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By Jamie Nygaard

Over my 32 years behind the camera, one truth has become clear: it’s not just about the action. It’s about the relationships—the quiet moments behind the scenes, the camaraderie between competitors, the traditions and quirks that make each athlete unique. The way an athlete bites their necklace for comfort. The lucky socks. The verse on their spikes. The pre-race prayer.

These are the moments you don’t see from the stands—but they are the soul of the sport.

As Don Schweingruber once said, “It’s all about relationships.” And I couldn’t agree more.

These athletes may run against each other, but they also cheer for one another. They push each other to be better, form friendships across lanes and school lines, and show us that sportsmanship and connection matter just as much as medals.

Being part of this world—as a mom, as a photographer, as a fan—has been one of the greatest honors of my life. And I can’t wait to see where these incredible young people go next.

The Montclair High School boys volleyball spring season can be summed up with the old saying that dates back to the 20th century carnivals.

The Mounties finished with a 7-16 record and showed some flashes in most games especially in the county and state tournaments, but could not get by their opponents in the end.

“To say that I was happy with a 7-16 record would not be truthful,” said Montclair head coach Pam Reilly. “However, the season had its bright moments and disappointments. The ‘close but no cigar’ outcome was very frustrating with the talent we had. I believe we were ready to compete at the American Division level but lacked the experience to finish.”

Mounties Stun Livingston

One of the matches that Montclair finished off in the end was a 2-0 victory over Essex powerhouse Livingston on April 10. 

“Beating Livingston for the first time in the history of the program in my tenure was exciting,” said Reilly. “The victory against Livingston was particularly rewarding as the Lancer’s mystique was overtaken by a determined Bulldog team.”

Despite losing to The Mounties saw their season come to an end in the North Group 4 first round, falling 2-0 at East Orange. 

Welsh, Emehelu, Reesch Power Montclair

The 2025 Montclair team was led by three players, all seniors, in Benjamin Welsh, Nnamdi Emehelu and Patrick Reesch. 

Welsh was the top Mountie and was named to the All-Super Essex Conference American first team, the second year in a row for that honor. The senior averaged 10 kills per contest including 20 kills against Bloomfield in a three-set loss on May 5.

“Ben added a little more thunder to some of his kills this season,” added Reilly about Welsh. “He helped us out tremendously at the net with blocking. I was confident that he would be able to handle most one-on-one situations and present a solid assist to our middles. He definitely answered the call in that respect. However, I would like to have seen better production from him in the back row. Ben was our leading attacker.”

Reesch was the team’s top defender while second on Montclair in kills averaging five a match. “He was our defensive player of the year primarily due to the combination of his serving up our opponents into predictable attacks and his blocking at the net with balls terminated and kept in play for our back row,” said Reilly. “I would like to have seen Patrick get set more but also be more productive with the attempts he had.”

Emehelu is a Force at the Net

Emehelu was the leader in blocks with 53. The Mounties head coach admitted they did not utilize him enough on offense. “We didn’t get the ball to him as much as we should have but he often made his presence felt when we did,” said Reilly.

In addition, there were several other players who contributed, led by Brendan Gibbons who led the team in assists with 246 for the season. 

“Brendan struggled early on in the season but settled down a bit past the halfway point in the season,” said the Montclair head coach. “His serve was one of the most difficult to pass but it was inconsistent. He began to serve more consistently. I believe this helped him to contribute more defensively. It was also at this point that he began to run the offense more smoothly and make solid decisions with ball distribution.”

One of the few returning players next season is junior Ryan Yi who was second on the team with 215 assists.

Yi Setting up for More in 2026

“Ryan did a good job handling his responsibilities as our second setter,” said Reilly about Yi. “He worked on his ball distribution and got more comfortable with making those decisions. Ryan did a great job from behind the end line and led the team in service points. He also played a bit as a right-side hitter and spent time doing both for our junior varsity team until we were able to solidify their lineup.

Two other seniors, Logan Martinez and Nathaniel Sena, contributed significantly to the victories this season for the Mounties.

“Nate (Sena), two-time team Bulldog Award winner, was a multi position player for us who played with a reckless abandon that many times placed him at risk of physical harm,” said Reilly who added about Martinez. “Logan was one of our most consistent passers and a solid defender who led the team in digs.”

