Even though he is quiet, it is clear that Tran truly cares about every player and wants them all to succeed. He believes that every student deserves experience and a chance to grow, so he makes sure everyone gets opportunities to play and improve. During practice, he carefully observes each player and designs drills based on what he notices they need to work on during games. This shows that he pays close attention and is always thinking about how to help his students become better athletes.

At tournaments, Tran goes out of his way to support the team. He wakes up early and drives the players to tournaments in the school suburban, showing his dedication and responsibility. While watching matches, he studies how each player performs and gives advice in a calm and respectful way. Instead of being harsh or yelling, he explains what they can do differently. Tran motivates his players in a positive and encouraging way. His coaching style makes students feel supported and confident, which helps them perform better. Because of his coaching, many students have improved quickly, and some have even won medals within their first year of playing tennis.

“When our students win medals, there is a sense of pride and fulfillment,” Tran shares. “Coaching is a job that has its ups and downs, but when a student is able to complete at his or her respective level, it validates the struggles that we’ve had together.”

Some may think he is too quiet to be a coach, but when he is coaching, he becomes much more talkative and active with the team. He is always focused on helping his students learn and grow. On a deeper level, Coach Tran does more than just teach tennis skills. He encourages his students to try new things, even if they are unsure or have an initial negative perspective.

Hunt naturally builds strong connections with students because of his passion for communication and his energetic personality. He encourages students to visit his office to talk about academics, athletics, or any concerns. “I want to create a safe space for students to communicate,” he says.

Dedicated to helping others, Hunt focuses on growth and improvement in every part of his career while always putting students’ needs first. Despite the challenges of his role, he values spending time with his family.

“Whether it’s taking my children to the Dallas Museum of Art or going to the park, I absolutely adore spending time with my family,” he shares.

As a young administrator, Hunt aims to be both a mentor to students and a present father. “I will go the extra mile and do my best to provide students with a supportive and encouraging environment to succeed.”

Rather actively displays clear passion as he describes his ambitions, his gaze juggling between the ball and the microphone. Despite the opportunity to boast his achievements, he remains dedicated to his craft and earnestly depicts his long-term goals, “I’m looking into and talking to college coaches about soccer in college, mainly Ohio State and SMU.”

Alongside Rather, freshman mid-fielder Joseph Escalante stuns the varsity soccer team with his enthusiasm in both soccer and cross country.
“I’ve been playing soccer since I was three years old, and I really want to play college-level at TCC or SMU,” Escalante explains, “Cross country has been helping with my performance, with my conditioning and my stamina.”

Having dedicated himself to soccer for over a decade, Escalante displays a level of appetite for the sport unseen before. Through his commitment to cross country practices and meets, he nurtures his appreciation for the game and for the results of his hard work.

As reported by Rather and Escalante, Coach Hoffner, marathon runner and hiker outside of school sports, recruited the soccer teams to join cross country for its physical and mental benefits. The mastermind behind it all, he exhibits complete vigor when describing what the athletes endure every morning, junior varsity soccer player Edwin Perez by his side.

“I truly believe cross country promotes a longer, sustained effort for the players, and it takes a lot of mental planning and effort,” Hoffner crosses his arms as he explains this, his sincerity evident through his demeanor, “And of course, it opens many avenues for them [the players], many think they have to choose one or the other, but they find they like both.”

Perez, an extremely active and spirited player in both cross country and soccer teams, adds on to Hoffner’s assertions, “Cross country really helps me with constantly showing up, and always putting in my one-hundred percent effort.”

The junior holds well-deserved accomplishments as he enters this year’s season, having run one hundred miles in the summer in preparation. Alongside his love for soccer outside of school, his fresh excitement for the sport is exactly what Lamar High School needs and is proud to already have. The addition of cross country conditioning integrated into the tenacious soccer practice proves to be a great residual for both the junior varsity and varsity soccer teams, fortifying physical and emotional strength.

“I’m pretty confident my team and I will win,” before the meet, senior swimmer Jack Bedell offered key insight into the team’s preparation and anticipation for the match, “We’re practicing like normal, but the commitment the swimmers display is inspiring.”

Bedell expands on the enthusiasm his fellow swimmers exhibit, noting how a few of them have dropped other extracurriculars and sports to devote themselves to swimming. Last Saturday, this devotion was exceptionally present in their performance at the meet in Keller, Texas.

