Boerne Star sports editor Kerry Barboza talks with Champion High School football coach Blaine Ellis discussing the 2025 season. Here's a summary and timeline:

Summary

Champion Football 2025 Season Recap

The Champion Chargers had an outstanding 2025 season, finishing 9-3 and reaching the third round of playoffs - their best performance since 2019. After starting district play 1-2, the team rallied with a 6-game winning streak, demonstrating exceptional chemistry and buy-in. Key highlights include:

Offensive firepower: QB Julian Navarrete connected with WR Brogan Dempsey for multiple deep touchdowns throughout the season. Dempsey became Champion's all-time leading touchdown scorer

Resilience: Overcame early district losses to Smithson Valley and New Braunfels to secure a playoff spot

Depth: Freshman QB Ryder stepped up when needed, playing both offense and defense

Playoff run: Defeated Southwest (41-14) and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo before falling to New Braunfels in the third round

Coach Ellis credits the team's chemistry, leadership, and "playoff mentality" starting from week 4 as keys to success.

Timeline

[0:00-1:00] Introduction and season overview - 9 wins, first playoff win since 2021

[1:00-3:00] Team chemistry and comparison to 2019 state semifinal team

[3:00-6:00] Coaching changes - OC Kevin Brown and QB coach Josh Adkins departed; Coach Mangold promoted

[6:00-10:00] Early district struggles - Started 2-2, 1-2 in district after losses to Smithson Valley and New Braunfels

[10:00-14:00] Four-game district winning streak - Beat MacArthur, Victoria East, Wagner (clinched playoffs), and Steele

[14:00-16:00] Brogan Dempsey and Julian Navarrete connection - Deep ball success

[16:00-18:00] First round playoff win vs Southwest (41-14)

[18:00-22:00] Second round at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo - Controversial officiating, viral social media moment, but secured the win

[22:00-24:00] Third round loss to New Braunfels on Thanksgiving weekend - Proud of team's second-half rally

[24:00-26:00] Looking ahead - UIL realignment, potential new district opponents, spring football decision pending

[26:00] Wrap-up

Original Air Date: January 10, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

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Join host Veronica Rector from the Boerne Star as she welcomes Donna Provencher and Alan Rudolph from the Boerne Community Theater to discuss the exciting 2026 season lineup! Discover behind-the-scenes stories, upcoming shows (from classics like "Barefoot in the Park" and "Miracle on 34th Street" to new works and youth productions), the inclusive spirit of the theater, and how you can get involved—whether on stage, backstage, or as a supporter. Perfect for theater lovers, families, and anyone interested in the vibrant Boerne arts community!

00:00 – Introduction: Meet the host and guests

00:26 – 2026 Season Overview: Mix of classics and new works

00:45 – "The Mousetrap" Recap: Donna’s adventure as director and lead

01:51 – Upcoming Shows:

• "Barefoot in the Park" (Jan 16 – Feb 1)
• "Angel Street/Gaslight" (March) – Origin of the term "gaslighting"

03:35 – "Helen on Wheels" (May): A comedic new play

04:04 – "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" (Aug–Sep): Why it’s special

07:00 – Casting Process: Open calls and welcoming environment

08:00 – Community & Volunteers: The family spirit at BCT

09:50 – Teen Troop: Youth productions and their impact

12:00 – Theater’s Value: Social skills, confidence, and life lessons

14:00 – Membership & Tickets: How to get involved and support

15:00 – Co-producers: Supporting the theater behind the scenes

15:40 – Website & Contact: boernetheater.org, box office info

16:00 – Closing Remarks: Thanks and show wrap-up

Original Air Date: January 3, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

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Join host Kerry Barbosa as he interviews Shane Wilson, principal of Boerne High School and former coach, on Boerne Brew. Shane shares his journey from coaching to administration, the impact of mentors, returning to his hometown, and balancing family with a demanding career. The conversation covers his coaching philosophy, memorable experiences, the transition to school leadership, and reflections on community, family, and future goals.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet host Kerry Barbosa and guest Shane Wilson

00:41 – Shane’s coaching background and transition to administration

01:16 – Missing coaching and Friday night football

02:28 – Early influences and decision to become a coach

03:47 – First coaching job in Uvalde and career beginnings

04:57 – Reflections on the Uvalde tragedy and community ties

05:24 – Coaching multiple sports and moving to Garland

06:42 – Returning home to Pearsall as head coach and athletic director

08:07 – Lessons learned from coaching and community expectations

08:55 – Playing days: positions, teammates, and sports memories

09:45 – Moving to Warren High School and family decisions

10:25 – Coaching at Warren, team success, and transition to administration

10:53 – Starting as assistant principal at Southwest High School

11:24 – Transitioning from coaching to administration: challenges and adjustments

