By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
There is an August 14 deadline for those interested in supporting the 2026-27 San Benito High School Greyhounds’ Football Program.
The SBHS cheerleading and dance organizations and their directors said that any athlete, business, family, or organization is welcome to purchase a customized ad for the 2026 football season.
The program is usually more than 100 pages and is sold only at home games.
Cheer sponsor Janie Rios and Belles dance director Rick Delgado said that an ad, no matter the size, is an ideal way to show support, share a message, and be part of the season, while also supporting both of their organizations.
VOLLEYBALL
Longtime SBHS Volleyball Head Coach Ruby Medina is leading the program when the season begins next month.
SBHS finished fourth last season and qualified for bi-district, where San Benito lost to Weslaco.
The same goes for Ester Vasquez, who returns as the head coach of the Rio Hondo Lady ’Cats. She led the team years ago and, upon her return, looks to improve on the Lady ’Cats’ eighth-place district finish from a year ago.
According to the University Interscholastic League, all volleyball-related activities may begin on Saturday, August 1, the first day for issuing equipment and conducting workouts.
The first day of scrimmages may be August 7, and the first day of matches may be August 10.
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
Rio Hondo High School (RHHS) has put the spotlight on various athletes during the summer, which focuses intensely on strength and conditioning, and began on June 30.
Even middle school student-athletes have been invited to attend, regardless of the sport they play. Coaches have seen a record number of student-athletes participating.
It was originally scheduled for five weeks, Monday through Thursday, from 9-11 a.m.
Weight room hours at RHHS run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Rio Hondo ISD Athletics Department, led by Athletics Director Rocky James, said there have been as many as 160 participants. RHISD shared a photo on social media showcasing 148 participants.
Various RHHS coaches from sports including cross country, baseball, softball, and volleyball have been asked to recognize their athletes after their workouts.
Coaches include Ben Perez, Tuffy Calderon, Andres Alvarez, and Vasquez.
After two weeks, the athletes recognized were Sebastian Garcia, Aleena Cavazos, Devin Raymond, Jose Luis Lopez, Matthew Sanchez, Matthew Lopez, Stephanie Garza, and Selena Martinez.