Panola College
February 25, 2017 - Today, February 25th, the Panola Fillies will be having their annual Pink game. This year they play against Kilgore College. The Pink uniforms will be up for an online/silent auction. All proceeds will go to the Lauren Hill Foundation.
"Lauren Hill, the inspiring young woman from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, OH was diagnosed with DIPG, a rare form of inoperable brain cancer, in November 2013. Throughout her diagnosis Lauren was a tireless advocate and spokesperson for The Cure Starts Now's efforts to find the homerun cure. Lauren captured the hearts of people worldwide with her tenacity and determination to play in her first collegiate basketball game with her Mount St. Joseph University team. Since her game on November 2nd, she became a worldwide inspiration. Lauren used her voice for those children fighting cancer who are too young to speak for the need for funding research for the 'homerun cure'. Through her efforts more than $1,700,000 has been raised for DIPG research for The Cure Starts Now Foundation. Sadly, Lauren passed away on April 10, 2015, but she wanted it to be known that DIPG didn't beat her, but that she beat DIPG. To date $2.3 million dollars has been raised in Lauren's honor to help find a homerun cure". - thecurestartsnow.org
Please come out and support our team but also those who have fought the great fight against cancer. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.
Submitted by Nalani Hernandez
February 24, 2017 - The Panola Fillies faced another nationally ranked squad in Tyler on Wednesday night and came out on top, 75-70.
In a game that had 10 lead changes and 5 ties, the Fillies found a way to seal the deal. The Fillies had won the first two quarters of the game, up 34-29 at half time and carried that momentum into the second half as well. But it wouldn't be easy.
The third quarter was grind and guts from both teams. Tyler won every loose ball and had 6 crucial offensive rebounds to head into the fourth up 45-50. In the fourth, the Fillies were able to score 30 major points and win the game.
Freshman Patience Okpe led all scorers with 24 points, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Freshman Daria Eremeeva almost came away with a double-double with 15 points and 9 rebounds, 5 of those being offensive. Sophomore Genesis Rivera added 11 points for the Fillies as well.
This is the 20th win in the season for PC, making them 11-6 in conference and 20-7 overall.
The Fillies continue conference play this Saturday, at 2:00 p.m. against Kilgore College. It is also the Fillies annual PINK GAME. The pink jerseys that the Fillies will be sporting will be up for an online/silent auction. Be sure to wear Pink and cheer on our Fillies.
Submitted by Nalani Hernandez
February 24, 2017 - As part of a year-long process to train and prepare for the implementation of “Campus Carry,” Panola College will host an active shooter class on Wednesday and Thursday, March 1-2. The two-day event will be held inside and around the Gullette Technology Building, just off Bird Drive. Wednesday’s session begins at noon and runs until 6 p.m., and the training will resume on Thursday morning and continue all day.
In addition to College personnel, 30 law enforcement officers from Texas and Louisiana will participate. The training consists of lectures, and live scenarios designed to teach participants how to best respond in the event of an active shooter on campus.
Trainers will use blue gun drills to simulate situations in which a shooter may enter a classroom, hallway, or somewhere on the grounds around the building. College staff and faculty members will participate in the drills. The guns are a blue color to avoid any possible confusion during the activity.
Because of the sensitive nature of the event, all normal activities in the Gullette Technology Building have been relocated or canceled for the two days. Welding and ITV classes have been canceled. Testing services will be available in the Monk Building on campus.
“Panola College is a safe place to study, work, and live. The upcoming active shooter training is just part of our preparations for the implementation of the law that will allow the concealed carry of handguns on community college campuses,” stated Dr. Greg Powell, Panola College President.
The “Campus Carry” bill, passed by the 84th Texas Legislature, allows licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns on academic campuses. The law went into effect on university campuses on August 1, 2016. The effective date for community college campuses is set for August 1, 2017.
When the law was passed, Dr. Powell assembled a committee to survey faculty, staff, students, and community members, and to outline a plan to best comply with the state law.
“Campus Carry” applies only to individuals who have obtained a license to carry a concealed handgun. Open carry of a handgun is not permitted by a license holder on Panola College property, even if the handgun is holstered.
