (Brady), Zach Killam (Abilene High), Aulton Lira (Ozona), Ephrain Lopez (Lueders-Avoca), Jaxon Lunsford (Wylie), Cooper Meador (Eldorado), Kobe Moore (San Angelo Central), Carson Myer (Throckmorton), Elijah Pennington (Santo), Corbin Poston (Stephenville), DJ Powell (Brady), Dylyn Pyle (Anson), Abel Ramirez (Abilene High), Anthony Ramirez (Abilene High), Christian Ramirez (Dublin), Vince Reodica (San Angelo TLCA), Austin Rodgers (Eastland), Jaime Rodriguez (Abilene High), Hoss Rouse (Gordon), Elijah Salas (Merkel), Jayton Stuckey (Abilene High), Warren Theriaque (Bangs), Joshua Torres (San Angelo Lake View), Chad Wilcox (Breckenridge), Avery Williford (May), Luke Wilson (Comanche)

VOLLEYBALL
North Team: Gentri Anderson (Abilene High), Abby Benitez (Snyder), Lexi Burleson (Clyde), Joanie Burns (Snyder), Kennedy Coffee (Stephenville), Sarah Cotter (Albany), Johnnie Hise (Moran), Paris Houston (Sweetwater), Eionna Jennings (Sweetwater), Hanna Miller (Woodson), Emma Parker (Graham), Maddie Perez- Monroe (Abilene High), Ryen Terrazas (Big Spring), Liz Underwood (Clyde), Kalyn Whitehead (Big Spring)

South Team: Landry Barton (San Angelo Central), Thaliah Castanada (Bronte), Kodi Ann Davis (Sonora), Lilly Kate Doby (Wylie), Amory Fly (San Angelo Central), Olivia Fowler (Brownwood), Corbyn Herring (Wall), Autumn King (Wall), Jaron McAden (Wylie), Lexi Miller (Wylie), Jaylen Savage (Brownwood), Mary Shields (Water Valley), Ana Tetaj (Abilene Cooper), Kennadi Wheeless (Veribest), Kinzee Woods (Sterling City)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
North Team: Ivy Aikman (Lingleville), Audrey Brewer (Stamford), Alana Burney (Huckabay), Baili Deaver (Tolar), Gracie Feagan (Anson), Kynnley Herrington (Eastland), Callie Humphrey (Roby), Katelyn Johnson (Coahoma), Reagan Jones (Anson), Shauna McCambridge (Roscoe), Tiffany Meador (Huckabay), Shandlee Mueller (Stamford), Alyssa O'Malley (Merkel), Macy Rogers (Rule), Madison Stawarczik (Eula)

South Team: Deandra Allen (San Angelo Central), Kate Barnes (Sterling City), Jenna Battle (Ballinger), Ariona French (Abilene Cooper), Landri Glover (San Saba), Tessa Goodwin (Brownwood), Claire Graham (Jim Ned), Braylee Hood (Robert Lee), Tristin Keller (Mason), Jaedah Lambert (San Saba), Kenyah Maroney (Wylie), Maggie Morales (Bangs), Lauren Olson (Mason), Brianna Steele (May), Maggie Tupin (Goldthwaite), Kynslee Walker (Brownwood)

MEN’S BASKETBALL
North Team: Joseph Click (Eula), Colton Dollar (Anson), Mason Hagler (Anson), Cody Harwell (Lipan), Caden Howard (Lingleville), Kallan Kimbrough (Stephenville), Jayce Komppa (Colorado City), Grady McQuain (Tolar), Eber Murillo (Snyder), Kyler Phillips (Lingleville), Braydan Pike (Huckabay), Jace Richardson (Forsan), Kort Sargeant (Highland), Jeremiah Talib (Abilene High), Hayden Williams (Abilene High)

South Team: Chaney Bahlman (Winters), Bailey Blackwell (Bangs), Avery Brekke (Wylie), Jalen Cherry (Abilene Cooper), Victoriano Cooper (Early), Justin Cuellar (Comanche), Ben Eshelman (Jim Ned), Andrew Gonzalez (Abilene Cooper), Cason Guthrie (Goldthwaite), Dylan Jennings (Wylie), Reagan Mejia (San Saba), Bryson Monroe (Brownwood), Luke Moss (Brownwood), Raven Ortiz (San Angelo Central), Jacob Richardson (Wall), Nathan Treadaway (Water Valley)

SOFTBALL
North Team: Elena Arellano (Breckenridge), Ana Balliew (Albany), Breanna Barajas (Abilene High), Lauren Callahan (Cisco), Jazlynn Cantu (Abilene High), Lanay Carr (Abilene High), Citlaly Gutierrez (Stamford), Jessinia Hernandez (Anson), Chloe Jeter (Merkel), Maddi Kirksey (Clyde), Ana Lara (Merkel), Jaylee Matthews (Stephenville), Ella McLean (Eastland), Avery Meers (Eula), McKynsee Nash (Anson), Victoria Neri (Sweetwater), McKenna Oglesby (Eula), Rylie Price (Hawley), Madison Rodgers (Coahoma), Brinly Watkins (Big Spring)

South Team: Annie-Klein Allgood (Brownwood), Angelina Arriaga (Abilene Cooper), Tara Bolley (Mason), Claire Cooley (Jim Ned), Ysabella Flores (Ozona), Koti Goolsby (Jim Ned), Kaleigha Kemp (Abilene Cooper), Taylor Martin (San Angelo Central), Aliyah Martinez (Abilene Cooper), Bailey McConnell (Jim Ned), Sarah Murphy (Hermleigh), Dasani Rios (Eldorado), Summer Simmons (Abilene Cooper), Emily Sklenarik (Miles), Natalie Smith (San Saba), Kambri Smoot (Jim Ned), Marian Soto (Brownwood), Reagan Switzer (Goldthwaite), Lizzie Syler (Miles), Alli Talamantes (San Angelo Central) Mikaila Wagner (San Angelo Lake View), Ryleigh Whitehead (Wylie)

BASEBALL
North Team: Eden Alexander (Ranger), Nick Boyd (Colorado City), Kobe Cervantes (Coahoma), Kollin Davis (Baird), Parker Doughty (Abilene High), Cooper Fairchild (Albany), Daniel Gebhart (Abilene High), Isaiah Gonzales (Stamford), Cutter Gray (Stephenville), Ryan Grimsley (Graham), Jake McCoy (Sweetwater), Trevor Miller (Anson), Riley Pippin (Anson), Ayden Reyes (Breckenridge), Jace Stepp (Santo), Hunter Stewart (Snyder), Blake Vinson (Anson), Jaden West (Snyder), Devin White (Cisco), Cade Wright (Stephenville)

South Team: Hayden Blackburn (Wall), Lane Busenlehner (Ballinger), Ty Casey (San Angelo Central), Kade Frazier (Jim Ned), Brooks Gay (Wylie), Andrew Guadarrama (Abilene Cooper), Jakob Hataway (Brownwood), Braden Lewis (Jim Ned), Cullen McMillon (Abilene Cooper), Blaine Palmer (Jim Ned), Jon Raybion (Brady), Colin Reed (Abilene Cooper), Alejandro Renteria (Sonora), Bradly Roman (Early), Hutson Teplicek (Wall), JT Thompson (Wylie), Franky Villarreal (Early), Hunter Weidner (San Angelo Central), Landon Williams (Wylie), Tate Yardley (Jim Ned)

GOLF
Women: Victoria Arizpe (Abilene High), Kalysa Burleson (Snyder), Hannah Hudson (San Angelo Lake View), Karlee Reed (San Saba)

Men: Jake Abernathy (Abilene Cooper), Lawson Bailey (Hawley), Briley Clinton (Ballinger), Ryder Dotson (Merkel), Garret Dutton (Haskell), Karson Grigsby (Wylie), Jarrett Harle (Jim Ned), Kevin Harris (Eastland), Cole Hermesmeyer (Goldthwaite), Cade Lingle (Lingleville), William Maddox (Colorado City), Nathan Malcuit (Woodson), Ryan Mata (Abilene Cooper), PJ McDonough (Wylie), Cooper Mellott (Wylie), Christopher Rodriguez (Munday)

CHEER
Abilene Games: Rachel Bailey (Hawley), Kenzie Benham (Wylie), Emily Castillo (Hamlin), Savanah Fade (Breckenridge), Zoe Flores (Rotan), Emma Hagler (Anson), Mia Heartfield (Graham), Savannah Hobbs (Albany), Hailey Smith (Baird), Taleya James (Colorado City), Triniti Johnson (Abilene Cooper), Maylie Kidd (Abilene Cooper), Gabby Lintini (Stamford), Lenzi Manske (Rule), Isabel Ortega (Roscoe), Claire Paty (Sweetwater), Berkley Paul (Abilene High), Hannah Rogers (Moran), Katy Rush (Wylie), Adriana Saling (Jim Ned), Jolie Torres (Haskell), Raelon Walthall (Loraine)

Brownwood Games: Charity Baker (May), Kenzey Brawley (Comanche), Isa Brister (Cisco), Chasity Byers (Mullin), Brianna Castaneda (Brownwood), Miranda Castanuela (Early), Heaven Chappell (Christoval), Ella Crowder (Santa Anna), Aliea Gallardo (Three Way), Makenna Gunnels (Reagan County), Kaegen James (Irion County), Landry Lowrance (Sanderson), Makayleigh Martinez (Ozona), Yuri Martinez (Paint Rock), Mackenzie Mendez (Grape Creek), Hannah Middleton (Early), Yasmine Morado (Brady), Jaela Nelson (San Saba), Cadi Powers (Blackwell), Tatum Reeves (Christoval), Mattie Sanford (Wall), Sterling Smith (Mason), Emily Taylor (Coleman), Maris Taylor (Goldthwaite)

