Liberty Hill Sports 8-15-19

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, August 15, 2019 Section B Page 1

Best-ever finish at Westwood Nelson, Huppee named to all-tourney team

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Four years ago, head Coach Gretchen Peterson began taking her Liberty Hill volleyball squad to the Westwood Showcase tournament in Austin, but never before had the Lady Panthers succeeded as they did last weekend.

Liberty Hill finished fourth in the Gold Bracket, highlighted

by Ashley Nelson and Emily Huppee being named to the all-tournament team following sparkling performances by both.

According to Peterson, there were positives all around.

“It’s still really early, so we have plenty to work on, but I think we took big strides in the right direction,” said Peterson.

“That has to be our goal each day, we need to be a little bit better than the day before and I feel the girls did that this weekend.”

The Lady Panthers feature a blend of experienced varsity players and newcomers who are already contributing, said Peterson.

“We have a number of returners that gained great experience last year, plus they have a year of playing together under their belts,” she said. “The new additions to the team are a great compliment to those experienced returners. We are also an athletic group of players this year and they have put in a ton of work in the offseason.”

The squad opened the tourney on Thursday at McNeil High School with a match against South San Antonio, which they lost by a score of 2-1 (25-20, 13-25, 25-20). Emma Becker had eight kills and 15 assists, while Nelson contributed six kills. Haley Kuhlmann led with eight digs and Ashleigh Dubbs added four blocks.

The Lady Panthers quickly rebounded from defeat in the opener to down Brewer 2-0 (25-12, 25-22), as Nelson had eight kills, Emma Parsons 10 assists, Kuhlmann five digs and Kinsee Escamilla and Ailie Hair each blocked four shots.

In Thursday’s final match of the day, Liberty Hill was once again victorious with a 2-0 (2514, 25-18) success against St. Stephen’s. Escamilla and Nelson each had five kills, Becker nine assists, Nelson three digs and Hair four blocks.

Getting contributions up and down the entire roster is what makes playing at an event such as the Westwood Showcase invaluable and bodes well as they continue to get ready for district play, with players such as Nelson, Escamilla and Hair leading the front line, said

See VOLLEYBALL, Page B4

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Ashleigh Dubbs and Ashley Nelson play a ball during a victory against St. Stephen’s at the Westwood Showcase in Austin.

Panthers look to replace star back

Last season’s top two backs gained 3,975 yards, scored 53 touchdowns

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Last season, Kyle Harrison ran wild over opposing defenses to the tune of 2,872 yards and 40 touchdowns while fellow senior ballcarrier Shane Gonzales added another 1,103 out of the Liberty Hill backfield.

But, the Panthers running game wasn’t restricted to only those two.

In fact, the Purple and Gold set a new all-conferences, Texas state record with 7,417 yards rushing. Do the math and that’s a robust 494.5 yards per game.

A lot of offense to replace for Panthers head Coach Jeff Walker, as he readies his squad for the upcoming season with one eye on returning to the Class 4A championship game.

So, this season a lot more of the offensive burden will

fall on the shoulders of senior quarterback Jacob Cearley, who ran for 737 yards last fall with a second-best 18 touchdowns along with new No. 1 running back Blake Simpson, who piled up 662 yards and eight scores.

No worries, said Walker.

“The offense we run is a proven system,” he said. “You plug in young men who are willing to work.”

For Walker, it’s all about the speed at which his offense runs, which makes all the difference.

“We want to always play like our hair’s on fire,” he said.

“We preach we need all 11 guys to be at full speed.”

Cearley is certainly ready for the challenge.

“I don’t feel pressure, but I know I have to step up,” he said. “Our goal is to score every time we have the ball.”

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Liberty Hill senior quarterback Jacob Cearley (#11) rolls out and looks downfield for a receiver during practice this week.

The Panthers’ signal-caller realizes in order for the offense to operate at peak efficiency, everything must run smoothly with no room for error.

“Every single day in practice, we run every play we have, so during games it comes natural,” said Cearley. “As for me,

I just do what I’m supposed to do.”

Much like Cearley stepped up last season starting for the first time, so Simpson will be required to do the same this year as a junior, but it’s something he believes he’s ready for.

“I’ve just worked really hard

and not missed any reps in practice,” said Simpson. “I want to challenge Kyle’s records.”

Walker knows he has lightning in a bottle with Simpson, or perhaps thunder, he said.

“I get nervous talking about this young man because he’s

got so much potential and I don’t want to put any extra pressure on him,” said Walker. “We call him ‘Crazy Legs’ because he’s all over the place with his running style.”

Never was Simpson’s

See FOOTBALL, Page B6

Blazing a trail

Sears, Diaz ready to lead

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Madison Sears was never interested in being a distance runner.

Only problem was she ended up being really good at it.

“I never really wanted to do it,” Sears said. “I hadn’t ever focused on distance and didn’t think it was my thing. In fact, I wanted to be a sprinter. But, I continued to keep getting better.”

So when did the Liberty Hill senior realize she had found her calling on the trails?

“My freshman year, we had a meet in Cedar Park and Coach (Kim) Holt had said it was pretty much a make-or-break

race as far as if you were going to make the varsity,” Sears said. “I ended up cutting a minute off my time and moved up to varsity.”

