Klein ISD VYPE - August 2022

KLEIN ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

K L E I N I S D . N E T

2022 FALL EDITION

D E E P R O OT S , STRONG BRANCHES

CONTINUING OUR TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE IN KLEIN ISD LOCATION: HISTORICAL MARKER – WUNDERLICH FARM MUSEUM

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K L E I N I S D . N E T

CONTINUING OUR TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE IN KLEIN ISD LOCATION: HISTORICAL MARKER – WUNDERLICH FARM MUSEUM

DEEP ROOTS, STRONG BRANCHES: Welcome to the 2nd annual VYPE Klein ISD Fall Preview Magazine. Congratulations to Klein High’s Katie Koonts, Klein Collins’ Tucker Parks, Klein Forest’s Parker Jenkins, Klein Oak’s Kaleb Black and Klein Cain’s Kelly Pawelka for gracing the cover!

Photo by Bradley Collier

D E E P R O OT S , STRONG BRANCHES

on the cover

2022 FALL EDITION

Photo Feature

Arianna Goode, Klein Collins

Diego Miranda, Klein Oak

Lydia Butler, Klein Oak

Ty Stamey, Klein Collins

FACES IN THE CROWD

T H E 2022 - 2 3 S CH O OL Y E AR I S U P ON US . HOW CAN WE T ELL? T HE F OOT BALL LOCK ER ROOM I S BOI ST E ROU S , T H E S Q U E AK IN G OF VOLLE Y BALL S HOES CAN BE HEARD T HROUGHOUT T HE HALLWAYS, C RO SS CO U N T RY T E AM S AR E U P BY DAY BREAK PUT T ING IN T HEIR M ILES AND T HE S M ELL OF NE W T E N N I S BALLS M AR K A N E W S E AS ON. AN D HOW CAN WE F ORGET T HE COLORF UL S PIRIT S IGNS HUNG IN T H E GY M BY T H E CH E E R LE ADE RS ?

T H E FALL IS H E R E . F LI P ON T H E T U E SDAY AND F RIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS AND LET ’S GET IT ON. WE LC OME TO T H E S E CON D- AN N UAL K LE IN IS D FALL PREVIE W POWERED BY V Y PE.

Gibson Pyle, Klein Cain

Courtney Carter, Klein Cain

Bella Grace Dilworth, Klein Collins

Antonio Delgado, Klein Forest

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Photo Feature

Jaelen Smith, Klein Cain

Nathan Scheller, Klein High

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Hannah Akala, Klein Oak

McKinley Wilson, Klein Oak

Leon Rodriguez, Klein Forest

Angelica Montano, Klein Cain

Isayah Brown, Klein High Lexi Allen, Klein Oak

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Photo Feature

Daniel Moore, Klein High

Maggie Ellender, Klein Oak

Jacey Copeland, Klein High

Hope Moon, Klein Collins

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Kiearra Haynes, Klein Forest

Photo Feature Rachel Heilbrun, Klein High

Taylor Willett, Klein Cain

Daymond Anderson, Klein Oak

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Felicity Hamiltion, Klein Cain

Olivia Murillo, Klein Collins

Mikala Sampson, Klein High

Carter Maurice, Klein Collins

Robert Graves, Klein Forest

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Photo Feature

Evan Pezirtzoglou, Klein Cain

Shakira Williams, Klein Forest

Allyrose Rodriguez & Kennedy Cook, Klein High

Chris Gant Jr., Klein Collins Lauren Gonzalez, Klein Forest

Klein High

THE ROAD MAP KO ONTS ON HER WAY TO REACHING ULTIMATE GOAL \\ By Matt Malatesta

KATHRYN KOONTS EXPLODED ONTO THE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL RUNNING SCENE AS A SOPHOMORE, BUT IT WAS ALL A PART OF HER MASTER PLAN. “I had some expectations prior to the season, like being in the Top 10 at State and breaking 18 (minutes),” she said.

The Class of 2024 superathlete took fifth place at the 2021 UIL State Cross Country Championships with a time of 17 minutes, 46.6 seconds.

Mission accomplished.

“I did what I wanted and was happy with it,” she smiled. “I was a little surprised, but I knew what I could do as a runner.

“What I love about cross country is the mental side of it. Physically, everything can be there, but you can finish dead last in a meet. It’s who has the most grit at the end of the day. When you are coming through that last 100 meters of a race, it’s really about who wants it more.”

Koonts launched her longdistance running career at Kleb Intermediate but also

played volleyball and ran track. She continues to do all three, but cross country has emerged as her favorite.

Did we mention that she also made it to State in the 1,600-meter race in track?

“I had to learn to manage my time in high school being a multi-sport athlete,” she said. “I try and give each sport equal amount of time and not favoring one over the other. I think my future is cross country.

“I really want to compete at a Division I school for running. I eventually want to make it to the NCAA Nationals.”

What is refreshing about Koonts is that she also finds a way to have a life outside of athletics.

“I like to sing at my church with the praise and worship team and I love to do word searches and Wordle,” she said. “I’m just a regular teenager. I like to watch Stranger Things on Netflix , but my all-time favorites are iCarly and Victorious. I’m old school like that.”

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Klein High

volleyball

A NEW ERA

SHOF FNER TAKES OVER ONE OF H-TOWN’S TOP PROGRAMS \\ By Matt Malatesta

ONE OF THE BIG BRANDS IN HOUSTON-AREA VOLLEYBALL OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS HAVE BEEN THE KLEIN BEARKATS. Can they continue their success?

Looking to build on the ‘Kats winning record is State Championship winning coach Cameron Shoffner. In 2018, Shoffner was an assistant on the staff at Kingwood Park when the Panthers won the Class 5A State Championship.

The past two seasons, he was at New Caney and now takes over Klein. Shoffner inherits a program that reached the Class 6A State Championship game just two years ago in 2020.

“It is no secret of the success that they ’ve had,” Shoffner said. “I’m excited to build on that and keep it sustained to where that is the expectation moving forward.

“I’m here to coach them on the court , but I’m preaching communication off the court . We are in a society that is based behind a screen or keyboard.

Having face-to-face interactions, being able to handle emotion and convey a message in a positive way has been lost . We are going to work on that , which will make them better leaders for the rest of their lives.”

On the court ,

Shoffner will get to work with North Carolina A&Tcommit Mikala Sampson (284 kills, 48 blocks). She will need a big season in the middle and outside for Klein to have another breakout season.

“Like in years past , I want our team to get hyped on the bus rides and in pregame, so we can play loose and calm,” Sampson said. “ That will be key for us because we have some new girls stepping up.

“We need to work on fundamentals early on. We have a ton of raw talent , but we need to get them highcaliber ready.”

Rachel Heilbrun (259 kills) is a complete beast as a 6-rotation star. Her versatility can be attributed to her success as a sand

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volleyball star. She will play her college ball at HBU. She led the Bearkats with 586 digs a year ago.

