In this episode of "The Boerne Brew" on Boerne Radio, host Kerry Barboza interviews longtime Boerne resident and sports photographer/writer Russell Hawkins. They discuss Russell’s journey from El Paso to Boerne, his career in sports journalism and photography, memorable moments covering local high school football, and stories about legendary coaches and community figures. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, reflections on Texas high school football culture, and tributes to influential people in the Boerne sports community.

00:00 – Introduction: Kerry Barboza introduces Russell Hawkins

00:34 – Russell’s background: Moving to Boerne, early career

01:37 – Starting in sports photography and writing

03:00 – Working at Hill Country Recorder and Boerne Star

04:20 – Life in El Paso, Hobbs, and Odessa

06:00 – Odessa High vs. Permian rivalry stories

08:00 – Refereeing football in El Paso

10:00 – Moving to Boerne, finding a home, and starting at the Recorder

12:00 – First experiences as a sports writer and photographer

14:00 – Memorable coaches: Jeff Dyke, Tommy Bluda, Danny, and Keith Kaiser

18:00 – Lake Travis football and state championships

20:00 – Meeting Dave Campbell of Texas Football Magazine

23:00 – Reflections on Texas high school football culture

25:00 – Sam Champion stories and the origins of Champion High School

28:00 – Russell’s retirement, receiving a jersey, and final games

30:00 – Closing thoughts, gratitude, and birthday wishes for Russell

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In this episode of The Boerne Brew, Jeff Flinn (Managing Editor, Boerne Star) sits down with Maggie Dominguez (Boerne ISD Communications Director), Donnie Person (Boerne High School Band Director), and Israel "Avi" Avila (Champion Theater Director) to discuss the upcoming school year, band and theater programs, new teacher initiatives, and everything parents and students need to know for back-to-school in Boerne ISD.

00:00 – Introduction & Tax-Free Weekend
01:18 – School Start Dates & Guests Introduction
02:00 – Meet Maggie Dominguez, Donnie Person, and Avi Avila
03:00 – First Day of School Plans
05:00 – Band Camp: Early Start, Practices, and Fun Activities
07:00 – Theater Department: Fearless Camp & Productions
09:00 – Training Freshmen & Sophomores in Band and Theater
12:00 – Leadership, Mentorship, and Student Growth
14:00 – Convocation & New Teacher Orientation
16:00 – Community Support & School Facilities
18:00 – New Teachers and “Signing Day” for Future Educators
20:00 – Band and Theater: Upcoming Performances
22:00 – School Schedules: Bell Times and Drop-Off Tips
24:00 – School Website, Resources, and Fine Arts Calendar
26:00 – School Lunches: Prices and Nutrition
28:00 – Back-to-School Bash & Community Involvement
29:00 – Transportation, Bus Routes, and Final Tips
30:00 – Closing Remarks & Good Luck for the School Year

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On this episode of The Boerne Brew, host Kerry Barboza interviews Leighann Goode, national champion from the University of Texas softball team. Leighann shares her journey through the College World Series, the excitement of winning the national title, memorable moments, team dynamics, and her personal growth as an athlete. Get insights into the championship run, behind-the-scenes stories, and what’s next for Leighann and the Longhorns.

Timeline:

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Leighann Goode, National Champion
00:33 – Summer after the championship: Camps, lessons, and adjusting
01:13 – Emotions after winning: Still on cloud nine?

01:48 – Public appearances and recognition
02:25 – Media interviews and hometown support
03:30 – Championship trophy and ring ceremony
04:10 – Reflections on the team’s achievement
04:27 – Playoff run begins: Hosting regionals
04:42 – Playing in extreme heat and team accommodations
05:23 – Super Regionals vs. Clemson: Weather delays and late-night games
06:00 – Losing the first game, fighting back
06:35 – College World Series: Facing Oklahoma and other top teams
07:07 – Beating Oklahoma in the World Series
07:29 – Finals vs. Texas Tech: Interference call controversy
08:31 – Handling tough calls and emotions
09:13 – Game three: Texas Tech pitcher fatigue and Leanne’s home run
10:13 – The feeling of hitting a home run in the championship
11:16 – Celebrating the win: Dog pile and team reactions
12:00 – 2 million viewers: Growth of women’s softball
12:30 – Teammate Tegan’s story: Playing through loss
13:20 – Family and friends’ support
13:50 – Comparing state and national titles
14:20 – Summer league and staying in shape
15:00 – Injury recovery and future plans
15:30 – Professional softball aspirations
16:00 – Team communication and leadership
16:40 – Superstitions and pre-game rituals
17:30 – Looking ahead: Defending the title and personal growth
18:00 – Closing remarks and congratulations

Original Airdate: August 2nd, 2025 at 8:00AM CST as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact: The Boerne Star

https://www.boernestar.com - 830-249-2441

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