Sears also played basketball earlier on in her athletic career, but upon her arrival on the high school campus, she quickly realized she would be best served running without dribbling a ball. Along the way, she discovered an aspect of the sport that she has since found to be one of the most gratifying aspects of her young life.

“Mostly, it’s the people,” she said. “We’re like a family – we

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Madison Sears has developed a passion for running over the course of her career. As a senior, Sears is ready to help lead the team See CROSS COUNTRY, Page B4 into another successful season.

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Page B2

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Senior Tyler Franklin hits a forehand shot during Liberty Hill’s home victory against San Marcos on Tuesday.

Liberty Hill senior Lauren Crow returns a shot in Tuesday’s home tournament.

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor A new season has begun on the purple hardcourts of Liberty Hill High School and the Panther stringers are off to a flying start, prevailing in their opening two matches of the campaign.

First up was a dominant 10-1 victory against visiting Robinson on Aug. 6.

In girls’ singles, Liberty Hill No. 1 Lauren Crow won 8-6, No. 2 McKenzie Coleman won 8-5, No. 3 Madison Sudekum lost, 8-5, No. 4 Ava Tolley won, 8-0, No. 5 Cassidy Sudekum won, 8-4, No. 6

to follow – they did and it showed. This time last fall, we weren’t in playing shape yet, so it’s very nice to see the players come back ready to compete.”

Liberty Hill is missing some leadership off last year’s team, but certainly showed no nervousness in the opener against Robinson, said Dodd.

“Losing top seniors from last year like Henry Madison, Gunnar Ortega, Kennedy Coleman and McKenzie Wukasch are hard to replace,” he said. “But, the team didn’t miss a beat and came out on top after doubles leading 7-0 and only needing

ALEX RUBIO PHOTOS

LHHS wins opening matches of the new tennis season Lorelei Fay won, 8-1 and No. 7 Eliza Homorodi won, 8-5.

In boys’ singles, No. 1 Patrick Fay won 8-6, No. 2 Tyler Franklin won 8-4, No. 3 Zack Kizer won 8-2, No. 4 Ethan Warrington lost 8-2, No. 5 Colin Garner won, 8-0, No. 6 Ethan Wukasch won 8-1 and No. 7 Will Snell won 8-0.

In girls’ doubles, the No. 1 duo of Tolley and Crow won 8-0, No. 2 Coleman and Cassidy Sudekum won 8-1, No. 3 Madison Sudekum and Fay won 8-5 and No. 4 Homorodi and Tolley won 6-3.

In boys’ doubles, No. 1 Fay and Kizer won 8-5, No. 2

Franklin and Wukasch won 8-4, No. 3 Snell and Garner won 8-0.

Finally in mixed doubles, Warrington and Homorodi won 8-0.

Overall, Liberty Hill prevailed in all matches played by a 20-2 score.

According to Liberty Hill head Coach Philip Dodd, his defending district-champion squad is better prepared for the rigors that lie ahead this fall than a year ago at this time.

“The team did a great job of playing and improving over the summer,” said Dodd.

“They had a point system

three singles wins to seal the victory.

“Particularly impressive was Patrick Fay, who won both his singles and doubles matches and played with the poise of a veteran,” said Dodd. “Anytime you have a freshman at the top and winning matches, it strengthens the team that much more.”

The Panthers only have one senior boys’ player in Franklin, but feature four on the girls’ side of the net in Crow, Tolley, Lorelei Fay and Angie Melendy, who will all help lead the team.

Sophomore Eliza Homoro-

di is optimistic with what the new season brings.

“I think we’re off to a good start – we’re really doing good so far,” she said.

After moving to Texas at age two from California, it wasn’t long before she picked up a racket. After all, it’s in her blood, she said.

“My whole family plays tennis,” said Homorodi. “My parents and grandparents, so I always wanted to play.”

With a full season under her belt as a freshman last year, Homorodi now knows what

See TENNIS, Page B4

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

Waiting for her chance to shine

Escamilla overcomes injuries to succeed

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Kinsee Escamilla knows what it’s like to wait.

She waited to become a highschool freshman and take the court as a Liberty Hill volleyball player.

But, a broken foot on the eve of the season kept her on the sidelines for most of the campaign.

So, she waited some more, but then suffered an ankle injury right at the beginning of her sophomore season.

More waiting.

Now, as she prepares for her junior year, the 5-foot-11 outside hitter is hoping to proudly wear the Purple and Gold for a full season for the first time in her prep career.

If anything, the trials and tribulations she endured the past two seasons has taught her to fully appreciate the moment and take nothing for granted, she said.

“I realize now I have to work hard every chance I get and prove I belong,” said Escamilla. “Also, I feel like now I enjoy it more.”

Escamilla’s injuries certainly didn’t kill her, but they made her stronger, she said.

“It was very heartbreaking at the time because I worked so hard for it, especially over the summer,” said Escamilla.

“I’ve been playing volleyball since I was five or six.”

According to head Coach Gretchen Peterson, Escamilla was a rising star at the time of her initial injury, making the varsity squad as only a freshman two years ago.

“Kinsee had really good court sense and could keep up with the speed of the game,” said Peterson. “She never played like a freshman.”

