TEMPLE, TX — The future of Temple High School athletics was on full display Monday morning as the Lamar Middle School Boys Athletic Department hosted its annual End of Season Awards assembly. Gathering at a packed Bearcat Gym, coaches, teammates, and families came together to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the 8th-grade class as they officially closed out the 2025-26 school year.

The ceremony recognized outstanding achievements in football, basketball, track & field, and soccer, while also placing a heavy emphasis on academic excellence and weightroom dedication. As these young athletes prepare to transition from Lamar Bearcats to Temple Wildcats, Monday morning served as a powerful testament to their growth, grit, and leadership.

Dominance on the Gridiron: Football Awards

The Lamar football program celebrated a season of immense growth and hard-hitting action, honoring standout players from both the A and B squads.

For the A Team, the coveted Most Valuable Player award went to the versatile Liam Inzunza. Damian Mitchell-Ferris was named Offensive Player of the Year, while Anthony Martin secured Defensive Player of the Year honors. Julian Salinas Martinez anchored the front line as the Offensive Lineman of the Year. The heart and soul awards went to Missael Barreto (Bearcat Award), Harlem Taylor (Ironman Award), Martin Partida (Rising Star), and Amel Salgado (Breakthrough Athlete).

The B Team saw shared excellence, with Brayden Mast taking home MVP honors. Jeffery Hodges was named Offensive Player of the Year, and Avontrey Glover locked down the opposition as Defensive Player of the Year. Ismael Garcias earned Offensive Lineman of the Year, with William McKnight capturing the Bearcat Award. Rounding out the B Team honors were Andreas Reigle (Rising Star), Zachary Beatty (Ironman Award), and Lucas Gordon (Breakthrough Athlete).

Hardwood Heroes: Basketball Awards

On the basketball court, the Bearcats showcased speed, skill, and teamwork across both rosters.
The A Team was highlighted by a spectacular season from Truewin Waller, who took home both the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards. Damian Mitchell-Ferris added to his trophy case as the Defensive Player of the Year, while Braydon Tobe provided a spark off the bench as the 6th Man. Rogelio Flores earned the prestigious Bearcat Award, and the Breakthrough Athlete honors were shared by Julian Martinez and Liam Inzunza.

The B Team recognized Raymond Velasquez as their MVP following a stellar campaign. Zai'Andre Fearce was named Offensive Player of the Year, and Riley Davis took home Defensive Player of the Year. William McKnight was honored as the 6th Man, Avontrey Glover earned the Bearcat Award, and Tristen Williams was recognized as the Breakthrough Athlete.

Speed and Power: Track & Field

The Bearcat track & field team burned up the oval and excelled in the pits this spring, showing off the program's elite athleticism.

Damian Mitchell-Ferris added another major accolade to his middle school career by being named Track Athlete of the Year. Noah Bolivar brought home the Thrower of the Year award for his dominance in the rings. The tireless Liam Inzunza won the Ironman Award, while Mateo Chavana took home the Bearcat Award. Raymond Velasquez was recognized as the Rising Star, and Amel Salgado was named Breakthrough Athlete.

Iron Sharpens Iron: Weightlifting Program Growth

One of the highlights of the morning was the recognition of Lamar’s rapidly growing weightlifting program. Coaches proudly announced the top performers in the weightroom, measuring the combined maximum weight of the bench press and squat, as well as the athletes who showed the most total growth in those lifts over the course of the year.

In the Top 10 Total Lift category, Anthony Donel Martin II led the entire department by moving a massive combined total of 520 lbs. Alex Michelle Lopez-Lopez followed with 460 lbs., while Sincere Shamar Luster and Christian Josue Rivas Lopez tied at 450 lbs. Other top lifters included Noah Bolivar (440 lbs.), Martin Anthony Partida Jr. (440 lbs.), Julian Martinez Salinas (430 lbs.), Joell Dabid DeLaTorre (420 lbs.), Brandon Wyatt Sepeda (420 lbs.), and Andreas Erich Reigle (380 lbs.).

In the Top 10 Total Lift Improvement category, Andreas Erich Reigle showed unparalleled dedication, adding a staggering 130 lbs. to his combined total. Anthony Donel Martin II improved by 105 lbs., and Gregory George Robles increased his total by 100 lbs. They were followed closely by Jeffrey Demetrius Hodges Jr. (90 lbs. improvement), Lonzo Alec Zapata (70 lbs.), and a six-way tie of 60-lb. improvements from Sincere Shamar Luster, Joell Dabid DeLaTorre, Damian Wayne Mitchell-Ferris, Amel Salvador Salgado Jimenez, and Nickolas Lee Smith.

Championship Minds: Academic Awards and Athlete of the Year

Lamar Middle School continues to prove that true athletes get it done in the classroom first. A large contingent of the 8th-grade athletic class was recognized for making the A/B Honor Roll during the school year.

The academic honorees included Missael Barreto, Zachary Beatty, Noah Bolivar, Ryan Cehand, Riley Davis, A'vontrey Glover, Liam Inzunza, Anthony Martin, Julian Martinez Salinas, Daniel Morales, Xavier Rega, Andreas Reigle, Jonathan Rose, Amel Salgado, Brayden Tobe, Raymond Velasquez, Judah Watson, and Lonzo Zapata.

The culmination of the morning reached its peak with the announcement of the ultimate individual honor. For his absolute dominance in sports, his incredible leadership in the weightroom, and his dedication to excellence, Anthony Martin was officially named the Lamar Middle School Athlete of the Year.

As the assembly concluded, the coaches offered parting words of encouragement. While their time as Bearcats has come to an end, the foundation built in Bearcat Gym has laid the groundwork for bright futures. Temple High School is gaining a special group of competitors, and Wildcat fans have plenty to look forward to this fall.