Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Shane Webber said he is looking forward to the football season and the school year ahead.
“I am so excited for this football season and this entire year,” Webber said. “We truly have a great group of kids who have great leadership, great energy and great enthusiasm, just like our community.”
Webber said Meet the Bulldogs brings the community together in support of Quitman ISD students.
“Meet the Bulldogs is an awesome event that really brings our community together,” he said. “From our administrators, teachers, players and Booster Club to our news media, Chamber and business owners, everyone comes together for something bigger than their own personal agenda, and that is the kids in our school district.”
He thanked everyone who came out to support the players.
Elementary teacher and PTO teacher representative Ketzie De Gorostiza said Meet the Bulldogs reminds her how special the Quitman community is.
“Meet the Bulldogs is one of those nights that reminds you how special our community is,” De Gorostiza said. “I love seeing everyone come together to support our kids and show their Bulldog pride. It’s a great way to kick off the fall season!”
The alumni volleyball game brought back plenty of memories for longtime Quitman educator Chrystal Ballard, who is beginning her 35th year in education and her 28th year at Quitman ISD.
“This will begin my 35th year in education and my 28th year at Quitman ISD,” Ballard said. “It was so nice to catch up with my former players. There is something about sharing those numerous hours and incredible memories that begins with coaches and players but ends as a family.”
Ballard has a long history with Lady Bulldog volleyball as both a player and a coach.
“I had the privilege of playing on the state runner-up team coached by Jackie Dammann,” Ballard said. “We finished the season with a 29-1 record and earned the silver medal.”
She later served as an assistant coach under Keith Guyon, who led the Lady Bulldogs to the state tournament for three consecutive seasons.
“He started the Alumni Game during his years as head coach, and I love that tradition,” Ballard said. “I played in the alumni game until I was 40 years old.”
After watching this year’s Lady Bulldogs, Ballard said she likes what she has seen so far.
“This year’s team looks scrappy and has many weapons to go to during a game,” she said. “I am excited to watch them play and get stronger with each week of the season.”