Belton ISD to celebrate with Wall of Honor Inductions

By Tony Adams The Belton Journal The Lake Belton Broncos could not have had better timing, and vice versa. After three hard-hitting games that the team emerged 1-2 from, the Broncos were able to take a breather, heal, perform some richly-deserved community time, prepare for their District 8-5A-II opener. Lake lost their opening game on Aug. 29 at A&M Consolidated, 41-17. The team has progressively improved, with a 34-28 lost against Round Rock McNeil in Cedar Park on Sept. 4, and 28-21 win against Killeen at Tiger Field.

By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal Standing 5’11” and weighing 175 pounds, Belton Tigers junior wide receiver Gavin Ross has quickly established himself as one of the most reliable and explosive weapons in the Tigers’ offense. After a strong sophomore campaign, Ross has taken his game to another level this season, proving he can be both a consistent target and a game changing playmaker under the Friday night lights. As a sophomore in 2024, Ross showed flashes of his potential by leading the Tigers in receptions with 55 catches for 759 yards and a touchdown across 11 games. Averaging nearly 70 receiving yards per contest, his ability to move the chains and stretch the field made him an essential part of Belton’s passing attack. His longest reception of the year a 66 yard catch gave Tiger fans a preview of the kind of explosiveness he would soon bring every week. Now, as a junior, Ross has wasted no time stepping into a leadership role. Through just four games of the 2025 season, he has already hauled in 43 receptions for 562 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 140.5 yards per game. His consistency and production have been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by several standout performances. In the season opener against Hendrickson, Ross caught 12 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in Belton’s 21–17 win. The following week, he turned in his most dominant game yet, torching Georgetown for 159 yards and 3 touchdowns on 10 receptions to lead the Tigers to a 34–26 victory. Even in tough matchups, Ross has remained productive, recording 10 catches for 138 yards against East View and 11 receptions for 119 yards and a score against San Antonio Christian. Ross’s combination of quickness off the line, precise route running, and reliable hands has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to find open space and turn short gains into big plays has been a key factor in Belton’s offensive success early this season. Coaches and teammates alike have praised his work ethic and consistency, both in practice and on game day. With one varsity season already under his belt and another two years still ahead, Ross has the chance to cement his name among the top receivers in Belton history. For now, he continues to focus on helping the Tigers compete each week, but his trajectory suggests that even bigger things lie ahead.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal Believe it or not, but time is running out. After spending months practicing and competing, Belton, Lake Belton and New Tech have already reached the point in the season where the end begins approaching. Less than two weeks separate the programs from district meets, where campaigns will come to a close for some. Although the dates are drawing near with the District 16-5A meet set for Oct. 8 and the District 19-3A meet scheduled for Oct. 6, opportunities remain for the squads to prepare. The Tigers and Lady Tigers travel to Granbury on Friday for the 11th annual Race For The Loot event, while the Broncos and Lady Broncos are bound for Saturday’s Georgetown ISD Invitational. The Dragons and Lady Dragons will take part in today’s Robinson Invitational. Lake Belton will aim to build on the momentum generated at last week’s home meet. The Bronco Invitational was held at Temple’s Crossroads Park, wheretheLadyBroncosfinished third in the Class 5A-6A division, scoring 91 points behind Keira Dzenowski. The freshman finishedthefive-kilometercoursein 20 minutes, 5.2 seconds to earn the bronze medal. Her outing was complemented by junior Jenna Benedick (13th, 21:00.5), sophomore Lucy Loa (21st, 21:31.9), junior Sarah Gray (26th, 21:51.0) and junior Madelyn Rivas (28th, 21:54.6). Additionally, the sophomore trio of Elizabeth Sandlin (31st, 22:05.1), Alayna Fulton (35th, 22:19.9) and Claire Henn (43rd, 22:32.6) placed in the top 45, but their times did not count toward the team total. Demi Fisher (50th, 22:39.9) and Isabela Romero. (90th, 23:51.7), who are seniors, also represented Lake Belton. Leander Glenn freshman Madisyn Scott won the individual championship, leading the Lady Grizzlies to fourth place (148), while runner-up Taylor Jorde (2nd, 19:50.7) helped Liberty Hill claim the team title with 45 points. Temple was second (72). Led by sophomore Isabella Warner(15th,21:16.2),theLady Tigers were ninth (262). Belton’s score was rounded out by junior Nataly Valdez (64th, 22:59.0), junior Roxanna Delgado (66th, 23:03.1), sophomore Ai Kirkland (71st, 23:17.0) and freshman Ayla Wakershauser (74th, 23:24.6). Also competing for the Lady Tigers was senior Destiny Schutz (81st, 23:31.3), junior Fancy Jaime (82nd, 23:33.2), senior Delilah Hoffman (86th, 23:41.7), sophomore Lilian Baggett (95th, 24:00.8) and freshman Natalie Mott (110th, 24:25.9). In the boys division, Lake Belton was eighth (179) and Belton was 10th (269). The Broncos were paced by junior Wyatt Potts (16th, 17:54.9), while junior Jack McCullagh (34th, 18:22.4), freshman Drew Houston (44th, 18:35.2), sophomore Cooper Schels (46th, 18:36.6) and sophomore Tyler Adkins-Beltran (50th, 18:38.9) accounted for the remaining points. The Tigers’ total was accumulated by top-40 finishers Jose Perez-Diaz (37th, 18:28.6) and Ezra Kahler (39th, 18:30.1), who are juniors, along with senior Palu Maringathuparambil (47th, 18:36.7), junior Alexander Castelan (90th, 19:35.1) and junior Hayden Brown (91st, 19:35.7). While their times did not count, Lake Belton junior Josiah Briggs (65th, 18:56.0), junior Austin Adams (94th, 19:39.7), senior Robert Klotz (106th, 20:11.9), sophomore Efren Romero-Meza (107th, 20:12.9) and senior Robert Thomas (11th, 20:35.7) and Belton freshman Ethan Trevino (92nd, 19:35.8), senior Daniel Arroyo (100th, 19:51.9), sophomore Nelson Funez (113th, 20:37.3) and sophomore Marcus Hernandez (116th, 20:53.4) also raced. New Tech took part in last week’s Cameron Yoe “Dean Keen” Invitational, where a pair of top-10 showings were produced in the junior varsity division. Neither the Dragons nor the Lady Dragons fielded a complete team, but freshman Ellie Megoulloa was seventh (14:39.59) in the two-mile race, and freshman David Martinez was seventh (20:06.10) in the 5,000-meter race. Eighth-grader Daniel Zubaty (20th, 20:59.05), junior Desmond Long (30th, 21:49.18), freshman Zorian Hajduk (59th, 26:43.63) and sophomore Daniella Idumebor (34th, 17:39.92) also competed for New Tech.