The Big Country Chevy Dealers 2022 FCA All-Star Festival schedule of events includes:

Saturday, June 4: the 14th annual All-Star women’s basketball game and the 10th annual All-Star men’s basketball game in Brownwood, both presented by Hendrick Bone and Joint in Abilene

Monday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 7: the 2nd annual Big Country FCA All-Star golf tournament on the Kingdom Course at Solid Rock Camp in Eastland

Friday, June 10: the 9th annual FCA All-Star softball and baseball games in San Angelo, presented by 1st Community Federal Credit Union

Saturday, June 11: the 10th annual FCA All-Star volleyball game in Abilene, presented by Hendrick Medical Center

Saturday, June 11: the 23rd annual Myrle Greathouse All-Star Football Classic in Abilene, presented by the Myrle Greathouse Foundation

FCA extends special thanks to the Big Country Chevy Dealers who support the All-Star Festival:

Larry Hall, Lawrence Hall Chevrolet in Abilene
Mitch Hall and John Speer, Lawrence Hall Chevrolet in Anson
Mark and Hunter Hanner, Hanner Chevrolet in Baird
Joseph Toliver, Toliver Brothers Chevrolet in Ballinger
Greg Bruner and Cory Howard, Bruner Auto Group in Brownwood
Rob Miller, Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet in Eastland
Mitch Hall, Mitch Hall Chevrolet in Haskell
Mitch Hall, Mitch Hall Chevrolet in Snyder

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes serves communities spread across a 37-county area including Abilene, the Concho Valley, the Brownwood area and Cross Timbers/Stephenville area.

Boys Weekend of Champions Info: February 18-20, 2022

adillard@fca.org (Aleah Dillard) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 03:13:23 GMT

Click the link below for more information about Boys Weekend of Champions

https://bigcountryfca.org/weekend-of-champions

PHOTO GALLERY: Community Luncheon Featuring Wylie Little League World Series Team

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 15:55:08 GMT

FCA Community Luncheon: September 2021, featuring ACU head baseball coach Rick McCarty and his son Myles McCarty and the players and coaches of the Wylie Little League World Series team.

PHOTO GALLERY: Abilene 7-on-7 Youth Football League

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 15:17:36 GMT

Thank you to all 28 teams (248 players and 56 coaches) who participated in our 7-on-7 football league during the fall of 2021 .

Let the 2021 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival Begin!

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:16:40 GMT

Big Country FCA 2021 All-Star Festival Set for June 3-12 in Four Locations

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes is set to begin 10 consecutive days of fellowship, competition and celebration of the Class of 2021 during the Big Country Chevy Dealers 2021 FCA All-Star Festival.

This All-Star Festival is scheduled for June 3-12 in four different Big Country cities and features more than 300 of the area’s top student-athletes participating in one of seven sports: football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf and cheerleading.

The Big Country Chevy Dealers 2021 FCA All-Star Festival game schedule includes:

Saturday, June 5:

The 13 ^th annual All-Star women’s basketball game and the 9 ^th annual All-Star men’s basketball game at Brownwood High School, both games presented by Abilene Bone and Joint. The women’s game tips at 4:00 p.m. and the men’s game at 6:00 p.m.

Monday, June 7 and Tuesday, June 8:

The 2 ^nd annual Big Country FCA All-Star golf tournament on the Kingdom Course at Solid Rock Camp in Eastland. Tee time on each day is set for 8:30 a.m.

Friday, June 11:

The 8 ^th annual FCA All-Star softball and baseball games in San Angelo, presented by 1st Community Federal Credit Union. The softball game will first pitch at 5:00 p.m. at the San Angelo Softball Complex while the baseball game starts at 5:30 p.m. and Donsky Field.

Saturday, June 12:

The 9 ^th annual FCA All-Star volleyball game at Wylie High School in Abilene, presented by Hendrick Medical Center. The match begins at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, June 12:

The 22 ^st annual Myrle Greathouse All-Star Football Classic at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene, presented by the Myrle Greathouse Foundation. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for each game will be available at the game sites for $5.00 each. An all-game pass can also be purchased at each location for $18.00.

The FCA All-Star football game will be televised live by KTXS’s sister station CWAbilene and also live video-streamed on ktxs.com and on the KTXS Facebook page. A live radio broadcast will be hosted by KVRP 97.1 FM “Big Country 97” and online at www.kvrp.com/listen-live.

FCA extends special thanks to the Big Country Chevy Dealers who support the All-Star Festival:

· Larry Hall, Lawrence Hall Chevrolet in Abilene

· John Speer, Lawrence Hall Chevrolet in Anson

· Mark and Hunter Hanner, Hanner Chevrolet in Baird

· Joseph Tolliver, Toliver Brothers Chevrolet in Ballinger

· Greg Bruner and Cory Howard, Bruner Auto Group in Brownwood

· Rob Miller, Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet in Eastland

· Sam and Bailey Toliver in Haskell

· Mitch Hall, Mitch Hall Chevrolet in Snyder

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes serves communities spread across a 37-county area including Abilene, the Concho Valley, the Brownwood area and Cross Timbers/Stephenville area.

Mason High School Women's Basketball Team Named Big Country FCA 2021 Impact Team of the Year

Fri, 21 May 2021 13:09:35 GMT

Winning comes pretty naturally in Mason, Texas.

It doesn’t take long for one to recognize that success when driving around the community of visiting the high school. Those around the state who follow sports have heard of the Punchers, the Cowgirls and many of their triumphs throughout the years.

The 2020-2021 season for the Cowgirl women’s basketball was no different. The squad posted a 21-6 record, were the district co-champions and made the regional semifinals of the playoffs.

And while the wins were coming easy on the floor again this year, it was their leadership and influence away from the game that made this team shine.

The team members are a part of a Mason High School FCA organization that for many years saw participation numbers range from 20-25 students. This year, with the impact of the team, the school’s FCA huddle consistently has more than 75 students consistently participating. The team and coaches have been instrumental in the increase of students participating in FCA.

One of the highlights of the year came in October when Mason FCA hosted the annual FCA Fields of Faith event at the Puncher Dome. More than 400 students and adults from Mason and neighboring San Saba came to hear the student-led worship and testimonies. Seventy students make commitments to follow Christ or rededicate their lives to Christ that night.

Within the basketball program, the team supported McKenzie Cano, a four-year starter who dealt with health issues this season that caused her to miss many games. Her illness forced her to watch games online, from the bench and even from the stands.

McKenzie’s teammates rallied behind her during her illness and did a great job helping her fight through and return to the court. They performed admirable in her absence, and their conduct on the court and dedication to each other and the game was easily recognizable. As McKenzie returned with limited minutes, she was a valuable teammate spending much of her time cheering from the bench and encouraging her teammates in their own game.

The Cowgirls proved a great example for the school and community. When asked why the Cowgirls should be recognized as the FCA Impact Team of the Year, Mason High School Principal Kade Burns expressed for the positive impact they have on our campus and community.

“How they work together on the court makes our community very proud,” Burns said.

Mason High School 2021 Cowgirl Basketball Roster

Sterling Smith, Jr.

Brooke Stockbridge, Jr.

Aunnecy Elliott, Sr.

Avery Brooks, So.

Ariana Adams, Sr.

Tristin Keller, Jr.

Raelynn Leifeste, Fr.

Chloe Cox-Kelton, Fr.

McKenzie Cano, Sr.

Allie Guice, Sr.

Lauren Olson, Jr.

Kylie Cockerham, Jr.

Madison Cano, So.

Head Coach: Jeff Guice

Assistant Coaches: Denis Cano, Tiffany Ake, Salah Eckert, Debra Norman

Laken Green of Winters Selected as 2021 Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year

adillard@fca.org (Aleah Dillard) — Thu, 20 May 2021 12:21:09 GMT

The Big Country FCA Rex Fleming Female Athlete of the Year Award is sponsored by Mr. Brandon Mascorro and wife Dr. Whitney Mascorro. We are grateful for their continued support of the FCA ministry.

Big Country FCA congratulates Winters High School senior and FCA leader Laken Green as the recipient of the 2021 Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year award.

While at Winters, Laken served as an athletic trainer for the football program, participated in track, was a regional qualifier in golf and was team captain on the Blizzards varsity basketball team. She earned Academic All-District accolades in both basketball and as a football trainer.

Laken has been credited for the resurgence of the FCA huddle at Winters High School. When she and her family moved to Winters four years ago, Laken and her dad Bryan, a WHS coach, helped restart the FCA program. Her efforts have been fruitful as the huddle includes more than 25 student athletes who previously were not part of FCA.

“I have no doubt that there is not a more deserving student athlete in the Big Country than Laken Green,” said Matt McCarty, Winters ISD Athletic Director. “She has truly shown not only me but her teammates and classmates what it means to walk with Christ every day. She makes people want to be better by the example that she sets forth that has been instilled in her by the church and by the way she has been raised in a Christ-centered family.”

Laken ranks in the top 10 academically in her Class of 2021 with a 97.5 GPA. She’s also dedicated her time and talents to more than 200 hours of community service including mentoring younger girls and developing their basketball skills through the Winters ISD Big Sister/Little Sister program.

Her other extra-curricular activities include serving as the Winter FCCLA President and Regional Vice President, Student Council, National Honor Society, and attending the Winters First Baptist Church youth group.

