With AMC in rear view, Broncos set sights on McNeil

By Tony Adams The Belton Journal The Lake Belton Broncos volleyball squad continued to work their way toward the end of their non-district this week, as they played home matches against the Rudder Rangers and Smithville Tigers. On Friday, Lake stormed into Bronco Gymnasium and blitzed Rangers from first serve to last as they swept Rudder in three games. Scores of the match were 25-7, 25- 14, and 25-16. Lake improved their record to 15- 11, while Rudder dropped to 13-17.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Lady Broncos are traveling to Grand Prairie on Friday for the annual Ken Gaston Race at the Lake, where they will look to build on last week’s showing. Racing along a three-mile course at Waco’s Heart of Texas Soccer Complex, Lake Belton placed two in the top 10 en route to finishing third at the Midway Hewitt Kiwanis Invitational. Thanks in part to freshman Keira Dzenowski, who was fifth overall with a time of 20 minutes, 24.9 seconds, and sophomore Lucy Loa (7th, 20:32.9), the Lady Broncos amassed 62 points to situate themselves behind champion Cleburne (42) and runner-up Temple (46) in the Class 5A-6A division. The junior tandem of Sarah Gray (13th, 21:03.6) and Jenna Benedick (16th, 21:06.9) and sophomore Alayna Fulton (22nd, 21:31.5) also generated points for Lake Belton. Lady Broncos junior Madelyn Rivas (25th, 21:35.4), sophomore Emyle Love (26th, 21:47.8), sophomore Elizabeth Sandlin (34th, 22:16.3), senior Clara Hill (42nd, 23:06.0) and sophomore Claire Henn (50th, 23:33.9) also competed, but their times did not count toward the team total. In the boys division, the Broncos scored 191 points to place seventh. Wyatt Potts, a junior, had Lake Belton’s top time, crossing the finish line in 17:51.4 to place 25th, while all four of his scoring teammates — sophomore Cooper Schels (38th, 18:16.6), junior Josiah Briggs (40th, 18:17.8), sophomore Tyler Adkins-Beltran (46th, 18:29.1) and freshman Drew Houston (50th, 18:39.8) — were among the top 50. Rounding out the Broncos’ squad was junior Jack McCullagh (53rd, 19:03.3), sophomore Efren Romero-Meza (56th, 19:13.8), sophomore Kyan Whitmire (62nd, 19:45.5) and senior Leonardo Piedra (67th, 20:35.9). Killeen Ellison (1st, 39), Killeen Harker Heights (2nd, 41), Temple (3rd, 82) and Killeen Chaparral (4th, 89) occupied the top spots in the standings. New Tech was also in attendance, running in the Class 1A-4A junior varsity division, but neither the Dragons nor Lady Dragons fielded a full team. David Martinez, a freshman, had the best outing, placing 16th with a time of 20:35.1, while junior Desmond Long (37th, 22:12.6) and freshman Zorian Hajduk (85th, 27:05.3) followed. The Lady Dragons were paced by senior Claire Thomas (9th, 14:40.0) and freshman Ellie Megoulloa (12th, 14:53.7). Daniella Idumebor, a sophomore, was 46th (17:30.1) in the two-mile race. Unlike the Broncos and Lady Broncos, New Tech will take part in today’s Salado Tenroc Invitational, but Belton will join Lake Belton at Grand Prairie, making the trip for a second consecutive week. The Tigers and Lady Tigers participated in last week’s Gerald Richey Invitational hosted by UT-Arlington. The event also served as the University Interscholastic League Region II Preview Meet. Both of Belton’s teams landed among the top 10 with multiple runners placing in the top 50. The Lady Tigers were eighth among the Varsity, Division II field with 167 points. Isabella Warner, a sophomore, was the team’s first member to cross the finish line, posting a 22nd-place time of 23:38.0, while sophomore Ai Kirkland (30th, 23:34.3), senior Destiny Schutz (45th, 25:18.4), junior Roxanna Delgado (47th, 25:24.3) and junior Fancy Jamie (53rd, 25:35.8) rounded out the team total. Additionally, junior Nataly Valdez (54th, 25:37.3), freshman Ayla Wakershauser (55th, 25:40.3), sophomore Lilian Baggett (57th, 25:51.0) and sophomore Madyson Hartnett (69th, 26:54.7) also competed for Belton. Occupying the top three spots were Frisco Wakeland (1st, 20), Frisco Liberty (2nd, 88) and Rockwall-Heath (3rd, 96). In the boys Division II race, senior Paul Maringathuparambil (33rd, 18:41.9) led the Tigers to a ninth-place showing with 249 points. He was complemented by juniors Ezra Kahler (40th, 18:55.7), Alexander Castelan (69th, 20:07.6) and Hayden Brown (72nd, 20:11.6) and sophomore Harrison Booher (78th, 20:32.7). All finishing within 40 seconds of each other, sophomores Nelson Funez (80th, 20:47.3) and Marcus Hernandez (81st, 20:51.1), senior Rosario Parra (82nd, 20:53.6), junior Jose Perez-Diaz (85th, 21:03.8) and freshman Luke Roberts (88th, 21:26.1) also competed for Belton.  Dallas Highland Park earned the team title with 53 points, beating out Frisco Wakeland (2nd, 58) and Cypress Springs (3rd, 60).

