Sports

Madisonville Little League held their closing ceremonies in the MHS auditorium May 26 and honored their players’ hard work for the spring season with trophies in the presence of friends and family. League President Heather Lowery also announced her intentions to step down from the position in a speech to the crowd. Lowery helped rejuvenate the organization during her time at the helm. PHOTOS BY CAMPBELL ATKINS

Madisonville native and reigning Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) National Finals Rodeo (NFR) World Champion Roper Colby Lovell hosted the 1st Annual Cody NesSmith Memorial Team Roping at the Leon County Expo Center Saturday through Monday. Proceeds from the event helped launch the Cody NesSmith Foundation to help families whose children are battling cancer. Cody was an avid team roper and close friend of Lovell who was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer and lost his battle in July of last year. Based on his wishes, a foundation is being started in his memory to help others going through cancer treatment. The Foundation is chaired by Kay and Tony NesSmith. Visit the 1st Annual Cody NesSmith Memorial Team Roping Facebook page for updates and information. COURTESY PHOTO

Former Madisonville and current Sam Houston State University defensive lineman Chris Scott poses with the Southland Conference trophy earlier this season. Scott was a part of the Bearkats’ national championship run that culminated in a 23-21 victory over South Dakota State May 16. (See News for more) COURTESY PHOTO

The North Zulch baseball team fell 10-0 to the Kennard Tigers in the 1A Regional Semifinals on a wet night in Madisonville Friday to conclude their season. Despite the loss, it was a historic season for the Bulldogs.

The U12 FC Mustangs, who earned a state title in Temple last month, pose together after the win. Pictured are (back row, from left) Kaleb Strong, Victor Michel, Victor Silva, Ronaldo Chacon, C.J. Whaley, Levi Lewis, Ismael Rodriguez, (middle row, from left) Oswaldo Moreno, Oscar Martinez, Juan Soto, Jaiden Dickey, (front row, from left) Rodrigo Rodriguez and Jacob Zanolini. COURTESY PHOTO

The North Zulch Bulldogs baseball team continued their run through the 1A postseason with a 10-2 victory over Zavalla in Crockett Friday by a score of 10-2 to advance to the Regional Semifinals. They will compete against Kennard in Madisonville Friday with a trip to the Regional Finals on the line.

Madisonville Police Department members pose together after defeating city employees 13-4 at a friendly softball matchup at Lake Madison Park Friday. PHOTO BY CAMPBELL ATKINS.

Former Madisonville High School and current Sam Houston State University defensive lineman Chris Scott and the Bearkats won the FCS National Championship Sunday by defeating South Dakota State 23-21 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. SHSU went a perfect 10-0 on the year to claim their first FCS title in program history. They won postseason matchups over Monmouth (21-15), North Dakota State (24-20) and James Madison (38-35) to advance to Sunday’s Championship. GOBEARKATS.COM

The North Zulch softball team advanced to the 1A Regional Finals with a 3-0 win over Bartlett Friday in the Regional Semis and a 22-1 win over Medina in the Regional Quarters May 7. The Lady Bulldogs will take on D’Hanis Wednesday at 4 p.m. in a best-of-three series with a trip to State on the line.

Wes Nolen has been recognized for his golf performance. The LeTourneau University junior was named to the all-American Southwest Conference second team and to the conference’s all-tournament team, the team’s lone representative on each.