Dr. Powell will present to the Board of Trustees a detailed list of rules recommended by the committee regarding the implementation of the state law on Panola College properties in Carthage, Marshall and Center.
In general, all handguns on campus must remain in the possession of the licensed holder, and secured in a concealed holster. When not on the person of the licensed holder, the handgun must be secured in a locked vehicle, locker, safe or other restricted area.
Once the law goes into effect on community college campuses in August, updates to the suggested rules may be needed, according to Dr. Powell.
Submitted by Donna Yates
February 23, 2017 - Tyler, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated 15th ranked Tyler Junior College here Wednesday evening in overtime, 82-78. The victory propels their record to 20-7 and 12-4 in Region 14 play. The win gives the Ponies seven straight victories. “Our guys did a tremendous job responding to adversity all game long.” Head Coach Grant McMillan mentioned. “New people step up for us on a nightly basis. We talk about it every day.” He added.
After a back and fourth start, Panola took a five point lead in the middle of the first half but could not distance themselves any farther. Tyler found some momentum and took a 36-30 halftime lead. Tyler gradually increased their lead in the second half and found themselves up by 11 points 55-44 with 11:37 remaining. Panola went on a 22-2 run the next seven minutes of the game giving them a nine point lead, 66-57. Panola struggled to catch a break the remaining minutes as Tyler chased down a long rebound and converted on the other end to tie the ball game at 68. Panola got a shot off as time expired but the attempt was unsuccessful.
Panola controlled overtime from the tip as they scored the first five points of the extra frame. Tyler cut the Panola lead to three, 79-76 but clutch free throw shooting ultimately game the Ponies the victory.
Leading the way offensively for Panola was Marlon Taylor who netted a career high 28 points and chased down 15 rebounds. Tope Arikawe scored 16 points in the victory and TJ Killings came off the bench to score 12. Eric McGill recorded 10 assists. As a team Panola recorded 51 rebounds and only committed 10 turnovers.
Panola continues Region 14 play this upcoming Saturday when the host Kilgore College. Tip off is set for 4:00 PM on the campus of Panola College.

February 21, 2017 - The Panola College Baseball program took their annual trip to Mississippi this past weekend to take on Copiah Lincoln Community College of Wesson Mississippi and Hinds Community College of Raymond Mississippi. Panola won all four games by scoring a total of 37 runs and only allowing 3 runs through four games on the weekend. With the wins Panola now extends their record to 11-2 on the season. Panola will be back at home this weekend to take on the Texas Post Grad Academy of McKinney Texas in a double header on Friday – 24th of February. Game times are set for 2pm and 4pm.
Taylor Tomlin Throws Shutout As Panola College Defeats Copiah Lincoln Community College
Taylor Tomlin (Center, TX) didn't allow a single run as Panola College defeated Copiah Lincoln Community College 13-0 on Friday.
Christian Boulware (Dallas, TX) led Panola to victory by driving in six runs. He went 3-for-4 at the plate. Boulware drove in runs on a home run in the first, a single in the third, and a home run in the fifth.
Panola took an early lead in the first inning. Panola scored two runs when Boulware homered with two outs in the first inning. Panola scored eight runs in the third inning. Panola scored on a home run by Austin De Leon (Frisco, TX), a single by Boulware, a walk by Julian Flores (Richland, TX), a single by Chandler Morris (The Woodlands, TX), and a home run by De Leon.
Taylor Tomlin earned the win for Panola. He went five innings, surrendering zero runs, three hits, striking out four, and walking zero.
Home runs for Panola came when De Leon homered in the third and fifth innings and Boulware homered in the first and fifth innings.
Panola had 13 hits in the game. Boulware, Colby Price (Nederland, TX), De Leon, and John Mike Bounds (Beckville, TX) each collected multiple hits for Panola. Panola was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Logan Bailey made the most plays with nine.
Four Pitchers Team Up As Panola College Shuts Out Copiah Lincoln Community College In Game 2.
Panola defeated Copiah Lincoln Community College 9-0 in game two on Friday as four pitchers combined to throw a shutout. Cole Clinton (Carthage, TX) induced a groundout from McLrod to finish off the game.
