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Life can be measured in sunsets. The average person sees 25,000 sunsets in his or her lifetime. From freshman year to senior year, there are 1,460 sunsets. With a limited amount of sunsets to see, it’s important to know this: we should all SEIZE THE DAY and leave our mark while we still have time!

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Student Council Members work on making goodie bags for the Homecoming Parade Monday afternoon at CHS.

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Jolee Seabourn’s floral design class puts together some amazing masterpieces in recognition of Crane’s homecoming week.

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Members of the student council do their part in making sure the homecoming nominees have a winning shot by putting up their posters Monday morning in front of the CHS office.

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Crane Golden Crane cheerleaders perform during the Crane varsity volleyball game Tuesday.

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The CMS volleyball girls huddle during the game to strategize against Compass Monday afternoon in the CHS gym.

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Arely Compos, sophomore, prepares herself for the serve Thursday in the Crane High School gym.

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Culinary students bake pancakes for class during first period Thursday morning in the Bethune School.

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Maritza Tarin, junior, puts up positive sticky notes around the high school for student council.

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Junior, Steven Lozano, has an epic stand off with a giant rat at Spirit Halloween on the way to the Nike South Invitational meet Friday.

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The Crane volleyball team has a great game against the Lamesa Tornados.

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Steven Lozano, junior, and Damian Gallegos, freshman, go to Buc-ees for the Nike South Invitational meet Friday afternoon.

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Brian Brents, Crane County Youth Center director, hosts a flag football game for the elementary students Tuesday evening in Crane.

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Rigoberto Garcia, junior, helps during his free period to hang up homecoming nominee posters for student council.

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Paiton Woods and Maritza Cordova, seniors, finish up making a ribbon for the giant Homecoming mum in their floral class.

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Omar Murguia, junior, masters a new skill Thursday morning at the Bethune School for culinary class.

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The Ladybirds and Pantherettes gather together during the 3rd quarter to hype each other up Friday night in Panther Stadium.

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Caitlyn Montoya, freshman, gives Misael Lozano, sophomore, treatment to help him recover faster for football.

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The Pettit family walks beneath a rainbow on their way from the district-opener volleyball game in Crane Wednesday.

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Evoleth Iniguez, sophomore, absorbs an excellent lesson in Spanish class from teacher Laura Rizo Thursday afternoon.

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Sergeant Tellez, U.S Marine Corps, visits Javorian Miller’s history class Tuesday to encourage students who might be interested in one day serving their country.

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Shae Coates, senior, celebrates her birthday Monday afternoon in the Crane High School library.

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We Strive to Be on the Winning Side of Every Game 

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We Strive to Be on the Winning Side of Every Game 

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The Crane Golden Crane cheerleaders put some pep in the football players’ step Thursday during the send-off in front of Crane High School.

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Bill Brite, Crane super fan, cheers on the varsity football boys during their send-off against the Fort Stockton Panthers Friday in front of Crane High School.

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A meteor shower suddenly flies over Crane, leaving many in shock Sunday night.

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Elihu Jacobo, junior, prepares to lock down the Fort Stockton Panthers JV Thursday at El Ave Stadium.

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Ava Navarrete, sophomore, gets in position for the next play against the Lady Jackets Saturday morning.

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Lexi Rodriguez, junior, spikes the ball during the varsity volleyball game Saturday against the Kermit Lady Jackets.

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Priscilla Serrano, head volleyball coach, leads the Ladybirds to victory against the Kermit Lady Jackets Saturday morning in the CHS gym.

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Ivory Velasco, senior, gets ready to spike the ball and score at Saturday's game against the Lady Jackets.

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Jaime Sanchez, freshman, is defensive and aggressive Thursday against the Fort Stockton Panthers at El Ave Stadium.

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Brinlee Hill, freshman, keeps her eye on the ball during the volleyball game against the Kermit Lady Jackets Saturday afternoon.

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Brooklyn Gryder, sophomore, and Charlee Lee, freshman, jump to block the incoming ball Saturday morning in the CHS gym.

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Ivory Velasco, senior, settles in for the serve during the game against the Lady Jackets Saturday evening in the CHS gym.

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Ivory Velasco, senior, spikes the ball Saturday while playing against the Kermit Lady Jackets in the Crane High School gym.

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Crane Cruises Past Lamesa in Straight Sets

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Crane Cruises Past Lamesa in Straight Sets

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Story by Lauren Rubio

El Ave News contributor

Photo by Brad Pettit

El Ave News editor

The Crane Ladybirds swept Lamesa 3-0 Tuesday night, rolling to set scores of 25-21, 25-12, and 25-16.

