More than 50 middle school athletes attended Rivera Football's first-ever Future Raiders Football Combine today at the Rivera Training Facility, marking an impressive start to the program's summer development efforts.

The combine was open to incoming seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade students from feeder schools Perkins Middle School and Garcia Middle School. Athletes participated in evaluations and drills while getting their first look at the expectations and culture of the Rivera football program.

Taking place on the first day of summer break, the turnout and energy were evident throughout the day.

"It was a great day at the Rivera Training Facility as more than 50 future Raiders attended the first Saturday of summer break," said Rivera Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach Johnny Garza. "Today marked the beginning of a summer commitment built on hard work, discipline, and development."

The event also allowed athletes to meet members of the coaching staff and begin building relationships that will continue throughout the summer.

"We continue to teach our young athletes that summer is not the end of the work; it is a continuation of the process," Garza added.

Rivera coaches emphasized that Saturday's combine was about more than evaluation—it was about introducing young athletes to the standards and commitment expected of future Raiders.

"A huge thank you to all of the parents and community members for allowing these young men to participate, meet many of our new coaches, and experience the excitement and energy surrounding Raider Nation," Garza said.

With summer activities now underway, the inaugural combine provided a strong first step for the next generation of Rivera Raiders.