Cougar CloseUp • Fall 2023

#SUCCESSFORALL

We believe that an exemplary athletic program is an extension of the classroom. As such, athletics offers students an opportunity to develop and grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The positive benefits that participation in athletics offers includes, but are not limited to self-esteem, self-discipline, self- confidence, problem solving, and the development of team spirit. Further, participants learn the values associated with competition and benefit from the experience of both winning and losing.

For the participating athletes, these experiences provide an integral part of the foundation needed to be a productive citizen capable of leading a full and enriching life. We teach it is the process and details that lead to success.

Cougar Closeup is created and published by Jarrell ISD. All editorial content and photos are the property of Jarrell Independent School District and are used with permission.

Creative work, design and layout provided by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC.

© Copyright 2023 Cougar Closeup

SUPERINTENDENT DR. TONI HICKS

As we begin another school year, the excitement and renewed motivation about fall events surround us. Student sports, extracurriculars, and fine arts have long been integral to our education system. It provides students a platform to showcase their abilities and talents, learn essential life skills, and build character and leadership skills.

With our dedicated coaches, band directors, and fine art advisors, our students learn essential values such as discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Cheer captains, musicians, artists, and team leaders learn to motivate and inspire their classmates, make quick decisions under pressure, and take responsibility for their actions.

We teach students that sometimes you make mistakes and fail. Coping with failure and developing a positive mindset are crucial life skills. Being part of a team or organization also promotes a sense of belonging and camaraderie and supports self-confidence, social skills, and mental resilience. Students learn the importance of cooperation, communication, community, and collaboration. Most importantly, it's fun to bring our community together. Seeing the Blu Crew wave the Cougar flag as families and friends cheer on our athletic teams, watching families celebrate the art of dancing and the agility of being a cheerleader, and listening to our marching band play beautiful music is heartening. We unite as one community when we stand and cheer for our students, showing our spirit and yelling, "Go Cougars!" Let's have a terrific fall season!

Dr. Hicks

JHS PRINCIPAL ANDREW MADDOX

Schools are about people, connections, and generating memorable experiences, and my intention this year has been to build on the many qualities that enhance our Cougar pride. We will continue to focus on building our community connections and bridging the relationships that make a strong school.

Jarrell has a strong and committed staff who work tirelessly to provide a quality educational experience for our students. Along with a strong performance in athletics, we also have high expectations for band, and oneact-play. We are also excited to see growing numbers in our Career and Technology Education offerings in which students can earn industry certifications. Academically, we have added University of Texas On-ramps offerings in which students will be able to earn high school and college credits.

I look forward to seeing our community members at events and appreciate your support of our Jarrell High School students.

Principal Maddox

Thank You to Our Board Members

JENNY ARNOLD

CRYSTAL PHALEN

WELCOME

Hello Cougar Nation!

It is an honor to serve Jarrell ISD as athletic director. This is my third year in Jarrell ISD and I have been in public education for three decades, coaching both male and female sports. During this time, I have coached football, basketball, track, and softball. As a football coach I have served as a position coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and head coach. Jarrell ISD is my fourth school where I have served as athletic director and head football coach.

My goal is to serve our students and community through an athletic program that will make everyone proud. As we want students to have the skills they need to be successful after high school, we believe the athletic program will teach self-confidence, problem solving, a strong work ethic, and the importance of teamwork.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR MARTY MURR

My wife Lori, a teacher in Jarrell ISD, and I have two adult sons, Logan and Gavin, as well as a basset hound named Lola. We love being outdoors and enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and spending time on the river. Our entire adult life has been about teaching and coaching young people. I believe what we do goes beyond a career; it is a lifestyle. GO COOGS!!!

