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Author: Tanya Garcia
WAAAM States 2025: A Showcase of Youth Wrestling Excellence
LANSING – The Don Johnson Field House in Lansing was alive on May 3, as it hosted the WAAAM States 2025, wrestling tournament that brought together some of the most promising young athletes from across Michigan. Allandale Wrestling Club’s 6-year-old wrestler, Chloe Barker was among the youngest competitors at the event and she was ready…
Meet Olivia DeLaCruz: Eastern High’s Quiet Force on the Mat
At just 17, Olivia DeLaCruz has already left her mark on Lansing Eastern High’s wrestling program quietly, confidently, and with unwavering dedication. Competing in the 115-120 pound division, Olivia isn’t just one of the few girls on the team, she’s one of its most driven competitors. Now a junior, she’s no stranger to the grind.…
Lansing Veteran Organizes Golf Tournament to Raise Awareness and Funds for Cancer Battle
Army veteran Justin Gonzales has faced battles on and off the battlefield. A proud service member who spent years defending freedom in the Middle East, Gonzales now finds himself in the fight of his life—this time against colon cancer. “I’m having a golf outing to promote cancer awareness,” Gonzales said. “I’m going through cancer right…
From Buenos Aires to Mercedes: Martial Arts Journey Unites Continents
For over four decades, Gualberto Moncayo has immersed himself in martial arts, beginning as a young practitioner in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His dedication led him to become an 8th-degree black belt in Kajukenbo, specializing in the Gaylord Method. Recognized as the Ambassador for South America by the Kajukenbo Association of America (KAA), Moncayo’s journey reflects…
Puerto Rican Martial Artist Reunites with Mentor, Trains Under Grandmaster at Texas Kajukenbo Memorial Tournament
MERCEDES, Texas – Onell Bonilla hadn’t seen his martial arts teacher in over 10 years. During that time, they stayed connected online, discussing training exercises and the Kajukenbo philosophy. Then one day in November, Bonilla,40, received a phone call from his teacher and mentor Professor Gualberto Moncayo. He invited him to attend the Texas Kajukenbo…
J.A. Garcia Post 172 holds annual Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony
MERCEDES, Texas – The Veterans War Memorial located outside of Mercedes City Hall lists the name of the town’s fallen soldiers dating back to World War 1. On the side designated for the Vietnam War the names of 16 soldiers are listed who died defending freedom. On Vietnam War Veterans Day the American Legion J.A.…
Sons of the American Legion Post 172 Hosts Chicken Plate Fundraisers to Support Veterans
MERCEDES, TEXAS – The Sons of the American Legion Post 172 recently hosted a barbecue chicken plate fundraiser to help support the post’s ongoing efforts in aiding veterans, funding its annual scholarship program, and sponsoring students for Boys State, a prestigious government and leadership program for high school juniors. Legionnaires, American Legion Riders, Sons of…
Castro Captures State Title, Leads Mercedes to Powerlifting Championship
MERCEDES, Texas – Isaiah Castro powered his way to a state title in the 148-pound division, helping lift the Mercedes Tigers to a first-place team finish at the 5A/6A Texas High School Powerlifting Association (THSPA) State Tournament held in Abilene. Teammate Matthew Perez also delivered a strong performance, earning third place in the 308-pound division.…
Texas Kajukenbo Karate team practice for kumite
By TANYA GARCIA MERCEDES, Texas — Grandmaster Armando Saldana has been training his students to be prepared for the South Texas Karate League tournament set to take place on March 29, in Laredo, Texas. The students heading to the competition marks their second tournament of the year, and many of them are coming off championship victories…
Tyler Swanigan has her eyes on the Olympics
By TANYA GARCIA Tyler Swanigan has established herself as a dominant presence in the wrestling community, and now the two time high school champion and top ranked college wrestler has her sights on making the USA Olympic Wrestling Team. “I was the first athlete to become a state champion from my school,” Swanigan said. “It…