Two other Montclair seniors also contributed were Sam Katchur and Evan Melanson. Unfortunately, both were hampered by injuries. 

For next season Reilly and the Mounties will have a tall task with almost their entire graduating class after this spring. Only Yi and junior Aleksander Hube will be returning for the spring of 2026.

“To say that we will be rebuilding next year is an understatement of great proportion,” said Reilly. “With only two varsity players returning, our staff has much to do in the offseason.”

Related

Ella Spaulding’s stellar sophomore season at Fresno State came to an end on Saturday with the conclusion of the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.

Spaulding, a 2023 graduate of Turlock High School, totaled 5,371 points through the seven events to place 19tH. Her finish earned her honorable mention All-American honors.

Over the two days of competition, the Bulldog standout set personal-best marks in the 100-meter hurdles at 14.09 seconds, high jump at 5 feet, 6.5 inches and the  javelin with a throw of 127 feet, 1 inch.

“I did what I wanted to do. I was super happy with that,” said Spaulding. “My coach holds me to a super high expectation, which I appreciate. He is also a very technical coach and I have gotten stronger since being with him. I am very excited for next year.”

Fresno State Athletics Strategic Communications contributed to this report

Rodriguez, Arizona eliminated from College World Series

The University of Arizona’s baseball team also saw their season come to a close on Sunday in the opening stages of the 2025 College World Series in Omaha, Neb.

After falling to No. 11 Coastal Carolina by a 7-4 score in the opening game of the tournament, the Wildcats lost 8-3 to Louisville in Sunday’s elimination contest. The Cardinals would go on to be eliminated by Coastal Carolina in Wednesday’s bracket final.

Arizona’s season ended at 44-21, with their latest showing at Charles Schwab Field their 19th trip to the College World Series, tied for the seventh most in the nation.

Dom Rodriguez, who graduated from Turlock High in 2021, did not appear in the Wildcats’ loss to Louisville after he pinch-hit in their loss to Coastal Carolina.

In 17 games with the ‘Cats this season, Rodriguez has had 27 plate appearances, logging five hits — including two doubles — a walk, a hit-by-pitch and a run driven in.

Texas, the second most populous state in the United States, is a wellspring of opportunity. Whether indulging in the legendary cowboy culture or roaming the bustling stress of Austin, there is no end to the fun. That said, many people overlook the array of charming small towns scattered across the massive state. Not only do these towns offer an untampered glimpse into Texan hospitality and culture, but they are also perfect for outdoor journeys. Tourists have a range of options, from the haunted tales of Jefferson to the scenic coast at Concan. Moreover, they are free of urban hustle and bustle, offering an amazing retreat for visitors in Texas.

Rockport

Rockport, the county seat of Aransas County, is a world of fun that beckons tourists from all over. Resting along the Live Oak Peninsula, this town offers access to the scenic Gulf of Mexico. To this end, visitors head straight to outdoor areas such as Rockport Beach and Goose Island State Park. The former boasts a mile of sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and swimming. Meanwhile, the latter is a nature lover’s dream, with 300 acres of forests, seashore, and wildlife. Fishing is among the most popular activities, and anglers can look forward to catching redfish, drum, flounder, and even Speckled trout. Camping is also a blast, with electricity and water available for a soothing overnight retreat.

Back in town, Rockport is a hub of culture with endless alleys to explore. Those interested in history opt for one of the many museums in town, such as the Bay Education Center and Texas Maritime Museum. Both offer unique exhibits, from maritime artifacts to interactive displays of local history. Similarly, the Rockport Art Center is a different take on culture, with dozens of pieces, events, and workshops for endless artistic fun. End the day off with a drink at the Winery on the Bay for coastal views and delicious wine.

Jefferson

Jefferson is a rustic town in Marion County that transports one to a bygone era. Famed for its history, there are plenty of landmarks and museums spread throughout the streets. Among these, the Jefferson Historical Museum, the 1890 Old Post Office, and the 1872 House of the Seasons are the most popular. From displays detailing local tales to intricate Greek Revival and Victorian architecture, these sites are full of historic charm. Those visiting in May can also experience local heritage through the Jefferson Pilgrimage. Taking place for decades in the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club, townspeople get together for Civil War reenactments, restored furniture sales, and various tours across the town.

