Boys golf season ends with regional tournament

The boys golf team finished sixth in regional competition in San Angelo April 20.

The boys were led by Juniors Matikul Boonyam and John Barnes with two day totals of 153. Both boys narrowly missed competing at the state tournament by 5 strokes.

Barnes had the lowest round for the team, shooting a 72 on the first day followed by Boonyam with a 74. Junior Bill Bryant and Boonyam shot both rounds of the tournament in the 70 range.

The team qualified for the regional tournament after playing in Plainview April 15.

Junior Austin Hamil, sophomore James Bayless, Bryant, and  Boonyam shot in the 70 range. All district honors went to Bryant, first team, Boonyam, second team, Hamil, second team and Barnes, honorable mention.

Chapter celebrates National FFA Week

FFA members participated in National FFA week through community service and agriculture education Feb. 20-27.

FFA week begins on former President George Washington’s birthday. FFA is devoted to following the practices of his leadership, ethics and success.  This was the first year the Canyon High School chapter participated in events during FFA week.

 Sophomore officer Landry Keith said FFA has affected him since he was a child, and he hoped the week’s events would affect others in the same way.

 “I practice leadership with speaking skills and leadership skills that I’ve learned in FFA,” Keith said. “FFA has made a big impact in my life with the many people I have met and the many opportunities it presents.”

 Officers traveled to Canyon Junior High Monday, Feb. 22 for a 30-minute recruitment assembly including an informational presentation about opportunities available through FFA.  Officers also were interviewed by KGNC FM about involvement in the Canyon High chapter and broadcasted over the radio on 710 AM Monday. Students provided a faculty appreciation breakfast Wednesday Feb. 24 and offered an educational petting zoo at Crestview and Reeves Hinger elementary schools during the school day Friday Feb. 25.  The petting zoo included horses, pigs, rabbits, calves, goats and chickens.

 “The petting zoo was a great learning experience for the little kids,” Keith said. “It reminded me of how I was exposed to agricultural at that age.”

 Senior president Casey Sciacca said the chapter has been more successful this year than many others in the past. More than 50 students are enrolled as members, with the program growing significantly.

 “The success we’ve shared this year as a chapter continues to amaze me,” Sciacca said. “I hope and pray they will be even more or just as successful next year.”

Estacado highlights

The Eagles are ready for district play coming off a 34-13 win Oct 1. over Lubbock Esatacado.

Senior Blake Boyer led all rushers with 138 yards on 22 carries.

Linebacker junior Clint Johnson intercepted a pass from Estacado quarterback Deverick Stubblefield at the Matadors’ 16 and returned it to the 14 for one of five turnovers the eagles forced during the game.

Junior Thomas Cunningham recovered two fumbles to set up game scores while Juan Garcia as defensive back picked off two other Estacado passes.

Senior Quarterback Conner Moore completed 17 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns, one thrown 14 yards to senior Brayden Kimsey, and the other 18 yards to junior Derek Odell.

State FFA officers visit local chapter

FFA Texas State officers visited the campus Tuesday, Oct. 6 to make a presentation about organizational involvement. The Canyon High School FFA chapter welcomed the state president Allison Grainger, first vice-president Kaleb McLaurin and vice-president Katie Heinrich, who presented a program centered on involvement in organizations, focusing on building FFA chapters.

The National FFA Organization is dedicated to promoting student leadership skills, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Founded in 1928 as Future Farmers of America, membership has grown to 507,763. The Canyon High School chapter contains more than 50 members headed by chapter president senior Casey Sciacca and advisor Dusty Caldwell.

Students will participate in leadership development events this fall including skills demonstration, creed speaking and FFA radio. Spring competitions involve livestock, and equine judging. Students are involved in animal showmanship both fall and spring semesters.