“Having a huge competitive spirit will be a key to our success,” Heilbrun said. “We have to come out every practice and treat it like it ’s a game.

When it ’s game time, we have to play to win.”

Kinslee Smith will be the one to get everyone going from the setter position after registering 1,359 assists last season. She was the District Setter of the Year.

Kailyn Lee, Kiersten Hay and Katie Koonts will also provide the defense as they dive all over the floor.

Coach Cameron Shoffner

Klein High’s Kiersten Hay, Kinslee Smith, Mikala Sampson, Katie Koonts [Squatting], Rachel Heilbrun, Lauryn Gonzales and Kailyn Lee

football

Klein High

ATTENTION!

‘KATS LED BY FIRST-CLASS SENIOR LEADERS

\\ By Matt Malatesta

THE KLEIN HIGH BEARKATS WERE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE 2021 PLAYOFF PICTURE IN HEARTBREAKING FASHION. THE ‘KATS FELL 41-36 IN DOUBLEOVERTIME TO KLEIN OAK TO MISS THE POSTSEASON. “Missing the playoffs last year hurt ,” senior running back Myles Arterberry said. “We have collectively come together as a team and we’ve been working on our craft all offseason. We are really dedicated, and we are going to make the playoffs this season.”

It ’s no shock that Arterberry is giving out the marching orders as he committed to Army over the summer. He was a secondteam, all-district selection as a junior.

The other playmakers on offense include outside receivers Grant Jansky and Aisayah Brown, who will hope to stretch the field and open spaces for Arterberry in the run game. Brown, an honor roll student , is also an elite athlete on the track , advancing to the UIL State Meet in the 4x400 relay. Kai Powell will also help as a slot receiver.

Junior Bret Kilchrist will run the offense at quarterback with hopes that his offseason and summer training will translate to Friday nights.

The defense will be the strength of the team.

The captain of that side of the ball is unanimous first-team, all-district pick Daniel Moore, who is a hybrid safety/linebacker.

Moore is a tacklingmachine with a nose for the football.

Klein High’s [Back Row]: Daniel Moore, Aisayah Brown, Joey Ortego, Judah Boyce and Diego Castro; [Front Row]: Myles Arterberry, Grant Jansky and Malachi Griffiths

The defensive line is solid with Vincent Wells in the middle and Judah Boyce and Joey Ortego on the edge. Boyce is a dual-sport athlete with a tremendous 6-foot-2 frame. The basketball/ football player uses his size and athleticism to his advantage. He can play on the edge and flip to tight end on offense.

Ortego (6-foot-3, 230-pounds) returns after an injury-plagued junior season and will also give the defense more bite. He is also tremendous in the classroom with a GPA over 5.1.

The back end will be led by Malachi Griffiths, who has a ton of game experience and will provide senior leadership to a team that could be a sleeper in 2022 .

Myles Arterberry

Klein High

Cross Country

ON THE CUSP

KOONTZ, MCH UGH , GOERLICH MAKE THE BEARKATS STATE CONTENDERS \\ By Matt Malatesta

Klein High’s Thomas Kubala, Genesis Navarro, Sophia Goerlich, Daniela Mendez, Katie Koonts and Gerardo Mendez

PACING RIGHT BEHIND THE KLEIN OAK PANTHERS AT THE GIRLS STATE MEET WERE THE KLEIN HIGH BEARKATS, WHO FINISHED SIXTH OVERALL AS A TEAM. The scary thing is that their stars are all coming back with a vengeance.

Leading the way is junior Kathryn Koonts, who finished fifth overall at State – the best in the district . She’s a beast and has a lead-by-example style.

Senior Kristen McHugh (54th) is one of the best

in the business and could leave a huge legacy as she closes out her Klein career.

Sophomore Sophie Goerlich (65th) is a rising runner in the state, while juniors Daniel Mendez , Teia Morris and Genesis Navarro round out the team along with senior Isabella Rivault .

The boys have some solid pieces coming back with a pair of seniors in Thomas Kubala and Gerardo Mendez , who will provide leadership to the underclassmen.

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Sophia Goerlich

Thomas Kubala

Tennis

Klein High

AT THE NET Klein High’s Fagun Shah, Nathan Scheller, Henry Haskin and Dennis Nguyen

Amber Johnson

Klein High’s Amber Johnson, Emma Nordin, Jacey Copeland and Annabelle Subirats Henry Haskin

“TH IS IS A GREAT OPPORTU NIT Y BEING A PRODUCT OF KLEIN HIGH. IT’S AN H ON OR TO BE HERE AND RU N A PROGRAM. I’M VERY CONFIDENT IN OUR PROGRAM AND AM EXCITED TO SEE THESE SENIORS STEP UP AND FILL SOME SH OES. I’M JUST GOING TO WORK WITH THEM TO KEEP THEM FOCUSED ON OUR GOALS AT HAND.” — KLE I N FIRST-YEAR HEAD COACH ADAM COCKE kleinisd.net / / A U G 2022 / / K L E I N I S D / / 21

Klein High

Kinslee Smith

Fagun Shah

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Allyrose Rodriguez

THE BLUE AND GOLD

KLEIN H I GH DAT E S BACK OVE R 80 Y E ARS AN D T HE BEARK AT NAT ION CONT INUES TO POWER ON. T H E SC H O OL H AS BE E N R E N OVAT E D B U T T H E M YS T IQUE S T ILL S URROUND S T HOS E WHO HAVE AND C U RRE N TLY WE AR T H E BLU E AN D G OLD. T H E FALL IS F ULL OF HOPE F OR K LEIN A S T HE VOLLEY BALL TE AM IS U N DE R N E W LE ADE RS H IP AN D T H E CR OSS COUNT RY S QUAD IS PA CED BY ONE OF T HE S TAT E ’S M O ST ELITE RU N N E RS . F O OT BALL IS BLE SS E D WIT H A CORE OF S ENIOR LEADERS AND T ENNIS CONT INU E S TO M AKE N OI SE IN T H E DIS T R I CT. H E R E AR E YOUR 2 02 2 -2 3 BEARK ATS .

Malachi Griffiths

Gerardo Mendez

Kailyn Lee

Annabelle Subirats

Diego Castro Lauryn Gonzales

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Klein High Grant Jansky

Daniela Mendez

Joey Ortego

Kennedy Cook

Dennis Nguyen

Klein cain

BORN TO SET SOPHOMORE SEASON PROPELS PAWELKA TO NE W HEIGHTS; CONFIDENCE \\ By Matt Malatesta HOW DID A SOPHOMORE RECEIVE THE DISTRICT 15-6A SETTER OF THE YEAR AWARD? In volleyball, a setter is the quarterback of the team. They run the offense, know the intricacies of their teammates and bark orders as the coach on the floor.

A sophomore?

Klein Cain’s Kelly Pawelka was just that sophomore, who emerged as one of the city’s top signal-callers and passers last season.

