Panola College

March 12, 2018 - Panola College Rodeo team regained its lead in the Southern Region standings February 23-24 in Robstown, TX. The Texas A&M - Kingsville hosted rodeo proved to be very important for a lot of individuals fighting for their shot at qualifying for the CNFR. The following individuals helped their team to regain its lead:

Logan Cook started things off right in the Calf Roping with a 8.8 seconds, topping the rest of the field by three tenths of a second. Coach Collins said “That was an amazing run and he made it look so effortless, just awesome to see him do that”. The win helped Cook to move to 2nd place in the standings and help insure himself a qualification to the CNFR. Logan didn’t stop there; he also placed in the Team Roping along with his partner Colton Johnson. The pair teamed up and completed their run in 7.5 seconds, well enough time for a 6th place finish. The most important part of that run was it moves both Logan and Colton in the top ten in the region, and with three rodeo’s left to go leaves plenty of time to qualify for their first CNFR in the Team Roping.

Travis Chapman won 2nd place in the Bareback Riding. Travis drew a horse he knew really well and was able to make an excellent spur ride and score 76 points. He is the number 2 man in the region and well within striking distance of being the number one man. Coach Collins says” Travis is very talented young man with a lot of grit and try. He will be a huge hitter for us at the CNFR. I do expect Travis to win the region and be a contender for the National Championship in Casper.”

Two Bull Riders came out with valuable points at Robstown. Koby Radley and Ross Freeman, both freshman, did an amazing job of just riding there bulls. Ross scored a 78 point ride for a 3rd place finish while Koby scored 73 for a 6th place finish. The two are both seated in the top ten, Koby is in 2nd place and Ross at 7th. Koby has been in the lead a good part of the season and is right on the heels of the number one man, Ross just cracked into the top ten and with a strong finish, both will be expecting their first CNFR qualification. Collins said “Ross and Koby are not only great college rodeo athletes, but compete and win on the pro rodeo circuit as well. These two young men are very mentally mature athletes with huge goals and expectations of themselves. They are a great asset to this team and I expect them to achieve all they are set out to do. Watch for these young men, you will be hearing a lot about them.”

Logan Cook also competes in the Saddle Bronco Riding, although this was an off weekend and he did not receive points in that event, he remains way out in front of the men’s All-Around race. In rodeo an All-Around hand is a cowboy that competes in two or more events, Logan does three. Logan is number 2 in Calf Roping, number 2 in Saddle Bronco, and number 7 in the Team Roping, and number one in the All-Around. Coach says” I believe Logan has the talent and drive to win National Titles in more than one event, he has really matured mentally in the last year. His work ethic and discipline has caught another gear. That’s exciting to watch an athlete compete in that manner. I think it’s going to be a great CNFR for him and us as well.”

The Rodeo Team will travel to Bryan for the 8th rodeo of the 10 in the Southern Region on March 16-17.


From left, Kyree Williams, Jessica Bailey, Tyler Chong, Kat Smith, Jasmine Ryan, Yance Flores, Dustin Bennett, Quay Rice and Nathaniel Endsley. (Photo by Katy Chance)

March 9, 2018 - Panola College theatre students took their show on the road to Texas A&M University Commerce on February 28 through March 3 to participate in the Texas Community College Speech & Theatre Association competition. The cast and crew of “Vinegar Tom” brought home awards for acting and technical theatre.

The Professors Excellence Awards went to Jesse Waters, sound; Kassandra Escobar, lighting design; Kacie Sepulvado, scenic design, Cody Osburn, tree design; Zach Holmes, tour management; Zach Holmes, construction lead.

From left, Tyler Chong, Emmalee Tomaszweski, and Sarah Funderburk. (Photo by Katy Chance)

Maelbi Calderon won a Respondents Excellence Award for stage management. Kacie Sepulvado won a Respondents Superior Tech Award for property design.

