Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Roy Hess
A piece of Dawson's history: The Dawson House Hotel
To Dawson residents today, the borough at the turn of the century would be nearly unrecognizable. With coal and coke driving industry and commerce, the home of many giants of commercialism saw elaborate houses, storefronts, and manufacturing structures on every available lot. kAmp>@?8 E96 DECF4EFC6D @7 E96 3FDJ 4@>>F?:EJ H6C6 EH@ ?@E23=6 9@E6=D \\ E96 %C:\ %@H?[ W<?@H? 2=D@ 2D E96 #FD9 w@FD6X[ 2?5 E96 s2HD@? w@FD6]k^Am kAmq@E9 H6C6 DE:== C6=2E:G6=J 3FDJ H96? x EC2>A65 E96 E@H? H:E9 2 A2A6C C@FE6 :?
Remembering Molly
By ops@our-hometown.com | on July 21, 2022 Roy Hess I guess it’s OK to finally open up and talk a little about Molly. It’s been a tough few months since she passed away for Bertha and I, because Molly was a household fixture and our constant companion for 18 years. It was tough to write about her. Nearly everyone has lost pets they dearly loved. No superlatives exist that […]
Memories of the Dawson School
By ops@our-hometown.com | on April 02, 2022 ROY HESS The Tri-Town area early in the century was dotted with one-room schools, built to serve students who generally walked to school. In an agrarian society, modes of transportation might revolve around whatever would get you there. The lady who shares my life recalls once riding a calf to school.Vanderbilt and Dickerson Run were both blessed with large, brick schools.
IDEA Frontier boys soccer continues resurgence
For a soccer program that has had Steve Martinez as its coach the past three seasons, the IDEA Frontier Chargers have made some great strides. Overall, the boys soccer program at IDEA Frontier has been going 10 years and has qualified for the playoffs six times, including this season. When Martinez took over as coach in 2018, the team didn’t win a game and tied once. There were seven wins and a trip to the playoffs in 2019. This season, the Chargers went 13-4 overall.
Brownsville football star, RGV Sports Hall of Famer Parker dies at age 91
Frank Parker Sr. sits in his back yard holding a photograph as a football player for Brownsville High School as his pet dog Snoopy sits on his lap. By Miguel Roberts, The Brownsville Herald Frank Parker Sr., considered one of Brownsville’s best football players, died Friday at home at age 91. The cause of death was respiratory distress. As of Saturday, funeral services were pending. Parker was a multi-sport athlete who earned nine letters before graduating from Brownsville High in 1947.
IDEA Frontier making progress on soccer field
For a soccer program that has existed only three years, the IDEA Frontier Chargers have made some great strides. The team didn’t win a game and tied once when the program began in 2018. There were seven wins and a trip to the playoffs in 2019. This season, the Chargers went 13-4 overall. They had a second-place finish in District 32-4A and qualified for the playoffs again with a 13-3 conference mark.
Chargers’ Garza signs with Park
Michael Garza is a standout long jumper for Brownsville Veterans Memorial who became a multi-event track & field athlete to enhance his chances of being signed to compete in college. It’s a strategy that worked quite well. At the urging of his coach, Garza became a more versatile athlete as an underclassman by also running legs on his school’s relay teams in addition to long-jumping.
Commentary: Santa Rosa latest to not renew popular coach’s contract
First of all, just let me say I’m an outsider, strictly an observer when it comes to sports in the Rio Grande Valley. I don’t claim to be privy to any inside information. You see things happen, and as a reporter your job is to remain objective. The big news in Valley sports last week came out of Santa Rosa as the contract of Warriors athletic director and boys basketball coach Johnny Cipriano was not renewed.
Cipriano’s contract not renewed in Santa Rosa
Stephanie Garcia said she and many other residents from the Santa Rosa community are upset the Santa Rosa ISD Board of Trustees voted not to renew the contract of Warriors athletic director and boys basketball coach Johnny Cipriano at Wednesday night’s school board meeting. The trustees met via teleconference, and no immediate reason was given for non-renewal of the coach’s contract.
Cipriano’s contract not renewed in Santa Rosa
Stephanie Garcia said she and many other residents from the Santa Rosa community are upset the Santa Rosa ISD Board of Trustees voted not to renew the contract of Warriors athletic director and boys basketball coach Johnny Cipriano at Wednesday night’s school board meeting. The trustees met via teleconference, and no immediate reason was given for non-renewal of the coach’s contract.
