By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal This is the final stop before postseason begins. After logging countless hours across hundreds of miles, the cross country season is approaching its finish line. District meets for Belton, Lake Belton and New Tech are less than a week away, and at the events, only the top three teams and top 10 individuals extend their campaigns. Then, only regional meets separate harriers from the University Interscholastic League Cross Country State Championships, and today is the last preparation prior to embarking on the trek. Teams from across the area, including all three Belton ISD programs, will descend on Heritage Park for the Pro-Fit Last Chance Invitational. The event begins at 8 a.m. Lady Dragons freshman Ella Megoulla enters today’s race with momentum after winning the girls junior varsity championship at last week’s Robinson Invitational. She completed the two-mile course in 14 minutes, 45.4 seconds. Her closest competition was teammate Claire Thomas, who posted a silver-medal time of 15:20.8, beating out Bruceville-Eddy’s Kylie Tergerson (3rd, 15:29.0). Daniella Idumebor also raced for New Tech, placing 19th (16:48.6). The Dragons did not field a complete team in the boys junior varsity division, but they did produce a top-10 showing thanks to David Martinez, who was ninth (19:40.1). Daniel Zubaty (13th, 19:59.0), Desmond Long (25th, 20:40.6) and Zorian Hajduk (71st, 26:52.6) also represented New Tech on the five-kilometer route. Belton traveled to compete in the annual Granbury “Race for the Loot,” where the Lady Tigers and Tigers placed seventh and 10th, respectively, in the Class 5A-6A division. Paced by sophomore Isabella Warner (38th, 22:01.36) and junior Roxanna Delgado (40th, 22:02.32), the Lady Tigers amassed 232 points. The score was rounded out by junior Nataly Valdez (51st, 22:35.83), freshman Ayla Wakershauser (57th, 23:04.57) and senior Delilah Hoffman (64th, 23:26.17). Additionally, senior Destiny Schutz (68th, 23:47.50), sophomore Madyson Hartnett (71st, 23:59.98) and freshman Natalie Mott (74th, 24:12.10) raced for Belton, but their times did not count toward the team total. Highland Park easily captured the team title with 29 points as junior Ryan Sontag (1st, 18:53.15) and sophomore Finley Heckler (2nd, 18:56.40) were the top two finishers, beating out sophomore Landrie Coker (3rd, 19:21.28), who guided Arlington Martin (56) to second place. Burleson Centennial (3rd, 80) and Cleburne (4th, 99) completed the top four. Martin (1st, 69), Centennial (2nd, 72), Highland Park (3rd, 75) and Cleburne (4th, 116) occupied the top four spots in the boys five-kilometer race. The Tigers were 10th (259) with junior Jose Perez-Diaz (27th, 17:47.04), senior Palu Maringathuparambil (33rd, 18:07.67), senior Rosalia Parra (74th, 19:30.34), freshman Ethan Trevino (77th, 19:40.91) and junior Hayden Brown (78th, 19:41.70) accounting for the points. Alexander Castelan (83rd, 20:03.63), a junior, and sophomore Nelson Funez (89th, 20:35.46) also raced. Granbury senior Gannon Dolan (1st, 15:55.44) won the race with Chisholm Trail senior Xavier Mendez (2nd, 16:19.57) and Centennial sophomore Landon Martinez (3rd, 16:49.75) following. Lake Belton’s penultimate competition before district occurred at Saturday’s Georgetown ISD Invitational, where the Lady Broncos scored 309 points to place 11th. The Lady Broncos’ point-producers were Keira Dzenowski (25th, 20:07.5), Lucy Loa (70th, 21:19.7), Madelyn Rivas (72nd, 21:20.4), Jenna Benedick (73rd, 21:21.0) and Alayna Fulton (90th, 21:42.7), while Sarah Gray (101st, 22:02.2), Elizabeth Sandlin (105th, 22:07.2), Demi Fisher (106th, 22:08.8), Clara Hill (116th, 22:32.5) and Claire Henn (137th, 23:20.8) also competed. Georgetown won the team title with 76 points. Individual champion Landon Fluckiger (1st, 15:13.5) and bronze medalist Leo Brasil (3rd, 15:25.4) helped Round Rock (69) win the boys championship. The Broncos were 21st (601). Jack McCullagh (115th, 18:01.9), Drew Houston (136th, 18:23.0), Josiah Briggs (140th, 18:28.9), Tyler Adkins-Beltran (141st, 18:31.5) and Cooper Schels (147th, 18:42.3) were responsible for the score. Austin Adams (163rd, 19:07.5) and Efren Romero-Meza (182nd, 19:59.4) also raced for Lake Belton. Waco’s Heart of Texas Soccer Complex will host the District 16-5A meet Oct. 8, while the District 19-3A meet will be held at Cameron on Oct. 6.