“I was born to be a setter,” she laughed. “I’ve grown up playing volleyball my entire life. It’s something I need to do. I love it and I’m always working to get better. “ To be honest, though, I was really surprised at my season. I didn’t think I would do anything that big.

I had great support from my team and my coaches, and I grew in the sport so much.

I took on a lot of roles as an underclassman.”

With that valuable experience at such a young age, Pawelka continues to find ways to improve her

game as she builds her resumé.

“I’m working on becoming a true leader on the court to will us to success,” she said.

“We can do big things this year. My biggest goal early on is to learn where my new hitters like to be set. We have a completely new team and I have to build great chemistry on the court.”

She even sounds like a veteran, right?

In actuality she’s still just a kid who loves the music of Mac Miller, Ross Lynch and J. Cole, and gets lost in the off-beat, comedy-drama Bojack Horseman on Netflix.

She dreams of playing volleyball at the University of Houston and hangs with her friends and family in her free time.

But at the center of her life is volleyball.

“I love the competitiveness of the sport,” she said. “But mostly, I’ve made such a big circle of friends, who now feel like family, through volleyball. I just can’t see myself outside of the sport.”

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Klein cain

volleyball

YOUTH MOVEMENT

BAERENWALD TAKES OVER CAIN VOLLEYBALL \\ By Matt Malatesta

SHE MAY BE YOUNG, BUT NEW KLEIN CAIN VOLLEYBALL SARAH BAERENWALD HAS LEARNED FROM THE BEST. The first-year head coach played for the legend Donna Benotti at Cy-Fair. Benotti has over 800 wins in her career and has been a tremendous mentor to Baerenwald.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Baerenwald jumped right into coaching.

She was hired as an assistant by another legend in Ashley Ahlfinger – who opened Cypress Woods and built a successful volleyball brand in Houston.

She coached three years for the Wildcats and was hired at Klein Cain.

“Sarah and I have both had the blessing of playing for Donna Benotti – one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around,” Cy Woods coach Ashley Ahlfinger said. “I was fortunate to hire Sarah as my assistant . She is so talented and makes everyone around her a better person. She has a heart of gold for her players and students. I’m looking forward to her having great success at Klein Cain, and I believe in her with all my heart .”

Baerenwald takes over a program that went 19-22 overall; 5-7 in district play that was good enough to make the postseason in 2021. The Hurricanes fell

Klein Cain’s Kelly Pawelka, Jaylynn McNeill, Courtney Carter and MiKaela Kissinger

Coach Sarah Baerenwald

in three games to Cypress Ranch in the first round of the playoffs.

She will have some talented pieces back on the court this fall who could flourish in Baerenwald’s style of play.

“All that any coach can ask for is to give 100-percent all the time,” she said. “Sure, we are

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going to have to move some puzzle pieces around and figure out what ’s best for the team. Adjusting very quickly is my anticipation for this season.”

The quarterback returns in the district ’s Setter of the Year Kelly Pawelka, who as just a sophomore.

She will be the coach on the court . First-team,

all-district hitter Courtney Carter and first-team, all-district libero Mikaela Kissinger also return to ease the transition. In the middle will be Jaylynn McNeil, so the cupboard is far from bare.

“Winning is great . I want to win big,” she said. “For me, this year is about setting the foundation and that ’s all about effort .

The beauty of sports is that it also teaches life lessons, like how to deal with adversity and work with people of different backgrounds. I want these girls to be the best people they can on and off the court . That ’s a take-away that will be with them the rest of their lives.”

Spoken like a true veteran head coach.

football

Klein cain

RELOAD NOT REBUILD

KLEIN CAIN H A S P ROGRAM BUILT FOR TRANSITION

\\ By Matt Malatesta

KLEIN CAIN IS AT A CROSSROADS. The football team has set the bar high going into its fifth year of varsity ball under the direction of coach James Clancy.

The Hurricanes are 17-6 overall and 10-2 in district play over the past two seasons.

Trust in Coach Clancy.

“It is very tough to replace the caliber of kids who have graduated,” he said. “We have to take pride in the system and the culture of the program we have built . We are still in the toddler state of this thing and are just learning to walk . The nex t five years will be critical and important for us.

“We have established the expectations. Now, we seek to execute and continue to raise the

bar. We are still chasing goals… expectations never graduate. The jerseys may change, but the system will continue to improve. The nex t step for us is not to rebuild but to reload.”

Clancy this offseason was named one of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine’s 40 under 40 coaches to watch.

The Hurricanes must replace the District Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year in Matthew Golden and Lukia Rawls, who were cornerstones of the budding program.

The baton will be passed to quarterback Lance Awe, receiver Jaelen Smith and linemen Gibson Pyle and Joseph Foxworth. Smith and Pyle were all-district first teamers and Foxworth earned a second-team nod.

Grayson Dunbar will be a trusted safety valve for Awe as an all-district tight end.

“Lance is the definition of a program kid and has worked up the ranks,” he said, who was named by Dave Campbell’s Texas football as one of the Top 40 Coaches Under 40. “He will have the opportunity to lead the offense. Jaelen became a force to be reckoned with in the later part of season. Now it ’s his turn to be the man. Having Pyle and Foxworth back gives us experience in the trenches, where you want it .”

The defensive side of the ball will be solid in the back end. Patrick Batiste and Davin Martin are all-district returners, while Isaiah Byrd and Eric Solomon III round out the secondary unit with experience. Tyler Edwards

will anchor the defensive line.

“We will have plenty of opportunities for new guys to step up,” he said. “It ’s the nex t man up and that is what our kids have to understand now.”

Davin Martin

Klein Cain’s [Back Row] Gibson Pyle, Davin Martin, Isaiah Byrd, Eric Solomon II and Tyler Edwards; [Front Row]: Lance Awe, Jaelen Smith, Patrick Batiste and Joseph Foxworth

Lance Awe

Tyler Edwards

Klein cain

Cross Country

HURRICANES ARE TRACKING

Kaleb Jessie

HAMILTON, W YLIE ARE STATE’S YOUNG CHALLENGERS \\ By Matt Malatesta

Klein Cain’s Erin McCowen, Joshua Cohrs, Omar Livas, Felicity Hamilton, Rebecca Wylie, Kaleb Jessie and Megan Avelino

Megan Avelino

HEAR THAT? THAT’S THE SOUND OF THE WINDS OF CHANGE. While Klein Oak and Klein High get all the headlines as it relates to district cross country, there is a sleeping giant starting to stir inside the Klein Cain Hurricane program. You have been alerted.

Start getting used to hearing the name Felicity Hamilton as one of the

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state’s best long-distance runners. Hamilton finished 11th overall at the UIL State Cross Country Meet as a sophomore (18:07:01) and her best running is ahead of her.

Not far behind her is junior Rebecca Wylie (18:59:01), making for a lethal one-two punch for the Hurricanes. Wylie had a Top 50 finish at State.