She has been selected to participated in the 2021 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival as an athletic trainer for the football and volleyball games June 9-12 in Abilene.

“Laken has literally done it all for this high school and athletic program since she stepped foot in Winters four years ago,” McCarty added. “From leading our FCA program to participating in three sports and being a huge influence in our community, she is the best student athlete that I have coached in the 11 years that I have been coaching.”

The Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year Award is named in honor of Rex Fleming, a vibrant young man who in 2012 took his final breath at 10 years old after a two-year battle with cancer.

Brady Miller of Abilene Cooper Selected as 2021 Rex Fleming Memorial Male Athlete of the Year

Wed, 19 May 2021 02:43:05 GMT

Megan Rausch Named Big Country/Abilene Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Mon, 10 May 2021 19:20:26 GMT

"Coach Rausch is the proud daughter of two local coaches. She has six years of coaching experience and has been the huddle coach at Wylie High School for the past five years. In the midst of Covid during this school year, she was able to keep her Wylie huddle strong! They met on Tuesday mornings prior to school, and each meeting was filled with praise and worship along with a great student-led message. She has also been selected to coach in the 2021 FCA All-Star volleyball game on June 12."

-Kati Stewart, Big Country Area Representative

Mitzi Bell Named Big Country West Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Fri, 07 May 2021 19:10:44 GMT

"Coach Bell is completing her 24 ^th year of coaching and continues to make a tremendous impact with those she serves. She has been instrumental in the success of the Sweetwater High School FCA Huddle this year. Her goal has always been to build better people and instill in them the importance of having a solid Christian foundation for life. We're grateful to walk alongside her on the journey!"

-Jamey Calvery, Big Country Area Representative

Misty Little Named Cross Timbers Area 2021 Huddle Coach of the Year

Thu, 06 May 2021 20:16:00 GMT

"Coach Misty Little has been the High School and Junior High FCA huddle leader at Lipan for four years as well as the head cross country coach, head girls track coach, and the assistant girls basketball coach. Coach Little has impacted many students at Lipan over the past years in the classroom, on the track, in the gym, as well as leading the FCA huddles, which shows her true heart and love for her students."

-Rodney Payne, Cross Timbers Area Representative

Jessica Phillips Named Brownwood Area 2021 Huddle Coach of the Year

Wed, 05 May 2021 20:27:34 GMT

"Jessica Phillips has been selected The Brownwood Area FCA Huddle Leader of the year for 2021.

Jessica has been teaching for 16 years, 10 of which has been in Coleman. She became the Coleman Junior High FCA huddle leader six years ago. In that time, she has encouraged her students to become bold in their faith through whatever means are available, Jessica has promoted FCA and the Gospel of Christ to anyone listening or on social media. Jessica was instrumental in starting a 5 ^th and 6 ^th grade huddle in Coleman that has from 25-40 students attending each Friday.

Jessica has been married to her husband Rob for 16 years and they have two daughters: AJ, a sophomore and Andrea, in 6 ^th grade."

-Kurt Newton, Brownwood FCA Area Representative

Kody and Melissa Travis Named Big Country East Area 2021 Huddle Coaches of the Year

Tue, 04 May 2021 16:49:01 GMT

"Kody and Melissa Travis have had an instant impact on the junior high and high school campuses in the Graham school system! Melissa on the junior high campus and Kody on the high school campus. They have taken the FCA huddles the next level. I believe the reason for this is they not only talk the talk of Jesus, but they show Jesus in their walk. They are truly invested in the students. They are very deserving of this award."

-Paul Johnston, Big Country East Area Representative

Tri-College FCA Recognizes Athletes and Staff During Champions Dinner

Mon, 03 May 2021 15:39:51 GMT

The Tri-College ministry of the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes recognized three local athletes and staff members who exemplify Christ in their life during the 2021 Tri-College FCA Champions Dinner on Tuesday, April 20.

The awards are given to those who exemplifies Christ in all that they do, this is seen most importantly in their personal walk with Christ. This is evident in their pursuit of the church, the way that they love and serve those that they are around.

A special thank you is extended to those who supported the 2021 Tri-College FCA Champions Dinner: Bourland and Soben and Partners Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, Abilene Pediatric Dental Associates, South Side Baptist Church, First Financial Bank, Mark Miller: Edward Jones Investments, The Abilene Office of First National Bank Albany/Breckenridge, CBS Insurance, Dr. Paul and Erika Lambert, the Hardin Simmons University Athletic Department, Coach Jimmie Keeling and his wife Susan, Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Becky Rentz, Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Susan Keenum, McMahon Law Firm (McMahon, Surovik and Suttle, Attorneys)

To view the entire photo gallery from the Tri-College Champions Dinner, click here

PHOTO GALLERY: Abilene Tri-College Champions Dinner

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:45:26 GMT

Thank you to Mary Noel Corn for capturing these pictures from the evening.

PHOTO GALLERY: Big Country FCA 2021 All-Star Teams

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 03:38:47 GMT

Big Country FCA Reveals 2021 All-Star Rosters

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:49:53 GMT

Congratulations is extended to more than 300 of the area’s top athletes representing 73 high schools who have been selected to participate in the Big Country Chevy Dealers 2021 FCA All-Star Festival.

The 22nd annual All-Star Festival is scheduled for June 3-12 in four different Big Country cities and includes football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf, student trainers and cheerleading.

The area athletes selected to participate in the Big Country Chevy Dealers 2021 FCA All-Star Festival include:

FOOTBALL

Red Team: Brady Miller (Abilene Cooper), Daniel Salazar (Abilene Cooper), Jeshari Houston (Abilene High), Luke Tebow (Abilene High), Ryder Wilkins (Albany), Garrett Dixon (Ballinger), Weston Rollwitz (Ballinger), Tyler Vaughn (Ballinger), Adam Winn (Ballinger), Jonas Arellano (Breckenridge), Jonathan Trejo (Breckenridge), Johnathan Willoughby (Brookesmith), CJ Lewis (Cisco), Stedham Buchanan (Clyde), Kutter McDowell (Clyde), Javian Ray (Dublin), Aaron Copeland (Eastland), Brandon Fielding (Eastland), Hunner Rodgers (Eden), David Barajas (Eldorado), Hunter Lanham (Graham), Javier Leija (Graham), Bo Thompson (Hawley), Pecos Smith (Jayton), Zach Henderson (Jim Ned), Will Castleberry (Junction), Jonathan Davis (Lingleville), Matthew Kerr (Mason), Emmanuel Venegas (Ozona), Landon Burkhart (Richland Springs), Rance Siler (Rochelle), Dylan Jeffrey (Rotan), Malik Haywood (San Angelo Central), Weston Hill (San Angelo Central), Dwayne Huff (San Angelo Central), Cody High (San Angelo Lake View), Jaiden Hollingsworth (Santo), Aiden Salinas (Snyder), Colton Accomazzo (Stephenville), Kevin Bowery (Stephenville), Damian Meza (Stephenville), Trace Morrison (Stephenville), Kason Philips (Stephenville), Gavin Roundtree (Stephenville), Jahzair George (Wylie), Reese Gooding (Wylie), Phillip Taylor (Wylie)

Blue Team: Noah Bjorlie (Abilene Cooper), Andrew Bradley (Abilene Cooper), Noah Garcia (Abilene Cooper), Hondo Martinez (Abilene Cooper), Wesley Estridge (Albany), Gavin Williams (Anson), Chris Mendez (Aspermont), Ethan Cortez (Bangs), Trey Ivey (Bangs), Ethan Sanches (Bangs), Zach Panzer (Blackwell), Tyler Simpson (Blanket), Cesar Reza (Brady), Jimi Brown (Brownwood), Khyren Deal (Brownwood), Brad Robinson (Brownwood), Royshad Henderson (Brownwood), Brock Bouldin (Coleman), Cameron Allen (Forsan), JJ Lee (Graham), Lucky Vargas (Grape Creek), Ethan Byerly (Hamlin), Jackson Sepeda (Hamlin), Colter Denson (Jim Ned), Austin Martin (Jim Ned), Hunter Wilson (Jim Ned), JJ Ake (Mason), Hayden King (May), Ike Sebastian (Merkel), Brayden Dunlap (Miles), Hector Hernandez (Olney), Ethan Foster (Rising Star), Malachi Brown (San Angelo Central), Monte’vious Dobbins (San Angelo Central), Eddie Corranco (San Angelo TLCA), Risien Shahan (San Saba), Landon Yarbrough (San Saba), Cisco Fuentez (Sanderson), Reese Baird (Sonora), Zhawn Holden (Stamford), Darian Carr (Sweetwater), Jeremy Le (Sweetwater), Kaylon Johnson (Three Way), Wyatt Thorp (Throckmorton), Luke Lipsey (Wall), Brice Cantrell (Wylie)

VOLLEYBALL

North Team: Sarah Cox (Abilene High), Paighton Lawson (Abilene High), Allison Hill (Albany), Torie Fuentes (Albany), Ashlin Calvio (Big Spring), Jocelyn Gonzales (Big Spring), Haley Hanson (Clyde), Peyton Warren (Clyde), Lexi Shield (Colorado), Kayleigh Tibbets (Eastland), Addison Kimberling (Graham), Morgan Patterson (Graham), Amy Burch (Newcastle), Kamiah Davis (Snyder), Cali Carter (Stephenville), Mia Valdez (Sweetwater), Lesley Butler (Tolar)