By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal Belton ISD tennis had a week full of competition and strong performances as the Lake Belton Broncos and Belton Tigers battled through important district matches. The highlight came on September 10th when the two programs met in a cross town rivalry at Belton High School. The Tigers secured a 12-7 victory in front of their home crowd, displaying great team work and growth across the lineup. Belton capitalized on key doubles wins early, setting the stage for their success in singles. The Tigers’ balanced approach and ability to close out tough matches proved to be the difference in the rivalry showdown. The Broncos, while coming up short, showed tremendous fight. Their boys’ doubles teams of Ethan Muelstein/Dhruv Bhat and Ben Johnson/ Quint Mackenzie earned hard fought wins, while two of the girls doubles teams pushed their opponents to third set super tie breakers. In singles play, Muelstein, Bhat, Johnson, Andrew Williams, and Mackenzie each recorded victories, providing a glimpse of the young Broncos’ potential against a veteran Tiger squad. For Belton, the win provided an important lift in the district race and reinforced the team’s strength across multiple positions. After the win, he Tigers used their open week to regroup and prepare for a challenging contest against Harker Heights as district play continues. Lake Belton bounced back quickly after the rivalry matchup, scoring an impressive 12-7 victory over Harker Heights just a few days later. Even without three of their regular players, the Broncos rallied behind standout performances from Micah Briggs, Adriana Goenaga, and Hayden Maroney, who stepped into expanded roles and rose to the challenge. The Broncos dominated doubles behind wins from Sara Stephens/ Hannah Maroney, Lydia Pulavarti/Sonia Padmanabhan, Addie Kruppa/ Goenaga, and Eli Stewart/ Maroney. Singles victories were spread across both the boys and girls lineups, with Williams, Johnson, Stewart, Briggs, and Ethan Cohen picking up points on the boys’ side, while Stephens, Maroney, Padmanabhan, Kruppa, Goenaga, and Maroney powered the girls’ team to multiple wins. As the season progresses, both Belton and Lake Belton continue to showcase the depth of talent within Belton ISD. The Tigers look to build on their district success, while the Broncos prepare for upcoming matches against Waco High and Chaparral. With both teams showing growth and determination, Belton ISD tennis promises to deliver more exciting results in the weeks ahead.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Heart of Texas Fellowship of Christian Ath- letes will be hosting its 26th Annual Grant Teaff Golf Tournament on Monday at Waco’s Bear Ridge Golf Course. A field of 100 golfers will participate with a shot- gun start scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The Burton Lawless College Scholarship will be presented to a pair of recipients during the lunch. For more information, visit HeartOfTexasFCA. org. YOUTH BASKETBALL Registration is now open for the Belton Christian Youth Center 2025 basketball league. Boys and girls in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate. Early registration discounts are available until Sept. 28 with the deadline set for Oct. 31. The fall season begins Nov. 22. Spots are limited. Forms are available at BCYCsports.com, and information about sponsorships can be obtained by calling 254-939-5759. For more information, visit BeltonYouth.com. FUNDRAISER The seventh-annual Rockin’ for Youth benefit for the Clements Boys and Girls Club, Belton Tiger Athletic Booster Club and Lake Belton High School Athletic Booster Club will be held Oct. 11 at 301 Thomas Arnold Road in Salado. The event will begin at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $25 at the door and $20 if purchased in advance at OutHouseTickets.com. Kids ages 12 and under are free.  ATHLETIC PASSES Belton ISD family passes are on sale for $75 and can be purchased at the Belton High School field house or at the Belton ISD administration office. The pass allows the owner and all immediate family members entry into any Belton ISD athletic event played at home, excluding football games.

