The Eustace Baseball Softball Association’s Eustace Thunder baseball team took first place in the 2013 ATBA Summer Bash Tournament recently. Pictured are (from left, back row) coach Joel Boyd, coach Mark Petek and coach James Burlesmith; (middle row) Samuel Marquez, Jonathan Beets, Trenton West, Austin Burlesmith, Zachary Batchelor, Adain Cardenas and Manager Harley Balderas; (front row) Cade Adair, Jimmie Skeeters, Dakota Johnson, Mitchell Boyd, Mark Petek Jr. and Wyatt Farmer.

By Sam Epps
Sports Editor
EUSTACE–John Bradburn, Evan Arambula and Casey Bramblitt were all named as Eustace Athletes of the Year at the annual Eustace Bulldog Athletic Banquet May 18.
Bradburn is a football, basketball, baseball and track standout.
Arambula is a long-distance runner, setting school records in cross country, as well as the 3200-meter and 1600-meter runs.
Bramblitt participated in volleyball, basketball, cross country, powerlifting, softball and track.
At the Eustace athletic Booster Club-sponsored banquet, team awards, EASA scholarships and other recognition was given to students parents and local businesses.
Gavin Kirkhart and Alexis Cravey each received a $250 scholarship from the Eustace All Sports Association (EASA).
The booster club recognized and expressed thanks to several businesses, including Brookshire’s for providing food and drinks to help make the parking lot party prior to the homecoming game possible.
The J&L Technology group donated the inflatable runthrough for the varsity Bulldogs, as well as providing helmets for the junior high football teams.
Kevin Lilly’s McDonald’s was recognized for donating $5,000 for a new end-zone camera.
The Contran Corporation was recognized for a $10,000 donation on behalf of Mrs. Arambula.
Mrs. Arambula passed away when Evan and his siblings were young.
The donation was used to purchase a new tent for the track and cross country teams, EHS flags seen on the sidelines during football games and track suits for the track team.
Eustace Lady Bulldog received a special, $600 scholarship, from the Trinity Valley Volleyball Officials Association.
Team awards were given to players who meant a lot to their respective teams, and who provided leadership and heart during the seasons.
Team award winner are:
Boys Track
• Chad Tindel – Newcomer of the Year
• MVP – Evan Arambula
Girls track
• Chelsea Oldham – MVP Thrower.
• Alexis Cravey – Best All Around
• Jaci Aiken – MVP
Powerlifting
• Casey Bramblitt – MVP
Baseball
• Trevor Lane – MVP
• Forrest Lane – Defensive MVP
• Kyle Purselly – Offensive MVP
• Newcomer of the Year – John Bradburn
Boys Basketball
• Co-MVPs – John Bradburn and Kyle Wood
• Offensive Player of the Year – Steven Stine
• Defensive Player of the Year – Forrest Lane
• Heart Award – Chad Tindel
Girls Basketball
• Co-MVPs – Casey Bramblitt and Kacie Richards
• Defensive MVP – Alexis Cravey
• Newcomer Of The Year – Grace Holcombe
• Role Player of The Year – Chelsea Oldham
• Heart Award – Sheyenne Merrell
Cross Country
• Mark Zimmerer – Heart Award
• Evan Arámbula – MVP
• Hunter Rose – Male New Comer of the Year
• Casey Bramblitt – Lady Newcomer of the Year
• Noa Taylor – Heart Award
• Michelle Gomez – MVP
Volleyball
• MVP – Mallory Keeling
• Heart Award – Chelsea Oldham
• Newcomer of the Year – Peyton DiBari.

Mabank Lady Panther standout athlete Allie Duke signed a letter of intent Monday, May 13, to play soccer for the University of Texas at Permian Basin Lady Falcons in Odessa. She currently plans on studying mathematics and kinesiology in the hopes of becoming a coach. In high school, she helped the Lady Panther soccer team to their history-making seasons two years in a row. She also played volleyball, basketball and ran cross country. “Allie was a senior captain, a leader on our team,” Mabank head girls soccer coach Matt Lemoine said. “She is a consistent player who we could always count on. She will take that to college and succeed there as well.” Pictured are (from left, front) sister Mikayleigh Duke, mother Jennifer Fulfer, Allie Duke, father Michael Duke and brother Cason Duke; (back row) coach Kristin Lemoine, Matt Lemoine and Mabank athletics director Jared Wingfield.