South Team: Mollie Davis (Abilene Cooper), Brianna Garcia (Abilene Cooper), Jennika Willis (Abilene Cooper), Shelby Adair (Brady), Caitlyn Moody (Brownwood), Ashlyn Storm (Brownwood), Berklee Stautzenberger (Coleman), Savannah Holt (Early), Sophie Sanford (Jim Ned), Mya Moore (San Angelo Central), Kait Kirkland (San Angelo TLCA), Mackensie Wilson (Wall), Kalysta Minton-Holland (Water Valley), Brianna Mock (Wylie), Avery Wimberly (Wylie)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

North Team: Hannah Underwood (Cisco), Mia Monroe (Colorado), Carter Gomez (Eula), Presley Vernon (Eula), Rylee Evans (Forsan), Taryn Spivey (Forsan), Jordyn Hicks (Lingleville), Taylor Clark (Lipan), Kaylee Little (Lipan), Maggie Peacock (Lipan), Alyssa White (Merkel), Carlie Willison (Munday), Channing Motley (Santo), Cassidy Walker (Santo), Alee McClendon (Stephenville), Jade Wilson (Stephenville)

South Team: Lindsey Larose (Brownwood), Graci Jones (Christoval), Abbi Allen (Coleman), River Bradley (Cross Plains), Taylor Rountree (Goldthwaite), Alexic Espinosa (Jim Ned), McKenzie Cano (Mason), Roberta Robinette (May), Brighton Adams (San Saba), Courtnee Cash (San Saba), Adalee Donham (Santa Anna), Skylar Harris (Sonora), Falyn Guy (Wall), Makinlee Bacon (Wylie), Emma Melton (Wylie), Morgan Travis (Wylie)

MEN’S BASKETBALL

North Team: Jalen McGee (Abilene High), Jackson Stevens (Abilene High), Nathan Watts (Abilene High), Kyler Seymore (Big Spring), Layne Edgar (Cisco), Jacob Roberts (Clyde), Jaxson Phariss (Colorado), Daniel Escobar (Dublin), Dakota Boles (Eula), Mason Hillger (Forsan), Devin Hildebrand (Hermleigh), Tripp Scott (Jayton), Augustus Boeve (Lingleville), Kyle Styron (Stephenville), Grayson Traweek (Stephenville)

South Team: Cameron Jemison (Abilene Cooper), Jonathan Delgado (Ballinger), Ryan Elliot (Ballinger), Kenjrik Manley (Ballinger), Zach Porter (Brownwood), Cody McWilliams (Cross Plains), Tanner Gallimore (Hawley), Kallin Kothmann (Menard), Jevon Everitt (San Angelo TLCA), Logan Glover (San Saba), Cross Knittel (Sterling City), Bobby Dunn (Veribest), Alex Salas (Winters), Luke Powell (Wylie), Colby Tanner (Wylie)

SOFTBALL

North Team: KK Roberson (Abilene High), Kailey Isenhower (Baird), Sarah Wood (Big Spring), Caroline Turner (Breckenridge), Kayra Sauceda (Cisco), Paige Puryear (Clyde), Julia Canales (Coahoma), Isabel Bustamante (Dublin), Alexis Hicks (Eastland), Karli Fostel (Eula), Callie Dobbs (Graham), Marilyn Milton (Graham), Breanna Leathers (Hawley), Dalyce Fulfer (Merkel), Laramie Terrell (Stamford), Katie McIrvin (Stephenville), Jazzy Villa (Sweetwater), Jordyn Zarate (Ranger)

South Team: Angelic Gonzalez (Abilene Cooper), Daniella Luna (Ballinger), Addison Garcia (Brady), Auzzlyn Benedict (Brownwood), Brooklyn Gilbreath (Coleman), Summer Furlong (Comanche), Kenadi McGrath (DeLeon), Kailee Love (Early), Alexa Portilla (Early), Jadyn Martinez (Eldorado), Kylie Gwinn (Jim Ned), Hanna Jones (Jim Ned), Rylee Dehn (San Angelo Central), Samantha Howell (San Angelo Central), Ashton McMillan (San Angelo Central), Abigail Jimenez (San Saba), Taylor Hunt (Wall), Minely Avila (Wylie), Kylie Barnes (Wylie)

BASEBALL

North Team: Jackson Chapman (Albany), Parker Henry (Albany), Cade Neve (Albany), William Webb (Albany), Isaac Brann (Anson), Evan Moore (Breckenridge), Dylan Neuman (Clyde), Seth Brooks (Coahoma), Dylan Wilson (Eastland), Bradlee Saucedo (Forsan), Corey Ballew (Graham), Jackson Myers (Merkel), Cordell Mitchell (Ranger), Leeroy Tavarez (Snyder), Bryson Holt (Stamford), Bryson Dill (Stephenville), Case Dunavant (Stephenville), Krystian Gomez (Sweetwater)

South Team: Ricky Delapaz (Abilene Cooper), Jack Keefer (Abilene Cooper), Aiden Busenlehner (Ballinger), Cutter Johnson (Brady), Kris Hobbs (Brownwood), Lane Powledge (DeLeon), Landon Tant (Jim Ned), Cody McBee (Mason), Keith Cross (May), Dylan Abbott (San Angelo Central), Ryan Ramon (San Angelo Central), Nick Rivas (San Angelo Central), Bryson Ballard (Wall), Kannon Brooks (Wall), Kye Herbert (Wall), Dash Albus (Wylie), Cooper Cothran (Wylie), Jaxon Hansen (Wylie), Walker Piland (Wylie), Balin Valentine (Wylie)

GOLF

Women: Hannah Graham (Baird), Kari Morton (Baird), Liberty Fox (Cisco), Kaycee Clark (Eastland), Paige Goodman (Eula), Destinee Segura (Eula), Carmen Garcia (Menard), Trinity Rodriguez (Munday), Natalee Finley (Santo), Kylie Roberts (Stephenville), Hailey Abbott (Veribest), Alexi Buff (Wylie), Alexia Calderon (Wylie), Tatum McClellan (Wylie)

Men: Jacob Wright (Abilene High), Eric Toliver (Ballinger), Alex Leuschner (Big Spring), John Monson (Brownwood), Alex Holman (Eastland), Cody Houston (Eula), Jayton Jones (Eula), Trey Carrillo (Irion County), Joran Scheriger (Sidney), Zach Peterson (Sweetwater), Zach Wheat (Winters)

CHEERLEADERS

Abilene Games: Grace Pacatte (Abilene Cooper), Lorelei Shirmer (Abilene Cooper), Allison Panzer (Blackwell), Savanna Hinton (Breckenridge), Preslee Maxfield (Brownwood), Averi Berry (Clyde), Providence Dickson (Coahoma), Jenna VanCleave (Hamlin), Chambray Phemister (Haskell), Chelsea Crow (Hawley), Faith Morgan (Jim Ned), Gracie Howeth (Knox City), Saeja Barlow (Loraine), Emillie Ramirez (Paint Rock), Evie Kisner (Ranger), Chloe Finley (Wylie)

Brownwood Games: Emily West (Ballinger), Carson Alexander (Cisco), Madilynn Shepard (Cross Plains), Bryten Ballenger (Dublin), Janessa Lopez (Early), Sarah Vasquez (Junction), Kaitlin Sutherland (Richland Springs), Katy Dusek (San Angelo TLCA), Makayla Rohmfeld (Wall), Shelby Gothard (Water Valley), Querstin Lara (Winters)

TRAINERS

Cailey Brown (Abilene Cooper), Taylor Dugger (Abilene Cooper), Becca Church (Brownwood), Camberly Davidson (Blackwell), Jenifer Garza (Coleman), Makailey Rosales (Coleman), Laken Green (Winters), Andrea Sosa (Reagan County), Delaney Yanez (Reagan County), Nivea Goodloe (Reagan County)

The Big Country Chevy Dealers 2021 FCA All-Star Festival schedule of events includes:

Saturday, June 5: the 13th annual All-Star women’s basketball game and the 9th annual All-Star men’s basketball game in Brownwood, both presented by Abilene Bone and Joint

Monday, June 7 and Tuesday, June 8: the 2nd annual Big Country FCA All-Star golf tournament on the Kingdom Course at Solid Rock Camp in Eastland

Friday, June 11: the 8th annual FCA All-Star softball and baseball games in San Angelo, presented by 1st Community Federal Credit Union

Saturday, June 12: the 9th annual FCA All-Star volleyball game in Abilene, presented by Hendrick Medical Center

Saturday, June 12: the 22st annual Myrle Greathouse All-Star Football Classic in Abilene, presented by the Myrle Greathouse Foundation

FCA extends special thanks to the Big Country Chevy Dealers who support the All-Star Festival:

· Larry Hall, Lawrence Hall Chevrolet in Abilene

· Mitch Hall and John Speer, Lawrence Hall Chevrolet in Anson

· Mark and Hunter Hanner, Hanner Chevrolet in Baird

· Joseph Tolliver, Toliver Brothers Chevrolet in Ballinger

· Greg Bruner and Cory Howard, Bruner Auto Group in Brownwood

· Rob Miller, Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet in Eastland

· Sam Toliver, Bailey Toliver in Haskell

· Mitch Hall, Mitch Hall Chevrolet in Snyder

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes serves communities spread across a 37-county area including Abilene, the Concho Valley, the Brownwood area and Cross Timbers/Stephenville area.

For more information about Big Country FCA, contact Andy Penney, Big Country FCA Area Director, at (806) 577-2537 or apenney@fca.org.