Santa Rosa residents support Cipriano
Santa Rosa residents say they are concerned the contract of Warriors athletic director and boys basketball coach Juan Cipriano might not be renewed at today’s Santa Rosa ISD Board of Trustees meeting.
Santa Rosa residents support Coach Cipriano
Santa Rosa residents say they are concerned the contract of Warriors athletic director and boys basketball coach Juan Cipriano might not be renewed at today’s Santa Rosa ISD Board of Trustees meeting.
BROWNSVILLE: Albert Maradiaga de Chargers es Jugador Ofensivo del Año
Los Chargers de Brownsville Veterans Memorial han tenido varios jugadores en su alineación de fútbol con los que podían contar para marcar goles. A lo largo de la temporada 2020, Albert Maradiaga fue uno de los jugadores más confiables de los Chargers en el extremo ofensivo del campo, incluso en los últimos años.
Herald All-Metro Boys Soccer: Montes guided Cowboys success
Whether it’s as a playmaker or goal scorer, Brandon Montes is one of the main reasons behind the Porter Cowboys’ soccer success, not only this season but in past years as well. With 24 goals and 19 assists this season, the standout junior attacking midfielder is the top choice as The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Team Most Valuable Player. Cowboys coach Jose Espitia said Montes, who has started since he was a freshman, embodies what Porter soccer is all about.
Reconocen a Roberto Palomo de Hanna Eagles
Roberto Palomo, de Hanna, es uno de los mejores jugadores defensivos de fútbol del área. En realidad, por segundo año consecutivo, está siendo reconocido como el mejor. Palomo, senior defensa central y titular por tres años, es el Jugador Defensivo de Fútbol All-Metro del Año 2020 de The Brownsville Herald. Es el mismo premio que Palomo ganó la temporada pasada como junior cuando los Golden Eagles avanzaron al Torneo de la Región IV-6A.
Planning for Planting: Help is available from Penn State Extension and your local Master Gardeners
As the old adage says, April showers bring May flowers. And if you are like me, you’ve spent the past winter months thinking and planning just what those flowers will be in your garden this year. With the early spring, you may have already had crocus, daffodils and tulips emerge and begin to fade. But they serve only as a warm-up for what’s to come. We all know that in gardening, summer is “the show” and as the weather warms, the ideas that entertained our minds all winter begin to take shape.
Herald All-Metro Boys Soccer: Maradiaga a spark for Chargers’ offense
The Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers have had several go-to players in their soccer lineup who they could count on to score goals. Throughout the 2020 season, Albert Maradiaga was one of the Chargers’ most reliable players on the offensive end of the field, even dating back to past years. With a team-best 25 goals to his credit this season, the standout senior midfielder is the top choice for The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Offensive Player of the Year award.
East Valley coaches lament loss of 7-on-7 season
While the news doesn’t come as much of a surprise, area coaches say it is still regrettable that Texas’ 7-on-7 competition for 2020 has been canceled. Due to the dangers of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott last week canceled what remains of the 2019-20 school year. The UIL and TAPPS responded by canceling the remaining games, tournaments and meets of all spring sports.
Herald All-Metro Boys Soccer: Miller, Vasquez lead teams to titles
The 2020 boys soccer season was quite eventful for the Los Fresnos Falcons and the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers. Each team overcame the odds to capture a district championship — Los Fresnos in District 32-6A and Brownsville Veterans in District 32-5A. Michael Miller was the guiding force behind the Falcons, and Alberto Vasquez directed the Chargers. The two men share top honors as The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Co-Coaches of the Year.
Herald All-Metro Girls Soccer: Hanna’s Barragan fills up scoresheet
Few soccer players ever score 50 or more goals during a season. Brownsville Hanna’s Ana Barragan was one of the ones to do it, and she is The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Girls Soccer Offensive Player of the Year. Barragan is a sophomore forward-midfielder who played for the Lady Golden Eagles for the first time in 2020 after transferring from San Marcos, where she was on the varsity as a freshman. She actually scored 51 goals this season playing for Hanna.
Herald All-Metro Girls Soccer: Romero led Cowgirls to first district crown
Denisse Romero, The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Girls Soccer Most Valuable Player, was at the forefront in leading the Porter Cowgirls to their first district championship in girls soccer this season. The Cowgirls won the District 32-5A title with a 12-2 record and 34 points. They have achieved a 26-5-6 overall mark. A sophomore attacking midfielder, Romero tallied 15 goals on the season and eight in 32-5A competition despite missing two district games due to injury.
