From the pool to the diamond and across the court and field, Tiger athletes—including signees in football, basketball, baseball and swim—celebrated alongside coaches, teammates and families. Seniors reflect on years of hard work and dedication as they prepare to carry the Texas High legacy into college competition and new chapters of personal and athletic growth.
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, Texas High School celebrated a remarkable Winter Signing Day event, recognizing 13 student-athletes who officially committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.
TigerShark Makes a Splash at Ouachita
With every meet, dive and splash, the Texas High TigerSharks work toward their next win. Every TigerShark tries their hardest to compete, putting their all into the sport. Caleb Lauterbach proves this as the only swimmer to commit to play at the college level, so far.
“Ouachita was really the best all-around [school] for me,” Lauterbach said. “I did not want to go too far, and I wanted to go somewhere [that] I felt like I could do the best. Ouachita was that.”
Lauterbach looks forward to spending his days at Ouachita and surrounding himself with the many people he gets to work and swim with in his college career.
“I had a great visit. I’ve known the coaches for a while, [and] they’re really nice,” Lauterbach said. “[I] love the guys there, the program [and] what they’re building, and I just really think I’m going to do well.”
Ouachita Baptist University offers a variety of educational options, but Lauterbach already knows what he wants and eagerly anticipates the many opportunities now available to him.
“I’m majoring in biology,” Lauterbach said. “I’m looking to either go into a lab technician role or work in a clinic. I have a couple of internships lined up for that, but that’s my interest.”
Through this change in schools and teams, Lauterbach may also face many new challenges, but he welcomes them with open arms.
“[I am] looking at some team records. [I] might be changing [to] some events that I haven’t gotten to do during high school,” Lauterbach said. “I just want to make sure that I’m doing the best that is physically possible for me.”
With high hopes, Lauterbach excitedly awaits his college career and plans to make every second count.
“[I am] looking forward to the people, the new training environment and just getting to play at the next level,” Lauterbach said. “It’s taken a lot of work to get there so I’m going to have to make the most of it.”
Tiger Steps Up to Bat at SAU Tech
With every big move comes many new challenges. However, Caden Criner decided to step up to the challenge at Southern Arkansas University Tech. Criner officially committed to play baseball at the two-year college, surrounded by friends and family.
“I chose SAU Tech because I like the people,” Criner said. ¨I knew some people from years before and the teams they played on in football,”
Criner maintains a positive mindset and looks forward to the many possibilities awaiting him at SAU Tech.
“[SAU Tech will] give me more schools to look at while I’m there, since it’s a two-year school,” Criner said. “[I’ll be able to] develop my skills on and off the field.”
Criner plans for his future and hopes SAU Tech will allow him to achieve those goals.
“I’m majoring in this thing called HVEC,” Criner said. “You can do it in [or] out of school, but I’m going to do it as a technician.”
Throughout his years at Texas High, Criner faced many challenges but never let them discourage him from his dreams.
“I feel like I improved a lot,” Criner said. “I came up big, and I just kept going each and every time.”
With the help of his coaches, Criner develops a true hardworking attitude and looks forward to improving in this next chapter of his baseball career.
“[I’ve learned to] be a leader and stay down,” Criner said. “I just keep motivating myself to do better every day.”
Lady Tigers Take Their Game to the Next Level
As basketball season comes to an end, senior players reflect on their time on the court and the path ahead. Three Lady Tigers plan to remain in the game in their upcoming college season, despite beginning the year unsure about the future.
“My intentions were to just go off to college to focus on my career, but God opened up doors for me so that I get to continue playing,” Taryne Stiger said. “I decided I wanted to [commit to TAMUT] when they offered me a full ride, made me feel welcome to the team and treated me like family.”
The Lady Tigers spent hours on and off the court, working on gameday skills along with academic discipline and preparing for the future.
“I decided to go to Texas A&M [Texarkana] because it was the best decision for sports and academics. Basketball has always been the vision for me after school,” Sereniti Collins said. “[My coaches] taught me discipline and motivated me to always push myself.”
Both Collins and Stiger found a school to dedicate their passion within the walls of Texarkana. However, Treshure Martin committed her post-graduation endeavors to Tyler Junior College.
“I decided to further my basketball career at TJC because [it] was my dream to join a program that treats me like family and is full of passion that genuinely feels like home,” Martin said. “For my college career, I will major in kinesiology to become a physical therapist. The vision was always to go off and win a national championship to be in the spotlight with other great players. [I have] a distinct goal to win a NJCAA championship with Tyler.”
As these seniors make their way into a new chapter of life, they carry with them lessons learned from coaches and mentors.
“Coaches throughout Texas High have built my character and of course my physical strength and skills,” Martin said. “Every coach has knowledge about the game, and it’s my job as a player to trust them.”
Eagles Land Eight Football Stars
With a new football program arising for Texas A&M University–Texarkana, excitement builds on the Texas High School campus as the Eagles prepare to kick off collegiate football for the first time in school history. Tiger football receives a unique chance for first‑hand experience with this historic moment.
“I decided to commit to A&M Texarkana because I felt the spirit of wanting to win,” cornerback Chane Akins said. “When I attended my visit, it was different from any other colleges with it being home already.”
For many, staying close to home is a top priority when deciding on their future education.
“I liked everything from the coaching staff, to the dorm rooms and also the head coach,” defensive end Ladainian Richardson said. “[I put] family first, [and] I always want to be close to my family.”
These athletes played on the same team for many years and know each other’s strategies, as well as how to work as a team.
“Three keys [to the game are], tackle, learn how to pursue a whole bunch of things [and] learn covers,” middle linebacker Eshayland Cooper said. “[We have] a whole bunch of chemistry. [We] go to the weight room, film [and] work a lot together.
The Texas High Tigers’ football legacy will continue to the Eagle football team at Texas A&M—Texarkana.
“It’s not every day that you get to be a part of a new college program,” outside linebacker Blake Banks said. “It really feels amazing that we have the opportunity to be [some] of the first Eagles to step on the field and make the first plays for the program.”
Not all planned to expand their football career. However, various factors quickly changed minds.
“I didn’t expect to further my football career, it is just something that happened off of a blessing, but the education part is my main goal,” safety Markus Hall said. “Staying home and being able to do something for your hometown for the first time in a college program makes you feel good.”
The Tigers start planning their future football goals for the upcoming season.
“Being one of the first players means we set the tone for the program,” safety Peyton Walker said. “As a safety and corner, communication and leadership are big parts of my role, so I’m excited to help set the standard for years to come.”
Lessons learned through football practices will continue to blossom throughout college experiences.
“It is just exciting to move past what we [have] going on right now,” wide receiver Xavier Powell said. “[My coaches] taught me to always keep my head down and work. They showed me that they believed in what I could do.”
Signing with a college is an honor not everyone gets to experience. Shavante Montgomery gives grace to the higher power.
“It’s a blessing. God does everything for a reason, and I’m grateful that He allowed me to be offered and given talents to perform at the next level,” Montgomery said. “I want to say thank you to God for this opportunity, and to the city of Texarkana, I love you.”