Area Coaches Selected to Lead Big Country FCA 2021 All-Star Festival

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 16:28:17 GMT

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes expresses congratulations and gratitude to the 38 area coaches selected to lead the Big Country Chevy Dealers 2021 FCA All-Star Festival.

This 2021 FCA All-Star Festival is scheduled for June 3-12 in four different Big Country cities. It will feature more than 300 of the area’s top student-athletes participating in one of seven sports: football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf and cheerleading. Eleven student trainers from the area were all-star selections as well.

The 2021 FCA All-Star Festival coaches chosen to serve include:

FOOTBALL

Blue Team: *Sammy Burnett (Brownwood), Matt Fanning (Jim Ned), Aaron Roan (Abilene Cooper), Matt Jones (San Angelo TLCA), Gary Moses (Cross Plains), Luke Harrison (Clack Middle School, AISD)

Red Team: *Sterling Doty (Stephenville), Scott Campbell (Clyde), Britt Hart (Merkel), Marvin Wilson (Ballinger), Josh Gillespie (Abilene Wylie), Derek Schlieve (Baird)

VOLLEYBALL

North: Paige Hauger (Newcastle), Rachel Schuman (Eastland), Caroline Cleveland (Abilene High)

South: Robynn Jones (Wall), Megan Rausch (Abilene Wylie), Cassie Dowdy (Madison Middle School, AISD)

MEN’S BASKETBALL

North: Kia McCarty (Stephenville), Ryan Bleiker (Jayton)

South: Matt Preston (Hawley), Kent Sherrill (San Angelo TLCA)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

North: Shella Arnwine (Roscoe), Tate Thompson (Albany)

South: Mykia Anderson (Clyde), Royce Jesko (Santa Anna)

SOFTBALL

North: Adam Arrington (Graham), Jim Reese (Abilene High)

South: Billy Todd (Mason), Kayla Matthews (San Angelo Central)

BASEBALL

North: Kevin Bartley (Stamford), Kevin Bartley, Jr. (Breckenridge)

South: Rocky Bernal (Brady), Chad Dail (May)

GOLF

Boys Coach: Bill Culverhouse (Eastland)

Girls Coach: Laura Martin (Brownwood)

CHEER

Abilene Cheer Coach: Christina Stewart (Ranger)

Brownwood Cheer Coach: Kristin Wade (Early)

The Big Country Chevy Dealers 2021 FCA All-Star Festival schedule of events includes:

Saturday, June 5: the 13 ^th annual All-Star women’s basketball game and the 9 ^th annual All-Star men’s basketball game in Brownwood, both presented by Abilene Bone and Joint

Monday, June 7 and Tuesday, June 8: the 2 ^nd annual Big Country FCA All-Star golf tournament on the Kingdom Course at Solid Rock Camp in Eastland

Friday, June 11: the 8 ^th annual FCA All-Star softball and baseball games in San Angelo, presented by 1st Community Federal Credit Union

Saturday, June 12: the 9 ^th annual FCA All-Star volleyball game in Abilene, presented by Hendrick Medical Center

Saturday, June 12: the 22 ^st annual Myrle Greathouse All-Star Football Classic in Abilene, presented by the Myrle Greathouse Foundation

This year’s FCA all-star athletes will gather for the roster unveiling and celebration this Sunday, March 21 at Beltway Church, 4009 Beltway South in Abilene. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. followed by a formal presentation at 2:30.

FCA extends special thanks to the Big Country Chevy Dealers who support the All-Star Festival:

· Larry Hall, Lawrence Hall Chevrolet in Abilene

· Mitch Hall and John Speer, Lawrence Hall Chevrolet in Anson

· Mark and Hunter Hanner, Hanner Chevrolet in Baird

· Joseph Tolliver, Toliver Brothers Chevrolet in Ballinger

· Greg Bruner and Cory Howard, Bruner Auto Group in Brownwood

· Rob Miller, Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet in Eastland

· Sam Toliver, Bailey Toliver in Haskell

· Mitch Hall, Mitch Hall Chevrolet in Snyder

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes serves communities spread across a 37-county area including Abilene, the Concho Valley, the Brownwood area and Cross Timbers/Stephenville area.

For more information about Big Country FCA, contact Andy Penney, Big Country FCA Area Director, at (806) 577-2537 or apenney@fca.org.

Weekend of Champions 2021 Registration is Now Open!

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 14:59:13 GMT

Girls Set for January 23, Boys on January 30

Big Country FCA is excited to share the dates for the annual Weekend of Champions for both the girls and boys.

The girls are set on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Solid Rock Camp in Eastland while the boys will gather on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Beltway Church in Abilene.

Both events have been changed to a one-day event this year.

PHOTO GALLERY: Abilene Fields of Faith

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 00:41:47 GMT

PHOTO GALLERY: Sweetwater Fields of Faith (October 7, 2020)

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 20:51:33 GMT

PHOTO GALLERY: Drive for Champions 2020 Golf Tournament

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 16:08:31 GMT

Take a look at the fun had on Monday, September 14 during the

Big Country FCA Drive for Champions Golf Tournament !

Thanks to all who participated!

Take a look at the fun had on Monday, September 14 during the Big Country FCA Drive for Champions Golf Tournament!

View the 2020 Big Country Chevy Dealers All-Star Festival Digital Program

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 20:13:17 GMT

View the Big Country Chevy Dealers

FCA All-Star Festival Game Program

by clicking here .

PHOTO GALLERY: All Star Jersey Presentations

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 20:32:14 GMT

Big Country FCA staff traveled to area schools and presented the 2020 All-Stars with a personalized jersey, plaque and bible.
Here's a look at the fun!

Big Country FCA staff traveled to area schools to present the 2020 All-Stars their jerseys, plaques and bibles. Here's a look at the fun!

Bob Cervetto of Dublin High School Named Eddie Hodges Memorial Coach of the Year in 2020

Fri, 01 May 2020 02:11:01 GMT

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes is honored to recognize Bob Cervetto, Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Dublin High School, as the 2020 recipient of the Eddie Hodges Memorial Coach of the Year Award.

Coach Cervetto has dedicated his entire professional career to public education. After a 30-year stint at Stephenville ISD – both as a coach and then as an administrator – he returned to the sidelines in Dublin as the head football coach of the Lions.

When Cervetto came to Dublin in 2011, the football program had mere 18 players. That was just the starting line to building the successful program that the Dublin community would love. Cervetto went to work building the culture from the top to the bottom throughout the town and the school system.

After three years of building on the field, Cervetto led the Lions to the 2014 playoffs, their first postseason appearance in 50 years. An eight-win 2018 season was the school's first since 1983, and a 2019 playoff appearance was their fourth in six years.

Today, there are more than 100 students participating in football under Cervetto’s leadership, and the entire athletic program has more than tripled in participation and success since 2011.

Off the field, Cervetto cherished the responsibility to use his influence to impact lives. FCA was not part of Dublin High School before he arrived in 2011, but he personally started a huddle without the help of the local FCA rep at that time.

This year, under his leadership, the DHS huddle averages between 50-60 students each week when they meet on Friday mornings before school. The coaching staff also holds a bible study on Wednesdays with Cross Timbers Area Representative Rodney Payne.

“I have known Bob Cervetto for many years and I have never been around a man with the heart and desire to not only impact each and every student that he comes in contact with but the heart and desire to change an entire community,” said Payne.

In 2019, the Dublin ISD Board of Trustees voted to name the new football stadium built on campus the Bob and Norma Cervetto Field in the coach’s honor. The Cervettos attend Double N Cowboy Church in Dublin.

“If I can change the life of a student in some capacity, I’ll think I’ve done good, Cervetto said. “I can’t believe I get to work with kids all day long – what an honor!”

The Eddie Hodges Memorial Coach of the Year Award is named after Eddie Hodges, a standout athlete at Abilene High who received both a football and baseball scholarship to Texas Tech. He finished his playing career at McMurry University after his mother, brother and uncle were killed in a tragic automobile accident.

Big Country FCA is grateful to Mr. Hodges and his family for their unwavering support of the ministry. It is our humble privilege to recognize the FCA Coach of the Year in Mr. Hodges honor.

This is the third year FCA has presented the Eddie Hodges Memorial Coach of the Year Award. The first two recipients were Hugh Sandifer of Abilene Wylie is 2018 and Houston Guy of Wall in 2019.

Asher Dittfurth of Stephenville High School Named 2020 Rex Fleming Memorial Male Athlete of the Year

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 14:47:20 GMT

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

-Colossians 3:23-24

Big Country FCA congratulates Asher Dittfurth, a senior football player and FCA member at Stephenville High School, as the recipient of the 2020 Rex Fleming Memorial Male Athlete of the Year award.

Asher has a quiet strength about him that is calming for those he encounters. He is a well-known leader for the Stephenville High School FCA huddle, a leader of the Yellowjacket football team and a leader in his church youth group. He is always ready to say the team prayer or reach out to a fellow teammate or classmate when they are in need.

“Asher is a young man who exemplifies what a student athlete should be,” said Chad Hodges, Stephenville coach and FCA huddle leader. “He has always been a leader in the classroom as well as the locker room. Asher is a young man who leads his peers by example, even more so than by his words. He quick to say yes sir or yes ma'am and do whatever task is put in front of him. He is the type of young man that holds his teammates accountable and is the type of young man sets an example for his teammates, peers and faculty alike.”

Asher’s other accolades include a 1st Team Academic All-State selection and All-District 5-4A football selection, the recipient of the SHS FCA Servants Heart Award and the SHS football program’s Dedicated Worker Award.

