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The Ennis News

Italy bumped, set, spiked to 16-9 season

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Coming off a 7-15 record in 2020, Italy volleyball enjoyed a turnaround season in which the Lady Gladiators posted a 16-9 mark, their first above .500 effort since 2015. Under veteran HC Shauna Steinmetz, they achieved a 9-5 record in District 15-2A and a playoff berth.

Bacak, Jacks lead Avalon All-District picks

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Another productive volleyball season at Avalon saw the Eagles finish second in District 15-2A to state finalist, Blum (36-13), and qualified for the playoffs.

The Eagles had two winning streaks of four straight wins and another of five-in-a-row before finishing 14-8 in the regular-season, 11-3 in league action. In the process, HC Tony Hernandez was named Coach of the Year. The Lady Eagles, who were 12-7 a year ago, again earning second place. But in both years, they were ousted in the first round by Hubbard. This time it was 3-0, with the Jaguars winning, 25-23, 25-16 and 25-14.

Hernandez balances principal, coach roles

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Credit patience and time for the success Tony Hernandez has enjoyed at small-town Avalon. Having grown up in the farming community of 200, he graduated from Avalon and then at the University of Texas in Arlington, he came full circle when he returned to his roots.

Now 42, Hernandez finds much to like in the stable moorings of his hometown. He teaches seventh and eighth grade math and became the high school principal four years ago.

Let there be light

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Before venturing to our community’s Downtown Christmas Celebration, I halfway decorated the Christmas tree in our family room.

We are among the purists who, for as long as we’re able, will enjoy the smell of a fresh evergreen tree. I can see—in the distance—a year when that will no longer be possible, but this year it was possible.

That might be Miracle No. 1.

Thwarting voter fraud

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Cheating. It was former pro wrestler Eddie Guerrero who once said, “If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying.” On the other hand, if it weren’t for cheating, there’d be no country music.

When it comes to cheating in elections, while often mentioned, it is rarely proven. Crying foul was screamed by Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore in 2000. Though he narrowly won the popular vote, he came up just short in Florida. As a result, their 25 electoral college votes were awarded to Republican candidate George W. Bush, who had just enough to win the race.

Lost class-time not easily replaced

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There once was a day when getting good grades could be assured simply by sitting behind the smartest person in the class.

Now days things are different. Considerably. While the idea of having students learn from their homes, watching lessons online, the temptation, especially when kids had no parents or adults to make certain they actually watched, listened and took notes, was greater to watch television, You Tube, focus on social media, play video games or a combination of them all.

Searching out the King Hotel

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From time to time it has been my pleasure to share with readers of this column the research of Bobbie Dlabaj whose interest in genealogy and local history has led her to discover fascinating information on the people and places of the city’s past.

Imminent growth for city, schools

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City officials have reason to be very optimistic about the projected growth in Ennis over the next few years. As they begin to materialize, the impact of new homes and multi-family units, including apartments, has planners looking ahead.

The advent is not if, but when. Years of a wholesome work ethic, culture, education and family life is attracting more of the same to Ennis. There will soon be a knock at the door, and with company on its way, preparation is a must.

HEY, HAY SANTA!

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Overlooking Eastern Ellis County from atop Sugar Ridge, Santa Claus has a great view of the coming holiday season. Hay Bale Santa was created, assembled and painted by Jim Anderson, with help from Hugo Frias. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

‘Steel Magnolias’ returns to stage at Theatre Rocks

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A play that became one of the best loved romantic comedies of the screen is back on stage again at Theatre Rocks, 505 NW Main St.

The play by Robert Harling is being directed locally by Bill Rhoten, being the third production of Theatre Rocks’ current 2021-22 season.

“Always a favorite, this is the fourth time we have produced the classic in the 20 seasons of shows we have done here in Ennis,” pointed out managing director Suzanne Rhoten.