From the Stands (1-3-2016)

From the Stands (1-3-2016)

The first week of 2016 is a great time to reflect on the year that has just closed. And what a year it was.

Looking back on January of 2015 the Lady Mule and Mule basketball teams were battling their way through the district schedules. The Lady Mules qualified for the Texas State Playoffs and surprised two post-season opponents to finish their season with both the Bi-District and Area Championships.

The Mules cruised past the Spearman Lynx for the Bi-District gold ball but came up short in the Area-round game that had to be postponed and moved because of winter weather.

The power lifters were in action before basketball had ended. Brianna Barron led the Lady Mules by finishing fifth in the Region I Meet. Evan Paez and David Rodriguez paced the Mule power lifters by qualifying to lift in the Region I Meet.

Spring would make me go crazy except for the great Muleshoe coaches that keep me posted each week.

Conner Harrison led the Mule golfers by finishing as the top individual player in the district and qualified to play in the Region I Tournament. The Lady Mule team won the Team silver medal in district competition and qualified to play in the Region I Tournament.

Five Lady Mules qualified in the Area track meet to advance to Region I Meet. Evan Paez was the lone Mule to qualify for the Region I Meet.

The Lady Mule softball team came back to tie the Shallowater Fillies for the District Championship in the final game of the season. The Lady Mules defeated the Fillies a second time just a few days later to become the number one seed in the district. They went on to earn the Bi-District Championship.

The Mule baseball team broke new ground in 2015. They had to over come some adversity just as district competition got underway but made the playoffs. Childress fell to the Mules in a two-out-of-three set on the all-turf field at West Texas High School.

The Mules traveled to Monahans to battle the always tough Presidio Blue Devils. The Mules won the first game 2-1 but came up short 2-1 in the second game. The Mules returned to Monahans on Saturday after an overnight deluge and a senior scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 3-2 win and the Area Championship.

The Mule football team just completed a successful season that began with an undefeated run through district. Every Mule that was suited up played in the Bi-District game. Breckenridge had defeated the Mules in 2014 but the Mules returned the favor in 2015 to win the Area Championship. Injuries are never a football team’s friend and finally caught up with the Mules.

Currently the Mules and Lady Mules are preparing for their district basketball runs. Both teams are looking strong. Winter storm Goliath played havoc with the Lady Mules’ and Mules’ Caprock Holiday Tournament schedule but both teams did get in a couple of games during the tournament.

The Lady Mules hosted the Levelland Loboettes Tuesday night and the Mules hosted the Slaton Tigers. The Lady Mules will open district Friday night when the Shallowater Fillies visit the New Muleshoe High School Gymnasium. The Mules will travel to Idalou to battle the Wildcats.

The Lady Mules travel to Dimmitt January 12 to tangle with the Bobbies while the Mules take the night off. January 15 both teams will be at home when the Littlefield Lady Cats and Cats visit Muleshoe.

2016 is already shaping up to be as exciting as 2015. I hope you will take the time to watch and support the Lady Mules and Mules.