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TBy Josh Mantzelexas Brigades is a nonprofitorganization with a missionto educate and empower adolescents with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife and fisheries stewardship. Texas Brigades host several summer youths camps each year to promote their mission. I attended the camp in Galveston, Texas last summer. I loved it so much; I wanted to share the great things I learned.Participants, called cadets, learned about team building. We did this through activities like building a structure out oftoothpicks and marshmallows. It taught me how to communicate under pressure and follow orders. There are other leadership building activities like directing marching drills. Texas Brigades develop skills I can use on any team.Each location teaches specific outdoor skills. Since my battalion focused on the coastal area, I learned about fishing. For example, we dissected common fish species that were found on the coast. We learned about their diet to improve their habitat. We also received instructions on the different fishing equipment to help pick theright gear for the right purpose.There were many presentations aboutconservation. I remember one that showed many turtles died because they had plastic in the body. Trash also destroyed many habitats. Texas Brigade’s taught me I can help preserve great fishing areas.Texas Brigades host nine camps across Texas. They focus on topics like deer, quail, and ducks, fisheries and ranching. To apply, go to texasbrigades.org or call (210) 556- 1391. Do it today! You will love it.TBy Comal ISDhe Smithson Valley High School girls cross country team made school history when it won the UIL5A State title on November 2 in Round Rock and was recognized by the Comal ISD Board of Trustees for its success.The Rangers were led by freshman Brady Solansky who lost a shoe in the beginning of the race, hobbling across rough gravel for the first mile before the course turned back to grass. She recovered and finished with the bronze medal.The team entered the state meet ranked second but left as the clear winner with five runners placing in the top 20 to beat the silver medal team by 43 points.Along with Solansky, the state-winning team includes Skyler Fonseca, Parker Julian, Lilly Koenig, Addison Knibbe, Mia Perez and Aubry Pozzi. The SVHS head cross country coach is Trenton Hall.Comal ISD was well represented at theUIL 4A cross country state meet as well with two athletes from Canyon Lake High School and 14 from Davenport High School qualifying.From CLHS, Eva Zabarcencu and Tristan Schenk advanced to the state meet.From DHS, the girls team finished fifth in the state for the second consecutive year, and the boys team finished 10th. Senior Eli Bliss became the school’s first runner to earn a medal at a state meet, finishing 10th. He also received All-State recognition from the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas. Members of the DHS girls team were Beth Bates, Olivia Bounds, Kendall Fallon, Macie Fallon, Julianna Gonzalez, Caitlyn Long and Audrey Orgill.Members of the DHS boys team were Caleb Bliss, Eli Bliss, Jayson Loyola, Christian Pena, Blake Reagan, Nate Rogers and Jake Vidrio.Davenport High School cross country state qualifiers were recognized during the Comal ISD Board of Trustees meeting December 19.Growth and Gratitude at Texas BrigadesCross Country State Champions, Qualifiers HonoredThe state championship cross country team from Smithson Valley High School was recognized during the Comal ISD Board of Trustees meeting December 19.Comal ISD Hosted Smithson Valley Football State Championship CommunityRally On January 15The Smithson Valley High School girls cross country team won the UIL 5A state title.Smithson Valley Football State ChampionsBTy Comal ISDhe Smithson Valley Football State Championship team for a community rally was held Jan. 15,at Ranger Stadium.It was the perfect opportunity to hearfrom Athletic Coordinator and Head Coach Larry Hill as he showcased the winningtrophy, introduced the football team and coaching staff while recapping the state game with video highlights.In addition, fans young and old alike were invited to meet and take pictures with their favorite players and the state trophy.10www.bsbhighlights.comFebruary 2025