Coach Steve Cantu 1993 RHS Graduate, 1997 A&M Kingsville Graduate The Raymondville Bearkats are now well into the basketball season. Athletic Director Alex Leal has pinned his 2008-2009 hoop-hopes on Coach Steve Cantu to bear-the-load this hoops season.

Coach Leal is confident that Steve, who is cool, confident and affable, will be up to task. This year Coach Steve Cantu will take over the reigns as the varsity head hoops coach to be delight of many who know this individual.

Coach Cantu has coached basketball in the RISD on and off for the last 12 years. Steve shined for the Bearkats in his playing years 90-93. In his senior year Cantu garnished 1st team alldistrict honors as a player. Cantu played hoops under former athletic director and hoops coach Tom Wolfe.

Coach Cantu is married to the lovely Jessica Cantu. Jessica teaches 5th grade at Pittman Elementary. This great looking and productive couple have two children: Steve Cantu, Jr. and Ava Jordan Cantu.

Hoops coach Cantu says, "I'm looking forward to coaching the fine group of individuals in my first year as varsity coach. We have a fine nucleus of players with plenty of height and speed. I promise we will have fun." Cantu added, "I have known all of these kids and their tendencies since they played 7th and 8th grade, as well as, junior varsity the past years."

RECOGNIZED BEARKATS - George Ledesma, Second Team, All-State Defense Lineman; Gilbert Hernandez, Second Team, All-State Linebacker; Rollie Cantu, First Team, 32-3A Lineman. When I interviewed Coach Cantu for this story, I asked him about the opportunity he has to coach the varsity squad. Coach answered he was philosphical, "One thing I have learned is that all coaches in this conference 32- 3A can coach. It's the guys who can handle a little adversity that will ultimately succeed. Worrying will not help a bit."

One of the great moves that the prior headcoach did for Coach Cantu's program is that Cantu inherited a schedule of some state ranked teams in pre-season to get his team fine-tunned and ready to compete successfully. Cantu's 'Kats have faced Edinburg, Edcouch-Elsa, Mission Veteran Memorial and Roma this early round-ball season.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Cipriano Villarreal, Sr. Forward, 2007-2008 31AAA, 2nd Team All District (Basketball). By inheriting this tough schedule of superteams, Coach Cantu adds, "We will acquire positive things out of it, such as preparation and how to overcome adversity when we are down. We hope to be in the mix-of-it when it's all over."

Furthermore, Coach Cantu wants to invite the community and all winter Texans to come and support the boys' and girls' basketball programs this year.

The Hidalgo Pirates, the Rio Hondo Bobcats and the Lyford Bulldogs are favored to win in this tough conference. Coach Cantu concludes, "We will do well. These squads will have to contend with us."

Varsity district games begin Friday, Jan. 2, at home. The Hidalgo Pirates come calling at 7:30 Bearkat Fieldhouse.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Jaime Oviedo, Sr. Guard, 2007-2008 31AAA Defensive Player of the Year.