Chandler Morris (The Woodlands, TX) led Panola to victory by driving in four runs. He went 3-for-3 at the plate. Morris drove in runs on a home run in the third and a single in the sixth.
Panola took an early lead in the second inning. Austin De Leon's (Frisco, TX) sac fly scored one run for Panola. Panola scored six runs in the third inning on a double by Colton Oberthier (Hallsville, TX), a single by Logan Berlof (McKinney, TX), a home run by Morris, and a single by Austin Blakeley (Hallsville, TX)
Kyle Rogers earned the win for Panola. He went four innings, surrendering zero runs, one hit, striking out one, and walking zero. Three relievers helped Panola close out the victory. Juan Mateo (Santo Domingo, DR), Rancy Nunez (Santo Domingo, DR) and Clinton all threw one inning in relief.
Panola had 13 hits in the game. Blakeley, Morris, and Berlof each collected multiple hits for Panola. Blakeley with four hits in five at bats. Panola was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Blakeley made the most plays with nine chances.
Hallsville Duo Team Up Again As Panola College Shuts Out Hinds Community College
Panola College defeated Hinds Community College 6-0 in game one on Saturday as two pitchers combined to throw a shutout. Colton Brasher (Hallsville, TX) induced a fly out from Davis to finish off the game.
Panola scored two runs in the sixth inning and four runs in the seventh inning. Panola scored its runs on and errors in the sixth and a three run homerun Christian Boulware (Dallas, TX) in the seventh.
Logan Bailey (Hallsville, TX) earned the win for Panola. He went six innings, allowing zero runs, three hits, striking out eight, and walking zero.
Austin Blakeley (Hallsville, TX), Boulware, and Chandler Morris (The Woodlands, TX) all had one hit to lead Panola.
Panola College Jumps Out To Early Lead In Victory Over Hinds Community College
Panola College defeated Hinds Community College 9-3 in game two on Saturday thanks to a strong start. Panola scored on a single by Colby Price (Nederland, TX) in the second inning.
Panola secured the victory thanks to five runs in the fourth inning. Panola scored on a double by Andrew Pace (Beaumont, TX), a single by Cal Smith (Keller, TX), a walk by Chandler Morris (The Woodlands, TX), and a walk by Duke Ellis (Nacogdoches, TX).
Panola captured the lead in the first inning on George Valdez's (Forney, TX) sac fly scored one run for Panola. Hinds evened things up at one in the bottom of the first inning. Panola scored five runs in the fourth inning. Panola took the lead for good with three runs in the second inning on Logan Berlof’s (McKinney, TX) sacrifice fly to drive in a run, Pace hit a sacrifice fly to drive in a run, and Price singled, driving in one run.
Miles Dunn (Conroe, TX) earned the win for Panola. He pitched two innings, allowing zero runs, two hits, striking out one, and walking zero.
Cayne Ueckert (Jasper, TX) started the game for Panola. He threw two innings, allowing two runs, two hits, and striking out two.
Panola collected ten hits. Ellis, Smith, and Pace each collected multiple hits for Panola. Pace, Smith, and Ellis each managed two hits to lead Panola.
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Submitted by Brandon Benton, Assistant Baseball Coach
February 20, 2017 - For the first time in history, the Fillies of Panola College beat Trinity Valley Community College, 64-39.
While holding Trinity Valley to only 26% shooting on the night and forcing 20 turnovers, the Panola Fillies found themselves beating #10 in the nation, last Saturday night. From the start of the game, the Fillies had control and never let up. They opened the first quarter on a 12-2 run, and held TVCC to 6 points.
With a 29-19 lead into half time, the Fillies were tied in turnovers at 10 a piece. But in the second half, PC would only add 3 more, while forcing another 10 for TVCC. PC also won the rebound battle, 31-30. Freshman Genesis Rivera led all-scores, putting up a solid 21 points. Freshman Patience Okpe added a spectacular 10 points as well and added 3 assists.
The Fillies are now 10-6 in conference, sitting in the fifth-place spot, and 19-7 overall. The Fillies will continue with another competitive game against #18 Tyler Junior College, in Tyler on Wednesday, February 22nd at 5:30 p.m.