While the daytime is reserved for learning in Jefferson, night calls for a new set of activities. Hidden behind the history is a haunted past, exemplified through ominous buildings and tours. Those willing to brave the horror can opt for one of the many tours in town, which cover locations like the Excelsior House Hotel, Jefferson Hotel, and The Grove. Whether it is a glowing white figure or reports of unknown footsteps, each site is just as spooky as the next.

Granbury

Continue the history from Jefferson with a trip to Granbury in Hood County. Founded in the 19th century as a small community with a log cabin courthouse, much of the town’s early days are still visible today. History enthusiasts can head into the town square, which is lined with intricate architecture and historic landmarks. For example, the recently renovated 1886 Granbury Opera House offers an antique ambiance that will make any comedy or musical enjoyable. Similarly, the three-story Hood County Courthouse is an iconic 130-year-old landmark with plenty of 19th-century buildings in the vicinity. With so much to see and do, Granbury has received the “Best Historic Small Town in America” title by USA Today.

Tourists can take a step back into the present and indulge in the vibrant culture of Granbury. From music concerts in the day to partying at night, the town bustles with life at all times. Those visiting in July are sure to enjoy the Fourth of July celebrations, with thousands of people, vendors, and activities. Meanwhile, April marks the Granbury Wine Walk, where one can tour dozens of wineries for the finest drinking experience. No matter when you visit, end the day with a meal at the Mesquite Pit Steaks and Bar B Q for a delicious meal accompanied by views of the Brazos River.

Mineral Wells

Mineral Wells offers a different side to Texas, with ample access to outdoor opportunities. The quaint town of 15,000 is the perfect rest stop for adventurous travelers looking to explore the nearby wilderness. Lake Mineral Wells State Park is a great place to start, with over 3,000 acres encompassing forests, a canyon, and Lake Mineral Wells. Hiking and biking are among the most popular, and there are over 50 miles (80 km) of trails to explore. Nearby, the Mineral Wells Fossil Park is a natural attraction where fossil enthusiasts have a blast. It is filled with 300 million-year-old fossils and offers visitors the chance to dig and find their own.

While nature may be Mineral Wells’s main draw, the downtown area should not be overlooked. Many fun activities await, such as grabbing a drink at Rickhouse Brewing. This kid-friendly tap room boasts craft beers with a laid-back environment. Or, tour the Haunted Hill House, a local landmark famed for unexplained sightings of shadow people, voices, and even moving objects. As the day comes to an end, stop by the Famous Mineral Water Company to grab a souvenir unique to Mineral Wells.

Luckenbach

Retreat from the crowded streets of urban centers to the laid-back town of Luckenbach in Gillespie County. According to the latest census, it is home to less than 100 people and offers a relaxing environment to de-stress. Those in town have a few options for having fun, with the Luckenbach Texas music venue being one of the most popular. This site is designed to resemble an Old West saloon, and one can watch shows, grab some food, and purchase souvenirs for a fun evening. On the other hand, those interested in local history can visit sites like the 1849 Luckenbach Post Office, where interesting tales await. Stop by the Von Netzer Ranch to meet some friendly goats before ending a peaceful day in this charming town.

Wimberley

For those who found Luckenbach a bit too secluded, Wimberley is the best of both worlds. With a population of 2,800 and most of the town set up for ranching, it embodies the term “small town.” Natural areas stand out; most tourists head straight to the Blue Hole Regional Park. Here, one can choose from various pursuits, such as hiking along forested trails, swimming in the natural Blue Hole, or picnicking within nature. If this seems like too much effort, Wimberley features another way to take in the outdoors on the Devil’s Backbone Scenic Drive. This route spans about 50 miles (80 km) along a limestone ridge showcasing the 400-mile-long Balcones Fault and surrounding greenery.

