By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
As of late June, only one head coach is not returning to lead San Benito High School varsity athletes this coming school year.
According to the San Benito CISD Athletic Department, Wilbert Padron, who led the Lady Greyhounds’ soccer team to a postseason appearance last season after missing the previous years, is not returning.
Padron said he is transitioning to a new position as an assistant principal at IDEA Sports Park.
He had nothing but praise for the SBHS girls’ soccer program, which he led for four years.
“The talent coming through continues to improve every year,” Padron said this month. “These young ladies work incredibly hard and deserve recognition. I have no doubt the program’s future is bright.”
SOFTBALL ALL-DISTRICT
In other sports news, the Lady Greyhounds this past season shared the District 32-6A title with the Harlingen Lady Cardinals, and the team earned postseason accolades.
San Benito finished with a 7-1 record, their lone district loss to Harlingen. SBHS finished 23-9-1 and advanced to the Class 6A area round.
Head softball coach Kristy Leal announced the following individuals were named to the All-District team: Evelynn Hinojosa, Tri Most Valuable Player, All-District Academic Team; Kaitlyn Blanco, Tri Freshman of the Year, All-District Academic Team; Arielle Hernandez, Pitcher of the Year, 32-6A All-District Academic Team; Khloe Perez, 1st Team All-District 1st Base; Annalise Rodriguez, 1st Team All-District 1st Base; Arianna Rodriguez, 1st Team All-District Shortstop; Isabella Gonzalez, 1st Team All-District 3rd Base; Elilah Gallegos, 1st Team All-District Left Field; Eliza Gallegos, 1st Team All-District Center Field; Avani Garza, 1st Team All-District Right Field; Megan Medina, Honorable Mention Jewelianah Mares, Honorable Mention, All-District Academic Team.
BASEBALL ALL-DISTRICT
Following a memorable season in District 32-6A, a banquet was held for the SBHS Greyhounds baseball team with Head Coach Ramiro Partida, Jr. announcing the individual awards.
Among the players who earned All-District placement were: 1st team Pitcher, Joshua Baez; 1st team Outfielder, Joziah Davis; 1st team Utility, Aiden Barrera; 2nd team Pitcher, Jordan Lopez; 2nd team Reliever, Jorge Perez; 2nd team Shortstop, Joshua Baez; 2nd team 1st base, Ethan Garza; 2nd team Outfielder, Aiden Barrera; Honorable Mention Catcher, Joaquin Tovias; Honorable Mention 2nd base, Victor Rodriguez; Honorable Mention 3rd base, Tony Garcia.
The baseball program also presented team awards to the following: Most Coachable, Jorge Perez; Spirit & Desire Award, Aiden Barrera; Hustle Award, Victor Rodriguez; Slugger Award, Joziah Davis; Golden Glove, Ethan Garza; Pitcher of the Year, Jordan Lopez; and Most Valuable Player, Joshua Baez.
SBHS finished fourth in the district with a 2-6 record, good enough for a postseason berth. The ‘Hounds were 10-16 on the year.
FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
The first phase of season ticket renewals for San Benito Greyhounds football has passed, according to the San Benito CISD Athletic Department.
As previously reported, from May 26 through June 26, an email was sent to 2025 seaso ticket holders. They should have received a pass code and a web link to renew, even if they planned to trade tickets.
According to SBCISD, July 14-26 is set aside to trade current tickets for others or purchase additional tickets. Individuals will be notified if they are able to trade or if additional tickets can be accommodated.
Public ticket sales dates run Aug. 3-21 for all non-renewed reserved tickets. The Greyhounds’ five home games are $40 per reserved ticket.
For more information, contact the SBCISD Athletic Department at 956-361-6586.