Sports

Setting State Standard

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Making history by participating in a first-ever event, Meridian’s Raechel Ramirez made the most of the opportunity by earning a trip to the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association’s “Unequipped” State Championship last Thursday at the Comerica Center in Frisco. But once there, Ramirez was not done yet as she claimed the fourth place medal in the 165-pound weight class with a total weight of 715 pounds, powering her way to a 285-pound squat, throwing up a 120-pound bench press, and fighting her way to a 310-pound deadlift.

Jacket baseball opens district

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Brett Voss The Sports Buzz Looking to make backto- back playoff appearances for the first time since the 2009-10 seasons, the Meridian Yellowjackets will open District 14-1A competition by facing the best the league has to offer. Taking their first step toward restoring Meridian’s winning baseball tradition, the Jackets claimed a share of their first district title since 2010 last year by finishing the regular season in a deadlock at the top with the Jonesboro Eagles.

Meridian track hosts relays Thursday

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Heading into the Yellowjacket Relays this Thursday, the Meridian boys and girls track teams continue to improve as they gear to host the District 14-1A Track & Field Championships April 3. Competing in the Gladiator Relays in Italy last week, the Meridian boys finished as the overall team runner-up with 96 points, well behind host and meet champion Italy with 211 points and just ahead of third place Hubbard with 85 points.

Lifting To State Title

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Taking his place among the Texas high school powerlifting elite to the next level, Clifton senior Riley Finney captured the gold medal in the 220-pound weight class at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association’s Division 3 State Championships held last Saturday at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene. Setting a new state record with a 550-pound bench press, Finney won the 220-pound weight class by 50 pounds with a total weight of 1,745 pounds, powering past silver medalist Caiden Moore of Mount Vernon with 1,695 pounds and bronze medalist Akilles Garcia of Orangefield with 1,690.

Clifton track shines at Cub Relays

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Without question, inclement weather has wreaked havoc for the Clifton boys and girls during the 2024 Texas high school track and field season. And once again, last week proved to be no exception.

Cubs baseball opens district with statement

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Making a statement to the rest of the District 173A competition, the Clifton Cub baseball team appears primed to make a serious run at returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. But playing in one of the toughest districts Class 3A can offer, it won’t be easy.

Lady Cubs sweep

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Despite opening District 17-3A competition with back-to-back loses against 14th-ranked Grandview, the Clifton Lady Cub softball team bounced back to move into postseason contention in hopes of capturing their second straight trip to the playoffs. With senior starting pitcher Laylah Gaona tossing a no-hitter from the circle, the Lady Cubs notched their first district win with an overwhelming 15-1 home victory over the Keene Lady Chargers last Tuesday.

Meridian track at Gladiator Relays

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After opening the 2024 Texas high school track and field season at the Rio Vista Cow Pasture Relays March 7, the Meridian boys and girls track teams took Spring Break off last week. So with only one meet under their belts, the Jackets and Lady Jackets return to action at the Gladiator Relays in Italy this Thursday.

Final Tuneup For District

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After clinching a share of their first district title since 2010 last season, the Meridian Yellowjackets hope to continue building on what they started. And by securing their second straight trip to the playoffs during the 2024 Texas high school baseball season, the Jackets could take another step toward restoring their winning baseball tradition.

Lady Cubs softball look for district wins

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Hoping to shake off a district-opening, two-game sweep by one of the best teams in the state, the Clifton Lady Cubs look to take their first steps to making back-to-back trips to the Class 3A playoffs in the 2024 Texas high school softball season. Despite a strong effort from senior Layla Gaona in the circle and at the plate, the Lady Cubs opened District 17-3A competition with back-to-back losses to the 15th-ranked Grandview Lady Zebras, dropping game one, 12-0, before falling, 15-0, in game two last Wednesday.