As you head back into the paved streets of downtown, flowers transform into paintings, unveiling the local artistic community. Those interested can opt for various galleries and landmarks in town, such as the Bootiful Wimberley, Wimberley Glassworks, and Art on 12. From a massive boot resting in the middle of town to a stunning 5,000 sq. ft. art gallery, there is no end to Wimberley’s creative charm.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is the epitome of heritage when it comes to small towns in Texas. Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, the town seeps with culture through each alley and activity. For a trip to the boast, one can enter the Fredericksburg Historic District, where over 350 contributing buildings await. For example, the Pioneer Museum provides insight into the past with dozens of unique exhibits. However, the best way to take in as much as possible is on the local trolley tour, which features explanations and information on plenty of landmarks.

After the tour, delve into the local drinking culture prevalent at the Grape Creek Vineyards and Heath Sparkling Wines. These spots offer everything from intricate wine tastings to chilled ale that’ll make any trip enjoyable. Visitors who aren’t drinking can opt for a meal instead, and there is no shortage of German eateries in town. Whether it is delicious German pancakes at the Old German Bakery & Restaurant or authentic schnitzels at Otto’s, the food is another display of local heritage.

Grapevine

Like its name, Grapevine is a town that continues to spread, with many facets to explore. Home to 50,000 residents, something is always happening in town, especially in terms of events. Visitors in May can join the Main Street Fest, a showcase of local food, shopping, and hospitality along the main street. Meanwhile, the GrapeFest beckons oenophiles with an array of red, white, and sparkling wines in September. Even if there isn’t a festival taking place, the Grapevine Mills Mall is always a party with dozens of retail shops, eateries, and a movie theater.

While Grapevine’s streets abound with businesses and attractions, one can also have a blast in their hotel. The town is home to major resorts such as the Gaylord Texan and Great Wolf Lodge, which boasts many fun opportunities. From amazing restaurants to professional spa services, there is never a dull moment in this Texan town.

Gruene

Gruene offers history enthusiasts the chance to step back in time through its lovely historic district. Dozens of buildings in town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so history enthusiasts need not look far for a charming attraction. Most adore the 1872 Gruene Mansion Inn, which is located in a lovely Victorian-style inn. Another hotspot is the 1878 Gruene Hall, a rustic establishment that has seen famous artists such as Lyle Lovett and Greg Allman. Today, the building offers a similar vibe, mixing modern performers with an antique ambiance. Speaking of antiques, the Gruene Antique Company is a wellspring of antiquities, perfect for finding a souvenir or keepsake from this lovely town.

While history may be Gruene’s main draw, there is much more on offer in this quaint town. For example, outdoor enthusiasts have a blast at the nearby Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. Tubing, fly fishing, and swimming are among the many ways one can enjoy their cascading waters. After the fun, end the day right with a delicious steak and gin at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar.

Salado

Salado, a town in Bell County, is the perfect place to escape the urban hustle and bustle. Like Gruene, this small town features relaxing streets lined with rustic sites, including the famed Shady Villa Hotel. Built in 1852, the building was originally known as the Stagecoach Inn and is now a landmark destination. As visitors continue along the streets, they will adore the historic Salado Post Office, Salado College, and the George Washington Baines House. Meanwhile, modern businesses are plentiful, offering options for meals at popular spots like The Shed and the Barrow Brewing Company. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chalkridge Falls Park is an ideal attraction, boasting scenic waterfalls that make any trip wonderful.

Concan

Concan is a vibrant summer destination in Uvalde County located alongside the Frio River. This small community serves as the perfect connection to nature, featuring spots like the Concan Swimming Hole and Garner State Park. The former is a tranquil retreat where visitors can unwind in the turquoise waters of the Frio River. Meanwhile, the latter boasts 1,400 acres of unspoiled wilderness, ideal for camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. While these attractions are popular during the day, the Frio Bat Cave comes alive at sunset. Here, millions of Mexican free-tailed bats create a unique atmosphere rarely found elsewhere.

Back in town, Concan is lightly populated, with a few buildings scattered throughout. For instance, the western end of town is home to Hunter’s Ridge Cabins, which offers relaxed accommodations amidst scenic greenery. Meanwhile, the House Pasture Cattle serves as a local hotspot, offering drinks and food complemented by live music.

These charming small towns in Texas are filled with wonderful attractions that will make any visit enjoyable. Whether you’re fossil hunting in Mineral Wells or learning about local history in Gruene, there’s something for every type of traveler. Moreover, each town features natural areas where visitors can escape the stress of urban living and experience Texas’s stunning landscapes. All you have to do is find the right town and head out for a fantastic vacation in Texas.

