Birdville Athletics is always on the go, whether it be the winding down of a season, the thick of another, or the beginning of a new one. Fans are never in shortage of quality athletics to watch. Although the temperature may be dropping, three more winter sport teams are heating up, wrestling and men’s and women’s soccer. 

WRESTLING

Wrestling took to the mats on November 10th and is still in the early stages of their schedule, but the Hawks have been on a tear. The men’s team won their first tournament and the women’s won their second tournament. Both team tournament wins were the first for Birdville wrestling.

Last year the Men’s Hawk Wrestling had 6 individuals qualify for regionals, to be a regional qualifier a wrestler must place in the top 4 in the district. Out of the regional qualifiers one Hawk wrestler was named state alternative, Waleed Khairi. Women’s Wrestling had a great year finishing as runner-up in the district and qualifying 7 for regionals. They proceeded to send on 4 wrestlers to state, Robin Conkle was one of those four and is returning this year as a sophomore. 

There are a litany of wrestlers to watch from both squads. On the men’s side make sure to watch out for: Brayden Hopper, Matthew Orsburn, Jaydon Pina-Salazaar, Andrew Purvis, Reese Bradford, Alex Castellanos, Chi Ugwoegbu, Jacob Vasquez and of course our state alternative Waleed Khairi. From the women’s side: Karismma Gavia, Triniti Casteel, Azue Sanchez, and twins Jessixan and Robin Conkle. 

Coach Albert Lujan is the Head Wrestling Coach and is starting his 6th year here at Birdville. Under Coach Lujan the wrestling program has had a podium stand, placing 3rd in district with the men's team, 2nd with the women's and 9 state qualifiers. 

The Hawks can be found hosting the Birdville Tri at home on December 20th. They will have multiple competitions to hone their skill in between that homestand and district on February 3rd. This year the District 7-5A Championships will be held here at Birdville. 

SOCCER

Another winter sport that started up right after Thanksgiving is the Men and Women’s Soccer Team. Both teams took to the field on November 27 with championships on their minds. 

The Men’s Soccer team is coached by Roger Garcia. Coach Garcia is on an impressive 16th year as the head coach for the Hawks. Under his tutelage the Hawks have made an appearance in every postseason bar one, with the farthest team making it to the Regional Tournament. 

Last year the Hawks narrowly missed their 15th playoff position with a 5th place finish in District. In spite of not quite making the playoffs Birdville had 3 returning Hawks recognized as the best in the District. Both Zamir Avina and Ryan Steele were named to First Team All-District for their outstanding efforts on the field. Lucas Siikala was given the district's superlative Midfielder of the Year. All three gentlemen will rejoin the Hawks this year along with some other standouts including, Jesus Ibarra, Aidan Bastamante, Diego Lopez, and freshman B.J. Bhai. The Hawks are hosting a small team this year with only 17 players. 

Coach Garcia said, “I am looking forward to working with my team and two great coaches every day. We definitely want to exceed last year's finish and compete for a District Championship.” You can catch the Hawks Fútbol team in action at home on January 16th.

The Women’s Soccer team is in hot pursuit of another stellar season. Last year Birdville finished third in District with an 8-4-2 record and an 18-4-4 record overall. The Hawks faced Burleson Centennial in the first round of playoffs and fell in a heartbreaking match. The Hawks and the Spartans were knotted at 2-2 when regulation play ended sending them to a shootout. The Hawks superb season ended one goal shy. With a multitude of returners and 13 seniors the Hawks are poised to repeat a great run this year. 

Coach Eddie Brown leads the Hawks. He is one of a few teachers and coaches who have been here from the inception of Birdville, totalling 25 years. He had a brief stint as the Men’s Head Soccer coach in ‘06 before taking the Women’s Head Soccer job in ‘07 where he has been ever since. Coach Brown has made his soccer team a perennial powerhouse in the area. 

This year a few new faces will grace the field with two freshmen joining the seasoned squad - Mattea Perry and Raegan Brown. Returning for the Hawks are Jr. Lanie Riddle, Sr. Cora Nichols, Sr. Nica Pacione - signed with Texas A&M Commerce, Sr. Celine Diaz - signed with University of North Texas and Sr. Trinity Doom who is signed with Lubbock Christian University. 

There is a small wait before we get to see the Hawks at home. They are competing away until January 23rd when they will play District foe, Denton Ryan.

There is never a dull moment for Birdville Athletics. Along with these winter sports starting up, both basketball teams are in full swing with district games starting in less than a week. Make sure to not miss a moment of Hawk action by following us on X - @birdvillesports, Instagram @Birdvilleathletics and individual and comprehensive schedules being found on our website. 

Til Next Time, 

Go Hawks!

December 6, 2023