Many Lamar swimmers were proud to win first place in their respective competitions. Some notable winners include senior Daschel Hornyak, who won first place in the hundred-meter butterfly race and freshman Alexa Parra, who took first place in the fifty-meter freestyle race. Outside of the meet, our team continues to defy their own personal records and set new ambitious goals. Senior swimmer J.J. Izaguirre expresses his pride in beating his hundred-meter butterfly time by 5 seconds, from swimming at one minute and ten seconds, to cutting through the water at one minute and five seconds! As the season progresses, Lamar can expect to see many more strong performances from our outstanding swim team.

While the final score of 65 – 41 did not favor the Vikings, both the manner and the poise of the sideline were reflective of the overall mood of the football season – one of resilience.

The first quarter ended 14-14, before Jesuit and its powerful offense simply began to pull away. Short drives, long runs and offensive schemes that resulted in quick scores afforded Jesuit a lead that Lamar could not overcome.

The Vikings, however, refused to give up in this game.

This team of young men that left the field on Friday night is the same group of young men that fought back from a 21-0 halftime deficit to beat district rivals Arlington High 35- 21 before a slimmed crowd at UTA stadium. This is the same team that had to leave the field after watching an extra point attempt sail through the uprights, but not having said attempt counted as “good.” This is the team that returned to the field of play after a less than stellar homecoming game performance to cement its largest victory of the season 55-7 against Sam Houston.

“Viking Fight Never Dies” is displayed in various spots around Lamar’s campus and how fitting as the team returns to campus this week, less anymore Friday Night Lights in 2025.

For junior safety Xian Johnson making the playoffs this season was undoubtedly his biggest moment of the season, but he doesn’t shy away from the lessons learned in the first-round playoff exit.

“I understand how important it is to not get complacent after a big win. We have to always work harder to capitalize on our wins so that we won’t go backwards,” he explains. “In working with the seniors this season – I realized just how fast the season goes by. We have to cherish each game and moment, build bonds and definitely rebound faster from our losses, ”he explains.

For many varsity players, Friday playoff game was the last time they will ever suit up in pads and cleats. Their emotions along the sideline were obvious as the clock expired.

“I can’t express how proud I am of this senior group. They are the group that gave us that final push to get over the hump and get back into the playoffs,” says Head Coach Billy Skinner. “It’s a group of unselfish young men who wanted more for Lamar football the whole, instead of themselves as individuals. This wasn’t the most talented group that’s ever come through Lamar, but their connection to each other and their younger teammates was the difference. Eric Walker (Senior linebacker) gave a speech during our varsity retreat that will stay with me forever. He talked about being a part of a team that went winless on the JV team and wanting to do everything within his power to restore Lamar to where we should be no matter how big or small his role has to be. THAT LED THE CHARGE FOR OUR KIDS THIS YEAR. That type of leadership is the legacy this group leaves behind. I’m just proud to be their coach.”

Jesuit may have won the game last Friday, but they didn’t erase a season full of skills enhanced, records broken, crowds wowed and memories made. Viking fans can take confidence in the fact that both coaches and players are already determining new ways to enhance Lamar’s success next season.

HBCU campuses provide great educational experiences with smaller class sizes, meaning students get more one-on-one attention from professors. Many schools also have partnerships with big companies that offer internships and job opportunities after graduation. 

Today, more than 300,000 students are enrolled in over 100 HBCUs in the United States. These campuses emphasize education by integrating cultural awareness, leadership development, and real-world applications into their respective programs. Many schools offer specialized programs in STEM, business, the arts, and social sciences, with some HBCUs ranking among the top producers of Black doctors, engineers, and lawyers. 

Attending an HBCU is more than just earning a degree, it’s an experience that builds confidence, creates lifelong friendships, and prepares students for success. If you’re looking for a college that combines culture, support, and opportunity – an HBCU might be the perfect plac 

Attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is an experience that college students around the country never forget, as these unique campuses provide both a welcoming home and a cultural experience. 

One of the things that people might notice are the Greek letters on the campus or people’s clothing. Those are the Divine Nine Greek letterings. The Divine Nine are separated into five Fraternities and four Sororities. The fraternities are Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta. The sororities are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho. These nine Greek organizations are commonly present on HBCU campuses and serve to help bring people together and build a strong sense of “community.” 

“Whatever it is that you choose to do, whether it’s a college, a sorority, or a fraternity, choose wisely and put forth great effort,” Principal Lesley Maroney shares. “Being part of a sorority, especially at an HBCU, offers a unique and enriching experience that extends far beyond college years. The bonds of sisterhood, opportunities for leadership, and commitment to community service create a lifelong support system. One of the most rewarding aspects is the sense of unity and shared purpose, whether through mentorship, academic encouragement, or cultural enrichment.”