By Tony Adams The Belton Journal The momentum and buildup of Tuesday’s Belton Tigers and Lake Belton Broncos volleyball contest started with Friday night non-district matchups for each team. Tiger Gym was the setting for Belton’s Friday evening matchup against the West Trojans. The Tigers got off the mark quickly and scored a decisive victory over the Trojans.

Elizabeth McMichael May 29, 1945 – June 29, 2025 Elizabeth McMichael, a cherished great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, in Temple, Texas, at the age of 80. Born on May 29, 1945, in Georgetown, South Carolina. Elizabeth’s life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and resilience. Educated at Clara Barton High School, Elizabeth embraced life with an outspoken and kind spirit, always quick to share her humor through jokes about anything and everything. This vibrant personality endeared her to many, making her a bright light in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing her. As a devoted homemaker, Elizabeth took immense pride in her role as a mother and family woman, which she often considered her proudest accomplishment. Her love for her children was boundless, and she nurtured them with patience, kindness, and an ever-present warmth that made home a sanctuary. She is survived by her sons, Joseph, Raymond, Jody, and Michael McMichael, and her daughter, Clarissa Maher, who will carry her memory in their hearts forever. Additionally, she leaves behind her loving siblings, Ralph Sheppard, Latisha Bey, Clara (Raymond) Gadsden, Marilyn Sheppard, a sister in law, Louise McMichael, Geneva McMichael, a cousin whom she loved as a sister, Ernestine Sumter as well as numerous grandchildren and several great-grand- children who filled her life with joy and laughter. In her leisure time, Elizabeth found delight in the simple pleasures of life. Her love for playing cards, especially blackjack, 500, pittypat, and spades, created cherished memories around the table with family and friends. A fan of games of chance, she had a routine of buying scratch-off lottery tickets, often adding a playful element to family gatherings. Although Elizabeth’s life was marked by the joy of family, she also bore the sorrow of loss. She was preceded in death by both of her parents Martha & step-father Handy, her loving husband Joseph McMichael, two beloved children, son Gregory McMichael, daughter Andrea “Angie” McMichael Stover, and a sister, Alice Fordham. Each of them left an indelible mark on her heart, and their memories will forever be a part of the legacy she created. Elizabeth’s spirit will continue to resonate in the laughter of her children, in the embraces of her grandchildren, and in the stories shared around the family table. She taught those around her that life is a precious gift, to be enjoyed with humor and surrounded by those we love. As we remember Elizabeth Sheppard McMichael, let us take solace in the lessons she imparted and the love she cultivated, holding her memory close as we navigate the journey of life without her. In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to the funeral home to send Elizabeth home to her final resting place next to her husband in South Carolina.

By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal Belton Parks and Recre- ation is partnering with a pediatric occupational therapist, bringing new sensory activities to children with special needs. Classes are held at the Harris Community Center, designed for family partici- pation, including parents and siblings. These brand-new classes were created with the whole family in mind. Each class is taught by a pediatric OT, using sensory-friendly materials and activities. Adam Trujillo, the recreation superintendent for the City of Belton, said, “Parents and siblings are welcome to enjoy it together.” The model of small class sizes taught by a private instructor may include assistants should the class size warrant it. Trujillo explained one main instructor will lead the classes and add assistants depending on class size. Belton Parks and Recreation is offering three classes for children ages five to eleven. The classes are: Inclusive Movement at 9:30 to 10 a.m., followed by Sensory Art and Music at 10 to 10:30 a.m., ending with Handwriting Hullaballoo at 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. There is a short break between the second and third classes. The Fall class schedule is on Mondays from Oct. 13 through Nov. 10 at the Harris Community Center located at 401 N. Alexander St. This could be an all- morning event for your family should you sign up for all three classes. Trujillo said, “As with all classes, it will be post- poned if not enough participants sign up.” Visit www.beltontexas. gov/departments/parks_and_recreation/recreation to sign up or see the flyer. You can also email awells@belton-texas.gov for more information.

By David Stone The Belton Journal The new $25-million First Baptist Church of Belton is expected to be complete in the first quar- ter of 2027, Executive Pas- tor Mike Morrow said this week. By David Stone The Belton Journal “I’m hoping we will be in the new facility in time for Easter services in 2027.” Ground was broken for the new church — located at 1308 W MLK Jr Avenue — in May and site work began at the first of August. Land for the new building was acquired through a land swap with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The uni- versity likely will replace the current First Baptist with buildings needed for continued growth.