The Oklahoma City Thunder's arrival has had a major impact on cities, with professional teams experiencing great success (Rosentraub, Swindell, 26%). Hays High School (HHS) has had its own remarkable comeback story, with its graduating class being the most successful boys' class in school history. This included top-11 selections in all categories, such as quarterback Jaren Kanak and linebacker Gavin Meyers, as well as Gavin Nutting, the Shrine Bowl lineman and four-year starter. The HHS football team was able to make it to the State Tournament by defeating Aledo 8-1.This allowed them to play against Lucas Lovejoy in the championship game.
Despite the odds being against them, Hays managed to come out on top by beating Leander 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. Roy Moroni, a first-team running back in all leagues, also graduated from teams that finished 5-3 and 8-3 in the last two falls. The HHS football team was able to draw a large crowd of 10,000 parents, students, and families from Hays County to Shelton Stadium for their game against Lehman-Hays. Unfortunately, they lost a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the seventh and eventually lost 4-2 in the second game.
However, they were able to bounce back and defeat Moody 6-4 in the third game and advance to the regional final against Leander. The dedication of Red and Charlene McCombs to the HHS football team helped them win their first state title in Hays CISD history. This was followed up by another successful season that saw them repeat as champions for 27-4A. The momentum gained during this season helped them reach the regional semifinal round of the qualifiers for only the fourth time in program history. The HHS men's soccer team also had a good year, finishing 8-3-1 on a 49-4A play and making another postseason appearance.
They opened up with a 2-1 win over Georgetown East View before losing 3-2 to Leander Rouse in the area round. Bob Shelton, who retired last fall as the only coach in Hays soccer history, had defeated Lehman five years in a row. On June 1st, the Lady Rebels made history by becoming the first Hays CISD athletic team to win a state championship. This was an incredible feat that showed just how successful HHS has been over its history. The success of Hays High School's football team is an inspiring story of triumph over adversity. Despite facing tough opponents and long odds, they were able to come out on top and make history for their school district.
The dedication of Red and Charlene McCombs was instrumental in helping them achieve this success.