Crane controlled the match with 26 team kills, 18 blocks, 97 digs, and 13 aces. The Ladybirds were especially dominant at the net in Set 2, where they recorded eight blocks to halt Lamesa’s attack.

The win brings Crane’s record to 11-12 for the season and 1-0 in district play.

“I’m extremely proud of how our team came together tonight, especially at the net,” said Coach Priscilla Serrano. “This win gives us great momentum, and we’re looking forward to continuing this level of play through the rest of district competition.”

Brooklyn Gryder, sophomore on the team, echoed these sentiments.

"I think it's a great start for our district, and it's momentum for our next game."

When asked how she feels about the state of the team, she said that the team is showing lots of promise.

"Our team came together," she said. "We trust one another, and I think we are going to use this trust and togetherness to go far this season."

Next up, the Ladybirds face Brownfield at 11 AM Saturday at home. Come on out and support the Ladybirds as they continue their district play!

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Ava Navarrete and Brooklyn Gryder, sophomores, and Ivory Velasco, senior, prepare to score the next point Saturday against the Lady Jackets.

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Brinlee Hill, freshman, sets the ball over the net during the game against the Kermit Lady Jackets Saturday evening in the CHS gym.

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Ava Navarrete and Brooklyn Gryder, sophomores, intimidate the Kermit Lady Jackets by showing off their line of defense Saturday morning in the CHS gym.

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The Crane Golden Cranes JV lock in on their opponents right before kickoff Thursday against the Fort Stockton Panthers at El Ave Stadium.

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Crane Golden Crane cheerleaders perform during the send-off in front of CHS Friday.

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Brooklyn Gryder, sophomore, makes a powerful launch in the air while going against the Lady Jackets Saturday evening in the CHS gym.

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Ivory Velasco, senior, dives for the ball during the volleyball game against the Kermit Lady Jackets Saturday morning in the CHS Gym.

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Lexiana Rodriguez, junior, hits the ball for the Ladybirds Saturday morning in the Crane High School gym.

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The Crane Golden Cranes JV football boys stand at the ready before the game against the Fort Stockton Panthers at El Ave Stadium Thursday.

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Ivory Velasco, senior, prepares for the next play during the varsity volleyball game against the Kermit Lady Jackets Saturday afternoon.

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The varsity volleyball girls huddle up on the court during the game against the Kermit Lady Jackets Saturday evening in the CHS gym.

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Brad Pettit, journalism teacher, catches a picture of the band from a drone at the send-off Thursday afternoon.

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Ava Navarrete, sophomore, prepares to send the ball back towards the Lady Jackets Saturday evening in the Crane High School gym.

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Charlee Lee, freshman, readies herself Saturday afternoon in the CHS gym.

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The Crane varsity football team shows up for the send-off Friday in front of Crane High School.

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Lexi Rodriquez, junior, serves the ball for the Crane Ladybirds Saturday morning in the Crane High School gym while playing against the Kermit Lady Jackets.

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The varsity volleyball team huddles up as they figure out a good game plan Saturday afternoon in the CHS gym.

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Madeline Abalos, junior, dives for the ball Saturday during the varsity volleyball game against the Kermit Lady Jackets.

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Alondra Moreno, sophomore, gets ready to set the ball during the game against the Lady Jackets Saturday evening in Crane.

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Brad Pettit, journalism teacher, catches a picture of the color guard, band, and cheerleaders from a drone at the send-off Thursday.

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Hudson Willis, sophomore, tells the team what play to run while going against the Fort Stockton Panthers at Panther Stadium.

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Crane Elementary students walk in the book float showing off the book "If you Give a Dog a Donut."

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The Crane Elementary School hosts a book float Thursday.

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Evolet Munoz, junior, cheers loud and proud for the Golden Cranes at the send-off Friday afternoon to beat the Fort Stockton Panthers.

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Syerra Lopez, senior, cheers on the varsity football team during the send-off Friday in front of Crane High School.

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It’s a bark-tastic day at Crane Elementary! Dog Man fans walk together for the ultimate book float Thursday morning!

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Diana Reyes, sophomore cheerleader, cheers on the football team during the send-off Friday afternoon at CHS.

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Nathaniell Lane, freshman, and Noah Guerrero, sophomore, walk with confidence at the send-off Friday afternoon.

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Freshman cheerleader, Brinlee Hill, cheers on the varsity football team during the send-off Friday in front of Crane High School.

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The CHS cheerleaders cheer on the varsity football boys Friday morning at the send off.

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The CHS twirlers perform at the send-off Friday afternoon in front of CHS.

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Crane Golden Crane varsity football players execute a great defense while facing the Fort Stockton Panthers Friday.

