(Photos by Francisco E. Jimenez)
Below: Members of the San Benito CISD Board of Trustees are seen participating in the ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge” during the Meet the Greyhounds community pep rally on Thursday, Aug. 21.
Above: Head coach Dan Gomez also participated in the challenge, much to the delight of his teammates and the fans in attendance.
By ARMANDO GARZA
Special to the NEWS
It’s official: Football time in San Benito is here.
Thursday night was the first chance the community got to meet their football team as the annual “Meet the Greyhounds” event at Bobby Morrow Stadium was a smash hit.
Each football squad from varsity to freshman got to soak in the support from a good crowd on hand to cheer on the ’Hounds. In addition, cheerleading and dance teams from SBHS and VMS along with the Mighty Greyhound Band all made their presence felt on a night full of spirit.
Superintendent of schools Antonio G. Limón introduced the Board of Trustees (more on them later), and emcee Mario Medrano made sure everyone on the field was recognized. The event was again organized in part by the San Benito Quarterback Club.
Additionally, this was the first “Meet the Greyhounds” event for head coach/athletic director Dan Gomez, who was excited for his players to meet the community and get things going.
“It’s very special,” he said. “The kids work so hard and they deserve these types of events because of all of that hard work they put in. The community comes out and supports them and the kids see that and feed off of that. It’s a real good deal and it definitely kicks off the season the right way.”
Gomez introduced the varsity football team and coaching staff, all of whom got rousing applause and cheers. The ’Hounds are intent on making some noise this season as they look to atone for last year’s disappointing 3-7 record.
After introductions and pleasantries were completed, SBCISD board members took part in the ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge,” the craze which is designed to raise awareness for ALS—also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease—and has taken the nation by storm. Led by Board President Arnold Padilla, the trustees were doused in ice water in a show of spirit and goodwill. Defensive coordinator Haskell Buff and later Gomez also took part in the challenge, much to the crowd’s delight.
Friday’s scrimmage served as a tuneup for when the real games begin next Friday, Aug. 29 against Edinburg High at Bobby Morrow Stadium.