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Lady Tigers traveled to compete in Burnet’s annual tournament at Delaware Springs Golf Course on Tuesday and placed ninth out of 21 teams. Ella Hice shot a teamlow 97, while Abby Beck had a 103, Annaleigh Holliday posted a 105 and Mackenzie McGarry finished with a 109. Belton returns to action Oct. 30 at Waco’s Cottonwood Golf Club. YOUTH BASKETBALL Registration is now open for the Belton Christian Youth Center 2025 basketball league. Boys and girls in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate. Early registration discounts are available until Sunday with the deadline set for Oct. 31. The fall season begins Nov. 22. Spots are limited. Forms are available at BCYCsports.com, and information about sponsorships can be obtained by calling 254-939-5759. For more information, visit BeltonYouth.com. FUNDRAISER The seventh-annual Rockin for Youth benefit for the Clements Boys and Girls Club, Belton Tiger Athletic Booster Club and Lake Belton High School Athletic Booster Club will be held Saturday at 301 Thomas Arnold Road in Salado. The event will begin at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $25 at the door and $20 if purchased in advance at OutHouseTickets.com. Kids ages 12 and under are free. ATHLETIC PASSES Belton ISD family passes are on sale for $75 and can be purchased at the Belton High School field house or at the Belton ISD administration office.  The pass allows the owner and all immediate family members entry into any Belton ISD athletic event played at home, excluding football games.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal Believe it or not, but time is running out. After spending months practicing and competing, Belton, Lake Belton and New Tech have already reached the point in the season where the end begins approaching. Less than two weeks separate the programs from district meets, where campaigns will come to a close for some. Although the dates are drawing near with the District 16-5A meet set for Oct. 8 and the District 19-3A meet scheduled for Oct. 6, opportunities remain for the squads to prepare. The Tigers and Lady Tigers travel to Granbury on Friday for the 11th annual Race For The Loot event, while the Broncos and Lady Broncos are bound for Saturday’s Georgetown ISD Invitational. The Dragons and Lady Dragons will take part in today’s Robinson Invitational. Lake Belton will aim to build on the momentum generated at last week’s home meet. The Bronco Invitational was held at Temple’s Crossroads Park, wheretheLadyBroncosfinished third in the Class 5A-6A division, scoring 91 points behind Keira Dzenowski. The freshman finishedthefive-kilometercoursein 20 minutes, 5.2 seconds to earn the bronze medal. Her outing was complemented by junior Jenna Benedick (13th, 21:00.5), sophomore Lucy Loa (21st, 21:31.9), junior Sarah Gray (26th, 21:51.0) and junior Madelyn Rivas (28th, 21:54.6). Additionally, the sophomore trio of Elizabeth Sandlin (31st, 22:05.1), Alayna Fulton (35th, 22:19.9) and Claire Henn (43rd, 22:32.6) placed in the top 45, but their times did not count toward the team total. Demi Fisher (50th, 22:39.9) and Isabela Romero. (90th, 23:51.7), who are seniors, also represented Lake Belton. Leander Glenn freshman Madisyn Scott won the individual championship, leading the Lady Grizzlies to fourth place (148), while runner-up Taylor Jorde (2nd, 19:50.7) helped Liberty Hill claim the team title with 45 points. Temple was second (72). Led by sophomore Isabella Warner(15th,21:16.2),theLady Tigers were ninth (262). Belton’s score was rounded out by junior Nataly Valdez (64th, 22:59.0), junior Roxanna Delgado (66th, 23:03.1), sophomore Ai Kirkland (71st, 23:17.0) and freshman Ayla Wakershauser (74th, 23:24.6). Also competing for the Lady Tigers was senior Destiny Schutz (81st, 23:31.3), junior Fancy Jaime (82nd, 23:33.2), senior Delilah Hoffman (86th, 23:41.7), sophomore Lilian Baggett (95th, 24:00.8) and freshman Natalie Mott (110th, 24:25.9). In the boys division, Lake Belton was eighth (179) and Belton was 10th (269). The Broncos were paced by junior Wyatt Potts (16th, 17:54.9), while junior Jack McCullagh (34th, 18:22.4), freshman Drew Houston (44th, 18:35.2), sophomore Cooper Schels (46th, 18:36.6) and sophomore Tyler Adkins-Beltran (50th, 18:38.9) accounted for the remaining points. The Tigers’ total was accumulated by top-40 finishers Jose Perez-Diaz (37th, 18:28.6) and Ezra Kahler (39th, 18:30.1), who are juniors, along with senior Palu Maringathuparambil (47th, 18:36.7), junior Alexander Castelan (90th, 19:35.1) and junior Hayden Brown (91st, 19:35.7). While their times did not count, Lake Belton junior Josiah Briggs (65th, 18:56.0), junior Austin Adams (94th, 19:39.7), senior Robert Klotz (106th, 20:11.9), sophomore Efren Romero-Meza (107th, 20:12.9) and senior Robert Thomas (11th, 20:35.7) and Belton freshman Ethan Trevino (92nd, 19:35.8), senior Daniel Arroyo (100th, 19:51.9), sophomore Nelson Funez (113th, 20:37.3) and sophomore Marcus Hernandez (116th, 20:53.4) also raced. New Tech took part in last week’s Cameron Yoe “Dean Keen” Invitational, where a pair of top-10 showings were produced in the junior varsity division. Neither the Dragons nor the Lady Dragons fielded a complete team, but freshman Ellie Megoulloa was seventh (14:39.59) in the two-mile race, and freshman David Martinez was seventh (20:06.10) in the 5,000-meter race. Eighth-grader Daniel Zubaty (20th, 20:59.05), junior Desmond Long (30th, 21:49.18), freshman Zorian Hajduk (59th, 26:43.63) and sophomore Daniella Idumebor (34th, 17:39.92) also competed for New Tech.