Seniors Erin McCowen and

Megan Avelino are steady and continue to improve while Sara Springett is an impressive sophomore ready to make her mark .

On the boys side, the Hurricanes say goodbye to Micah Hampton — the district ’s best runner in 2021. Looking to fill his shoes are seniors Joshua Cohrs and Kaleb Jessie.

Tennis

Klein cain

FOREHAND WINNER Andrew Dang

Demi Pham

“CAIN IS A THREE-TIME DISTR ICT CHAMP AND I WANT TO CONTIN UE THAT SUCCESS AND BUILD ON IT. THE PROGRAM HAS A GR EAT REPUTATION AND I’M COMI N G IN TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE ATHLETES FIRST AND COA CH FROM THERE. I WANT THEM TO H AVE HIGH CHARACTER, BE RESPECTFUL, KEEP ACADEMICS FIRST AND COMPETE IN EVERY THING TH EY DO ON AND OFF THE COURT.” — KLEIN CAIN FIRST-YEAR HEAD COACH AUSTIN SMITH Klein Cain’s Andie Thomas, Mikaela Erwin, Angelica Montano, Demi Pham, Andrew Dang, Evan P. and Aneesh

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Klein cain

Raymond Garita

Mikaela Kissinger

Patrick Batiste

Lillie Gent Mikayla Erwin

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HURRICANE WARNING

AS KLE I N I SD’S N E WE S T S CH O OL CON T I N UE S TO ES TABLIS H ITS ELF , T HIS FALL HOPES TO BE M U C H LIKE TH E P RE VIO U S S E AS ON S . FACT : E VE RY K LEIN CAIN T EAM HA S REA CHED T HE POS TS EA S ON ALREADY. TH AT I S A T E S TAM E N T TO T H E LE ADE RS HIP, COA CHING AND S T UDENTS WHO WEAR T HE PU RPLE AN D S I LVE R . COACH JAM E S CL ANCY H A S HIGH EXPECTAT IONS F OR T HE F OOT BALL T EAM AND A N E W, YO U N G COACH TAK E S OVE R T H E VOLLE Y BALL PROGRAM . T ENNIS AND CROSS COUNT RY WI LL C ON TIN U E TO H AVE S U CCE SS .

Andie Thomas

Joshua Cohrs

Jaylynn McNeil

Isaiah Byrd

Klein Cain’s Lillie Gent, Kaylee Kennedy, Taylor Willett, Raymond Garita (Mascot), Sydney Thomas, Piper Parker, Alison Alexander and Lailah Pratt

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Klein cain

Erin McCowen

Joseph Foxworth

Aneesh Jadou

Rebecca Wylie

Eric Solomon II

Klein collins

TUCKER THE TIGER

PARKS, TALEN T ED CLASS OF 2024 MAKES KLEIN C OLLINS A REGIONAL FAVORITE IN 2022 \\ By Matt Malatesta THIS IS TRADITIONAL COACH SPEAK, BUT KLEIN COLLINS QB TUCKER PARKS’ BEST FOOTBALL IS IN FRONT OF HIM. What does that even mean you may ask? It means that his sophomore season was just a preview of what is to come at Klein Collins. With the work that he and the special Class of 2024 are putting in, the future is bright for Tigers Coach Adrian Mitchell.

“We have a bunch of talented rising juniors led by Tucker, who is a natural leader with dynamic athleticism,” Mitchell said.

And to think, the 6-foot-2 quarterback entered his sophomore season with some uncertainty.

“I came into last season not sure if I was going to be the starter,” Parks, who was named the District Offensive Newcomer of the Year by season’s end, said. “When I earned the starting job, it gave me so much confidence. I think I earned a lot of respect from the players and now coming into this year…I’m ready.”

Parks and the Tigers had some growing pains early in 2021, going 0-4 with losses to Atascocita, North Shore, Tompkins and Willis, before

winning six straight games to go undefeated in District 15-6A. The Tigers fell in a heartbreaking 34-33 first-round playoff game to Bridgeland to end their season.

“After the loss to Willis, that was the turning point,” he said.

“I could feel it coming together.

We were unstoppable after that.”

The team’s confidence from last season spilled over into the offseason and the summer.

Parks and his Tigers impressed at the State 7-on-7 Tournament, knocking off El Paso Franklin, Buda Johnson, Harker Heights, Dickinson and San Angelo in the Division I bracket. Klein Collins fell to eventual State Champion DeSoto, 32-27, in the semifinals.

The traditional run-oriented Klein Collins showed another side to their offense which could be scary for their district-mates and the rest of Region II. “ The expectations are high coming into this season and Tucker is a big reason why,” Mitchell said. “ That group got some great experience and have continued to work through the offseason. They are hungry.”

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Klein collins

volleyball

BACK IN THE CONVERSATION

C OLLINS VOLLEYBALL ON THE CUSP OF PL AYOFF SPOT \\ By Matt Malatesta

THE KLEIN COLLINS TIGERS HAVE THE FIREPOWER TO CAPTURE A PLAYOFF SPOT IN 2022.

Coach Kasey Price’s squad had an 18-27 overall record last year and didn’ t qualif y for the postseason in 2021; however, there is a bright side. The Tigers were young last season and some of their players in the most important roles earned valuable varsity experience. They will be much-improved, and not as intimidated hitting the court in the fall. “ This season is one that I have been most excited for because of the number of kids that are returning and

everyone in the program being accustomed to my coaching style and expectations,” Price said. “ The seniors this season have created goals to get Klein Collins above where they have been in past years, and I cannot express the amount of leadership that was already being shown in the summer.”

Klein Collins’ McKenna Ferris, Olivia Murillo, Kristina Cote, Keely-Ann Shelnutt, Ariana Goode, Anna Blaine and Cali Carter

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For starters, firstteam, all-district setter Anna Blaine enters her junior year after running the offense as an underclassman. To be expected, she made some mistakes, but her upside is tremendous.

“It was a hard role to take on as a younger player,” Blaine said. “ The team

McKenna Ferris

helped me figure it out , and that should make us so much more successful this season.”

The 6-foot setter will be a college prospect and her best volleyball is in front of her, which is good news for Klein Collins.

Second teamer McKenna Ferris returns on the outside and was asked about the Tigers’ 2022 expectations.

“Win, win, win and win,” she said. “Our connection as a team really grew this offseason. I think it will show on the court and translate into wins for us.

Chemistry is so important .”

Kristina Cote will provide scoring on the outside to compliment Ferris, while second teamer Ariana Goode will hold down the middle-blocker position.

The defense should be a strength for the Tigers with Keely-Ann Shelnutt , Cali Carter and Olivia Murillo back in the huddle. Ashlynn Hollis will also play a bigger role this season.

“We are going to be sound on defense,” Murillo, a second-team, all-district selection, said. “We will have good movement and will do everything we can to stop our opponents putting the ball down on us.”