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Crane Elementary students participate in a book float Thursday morning where they dress up as their favorite book.

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Henry Anderson, CISD football coach, examines the Fort Stockton Panthers’ offense Friday in Fort Stockton.

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Coach Henry Anderson Looks Back on a Long, Fulfilling Career

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Coach Henry Anderson Looks Back on a Long, Fulfilling Career

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Story by Alyssa Rocha

El Ave News staff writer

Photo by Gary Ray Gutierrez

El Ave News photographer

Students gather around a man in a baseball cap, laughing as he cracks jokes and playfully teases them. The room fills with laughter as he makes animal noises and flaps his arms like a bird, putting everyone at ease. When the bell rings, the students trickle out of his classroom, with him leading the way toward the field house.

That man is Coach Henry Anderson. He has dedicated 23 years to Crane ISD as a football and track coach. Before coming to Crane, he taught and coached in Iraan. In total, he has been coaching football for more than 50 years, and, sadly, he’s decided that this year is his last.

I sat down with Coach Anderson to pick his brain about the trajectory of his career and how he feels now that this chapter of his life is coming to an end.

When asked what first inspired him to pursue coaching, he smiled, the look in his eyes that of a man combing through decades of unforgettable memories.

“I always loved playing sports in high school," he said. "I had the chance to play for some really good coaches, and they inspired me to follow in their footsteps."

Coach Anderson said that coaches are just like any other type of people. There's good coaches and bad coaches, but one can learn from all of them.

"As a player, you get the chance to play for some good coaches and some who are not so good," he said. "When I decided I wanted to get into coaching, I realized that I learned from all of them. I learned what works and what doesn't, and I decided that I wanted to be a coach who could make a difference in kids’ lives. That’s what I’ve tried to do, and I feel like I’ve succeeded in a lot of ways.”

Anderson explained that building a team begins with recognizing the unique talents of each athlete.

"I always try to help kids where they are, and then help them get to where they need to be," he said. “I try to come up with ways to use the talents of the kids we have. To build teams that work.”

By focusing on individual strengths, Anderson helps athletes maximize their potential.

“I’ve always tried to find the strengths our team has and build off of it,” he says, "but coaching isn’t always easy."

Anderson loves kids. He loves people. He’s known as one of the most social, personable, and loving staff members in all of Crane ISD. He’s worked with students who have faced personal struggles or even made poor choices, and his empathy for them never wavers. His philosophy is to support them, while also holding them accountable.

“If problems keep happening, I’ve had to sit student athletes out or take them off the team,” he says. “Sitting on the bench teaches them a lesson. And it’s one of the most regrettable things we have to do as coaches when we sometimes have to remove people from the team. That said, a good coach can usually build a kid up and find a way to get him or her to buy into the idea of being on a 'team.'"

For Anderson, playing sports is a privilege that requires discipline and commitment. Still, he believes fun and laughter are just as important as hard work.

“Laughter is something I think everyone needs,” he says. "Work hard, play hard."

His colleagues describe him as both dedicated and caring.

"He always makes people laugh," said Jaxon Willis, CMS football coach. "He has a ton of experience, and it's been a real pleasure to work and laugh alongside him."

Anderson's players agree with these sentiments.

"While we're practicing, he makes these random noises," said Miguel Moreno, sophomore football player. "He always whistles or makes bird noises to make us loosen up and laugh. He's been coaching for a long time, and he's very wise. He knows what he's doing on the field."

Cash Pettit, 8th grade football player, said it's very easy to like Coach Anderson.

"It's fun to be around him," he said. "He just makes me smile all the time."

Conner Duran, sophomore, agrees.

"He is really nice in practice and in real life," he said. "He likes to joke around with us in practice and always makes funny noises. All joking aside, though, he's good at pushing us to the max."

Anderson appreciates his job and recognizes how important the role of coaching has been in his life.

“I’m here for these kiddos, win or lose,” he said.

Beyond the game, Anderson hopes to pass along lessons that will serve Crane ISD athletes throughout life. And as he prepares to walk off into the sunset of his career, he has no regrets.

When asked about his decision to retire after decades of coaching, he said simply that, "It's time."

“Age is part of it,” he admits, “but I also want to do things I enjoy.”

His plans include spending more time with his wife and grandchildren. “They are very special to me,” he says with a smile.

As Anderson steps into this next chapter, he looks forward to slowing down and savoring time with family. His legacy in Crane is marked not only by wins and seasons but also by the countless lives he has touched along the way.

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Adam McGuire, senior, sets himself up for the first kickoff of the game while going against the Fort Stockton Panthers Friday.