BROWNSVILLE: Hurtado es reconocida entre las mejores defensas del año
Las Lady Chargers de Veterans Memorial de Brownsville presentaron a una de las mejores defensas en el fútbol femenil del Distrito 32-5A esta temporada. El ancla de esa defensa fue Andrea Hurtado, una senior defensa central y titular de tres años. Hurtado es la Jugadora Defensiva del Año de All-Metro Girls Soccer de The Brownsville Herald 2020. Ella también ganó los honores del primer equipo en todo el distrito. Es un merecido premio All-Metro, dijo el entrenador de Lady Chargers, Luis Troncoso.
Herald All-Metro Girls Soccer: Calvillo strong in net for Lady Falcons
Goalkeepers put it all on the line for their teams in soccer. Andrea Calvillo did just that as a freshman starter this season who became a standout for the Los Fresnos Lady Falcons. She is The Brownsville Herald’s Girls All-Metro Soccer Team Newcomer of the Year for 2020. “Andrea is a special player,” Lady Falcons coach Diego Luna said. “This year we were fortunate to have her as our varsity starting goalkeeper. As a freshman, Andrea demonstrated exceptional goalkeeping skills and athleticism.
BROWNSVILLE: Tiene Jubilee éxito en el fútbol
Jubilee de Brownsville continúa teniendo un impacto durante su año escolar inaugural en la competencia atlética de la University Interschoolastic League tras jugar previamente en una liga de escuelas chárter de Texas. A principios de este año escolar, Jubilee obtuvo los títulos de distrito en voleibol y en baloncesto varonil y femenil. En el fútbol esta temporada, los chicos de Jubilee fueron campeones del Distrito 32-4A y las chicas fueron co-campeonas del 32-4A.
Coaches unsure about rumored soccer playoff plan
A rumor, if it proves true, could see the 2020 University Interscholastic League soccer playoffs take place starting in late May. Local coaches say they have heard about a plan to resume the soccer season, and although it’s just a rumor at this point, they hope it proves true. They say their optimism that the playoffs could actually happen is tempered by reality. The UIL suspended games and even practices for all spring sports in March due to the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Falcons proud of season, even if it ends early
A new day in boys soccer has dawned for the Los Fresnos Falcons. They’ve captured their first district title in school history at any classification this season. They won District 32-6A with an 8-2 record and 24 points. They are 20-8-2 overall. Now, in the wake of the latest University Interscholastic League ruling that has pushed back the start of the state playoffs until at least May 4, the Falcons see a distinct possibility that the sun may be setting prematurely on their memorable season.
Easy Valley Girls Soccer: Wait grows for area teams
If and when the University Interscholastic League allows, the Brownsville Veterans Memorial girls and boys will play their final regular-season District 32-5A soccer matches against Edcouch-Elsa. It’s a doubleheader scheduled to be played at Brownsville Veterans, and it’s the only game action left pending on the 32-5A soccer schedule. A UIL ruling halting games, and now even banning practices, puts things in limbo for all school spring sports due to heightened concerns over COVID-19 (coronavirus).
East Valley Boys Soccer Notes: Falcons itching to return to field
They just want to play. Having the soccer season reach the postseason stage around the state, boys and girls teams would like the playoff berths they’ve earned to be tested on the field so they can prove their worth there. But a state of limbo exists because the University Interscholastic League has halted competition in all sports and even banned team practices until at least May 4, and possibly longer, over heightened concerns regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Baseball coaches asking players to stay ready
Baseball coaches in Cameron County, as well as those around the state, are trying to remain optimistic that their seasons will continue at some point soon following the University Interscholastic League’s announcement Monday that it is suspending all practices and school-related activities until at least March 29, and possibly longer. Many ballclubs were able to get in a team meeting, and in some cases a practice, Monday before the UIL made its suspension announcement.
East Valley Soccer Notes: District races remain tight
Another week has come and gone, and the boys and girls soccer races in District 32-6A are just as close as ever. Perhaps Michael Miller, coach of the Los Fresnos Falcons who narrowly lead the 32-6A boys race, put it best when he said, “It is where we want to be, but we have four tough games left (in the second round) if we want to finish there (in first place). Los Fresnos leads the boys race with a 5-1 record and 15 points, and Brownsville Hanna is in second place with a 4-2 record and 13 points.
East Valley Soccer Notes: District races remain tight
Another week has come and gone, and the boys and girls soccer races in District 32-6A are just as close as ever. Perhaps Michael Miller, coach of the Los Fresnos Falcons who narrowly lead the 32-6A boys race, put it best when he said, “It is where we want to be, but we have four tough games left (in the second round) if we want to finish there (in first place). Los Fresnos leads the boys race with a 5-1 record and 15 points, and Brownsville Hanna is in second place with a 4-2 record and 13 points.
