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JUNE
Features
2013
Regulars
6
Lead Off
8
Opening Shot
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THE BIG DEAL in NEW DEAL
10 Life as I See It 12
SLM News
13
Run the Race
14
SLM News
46
Sports in the Hub
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
New Deal ISD Athletic Trainer Jill Carver honored as 2012-2013 Texas State Athletic Trainer of the Year by Devin Hargrove
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COVER STORY
GENIUS WITH A GLOVE
Texas Tech’s Brittany Talley balances her bona fide softball skills with astonishing intellect by Joe Szynkowski
Connect
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www.sportslubbock.com | 806.781.8482 www.facebook.com/SportsLubbockMonthly
SWING, SWING, SWING YOUR BAT
www.twitter.com/SportsLubbock
Singing in the batter’s box? Monterey’s Missy Caskey did whatever it took this season to help her team reach the playoffs by Joe Szynkowski
admin@sportslubbock.com
Staff
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PUBLICATION
Toby & Christi Brooks....................................Publishers Kristi Hart..............................................................Editor Baron Batch.....................................Contributing Writer Devin Hargrove................................Contributing Writer Alyssa Kitten....................................Contributing Writer Georgia Reed...................................Contributing Writer Joe Szynkowski...............................Contributing Writer Derek Herron.....................................Account Executive
Area Little League coaches help shape Lubbock youth, and Challenger League opens new facility to provide miles of smiles for Challengers by Georgia Reed ON THE COVER: SLM ace lens toter John Weast again got the nod for this month’s cover image, capturing TTU pitcher Brittany Talley doin’ work at the Rock. Don’t try to get a basehit or outsmart the senior-to-be. Chances are, you’re ill-equipped to do either against the talented athlete and gifted student. WE’RE LATE!
Our apologies for getting this month’s issue out a bit later than normal. We have been caught up with endof-the-school-year responsibilities like most of you and time just got away from us. We’ll be back on track next month, though, we promise!
Sports Lubbock Monthly is published monthly by Chaplain Publishing, a division of NiTROhype Creative, 3104 CR 7520, Lubbock, Texas, 79423, phone 806.781.8482. Contents may not be reproduced without consent of the copyright owner. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronically or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.
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COMMUNITY SPORTS
BIG INVESTMENTS FOR LITTLE LEAGUE
ART
Kristen Bednarz........................................Photographer Michael Dalby...........................................Photographer Dominique Harmon..................................Photographer Larry Martinez...........................................Photographer Regina Penney..........................................Photographer John Weast...............................................Photographer Ashley Wirz...............................................Photographer Toby Brooks.................................................Art Director Donald McArthur...............................Graphic Designer
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
Sports Lubbock Monthly
Sports Lubbock Monthly is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, articles, photographs, or artwork. To submit information, photos, or stories or for advertising inquiries please contact Sports Lubbock Monthly at 806.781.8482, via email at admin@sportslubbock.com, or via the Sports Lubbock website at www.sportslubbock.com.
BROOKS
LEAD OFF
by TOBY
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JUNE
Class is in Session
I
f you’ve been reading this little corner of the magazine since we started way back in October, you’ve learned about persistence. And you’ve discovered the fact that we’re growing. You’ve even heard me rant about rabbits. During that time, I’ve tried to keep it light, fun, and non-controversial. After all, as a new publication, we’re looking to make friends, not lose them. So it might come as a surprise that I’m tiptoeing through a minefield here this month. However, it is something that I feel compelled to share. You see, I help coach my daughter’s 10U softball team. Last season, I helped coach my son’s 6U coach pitch team. Say what you will about society’s gender rules, to me there is simply no better illustration of the fact we were created “male and female” than little league sports. Now before you get upset and label me a sexist, keep in mind that these are ACTUAL, non-prompted observations I have made over the past two years. Your mileage may vary. Check store for details. First, there’s the profound difference in dugout behavior. Last season with the boys, the one or two kids who weren’t playing tended to pass the time doing one of two things, usually dependent upon number. A single boy in the dugout most often searched for bugs or attempted to climb the chain link dugout wall to see if he could touch the roof. Enter a second boy, and those pastimes were scrapped in favor of a words-free but giggle-rich game of punch-the-other-guyas-hard-as-you-can-on-the-shoulder. Or my son’s favorite, the ever-popular Flaming Hot Cheeto Challenge in which participants eat as many mouth-scalding cheese curls as possible without taking a drink. On the other hand, my precious softballers are a different sort. One of our girls, Jacey, typically arranges and organizes. All the batting helmets get alphabetized and situated in a perfect row