So, as the Lady Panthers practiced at a recent session at the Purple Palace, Escamilla was thrilled to finally be able to embark on her maiden voyage of full-time high school competition, even though now she has to take cautionary measures to keep history from repeating itself.

“I had to retrain how I walk and jump,” she said. “Before I used to do both on the outside of my feet, but now I have to

always land on the inside.”

She also utilizes physical therapy techniques known as “cupping” and “scraping,” which are methods of soft tissue mobilization.

While she was out injured, Escamilla remained a critical part of the team – to her credit, said Peterson.

“She has always been a great teammate,” she said. “Kinsee’s a great leader and is always super positive and her teammates recognize that about her.”

Escamilla couldn’t simply sit idle while her teammates battled on without her, she said.

“I really tried to get involved even though I couldn’t play,” said Escamilla. “Even as a freshman, my teammates were very inviting.”

After all, it’s part of nature, she said.

“I feel like I’m very selfless and like to make other people happy,” said Escamilla. “All I wanted was to still be part of the team.”

On her way to high school, Escamilla played other sports including basketball, but decided to give up roundball

once she reached the prep level.

“I really didn’t have time for it anymore with all the club volleyball I was playing,” she said.

However, in the spring, Escamilla is on the track team, specializing in the throwing events, which helps her when she is back in the gym, she said.

“I grew up playing baseball and always liked to throw things,” said Escamilla. “So, I decided to do the shot put because I knew it would help me with my strength, which allows me to hit the ball harder. Also, my parents and coach encouraged me to throw because of my long arms.”

So, now that’s she’s back at full strength, Escamilla is only looking forward to one thing for the upcoming season, she said.

“I want our team to do the best we can,” said Escamilla.

“For me, that would be a perfect season.”

As for the rough waters she’s already managed to successfully navigate, Escamilla is

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Kinsee Escamilla has battled through injuries her first two years of high school to play an important role this season. philosophical about it all.

“Everything that has happened has given me a new perspective,” she said. “But, I

know it was all part of God’s plan and has made me grow as a person.”

Liberty Hill Youth Soccer Association introduces its coaching team

Special to The Independent The Liberty Hill Youth Soccer Association (LHYSA) is excited to announce its team of professional coaches for the Advanced Development Program (ADP), which includes both Select and Academy level players.

This is the first season the club has been able to offer professional coaching to each of the advanced teams and is a direct response to the growth and interest for quality soccer programs in the community.

Led by Technical Director Arturo Duarte, the club is ready for another fantastic season of soccer, filled with personal player growth and team success.

Duarte joined LHYSA two years ago and the club hasn’t looked back since. His passion and insight has elevated the club ahead of the trends, increasing recognition locally and among club rivals.

Impressively accomplished, Duarte developed his private training skills under former English striker Gifton Noel

Williams and midfielder Pierce Kiembi. He continued to develop his coaching skills with the Liverpool International Academy under the Director of Coaching Rob Hayward.

In his capacity as Technical Director for LHYSA, Duarte manages and oversees all player and coaching development.

He also ensures that coaches are adhering to the association’s curriculum as well as implementing the philosophy and style of play across the entire club, regardless of age group or playing level.

Duarte currently coaches the 05 Boys Select team and is joined by his team of ADP coaches Alec Bellamy (10 Boys Academy), Brandon Taylor (07 Girls Select), Kevin Fleming (08 Boys Select, 10 Girls Academy) and Kelsey Moore (11 Girls Academy).

You can follow LHYSA on Facebook, visit their website at www.libertyhillsoccer.org or contact the board at info@ libertyhillsoccer.org.

It’s time to get your soccer Advanced Development Program coaches for Liberty Hill Youth Soccer Association are, from left, Kelsey Moore, Kevin Fleming, on!

Arturo Duarte, Alec Bellamy and Brandon Taylor. (Courtesy Photo)

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Thursday, August 15, 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

PANTHER PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Page B3

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Liberty Hill’s Stephen Sheffield takes a water break during a recent early-season practice. The Panthers have been working hard to stay cool in every activity this summer as they prepare for a new school year.

Golden State to Lone Star

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor So, there I was.

Standing on the shores of the Pacific in Oceanside, California, looking out over the deep, blue sea under sunny skies and mild temperatures on a picture-perfect postcard day.

I was there covering a women’s professional surfing competition, my last assignment for The San Diego Union-Tribune.

I had never covered the sport before and have never stood on a surfboard in my life. (We’re not all surfers). Anyway, it was a fitting journalistic send-off for me before I hit the road.

Why do I tell you this story?

Well, a few days later, I found myself deep in the heart of Texas.

Don’t mess with Texas.

Everything’s big in Texas.

God bless Texas.

You get the idea.

I had only driven through the Lone Star State a few times in my life without spending any significant time here, although it does take significant time just to drive from one end of the state to the other.

In fact, it’s exactly 830 miles from El Paso to Beaumont driving west to east, while it’s actually farther – 848 miles – from San Diego to Crescent City, California, driving south to north. In addition, although Texas has 100,000 more square miles than California, the Golden State has 10 million more people.

But, enough numbers already.

Let me make one thing perfectly clear. I love California.

It’s one of the greatest, most beautiful places on God’s green Earth.