MARSHALL, Texas – For the fifth consecutive year, East Texas Baptist University led the American Southwest Conference in the number of Distinguished Scholar-Athlete award winners, with six student-athletes earning the award for the 2024-25 academic year in their respective sports. ETBU received the awards in volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s basketball, men’s tennis, softball and men’s track and field. It is the first time men’s soccer, women’s basketball and men’s tennis have earned the award.

Earning the awards were Graycee Mosely (VB), Bruno Palmieri (MS), Payton Hicks (WBB), Slade Austin (MTN), Mary Frances Ellis (SB) and Landon Morris (MTF). It is the second year in a row for Ellis to be given the softball award. Mosley gains her first award in volleyball and second overall Distinguished Scholar-Athlete award as she was the winner in 2023 for women’s track and field. Palmieri, Hicks, Austin and Morris all earn the award for the first time. ETBU softball continues to have the most Distinguished Scholar-Athlete award winners with nine and men’s track and field has won the last five years with seven overall for their program.

The award is voted on by the ASC Sports Information Directors and given to the top academic student-athlete for their sport. To be nominated, the student-athlete must be a member of the season’s ASC Academic All-Conference team; carry a cumulative grade-point average of at least a 3.20; and participate in at least 50 percent of the team’s season contests.

Below are the ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete award winners.

Volleyball

Graycee Mosley | Jr. | Troy, Texas | Biochemistry | 4.00 GPA

East Texas Baptist junior volleyball outside hitter Graycee Mosely has a 4.00 GPA and is a Biochemistry major.

She is a two-time CSC Academic All-American (’24 – 1st Team; ’23 – 2nd Team), three-time ASC All-Academic honoree, two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, first ETBU VB player to earn back-to-back CSC Academic AA awards and three-time AVCA All-American (’24-2nd; ‘’23 & ’22 – HM), ASC MVP and All-ASC First Team Selection.

She was the ASC Freshman of the Year (’22), 12-time ASC Player of the Week selection and ’23 ASC T&F Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Award winner. She helped the Tigers to be two-time ASC Tournament Champions and NCAA Tournament appearance.

This season she was ASC MVP, All-ASC 1st Team, ASC All-Tournament, AVCA All-American Second Team, CSC Academic All-American First Team, NCAA Regional All-Tournament team and a five-time ASC Player of the Week. She led the ASC in kills (529), points (5.13 ps) and kills per set (4.60) and had 22 double-doubles. In NCAA she was fourth in kills, seventh in kills per set, and eight in total attacks (1,359).

She volunteered at Fall Festival at Marshall ISD, the Back-to-School Bash at New Beginnings Church, Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine, Operation Christmas Child, Mission Trip to Chile with VB team and Mission Marshall’s Grocery Night. Mosely is on the President’s List and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

Volleyball Winners

2025: Graycee Mosley

2008: Brooke McGehee

Men’s Soccer

Bruno Palmieri | Sr. | Santos, Brazil | Biology | 4.00 GPA

East Texas Baptist senior men’s soccer player Bruno Palmieri has a 4.00 GPA and is a Bioloy major. He is an ASC Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor recipient, four-time ASC All-Academic and CSC Academic All-District.

Palmieri is also a member of several honor societies – Alpha Chi, National Collegiate Athlete, Chi Alpha Sigma, The Chemistry Honor Society and Gamma Sigma Epsilon.

He received the Academic Excellence Award for ETBU Biology Department and in freshman year was the Biology and Chemistry Freshman of the Year. He is a member of on-campus Welch Foundation Chemistry research team and graduated in December Summa Cum Laude, was a Presidential Scholar and on President’s List. He is a two-time All-ASC selection and a ASC All-Tournament (’24) honoree.

Palmieri had four goals, five assists and 13 points this year and finished career with 27 points, nine goals and nine assists in 68 games played. He was captain on the team, served as a ACE Biology tutor, Student Government Ambassador Senator and Secretary in 2024, Thrive Peer Mentor, member of FCA and helped with Fields of Faith, volunteering at Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine in Marshall and Mission Marshall Food Pantry.