Submitted by Nalani Hernandez

February 19, 2017 - Carthage, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated 12th ranked Trinity Valley Community College here Saturday afternoon, 94-87. Panola’s win streak has now reached six. The victory propels their record to 19-7 and 11-4 in Region 14 play. “Our guys did a tremendous job executing the game plan.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “We battled all night and had multiple people step up.” He added.
Panola found themselves in control much of the first half as they held a 47-38 halftime lead. Trinity Valley gained some momentum in the second half as they tied the ball game up at 68 with just under 11:00 minutes remaining. A TJ Killings three pointer and Devyn Wilson netted 5 straight points to give the Ponies a 78-74 lead with less than 7:00 minutes to play. Trinity could not cut the lead to less than four points. Down the stretch both teams put on a free throw clinic but Panola would not give up any ground.
Leading the way for Panola was Devyn Wilson who scorched the nets for 34 points. Wilson made six three pointers and went 14-16 from the free throw line. Tope Arikawe chipped in with 13 points. Eric McGill and Keith Hayes both scored 11 points, respectively. As a team, Panola shot 45 percent from three and forced 15 Trinity Valley turnovers.
Panola continues Region 14 play when they head to Tyler, Texas to take on Tyler Junior College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM on the campus of TJC.
Submitted by Adam Blaylock
February 17, 2017 - Beginning in fall 2017, Panola College will offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Level 1 certificate in Ranch and Land Management. Students who wish to pursue an advanced degree beyond the AAS may transfer to Stephen F. Austin State University to work toward a bachelor of applied arts and sciences degree.
Dr. Joe Shannon, Vice President for Instruction, said the new degree and certificate will benefit Panola College students who are interested in enhancing their knowledge of agricultural productivity and land stewardship.
“We have worked diligently for more than a year to create this new opportunity for our students,” he said.
An advisory board worked with Panola College to design and implement the new degree program. Board members include Lee Dudley, Texas A&M Agri-Life; Chris Adams, Bird & Crawford Forestry; Lee Anderson, Texas Forest Service; Dr. John Ray; Ken Smith, Hancock Forestry; Tim L. Holland, Certified Forester; Stephen A. McInnis, Southern Power Company; Joe Shaw, Southeast Recruiter-Trainer, Davey Tree Company; Ron Hufford, Director, Texas Forestry Association; Kevin Schmidt, Owner, Doodley Dee’s Farms; Mike Fox, Member, Cattleman’s Association; Jack Dillard; Cody Bush; and James Houser, Vice President, Forest Resources Management.
The AAS degree and certificate are designed to promote conservation, management, maintenance and productivity of farm and ranch land, with emphasis on livestock grazing, habitat, water, recreation, minerals, and agricultural uses.

Courses approved for the degree include ranch and land management construction skills, introduction to mechanical engines, animal science, basic electrical theory, introduction to welding, basic hydraulics, forage and pasture management, beef cattle production, soil science, wild pig management and control, management and biology of whitetail deer, pond construction and management, and entomology.
In addition, to earn the AAS degree students will complete core curriculum courses in basic academic areas.
Students who complete the AAS at Panola will be able to transfer those credits to Stephen F. Austin State University to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree in Agricultural Technology. This partnership with SFASU also applies to students in Panola College’s energy technology disciplines.
Previously, technical coursework counted toward associate degrees completed at Panola College. With approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, technical coursework toward associate of applied science degrees in these areas of specialization are now counted as course credit for the BAAS degree at SFASU.
“Our students and regional employers have expressed a need for bachelor’s degree options for technical fields. We are proud to have been able to meet this need through a partnership with SFA, the university of choice for most of our students,” Dr. Shannon says.
For more information, contact Natalie Oswalt at Panola College, email noswalt@panola.edu or call 936-591-9075.

