More Than a Game

In small towns like Hallettsville, there is nothing more important than community. Families, friends, co-workers or mutuals who all share a common location join together to support, uplift and praise each other. On Tuesday, April 15, the Hallettsville community joined together at the baseball field to watch more than just another Brahma win, as over a dozen local veterans and law enforcement walked the field before the game, enjoying well-deserved recognition for their efforts both within our community and for our country.

“For the young people, I think it’s good for them to see that veterans are simply regular people that made a choice to enlist and be at the service of our country. I hope the veterans have a sense of pride, especially our older Vietnam veterans,” Athletic Director Coach Montgomery said. “They never did get the proper thanks from our country, and as they age, it’s important we continue to recognize them.”

Among those recognized was Levi Montgomery, the Hallettsville High School athletic director. Before settling into his current role as a high school football coach, he served in the United States Army- a role that taught him the discipline and organization he hopes to pass on to his athletes. 

“Being a soldier, you have no choice but to get out of bed every day and execute. I like to think that line of thinking has carried over into civilian life,” Montgomery said.

The players, too, recognize the importance of giving the spotlight to veterans. 

“It meant that I could walk with someone that served my country and sacrificed their life to keep our nation free,” Konnor Kopecky, a senior baseball player, said of walking with a veteran and his athletic director. “He is a very impactful person in my school life and has motivated me to be my best. I believe it is important to recognize local veterans because they have sacrificed their lives to keep us safe and they are very unappreciated.”

The recognition of local veterans and law enforcement plays an important role in developing the Hallettsville High School athletic program’s environment into one that puts the community above self and recognizes the sacrifices made to enjoy the sports and school events we often take for granted.

“In the Brahma Baseball Program, we try to teach the boys much more than just how to play the game of baseball. We use this game to show the boys how to respect and acknowledge those that protect and serve our country and communities,” Coach Bridges said. “We appreciate everything our first responders and military personnel do for us each day.  The boys saw active and retired military, nurses, doctors, EMS, Police, and Sheriff. Hopefully, it opened their eyes to the many ways they could potentially serve others in the future, and to always appreciate those that sacrifice so much to give us the things we enjoy.”

The Brahma baseball team is finishing district play this week against Industrial. The Brahmas are currently undefeated in district and have clinched the first seed in the playoffs.