Sports

Showcasing All-Stars

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Despite dipping daily attendance numbers, the Meridian Yellowjackets opted to play up to remain in 11-man football rather than accept their place among the six-man football ranks following the 2022-24 University Interscholastic League’s biennial realignment last February. But interestingly, all other Meridian sports – volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, golf and track – competed at the Class 1A level as assigned during the 2022-23 school year.

Rebuilding Program

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Although the Clifton High School baseball program came up short in their quest to return to the Class 3A postseason tournament for the first time in four seasons, the Cubs took steps in the right direction. Rewarded for their efforts, the Cubs drew all-District 17-3A accolades with senior outfielder Carter Tunnell and junior infielder Clay Kennedy being named to the second team, while senior infielder Trent Guinn and senior pitcher Samuel Cecil received honorable mention nods.

Step In Right Direction

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Although enthusiasm soared after winning their second game of the season, the Meridian Lady Jacket softball team remained a work in progress throughout the 2023 Texas high school softball season. Fielding a young team with a mix of experience, the Lady Jackets showed signs of being diamonds in the rough while battling in District 12 comprised of both 2A and 1A teams.

Playing Without Fear

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After claiming third place in District 17-3A and wrapping up the 2023 Texas high school softball regular season with back-to-back dominating victories, the Clifton Lady Cub softball team rolled into the playoffs with momentum on their side. But even though the Lady Cubs (6-4 in district, 16-14 overall) were swept in their best-of-three game Bi-District playoff series against Corsicana Mildred, falling 7-3 in Game 1 before dropping Game 2, 13-3, the district coaches recognized a number of Clifton players for their efforts.

Clifton participates in Victory Bowl

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When Central Texas athletes gather to participate in their respective sport’s allstar game as a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Victory Bowl festivities each summer, it becomes much more about the experience than the games themselves. Bringing sports venues across Central Texas to life June 2-3, the 12th Annual FCA Super Centex Victory Bowl all-star games featured graduated seniors from over 100 high schools in 12 counties from the Heart of Texas area.

Celebrating Success

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With the 2022-23 high school year producing a wealth of success, the Meridian Yellowjacket boys and girls sports programs celebrated a banner year at their annual athletic banquet last Thursday. As examples of the overall success Meridian enjoyed, senior Dustan Bowers and junior Canyon Stauffer were named the Jacket and Lady Jacket Most Outstanding Athletes.

Jacket baseball success draws honors

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Enjoying their best season in six years, the Meridian Yellowjacket baseball team reaped the benefits with accolades when the All-District 141A honors were released last week. With Brayden Wehmeyer and Ian Gomez leading the way, the Jackets drew two of the top superlative awards while placing six players on the all-district first-team, three more on the second team as well as an honorable mention.

Grinding For State Glory

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lory UIL Class 1A State Track & Field Championships, Iredell’s Chandlers takes gold in girls’ pole vault Setting the bar high in Meridian at the Class 1A State Championships last Saturday at Mike A. Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin, the Jackets walked away with a silver medal in the mile relay and a fifth place finish in the overall team standings.

Setting A New Standard

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TAndARd Championship, break school record Competing at the University Interscholastic League’s Class 3A Track & Field State Championships last Thursday at Mike A. Myers Stadium on the University of Texas campus in Austin, the Clifton Cubs set two new school records and came home with some hardware for their efforts.

Jackets ousted in Bi-District playoff

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As far as the Meridian Yellowjacket baseball team was concerned, its season ended far too soon. But as the first Jacket squad to advance to the postseason since 2017, Meridian managed to extend the season longer than any other in six years.