Klein Collins needs to focus on knocking off Tomball, Tomball Memorial and Klein Oak to reach their goal of the playoffs. They have the talent to do it .

football

Klein collins

YOUTH SERVED

C OLLINS JUN IOR CLASS BACK WITH TALENT, EXPERIENCE, DEPTH

\\ By Matt Malatesta

IT WAS A TALE OF TWO SEASONS FOR KLEIN COLLINS IN 2021 AS THE TIGERS WENT 0-4 IN NON-DISTRICT PLAY BEFORE RUNNING THE TABLE IN DISTRICT 15-6A TO TAKE THE CROWN. THE REASON? THE TIGERS WERE TREMENDOUSLY YOUNG IN THE TWO-DEEP ROSTER, BUT EXTREMELY TALENTED. “Last season was a testament to our kids,” coach Adrian Mitchell said. “[I am proud of ] their resilience and their fight to be champions.”

The Tigers return Offensive Newcomer of the Year Tucker Parks at quarterback , who has developed into a collegelevel prospect with his size and athleticism.

Collins does it up front and unanimous first-team selection Jackson Felkins anchors the big men. He will be helped by Aven Rendon and Blake Cruz .

Carrying the ball will be Michael Wilson, who came up big as a sophomore in 2021. On the outside stretching the field will be Ty Stamey, a big 6-foot-6 target with great hands.

The defensive side of the ball is Collins’ calling card.

The program was built on tough, hard-nosed tackling and fundamentals.

The District Defensive Newcomer was defensive back Chris Gant , who will patrol the secondary with experienced corners Asa Brown and Eli Wyatt .

Juniors Antoine Milon and Mason Faye will stuff the run up front and pressure the quarterback . Both were second teamers.

The linebackers will be

Klein Collins’ Chris Gant Jr., Gage Luellen, Aven Rendon, Ty Stamey, Asa Brown, Mason Faye, Antoine Milon, Eli Wyatt, Michael Wilson, Tucker Parks, Ethan Wyatt, Blake Cruz and Bryce Adeokun

Michael Wilson

inexperienced, but Bryce Adeokun and Gage Luellen should defend the middle of the field.

Collins will be the district favorites after warming up against Dawson and Summer Creek .

“Our staff and players take a lot of pride in representing the brand of Klein Collins,” Mitchell said. “ They believe in our ‘For My Brothers’ mantra and that the swoosh on their chest is something bigger than themselves.”

Mason Faye

Klein collins

Cross Country

HOMEGROWN

SMITH TAKES OVER CROSS COUNTRY PRO GRAM \\ By Matt Malatesta

TYLER SMITH HAS BEEN A LIFER IN KLEIN ISD. Smith played football and ran track for the Tigers, graduated in 2014 and is now living his dream.

“Having played and graduated from here, I know how serious Klein Collins takes its ex tracurricular activities,” Smith said. “ The atmosphere is very inclusive, and sports are a place where kids can be part of something bigger and build great high school relationships.”

The Klein Collins cross country program going into 2022 is somewhat young, but has a trio of seniors to show the way.

Senior Hope Moon will

lead the pack for the girls and senior John Watson will lead the boys. Kristen Gibson and Natalie Ral will also pace the girls team while Leonardo Santos and sophomore Anthony Puguero will round out the boys.

“I’m excited about getting to work with the kids,” Smith, who is also an assistant softball coach, said. “I want them to come in, have a positive attitude and find ways to improve themselves. I love that approach.

“I want them to have a good time, set their goals high and work hard to meet those goals. It ’s that simple.”

Natalie Rall John Watson

Klein Collins’ Leonardo Santos, Anthony Peguero, John Watson, Kristen Gibson, Natalie Rall and Hope Moon

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Tennis

Klein collins

BETWEEN THE LINES

Klein Collins’ Carly Cook, Jet Vy, Carter Maurice, Anna Bien and Sarah Toomes

“YOU HAVE TO BE YOUR OWN STAR PL AYER. YOU HAVE PEOPLE ROOT ING FOR YOU, BUT YO U HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT ON YOUR OWN. THE GAME OF TENNIS IS LIKE THE GAME OF LIFE. TAKE THE UPS AND DOWNS – EVERY FAILURE IS A LAUNCH PAD FOR SUCCESS.” — KLE I N COLLINS FIRST-Y EAR HEAD COACH JAMES LONGORIA Sarah Toomes

Jet Vy Carly Cook

Klein collins

(Back Row): Jordyn Lessing, Scotlyn Jones, Makenzi Jones, Taylor Mackey and Rion Robinson; (Front Row): Meagan Gatlin and Bella Grace Dilworth

Anna Bien

Gage Luellen

ON THE PROWL

Q U ESTI ON : WH AT S CH O OL P R ODU CE D T WO N F L DRAF T PICKS L A S T S PRING? F ORM ER K LEIN COLLI NS STARS I SAI AH S P I LLE R AN D CAM E R ON G OODE ’S NAM ES WERE CALLED AND T HEY ARE LI VING O U T THE I R DREAMS T H AT WE R E H ATCH E D IN S IDE T H E T IGER DEN. T HE K LEIN COLLINS T IGERS HAVE BECOM E A BRAN D N AME IN T H E CIT Y OF H O U S TON . T H E FA CULT Y AND S T UDENTS OF K C CONT INUE TO B UI LD T H AT BRAN D WI T H T H E IR ACCOM P LIS H M E N TS IN T HE CL A SS ROOM AND ON T HE F IELD . F OOT BALL AND VOLLEYBALL H AVE P LE N T Y TO BE E XCI T E D AB OUT HEADING INTO T HE 2 02 2 -2 3 S CHOOL Y EAR, AS WE LL AS TH E TE N N IS AN D CR O SS CO U N T RY P R OGRAM S .

Leonardo Santos Anna Blaine

Antione Milon

Kristen Gibson

Asa Brown

kleinisd.net / / A U G 2022 / / K L E I N I S D / / 43

Klein collins Keely-Ann Shelnutt

Taylor Mackey

Anthony Peguero

Cali Carter

Blake Cruz

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Klein forest

THE BLUR

JENKINS AT FOUNDATION OF EAGLES TURNAR OUND \\ By Matt Malatesta

THE HIGHLIGHT FILM DOESN’T DO KLEIN FOREST ATHLETE PARKER JENKINS ANY JUSTICE. College recruiting is based mostly on a prospect’s game film. A teeth-rattling tackle by a linebacker or an offensive lineman’s pancake block will turn an assistant college coach’s head really quick, but it’s speed that really jumps off the screen drawing the oohhs and aahhs.

Parker Jenkins has speed that can’t really be evaluated until you see him in person. The 5-foot-10 Golden Eagle, who is carved out of stone, is a blur on the field. He separates from defenders with explosive speed, leaving other elite athletes in his wake.

“When I was young, I really didn’t like to hit people,” he laughed. “ That has never really been my strong suit. I like to make people miss and once I get in the groove…I’m gone.”