“He is an ultimate competitor but always does it the right way," Hodges added. "He is not afraid to pick up his opponent when they are knocked down with the understanding they are going to get the best of him again the very next play.”

“Asher exhibits a Christ-like behavior everyday at SHS. He goes above and beyond to serve, lead, love, and care for his classmates, teammates and staff. He is a great representative for this award and it is our honor to nominate him.”

More Than 320 Area Athletes Selected as Big Country FCA 2020 All-Stars

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 20:09:58 GMT

More than 320 of the area’s top athletes representing 71 high schools were as 2020 FCA All-Stars. The athletes selected for the Big Country Chevy Dealers 2020 FCA All-Star Festival include:

FOOTBALL

Red Team: Devon Cosby (Abilene Cooper), Dylon Davis (Abilene Cooper), Colton Grimes (Abilene Cooper), Michael Bartlett (Abilene High), Colby Ernst (Abilene High), Jorge Hernandez (Abilene High), Colton Wilson (Abilene High), Tyler Beard (Albany), Drew Hagler (Anson), Max Dayton (Baird), Cooper Bean (Ballinger), Owen Woodward (Breckenridge), Dalton Kidd (Clyde), Austin Schoonmaker (Clyde), Jerrid Tennison (Clyde), Kirk Bellomy (DeLeon), Colten Couch (Dublin), Hagen Huffman (Dublin), Cy Wing (Dublin), Timmy Smithson (Early), Dillon Broyles (Eastland), Erick Pierce (Eden), Charles Mowles (Gordon), Bryce Hernandez (Graham), Jevon Williams (Hamlin), Logan Burson (Haskell), Justin Howeth (Hawley), Colton Marshall (Hawley), Colton Strickland (Hawley), Kreek James (Irion County), Kade Kimmel (Jim Ned), JD Brice (Newcastle), Gabe Garza (Olney), Michael Lewis (Ranger), Johnny Espinosa (San Angelo Lake View), Jacobi Campos (Sanderson), Caden Cowan (Stephenville), Daniel Luna (Stephenville), Cole Stanley (Stephenville), Quentin Walker (Stephenville), Nathaniel Fedor (Wall), Joe Walker (Wall), Cason Hanna (Wylie), Jackson Smith (Wylie), Hudson White (Wylie)

Blue Team: Daelin Campos (Abilene Cooper), LaDainian Diaz (Abilene Cooper), Aeneas Favors (Abilene Cooper), Gage McVey (Abilene Cooper), D'Anthony Franklin (Abilene High), Khalil Spivey (Abilene High), Phillip Tellez (Abilene High), Blain Kayga (Albany), Ben West (Albany), Rowdy Bradley (Aspermont), Walker Bauer (Brady), Tyler Williford (Brookesmith), Rowdee Gregory (Brownwood), Drew Huff (Brownwood), Reece Rodgers (Brownwood), Zach Strong (Brownwood), Cooper Swanzy (Brownwood), Dax Brunson (Cisco), Jeron Conine (Comanche), Caleb Hernandez (Cross Plains), Emiliano Hernandez (Eldorado), Jaxon Wootton (Goldthwaite), Cesar Montleongo (Gorman), Austin Lozano (Hamlin), Anthony Coy (Ira), Tye Scogin (Jayton), Dylan Martin (Jim Ned), Will Chapman (Junction), Michael Van Winkle (Junction), Klay Klaerner (Mason), Slone Stultz (Mason), Alan Guerrero (Menard), Lane Brice (Newcastle), Arnie Hernandez (San Angelo TLCA), Cole Bryant (San Saba), Jett Hibler (San Saba), Eli Salinas (San Saba), Wilson Johnson (Sonora), D'Marcus Barber (Stamford), Trace Price (Stamford), Caleb Smith (Stephenville), Andres Neri (Sweetwater), Stuart Bumann (Wall), Hunter Duggan (Winters)

VOLLEYBALL

North Team: Skylar England (Abilene High), Taylor Scott (Albany), Trinity Galloway (Big Spring), Kenzie Rodriques (Big Spring), Madison Stanley (Breckenridge), Megan Latham (Clyde), Hannah Jordan (Eastland), Lilli Brockway (Graham), Chloe Menard (Graham), K'Lynn O'Shields (Hawley), Hannah Manos (Newcastle), Karlee Easterling (Stephenville), Gabie Lucero (Stephenville), Aubreyanna Ziegler (Stephenville), Elli Lehnert (Sweetwater)

South Team: Ellis McMillon (Abilene Cooper), Katie Pogue (Abilene Cooper), Searra Powell (Bronte), Aleyia Cotton (Brownwood), Kylea DeLaTorre (DeLeon), Trinity Tomlinson (Early), Jesslyn Payne (Jim Ned), BraeLynn Harris (Sonora), Alyssa Robles (Veribest), Candra Barnett (Wall), Lauren Scherr (Wall), Chesney Baker (Water Valley), Madison Burden (Wylie), Keetyn Davis (Wylie), Pierson Sanders (Wylie)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

North Team: Destiny Potts (Abilene High), Jaleigh Morales (Albany), Aaliyah Miller (Aspermont), Landri Edgar (Cisco), Lainey Burleson (Clyde), Caitlyn Corley (Coahoma), Macy McGaha (Eastland), Anna Masonheimer (Eula), Cammi Teplicek (Graham), Makia Gonzales (Hermleigh), Madison Pearson (Huckabay), Kaydi Pursley (Merkel), Natalee James (Snyder), Mikayla Diaz (Stephenville), Kaylie Green (Throckmorton)

South Team: Kyra Smith (Bangs), Katie Harris (Brookesmith), Laramie Nelson (Brookesmith), Hadley Monroe (Brownwood), Matyha Thompson (Brownwood), Macee Steigleder (Cross Plains), Taylor Mahan (De Leon), Jordyn Ricks (Dublin), Callie Jernigan (Goldthwaite), Rachel Snider (Gorman), Brooke Galvin (Jim Ned), Kylee Eckermann (San Saba), Micki Mead (Sterling City), Karis Christian (Wylie), Bailey Roberts (Wylie), Grace Steadman (Wylie)

MEN’S BASKETBALL

North Team: Joseph Escobedo (Abilene High), Devyan Wilkins (Abilene High), Rylan Rogers (Baird), Aaryn Medina (Breckenridge), Gerardo Palacios (Breckenridge), Gibson Hearne (Cisco), Matthew Moreno (Eastland), Peyton Rohan (Eastland), Zane Riffe (Forsan), Nathan Goodwin (Ira), Slade Stone (Merkel), Jayden Samaniego (Snyder), Austin Brewer (Stamford), Skylar Stilwell (Stephenville), Kei Griffin (Sweetwater)

South Team: Joshua Henry (Abilene Cooper), Adrian Anene (Ballinger), Ty Walker (Brady), John Wilhelm (Brownwood), Azul Salinas (Christoval), Jordan Mullin (Dublin), Brent Grooms (Early), Jaron Reynolds (Hawley), Dawson Sparks (Irion County), Kyle Montoya (Mason), Jesse Greer (San Angelo Lake View), Abel Martinez (San Saba), Lex Dusek (Wall), Payton Brooks (Wylie), Shayden Payne (Wylie)

SOFTBALL

North Team: Hannah Lopez (Abilene High), Alyssa Washington (Abilene High), Aubrey Moon (Albany), Madison Daniels (Big Spring) Amber Martinez (Big Spring), Sidney Durham (Breckenridge), Molly Orsagh (Cisco), Peyton Lee (Clyde), Kaitlyn Turner (Clyde), Macee Grant (Coahoma), Bailey Browning (Eastland), Brynna Foster (Eastland), Alex Husen (Graham), Emma Southerland (Graham), Caitlin Crow (Hawley), Maddy Green (Olney), Jamie Allgood (Ranger), Margaret Watson (Stephenville)

South Team: Keiana Kemp (Abilene Cooper), Elyssa Korn-Flores (Ballinger), Ashlynn Patteson (Brownwood), Aubrie Harris (Brownwood), Vikki Lopez (Comanche), Chloe Williams (Comanche), Cameron Davidson (Dublin), Jackie Covarrubiaz (Eldorado), Kelsie Guthery (Gorman), Chassity Beasley (Jim Ned), Laramie Hodges (Jim Ned), Nadia Menchaca (Junction), Tycie Lange (Miles), Haylie Mitchell (San Angelo Central), Mya Vasquez (San Angelo Lake View), Isabel Vera (Wall), Bailey Buck (Wylie), Kaylee Philipp (Wylie)

BASEBALL

North Team: Eric Abbe (Abilene High), Witt Holloway (Abilene High), Brendan Morris (Albany), Kyle Canada (Breckenridge), Kooper Shook (Breckenridge), Camden Nichols (Cisco), Christian Deal (Clyde), Alex Gonzales (Eastland), Koby Compton (Haskell), Tate Thompson (Hawley), Karson Valentine (Ira), Carter Hernandez (Ranger), Ryan Rodriguez (Snyder), Josh Mueller (Stamford), J.R. Haile (Stephenville), Antonio Heredia (Sweetwater), Elijah Reyes (Sweetwater)