By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal Belton ISD tennis had a week full of competition and strong performances as the Lake Belton Broncos and Belton Tigers battled through important district matches. The highlight came on September 10th when the two programs met in a cross town rivalry at Belton High School. The Tigers secured a 12-7 victory in front of their home crowd, displaying great team work and growth across the lineup. Belton capitalized on key doubles wins early, setting the stage for their success in singles. The Tigers’ balanced approach and ability to close out tough matches proved to be the difference in the rivalry showdown. The Broncos, while coming up short, showed tremendous fight. Their boys’ doubles teams of Ethan Muelstein/Dhruv Bhat and Ben Johnson/ Quint Mackenzie earned hard fought wins, while two of the girls doubles teams pushed their opponents to third set super tie breakers. In singles play, Muelstein, Bhat, Johnson, Andrew Williams, and Mackenzie each recorded victories, providing a glimpse of the young Broncos’ potential against a veteran Tiger squad. For Belton, the win provided an important lift in the district race and reinforced the team’s strength across multiple positions. After the win, he Tigers used their open week to regroup and prepare for a challenging contest against Harker Heights as district play continues. Lake Belton bounced back quickly after the rivalry matchup, scoring an impressive 12-7 victory over Harker Heights just a few days later. Even without three of their regular players, the Broncos rallied behind standout performances from Micah Briggs, Adriana Goenaga, and Hayden Maroney, who stepped into expanded roles and rose to the challenge. The Broncos dominated doubles behind wins from Sara Stephens/ Hannah Maroney, Lydia Pulavarti/Sonia Padmanabhan, Addie Kruppa/ Goenaga, and Eli Stewart/ Maroney. Singles victories were spread across both the boys and girls lineups, with Williams, Johnson, Stewart, Briggs, and Ethan Cohen picking up points on the boys’ side, while Stephens, Maroney, Padmanabhan, Kruppa, Goenaga, and Maroney powered the girls’ team to multiple wins. As the season progresses, both Belton and Lake Belton continue to showcase the depth of talent within Belton ISD. The Tigers look to build on their district success, while the Broncos prepare for upcoming matches against Waco High and Chaparral. With both teams showing growth and determination, Belton ISD tennis promises to deliver more exciting results in the weeks ahead.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Heart of Texas Fellowship of Christian Ath- letes will be hosting its 26th Annual Grant Teaff Golf Tournament on Monday at Waco’s Bear Ridge Golf Course. A field of 100 golfers will participate with a shot- gun start scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The Burton Lawless College Scholarship will be presented to a pair of recipients during the lunch. For more information, visit HeartOfTexasFCA. org. YOUTH BASKETBALL Registration is now open for the Belton Christian Youth Center 2025 basketball league. Boys and girls in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate. Early registration discounts are available until Sept. 28 with the deadline set for Oct. 31. The fall season begins Nov. 22. Spots are limited. Forms are available at BCYCsports.com, and information about sponsorships can be obtained by calling 254-939-5759. For more information, visit BeltonYouth.com. FUNDRAISER The seventh-annual Rockin’ for Youth benefit for the Clements Boys and Girls Club, Belton Tiger Athletic Booster Club and Lake Belton High School Athletic Booster Club will be held Oct. 11 at 301 Thomas Arnold Road in Salado. The event will begin at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $25 at the door and $20 if purchased in advance at OutHouseTickets.com. Kids ages 12 and under are free.  ATHLETIC PASSES Belton ISD family passes are on sale for $75 and can be purchased at the Belton High School field house or at the Belton ISD administration office. The pass allows the owner and all immediate family members entry into any Belton ISD athletic event played at home, excluding football games.

