For exciting, intercollegiate sports action, fans need only travel to Laredo Community College.
There, Palomino enthusiasts will find three exciting athletic programs, including women’s volleyball, baseball, women’s tennis and the men’s tennis team, which netted the National Junior College Athletic Association championship title last spring and remains ranked as the No. 1 team in the country.
“At Laredo Community College we are proud of our outstanding athletes who achieve high standards, both in the classroom and on the court,” Troy Van Brunt, athletic director, said. “Our mission at the LCC Athletics Department is to build values in education and sportsmanship, and to help our students discover their maximum potential to succeed in life.”
A member of the NJCAA Region XIV Athletic Conference and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, LCC participates in some of the most competitive intercollegiate sport conferences in the country.
“Our talented Palomino teams should be commended for exhibiting a high caliber of play and sportsmanship on the court,” Van Brunt said.
This spring, conference action continues for the tennis and baseball programs.
PALOMINO TENNIS
The fall edition rankings of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association list the LCC Palominos as the number one men’s team within the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Additionally, the LCC women have improved in the rankings, posting a significant jump from 9th to 5th.
“There’s been a lot of pressure to keep our men’s number one ranking and to improve our standings on the women’s court, but I’m glad and very proud to have a team committed to being the best they can be in the nation,” Coach Jaime Donjuan said.
Last spring, the men’s tennis team won major matches, including the Southwest Junior College championship for the second year in a row and the regional tournament, where they dethroned Tyler Junior College for the first time in Donjuan’s eight years as head coach.
The men’s tennis team went on to win the national competition in May with four Palominos winning singles in the top four flights, among other notable wins.
“It was a great experience to have the team come together to bring the national crown to Laredo for the first time in the city’s 250-year history,” Donjuan said.
Coach Donjuan looks forward to another exciting season in 2006.
With five returning sophomores in the men’s team, Donjuan is confident LCC will stay in first place, barring any injuries.
The women’s team should continue to improve as the season progresses. Donjuan hopes to add “new blood” to the team this spring.
LCC’s first home match is against St. Mary’s University Friday, Feb. 3 at the H.E. Butt Tennis Courts on the north side of the main campus. Admission is free to the public.
PALOMINO BASEBALL
The LCC Palomino baseball team is aiming to up its mark in the conference under the leadership of second-year head coach and former Palomino Chase Tidwell this spring.
Although the team did not reach the playoffs last spring, it achieved one of its best conference marks in recent years.
Tidwell is confident that the Palominos will display improvement on the field once the spring season kicks off in late January.
“We encourage the community and baseball fans to check out the Palominos in action. Support from our fans is vital to help lift team spirit,” Tidwell said.
The spring 2006 baseball schedule for the LCC Palominos includes a 54-match lineup.
The first home game is a doubleheader against conference foe, Wharton County Junior College, Saturday, Feb. 4 at 12 p.m. at Doc Sanchez Field. They play again on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 12 p.m.
PALOMINO VOLLEYBALL
The women’s volleyball team continues to recruit and build its strength in preparation for the fall 2006 season.
The Lady Palominos are under the leadership of Jennielle Strother, who starts her fifth year as head coach next season.
Women’s volleyball launches its conference season in September.
For game schedules and more information, go online to www.laredo.edu/athletics or call the LCC Athletic Department at 721-5326.
This spring, the Palomino baseball team embarks on a 54-match journey to reach its final destination: Grand Junction, site of this year’s national competition.
The Palomino men’s tennis team looks forward to staying atop the national rankings. The women’s tennis team also begins its conference season this spring.
The LCC Palomino women’s volleyball team delivers exciting play on the court with some of the state’s toughest competitors.
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