Palmieri went on a Mission Trip with ETBU to Spain/Portugal in 2023 and in Shreveport, La., volunteered as a Hispanic translator at a free healthcare clinic.

Men’s Soccer Winners

2025: Bruno Palmieri

Women’s Basketball

Payton Hicks | Gr. | Plano, Texas | MBA | 4.00 GPA

East Texas Baptist graduate student women’s basketball guard Payton Hicks has a 4.00 GPA and is working on her MBA (Entrepreneurship).

She is a 2-time ASC All-Academic selection, on the Dean’s List, a two-time All-ASC selection and was the ’25 ASC Player of the Year. Hicks also earned the following honors: All-ASC First Team (’25), D3hoops.com All-Region First Team, ASC Tournament Most Outstanding Player and ASC All-Tournament.

She led the ASC in free throws made (136), total assists (113), assist/TO ratio (1.2), and assists per game (3.9) and third in scoring (13.4 ppg). Hicks Scored 10+ points in 22 games with one double-double as she helped ETBU to ASC Tournament Regular Season and Tournament Championships and berth in NCAA Tournament.

ETBU ranked in four national polls reaching as high as 19th and NPI ranking was 12th in the nation.

In her career she was All-ASC Third Team (’24) and in two years, helped ETBU to 37 wins.

Hicks also helped with Operation Christmas Child, Mission Marshall, trash pick up on streets around ETBU, Cypress Valley Bible Church Fall Festival and Sam Houston (MISD) Elementary car line volunteer.

Women’s Basketball Winners

2025: Payton Hicks

Men’s Tennis

Slade Austin | Gr. | Arlington, Texas | MBA | 4.00 GPA

East Texas Baptist graduate student men’s tennis player Slade Austin boasts a 4.00 GPA and is completing his MBA.

He is a four-time ASC All-Academic selection, two-time ITA Team Academic Award honoree and ’25 All-ASC First Team Doubles Flight 3 selection.

Slade helped the Tigers to a ASC Tournament Championship and a NCAA Tournament berth, both are first for ETBU program. He went 14-2 in doubles play in the spring with a 13-match winning streak and went 8-8 in singles. He had doubles wins vs. UMHB and HSU in ASC Tournaments.

He was also a ASC All-Tournament (’24) selection, a three-time All-ASC selection, two-time All-ASC First Team Doubles selection and All-ASC Second Team Singles Flight 5 honoree.

Austin helped with Operation Christmas Child and put on a tennis clinic at Wills Point HS.

Men’s Tennis Winners

2025: Slade Austin

Softball

Mary Frances Ellis | Sr. | Elysian Fields, Texas | Accounting/Finance | 4.00 GPA

East Texas Baptist senior softball outfielder Mary Frances Ellis has a 4.00 GPA and is a Finance/Accounting major. She is a three-time CSC Academic All-American, four-time ASC All-Academic selection, three-time CSC Academic All-District and will be four-time NFCA Scholar-Athlete.

She was awarded highest award at ETBU Graduation with the President’s Award, given ASC Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor Award, is a ’24 ASC Softball Distinguished Scholar-Athlete winner and a four-time ETBU President’s List.

Ellis is a member of ETBU Presidential Honor Society with the highest GPA in ETBU School of Business and School of Accounting/Finance and a member of two honor societies in Alpha Lambda Delta and Chi Alpha Sigma while being the treasurer of Alpha Lambda Delta (’22-23).

In ’25 she was an All-ASC Third Team selection and helped ETBU to no. 1 national ranking all season and no. 1 NPI ranking, an ASC Regular Season and Tournament Championship, NCAA Marshall, Texas Regional Champions and Super Regional runners-up. She finished fifth in ASC in steals, batted .341 with 31 hits and 22 stolen bases.

Ellis was a four-time All-ASC selection, two-time NFCA All-Regions honoree and on the NFCA National Players to Watch List. She is a three-time ASC Tournament Champion, four-time NCAA Tournament participant, 2024 National Champion, the ‘24 Super Regional Most Outstanding Player and ’24 NCAA Regional All-Tournament team.

Ellis served at Marshall and Hallsville ISD, Mission Marshall, The Starr Family Home, Operation Christmas Child, a Pen Pal to children in India, went on a Mission Trip to Australia and logged 24 hours of community service this year.

