The Mineola student body mustered in the gym last Friday morning to honor the accomplishments of their fall-term student athletes in cheer, cross country, volleyball and football.

Athletic Director Luke Blackwell opened the assembly by thanking the students, the staff, the parents and the booster club. He specifically thanked the parents for their emotional and logistical support as their sons and daughters played sports. He also acknowledged the work of the boosters, who this year have raised $66,000 in support of Yellowjacket athletics. Lastly, he thanked the students and teachers  whose efforts allowed the young people to participate. 

Judging from the assembly, the Mineola athletics program is flourishing. 

Of note there were 24 underclassmen participating in junior varsity volleyball – enough to fill three teams. Also noteworthy, every member of the 2023 varsity volleyball team was recognized as an academic all-district student-athlete.

The cheerleading contingent placed 25th in the state at the recent state-wide competition. 

The sport of cross country remains viable as well. The girls state-qualifying team returns all of their runners for next season. 

Coach Aaron Slider recognized a number of football players for their all-district distinctions  as well as local Mineola High School awards. Two players were specifically called-out for exemplifying everything which a Mineola Yellowjacket football player should embody. The fact that a sophomore, Eddie Guerra, was named to this honor along with senior Bryson Myers indicates that the Mineola football has a bright future.