Lady Bobcats end Lady Eagles’ season
BROWNSVILLE — The Edinburg High Lady Bobcats cruised into the second round of the Class 6A girls basketball playoffs with a 65-37 bi-district victory Tuesday at Brownsville Hanna. The District 31-6A co-champion Lady Bobcats improved to 35-3 on the season. Edinburg High is the No.1-ranked team in the Rio Grande Valley. Edinburg High faces Laredo Alexander or PSJA North in the area round of the playoffs later this week.
BROWNSVILLE: Cae Porter ante Veterans
Los penaltis fallados tienen una forma de volver a perseguir a un equipo de fútbol. Porter Cowboys experimentaron tal giro de eventos el viernes durante su partido del Distrito 32-5A en Brownsville Veterans Memorial. Tras un gol a mitad del segundo tiempo, los Cowboys tuvieron un penalti que pegó en la portería y rebotó a las manos del portero. Un gol habría empatado el marcador a 2.
Brownsville Veterans edges Porter
Missed penalty kicks have a way of coming back to haunt a soccer team. The Porter Cowboys experienced such a turn of events Friday during their District 32-5A match at Brownsville Veterans Memorial. Trailing by one goal midway through the second half, the Cowboys had a PK go off the post and bounce into the hands of the goalkeeper. A goal would have tied the score at 2.
East Valley Girls Basketball Notes: Leaders clear in 32-6A, 32-5A
Posted: Thursday, February 6, 2020 9:00 pm East Valley Girls Basketball Notes: Leaders clear in 32-6A, 32-5A By ROY HESS Staff Writer Brownsville Herald The Harlingen High Lady Cardinals and Brownsville Veterans Memorial Lady Chargers find themselves in the same situation in girls basketball. The Lady Cardinals are running away with the District 32-6A race, and the Lady Chargers are doing the same thing in District 32-5A.
Brownsville’s Torres inducted into Laredo Hall
Rio Grande Valley/border sports historian and writer Rene Torres, 73, of Brownsville was inducted Saturday into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame in Laredo. Torres was inducted along with former NFL player Anthony Munoz and former Major League Baseball pitcher Jose Guzman, also the Spanish voice of the Texas Rangers, plus six others. “It means a lot to me, and I’m very proud of it, especially to be recognized like this because I’m not from Laredo,” Torres said of the honor.
Jubilee swept by London in regional quarters
Miguel Roberts 2019-11-12_LadyTitansVsLadyPiratesVB _3.jpg London Lady Pirate Ashley Lyne (12) spikes the ball Tuesday evening against Jubilee Brownsville Lady Titans inside Falfurrias High School gymnasium. Miguel Roberts 2019-11-12_LadyTitansVsLadyPiratesVB_2.jpg Jubilee Brownsville Lady Titan Valentina Tijerina (8) spikes the ball Tuesday evening against London Lady Pirates inside Falfurrias High School gymnasium.
Brownsville Jubilee reaches third round in first UIL season
Playing its first school year in the University Interscholastic League has been quite an experience for the Brownsville Jubilee volleyball team. It’s been a successful one at that. The Lady Titans, 32-4 overall, won District 32-3A with an 18-0 record. They went on to capture playoff victories against Falfurrias 25-14, 25-20, 25-11 and Skidmore-Tynan 19-25, 18-25, 25-23, 26-24, 18-16 during the first two rounds of the postseason.
San Perlita to battle Freer in regional quarterfinal
The San Perlita Lady Trojans look around and see there aren’t too many volleyball teams still playing at this point of the season. But that’s OK because their season is still alive after two rounds of the playoffs, and they play today with a chance to qualify for the Region IV-2A Tournament later this week. San Perlita’s 2A regional quarterfinal match at 7 p.m. today is against Freer at Kingsville High. The winner goes to the regional tournament starting Friday in Brenham.
Cardinals wrap up outright district crown with rout of Rivera
BROWNSVILLE — The Harlingen High Cardinals are District 32-6A champions for the first time since 2016. Thanks to Friday’s 65-28 victory over Brownsville Rivera at Sams Memorial Stadium, the Cardinals are back as 32-6A champions and headed to next week’s Class 6A Division II playoffs against Edinburg Vela. “Winning district feels great,” said Harlingen High running back Rayden Berry, who scored three times during Friday’s game.