Ten Panola College students won Professors Superior Awards, including Nikki Lawhorn, dramaturgy; Maelbi Calderon, stage management; Nikki Lawhorn, transition coordinator; Taylor Foster, lobby display; Taylor Foster, program design; Lacie Sepulvado, costume design; Emmalee Tomaszweski, choreography; Maelbi Calderon, assistant dramaturgy; Jasmine Ryan, make-up and hair design; and Kacie Sepulvado, property design.

Kat Smith and Tyler Chong. (Photo by Katy Chance)

Tying for the Professors Acting Award were Emmalee Tomaszweski and Katyln Smith.

“Vinegar Tom,” by Caryl Churchill, examines the role of women in society during the seventeenth century witch hunt era in England.

“I am pleased with the abundance of individual awards our students brought home from TCCSTA,” said Karen King, drama professor. “The adult subject matter of this play made it especially challenging and our students rose to the task in grand fashion.”

Yance Flores and Bekah Black. (Photo by Katy Chance)

Submitted by Donna Yates

March 9, 2018 Jacksonville - The Panola College men’s basketball team fell to San Jacinto College here Thursday night in overtime, 90-82. The loss finishes Panola’s season with an overall record of  20-12. “We gave plenty of effort tonight. But we didn’t execute in vital times during the second half.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. 

In the first half of play, both teams went back and fourth the entire frame. Neither team had a lead bigger than six points in the half and found themselves tied at 38 heading into the locker room. Both teams battled in the second half before San Jac took a 74-66 lead with just under 6:00 minutes remaining. Panola closed the second half on a 14-6 run to tie the ball game. The Ponies had a chance to win the game but didn’t get a shot off. 

In overtime, Panola struggled offensively only scoring two points in the extra frame. 

Shandon Goldman led the way in scoring with 20 points. Marlon Taylor recorded a double-double in the loss netting 19 points and chasing down 11 rebounds. 

Panola finishes the season 20-12. They finished fourth in Region 14 regular season standing.

March 7, 2018 - The Panola Fillies upend Bossier Paris CC 66-59 in the first round of the Region 14 Conference Tournament.

The Fillies of Panola got off to a slow start as they played the first game of the tournament in Jacksonville. Miscues, empty possessions, & turnovers were an Achilles heel for the Fillies most all of the first half. Despite the slow start, the Fillies went to the break up 1.

The Fillies would get it together and jump out to a 9 point lead. However the ladies of BPCC, would not give up. The lead would be cut to 3. This would be the closest BPCC would come. End of game free throws helped Panola secure the victory

The Fillies return to action in Region 14 play Friday at 1pm against San Jac.

March 7, 2018 Jacksonville, TX - The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated Coastal Bend College here Tuesday night, 95-83. The victory improves Panola’s overall record to 20-11 and puts them in the quarterfinals in the Region 14 conference tournament. The 20th win marks the third straight season with 20 or more wins in each of Head Coach Grant McMillan’s tenure, first time in school history. “We handle their punches and got in a good flow. It took us a while to close the game but we took care of business.” McMillan stated. 

Both teams came out on fire scoring a combined 48 points in the first 9:00 minutes of the game. In that stretch, there were eight lead changes and three ties. Panola began to pull away taking a 50-40 halftime lead. The ponies never kept their foot off the glass as they extended their lead to 72-47 midway through the second half. Coastal Bend made a run but never got any closer that nine points. Panola won 95-83. 

Four players scored in double figures and were led by Marlon Taylor’s 32 points. Jeremy Roscoe recorded a double-double netting 11 points and dishing out 12 assists. Juwan Williams scored 14 while Alex Holcombe added 10. As a team, the Ponies shot 58 percent from the field. 

Panola advances to the quarterfinals of the regional tournament. They take on San Jacinto at 8:00 PM on Thursday. The game will be played at Jacksonville, Texas ISD gymnasium.

Submitted by Adam Blaylock

March 5, 2018 - Panola College/Shelby College Center is offering “Cardio Fitness”. This is a new high-intensity dance workout that teaches modern moves to tone and strengthen the body. Changing your workout keeps your fitness program fresh and challenging. This new class will begin March 20 - April 26, 2018. Meeting times will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at the Shelby College Center. The cost of the class is $45.00 and pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, contact Shelby College Center at 936-598-9543 or email: tmccann@panola.edu.