 One of the best things about HBCUs is the sense of family. From the moment you step on campus, you feel welcome. Professors, staff, and students all want to see students succeed. HBCUs are also full of traditions like homecoming celebrations, step shows, and high energy marching bands make student life exciting. 

HBCU campuses provide great educational experiences with smaller class sizes, meaning students get more one-on-one attention from professors. Many schools also have partnerships with big companies that offer internships and job opportunities after graduation. 

Today, more than 300,000 students are enrolled in over 100 HBCUs in the United States. These campuses emphasize education by integrating cultural awareness, leadership development, and real-world applications into their respective programs. Many schools offer specialized programs in STEM, business, the arts, and social sciences, with some HBCUs ranking among the top producers of Black doctors, engineers, and lawyers. 

Attending an HBCU is more than just earning a degree, it’s an experience that builds confidence, creates lifelong friendships, and prepares students for success. If you’re looking for a college that combines culture, support, and opportunity – an HBCU might be the perfect place for you.

Throughout the month of February, Lamar students and staff came together to decorate the halls with historical Black figures, including artists, educators, inventors, philanthropists and more. Many teachers took time to ensure their classroom doors and walls were decorated with vibrant colors and positive messaging to highlight Black History Month. 

Each year, Lamar strives to improve the visibility of Black History Month recognitions. The effort is very much evident all over campus. Some staff members even step out into the hallway to give passersby more information about their displays. To see so many teachers so invested in this special month means a lot to students. 

“It is important to celebrate Black History Month so that we can celebrate and recognize the achievements of the men and women who had to overcome adversity, discrimination and systematic barriers in order to pave the way for future generations,” English teacher Serena De Leon says. “I chose to participate in the hallway display to help showcase these contributions. My students researched influential Black individuals and created posters highlighting their impact. Many were amazed by the achievements of the figures they studied. This project not only deepened their understanding but also gave them the opportunity to share their work with the school community, allowing others to learn and be inspired.”

In some classrooms – teachers have chosen to add Black History Month themed assignments to their lesson plans. This was done to encourage students to further explore the successful Black figures in history and in our present world. 

“I love Black History Month because it reminds me of all the great stories my great-grandmother used to share with me from her era,” student Olivia Whitlock says. “She would tell me about the people, our ancestry, and anything else I wanted to know about our background. So, when I walk through the hallways, and see some of the Black figures she would tell me about – it puts a smile on my face. Just knowing that all those people set goals and made them happen really makes me proud.”

Mindful Mondays are designed to help students release stress and the librarians help students find their way around the books and materials that come with visiting the library.

Library Assistant Kiana Roberson is a quiet force in the library, however, her contributions speak volumes. She helps students navigate the library and discover various genres.

“I would describe the library as comforting,” Roberson explains. “You could come in here with a pass and be on your own, read books, or even work on your phone. As long as you’re not too loud.”

Roberson is a very kind spirited and knowledgeable assistant who takes great pride in keeping the library organized and updated. Many dynamics to the library that students likely overlook are taking care of by Roberson. Not only does she make sure all books are returned to the correct location, but she’s also charged with managing the drop off box and ensuring that the library serves as a welcoming environment.

“I really like doing the art work in the back of the library,” Roberson shares. “It really helps the students visualize materials and it also highlights the great things we’re doing here.”

The very approachable Roberson has been with the Lamar family for four years. She knows where everything is in the library and is a tremendous resource for the faculty and staff. As the direct assistant to Librarian Raquel Brabender – Roberson can be credited with creating a better environment and a safe space for all Lamar students.

Wednesday afternoon, Celeste Gonzalez and Healey Walker decided to put ink on their collegiate dreams, signing their national letters of intent to play soccer at the next level.

Gonzalez has officially committed to play at Cedar Valley College. Team captain, Walker is heading to Boston’s Emerson College.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these young ladies,” Head Coach Jana Hammonds shared. “They both have worked so hard.”

Friday night, the Vikings fell short against the Timber Creek Falcons 49-7. 

The game started with great energy, thanks in part to a lively “Senior Night” crowd.

Early in the third quarter, freshman Trenton Yancey scored the Vikings’ only touchdown by using the fade ball routine. He went from the one yard line and ran 99 yards to score the impressive touchdown. Yancey made it the length of the field in a matter of seconds.

Junior Robert Duncan was able to complete the Randall Mills Pharmacy Point after the Yancey touchdown.

The Vikings made several attempts to increase their point production throughout the game, however, the Falcons defense proved to be too much.

While a tough loss for the home team, Lamar has plenty to build on for the season.

The Vikings will face Waxahachie this Friday, 7pm at Cravens Field.