South Team: Brody Stanford (Abilene Cooper), Jacob Hummel (Abilene Cooper), D.J. Cavazos (Ballinger), Eliazar Carbajal (Bangs), Gonzalo Morales (Brady), Jakob Dorsett (Brownwood), Landon Harris (Brownwood), Harvey Constancio (Comanche), Griffin Pickett (Dublin), Cesar Garcia (Eldorado), Conner Leifeste (Mason), Jalen Johnston (San Angelo Central), Ryan Avalos (San Angelo Lake View), Colton Diebitsch (Wall), Caleb Heuertz (Wall), Luke Young (Wall), Tyler Martin (Wylie), Austin Petree (Wylie)

GOLF

Women: Sarah Atchison (Abilene Cooper), Rylee Myers (Brady), Abby Burks (Brownwood), Taylor Ancheta (Clyde), Braelyn Bevel (Haskell), Krislyn Tatum (Haskell), Analyse Castro (San Angelo Lake View), Callie Gray (Olney), Allee Mainord (Stephenville), Kaylie Green (Throckmorton), Karlee Keeter (Throckmorton), Katelyn Riley (Throckmorton)

Men: Austin Adkins (Baird), Rowdy Nail (Baird), Carson Andrews (Clyde), Heath Owens (Clyde), Jaxon Sheppard (Clyde), Kasey Middleton (Comanche), Slade Gooden (DeLeon), Austin Baugh (Dublin), Dakota Carson (Eula), Rance House (Goldthwaite), Cutter Medford (Haskell), Garrett Waggoner (Haskell), Ricky Soto (Hawley), Brad Gryder (Irion County), Kade Smith (Jim Ned), Christian Sanchez-Davila (Loraine), Riley Moore (Lueders-Avoca), Denton Heller (Stephenville), Landon Leal (Throckmorton), Will Harris (Throckmorton), Kade Green (Winters), Nick Viola (Wylie)

CHEERLEADERS

Alayna Koemel (Albany), Camilla Gonzalez (Ballinger), Remi Hoffman (Bangs), Mia Minjarez (Bronte), Alexis Dossey (Brownwood), Jessica Phariss (Brownwood), MaKenzie Gayle (Cisco), Avery Lewis (Cisco), Claira Brown (Clyde), Sydnee Leverich (Clyde), Cameron Jones (Eastland), Ashtyn Morrow (Eastland), Karis Shirley (Eastland), Larissa Hampton (Gorman), Vanessa Gonzales (Hamlin), Chyla Henry (Hamlin), Kourtney Gibson (Haskell), McKayla Olney (Hawley), Megan Schlueter (Jim Ned), Kinsey Sessums (Jim Ned), Jewel Schoppe (Junction), Bryanna Nickel (Newcastle), Marilu Waller (Paint Rock), Clarissa Jimenez (Reagan County), Madalyn Navarrette (Rule), Alexa Brockman (San Saba), Grace Reed (San Saba), Jillian Whitman (San Saba), Storey Gomez (Stamford), Kiley Holt (Veribest), Zoe Granzin (Wall), Abbie Gollihar (Wylie), Daniella Lintini (Wylie), Maggie Raughton (Wylie)

COACHES

FOOTBALL

Blue Team: Sammy Burnett (Brownwood), John Contrucci (Junction), Gary Moses (Cross Plains), Aaron Roan (Abilene Cooper), Tyler Tabor (Blanket), Luke Harrison (Clack Middle School, AISD)

Red Team: James Morton (Eastland), Scott Campbell (Clyde), Sterling Doty (Stephenville), Jody Guy (Olney), Marvin Wilson (Ballinger), Josh Gillespie (Wylie West Middle School, WISD)

VOLLEYBALL

North: Mitzi Bell (Sweetwater), Paige Hauger (Newcastle), Doug Hampton (Craig Middle School, AISD)

South: Robynn Jones (Wall), Megan Rausch (Abilene Wylie), Cassie Dowdy (Madison Middle School, AISD)

MEN’S BASKETBALL

North: John Barnes (Three Way), Doug Galyean (Eastland)

South: Matt Preston (Hawley), Rocky Rawls (Bronte)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

North: Shella Arnwine (Roscoe), Karon Martinson (Throckmorton)

South: Mykia Anderson (Cross Plains), Britney Helton (Dublin)

SOFTBALL

North: Adam Arrington (Graham), Jim Reese (Abilene High)

South: Jennifer Lynn (Brownwood), Kayla Matthews (San Angelo Central)

BASEBALL

North: David Fairchild (Albany), Shane Stewart (Snyder)

South: Rocky Bernal (Brady), Ryan Lewis (Jim Ned)

GOLF

Women's Coach: Laura Martin (Brownwood)

Men's Coach: Bill Culverhouse (Eastland)

Ellie McMillon of Abilene Cooper High School Named 2020 Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:22:33 GMT

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
-Proverbs 31:25

Big Country FCA congratulates Ellie McMillon, a senior volleyball player and FCA leader at Abilene Cooper High School, as the recipient of the 2020 Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year award.

“Ellie is a highly respectful young lady,” said Danny Dudgeon, Cooper FCA huddle coach. “She presents herself with grace and dignity at all times. She has great leadership skills but is also willing to help in any capacity needed.”

Ellie has been an FCA huddle leader for three years and played a pivotal role in growing and establishing the huddle on the Cooper campus. She was a selfless leader this year for the Lady Cougars volleyball team showing great discipline and pride in her time playing as a defensive specialist. A four-year member of the program, she overcame injury early in her career to come back and be able to participate and lead as a senior.

Ellie is also an officer of the Cooper Student Council, and she is heavily involved with Pioneer Drive youth group participating in the high school choir.

“Ellie is one of the most selfless young woman I have had the privilege of teaching,” Dudgeon added. “She is a Godly young lady who is an extremely gifted girl. She is a great leader with and unbelievable future. I cannot wait to see where her life leads her. She is a wonderful young lady.”

Wall High School Volleyball Team Named FCA 2020 Impact Team of the Year

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 20:44:27 GMT

Lady Hawks rely on strong relationships with God and each other to overcome adversity, meet their goals and lead their campus.

Leading by example is becoming all too rare among our youth. They want their opinion to be heard and accomplishments to be recognized.

But for the 2019 Wall Hawk volleyball team, the season turned into a year they continually put their teammates first in the hopes of a common goal coming to fruition.

At the beginning of the year during non-district tournament portion of season, middle blocker Kaitlyn Stephens tore her ACL. It’s a devastating loss to any team, but to lose Kaitlyn the individual was much more heartbreaking.

It’s difficult to make a player feel like they are still part of the team when they know they won't step on the court again. However, this group of ladies tried with all their might.

Visitations to Kaitlyn's house took place daily after surgery. The team made and delivered gift baskets. and even produced a TikToks video featuring Kaitlyn in the hope of becoming famous!

But as Kaitlyn physically healed her spirit became to wain. Her heart broke practice after practice. Through it all, her teammates never left her side.

As Kaitlyn began to struggle mentally, she found her way spiritually with the help of her friends. Slowly, Kaitlyn found her new role on the team. It was role that would help her team just as much as they helped her. She became selfless as she mentored the freshman players that the team needed to take her spot as varsity middle blocker.

As Kaitlyn healed, so did the team. Until the night the Lady Hawks traveled to rival Sonora.

During the game in a playoff-style atmosphere, Lady Hawk libero Candra Barnett dove for a ball without fear of failure. Her elbow dislocated as she saved the ball. As she cried out and grabbed her arm, coach Robyn Jones rushed over to her and felt the dislocation. She looked to the stands for parents who might be nurses, doctors, and EMTs.

Then she noticed the Lady Hawks on the court. There was nothing her teammates could do to help their friend; except one.

The team circled up in the middle of Sonora's home court and prayed. Prayed the healing hands of their Savior would comfort their fallen teammate. They prayed that the Lord might watch over their libero as she was rushed to the hospital.

When the game resumed, the Lady Hawks had one motivation: to play for Candra and keep their district champion season alive. Now down two leaders in Kaitlyn and Candra, the team came out victorious and were crowned district champs.

Throughout the loss of two key athletes, this year's team had the best record in Wall volleyball history at 34-10.

On top of the success on the court, all seven seniors on the team also received Academic All-State recognition Texas Girls Coaches Association with career grade-point averages of 94 or higher. Two of the team's athletes, Mallory Melton and Rylee Braden, are also set to Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Wall High School graduating class of 2020.

"Sportsmanship can be seen in the Lady Hawk volleyball team throughout their roller coaster season," said Coach Jones. "To be a deep team means players must sacrifice playing time. To be injured is to sacrifice your previous time and effort for the hopes of one day trying again. Sacrifice doesn't come easy. But as we have been lead by example so we practice His example."

Wall High School traditionally hosted a FCA meeting once a month, but Lady Hawk setter Mallory Melton changed that this year. The students now host a FCA meeting bi-weekly, and with the help of Mallory's organizational skills the group rotates between an adult speaker and a student speaker.

Mallory wanted her peers to feel like they could speak freely but thought they still needed guidance in how to effectively reach their audience. She thought alternating between young adults and adults would benefit the FCA campus huddle.

With the experience gained speaking at FCA meetings, Wall sent two speakers - both varsity volleyball players - to speak at Fields of Faith in San Angelo on October 9, 2019. Multiple varsity volleyball players led Wall's See You at the Pole by hanging fliers, organizing a group to sing, and setting up a speaker. The group also sent two high school members to speak at the elementary FCA, one of those being a varsity volleyball player, and another FCA member and varsity volleyball player led the benediction at Wall's community Thanksgiving.

Selfless act after selfless act.

Through a strong faith and support system, this team found success in the midst of heartache and injury. Players that thought they would see little playing time continued to work hard in the hopes of making the most of an opportunity. When their chance came, they shined but never forgot to share the limelight on the team instead of the individual.