By Tony Adams The Belton Journal The fans in attendance during the Belton Tigers’ volleyball contest against the China Spring Cougars had an opportunity to witness a significant program milestone on Friday afternoon. In her second year as the libero for the Tigers, Miley Davila hit the 500th dig milestone during the match as Belton defeated the Cougars, 3-1. Scores of the match were 25-23, 25- 16, 17-25, and 25-23. Emma Harvey used two kills, and Ella Tucek drilled an ace to reverse an early 8-4 deficit and spurred 9-1 run in game one. With the score at 23-23, a Cougar hit a big drive toward outside line. Davila dug the ball just an inch above the deck. Her teammates took care of the score as the play gave Belton game point. The Tigers gained the next point to take a 1-0 lead in the match.  Belton led throughout game two, as they closed the game on a 14-6 run. Kaitlyn McCracken, CJ Stites, Brylee Renegar, and Landry Duggan picked up kills to aid the Tigers to a 2-0 lead.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal After two weeks and two wins, the Tigers are finally coming home. Belton opened its schedule with a pair of victories, punctuating the performance by defeating host Georgetown 34-26 last week, and now, the Tigers will attempt to put on another successful show on a familiar field. Georgetown East View comes to town Friday for a 7 p.m. start, and if all goes according to plan, Belton will celebrate its first home win in more than a year by evening’s end. The Tigers lost all five of their home games in 2024. Their last victory at Belton came in the opening round of the 2023 playoffs, when they beat Austin Travis 61-6 on Nov. 8. Last year, the Patriots defeated the Tigers 48-14, but things have changed for Belton. Injuries to key players sent the Tigers’ season into a tailspin a year ago, and they lost seven games before recovering to return to the playoffs. This season, the struggles are diminished, and Belton is thriving. Following a 21-17 win at Pflugerville Hendrickson in the season-opener, the Tigers cruised past the Eagles in Week 2 thanks in part to an almost flawless showing from quarterback Will Shepard. The junior completed 17 of 18 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns to go along 53 yards rushing and a touchdown on 13 carries. Shepard was complemented by a number of teammates, though. Gavin Ross, a junior receiver, was responsible for 159 yards and three touchdowns on 10 catches, junior running back Javid Planz carried the ball 15 times for a team-high 61 yards and sophomore halfback Cason Morton had three carries for 16 yards and a score to go with a trio of catches for 81 yards. Defensively, senior Jacob Lewis led the team with 10 total tackles, including five solo, while junior Azian Wilkinson had eight total tackles and a fumble recovery. East View enters the contest with a 1-1 record after defeating Burnet 42-28 last week, and like the Tigers, the Patriots received a strong showing from their signalcaller. Cormyc Guerrero, a senior, completed 18 of 25 passes for 226 yards and rushed for another 66 yards, but East View’s running back generated most of the team’s points. Jayvion Clater, a junior, had four touchdowns and 53 yards on 10 carries, while senior teammate Blake Honeycutt carried the ball 16 times for 73 yards and a score. The Patriots also produced three interceptions in the dominating win that saw them leading 35-14 following the first three quarters. Belton did not have as easy an encounter versus Georgetown. Leading by just a single point, 27-26, late in the game, Shepard secured the outcome with a three-yard run into the end zone with nine seconds remaining in regulation. The play capped off a 98-yard drive that began after a potential go-ahead touchdown pass for Georgetown was intercepted near the goal line. While everything worked out in the Tigers’ favor, they struggled offensively in the second half after reaching the end zone on all three of their possessions in the first and second quarters. Outside of the opening half’s first and last drives, the squads alternated scores throughout the first two quarters thanks in part to Shepard’s connection with Ross.  The pair hooked up six times in the half for 113 yards and a pair of touchdowns with the first coming approximately four minutes after the Tigers forced Georgetown to punt away its initial possession.