Colleges from across the country have flocked to Klein Forest to see him and his teammates, who believe in running track in the offseason. The Eagles finished third overall at the Class 6A State Track and Field Meet, and Jenkins helped lead the way.

He won the district meet in the 100-meter dash and advanced to State as a member of the 400-meter relay team. As the heroics on the oval continued, the football offers poured in as his Twitter feed was filled with college graphics.

“It happened very suddenly and was so exciting,” he said of his recruitment.

“I just continued to keep my head down last spring and worked like I didn’t have any offers. It’s such a blessing to have this opportunity, and it really shows

that your hard work can really pay off.”

Jenkins and his teammates Brad Spence (Arkansas-commit) and Jelani Watkins put Klein Forest at the epicenter of college recruiting in the city of Houston during the “open” period. The trio became the darlings of H-Town and completely changed the optics around the north Houston school. Head coach and alum Johnathan Wilson changed the culture in 18 months and the rest could be history.

As a sophomore, Jenkins and KF went 1-7. In 2021, the Eagles improved to 5-5. Now as a senior, will all of the scholarship offers, publicity and experience translate into a playoff appearance? “ This team can do great things,” he said. “We turned a corner last year and now we expect to make the playoffs.

We’ve come a long way…all of us. “ This team is very close. I’ve worked on becoming a leader and my teammates have seen that other side of me. Now, I want to be that big brother who my guys can talk to about anything. I want to be that teammate to motivate and encourage the younger guys.”

One of the “younger guys” is little brother Carter Jenkins – a Class of 2024 safety.

“I want to be his inspiration,” he said. “He plays on defense and we are competitive. I know he wants to get any shot he can on me, and I encourage it.

It’s all love and I like how brave he is.

I’m really rooting for him and I know he’s going to be better than me.”

That’s a scary thought.

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Klein forest

volleyball

BUILDING BLOCKS

WILSON SEE S WIN NING MENTALIT Y STARTING TO CATCH ON \\ By Matt Malatesta

SECOND-YEAR HEAD COACH JENNIFER WILSON IS CHANGING THE MENTALITY OF KLEIN FOREST VOLLEYBALL, AND IT STARTS IN THE LOCKER ROOM. “I was brought in to change the culture here,” Wilson said. “It takes a lot of hard work , but the girls have bought in since day one.

Last year, we were really working on overcoming the past . We had to change our mindset and start to believe that we are good enough to win.

Moving forward, we expect more wins.

While the Golden Eagles were 2-27 and 0-12 in district play, there was a silver lining.

“Opposing coaches told us all year long that you would never know what the score was – that we fought the whole match,” Wilson said. “We are building off of that .

“It ’s the little victories.

We won our first match for the first time in a few years. The girls haven’ t seen success like that in a long time. For them, winning sets along the way proves that we can win. It ’s a mentality. It ’s building and that should move us to another level this year.”

Alejah Phillips will run the offense at setter while twin sister Aleyla Phillips will provide offense from the outside and serve as

Klein Forest’s [Back Row]: London Sam, Betzaida Garcia, Nadazia Simien, Alejah Phillips, Kiearra Haynes and Aniah Jones; [Front Row]: Aleyla Phillips and Aaliyah Gonzales

a defensive specialist .

In the middle will be Nadazia Simien, who can control a match. Outsides Aniah Jones, London Sam, Aaliyah Gonzales and Kiearra Haynes will also put down points for the Eagles. Betzaida Garcia will dig volleyballs from her defensive position.

“We have eight returners back who were key players for us last season,” she said.

“People have been sleeping on Klein Forest for a while.

We are really athletic and talented, and we are going to surprise people this year. But it ’s going to take 110-percent effort all the time and for us to realize we are good enough to win.”

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Nadazia Simien

Coach Jennifer Wilson

football

Klein forest

THE NEXT STEP

KLEIN FORES T LOOKING FOR FOCUS, C ONSISTENCY TO REACH ULTIMATE GOAL

\\ By Matt Malatesta

Klein Forest’s Parker Jenkins, Jossue Rios, Jelani Watkins, Chandler Williams, Brad Spence, Tivrell Hollings and Robert Graves

THE REBUILD OF KLEIN FOREST FOOTBALL CONTINUES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COACH JOHNATHAN WILSON, A FORMER GOLDEN EAGLE HIMSELF. HE’S INVESTED AND IT SHOWS. The Eagles made huge strides last year, winning five games and one in district play. Upon beating district-mate Tomball Memorial, he lived up to his promise. If Klein Forest won a district game, he vowed to his players that he would shave his head and he held up to that .

The bet has changed in 2022 .

“I told the guys that if we made the playoffs this year, I would shave my head… absolutely,” Wilson, who was named a Dave Campbell‘s Texas Football Magazine Top 40 Coaches Under 40 said. “I had to clear it with my wife because she wasn’ t that

fond of it last year. I got it cleared, so that ’s the bet .”

Over the past several months, Klein Forest has been the darlings of the recruiting world.

The big three of Brad Spence (Arkansas), Parker Jenkins and Jelani Watkins collected dozens of offers each over the offseason.

“We have made great strides and may have turned the corner as a program, but we have to prove it on the field,” Wilson said. “We haven’ t done anything yet . We haven’ t won the games we need to win.

“We have to keep our kids from getting complacent or comfortable. All of these offers don’ t translate to wins on the football field.

We have a goal here to win games, make the playoffs and do something that hasn’ t been done here in

years.”

The strength of Klein Forest is Jelani Watkins obviously speed.

Jenkins and Watkins are elite “It ’s unbelievable to sprinters on the be around this caliber of Golden Eagles track and talent ,” Wilson said. “It ’s field team. Jenkins will run amazing to see what they the ball, while Watkins is can do on the field, the the deep threat downfield. track and in the weight A quarterback must room. I’m happy to be emerge, who will be a part of their road to protected by all-district , success. We also have a second-team selection really talented Class of Jossue Rios. Chandler 2025, who will see a lot of Williams is a rangy tight playing time this year.” end, who could have a The Eagles’ mantra is to breakout season. go 1-0 every week .

Defensively, the edge “ The great teams don’ t at linebacker will be listen to the outside noise,” contained by the Spence he said. “We have to stay brothers – Brad and focused and consistent … sophomore Trent – who not getting too high or too are big-time talents. Tivrell Hollings and Robert Graves low during the season. We must stay focused on the will anchor the defensive end goal.” line, while Chris Minor will The haircut . patrol the secondary. kleinisd.net / / A U G 2022 / / K L E I N I S D / / 49

Klein forest

Cross Country

A NEW VIBE

LAC HAPELLE COMES OVER FROM TRAC K TO CROSS COUNTRY \\ By Matt Malatesta

OLIVIA LACHAPELLE TAKES OVER THE KLEIN FOREST GOLDEN EAGLE CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS AND LOOKS TO SHAKE THINGS UP A LITTLE. “I’m super excited to take this on,” she said. “I’m going to take all my expertise and experience in the track and field world, learn the cross country world and bring it all together. What I bring to the table is a little something new.