At home, she volunteers to help with VBS and youth group. On the team, she’s held several leadership positions from servant-leadership group, Key Holder Group, Spiritual Group and Organizational Group.

Softball Winners

2025: Mary Frances Ellis

2024: Mary Frances Ellis

2023: Ashley Croft

2021: Hannah Garcia

2014: Lacy Liles

2013: Lya Swaner

2012: Ashton Brey

2011: Ashton Brey

2010: Adrienne Meier

Men’s Track and Field

Landon Morris | So. | Shreveport, La. | Visual Communications | 3.76 GPA

East Texas Baptist junior men’s track and field athlete Landon Morris has a 3.76 GPA and is a Visual Communications major.

He is a two-time ASC Distinguished Award Winner and earned two-time CSC Academic All-District, two-time ASC All-Academic honors and multiple times on President’s List and Dean’s List.

He is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma Award, and has highest GPA on the team for the past three years. Morris is a three-time NCAA Qualifier in three events for three straight (first for ETBU) and was an All-American 2nd team in ’24 in 4×100 meter and 4×400 meter relays. He is an 11-time ASC champion in six events over three years, three-time ASC champion in high jump, 4×100 and 4×400 meter relay, two-time Indoor/three-time Outdoor All-Region.

In 2023 he was ASC Most Outstanding Athlete and All-ASC in six events in career. He holds three ETBU records, was a seven-time ASC Athlete of Week. In ’24 was All-Region in 4×400 meter, long jump and high jump and participated at NCAA Nationals in high jump, 100-meter dash, 4×100 meter relay, and 4×400 meter relay.

Morris Participated in Operation Christmas Child, is a FCA leader on campus and worked at a conference at the Ministry GFA World.

Men’s Track and Field Winners

2025: Landon Morris

2024: Brandon Powell

2023: Brandon Powell

2022: Brandon Powell

2021: Mack Broussard

2019: Mack Broussard

2015: Landon Price

The money laundering sparked a stranger-than-fiction chain of events involving a lottery winner, student houses and a bomb plot

A man who ran companies that a court found laundered vast sums of money in Wales and England appears to have started a new life thousands of miles away.

New Zealand authorities are “assessing” whether Gregory Candy-Wallace should be disqualified from managing businesses in the country after we informed them he had been operating there. It comes after the 64-year-old Brit settled a legal claim in the UK last year over his having controlled a network of firms that defrauded the taxman, HMRC, of tens of millions of pounds.

There was due to be a civil trial at the High Court in London but the National Crime Agency (NCA) reached a settlement with Candy-Wallace and his companies last June, recovering assets worth £5.8m — a fraction of the more than £50m diverted from the taxman. A judge later said the money recovered was “the proceeds of crime”.

Now WalesOnline can reveal Candy-Wallace — a water polo enthusiast from Sussex whose companies used addresses in Cardiff for the money-laundering scheme — has more recent ventures in Auckland, where he is a majority shareholder in two companies and owns 49% of a third.

We obtained court documents from the UK court case listing Candy-Wallace’s address as a detached five-bedroom house in a wealthy coastal suburb of Auckland, with an outdoor pool and picturesque views onto the yacht-dotted Half Moon Bay. The home is valued at around £900,000.

The Auckland-based firms are FM Group Ltd, which bills itself as a chemical wholesaler; ACM Environmental Services Ltd, an “environmental consultancy service”; and the curiously named 846361 Ltd, which says it is in the business of waterproofing buildings.

Candy-Wallace was previously a director of another Auckland company, Amoeba Investments Ltd, which classed itself as being in the “rental of residential property” industry. The firm owned a four-bedroom semi-detached house in Yorkshire, England, which the NCA applied for permission to seize before reaching a settlement.

Who is Gregory Candy-Wallace?

Candy-Wallace does not appear to be active on social media and — barring coverage of his court case — there is little trace of him on the internet. What can be found is mostly tied to his fondness for water polo, from refereeing in the Sussex league in 2013 to winning a tournament in Guam the same year and playing for a club in Dubai in 2022.

Members of Sussex’s water polo community told us they were puzzled when Candy-Wallace suddenly “disappeared” from the local scene a few years ago without explanation.