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
and all the bats are ordered on the rack from longest to shortest when Jacey takes her turn in the dugout. And two girls? Forget any semblance of the contests without words the boys play. You better believe that no matter what, those two will be talking. We can see these differences permeate through to the highest reaches of competitive sport. For instance, it is perfectly normal for well-mannered college athletes to allow young fans to take a picture or two with them in order to document or commemorate the encounter. Consider for just an instant how that idea got flipped on its head this spring after a Tech softball game. My daughter had had a few pitching lessons with this month’s cover athlete Brittany Talley at Hub City Fieldhouse last fall. It couldn’t have been more than four or five sessions. My girl was thrilled because she would get to see Talley pitch then hopefully actually get to talk to her in the poster signing the TTU Athletics staff had set up for after the game. The Lady Raiders suffered a narrow loss at the hands of the Kansas Jayhawks that day; however, they took their place on the upper concourse as promised shortly after the game. Talley—who had started the game and had suffered a disappointing loss on the afternoon—conducted a quick radio interview on the field and rushed up the stadium steps to take her place in the postgame autograph line. At least 20-30 young fans passed through the line with posters and sharpies in hand. The Lady Raiders graciously signed each one. Talley was situated near the end of the table. It is safe to say my daughter looks up to Talley. After all, she’s a Texas girl who happens to like science and softball. Since you don’t know my daughter, let’s just say they’re a pretty darn good match. My daughter was excited to get to see
“Coach Brittany” again after the game, while secretly I hoped the Tech lefty would just remember the fact she’d worked with my girl previously. That’s when it happened. As my daughter approached, Talley spotted her and her eyes lit up. The Tech lefty immediately sprang from her spot and gave my daughter a big hug. Then Talley summoned her own mother to come over just so she could meet my daughter. To cap it all off, she then asked my nine year old if it would be okay if her mom could take a picture of the two of them for herself. Maybe I have witnessed too much NBA grandstanding or NFL chest-thumping, but Talley’s selfless act of heartfelt care for a little girl who looked up to her caught me completely off guard. Let’s just say my allergies flared suddenly at the sight of the whole thing. And what was even better was that it wasn’t an isolated occurrence. The Lady Raiders might not have been victorious on the afternoon, but they treated their fans to some genuine quality time. It wasn’t simply something they were told to do—it really mattered to them to show their fans some love. You know, we’re all different. I’m not sure if it is because of gender or upbringing, race or education, geography or religion but there’s no denying the fact that we are all unique. But on that warm spring day, Brittany Talley and the Lady Raider Softball team showed me that they all had one thing in common. Class.
OPENING SHOT BARRY
NELSON
MAKIN’ A SPLASH In case you missed our full feature on Madisyn Cox in our April issue, she’s good. Really good. The recent Lubbock High grad is a legitmate Olympic hopeful for the 2016 Summer Games. The uber-talented Texas Class 4A Swimmer of the Year will also be competing collegiately at UT Austin in the fall. Tech doesn’t have a swim team, otherwise we’d be ticked. Just kiddin’, Madisyn. Hook ‘em, or whatever.
by BARON
BATCH
LIFE AS I SEE IT
10 Years and an Army
“U
se everything Baron, if you’re good at it do it. If you like it, love it. You have too many talents to let em’ go to waste and never forget that.” That’s what my mother, Joyce Batch, told me. Last week marked ten years since she left this earth. It’s gone fast, but not a day goes by that I don’t lean on something simple she would say to me.
Remembering Simplicity
I looked out the window of our small trailer watching the clouds with my mom. “Is heaven up there?” I recall asking. Through a smile she replied, “Haha yeah heaven is up there.” “So one day will we be there?” “Yup. One day we will be there.” She told me. Not completely understanding anything about the whole concept of heaven, I was always inquisitive about the whole thing. One thing I did know was that there was supposed to be angels, and angels are good. And angels help people. The movie Angels in the Outfield taught me that. “So if you make it to heaven before me and become an angel, do you promise to watch me?” I’d ask. Her response was always the same. Through her smile she would simply say, “Of course I will.” Conversations like that should never be forgotten. Sometimes I forget things my mother said until I need them the most. She still speaks to me through the words she left with me. And all too often her words fight on my behalf.