“I’m going to tweak some things they ’ve done in the past , but they have had

some great coaching.”

The headliners for the program includes Liliana Ugarte, Gabriela Romero, Ulises Avila, Alison Doan, Emma Hinojosa, Antonio Delgado and Ismael Vidaurri.

“My goal is to see them reach their goals,” she said.

“Every meet I’m looking for new PRs. You have to keep trying to do your best . You have to believe that nothing can stop you. Once you realize that , everything falls into place.”

Ulises Avila

Liliana Ugarte

Klein Forest’s Ismael Vidaurri, Alison Doan, Antonio Delgado, Emma Hinojosa, Liliana Ugarte, Ulises Avila and Gabriela Romero

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Tennis

Klein forest

BASELINE TO BASELINE Klein Forest’s Leon Rodriguez, Arhamah Faisal, Syeda Zaidi, Liliana Gomez, Ibrahim Syed, Lauren Gonzales, Melani Hernandez, Kevin Nguyen and Jefferson Nguyen

“AS A TEAM, WE AR E GOING TO WORK ON OUR CONDITIONIN G, SO WE DON’T GET BUR N ED OUT AT THE END OF MATCHES. OUR TEAM MORAL AND SPIR IT IS VERY HIGH. NOW WE WILL WORK ON IMPROVIN G OUR TECHNIQUE AN D FUNDAMENTALS.” — KLEIN FOREST SENIOR KEVIN NGUYEN

Melani Hernandez

Kevin Nguyen

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Klein forest

Ibrahim Syed

Savannah Camarillo

Chandler Williams

Aleyla Phillips

Gabriela Romero

CULTURE CHANGE

T H ERE I S A NE W VIBE AT K LE I N F OR E S T. IT S TARTS AT T HE TOP WIT H PRINCIPAL L ANCE ALEXANDE R , WH O BRE ATH E S E N E R GY I N TO T H E G OLDE N E A GLE CAM PUS . WHAT A JOB JOHNAT HAN WILS ON HA S D ONE AT GETT I N G T H E F O OT BALL P R O GR AM ON T H E RECRUIT ING M AP AND T URNING T HE CORNER ON THE F IELD . VOLLE YBALL IS T R E N DI N G I N T H E RIGH T DIRECT ION AND BELIEVING IN T HEM S ELVES . T HE TE NNI S PRO GRAM I S H E ALT H Y AN D B U S T I N G AT T H E S EAM S ALONG WIT H CROSS COUNT RY. Betzaida Garcia

Arhamah Faisal

Jossue Rios

Tynisha Stewart

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Klein forest

Klein Forest’s Savannah Camarillo, Tynisha Stewart, Yelda Larios, Jaliyah Polk, Makayla Kent, Latavia Smith and Shakira Williams

Tivrell Hollings

Liliana Gomez

Alison Doan London Sam

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Klein oak

THE ALPHA

BLACK IS OAK’S BIG MAN ON CAMPU S \\ By Matt Malatesta AS KALEB BLACK ENTERS HIS SENIOR SEASON, WHAT WILL BE HIS SWAN SONG AT KLEIN OAK?.

“I just want to be better than last season,” he said. “I want to have well over 1,000 allpurpose yards. I’ve worked on high-pointing the ball and my footwork. I know I can outrun people, but I need to be able to get that 50-50 ball when the safety comes over.

“More importantly, I don’t want to be that young guy making big plays, but being that role model for everyone on the team. I feel like I’ve kind of been that guy since coming to Klein Oak, but now more than ever, I want our team to feed off of me.”

As Black built his resumé with the black and gold, he and his “Pops” worked their recruiting plan. It culminated with a verbal commitment in late June to the University of Memphis.

“I just felt the genuine love

and support I got from the coaches, players and fans at Memphis,” he said. “It’s a great city and the food is really good, too. The recruiting process was eye-opening. It was cool to see so many kids just like me all trying to get to the next level. It was a great experience and pushed me to work even harder.”

Black’s calling card is his athleticism, speed and versatility. Since playing flag football as a youngster, Black was that dude.

“I’ve played every position I think from quarterback to defensive end,” he laughed. “I really fell in love with the wide receiver spot in middle school playing 7-on-7. When you are the best player though, you play a lot of quarterback. I played QB through the ninth grade, but when I transferred, I got to play receiver. I just love having the ball in my hands in space.

That’s when I’m at my best.”

INSIDE THE

HELMET

Favorite Restaurant: Pappadeaux Netflix Binge: Stranger Things and The Umbrella Academy Dream Car: Rolls Royce and Corvette Favorite Fit: Jeans, t-shirts and Jordans Off the Field: Bowling and taking up golf

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Klein oak

volleyball

BITTER SWEET

C AMPBELL LOOKING FORWARD TO COLLEGE FUTURE; WILL MISS KLEIN OAK PROGRAM \\ By Matt Malatesta

Klein Oak’s Maggie Ellender, Gracie Campbell, Hannah Akala, Tatum Lockhardt and Lauren Dale

GRACIE CAMPBELL HAD A NAME, IMAGE AND LIKENESS DEAL AS A KID. LIKE, A LITTLE KID. “We used to pay her for each kill when she was younger,” dad Don Campbell laughed. “She got pretty good and we had to stop. We were going broke.”

Campbell has been playing club ball since the age of 11 and has played varsity since her freshman year at Klein Oak . The nex t step is the college game, and she will be making her decision soon.

“I’ve always been really hard on myself,” she said.

“I’m really competitive, but going into my senior year, I’m going to give myself a break . I’m going to make mistakes and I have to just shake it off.

“I love the Klein Oak program. The people are awesome. Should we have

had more success over the year ? Maybe, but the memories have been great .

This year I’m really focused on being a better leader and helping get our team into the playoffs.”

The recent Nicholls State-commit was the team MVP and a first-team, alldistrict selection in 2021 and is at nearly 1,000 kills in her career.

Campbell is excited for the arrival of new coach Davette McCall and getting her senior season started with teammates – Lauren Dale, Tatum Lockhard, Hannah Akala and Maggie Ellender. “ Yeah, I played every sport there was growing up,” she said. “I like to paint , and read but my life is volleyball. I wouldn’ t change that . It ’s sort of sad that this chapter is coming to an end.”

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Gracie Campbell

5 HOT TAKES

Favorite Restaurant: Blōōfin Favorite Vacation Spot: Any beach All-Time Favorite Movie: Perks of Being a Wallflower Favorite Volleyball Player: Yossiana Pressley Biggest Inspiration: My Parents

football

Klein oak

THE “KLEIN OAK MAN”

C ARPENTER BUILDING GREAT PEOPLE WHILE WINNING

\\ By Matt Malatesta

WINS AND LOSSES ARE IMPORTANT BUT BUILDING A “KLEIN OAK MAN” IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF COACH BRANDON CARPENTER’S PROGRAM. “We have a code,” Carpenter said. “We don’ t overuse it to retain its value, but we promote becoming a ‘Klein Oak Man’.