Throughout an emotional volleyball season, each individual on the team held on to her priorities. They continued to spread their faith by growing the Wall FCA and their own youth groups. Their grades never slipped. They made friendships outside the volleyball program, and they included others to be in their volleyball family.

Wall High School Lady Hawks Volleyball Roster

1 Mackensie Wilson

2 Corbyn Herring

3 Lexi Guerra

4 Kamryn Williams

5 Mallory Melton

6 Karagan Claire

7 Rylee Braden

8 Zoe Granzin

9 Tatum Granzi

10 Candra Barnett

11 Kylie Phillips

12 Lauren Scherr

13 Kaitlyn Stephens

14 Rachel Stewart

15 Autumn King

16 Caroline Holtman

17 Mattie Sanford

Head Coach: Robynn Jones

Assistant Coaches: Taylor Howie & Steve Bain

Managers: Rhesa Key, Laney Jost, & Macy Granzin

Abilene High's Billy Abbe Named Big Country/Abilene Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 20:20:06 GMT

"Billy has been a tremendous influence for the students at Abilene High and Big Country FCA. Through his encouragement this year, 29 AHS athletes attended FCA's Weekend of Champions men's retreat in January. Many of these athletes made first-time decisions in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and Billy continues to provide mentorship to them. We are grateful for his leadership with the youth in our community. "

-Andy Penney, Big Country FCA Area Director

Hawley's Matt Preston Named Big Country West Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 19:49:12 GMT

"As a standout athlete at Wylie High School, Matt brought much joy and pride the Bulldog community. After playing for a state championship his senior year, he was selected to play in the FCA All-Star football game in 2010. Matt gave his life to Christ that week and he’s been sharing that decision ever since. He became a Christian rapper in college under the name "m.a.double" and shared his faith in his most unique way. He became a YouTube phenom and made a TV appearance after his Teacher Appreciation Week rap went viral. He’s now a teacher and coach at Hawley High School and has led the FCA Huddle there since becoming a Bearcat. He serves the kids and community of Hawley where he still brings much pride, joy and impact for Christ in all he does. Matt has been blessed with a beautiful wife, Reagan, and two precious children."

-Lisa Coleman, Big Country FCA Community Director

Mason's Dennis Cano Named Brownwood Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 19:49:11 GMT

"Coach Denis Cano is an all-around FCA Huddle leader. He has a great rapport with the students and has developed strong backing from his community. His love for the Lord is top priority in his life. Sharing what Christ did on the cross, and sharing with students and coaches the need for them to have a personal relationship with Jesus is very important to him."

-Kurt Newton, Brownwood FCA Area Representative

Sonora's Sandy Wellmann Named Concho Valley Huddle Coach of the Year

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 19:49:09 GMT

"Sandy has worked with the FCA Huddle at Sonora High School for the past five years. She was selected to coach in our FCA All-Star softball game in 2015 but had to decline because she was expecting her first child. Since then, she has left coaching to concentrate on her family. She now teaches math, and I never have to worry about communicating with other coaches in Sonora because Sandy is on top of everything! Sandy nominated the Big Country Female Athlete of the Year in 2018 and 2019, and she nominated the Male Athlete of the Year in 2018."

-Brett Lang, Concho Valley FCA Area Director

Stephenville's Chad Hodges Named Cross Timbers Huddle Coach of the Year

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 19:49:08 GMT

"Coach Chad Hodges has a heart and passion to share Jesus Christ and His love with not only the students at Stephenville High School, but also with the Coaching staff that he works with on a daily basis."

-Rodney Payne, Cross Timbers FCA Area Representative

Moran's Matthew and Jo Hise Named Big Country East Huddle Coaches of the Year

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 19:49:05 GMT

"Jo and Matthew are culture changers! Their impact is not only felt in the sports at Moran, but also in the classroom and the town! In all they do, they use their platform to bring glory to the name of Jesus! Students will ask to pray for each other’s needs! They have helped change the culture of an entire community."

-Paul Johnston, Big Country East FCA Area Representative

Big Country FCA News

South Sweeps Past North in FCA All-Star Volleyball Match

ABILENE, Texas – The South squad swept past the North 25-21 and 25-16 in the Big Country FCA All-Star Festival volleyball match at Wylie’s Bulldog Dog gym Saturday.

Blue Overcomes Deficit to Beat Red 24-14 in 24th Annual Myrle Greathouse Classic

ABILENE, Texas -- Team Blue overcame a double-digit second half deficit to defeat Team Red 24-14 in the 24th annual Myrle Greathouse Big Country All-Star Classic Saturday evening at Hugh Sandifer Stadium.

Red Beats Blue in 28-10, All Leave Victorious During 23rd Annual FCA All-Star Festival

PHOTO GALLERY: Big Country FCA All-Star Festivities from the Entire Week

Enjoy images from the 2022 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival

*family pictures and professional game pictures from both games can be seen at wyliesports.com

South Pulls Out Hard Fought Victory Over North in 2022 FCA Volleyball Game

Who's ready for FCA Summer Camps!?! Here's the Info You Need to Know!

A BILENE L EADERSHIP C AMP

T EXAS T ECH S PORTS C AMP

C OACHES E NRICHMENT C AMP

Big Country FCA 2022 Impact Team of the Year: Goldthwaite Eagle Football

Big Country FCA 2022 Male Athlete of the Year: Jackson Patrick, Goldthwaite High School

Big Country FCA 2022 Female Athlete of the Year: Payton Potts, Aspermont High School

PHOTO GALLERY: Weekend of Champions and College Advance (February 2022)

PHOTO GALLERY: Big Country FCA 2022 All-Star Teams

FCA All-Star 2022 Rosters Announced

Boys Weekend of Champions Info: February 18-20, 2022

PHOTO GALLERY: Community Luncheon Featuring Wylie Little League World Series Team

PHOTO GALLERY: Abilene 7-on-7 Youth Football League

Let the 2021 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival Begin!

Big Country FCA 2021 All-Star Festival Set for June 3-12 in Four Locations

Mason High School Women's Basketball Team Named Big Country FCA 2021 Impact Team of the Year

Laken Green of Winters Selected as 2021 Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year

Brady Miller of Abilene Cooper Selected as 2021 Rex Fleming Memorial Male Athlete of the Year

Megan Rausch Named Big Country/Abilene Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Mitzi Bell Named Big Country West Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Misty Little Named Cross Timbers Area 2021 Huddle Coach of the Year

Jessica Phillips Named Brownwood Area 2021 Huddle Coach of the Year

Kody and Melissa Travis Named Big Country East Area 2021 Huddle Coaches of the Year

Tri-College FCA Recognizes Athletes and Staff During Champions Dinner

PHOTO GALLERY: Abilene Tri-College Champions Dinner

PHOTO GALLERY: Big Country FCA 2021 All-Star Teams

Big Country FCA Reveals 2021 All-Star Rosters

Area Coaches Selected to Lead Big Country FCA 2021 All-Star Festival

Weekend of Champions 2021 Registration is Now Open!

Girls Set for January 23, Boys on January 30

PHOTO GALLERY: Abilene Fields of Faith

PHOTO GALLERY: Sweetwater Fields of Faith (October 7, 2020)

PHOTO GALLERY: Drive for Champions 2020 Golf Tournament

Take a look at the fun had on Monday, September 14 during the Big Country FCA Drive for Champions Golf Tournament ! Thanks to all who participated!

Take a look at the fun had on Monday, September 14 during the Big Country FCA Drive for Champions Golf Tournament! ﻿

View the 2020 Big Country Chevy Dealers All-Star Festival Digital Program

View the Big Country Chevy Dealers FCA All-Star Festival Game Program by clicking here .

PHOTO GALLERY: All Star Jersey Presentations

Big Country FCA staff traveled to area schools and presented the 2020 All-Stars with a personalized jersey, plaque and bible. Here's a look at the fun!

Bob Cervetto of Dublin High School Named Eddie Hodges Memorial Coach of the Year in 2020

Asher Dittfurth of Stephenville High School Named 2020 Rex Fleming Memorial Male Athlete of the Year

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." -Colossians 3:23-24

More Than 320 Area Athletes Selected as Big Country FCA 2020 All-Stars

Ellie McMillon of Abilene Cooper High School Named 2020 Rex Fleming Memorial Female Athlete of the Year

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” -Proverbs 31:25

Wall High School Volleyball Team Named FCA 2020 Impact Team of the Year

Lady Hawks rely on strong relationships with God and each other to overcome adversity, meet their goals and lead their campus.

Abilene High's Billy Abbe Named Big Country/Abilene Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Hawley's Matt Preston Named Big Country West Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Mason's Dennis Cano Named Brownwood Area Huddle Coach of the Year

Sonora's Sandy Wellmann Named Concho Valley Huddle Coach of the Year

Stephenville's Chad Hodges Named Cross Timbers Huddle Coach of the Year

Moran's Matthew and Jo Hise Named Big Country East Huddle Coaches of the Year

Take a look at the fun had on Monday, September 14 during the

Big Country FCA Drive for Champions Golf Tournament !

Thanks to all who participated!

Take a look at the fun had on Monday, September 14 during the Big Country FCA Drive for Champions Golf Tournament!

View the Big Country Chevy Dealers

FCA All-Star Festival Game Program

by clicking here .

Big Country FCA staff traveled to area schools and presented the 2020 All-Stars with a personalized jersey, plaque and bible.
Here's a look at the fun!

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

-Colossians 3:23-24

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
-Proverbs 31:25