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Hudson Willis, sophomore, throws a dime to his teammate Noah Guerrero, sophomore, getting the first touchdown while facing the Fort Stockton Panthers Friday.

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Sammy Sanchez and Brayson Newberry, seniors, take a break after switching out Friday while going against the Fort Stockton Panthers.

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Crane Elementary students participate in the book float Thursday morning at Crane Elementary.

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Coach Robert Ontiveroz, Athletic Director, examines the field while the refs determine the foul during the game against the Fort Stockton Panthers.

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Aaron Padilla, senior, talks with the coaches in the press box about what he's seeing on the field Friday night against the Fort Stockton Panthers.

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Third-grade teachers Clarissa Tarin and Brandy O’Neal get into the spirit for the book float Thursday morning, bringing the character from "The Old Lady who Swallowed Some Leaves" to life.

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A Crane Elementary student participates in the book float Thursday outside of the Crane Elementary School gym.

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Sophie Ortiz, CISD librarian, and kindergartners walk in the book parade Thursday morning outside of Crane Elementary School.

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Crane Elementary students participate in a book float Thursday morning outside of Crane Elementary School.

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Sophomores, Kobe Walker and Alyssa Rocha, take pictures for journalism class at the Crane Elementary School book float Thursday morning.

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Monica Parnell, Crane Elementary School teacher, participates in the book float Thursday morning outside of Crane Elementary School.

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Jordyn Orozco, senior, makes sure she has the right angle for the picture during the book float Thursday morning.

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Frank Neri, maintenance worker, works on the plumbing to get Crane High School running like new.

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A Crane Elementary School student dresses up as Snow White for the book float Thursday.

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The cross country runners get ready to leave for the Nike South Invitational in College Station Thursday.

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Hudson Willis, sophomore QB, connects with sophomore receiver, Noah Guerrero, on a touchdown pass that was incorrectly called back. Guerrero clearly got one foot down in the end zone, which is all that it takes to get six more on the board.

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Hudson Willis, sophomore, passes the ball to Nathaniell Lane, freshman, at Friday's game in Fort Stockton.

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Crane XC Teams Shine at Marfa Desert Stampede

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Crane XC Teams Shine at Marfa Desert Stampede

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By Brad Pettit

El Ave News Editor

The Crane cross country program had a strong showing Sept. 17 as the junior varsity and middle school squads traveled west to compete in the Marfa Desert Stampede XC Race. The meet featured tough competition from across the region, and the Golden Cranes came home with plenty to be proud of.

In the boys’ JV division, Jahyr Gonzales led the way for Crane with a 12th-place finish, while teammates Noah Garcia (53rd), Luis Valles Ochoa (57th), Gael Lupercio (72nd), Luis Rodriguez (82nd), Valentin Velasco (89th), and Jacob Esquivel (94th) rounded out the group. Head coach Machele Pahl said the experience will pay off later in the season.

“These races are about gaining experience and learning to handle tough courses,” Pahl said. “I’m proud of how our high school runners continue to battle and improve week by week.”

On the girls’ side, Alondra Parades paced the JV squad with a 25th-place finish. She was followed by Amanda Gutierrez (44th), Arianna Inigues (49th), Marlene Rodriguez (68th), Amber Mendoza (75th), and Briza Hernandez (84th). Pahl noted the girls are learning how to stay competitive in large races.

“We talk a lot about consistency and competing for one another, and I thought we saw that today,” she said.

The highlight of the day came from the middle school teams. The Crane MS girls captured the team championship, putting together an impressive pack performance. Analise Garza (7th) and Landri Aguilar (8th) led the charge, with Alessandra Perez (15th), Scarlett Fuentes (17th), and Kassidy Hargrove (19th) all finishing inside the top 20. Strong supporting runs from Gali Chavez (24th), Kaila Salazar (29th), Wendy Mendoza (30th), and others sealed the title.

“Our middle school girls really set the tone with how tightly they ran as a group,” Pahl said. “That’s what it takes to win a meet championship.”

The middle school boys also impressed, earning runner-up honors. Miguel Lozano (6th), Stetson Vargas (7th), and Juoquin Perez (9th) packed the front of the race, while Gabriel Solis (22nd), Tyler Barrientos (24th), and Antonio Rizo (31st) added valuable depth.

Pahl said the performance showed the depth of the program. “The boys pushed hard all the way through, and having three in the top ten was a big boost for us,” she said.

With strong performances from both the JV and middle school teams, the Golden Cranes head into the heart of their season with momentum and confidence.

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Bill Brite, one of Crane ISD’s superfans, comes to testify to his love for all things Golden Cranes and Ladybirds during the send-off in front of CHS Friday afternoon.