However, over the past couple decades since I was a lad growing up in year-round 72-degree weather dreaming of someday being a big-league baseball player, my home state has undergone many changes – most of them for the worse. Even my hometown of San Diego, which has always viewed Los Angeles as the Evil Empire to the North, has become just as overcrowded (albeit still about half the size, but we’re talking about per capita volume and people per square mile.)

We won’t even talk about the outrageous cost of living.

Okay, we will.

Make about 100 grand a year?

You can live halfway-decent, but anything less and it’s a struggle to survive – and surviving isn’t living.

Not to mention it’s like living in a giant ant farm, where going to Walmart is like wading your way through a mosh pit at a metal concert.

No fun unless Iron Maiden is on stage.

Anyway, my last full-time gig was in Fremont County, Wyoming, which was a massive culture shock to my system because I had never experienced small-town life before and for me in my profession, covering sports and all.

In Southern California, professional and college sports rule the day. Nobody really cares about high-school sports unless your kid happens to play on the team.

Now, don’t get me wrong.

Chad Moore finished the Ironman Triathlon in a total time of 12:01:50, good enough for 35th place in the men’s 50-54 division. (Courtesy Photo)

Crossing the finish line

Local businessman uses endurance sports, faith to overcome adversity

I know all about “Hook ‘em Horns” and “Gig ‘em, Aggies” and the hold college pigskin has on this state, not to mention “How ‘bout them Cowboys!” on the pro level.

But for me, I always heard about how legendary highschool football in Texas was and long before “Friday Night Lights” made it famous.

Well, I realized that was absolutely no joke the first time I laid eyes on Panther Stadium.

I’m pretty sure there are small colleges out there that would be more than happy to boast of such a beautiful venue to call home.

I gave myself a self-guided walking tour of all the playing fields and was duly impressed across the board – baseball and softball fields and so forth.

Another thing.

Purple.

Even the garbage cans are purple.

Let there be no question whatsoever you are in Panther Country when you go to discard a beverage cup or food wrapper at a game only to find the Color of Royalty waiting to greet you.

Which brings me to my next point.

Spending three years in Wyoming taught me one thing about high school sports in small-town America -- the passion level that exists within the local populace.

Here, we’re a bit closer to the big time with Dallas, Houston and San Antonio right up or down the road, but in Liberty Hill, it’s all about the purple, which you quickly realize when you see local businesses flying flags to support the Panthers.

In Wyoming, my beat encompassed seven high schools and a community college, so I never had the opportunity to completely immerse myself in any one of them in particular.

Here, it’s different. One town, one school, one color.

My first competitive event was when I made the short trip to Austin last week to see the Lady Panthers volleyball squad play in the Westwood Showcase, where they finished fourth in the Gold Bracket, the best-ever showing for head Coach Gretchen Peterson’s club.

Although as I made my way down Ronald Reagan Boulevard and the traffic and people got thicker, I wasn’t digging it, although compared to what I’m accustomed to, no worries.

But, that’s the beauty of a place

like Liberty Hill.

City close, country calm.

I was happy when it was time to head back to my new home at day’s end.

In addition to my sports writing career, I spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as a military journalist and I can honestly say it was the best decade of my entire life. I like to say joining the Army was the smartest thing I ever did and leaving was the worst.

I raised my right hand a month after 9/11 and was on a mission to do my small part in reaction to what happened that day. It’s very important to me to have a distinct purpose. At the time and for the years that followed, that purpose was to serve my country in a time of war.

There’s something to be said about being part of something bigger than yourself and when you get up and put on the uniform every morning, there’s no greater feeling in the world.

I really miss it.

But, that brings me to my final point.

Going back to having a purpose.

My new objective is to serve the sports public of Liberty Hill, and I like to believe everything that has transpired in the past year of my life has brought me to this place as part of God’s plan for me.

Bottom line is I’m here for a reason and that’s to provide the absolute best local sports coverage I’m capable of – not because it’s my job, but because I feel a civic responsibility to the community to do so.

The most gratifying aspect of my experience in the Cowboy State was the relationships I developed with coaches, parents and the players themselves.

I’ll be honest.

It took me about a year to fully buy into the small-town sports mentality, but once I finally did, there was no looking back. As a result, my work was that much better and much more enjoyable once I got to actually know the people who would be reading my words every day.

Whenever I arrived someplace to cover a game or event, I didn’t want to let them down and I don’t think I ever did.

Here in Liberty Hill, there’s no adjustment period and I’m hitting the ground running.

So, here’s to a long and fruitful relationship with all of you.

Very cool, indeed.

Sports@LHIndependent.com

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor On the wall of Chad Moore’s business is a banner signifying his finish in the Ironman Triathlon in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2015.

For most endurance athletes, it is simply a validation of the hard work and dedication needed in order to cross the finish line of one of the most grueling athletic endeavors one can undertake.

But, for Moore, it’s so much more.

Moore took up the sport at a relatively advanced age after his wife, Kristi, passed away from breast cancer in 2012.

Ironman was a kind of coping mechanism, he said.

“Endurance training helped me focus on what I needed to do at the time,” said Moore, who owns Moore Liberty Buildings on Highway 29 in Liberty Hill.

Four years on from his initial Ironman experience and Moore once again felt the need to participate in another, in Whistler, British Columbia, on Aug. 3 – his first fulllength event since – having competed in shorter ones in the interim.