Coach Murr

GIRLS ATHLETIC COORDINATOR MARLENA BROWN

I am very excited for the 2023-2024 school year and I know that we will only improve upon all the success that our athletic teams saw last year. I believe that we have assembled a great coaching staff that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. We have a good mixture of young talent and experienced upperclassmen that should enable us to be competitive in all sports. I am starting my 21st year at Jarrell ISD, and the lifelong relationships I have made with my students, athletes, and colleagues constantly remind me of why I chose the teaching profession. One of the coolest things about working in Jarrell for so long is that I am now teaching alongside several of my former athletes and students or I am teaching the children for former students. My coaching philosophy is to be honest, fair, and consistent with my athletes. I encourage them to: 1) never lower standards or expectations and don’t compromise in discipline; 2) work hard and try not to stress over the things you can’t control. I strive to always stay positive and let my students know I love them regardless of wins and losses. I hope I am able to instill confidence, toughness, and resiliency in my players. I think as young women these are traits that will carry them a long way. The best way the community can support our coaches, teams, and athletes is to come watch us play and compete. It’s much more fun for our student athletes to play their games when the bleachers are full of fans. Our athletes and coaching staff put in so much time and hard work preparing for competitions, and it is so rewarding to have people there to cheer us on. We are looking forward to seeing you all in the stands all year long! Go Cougars!

Coach Brown

FIGHT SONG

Go you Cougars, Jarrell Cougars

Fight until the end

Go you Cougars, Jarrell Cougars

Victory again

Go you Cougars, Jarrell Cougars

Show your pride with might FIGHT,

FIGHT for Jarrell High

The blue and white

Go you Cougars, Jarrell Cougars

Victory again

Go you Cougars, Jarrell Cougars

Show your pride with might FIGHT,

FIGHT for Jarrell High

The blue and white

SCHEDULE FOOTBALL

ACHIEVE* (H) 5:00 MANOR NEW TECH* (A) 5:00

LAGO VISTA* (H) 5:00

BLANCO (A)

8:00 - 5:30

TAYLOR (H) 8:00 - 5:30

BURNET (A) 8:00 - 5:30

WIMBERLY* (H)

8:00 - 5:30

NAVARRO* (H) 8:00 - 5:30

AUSTIN ACHIEVE* (A) 8:00 - 5:30 MANOR NEW TECH* (H) 8:00 - 5:30

LAGO VISTA* (A) 8:00 - 5:30

BLANCO (A)

7:00 - 4:30

TAYLOR (H)

7:00 - 4:30

BURNET (A)

7:00 - 4:30

WIMBERLY* (H)

7:00 - 4:30

NAVARRO* (H)

7:00 - 4:30

AUSTIN ACHIEVE* (A) 8:00 - 4:30 MANOR NEW TECH* (H) 7:00 - 4:30

LAGO VISTA (A)

7:00 - 4:30

COACH ROSTER

Meet the Football Coaches

MURR Athletic Director Head Football Coach

Boys' Athletic Coordinator

MARTY

COACH EDWARDS

COACH JIMENEZ

COACH UMBERGER

ANDREW SUMNER

COACH FITZNER

COACH JONES

COACH GARCIA

COACH SUGG

COACH CERDA

COACH HAGEY

COACH DAVIS

COACH JAMES

FOOTBALL ROSTER

Varsity Cougar Football 2023

JACOB CRATHERS

NICO RODRIGUEZ

SEBASTIAN CHORA MASON DOTSON

JAYLEN HARRIS #1JR #2JR #3SR #4SR #5SR

JAMARION NIBBLETT #6SR

ERIC VILLAFRANCO

ROSS VRABEL

JORDAN FORD #7JR #9JR #10SR

DYLAN PURSLEY #11SR

NOAH BRINDLE

BRADLEY SKRDLA

ELIJAH JONES

#12JR #14JR #17JR

ROMAN ALLEN #13SR

MAHTY WILLIAMSJOHNSON

JAYSEN HOBBS

JOSEPH HENDERSON BRANDON MABE

HAYDEN DOTSON

#18SR #20SOPH #21JR #22SR #23JR

AYDEN GREENE #24SR

HARRY JUNIOR CAYDEN PERALTA

CJ BIDDY DAMIAN FRANCO

JOE REYNAGA

#29SR #32JR #33SR #35SR #40JR

HAGEN SHELL #45SR

BRYAN TIBBETTS CORBIN LEWIS

REY MEDENA #50SOPH #54SR #55SOPH

BRANDON FORD #56SR

FOOTBALL ROSTER

Varsity Cougar Football 2023

FOOTBALL BRANDON FORD

Athletics has helped me be a better listener and more understanding. One person I really look up to is Coach Murr because he has made a huge impact in my life. The biggest challenges for me have been practicing harder and getting better at least one percent every day. What I’m looking forward to most for senior year is going to the playoffs and graduating. Five years from now, I see myself possibly married and traveling on the road.