Records show Candy-Wallace has been linked to civil tax fraud cases in the UK for two decades. One of his companies, described as a former “CD pressing business”, was found to be “connected with fraud” as far back as 2006 in the form of invalid invoices.

Another civil case dated back to 2005 when firms owned by Candy-Wallace were found to be linked to the “fraudulent evasion” of VAT by what the judge referred to as “the Malaga cell” of an illicit contra-trading network.

WalesOnline’s interest in his activities was first sparked last year when we investigated a network of “dormant companies” in Wales and England. There was little online to indicate what these firms actually did, beyond brief descriptions on Companies House such as “combined office administrative service activities” and “payroll services”.

One director, Damien Paton, was said to be a French national born in 1994. But elsewhere on Companies House his year of birth was given as 1960. In both records he was registered to a French address that was not a real place. Another of the directors was Candy-Wallace.

When we scanned through the many companies, a cluster of 12 stuck out. All were based at the same terraced house in Cranbrook Street in Cathays, the student heartland of Cardiff. It turned out the home was being used as a fake address for money-laundering.

Landlord Nasser Nazemi told us the home started to be bombarded with letters from Companies House in 2017 after businesses had been registered there despite having no connection to the property. “The cheek of it,” said Mr Nazemi. “We had to involve a solicitor to protect ourselves and it ended up costing us about £600 in legal fees.”

The firms in the money-laundering network were controlled by Candy-Wallace, according to the NCA, which said the “organised crime group” diverted away more than £50m of ‘pay as you earn’ and national insurance payments by “offering outsourcing services to third-party companies but then failing to pay the appropriate sums to HMRC”.

The funds were initially moved through a complex network of UK bank accounts before mostly ending up in Hong Kong and Taiwan accounts.

Why wasn’t he prosecuted?

After last year’s money-laundering settlement, we raised questions over the NCA’s decision not to bring a criminal case against Candy-Wallace, particularly given that only a small portion of the £50m was recovered — on top of his decades-long links to tax fraud.

As the NCA’s own barrister James Laddie KC put it, the money-laundering ring was a “deliberate and organised” fraud that featured “inducements to secure clients”. Mr Laddie also said the settlement was a “formal acknowledgement” that the funds were the proceeds of crime. Mr Justice Julian Knowles also described the funds in this way and said the network was part of “unlawful” payroll and money-laundering schemes.

People are regularly imprisoned for fraud involving comparatively tiny sums of money. When we asked the NCA why it would not be bringing criminal proceedings, its spokeswoman said: “Civil recovery investigations are an efficient way to reclaim funds that have been acquired through unlawful conduct, and are not dependent on a criminal conviction.”

There was a criminal prosecution of one person involved in the network, but not for money-laundering. In 2023 one of Candy-Wallace’s associates, Jonathan Nuttall, was jailed for eight years and two months after being found guilty of orchestrating a bomb plot against NCA lawyers.

Nuttall had conspired to plant two explosives in London’s legal district after becoming upset at the prospect of losing his stately home in Hampshire as assets were being seized in the civil case. The 51-year-old’s wife, Amanda Nuttall — who once won £2.4m from her first lottery ticket — agreed to pay £1.4m and give up the stately home as part of the recent settlement.

New Zealand Companies Office is now “assessing” Candy-Wallace’s involvement in the Auckland firms. Its investigations team manager Vanessa Cook told us it is looking into whether his past conduct should disqualify him from directing or managing companies in New Zealand.

Candy-Wallace and the Auckland companies were approached for comment. The only response we received was from a construction business whose email address was listed as a point of contact for one of Candy-Wallace’s companies. The building firm said: “I don’t know Mr Candy-Wallace, haven’t had any dealings with him, and haven’t seen him before.”

In the UK, registering sham addresses on Companies House has been a longstanding avenue for fraud. There is no requirement for those setting up a company to prove its legitimacy — and for those who actually live at the address, the fraud can ruin their credit rating due to the activity linked to their home.

The mass-registering of “burner companies” allows gangs to open UK bank accounts for money-laundering. However, later this year ID verification is finally due to become a requirement to start a company — after more than a decade of the system being abused — though experts have warned the scale of change needed will take time.

If you know of a story we should be investigating, email us at conor.gogarty@walesonline.co.uk