March 5, 2018 - The Panola College men’s basketball team split their region games this past week. On Wednesday, the Ponies defeated Bossier Parish and fell to Paris on Saturday. After this week’s action, Panola finishes the regular season at 19-11 and 11-8 in Region 14 play. “We had a good week. We played well in both games and came up short against Paris. I think our guys are mentally prepared for the regional tournament next week.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated.

On Wednesday, Panola hosted Bossier Parish. In a seesaw first half, Panola began to pull away using a 13-2 run to end the half taking a 42-31 lead. The Ponies maintained their lead the entire second half. Bossier Parish never threatened en route to the 82-68 victory. Marlon Taylor led Panola in scoring with 30 points.

Saturday afternoon, Panola went to Paris Junior College and fell behind late in the first half trailing at halftime, 48-40. The Ponies fought back to take a 76-70 lead with under 6:00 minutes remaining but couldn’t hold on. Paris hit a three pointer with 1.8 seconds remaining taking an 85-82 lead. Panola’s three point attempt to tie the ball came fell short. Taylor led the Ponies in scoring with 29 points.

Panola now competes in the Region 14 conference tournament. They have been awarded the sixth overall seed. The Ponies will take on Coastal Bend College at 8:00 PM in Jacksonville, Texas. The game will be played at the Jacksonville ISD gymnasium. More details regarding the tournament can be found at the following website: http://www.jacksonville-college.edu/region-xiv-championship-tournament

Morgan Ray won a scholarship for her acrylic painting of a longhorn.

March 2, 2018 - Two Panola College art students were among the winners at the University of Texas at Tyler Art Symposium on Friday, Feb. 23. Sheli Caserta of Beckville and Morgan Ray of Center won scholarships in the juried art exhibit, which showcases student art from regional colleges and universities.

Caserta’s ceramic bust sculpture earned her recognition and the scholarship, while Ray’s winning entry was an acrylic painting of a longhorn.

Sheli Caserta won a scholarship for her ceramic sculpture.

“Panola art students were so excited to participate in this year’s Art Symposium,” said Amanda Clements, Panola College art professor. “Three students entered three artworks each for a total of nine works submitted for the scholarship competition.”

The day’s events included the juried exhibition, a tour of the UT Tyler Art complex, participation in discussions in the graduates’ gallery, and an opportunity to view and discuss art work from other competing colleges.

“One of the things the students enjoyed most was the Raku demonstration,” Clements said. “Raku is an ancient traditional Japanese pottery firing technique. This was a great experience for our art students.”

February 28, 2018 - The Panola Fillies return home one final time this season in AJ Gym. The Fillies host Bossier Parish Community College Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 530 pm. Prior to the game, the Fillies will recognize the sophomores of the team.

The Fillies are 22-5 on the season and 14-4 in conference. Panola is currently ranked 17 in the nation and tied for 2nd in Region 14. The Fillies are undefeated at home with a 12-0 record.

February 24, 2018 - The Panola College men’s basketball team split this week in Region 14 play. They defeated 14th ranked Tyler Junior College on Wednesday and lost to Kilgore College on Saturday. “The Tyler win was one of the biggest home wins we have ever had.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “I was disappointed in our overall performance in Saturday. We just have to be better.” He added.

On Wednesday, Panola started out slow falling down 10-3 before taking control the rest of the half. They found themselves up 34-26 at halftime. Panola maintained their lead entire second half. Tyler came within three points with just under 8:00 minutes remaining before Juwan Williams hit back-to-back three points while being fouled. Panola won 88-75.

Saturday, the Ponies found themselves down 12-7 early and never got any closer. Kilgore gradually increased their lead the rest of the half taking a 38-27 lead. Panola scored the first two points of the second half but Kilgore kept a stronghold on the lead the rest of the game taking the 80-60 victory.

Panola hosts Bossier Parish Community College this upcoming Wednesday for sophomore night. Panola’s seven sophomores will be honored before the opening 7:30 tip.

Pages