Athletics across Longview ISD are seeing their fair share of success and challenges.
'We're in a great position right now — district-wide and in multiple programs — and we look to continue to make strides as this school year continues,' said LHS Athletic Director John King.
Football
Lobo football jumped out to a quick 3-0 start with wins over state-ranked Lufkin, rival Marshall, and a South Oak Cliff team filled with NCAA-recruited talent, before taking it on the chin against Mesquite-Horn in the district opener.
King said the best way to get past a tough loss is with hard work.
'No one is going to feel sorry for us and we can't feel sorry for ourselves,' he said. 'It's a matter of going back to work, everyone, and correcting the mistakes we made. We've got to prepare better, plan better and execute better.'
Following their dominant district win over Tyler Lee last week, Longview continues District 11-6A action on Oct. 6 hosting the Rockwall Yellowjackets, before traveling back to the Metroplex on Oct. 20 to face North Mesquite.
District play continues Oct. 27 with a homestand against John Tyler, before heading west again Nov. 3 to face Rockwall-Heath.
Longview returns to Mesquite once more on Nov. 10 to face the Skeeters in the season finale.
Volleyball
Despite being in one of the most competitive 6A districts in the entire state, the Lady Lobos are in the hunt for a league title.
Longview's record is 21-10 (3-2 in district) but that's enough to put them within pouncing distance.
'Coach Chaka Jackson has those girls playing some serious volleyball right now,' King said. 'Even in the games they've lost, they've been in it 'til the end. If a couple things go their way, they could make some noise in the postseason.'
Tennis
Lobo tennis returns last year's state finalist Simran Kortikere who has led the girls team in both singles and doubles, supported by teammates Julia Miller, Kelsey Quiett, Bhavna Singh, Elizabeth Wall, Fatima Somers, Cameron Roberts, Delia and Diana Acuna.
Boys teams feature Austin Greifenkamp, Nitin Rangu, and Zach Fasang who lead a talented group of netters than includes Chris Holyfield, Gaurav Singh, Matthew Nguyen, Corey Hill, Connor Gilliland, and Bobby Hough.
'Coach Anders and Faulkner have been doing an excellent job in developing those athletes,' King said. 'There's a good mix of youth and experience, so it's safe to say that Lobo tennis will continue to excel.'
Middle Schools
Speaking of youth, King boasted in LISD's middle school coaches as well. Citing the winning records shown by football and volleyball programs at Foster, Forest Park, and Judson as proof that Lobo athletic excellence will remain a tradition for the foreseeable future.
'We've got great participation in the middle school athletic programs, but also great success,' he said. 'District championships in middle school football and volleyball usually come down to one Longview ISD campus or another one. It's the kind of rivalry that, no matter who wins, benefits the entire Lobo Nation.'
Looking Ahead
King praised the pre-season preparation being made by incoming basketball and baseball coaches currently in off-season mode.
Earlier this year Don Newton was hired as the boys head basketball coach and Jim Goldman as the head baseball coach. Robert Cochran was also hired to coach girls basketball.
'All three have been terrific additions to the Longview ISD coaching staff,” he said. “So we're anticipating some immediate improvement, with an eye toward building for the future.”
“It’s certainly a great time to be a Lobo,” he added.