DAVID SALAS

BRENDEN HOBBS

JORDAN GADISON #57SR #65JR #66JR

JAYSON PRICE #63JR

ESTABAN CRUZ

JAMES LAFRANCE

DYLAN LESTER SEAN ESCAMILLA

KALEB MARTINPATTERSON #70SR #72SR #75JR #77SR #79SR

JOSE BERNAL #88SR

ISRAEL TORRES #60JR

XANDER HESS #61SOPH

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

FOOTBALL HAGEN SHELL

Athletics has helped me in school because when I came to Jarrell freshman year I knew nobody, and being in athletics has given me that opportunity to make friends who have the same interests as me. Some people I look up to would definitely be Coach Murr and Coach Jimenez. The biggest challenge I have had to overcome to reach the varsity level is just showing up because you can’t get better if you don’t show up and try. The thing I’m most excited about for senior year is definitely the senior prank. In five years I will have graduated college and started my career in real estate.

MASON DOTSON

FOOTBALL

Athletics in my life has helped me a lot by just letting me have fun doing what I love the most and playing a bunch of sports. Some role models I look up to are my parents because of all the sacrifices they have made for me and my brothers, not only for sports but for everything. The biggest challenge is having to wait until my junior year of football to be on varsity because there were a bunch of older kids on the team, so I just had to wait. What I’m looking forward to most for senior year is just having fun and enjoying it and still competing in all the sports I will be playing because it’s my last year. I would love to be playing sports still in college.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

ROMAN ALLEN

FOOTBALL

My experience in athletics has shown me if you want to do something you will. You can’t make excuses and still expect things to get done. A role model I look up to is my grandfather. The biggest challenge I have had to overcome is my ego/pride. You have to put it all aside and stop overthinking or worrying and just be coachable while putting 110 percent in everything you do even if it’s just watching from the sidelines. What I’m looking forward to most for senior year is stepping up to help and teach those who aren’t as mature without making them feel less than anyone. In five years I see myself being a business owner who’s going to be able to help out local athletic programs.

DYLAN PURSLEY

FOOTBALL

Athletics has helped me find new passions in my life such as bodybuilding and it has also made me more determined, consistent, and hard-working. Someone I look up to is Coach James, he is an amazing coach that has improved us a lot and is also a caring family man. What I am looking forward to for senior year is getting out on the field one last time and creating memories with my friends. I see myself graduating college and having a great starting job with a wife, and being a lot better of a man than I am now.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

What (or who)

inspired you to become a football coach, and what do you love most about coaching?

As a player, I was blessed with some really great coaches, as well as some really bad coaches! I was equally inspired by both, as a result. I wanted to make sure that I focused on the good coaching, and paid it forward in order to inspire the next generation of coaches, just like I was. One of the things I love most about coaching is that it reminds me of my dad. He was the very first coach I had as a kid and it reminds me that we have a unique opportunity to reach individuals on a very personal level that we otherwise cannot in the classroom.

How do you approach player / strength development, and what are some of the key skills you focus on developing in your players?

I think one of the most important things to focus on when it comes to player development is to keep things simple and effective, and always remember the fundamentals. All too often, we as coaches are quick to look for the next great drill, technology, etc. However, in my opinion, the most important skills a player can

&A

MEET THE COACH

Nicholas Edwards

Football Coach

have are the ones that are simple and well-rehearsed.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a coach and how do you overcome them?

Coaches are always going to want more time. There is never going to be enough time in a day to get everything done in a practice. Even the best-designed practice plan will not cover everything you want it to cover. I believe that the best coaches in the business make peace with this fact and understand that there needs to be an element of flexibility.

How do you motivate each individual player and still bring them all together as a team?

Each player is an individual. You cannot motivate them with a blanket tactic. Some are driven intrinsically, while some are driven through extrinsic motivation. Some players rise to the occasion when you come down on them and yell, while others you need to talk to. Part of being a coach is knowing your players on an individual level, and knowing what makes them "tick".

What advice would you give to aspiring coaches?

Know what you are getting into, including the time demand. This job is much more than showing up on game day, putting a whistle around your neck, and calling plays. You

need to truly become a student of the game! Also, spend some time talking to the veteran coaches who have been in the profession for a long time. The coaches who have been coaching for 20+ years are a phenomenal resource to young coaches.

What are your goals for the team this season, and how do you plan to achieve them?