By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal Belton ISD’s tennis teams are off to a strong start this fall, with the Tigers, Broncos, and Dragons all showing promising performances as district play begins. The Belton Tigers began their district campaign with an impressive road victory at Chaparral High School. The team came out strong in doubles, winning the majority of matches and setting the tone for the rest of the competition. In singles play, the Tigers continued their momentum, dropping only two matches out of twelve to secure a decisive 16-3 win. The victory puts Belton at 1-0 in district play and 4-4 overall for the season. The team has shown that it can perform well under pressure, blending experienced players with emerging talent. The Lake Belton Broncos have been equally impressive, remaining undefeated through the early portion of the season. Their most recent match against University was a dominant 19-0 victory, with the Broncos winning all seven doubles matches and all twelve singles matches. Despite some closely contested games, the young team demonstrated composure to emerge victorious in every matchup. The Broncos’ next district match will be at Belton High on Tuesday, September 9, where they will look to maintain their perfect record. The Belton New Tech Dragons have faced a more challenging schedule but continue to show persistence and potential. In a recent home match against Cameron, the Dragons fought hard in doubles, with Leland Moore and Zaylen Kimball claiming a hard fought victory to extend their winning streak. Singles play also featured standout performances, with Moore and Jett Lopez picking up key wins, and Grant Wiseman taking an exhibition match. Several other matches were extremely close, going to third set tiebreakers, and although the Dragons fell just short in those contests, the team’s effort were evident. Currently 1-2 in district and 2-3 overall, the Dragons are preparing to face Marble Falls this Thursday at the Yvonne Li Tennis Center, aiming to bounce back and build momentum for the remainder of the season.  As the fall season progresses, Belton ISD’s tennis teams are showing that they have both depth and skill across the board. With upcoming matches and district play intensifying, supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer for these young athletes as they continue to represent their schools with pride.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal Belton recently released its schedule for the upcoming season, and the Tigers and Lady Tigers open by hosting Waco Midway on Nov. 12 before traveling to Azle for a two-day meet beginning Nov. 20. Belton ISD venues will host six more events before Belton High serves as the site for the District 6-5A meet Jan. 28. 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.