Football will take care of itself if we are working as hard as we can. My big emphasis is developing great people, not just good football players.

Being a great son, brother, community member, friend, teammate.”

Oak enters the 2022 season with question marks after finishing third in district a year ago and winning a playoff game.

“Our culture is established as a program,” he said. “We are always going to have great players graduate and have great players coming back . The offseason is a time to put the puzzle back together and see where our young guys coming up through the program will fit in.”

Carpenter returns some talented pieces starting with athlete Kaleb Black – the District Utility Player of the Year. He will be flanked in the backfield by all-district , second teamer Keishaun Wooten at running back .

“Kaleb is the catalyst of our offense who can line up in the backfield, play the slot receiver or wildcat quarterback ,” he said. “In our up-tempo, run-passoption offense, our tailback wears many hats. Keishaun is so versatile as an

Klein Oak’s Daymond Anderson, McKinley Wilson, Timmy Bakare, Ryne Berger, Malachi Oldacre, Kaleb Black, Keishaun Wooten, Thomas Payne, Kamryn Durham and Alexander Marsland

offensive option and is also a great pass-protector and lead-blocker.”

The defense will fly around the ball this season and will be the team’s strength. It starts up front with first teamer Daymond Anderson at tackle and second teamer Ryne Berger on the end. Second-team linebacker Alexander Marsland will step up in the hole to stop opposing running games.

The secondary is salty with Timmy Bakare, Kamryn Durham, McKinley Wilson and Malachi Oldacre.

“Damon is so hard to block in the middle which frees other guys up to make plays,” Carpenter said.

“Ryan grew up quickly in our program and has so much experience. McKinley

moves back over to defense to his natural position of defensive back . We are excited about this group.”

The quarterback spot will be a question, but make no mistake – a “Klein Oak Man” will take over.

Coach Brandon Carpenter Timmy Bakare

Klein oak

Cross Country

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

OAK GIRLS HAVE DEPTH; BOYS LED BY BOYD \\ By Matt Malatesta

Jeffrey Nguyen, Derek Waite, Hunter Hendry and Jack Boyd

Klein Oak’s Alaina Nugier, Lydia Butler, Lizzee Winkler, Dezra Daduya and Alejandra Ramon

THE KLEIN OAK GIRLS TRACK TEAM HAD A SPECIAL YEAR IN 2021, FINISHING FIFTH OVERALL AT THE UIL STATE MEET. The VYPE Runner of the Year Gabrielle Hoots paced the Panthers and finished six th overall at the end of year event . While she has graduated, who will be nex t to rally the troops?

Klein Oak returns some serious depth in 2022 , who had the big-time experience of running at State. Back on the course will be supersophomore Lydia Butler, who finished 25th overall at the State Cross Country Meet .

She will be complimented by seniors Elizabeth Winkler (51st), Alaina Nugier (61st) and Danielle Strebel.

Watch out for another pair of underclassmen Jazmin McBride and Andrea Witzke to improve their times and round out the Panthers’ top five. Dezra Daduya and Alejandra Ramon will also be in the mix .

For the boys, Jack Boyd is

Lizzee Winkler

the district ’s top returning runner. The senior finished 84th at State and will lead a team made up of Hunter Hendry, Derek Waite and Jeffrey Nguyen.

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Jeffrey Nguyen

Tennis

Klein oak

MATCH POINT Klein Oak’s [Back Row]: Pedro Gachineiro, Gabby Canales, Diego Miranda and Aubrey Kuehn-Ponder; [Front Row]: Daniel Duque and Mia Davidson

Diego Miranda

Gabby Canales

“WITH AN ENTIRELY N E W CORE OF KIDS WE AR E EXCITED TO SEE TO SEE HOW THIS GROUP GR OWS AS A TEAM. WE’LL H AVE A NE W TENNIS FACILIT Y, A FRESH NE W TEAM, AN D AS ALWAYS A LOT OF FUN! TENNIS IS NOT US UALLY THE FIRST THING PEOPLE THINK ABOUT WHEN TH EY HEAR KLEIN OAK AN D WE HOPE TO FIX THAT.” — KLEIN OAK TENNIS COACH PETER WOOD kleinisd.net / / A U G 2022 / / K L E I N I S D / / 61

Klein oak Kendall Brown

Jack Boyd

Alaina Nugierw

Kelsey Sledge

Ryne Berger

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LET’S GO OAK

AS TH O U SAN DS TAK E TO T H E GR AN D PAR K WAY HIGHWAY 99, T HE BEA CON OF LIGHT AT T HE GOSLI NG ROAD E XI T C AN BE S E E N AS A CON S TAN T — T H E K LEIN OAK PANT HERS . T HE S IGNS S HINES PROU DLY ON T H E AT H LE T I C WI N G OF T H E B U I LDIN G . A S UBT LE F LEX TO T HE CIT Y OF HOUS TON. T HE PANT HERS AR E RAM PE D U P FOR A S U CCE SS F U L 2 02 2 - 2 3 S E A S ON WIT H HIGH EXPECTAT IONS A S US UAL . F OOT BALL LO OKS TO I M P R OVE ITS P L AYOF F S E E DIN G AN D VOLLEY BALL BAT T LES TO GET INTO T HE POS TS EA S ON AF TER L A ST Y E AR ’S AB S E N CE . CR O SS COUN T RY IS COM ING OF F A T ERRIF IC S EA S ON, WHICH S AW THE LADIES RE A C H T H E S TAT E M E E T. WH AT WILL T HEY D O F OR AN ENCORE? Klein Oak’s [Back Row]: Kelsey Sledge, Kendall Brown, Chloe Smith, Sarabeth Jarratt and Madeline Domino; [Front Row]: Lexi Allen, Devin Summers and Kylie Wade

Alexander Marsland

Alejandra Ramon

Lauren Dale

Derek Waite

Mia Davidson

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Klein oak Devin Summers

Malachi Oldacre

Tatum Lockhardt

Thomas Payne

Dezra Daduya

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Leading Orthopedic Care to

KEEP YOU MOVING Our sports medicine specialists in Northwest Houston can help keep your body in motion.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know every movement matters. Our board-certified sports medicine specialists offer:

Spring Willowbrook

45

59

Towne Lake 8

610

• The latest imaging and technology • Advanced nonsurgical treatments • Minimally invasive procedures • State-of-the-art physical and occupational therapy Whether you’re suffering from simple aches and pains or dealing with a complex injury, we can get you back on your feet — and keep you moving.

Your health and safety are our priority. We are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic — offering same-day care

20 convenient locations across Greater Houston

Same-day appointments for injuries.

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/sportsmed 281.737.0999