My goal each year is always the same, and it is something that I stole from one of my first bosses: To put the best possible product out on the field that I can. That includes doing my part to raise the best future husbands, fathers, and men that I can. I believe that if I do that, the wins on the field will take care of themselves!

How can our readers support you / your team this season?

If I had to ask for anything beyond coming out to support our athletes, I would humbly ask to be kind and respectful to our officials, regardless of the sport. While this may not seem like it impacts us as coaches, it does! Officiating is already a thankless profession to begin with, but every sport is dealing with record low numbers of officials, because they cannot find people who want to do the job. It makes it hard for us to have games when we cannot find officials, so please be kind!

MEET THE COACH

What (or who) inspired you to become a football coach?

My dad inspired me to become a coach.

How do you prepare your team for games?

The only way to prepare for games is through hard WORK.

How do you motivate each individual player and still bring them all together as a team?

I have always believed "The harder you work, the luckier you get!"

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a coach?

As football coaches we always have high expectations for our team.

&A

Robert Hagey Football Coach

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

FOOTBALL AYDEN GREENE

Engaging in athletics has been an eye-opening journey that has taught me discipline and the power of hard work in achieving positive outcomes. Beyond the physical aspects, it has helped me break out of my shell and connect with diverse peers, fostering teamwork and communication skills that extend beyond sports. Through sports, I've discovered tools for success in both academics and life, gaining confidence and resilience that shape my overall growth. The people I look up to most are my parents. The biggest challenge I have faced is the amount of work it took and learning how to balance my academic responsibilities. What I am looking forward to most my senior year is not having to take finals and being able to hang out with friends. Also, I am looking forward to moving into dorms and starting my college years. In the future I am interested in attending college for physics or chemistry, and I would also like to travel.

TEAMWORK

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

FOOTBALL CORBIN LEWIS

My experience in athletics has truly changed my life. It has taught me to be mentally tough and physically tough. Just like in football we have been taught to never quit when the going gets tough. Someone I have looked up to through the years is Mark Arnold. He was one of the first people I met when I moved here and he’s always had my back. I would say the biggest challenge has probably been the film studying aspect, just memorizing what certain plays are ran and what opponents will do. What I’m looking forward to most for senior year is seeing what the next chapter will be and what challenges I want to face in my future. In five years I see myself commissioned out of a senior military college as a second lieutenant in the United States Army as an infantry officer.

MEET THE COACH

&A

Thomas Umberger Football Coach

What (or who) inspired you to become a football coach, and what do you love most about coaching?

My high school football coaches inspired me to become a coach. I love being able to impact the lives of young athletes and give my passion and knowledge of sports to the next generation.

How do you approach player / strength development, and what are some of the key skills you focus on developing in your players?

I believe fundamentals are extremely important

in player development. I pride myself on focusing on the fundamentals and teaching my players all of the small important details in order to make them successful.

How do you motivate each individual player and still bring them all together as a team?

Each player has their own personality, the key in motivating each player is to get to know their personality, attitudes, and feelings in order to discover what motivates them. I bring members of the team together by discussing team success and team goals. Appealing to everyone's sense of winning and working to be successful.

What are your goals for the team this season, and how do you plan to achieve them?

My goal for the team this season is to secure a spot in the playoffs. I plan to work with the players to teach fundamentals and work towards building individual success at the positions I could to help contribute to the overall team success.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

FOOTBALL CHRISTOPHER BIDDY

Athletics has made me stronger to lift more objects at work. A role model I have looked up to is my dad. The biggest challenge I have faced has been the people bigger than me. I’m a smaller D-line so that’s the big thing. What I am looking forward to most for my senior year is getting my letterman, and in five years I see myself serving in the military or working as a plumber.

FOOTBALL DAVID SALAS

Athletics has made me stronger mentally and physically and allowed me to push myself harder. I look up to my dad, because he was also in football and I want to make him proud. In my senior year, I'm mainly looking forward to how the football season is going to go, and to finally graduate. The biggest challenge I have overcome is I had to prove my coaches that I can play varsity level by going 100% at every practice. In five years, I see myself serving in the U.S. Air Force.

SEBASTIAN CHORA SANCHEZ

FOOTBALL

Athletics has helped me mature and see things as reality and not a joke, and made me take what I love seriously. A role model I look up to is my dad because he’s shown me the sport I love and sacrifices anything for us. For me the biggest challenge was overthinking and putting ego aside and always being a leader on and off the field. Other than leaving school I’m looking forward to experiencing what being a senior is and enjoying my friends for the last time. In five years I see myself either still playing football or being a successful graphic designer.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

GO COUGARS!