February 17, 2017 - Panola College Theater students will take their show on the road March 1-4 when they perform “Kabuki Lady Macbeth” at The Kennedy Center American College Theater Regional Festival at Angelo State University in San Angelo. The invitation to this elite event was extended after the production won 17 awards at the KCACTF Texas State Festival in October, according to Freddy Mason, Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
In preparation for the regional competition, the theatre department will perform the play at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23 (doors open at 5:45), and at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24 (doors open at 6:45), in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium on the Panola College Campus. Panola College family and local high school students will be admitted free. Adults are invited to make a donation to this fundraising event to assist with the travel and lodging expenses for the theater students’ trip to San Angelo for the regional competition.
Region 6 encompasses five states: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Being invited as a showcase event for the regional festival is quite an honor, says Karen King, professor of theater.
“Of all the plays performed at state, only two were selected for the regional festival. The region consists of more than 350 participating productions, and Panola was one of 18-25 other schools in the running to represent the region. I am thrilled that we have received this recognition,” King says.
“Kabuki Lady Macbeth” was written by Karen Sunde, and is an eastern take on Shakespeare’s famous tale of ambition and murder. The production mixes eastern style theater with western traditions. At the Texas State Festival, Panola garnered the Respondents and Director’s awards. Earning nominations for the Irene Ryan Acting Award were Panola College student actors Sara Trahan, Julian Johnson and Joseph Allred.
Other awards from the state festival include Nikki Lawhorn and Tristan Smith for dramaturgy; KiKi Woodson for make-up and hair design; Shannon Henshaw for make-up and mask design; Tristan Smith for scenic design; Kylee Flanary for lighting design; Emily Jolly for prop design; Laci Sepulvado for costume design; Wyatt Windham for performance; and Braden Wood for sound design. The entire cast and crew won the ensemble award, and Karen King, professor of theater, won the directing award.
The Region 6 festival will showcase Tarrant County College-Southeast, the University of New Orleans, Texas Wesleyan University, and West Texas A&M University, along with the showcase production by Panola College.
“The showcase production was chosen by the regional committee because of the quality of the total body of work. We are an invited production, but with the word ‘showcase’ added to the title. This is a higher level of the regular theater competition and affords students the opportunity to display their work,” King says.

The next level of performance after regionals would be an all-expenses-paid trip to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in April to attend the national festival. Students are also eligible for cash awards, scholarships, and honors from the organization.
Performance times are not set yet, but King says “Kabuki Lady Macbeth” will be performed twice on Friday, March 3. Participating students will also compete in design, dramaturgy, and acting, along with attending workshops and other productions. Saturday, March 4, all participating students will have networking opportunities to meet with recruiters from colleges and universities.
Cast includes Wyatt Windham, Emmalee Tomaszweski, Kayla Featherston, Sarah Funderburk, Sarah Trahan, Kyndall Branton, Joseph Allred, Julian Johnson, Jaramie Martin, Caleb Wilson, Yancy Flores, Cameron Johnson, Chris Caudle, Allan Avendano, Christina Patterson, Keely Armstrong, Kassandra Escobar, Enolia Snogsbiean, and Jayne Fuller.
Crew members include Nikki Lawhorn, Tristan Smith, Lacie Sepulvado, Big MaK Lindsey, Taylor Ries, Julia Prewitt, Caleb Wilson, Kylee Flanary, KiKi Woodson, Jayne Fuller, Emily Jolly, T. Loftis, Dallas O’Donnell, Chris Caudle, Amanda Nachman, Allyssa Woods, Jessica Smith, Jessie Smith, Little Wyatt, Brandon Castillo, Leonard Maxwell, and Wyatt Williams.

Submitted by Donna Yates

February 13, 2017 - In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1977 National Championship Team, the Fillies stepped out onto the court against Coastal Bend College and won, 81-65. After the game, the Fillies shared some stories with some alumni from different decades and brought in their 18th win on the season.
The team shot 44% on the night which has been an improvement in the previous weeks. Panola was able to bring down 40 rebounds, 19 of those being offensive. Sophomore Genesis Rivera led the Fillies with 14 points. Sophomore Denasia Watson and Fresman Daria Eremeeva added 12 and Freshman Stefany Lourenco added 11.
The Fillies have a bye this Wednesday and will continue Conference play against #1 Trinity Valley on Saturday, February 18th, at 2:00 p.m.