August 26, 1948 – August 17, 2025 Shirley Anne Culver, born August 26, 1948 and longtime resident of Salado, passed away on Sunday August 17, 2025. She is survived by her son Russell and wife Michele; her daughter LonAnne and Mike; her grandchildren Mason, Madison and husband David, Austin and wife Maggie, Thomas and William; and by her Dearest Steve - her dance partner for the last 20 years. Shirley is also survived by her sister Alice Wells; her sister Margaret Hardin and husband Rodney; her brother Jim West and wife Carol; her sister-in-law Pam Downing and many nieces and nephews who adore her. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Bill Culver of Salado; her parents Jack and Bettye West of Groom; her grandparents Elton and Maggie Ruth Johnston of McLean and Charley and Ina West of McLean. “Miss” Shirley was married to her high school sweetheart and soul mate, Bill, for thirty-three and a half years and is now reunited with him in heaven. Working as a Certifi ed Financial Planner in Bell County from 1980 to 2021, Shirley found her calling getting to know people and their families and helping them attain their goals and dreams. Shirley will always be remembered for her love for her family and friends, for her service to the people she counseled throughout her years as a fi nancial planner, and for her connection to strangers who were drawn to share their stories with her. She truly had a gift for making everyone feel they had an important place in the world. A private family gathering is planned. In lieu of fl owers, the family requests memorials sent to one of the following organizations or to any charity of your choice: Route 66 Roping Arena, c/o Bill Homer, P.O. Box 339, Groom, TX 79039 Families in Crisis, P.O. Box 25, Killeen, TX 76541 -- www.familiesincrisis.net. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, and what is unseen is eternal. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18.

November 6, 1950 – September 2, 2025 Gary Lynn Caplinger, born on November 6, 1950, in Crosbyton, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home in Temple, Texas, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Gary lived a life full of love, dedication, and a commitment to family that was evident in everything he did. Raised in a nurturing environment, Gary graduated from Lubbock High School before furthering his education at the Southwestern Oklahoma School of Pharmacy. His career began in 1974 with a private pharmacy, and he later took pride in serving as a pharmacist at the VA hospital. After many years of devoted labor, Gary concluded his professional journey at Walmart Pharmacy, retiring in 2017. Throughout his life, Gary was known for his easygoing nature, great sense of humor, and tender-heartedness. He was kind, caring, and always appreciative of those around him. With a positive spirit, he instilled the values of loyalty and protection in his family, along with a deep reverence for the word of God. His faith was evident through his dedication as a member of the Crossroads Church, where he enjoyed participating in Bible studies and golf fellowship. In 1974, Gary met the love of his life, Patty, and upon their fi rst glance, he knew she was the one. They were married six months later, and together they built a loving family, celebrated numerous milestones, and created a bond that lasted through their 50 years of marriage. Gary cherished being a family man and took immense pride in his sons, Jeremy and Jeff, as well as his beloved grandchildren. He was particularly fond of his wife, whom he affectionately called “Patty Sue.” Gary enjoyed many hobbies, including golfi ng, watching sports—especially college basketball—and he possessed a passion for classic cars and collecting antiques. An avid reader, he took delight in History, Christian Literature and the Bible. He also developed a reputation as a master of dad jokes, always bringing laughter to those around him. He had a great love for animals especially his dogs and cats. Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Patty Caplinger; his two sons, Jeremy (Jennifer) Caplinger and Jeff (Wendy) Caplinger; his sister Debra (Richie Crowell); his grandchildren, Travis, Gavin, Caleb, River, William and Abbie; his nephews Jarrett and Cason, niece Melanie and his beloved cat. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Naomi (Pickens) Caplinger, and one brother, Don Lee Caplinger. His life and legacy were celebrated during a visitation on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Young’s Daughters Funeral Home & Bereavement Center in Temple, Texas, from 9 a.m. with a Funeral Service following at 10 a.m. A burial service at Hillcrest Cemetery will commence afterwards. Gary Lynn Caplinger will be remembered for his unwavering love, his dedication to family, and the light of God that fl ourished in him. He has left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew him. A special thank you to all family and friends, the Crossroads Church members, his golf buddies and “The Girl Gang” for all their support and prayers during this time.  Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center.

By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal Hundreds will participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s walkathon in Belton on Sept 27. The walkathon funds go to the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit 501(c)3, for research, support, and care for Alzheimer’s. Participants will gather at Liberty Park, 700 Veteran’s Way Drive. Registration begins at 8 a.m. followed by a ceremony at 9 a.m., with the one-mile walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. Adults can register online at www. alz.org. In the search bar, enter the Belton zip code, 76513, to find the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Bell County.. Register children offline or online. Every participant needs to register and sign waivers.