By Tony Adams The Belton Journal The momentum and buildup of Tuesday’s Belton Tigers and Lake Belton Broncos volleyball contest started with Friday night non-district matchups for each team. Tiger Gym was the setting for Belton’s Friday evening matchup against the West Trojans. The Tigers got off the mark quickly and scored a decisive victory over the Trojans.

By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal Belton ISD’s tennis teams are off to a strong start this fall, with the Tigers, Broncos, and Dragons all showing promising performances as district play begins. The Belton Tigers began their district campaign with an impressive road victory at Chaparral High School. The team came out strong in doubles, winning the majority of matches and setting the tone for the rest of the competition. In singles play, the Tigers continued their momentum, dropping only two matches out of twelve to secure a decisive 16-3 win. The victory puts Belton at 1-0 in district play and 4-4 overall for the season. The team has shown that it can perform well under pressure, blending experienced players with emerging talent. The Lake Belton Broncos have been equally impressive, remaining undefeated through the early portion of the season. Their most recent match against University was a dominant 19-0 victory, with the Broncos winning all seven doubles matches and all twelve singles matches. Despite some closely contested games, the young team demonstrated composure to emerge victorious in every matchup. The Broncos’ next district match will be at Belton High on Tuesday, September 9, where they will look to maintain their perfect record. The Belton New Tech Dragons have faced a more challenging schedule but continue to show persistence and potential. In a recent home match against Cameron, the Dragons fought hard in doubles, with Leland Moore and Zaylen Kimball claiming a hard fought victory to extend their winning streak. Singles play also featured standout performances, with Moore and Jett Lopez picking up key wins, and Grant Wiseman taking an exhibition match. Several other matches were extremely close, going to third set tiebreakers, and although the Dragons fell just short in those contests, the team’s effort were evident. Currently 1-2 in district and 2-3 overall, the Dragons are preparing to face Marble Falls this Thursday at the Yvonne Li Tennis Center, aiming to bounce back and build momentum for the remainder of the season.  As the fall season progresses, Belton ISD’s tennis teams are showing that they have both depth and skill across the board. With upcoming matches and district play intensifying, supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer for these young athletes as they continue to represent their schools with pride.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal Belton recently released its schedule for the upcoming season, and the Tigers and Lady Tigers open by hosting Waco Midway on Nov. 12 before traveling to Azle for a two-day meet beginning Nov. 20. Belton ISD venues will host six more events before Belton High serves as the site for the District 6-5A meet Jan. 28. FUNDRAISER The seventh-annual Rockin’ for Youth benefit for the Clements Boys and Girls Club, Belton Tiger Athletic Booster Club and Lake Belton High School Athletic Booster Club will be held Oct. 11 at 301 Thomas Arnold Road in Salado. The event will begin at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $25 at the door and $20 if purchased in advance at OutHouseTickets.com. Kids ages 12 and under are free. ATHLETIC PASSES Belton ISD family passes are on sale for $75 and can be purchased at the Belton High School field house or at the Belton ISD administration office.  The pass allows the owner and all immediate family members entry into any Belton ISD athletic event played at home, excluding football games.

Look for the sports preview inside this weeks paper. Starting this week get your Friday Night Football Frenzy every Saturday AM around town