12:26 – Moving to Boerne High School: the hiring story

13:45 – Becoming principal during COVID and the interview process

14:45 – What keeps Shane in Boerne: community, spirit, and expectations

15:45 – Family, softball success, and the importance of support

16:45 – Work-life balance and the demands of being a principal

17:45 – Shane’s daughters, their softball careers, and COVID’s impact on sports

18:30 – Following his daughters’ college journeys

18:55 – What’s next for Shane: doctoral studies and future plans

19:45 – Closing remarks and gratitude

Original Air Date: December 27, 2025, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

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This episode of "The Boerne Brew" features Jeff Flynn from the Boerne Star newspaper interviewing Alyssa Dela Santos, principal of Crestmont Christian Preparatory School, and student Reese. The discussion covers the school's history, its move to a new location at the historic Old City Hall building, the unique university model of education, community involvement, and personal experiences from both staff and students. The conversation also touches on the importance of small class sizes, parent engagement, and the school’s vision for the future.

Timeline

0:00 – Introduction: Jeff Flynn welcomes listeners and introduces the show and guests.

0:33 – Crestmont Christian’s Story: Alyssa shares the school’s 17-year journey and partnership with Boerne First Baptist.

1:40 – The Search for a New Home: Challenges in finding a new space and the eventual opportunity at Old City Hall.

4:10 – Securing Old City Hall: The “miracle” meeting and excitement about the new location.

6:00 – School Community: Students and families celebrate the new building and the sense of ownership.

7:20 – About Crestmont Christian: Alyssa explains the school’s unique model and its affiliation with the National Association of University Model Schools.

8:50 – University Model Explained: How the hybrid classroom/satellite days work and the focus on family involvement.

10:30 – Enrollment & Class Size: Discussion of current enrollment, class size caps, and maintaining school integrity.

12:00 – School Culture: The value of small classes, strong family involvement, and the school’s philosophy.

14:00 – Student Perspective: Reese, a senior, shares her experience, future plans, and what drew her to Crestmont.

16:00 – Community & Mentorship: Upperclassmen mentor younger students, fostering a close-knit environment.

18:00 – Parent Involvement: Parent partnership training and ongoing communication.

19:30 – Moving to Old City Hall: Details about the new building, renovation plans, and excitement for the future.

22:00 – School History: The history of the Old City Hall building and its significance.

24:00 – Looking Ahead: Plans for the grand opening, building dedication, and closing remarks.

Original Air Date: July 12, 2025, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

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Join host Kerry Barboza, sports editor of the Boerne Star, as he sits down with Boerne High tennis coach Tyson Stewart for an in-depth conversation on The Boerne Brew. Coach Stewart shares insights on the Greyhounds’ recent tennis seasons, the challenges of moving from 4A to 5A, memorable rivalries, and the unique dynamics of team tennis in Texas. They discuss the differences between fall and spring tennis, the importance of community support, and personal stories from Stewart’s coaching journey. Whether you’re a tennis fan or just love great sports stories, this episode is packed with highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and inspiration from the world of high school athletics.

Timeline with Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Host Kerry Barboza welcomes listeners and introduces Coach Tyson Stewart

00:26 – Coach Stewart reflects on the Greyhounds’ recent seasons and moving from 4A to 5A

01:38 – Discussing team performance, challenges, and the “revenge tour”

02:49 – Key rivalries: Facing Champion, Alamo Heights, and Flower Bluff

05:29 – The unique dynamic of playing against friends and familiar faces

07:13 – Playoff journeys and the strength of the district

09:15 – Regional and state tournament recaps

11:06 – Differences between fall and spring tennis seasons

13:14 – The intensity and length of team tennis matches

16:08 – Memorable long matches and the impact of court availability

18:02 – Reflections on the 2022 state championship run

21:01 – Challenges of moving up to 5A and differences in competition

23:09 – Coach Stewart’s journey: From Harlan to Boerne and the appeal of a smaller community

26:22 – Community support and the importance of local sports culture

28:44 – Personal stories: Leaving Harlan, coaching standout players, and state championships

31:14 – Transitioning between fall and spring seasons; off-season routines

33:46 – Conditioning, rest, and player dedication

35:21 – Family, community, and the support network at Boerne

37:12 – Coach Stewart’s father’s legacy in Texas tennis

39:06 – Fun stories: College tennis, former partners, and friendships

41:15 – Closing remarks and gratitude from Coach Stewart and host Kerry Barboza

Original Air Date: December 13, 2025, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

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Dive into the chilling true story of the Bickel Family Massacre, one of the most brutal and mysterious crimes in 19th-century Texas. Join host Jeff Flinn as he interviews authors Richard Tomlinson and Catherine Adam Hurst about their new book, "Murder in Boerne, Texas: The Untold Story of the Bickel Family Massacre." Discover the dark secrets behind John Bickel, the events leading up to the massacre, the investigation, and the lasting impact on the Boerne community. This episode uncovers new evidence, explores local legends, and reveals the real people behind the headlines. Perfect for true crime enthusiasts and Texas history buffs!

