This Aledo Bearcats Sports Minute is brought to you by Oliver Dyer’s Appliance
The Aledo boys soccer program closed out a remarkable 2026 season this week, marking the end of an era for retiring head coach Derek Vierling.
Vierling’s Bearcats fell 6-1 to El Paso Americas in the Class 5A Division I Region I championship on Tuesday in Andrews. The team had earned its spot after a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over El Paso Bel Air in the regional semifinals last Friday in Midland. This marked the fourth time in Vierling’s career that Aledo reached the regional championship.
Vierling, who founded the Aledo boys soccer program 25 years ago, finishes his storied career with 611 wins, making him the longest-tenured head coach in school history. The 2026 team closes with a 22-4-2 record.
Meanwhile, Aledo baseball continues its dominant District 5-5A campaign at 20-2 overall and 5-0 in league play. The Bearcats wrapped up their series with Keller Fossil Ridge Thursday, winning the opener 11-1 on Tuesday.
Aledo softball remained a force in District 5-5A, entering Thursday’s matchup against Saginaw Chisholm Trail with a 17-9 overall record and a perfect 7-0 in district competition.