He finished in a total of 12:01:50, including the 2.4mile swim (1:20:33), 112mile bike ride (6:09) and 26.2-mile run (4:17.80), good enough for a 35th Place finish in the men’s 50-54 age group.

Ironically, Moore was a baseball player growing up and endurance sports were the furthest thing from his mind.

“I actually hated running,” said Moore, who is originally from Austin, but moved to Northern California before returning to Texas in 2006 and settling in Liberty Hill, has family roots going back a couple generations.

Nothing could prepare him for the gauntlet of suffering he would endure as he trained and competed in his new sport – although it was nothing compared to the emotional grief he suffered after his wife’s passing.

“It was a personal journey to prove to myself I was whole once again and could deal with everything,” Moore said.

“Now, I continue to compete in order to inspire others to push through when you undergo involuntary situations in your life.”

According to Moore, competing in Ironman events taught him the discipline necessary to get his entire life back on track after such tragic events.

“I crossed an emotional finish line that day in Chattanooga,” Moore said. “I was then able to focus on developing relationships which required emotional and social investments.”

Of course, deciding to take up triathlon is one thing, go-

ing about it is something altogether different, but Moore had some happenstance help along the way.

“I was out on a training ride on Ronald Reagan Boulevard and bumped into riders from Georgetown Triathletes and they really took me under their wing,” he said. “They gave me so much mental and social encouragement and all of a sudden now I had a framework for my training.”

One other very important thing Moore has relied on throughout his life is religion.

“I’ve always had a deep faith in God – it’s been a huge part of who I am,” Moore said. “I’ve done a lot of soul-searching and settled on being fit, faithful and fulfilled. Faith is what supports it all. God invites us into a relationship to redeem situations which are meant for harm and with His love and character, we can work with Him to bring good out of tragic situations.”

Moore is now married to his second wife Amanda as they continue to raise their four children, while he moves forward with some newfound knowledge.

“One thing I learned through it all is to never give up,” he said. “You’re capable of so much more than you think you are.”

The event featured a 112-mile bike ride through the scenic countryside. (Courtesy Photo)

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Tennis

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Continued from Page B2

to expect when she takes the court at the high school level.

“At first, it’s much different than the youth level where you always play people your same age,” she said. “In high school, you can be a freshman playing against a senior.”

So, in order to be ready for tougher competition, all the work that goes in between matches is critical, said Homorodi.

“You really have to focus more and work harder during practice,” she said. “It’s a lot more serious.”

Although she’s a baseline player, she’s working on developing a serve-and-volley game, which will make her more versatile and difficult to beat.

“Serve-and-volley players at this level are rare,” said Homorodi. “But, I’m not afraid to go to the net.”

For her, victory isn’t always a proper measuring stick, depending on the level of your opponent, she said.

“It’s not always about just winning,” said Homorodi.

“It’s about how much you’ve improved, especially against better players.”

On Tuesday, the Panthers hosted Class 6A San Marcos and once again came away victorious by a score of 10-5 in official matches and 16-9 overall.

On the girls’ singles side, the Panthers swept all nine matches as No. 1 Lauren Crow (8-3), No. 2 McKenzie Coleman (86), No. 3 Ava Tolley (8-0), No. 4 Cassidy Sudekum (8-2), No. 5 Madison Sudekum (8-6), No. 6 Lorelei Fay (8-2), No.

7 Eliza Homorodi (6-1), No. 8 Ava Ortega (6-2) and No. 9 Abby Gates (6-2) were all victorious on the day.

In boys’ singles, No. 1 Patrick Fay was defeated 8-4, while No. 2 Tyler Franklin (8-2) and No. 3 Colin Garner (8-2) both won their matches. The rest of the road for the boys was rough as No. 4 Zack Kiser (82), No. 5 Will Snell (9-7), No. 6 Ethan Wukasch (9-8), No. 7 Robert Ramirez (6-2) and No. 8 Will Gray (6-3) all lost.

Girls’ doubles saw Liberty Hill sweep aside the Rattlers with wins in all four matches.

No. 1 duo Tolley and Crow (8-0), No. 2 Fay and Cassidy Sudekum (8-1), No. 3 Homorodi and Coleman (8-2) and No. 4 Ortega and Gates (6-3) were winners.

In boys’ doubles, No. 1 Fay and Kizer (8-1) and No. 2 Snell and Garner (8-2) both lost, while No. 3 Franklin and Wukasch (8-3) won.

Mixed doubles saw Ramirez and Madison Sudekum lose, 8-3.

Dodd was ready for a challenge from Rattlers head Coach Michael Martinez and his squad, he said.

“San Marcos always has a good team,” said Dodd. “I’ve know Coach Martinez for several years and have competed against his team and they continue to improve. He’s also my assistant at Camp Chenawah in New York during the summers, so I know what kind of coach he is.”

Dodd was pleased with his team’s overall performance.

“San Marcos’ boys’ team was solid and we had a few close

Cross Country

Continued from Page B1

all get up at 6 a.m. and train together.”

Fellow senior Gabe Diaz had something in common with Sears in that he also didn’t fancy himself running long-distance races.

“I wish I was fast enough to be a sprinter,” he said. “But, I just always wanted to be the best at whatever I did and go farther than anyone else.”

