Laredo ISD athletics preview fall schedules, pilot wearable devices and propose district athletics hall of fame

Laredo ISD's athletics department presented fall schedules for high-school and middle-school sports, described safety and training initiatives including a lineman-challenge training aid, and proposed a district athletics hall of fame. Staff also asked trustees to consider funding wearable-play-call devices for teams as a multi-year commitment.

Luis Escamilla, Laredo ISD's director of athletics, described new training equipment called "flip sleds" for lineman development and said the district purchased lighter-weight sleds so both male and female athletes can use them. "We invested in these because we would like to start our alignment challenge here at Shirley Field... it will help close the gap in football and at the same time prevent injuries," Escamilla said.

Staff summarized fall football schedules and scrimmages for Martin, Nixon and Sierra high schools and said district scrimmages will be used to prepare teams for UIL district play. Escamilla also presented other initiatives: student leadership events (3 60 athletics), expanded elementary-level 'game day' social-emotional learning integration, and plans to form a district athletics hall of fame with nominations across campuses.

On wearable communication devices (presented as a safety and efficiency tool), Escamilla said Nixon, Martin and Sierra are evaluating a pilot and that the district bought 11 units for an initial trial in practices. He reported a per-school quote of $12,500 and an estimated cost of about $37,500 to cover all three high schools on a three-year commitment. "It's actually 12,500 for each school... I think it's, like, 37,500 will cover all 3 schools, and it's a 3 year commitment," Escamilla said. He and coaches reported practice benefits including faster instruction and more reps; staff said the devices are not for audio calls or texting and the system has warranties.

Board members asked about funding sources; staff said they would explore grants and discretionary funds and noted procurement and delivery timelines ahead of the season (first scrimmage Aug. 21; first game Aug. 29). Trustees also asked for itemized costs for other athletic facility needs, such as tennis windscreens (staff cited a historical Nixon windscreens cost near $13,000) and game-day logistics (concessions, livestreaming capability), and for procedures to distribute district event passes to trustees.

Escamilla said the hall-of-fame committee will develop criteria for teams and individuals and aim to publicize nominees at the Martin–Nixon game. He asked the board for support to form a standing committee and seek community sponsors for a recognition event.