VOLLEYBALL ROSTER

Varsity Cougar Volleyball 2023

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

KYNDALL FARMER

VOLLEYBALL

Athletics has taught me many valuable life lessons. It has taught me time management skills, leadership skills, how to be a team player, and most importantly to never give up – I will always push through adversity. There are two people I look up to, my mom and sister. They are both strong independent women who have shown me that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. I’m looking forward to a great volleyball season and spending time with my friends. In five years, I see myself being in the medical profession, helping people, and spreading Jesus’s light.

ALEXANDRIA BRUNER

VOLLEYBALL

Athletics has helped me in the sense of staying healthy and fit of course, but it truly has done so much more than that. The programs I’ve been put through and the coaches I have been taught by have been some of the most important things and people to me. Girls’ athletics shows women how to be strong physically and mentally. If you’re ever thinking about playing a sport, do it. The court or field will be your home away from home and your team and coaches will be another family to you. Athletics helps you in school by giving you the extra motivation to pass your classes and be on time. It also gives you a great opportunity to learn time management. The person I look up to the most is my mother. She is the strongest and most God-praising woman I know. She always knows the right things to say and do. I strive to be more like the woman she is every single day.

One of the biggest challenges I have overcome to reach the varsity level is the mental battle of the game vs. yourself. There have been a handful of coaches that actually noticed the mental challenges I have gone through and continue to fight through. They helped to point them out so they could be bettered or corrected. One of the most challenging parts of playing on varsity is maturing as a player whether you’re a freshman or a senior. It is an entirely different type of play, every former and current varsity player will admit that. Standards are higher and all eyes are on you. You have to have a growth mindset and learn to stop telling yourself negative things. Good outcomes only come from positivity.

I look forward to some of the biggest bittersweet endings and the new beginnings in my near future. I am excited to progress into the next chapter of my life but looking back, it all came way too fast. I honestly can’t believe I graduate in May. In five years, I see myself graduating with my bachelor's degree and starting up my own business, but most importantly I plan on focusing heavily on having a deeper faith and understanding in Christ, myself, my family, and my life.

What or who inspired you to become a volleyball coach, and what do you love most about coaching?

I would say that my love for volleyball initiated the thoughts of being a coach. As I was ending my career playing, I couldn’t imagine living a life without volleyball being involved. My high school track coach, Shelli Cobb, and my junior college coach, Mary Reese Hayes, have played a huge part in setting an example of the kind of coach I want to be. They were tough and knew how to push me to my potential, but at the same time I knew they loved me and wanted me to be my best not only as an athlete but as a person. I love coaching because volleyball, really any sport, gives me a chance to help teach these athletes life lessons through something fun that they enjoy.

How do you approach player/ strength development, and what are some of the key skills you focus on developing in your players?

I believe that in order to be able to do the cool, more complex things in the game our fundamentals must be on point. We can’t hit if we can’t pass, and we can’t go on a run if we can’t serve. We try to start every day with some ball control and serving.

MEET THE COACH

Kelsey Carr

Volleyball Coach

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a coach?

Teaching the girls how to be mentally tough and fight through hard situations.

Any shares on how you balance individual player development with team success?

When they are working on things as a whole group we are always walking around coaching individuals, but we also split by position about once a week which gives us smaller groups to work with, which makes it easier for individual instruction too.

How do you motivate each individual player and still bring them all together as a team?

We talk a lot about how each of our actions affects everyone in the gym. We try to remind them that we are all working together for the same goals. How do you prepare your team for games?

We usually spend a chunk of practice the day before a game walking through serve, receive, and anticipated situations. We also spend time most practices playing in game-like situations.

What advice would you give to aspiring coaches?

Don’t ever think you know it all. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help or ask why someone does things a certain way. Always be open to learning.

What are your goals for the team this season, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Our big goal will be to make it to playoffs. I will still consider this season a success as long as we can see growth in the girls. We have already been pushing them fairly hard.

How can our readers support you/ your team this season?

Come to our games and help cheer these girls on!

