Sports

Me as a freshman Cougar, helmet finally secured. COURTESY PHOTO

Me as a freshman Cougar, helmet finally secured. COURTESY PHOTO

The time I didn’t get my helmet

Erick Mitchell
Monday, August 10, 2026
It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since I last strapped on a helmet for my senior season at Beloit College.Each year as football season returns, memories from days past pop back into my head some good, some bad. And some just a little silly – like the time I missed out on getting my helmet.
Ross Kothmann, left, makes a handoff to Luke Lambert on Tuesday afternoon, the second day of football practice at Lampasas High School.ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Ross Kothmann, left, makes a handoff to Luke Lambert on Tuesday afternoon, the second day of football practice at Lampasas High School.ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Badgers hit the gridiron

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, August 6, 2026
In his 11th season as Lampasas High School’s head football coach, Troy Rogers said he rarely has seen a better first day of practice than the one he watched Monday.
Dove may tend to be less concentrated after rainy conditions, but Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Program Leader Owen Fitzsimmons said the birds should generally benefit from a wetter summer and improved habitat. KAYE MCDANIEL | COURTESY PHOTO

Dove may tend to be less concentrated after rainy conditions, but Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Program Leader Owen Fitzsimmons said the birds should generally benefit from a wetter summer and improved habitat. KAYE MCDANIEL | COURTESY PHOTO

State’s dove prospects mostly unharmed by summer floods

Jeff Lowe
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Dove season is less than a month away, and according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the season’s promising prospects are undeterred by recent floods in the Hill Country and extreme drought in the Great Plains.
Lampasas High School tennis coach Kenneth Peiser’s squad begins competition today. FILE PHOTO

Lampasas High School tennis coach Kenneth Peiser’s squad begins competition today. FILE PHOTO

Badger tennis team begins fall schedule today

News Staff
Thursday, August 6, 2026
The Lampasas High School tennis team began fall practice Tuesday and opens its 2026 schedule today against Brownwood and Stephenville on the road. The Badgers face Copperas Cove on the road Aug. 11 before school starts Aug. 13.Lampasas travels to Belton on Aug. 15 for matches against Belton (8 a.m.
The Lampasas High School Lady Badger volleyball team goes through their warm-up routine before practice on Tuesday. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

The Lampasas High School Lady Badger volleyball team goes through their warm-up routine before practice on Tuesday. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Lady Badgers begin year two strong as Tippie sees growth

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, August 6, 2026
After a promising first season in 2025, Lampasas High School head volleyball coach Ali Tippie is encouraged by what she’s seeing in the early days of year two.The Lady Badgers kicked off the new season with two-a-day practices on Aug. 1.
ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Training for victory

News Staff
Monday, August 3, 2026
Incoming Badger freshmen line up in victory formation during a three-day football camp last week. Two-a-days are underway this week for freshmen through seniors. The Badgers will have an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday morning, and their first scrimmage against another team comes Aug.

2026 BADGER VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

News Staff
Monday, August 3, 2026
(Scrimmage) Aug. 14 vs. Legacy Ranch 6:30 p.m.(Scrimmage) Aug. 20 at Austin McCallum 6:30 p.m.Regular season Aug. 28 at Gatesville 7:30 p.m.Sept. 4 vs. Pflugerville Connally 7 p.m. (Senior Night) Sept. 11 at San Antonio Central Catholic 7 p.m.Sept. 18 vs. Wimberley 7 p.m. (Homecoming) Sept. 25 vs.
Beau Patterson towers over a Marble Falls defender during his senior year at Lampasas. FILE PHOTO

Beau Patterson towers over a Marble Falls defender during his senior year at Lampasas. FILE PHOTO

BEAU KNOWS BASKETBALL

Erick Mitchell
Monday, August 3, 2026
After breaking records on the hardwood at Lampasas High School, Beau Patterson is ready to take his basketball talents to the Tar Heel State.In a matter of days, the 7-footer will pack his bags and settle in at Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina.
Hadlee McCorkle has competed in track since around age 5, running in prestigious events like the Clash of Texas -- which featured over 2,000 runners. COURTESY PHOTO

Hadlee McCorkle has competed in track since around age 5, running in prestigious events like the Clash of Texas -- which featured over 2,000 runners. COURTESY PHOTO

McCorkle ready for the Junior Olympic spotlight

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 30, 2026
As an incoming Lampasas High School freshman, Hadlee McCorkle already has the need for speed.On Tuesday, McCorkle will compete in the 1,500-meter race at the national AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

Hornets have strong core of returning players

Staff Reports
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Lometa saw strong turnout for this summer’s conditioning workouts, and head football coach Terrence Wadley hopes to keep the momentum going as official practice starts Monday at 7 a.m.The Hornets’ season opener is Aug. 28, when they will host nine-time state champion Richland Springs.
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