1998, 2000, 2002 Champs Begin Senior Seasons
Our college Bandits who played in National Championships in 1998 and 2000 are now entering their senior years and Dillon Smith (New Mexico State), Willie Rueda (Texas Tech), Jared Schrom (Stephen F. Austin) and Anthony Martinez (University of New Mexico) are primed and excited for the coming Spring season. Robert Gallegos (Northwestern State – Louisiana) has already completed his eligibilty following two years of juco ball at Navarro prior to his two at Northwestern State is serving this year as a graduate assistant. Though teammates on the 1998 and 2000 National Finalists they will once again see each other across the diamond in 2009. Dillon will again face Texas Tech (Willie) and UNM (Anthony) in non-conference games. Jared will see Texas Tech (Willie) in a non-conference series. Anthony (UNM) and Willie (TX Tech) will go head to head in a couple of non-conference games as well. Smith and Schrom will be on the mound and Rueda and Martinez will be in the batters box going head to head. Bragging rights will be at stake and will be decided on the field.
Our high school senior class of Bandits are getting plenty of college recognition. Bobby Mares has already signed with the University of New Mexico. Cory Falvey is narrowing his choices to a final three. Luis Saenz graduated at age 17 and signed with El Paso Community College after a stellar career at Socorro High School. Issac Herrera, Steve Vizcaino, George Stoltz, Matt Ortega, Jonathan Bustamante, Josh Blancarte, Julio Velez, Jessirey Navarrette and Justin Lopez are all on the radar for college opportunities following this year. This senior class along with Junior Kyle Bumpas are all members of our 2002 National Finalist and 2003 State Championship squads.