CROSS

Cougar Cross Country 2023

Varsity Girls Varsity Boys

JASMINE BENAVIDEZ SR LANEY HAMMETT SR JASMINE ESPINOSA SR JONVIEVE THOMAS

SO BRIA FAULKNER

SO SHYAN MATTHYS

SO

DESARAY BENAVIDEZ FR

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

CROSS COUNTRY

GAVIN SCARBROUGH JR

TUCKER WHITE JR

BRANDON JUAREZTERAN SO

ANTWOINE LESLEY FR

JUSTIN MURPHY FR

GAVIN MURPHY FR

Athletics has helped me make lots of friendships with my teammates. The biggest challenge I have had to overcome to reach varsity level is waking up early every morning and being there. Something I am looking forward to the most about my senior year is competing one last time. In five years, I see myself almost graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

SCHEDULE CROSS COUNTRY

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 14TH

SEPTEMBER 21ST

SEPTEMBER 23RD

SEPTEMBER 30TH

OCTOBER 5TH

OCTOBER 9TH

TBA TBA

TBA TBA

SALADO INVITATIONAL TENROC

SALADO INVITATIONAL TENROC RANCH

LAKE BELTON BRONCO INVITATIONAL CROSSROADS PARK

DALE KEEN INVITATIONAL CAMERON MIDDLE SCHOOL

LEO MANZANO MARBLE FALLS MUSTANG INVITATIONAL MARBLE FALLS HIGH SCHOOL

PROFIT LAST CHANCE MEET HERITAGE PARK, BELTON

DISTRICT MEET MARBLE FALLS HIGH SCHOOL

REGIONAL MEET

KAT BARR ROSS PARK, HUNTSVILLE

STATE MEET

OLD SETTLERS PARK, ROUND ROCK

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

VARSITY QUALIFIERS

VARSITY QUALIFIERS

CROSS COUNTRY

Throughout my athletics experience, I have learned how to work hard and set goals for myself and the future. With athletics, I have amazing role models who encourage me to succeed with every opportunity given. It has also created a drive to be my best self and have a work ethic that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. As an athlete I look up to so many individuals. My parents have built me into the person I am today. Both of them have taught me so many lessons and have guided me through every obstacle I have faced in my high school career. They are both by my side and are my forever cheerleaders. Another important person I look up to is my soccer coach, Coach Murphy. She pushes me out of my comfort zone as a person and an athlete. Without these individuals I would not be where I am today. I aspire to reach their level of success and dedication one day.

Through my time in varsity athletics, I’ve learned the skill of time management due to the high demands and rigor that come along with being an active member of the teams I am a part of and working towards a shared goal throughout the season. My mindset has adapted to pushing me past where I thought my limits lay and has exposed me to many things that I never thought I would be able to accomplish. I have been able to thrive in varsity athletics due to maintaining a positive, team-focused mindset which helps push me through challenges and hurdles.

During my senior year, I am looking forward to starting the next chapter of my life. I am excited to represent Jarrell High School in cross country, soccer, track, and tennis. I hope to finish my fourth year of Jarrell athletics strong and full of memories that will last forever. I look forward to experiencing all the activities that come along with senior year that Jarrell High School has to offer. In five years, I see myself just graduated from Texas Tech University and pursuing a career in business and interior design. I will always hold onto and cherish every memory and life lesson made at JHS. I look forward to the next chapter in my life following JHS.

LANEY HAMMETT

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

MEET THE COACH

What (or who) inspired you to become a cross country coach, and what do you love most about coaching?

I had been the assistant cross country coach for several years and an opportunity presented itself for me to step into the head coach role, so I happily took the position. I love being able to help our student athletes face challenges head on and realize that they have more potential than they thought.

How do you approach player / strength development, and what are some of the key skills you focus on developing in your runners?

Cross country is a very mental sport. We work on mental toughness while running long distances and building stamina.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a coach and how do you overcome them?

Buy-in and time are two of the most difficult challenges that we face. I make it a mission to create an environment that excites my student athletes. I also make it a priority to honor their time. There never seems to be enough. It is important for us to develop a healthy work/life balance

&A

Megan Murphy Head Cross Country Coach

so that we can be at our best. If we are able to combat these challenges we can set a healthy example for our student athletes to help them avoid burnout.

How do you motivate each individual player and still bring them all together as a team?

