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UP, UP, AND AWAY: Cannon Shooting His Shot On Track, Football Field
SIMEON CANNON HAS ALWAYS HAD “HOPS.”
The senior has turned his jumping ability into a potential ticket to the UIL State Track and Field Meet in 2025.
“Last year was my greatest memory, but also my most disappointing one,” he recalled. “I was one jump short of reaching the State Meet... I’ll never forget it. Coach (Justin) Scott stood with me, and he knew I was upset. He just told me, ‘We’ll get there next year.’”
Well, now it’s next year.
Cannon is a multi-event athlete at Hastings, excelling as both a jumper and a sprinter. This winter, he has been making waves in the 400-meter dash and relays, but it’s his jumping that could punch his ticket to Austin.
“I’ve always been able to jump, but I didn’t really take it seriously until my sophomore year,” he said. “My goal is 24 feet in the long jump and 6-foot-10 in the high jump. I didn’t realize how good I was until last year. Now, I’m really working on my craft.”
While Cannon shines on the track, his athleticism and versatility have also made him a standout on the football field. A first-team all-district selection, he can line up anywhere—from defensive back to receiver to special teams.
“I love football and would love to do both in college,” he said. “I’m working on the recruiting process now, but just know—if I get a chance, I’m going to make the most of it. Anything can happen.”
When he’s not training or watching football, Cannon is busy working—at Chuck E. Cheese.
“Having a job really gives you a different perspective on life,” he said. “You learn how to deal with customers and work as a team. It teaches you accountability and how real-world business works.”
Maybe after he reaches the State Track Meet and earns a college football scholarship, his first Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal could come from none other than... Chuck E. Cheese.
Like he said, anything can happen.
FAMILY TRADITION: Softball Has Always Brought the Serpas Family Together
KATERIN SERPAS WAS MADE TO PLAY SOFTBALL— LITERALLY.
“My mom and dad met when they were younger, playing softball,” she laughed. “They told me how much fun they had when they were dating. If it weren’t for softball, I might not be here.”
Luckily for Hastings, Serpas shares the same love for the game that her parents once did. Now, it’s a family bond.
“What really keeps me going is how much they support me playing,” she said. “They’re at every game, cheering me on, which means so much to me.”
However, the senior faced a setback last season after suffering a wrist injury.
“I was hit by a pitch right on my hand,” she said. “I didn’t cry at first, but when I got to first base, I started bawling. I was out for the season, and it really hurt—physically and emotionally. It made me realize just how much I love the game. I missed it so much. Coach let me ride the bus to every game, hang out with the team, help her coach, and motivate everyone.”
Now that she’s back on the diamond, Serpas is determined to leave her mark on the 2025 season.
Katerin Serpas
“First, I just want to be a good leader and make sure everyone feels included and has fun,” she said. “My hitting is my strength, and I have big goals for my senior year at the plate. I feel like I’ve improved so much since I last played.”
Beyond softball, Serpas has her sights set on attending UT-Dallas, where she plans to study engineering.
“Engineering has been my dream since my freshman year,” she said. “I’m a hands-on person and love to create, which has drawn me to that profession.”
And who knows? Maybe one day, she’ll play co-ed softball— just like her parents—and meet the love of her life.