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EDINBURG — Sitting on the south side of Edinburg IDEA Quest’s campus is a soccer field that shares the space with a playground for its students ranging from pre-K to 12th grade.
During the spring, it doubles as a practice field for the Trailblazers’ baseball and softball teams.
While the facilities are a bit unconventional compared to most high school fields for both sports, that hasn’t stopped Edinburg IDEA Quest’s baseball and softball teams from finding success.
“It’s been amazing to see both programs succeeding. Just like anywhere else, when you start off a program, it’s tough, but then when you finally get to see it in action, you finally get to see those wins, all the hard work that you put in paid off,” interim softball head coach Luis Rodriguez said. “The hours, the time, the sweat and tears, you have to keep pushing because you want these kids to be successful and understand anything’s possible.”
“Every level, you don’t have success, but when you do, you have to enjoy it. Some of these kids have been through (winless saeasons) and it’s something we don’t take for granted and celebrate with the school,” baseball head coach Cesar Peña said.
The Edinburg IDEA Quest baseball team recently captured its second District 31-3A championship in program history by postinga 6-0 record in league play. The Blazers have won back-to-back district titles.
“It was done once and we could do it again. That was our main goal, to go back-to-back district champions,” sophomore Mario Rodriguez Jr. said.
Starting pitchers Jesus Mario Casas Garcia and Rodriguez dominated against district opponents to help lead the Blazers to the District 31-3A crown.
“I’ve always wanted to play baseball for this school and do great things here. With the team we have here, it’s possible. We’re making it possible,” Garcia said.
The Blazers’ baseball team is already in the area round due to its bi-district opponent, Brownsville Jubilee, forfeiting the Round 1 playoff matchup. Edinburg IDEA Quest will face the winner of Corpus Christi London and Odem in next week’s area round.
“Being able to get out here and practice, getting game experience and knowing what to expect is a big help,” senior Porter Terry said.
Edinburg IDEA Quest’s softball program has been around for five years. Over the past two seasons, however, the Blazers have reached new heights. The Blazers won their second playoff matchup in program history by defeating Brownsville Harmony during the bi-district round last week.
“We’re mainly known for academics, so having our main sports out there is really exciting, and getting our name out there is fun,” sophomore pitcher Nathalie Ramirez said.
The team features seven seniors who have helped build the program over the past four years, including third baseman Kaylenn Perez.
“In the beginning it was pretty slow. We had a few people come in, then we started growing a lot more as soon as we started winning games,” she said. “We work with what we got because we know we don’t have a lot, but we know where we want to go and we’ll do whatever it takes to get there,” she said.
The Blazers softball team is set to clash against Bishop in a one-game area playoff matchup at 6 p.m. Friday at Bishop. The winner advances to the regional quarterfinals to take on the winner between Mathis and Monte Alto.
“We’ve improved and learned a lot this past year and it’s something that I think will help us in the area round,” sophomore catcher Kierstyn Perez said.