00:00 - Introduction & Host Welcome

00:29 - The Bickel Family Massacre: What Happened

00:54 - Community Response and Initial Investigation

01:17 - The Book: "Murder in Boerne, Texas" and Author Introductions

02:11 - The Mass Grave and Mysterious Monuments

02:44 - Discovering New Documents in the Courthouse

03:36 - John Bickel’s Violent Past and Family Secrets

04:33 - The Stabbing of Bickel’s Daughter

05:19 - Theories on Motive and Family Dynamics

06:05 - Bickel and Spangenberg’s Background and Immigration

06:28 - The Fate of the Surviving Family Members

07:24 - The Massacre’s Aftermath: Lynching and Local Justice

08:04 - The Names of the Men Who Lynched the Suspects

09:09 - Book Details and Where to Find It

09:49 - Recounting the Night of the Attack

10:47 - The Escape of the 12-Year-Old Survivor

11:31 - Motives: Robbery or Revenge?

12:20 - Theories on the Real Killers and Business Dealings

13:05 - Lawlessness and Military Involvement in the Aftermath

14:00 - The Role of Newspapers and Early Reporting

14:39 - Research Challenges and Discoveries

15:02 - The Search for George Wilkins Kendall’s Diary

15:51 - Jury Dynamics and the Retrial Request

16:24 - Book Recap and Where to Buy

16:54 - Are There Any Surviving Photos or Drawings?

17:29 - Closing Remarks, Book Signing Details, and Farewell

Original Air Date: December 6, 2025, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=murder%20in%20boerne%20texas

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This episode of "The Boerne Brew" features Jeff Flinn, managing editor at the Boerne Star, interviewing Olivia Burdick, executive director of Meals on Wheels in Kendall County. They discuss the importance of Meals on Wheels, how the program operates, the impact on the community, volunteer opportunities, funding challenges, and the ongoing need for community support. The conversation also touches on local events like Dickens on Main and the spirit of giving during the holidays.

Timeline

0:00 – Introduction: Jeff Flynn welcomes listeners, mentions local events (Dickens on Main, Christmas tree lighting).

0:48 – Introducing Olivia Burdick from Meals on Wheels.

1:18 – Overview of Meals on Wheels in Kendall County (42 years of service).

1:57 – Service area and mission: providing meals and welfare checks for older adults.

2:38 – Volunteer drivers: their dedication and relationships with clients.

3:58 – Who qualifies for Meals on Wheels; no waiting list in Kendall County.

4:46 – National context: many programs have long waiting lists.

5:07 – How to refer someone or volunteer; importance of community support.

6:14 – Contact information: website and phone number for Meals on Wheels.

6:36 – How meals are prepared and delivered; daily operations.

7:00 – Volume of meals served: 56,000/year via Meals on Wheels, 17,000/year at the center.

7:53 – Special meals for holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving).

8:28 – Volunteer stories: personal experiences delivering meals.

10:00 – How to volunteer, time commitment, and background checks.

11:00 – Substitute volunteers and business partnerships.

12:00 – Funding challenges: operating on 2019 budget, increased demand post-COVID.

13:00 – Federal and state funding, need for local fundraising.

14:00 – Personal stories about the impact of Meals on Wheels.

15:00 – No income requirement; eligibility based on need.

16:00 – The importance of community and family support.

17:00 – Final call to action: volunteer, refer someone, or donate.

18:00 – Closing remarks, upcoming episodes, and thanks.

Original Air Date: November 29, 2025, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://thecenterboerne.org/meals-on-wheels-kendall-county/

https://www.boernestar.com/

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Join host Kerry Barboza and guest Stan Leach, Boerne ISD Athletic Director, for an in-depth discussion on the latest in Boerne ISD athletics. They cover updates on the new aquatic center, recent sports seasons (tennis, water polo, volleyball, cross country), the challenges and successes of passing school bonds, and the achievements of local teams and athletes. The conversation also touches on playoff football, the Hall of Honor ceremony, and the high expectations for Boerne’s student-athletes. Whether you’re a fan of Bernie sports or interested in school athletics management, this episode offers insights, stories, and a look ahead at what’s next for the district.

Timeline

00:00 – Introduction: Host Kerry Barboza welcomes Stan Leach

00:18 – Stan’s regular appearances & recent sports seasons recap

01:05 – New Aquatic Center: Progress, features, and community impact

03:50 – Bond funding and construction challenges

05:00 – Stadium discussions and high school growth outlook

07:00 – Stan’s experience with school bonds (wins & losses)

08:10 – Hall of Honor ceremony highlights

10:00 – Tennis program achievements and history

11:30 – Volleyball: Playoff draws, program progress, and district hopes

13:40 – Cross Country: State finishes, high expectations, and program pride

15:00 – Team Tennis: Playoff runs and coaching impact

16:30 – Water Polo: State bronze, expectations, and the Harrison brothers

18:00 – Athletic scholarships and standout athletes

19:00 – Looking ahead: UIL alignment, basketball, and future updates

20:00 – Wrap-up and closing remarks

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.