I focus on each athlete's strengths and show them that they bring more to the team than they may realize. I try to motivate my team by creating a healthy environment in which they can work with confidence to grow both on and off the course. I also teach them that even though you may not always win the race, progress can be a measure of success as well.

How do you prepare your runners for meets? Does data play a role in your coaching philosophy?

We work on competing to beat our best times each meet. Giving them goals and seeing them beat their PRs creates healthy competition for them as a team and individually.

How do you communicate with your players and build strong relationships with them?

I try to get to know my students outside of the sport. When you take the time to get to know and understand your athletes it helps both on and off the field. I get to know each student athlete individually so that I am able to better coach them and provide them with an environment where

they can be successful. Teams are successful when there is trust, and an open dialogue is a first step in that direction.

What advice would you give to aspiring coaches?

Remember your "why" and "trust the process". Sometimes the most re-

warding moments of this job do not come from a win. Enjoy the little moments and be grateful for the time that you have had with each of your student athletes.

How can our readers support you / your team this season?

Come out to a cross country meet one morning and show your support for our amazing student athletes!

JASMINE BENAVIDEZ SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

VOLLEYBALL & CROSS COUNTRY

My experience in athletics has showed me you have to work hard to get where you want to be! A role model I look up to is my mom. The biggest challenge I have overcome to reach the varsity level is that I’m not just talented or athletic but that I have worked extremely hard since I was 7 to be one of the best! What I’m looking forward to most about my senior year is hopefully going back to state in XC and helping our volleyball team go back to playoffs, but mostly getting to spend my last year with my sister. In five years, I see myself finishing college and opening up my sports facility!

THE JARRELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES THE HARD WORK & DEDICATION OF JISD’S STUDENT ATHLETES!

cougar [ koo-ger ]

noun,plural cou·gars, (especially collectively) cou·gar. A student with a heart of gold with a spirit of fire!

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a coach and how do you overcome them?

QOne of my biggest challenges as a coach sometimes is my own confidence. There are times I don't feel as prepared as I should be or that I have the kids ready for competition.

How do you prepare your runners for meets? Does data play a role in your coaching philosophy?

Data does play a role in my coaching philosophy. I like to use the data through coaching techniques to motivate the kids to improve and compete and not to use it as a reminder that they didn't perform up to a standard.

What are your goals for the team this season, and how do you plan to achieve them?

My goals for this season are to motivate all of our runners to do their best and also enjoy being with the team. I would love to be a part of coaching more of our team as a team or individuals to advance to the regional and state meets.

MEET THE COACH

&A

How can our readers support you / your team this season?

Check out the cross country schedule and come support these runners. Community support and encouragement are much appreciated.

Melissa Hyer Assistant Cross Country Coach

BOND UPDATE

The district is making terrific progress on all the projects from the 2021 Bond. The district is ahead of schedule by more than a year.

 This past summer, we officially opened Double Creek Elementary School. The school is our third elementary school and has a beautiful campus.

 The updates to the 1916 Building are moving along, with construction expected to be completed by the end of the year. The original brick is being used for the exterior of the building. During construction, the bricks were cleaned and safely stored.

 The construction crew for the middle school expansion is making incredible progress. The new wing will have all new classrooms for the growing enrollment. The project is expected to be completed by spring.

 The high school expansion project started this past summer. JHS will have a new wing for general classrooms and learning spaces. The estimated date for completion will be late 2024 or early 2025.

 Athletic improvements are finished. Projects included field updates, more stadium seating, the installation of an elevator, and new concession stands on the visiting side of the field. The district held a ribbon cutting in May to mark the completion of the project.

You can keep up with the 2021 Bond projects by visiting the district’s website.

2023 Bond

This past May, voters overwhelmingly supported a $324,000,000 bond to build a new middle school, two new elementary schools, additions and renovations to Jarrell High School for Career and Technical Education and general classroom space, the Ag Barn, Gymnasium, and Fine Arts. The proposal also includes upgrades to the Paw Prints Facility, District Operations Center, enhanced technology infrastruc ture, security upgrades, land, and additional school buses and white fleet vehicles.

Design projects for the new middle school are complete. Currently, a committee is developing a list of potential names for the school. The committee is using the 70 names they received from the community. Plus, additional names for the committee develop.

Once the list is done, it will be presented to the Jarrell ISD Board of Trustees. You can see design updates and more news about the 2023 Bond on our website, www.jarrellisd.org.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates.