Sports

The school year is winding down, both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. Students have entered their final month of classes and most of the sports teams have finished or are moving towards the postseason of their respective schedules.

In the last week, the Graham High School track and field team concluded its season at the regional meet in Lubbock. On the softball diamond, the Lady Blues wrapped up the regular season and claimed a district championship—their second in as many years.

It was a battle of two teams at the top of their divisions. Two district winners. Graham and Breckenridge.

The Lady Blues welcomed the Lady Buckaroos to town for a warm up game before the playoffs start for both teams this week. The two teams battled, giving each other their best and creating a playoff-like atmosphere, in which Graham walked off with a 3-2 win in the final inning.

The Newcastle Bobcats and Ladycats competed at the regional track meet in Denton last week and three athletes qualified for state in their events.

After a long, successful season, Newcastle’s track and field team headed to the University of North Texas with a handful of students poised to showcase their abilities. The event lasted over the weekend from Friday, April 19 and due to weather it carried into Monday, April 22. The team had representation in multiple events, and while only three qualified for state, there were high finishes and quality scores all around.

Multiple Graham Steers and Lady Blues represented their school at the Region 1-4A track and field meet in Lubbock last weekend.

While none of the athletes qualified for the state meet, they all had strong showings in what became their final opportunities to compete this season. Only those who finish first or second in their events advance to the state meet, and while Graham had plenty of high finishers, their seasons have come to an end.

The Lady Blues went into their regular season finale at Mineral Wells needing a win to claim an outright district title.

Graham met the challenge head on as the Lady Blues ran away with a 13-7 win over the Lady Rams to earn the championship — the second in a row for the program.

Both teams came into their regular season finale with identical district records, the winner likely advancing to the playoffs while the loser’s season would end.

The Graham Steers fought hard and tried to rally late but ultimately came out on the losing end of their matchup with the Mineral Wells Rams. The home team Rams won 4-2 to send the Steers home.

Last week, Graham’s Steers and Lady Blues tennis teams competed in the district competition at Glen Rose and came home with a handful of hardware.

Both the boys and girls teams finished as runners-up in district after a strong showing all around. Four athletes qualified for the regional competition in Lubbock in May, and two of those work together in the same pairing.

On an emotional night where the seniors were celebrated and the softball field received a name change, the Graham Lady Blues rode those emotions to a decisive 5-3 win over the Glen Rose Lady Tigers.

The win, once again, pushed the Lady Blues into first place in district and gave them at least a share of the district championship. Graham’s seniors were recognized for their contributions to this team in their final home game of the season. And it always helps make a final game special when the team earns a win.

It was a difficult way to end the final home game of the regular season as the Graham Steers were shutout by the Mineral Wells Rams 4-0 this past Tuesday, April 16.

As the season winds down, the Steers are in a fight for a playoff spot and Tuesday’s game against the Rams was a big one for both teams. Graham has been on a bit of a downward slide lately, as they’ve lost their last four games heading into the season finale.

The Graham Steers and Lady Blues varsity tennis teams wrapped up their regular season last week at the district competition held over two days in Glen Rose.

The singles, doubles and mixed pairings all played Wednesday, April 10 and those who qualified to move on finished things up Friday, April 12.