Diaz has also played baseball, basketball and run track, but it’s off-road where he’s most excelled, although he finished fifth in the Class 4A state track meet in the 800 meters as a sophomore and also clocked a personal best 4:40 in the 1600 that season.

According to Diaz, running is as much or more mental than anything.

“It’s all a mindset – it’s what we do,” he said. “In order to get better and faster, we all have to work harder.”

In addition to the 800 and 1600, Diaz also competes in the 4x400-meter relay, which is a mental challenge as far as flipping a kind of competitive

switch when going from one event to the other, he said.

“For example, the 1600 is a thinking race – there’s more strategy involved and you’re out there on your own, so you only plan for yourself,” said Diaz. “But, when you’re running a relay, you go out as hard and fast as you can and you don’t want to let the other guys down.”

Despite the fact cross country is an individual sport, Sears said the team spirit and camaraderie are always alive and well.

“We always talk about running in groups, whether it’s practice or races,” she said.

“It’s cool when you can feed off other people.”

During races, that can come from teammates or opponents, including the inevitable pain and suffering inherent in the sport.

“You just have to keep telling yourself the other person is hurting just as much as you are – it’s all about mental strength and being able to stay with that person,” said Sears. “I tell my

Peterson.

“What was great about this tournament is all the players contributed at various times and in different roles,” she said. “Those three were able to lead our offense and get some key points at critical times, but they also were leaders for us in communication and morale, which is great. This team really does a good job of trying to keep each other up and positive -- they believe in each other and this team.”

After going 2-1 on Thursday, the Lady Panthers returned to the court with three more matches on Friday to determine seeding for Saturday.

Once again, Liberty Hill came out on the short end in the opener with a loss at the hands of Vandegrift, 2-0 (25-18, 2513) despite four kills from Escamilla and three for Nelson along with seven assists from Becker and two blocks each for Nelson and Hair.

However, like on the opening day, they bounced back dutifully with a pair of wins to close out pool play. First up was McNeil, whom they downed 2-1 (22-25, 25-23, 2523) in a hard-fought battle in which Escamilla contributed nine kills to the cause, while Nelson recorded eight. Becker had 16 assists, Kuhlmann 10 digs and Hair 11 blocks. Liberty Hill served up five aces in the match as Huppee, Hair, Maddi Rowley, Kuhlmann and Becker had one apiece.

Another day, another 2-1 re-

cord and the Lady Panthers found themselves in the Gold Bracket for Saturday’s action in which they first faced Antonian, who they defeated 2-0 (25-19, 25-23). Nelson and Hair each had six kills, while Becker added 18 assists and Kuhlmann had eight digs and three aces.

But, that was where the Lady Panthers good fortune came to an end, as they dropped their final two matches of the weekend.

Liberty Hill lost to Westwood in the semifinals, 2-0 (25-17, 25-19) as Escamilla had four kills, Becker seven assists and Kuhlmann three digs.

Finally, in the third-place match against Round Rock, the Lady Panthers were defeated, 2-0 (25-19, 25-22).

Escamilla and Huppee each led with four kills, as Becker added 12 assists, Kuhlmann four digs and Rowley, Hair and Escamilla each had a pair of blocks.

Host Westwood won the Gold Bracket with a three-set victory over Vandegrift in the championship match.

In the aftermath of her club’s 5-4 record for the weekend, Peterson appreciated what her squad had accomplished as they move forward.

“We’ll lean on these hardfought wins and losses as we approach district and postseason play,” she said. “We can learn so much from these types of matches, as long as we’re learning and getting

Volleyball

matches we couldn’t finish, but our girls are one of the toughest teams in the area and showed it again, not dropping any matches and only having a couple close ones,” he said.

“Our boys are still mostly young with Tyler Franklin being the only senior and most are sophomores with only a year experience at the varsity level, but they’re holding their own and by the time district and the playoffs come around they’ll be tough to beat.”

One of the biggest challenges for Dodd at the beginning of a new season is to figure out his lineup and make sure his players are in shape, he said.

“At the beginning of any new season, I’m mainly looking for doubles pairings – I’ll mix it up for a month or so and have it set before district starts. Of course, I’m looking at physical fitness during matches to see how much conditioning we need to do.”

Dodd also said some of his players have already distinguished themselves.

“It’s still early, but freshman Patrick Fay is looking ready and senior Tyler Franklin is picking up where he left off,” he said. “Our boys’ side is still young, but so so much better than the start of last season.

Colin Garner is also playing well early. On the girls’ side, senior Lauren Crow continues to dominate as well as senior Ava Tolley, but most improved I think thus far is senior Lorelei Fay. She was top JV last season and just couldn’t break out, but the summer was obviously good to her because she is hitting with more confidence

teammates all the time you can’t be afraid to hurt. A lot of it is mind over matter.”

As a senior, Sears feels the responsibility that comes along with being someone the younger runners look to for guidance and truly embraces the concept.

“I really enjoy it because when I came in as a freshman, we had those leaders to help us, so it was nice to be able to have that in the beginning.”

Cross country is a sport in which one must be fully immersed around the clock in order to ensure maximum performance levels, a concept both Sears and Diaz have fully bought into.

“You have to keep your body in great shape,” Diaz said.

“Sometimes after a run, you have to eat to load up on carbs or do more lifting to get stronger.”

Speaking of food, Sears said she knows exactly when she’s pushing herself hard enough.

“I probably throw up more than anyone else on the team,” she said. “But, for me, all

Thursday, August 15, 2019

SCOTT AKANEWICH PHOTO

Ava Ortega returns a shot during the Panthers’ opening match of the season against Robinson on Aug. 6. and winning.”

One big change that will affect his squad is the start of school, for academic as well as atmospheric reasons, said Dodd.

“It’ll be hot. We’ve been playing in the morning – now it will be after school, so stamina and hydration will be very important,” he said. “We don’t miss much school in fall – especially this year with a heavy home schedule, so they should be fine in the classroom. With tennis, we usually have great students. Last year, we had

throughout the day, I have to monitor how much water I’m drinking to stay hydrated, make sure I eat right and of course get enough sleep.”

Except when studying gets in the way of proper rest.

“I’m up every morning at 4:30, so I try to get to sleep by around 10, but sometimes I’ll still have homework which needs to be done,” she said.

“Sometimes, I’ll be exhausted when I’m at school.”

Something Sears recently decided to take up is ceramics, which provides her with a welcome respite from the endless cycle of studies and athletics, she said.

“I really like working the wheel and creating things like pottery,” said Sears. “It’s something I just started last year.”

For Diaz, competing for Liberty Hill is a dream come true, he said.

“It’s awesome because I used to go to the football games and be one of those little kids running around on the field,” he said. “I would say to myself I

the valedictorian in Kennedy Coleman and several top 10 percent players and expect the same this year. Grades always come first.”

As for what he wants his team to ultimately look like, Dodd uses the defending state champions as a measuring stick.

“I use Fredericksburg’s program and talent to compare us to. We competed against them in the regional quarterfinals, falling 17- 2 and they should repeat again this year,” he said. “They have junior high and middle school programs

and I’m trying to get that started here. The team knows their goals and sees the path we need to take. Many of them are taking lessons on their own time and playing USTA tournaments when we aren’t playing.”

The Panthers (2-0) will host Copperas Cove on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. and Weiss on Friday at 4 p.m., then travel to Bastrop for a dual match against Cedar Creek and Brenham on Saturday before returning home against Hutto on Aug. 22 at 4:30 p.m.

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Gabe Diaz has lived his entire life in Liberty Hill and is proud to represent the Panthers on the Cross Country team. was going to be one of those guys, so being from here my whole life and getting to represent my school is an honor.”

As far as what this season has in store, Sears is optimistic special things lie ahead on the trails.

“I think our team has a different dynamic this year,” she said. “I’m ready for regionals and state already.”

Liberty Hill will open the season on Aug. 16 at Leander High School.

Continued from Page B1

better. Along with that comes confidence we’ll need as we go through the season.”

Peterson praised Becker and Parsons for their precision passing to the big hitters up front.

“We’re lucky to have two really talented setters and they did a good job of moving the ball to our hitters,” she said.

“We also passed well and had good ball control in the matches, which gave our setters the time they needed to make the right decisions.”

As far as playing nine matches over a short, three-day period, Peterson believes it’s that kind of mental and physical conditioning her team will need as they negotiate the road ahead, she said.

“We’re still getting in shape and getting the mental focus we’ll need to make a long run and if we can work on those things now, we’ll be better for it. We’ll have challenges and struggles to work through and that’s okay – we need to to get stronger.”

Peterson said the fact her entire roster saw action over the weekend creates a camaraderie and synergy that only all-inclusive involvement can provide.

“We want each player to know they’re prepared if and when they’re called on,” she said. “We want them to get reps now and throughout all of the preseason so they can step on the court with confidence.

We also know those reps need

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Maddie Rowley got valuable playing time over the weekend at the Westwood Showcase. to come from practice too and that’s where we get the work done as a team. So when we win a match, every player had a part in the win, whether they were on the court or not. The way we push and make each other better is how we win late in the season.”

Playing against tough competition from bigger schools is one of the biggest benefits of playing in events like Westwood, said Peterson.

“We try to play a tough preseason so we can be the best we can be,” she said. “Losses early are better than losses late – we may not have a great record, but the quality of play we have is what’s important to us.”

Despite losing two of three matches on Saturday, advancing to the Gold Bracket was

still beneficial, said Peterson.

“These games make us better if we’ll let them,” she said.

“We have to be open to learning and making adjustments – it’s a process for sure. So each time we step on the court we want to get better.”

At this point in a young season, Peterson is still experimenting in hope of finding what works best and identifying strengths and weaknesses.

“We have so much talent and depth – players that bring so many different skill sets to the table, so we have the opportunity to work on different lineups and we’ll continue to play with that. We played our best when our ball control was accurate and consistent – it really does set the tone for us. When we passed poorly, we had our highest number of unforced er-

rors, so we have to see the connection there and find a way to better the ball.”

Earlier in the week, the Lady Panthers played a pair of matches at Canyon Lake against the hosts and Clemens, getting a win and a loss.

Liberty Hill defeated Canyon Lake 3-0 (25-15, 25-7, 25-21) as Escamilla recorded 10 kills, while Becker had 15 assists, Parsons five digs, with Dubbs and Hair each getting five blocks. Escamilla, Kuhlmann and Parsons all had two aces.

The Lady Panthers lost to Clemens 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-13). Escamilla pounded six kills while Becker notched 13 assists, Kuhlmann 12 digs and Hair seven blocks.

Liberty Hill (6-5) will next play at the Bastrop tournament this weekend.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page B5

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1421 Thousand Oaks 1200 CR 284 540 N West Street 612 Umbrella Sky

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2436 Deering Creek Dr 1308 Deering Creek Dr 1356 Deering Creek Dr 104 Fatorria Cove 100 Fatorria Cove 120 Red Mulberry 424 Doe Run

401 Mustang Mesa 119 Hickman St 125 Florenz Lane

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Lots For Sale Lot 32 Lot 25 Lot 43

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Bear Creek Ranch

711 Lackey Creek Road

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Shane T. White Shane T. White Adrienne Hughes Shane T. White

Page B6

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 15, 2019

ALEX RUBIO PHOTOS

FOOTBALL

Continued from Page B1

ability more on display than in last season’s Class 4A state semifinal – a 44-41 victory against Carthage in which he outran Harrison 192-154 and matched his teammate’s two touchdowns.

“He hurdled a tackler in that game and took it to the house,” said Walker. “When he’s in the open field, not too many people can catch him.”

But, the offense will revolve around Cearley and his ability to make plays, said Walker.

“When the ball is in Jacob’s hands, good things happen,” he said. “With him being a senior and knowing the offense so well having played it since he was in seventh grade, we have to take advantage of it.”

So, with an entire season of experience as a starter under his belt, Cearley will be expected to take his game to a whole new level.

But, he’s ready.

“I feel a lot more confident this season,” said Cearley.

“Being starting quarterback at Liberty Hill is a big responsibility and our goal is always to make it to the state championship game.”

Which, of course is played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, which is an experience that resonates with Cearley from last season.

“Playing there isn’t like a high-school game,” said Cear-

ley. “You feel like you’re in a video game like ‘Madden’ or something – it was awesome.”

Whether or not the Panthers can once again reach the lofty heights they ascended to last season remains to be seen and Walker said he will believe it when he sees it.

“We’re extremely inexperienced,” said Walker. “We have a lot of potential, but that doesn’t mean anything until you do it. Right now, we have a lot of big guys who are in JV mode who aren’t ready for the speed we want to play with yet. We want our linemen to get into the fat guys before they can stand up.”

However, in order to play at such a frenetic pace, players must be in top shape, which is where conditioning comes into play.

Only it’s madness with a method, said Walker.

“We never run sprints during practice,” he said. “We want our players to be able to practice at a fast pace. But, we’ll run gassers after a scrimmage.”

Liberty Hill’s offense is so prolific, many schools shy away from facing the Panthers, said Walker.

“We can’t get teams out of district to play us,” he said.

“It’s very hard to stop our offense if you only have three days to get ready.”

But, as potent as the Panthers’ Slot-T offense is, Walker is always looking for more ways to carve open opposing defenses, he said.

“Jacob throws the ball really well and we have some guys who can catch it, so we might just open it up a little more this season. Does that mean we’re going to throw 15 times a game? Probably not.”

Cearley completed 17 passes all last season, so the ball will probably remain on the ground and in the capable hands of an entire stable of talented runners.

If you can see them.

“We want to be a purple blur,” said Walker. “We need to hit our holes fast, our blocks fast, everything fast and have plenty of misdirection. If we have guys who don’t have the ball getting tackled, I know we’re doing it right.”

Walker said there’s only one objective for the new campaign.

“You never start a season without the goal of winning a state championship,” he said.

“So, we set our goals high and go out and practice every day to beat the best in the state. If you believe it, you can achieve it. I don’t worry about the scoreboard. If we put the proper energy and effort into it, the rest will take care of itself.”

FIRST ANNUAL “LACES FOR LIBERTY HILL” SHOE DRIVE Operation Liberty Hill, L4 Cares and other local individuals and businesses have united to provide free, new athletic shoes, socks and items for our LHISD children.

HELP US TO BLESS OUR LHISD CHILDREN! YOU CAN DONATE NEW SHOES OR MAKE A MONETARY DONATION TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF SHOES AT OLH OR ON OUR WEBSITE (www.operationlh.org).

SHOE INFO: MUST BE NEW ATHLETIC SHOES CHILDREN SIZES: 12 TO 5 ADULT SIZES: 6 TO 12.

BOTH BOY/GIRL OR MEN/WOMEN NEW SHOES. Shoes can be dropped off at RockPointe Church 170 CR 214, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 or at Operation Liberty Hill 1401 N Hwy 183, Leander, TX 78641.

LHISD children on free/reduced lunch will receive a voucher from the school district through email. If you know of a LHISD student in need of shoes, please refer them to Operation Liberty Hill Food Pantry. (vicky@operationlh.org)

(ABOVE LEFT) Liberty Hill lines up for a play during Saturday’s scrimmage as the Panthers get ready for the season opener. (ABOVE RIGHT) Head Coach Jeff Walker watches players in the Purple and White Scrimmage Saturday. (LEFT) Justin Coffey looks a pass all the way in as the Panthers prepare for the new season. (ABOVE) Parents braved the triple-digit heat Saturday for the season’s opening Purple and White Scrimmage.