Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
Monday, January 27, 2025, was proclaimed STC’s Flag Football Team Day by McAllen Mayor Pro Tem Omar Quintanilla during the city’s monthly Commissioner Meeting for the team’s most recent national championship win.
The Proclamation comes after STC’s flag football team beat Louisiana’s Grambling State University, 13-6, earning the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Championship Title in Florida.
“I’m so proud of the work our students put in, to get this far,” said Luis Banda, STC coordinator of Student Activities and Wellness. “They went out and represented STC well. They came together as a team to make their goal of becoming national champions possible, and we are so grateful that the city of McAllen and STC took the time to recognize their efforts with this proclamation. It means a lot.”
The proclamation stated the team’s record of 5-0 over other national colleges and universities, highlighted their recent regional win at Texas A&M and their last national championship earned in Round Rock, Texas and showcased the four players selected as All-Tournament Team Players – Robert Tovar, Mike Saenz, Yahir Rodriguez and Alfonso Salinas and Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) Alfonso Salinas.
“These student athletes exemplify great sportsmanship and professionalism in representing South Texas College,” said Quintanilla. “By virtue of the authority vested in me and on behalf of the Mayor and City Commission, we proclaim January 28, 2025 as STC’s Flag Football Team Day.”
Leading up to the national championship game, the team of 11 practiced nearly every day to upskill and learn new flag football techniques that helped lead the team to victory. From evenings, nights and weekend, the team knew what it would take to earn their title.
Additionally, the team had numerous local, regional and state flag football games that allowed them to compete against other players of varying skills, which gave them insight into techniques they needed to work on.
STC Physical Therapist Assistant alumnus, current Business student and flag football team member Raul Hinojosa said team building and team trust came naturally, and with the help of Randy Ginez, STC Student Activities specialist, the dream team was created.
“Playing together came naturally. Everyone had a positive attitude, was willing to put in the work and we all got along. It’s been a great experience,” said the 31-year-old. “It’s been a year in the making. I’m so proud of us.”
The Palmhurst native also said that he encourages other students to take advantage of the intramural and recreational sports STC has to offer. He added that their benefits are lifechanging.
“These sports are open to everyone, and we encourage every student interested in sports to join us,” he said. “Being on a team and competing enhances your college experience and life. Personally, I’ve gained valuable skills and experiences that I can apply off the field. No pun intended, but it’s a win-win.”
Banda highlighted that part of STC’s mission is to provide a well-rounded education, which includes keeping students active and engaged on campus, in which they learn how to work, communicate and lead others.
Studies conducted through Ohio University’s Center for the Study of Student Life reports that students who are active on campus were 18% more career-ready and three times more likely to be considered for a job by an employer, compared to their counterparts. This also means they perform better in the classroom.
“We’re always looking to build on our teams, and we hope students will see this and reach out,” said Banda. “There are so many opportunities for our students across all our campuses, and we want them to take advantage of everything we have to offer. Our office is only a phone call away and they could be our next national champions.”
In addition to flag football, STC also offers softball, kickball, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, billiards and NBA video game tournaments.
For more information on the services provided by STC’s Student Activities and Wellness, visit https://life.southtexascollege.edu/.
