Sports

Looking back is perfect vision, but looking ahead has a sense of adventure and anticipation. Here is a playbill of coming attractions on the stage at Ennis, Ferris, Palmer, Rice, Italy and Avalon.

Senior Michael Alonzo has set the pace for the Ennis Cross Country team this summer and since they reported to camp on July 27. The varsity XC boys and girls teams will kickoff the 2026 season on Friday, August 14, with the Tigers Short-Course in Lancaster.

Rather than running away from whatever is behind them, in the sport of cross country, participants chase whoever is in front. Open-air courses over natural terrain of dirt, grass and hills, high school teams compete on 5,000 meter (3.1 miles) distances.

After three years of outstanding play, Avalon High School has begun a rebuilding season that includes the hiring of a new head coach of the Lady Eagles. Athletic Director Malcolm Cole signed Ennis native Caitlin Green in May.

Ennis, picked to finish fourth in District 7-5A behind No. 12 ranked Heritage, No.

Making his share of racket as a freshman player a year ago, Henry Mahone is leading the charge this week for Ennis Tennis. HC Keith Howard and the Lions play host to state-ranked Lindale at 9am on Monday, August 3 at the Ennis Tennis Center.

Tina Richards has made her bones coaching softball at Italy High School. A perennial power in the area, winning a number of district crowns and twice reaching the regional finals, when Richards took the wheel to also coach the volleyball team, who knew Midas touch would follow.

A three-week countdown is underway before the August 1 opening of pre-season volleyball practices awaits Ennis and area teams. HC Kelly Henderson will likely have six of the nine varsity players return from a young team whose top loss to graduation was All-District hitter Kylah Smith.