PSJA Southwest shocks Brownsville Veterans
A surprise awaited the Brownsville Veterans Memorial volleyball team and its fans Tuesday in the Class 5A bi-district playoffs. Brownsville Veterans, only last week, beat state-ranked Edcouch-Elsa twice to capture a District 32-5A co-championship and the district’s No. 1 seeding in the postseason.
District 32-6A teams prepare for start of playoffs
District 32-6A volleyball coaches believe their teams are entering the state playoffs well-prepared thanks to the high level of competition they faced during district competition. The playoffs begin Monday. Teams advancing to the postseason from 32-6A are district champion Los Fresnos along with Brownsville Rivera, Harlingen South and Brownsville Hanna. Rivera and South finished tied for second place in 32-6A with 7-3 records behind 10-0 Los Fresnos.
St. Joseph volleyball drops home playoff match
St. Joseph Academy got to play at home during Saturday’s opening round of the TAPPS volleyball playoffs. That was the good news. The not-so-good news was Fort Bend Christian Academy, SJA’s opponent that traveled approximately seven hours to Brownsville from the Houston area, won the bi-district match 25-22, 19-25, 25-16, 25-15 to advance to the next round of the TAPPS playoffs.
Herald Volleyball Notebook: Hanna battling for final playoff spot
Hanna volleyball coach Ansgar Hagemann says “there’s always hope’ regarding his team’s chances to make the playoffs, although the Lady Golden Eagles haven’t played with the full squad they were counting on this season. A number of factors, including injuries and inexperienced varsity newcomers, have worked against Hanna in a six-team District 32-6A that features strong squads such as Los Fresnos, Rivera and Harlingen South. Still, the Lady Eagles did themselves a big favor Oct.
St. Joseph cross country wraps up season at state
St. Joseph Academy’s girls finished ninth and its boys 17th in the Class 5A division at Monday’s TAPPS state cross country meet at Waco’s at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course. Winning state team titles in the TAPPS 5A division were the San Antonio Christian boys (55 points) and girls (75 points). SJA took squads to state that included a number of underclassmen runners, particularly for the boys. “It was very much a learning experience (at state) for us,” SJA coach Teddy Lopez said.
Lady Hawks sweep Lady Raiders
BROWNSVILLE — The Harlingen South Lady Hawks knew in their hearts they had one of the best volleyball teams in District 32-6A. Saturday was the day they proved it to themselves and everyone else. Having lost twice already to 32-6A leader Los Fresnos and once to district second-place Rivera, it was a different story Saturday at the Lady Raiders’ gym. The Lady Hawks came out on fire and didn’t let up in sweeping past the Lady Raiders 25-21, 25-21, 25-15.
VMS Volleyball Notes: Cardinals looking to make playoff push
The Harlingen High Lady Cardinals want to take advantage of the opportunity to reach the state volleyball playoffs by winning. With two match dates remaining in District 32-6A, the Lady Cardinals play at 6:30 p.m. today at Harlingen South in the Bird Bowl, then draw an open date Saturday before playing host to Brownsville Rivera next Tuesday. Los Fresnos (8-0) already has clinched the outright district championship. South and Rivera are tied for second in 32-6A with 5-3 records.
Raiders escape Falcons for district win
Denise Cathey 20191017_FB Rivera vs. Los Fresnos_01.JPG Rivera defensive end Anthony Perez (34) reaches out to try and tackle Los Fresnos quarterback Hector Muniz (4) as he runs ahead Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, during the game between Rivera and Los Fresnos at Sams Memorial Stadium in Brownsville. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald) Denise Cathey 20191017_FB Rivera vs.
Los Fresnos solidifies hold on first in 32-6A
LOS FRESNOS — The pecking order in District 32-6A volleyball has been established, at least at the top. District leader Los Fresnos (7-0) won at home against 32-6A second-place Rivera 25-14, 25-23, 22-25, 25-14 on Tuesday to give itself a little cushion in the standings. The Lady Falcons now have beaten Rivera (5-2) and Harlingen South (4-3), considered their two biggest challengers in 32-6A twice apiece. Three matches remain on the 32-6A schedule.
Herald Volleyball Notes: Road remains tough for Lady Falcons
The Los Fresnos Lady Falcons are in the midst of back-to-back challenges that could lead them to another outright District 32-6A championship. First, they triumphed 25-18, 9-25, 25-9, 25-19 on Saturday at Harlingen South. Now comes another big test against Rivera at 6:30 p.m. today in Los Fresnos. At 5-1, Rivera is right behind the 6-0 Lady Falcons in the 32-6A standings. South (3-3) is tied with Harlingen High (3-3) in third place.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Roy
Contact Roy, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack