Under a beautiful summer Friday night in Texas, the Whitewright faithful got their first look at the Tigers as they kick off the 2026 fall sports season. Six Tiger teams were introduced: fishing, cross country, cheerleading, volleyball, football and the Mighty Whitewright Tiger Band.
Fishing is coached by Karen Hodgdon and Seane Parker. Volleyball is coached by Andrea Osbourn and Ashley Murphy. Cross country is coached by David Guadiano. Football is led by HFC/AD Charlie Roten, Anthony Brown, Jalen Rice, Bruce Elvington, Jeff Huston, Bryson Rigsby, David Martinez, Austin Zundt and David Guadiano. The Whitewright Tiger Band was introduced under the direction of David Terry and Kayton Little.
The Lady Tiger Volleyball team begins its season on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at home in a battle of Tigers against the Blue Ridge Tigers. The Lady Tigers will begin district play on Tuesday, Sept. 22 against the Lindsay Knights in Lindsay.
After scrimmaging Prairiland and Collinsville in back-to-back weeks, the Tiger football team will open up the season at home against Clarksville on Aug. 28. The Tigers will begin district play on Sept. 25 in Trenton against the Trenton Tigers.
Other opportunities to meet local teams are as follows:
Tom Bean – Rainy weather couldn’t shake the spirit of the community. Meet the Tomcats was held indoors on Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. with introductions of the athletes beginning at 7 p.m. The Community Church of Tom Bean gave out free hot dogs, the PTO sold spirit dots and temporary tattoos and the Tom Bean Booster Club raffled off items like Tomcat tumblers, reserved parking spaces and football season passes. It was a great night of community celebration.
Bells – Despite bad weather, Meet the Panthers was held on Aug. 8 inside the gym. There, the community gathered to cheer on their student athletes and kick off another great school year.
S&S – Meet the Rams was held on Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. at Ram Stadium. The event featured Kona Ice and Salt & Smoke barbecue and gave the community a chance to meet this year’s student athletes.
Whitesboro – Meet the Bearcats was held on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium. Sponsored by the WHS Band Boosters and Athletics Booster Clubs, the event featured several vendor tents offering giveaways, introduced this year’s student athletes of all ages and featured a performance by the Pride of Whitesboro High School Marching Band.
Collinsville – Meet the Pirates will take place Aug. 14 following the scrimmage that starts at 7 p.m. All fall sports, from elementary to high school level, will be recognized at this event. Come out and cheer on this year’s student athletes and kick off another great school year.
Tioga – Meet the Bulldogs is slated for Aug. 20 following the scrimmage that starts at 6 p.m. Kick off the fall season with introductions of the fall sports teams, the Mighty Bulldog Band, varsity cheerleaders, coaching staff and the youth sports programs (featuring future Bulldog stars). After introductions, young Bulldog fans will have the opportunity to meet their favorite athletes, gather autographs and snap photos with the upperclassmen. Wear green, bring your family and show your Bulldog pride.
Jessica Edwards contributed to this story.