CORPUS CHRISTI - As we welcome in 2013, I figured we could take a few minutes to remember the year that was 2012 in local sports. We had so many amazing moments that not only captivated us locally, but made national headlines as well. Below are a few of the top local sports stories from our website in 2012, with one being the most viewed story of news, weather, or sports.
#1 - NBA Icon Kobe Bryant's Personal Message to Chris Gelinas
Just three days after Christmas Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant sent Tuloso-Midway student Chris Gelinas a personal video message. Gelinas, who is only 16-years old, is battling a rare form of cancer. Doctors have already stopped treatments. This story became the most viewed story of 2012 on our website in less than 24-hours. That includes news, weather, and other sports stories.
Click this link for the original story
#2 - Kolton Mim's Last Second Game Winning Touchdown Strike
The Flour Bluff Football team made history in 2012 by reaching the fourth round of the playoffs, but getting there was a story in itself. On 4th down and 20 with just seconds remaining on the clock, QB Kolton Mims threw an incredible touchdown pass to Will Mendiola in the back of the end zone. The play won the game for the Hornets and became the talk of the state for the next week.
Click the link for the original story
#3 Courtney Hawkins Drafted #13 Overall by the White Sox
In June, Carroll star Courtney Hawkins did something most kids only dream of, as he was selected in the first round of the MLB Draft by the White Sox. After posing for a few pictures a reporter dared him to do a back flip in his suit, and Hawkins actually did it on National TV. The move got him on SportsCenter.
Click the link for the original story
#4 Austin Wates Goes Over the Wall for a Catch
This play was Number 1 on ESPN for several days as Hooks Outfielder Austin Wates jumped over the outfield wall to make one of the craziest catches I've ever seen. He flipped over the wall in center field and still made the catch.
Click the link for the original story
#5 Miller Basketball Makes it Back to State
For the first time since 1950 the Miller Boy's Basketball team went dancing at the Class 3A State Tournament. The Bucs advanced to the State Championship Game. They however fell to Argyle finishing runner-up.
Click the link for the original story
#6 Refugio's Quintanilla Sets State Record
Back in October Refugio Quarterback Travis Quintanilla set the State Record for touchdown passes in a single game, throwing 10 TD's in a huge win over Taft. Quintanilla was 13-15 for over 300 yards in the win.
#7 Hooks Party at Whataburger Field
The Hooks won a franchise record 81-games in 2012, while winning the division in the second half of the season. By doing so, they punched their ticket to the playoffs and celebrated with a champagne shower at Whataburger Field.
Click the link for the original story
#8 - Don King Unedited, the Boxing Icon Lives up to Reputation
The famous Boxing Promoter spent a few days in Corpus Christi along with Showtime Boxing for the biggest fight card the city had seen in nearly 20 years. At the pre-fight press conference King showed everyone why he is such a polarizing figure.
Click the link for the original story
#9 - Ray Diver Zoe Alaniz Win High School Heisman Award
Ray High School Diving standout Zoe Alaniz became the first area athlete to win the prestigious Wendy's Heisman Award. Over 45,000 student athletes applied; with the honor Wendy's also donated $10,000 to Ray High School.
Click this link for the original story
#10 - Carroll Baseball Makes 3rd Straight Trip to the State Tournament
The Tigers advanced to the Class 5A State Tournament for the third consecutive year, but did come up a win shy of the Championship Game falling to A&M-Consolidated in the Class 5A State Semifinals.
Click this link for the original story
For the best local sports coverage in the State of Texas follow us on Facebook & Twitter.
Click here to follow us on Facebook at the Friday Night Fever
Click here to follow us on Twitter