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Maybe that’s why I love words so much. Maybe that’s why I have fallen madly in love with writing. I understand the power that words hold. They transcend time, and in many instances death itself. Meaningful words will defend you and keep you safe when their creator is long gone. My mom left me many meaningful words.
A Calling
Three years ago, after I finished my last collegiate football season, I was waiting in the DFW airport and an older woman struck up a conversation with me. She inquired what I did for a living. I didn’t have a job at the time, so I said, “Well I just graduated from school.” She then asked, “Well, what’s your job?” Dang it. I guess I don’t have one. “Well, I guess I’m looking for something.” I uncomfortably replied. “So your unemployed?” She said. Then it hit me, “Well yeah, I guess I am ma’am. I’m unemployed. You could say that. ” She then asked, “Well then, what exactly do you want to do with your life?” I sat for a minute, then responded, “Well I like playing football, so I will be a professional athlete. I like photography, so I will be a photographer. I like to write, so I’ll be a writer. I like to speak, so I will be a speaker. I like to travel, so I will be a traveler. And I like helping people, so I’ll do that too. And anything else that I find myself passionate about along the way, Ill do that as well.” The woman looked at me with a cynical smile before saying something that I will never forget. She looked me straight in the eyes and
My mom gave me an army, a powerfully brave one. One that is quick to defend, and is as strong as I allow it to be. said, “Haha that’s not how the real world works son. You can’t just do everything that you like to do or fancy.” Feeling a bit belittled, I chuckled. “Haha, maybe you’re right.” And at that moment an unseen army came to my defense in the form of my mother’s echoing words. With swords violently swinging they cut down the doubt that was spoken, trampling it into pieces with the heavy hooves of their black stallions. Behind me they stood bravely, and once again I knew that I was not on my own. Last week while traveling back to Pittsburgh, I sat in the same airport. And once again a random conversation was struck. While sketching out new ideas for new art while waiting on my plane, an older man in a suit leaned over and asked, “What is it that you do for a living if you don’t mind me asking?” And at that moment I had a flashback of appreciation for what God has done for me. At that moment I realized the strength of the army that defends me. And with an unseen army behind me, I replied. “Well sir, I like art, so I’m an artist. I like to speak, so I’m a speaker. I like to travel, so I’m a traveler. I like to write, so I’m a writer. I like photography, so I’m a photographer. I like to help people, so I help people. And I do anything else that I feel I will be good at or have a passion for.” The man nodded his head smiling and said, “Boy sounds like you’re livin life right! I’ve been trying to get my sons to have the same attitude. Your momma must be proud.” “Thank you!” I said. He then leaned in closer and
whispered, “Aren’t you that football player too?” “Haha yes I do that as well.” I laughingly replied. “Proud parents! And a proud momma, thats for sure.” He said. People say that quite often to me, but this time was different. For the first time in quite a while I realized exactly just what my mother Batch had done for me.
A Proud Mother
My mom gave me an army, a powerfully brave one. One that is quick to defend, and is as strong as I allow it to be. Ten years ago God called her home. “If you get to heaven before me will you watch me?” And now the answer to that question is all to clear. “Yes of course I will.” I imagine my mom saying. My mom left me a priceless gift. She gave me something that would live much longer than she would. Ten years ago my mother, Joyce Batch, left me with the power of her words.
Blessings, Baron
Baron Batch is a former Red Raider who plays running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to being a worldclass athlete, he is a gifted author and artist. He has graciously agreed to share excerpts from his blog for use in Sports Lubbock Monthly. To read more of his work, be sure to visit baronbatch.com.
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SLM NEWS
L
ast month we announced our first-ever Sports Lubbock Monthly Athlete of the Year Awards. Thanks to reader input, we have narrowed our list of finalists for three differnt awards to just 22 South Plains area athletes. From that pool, we will select six award winners. We still need your help! This month, we are looking to select just one male and one female award winner for all three awards. Drop us an email at admin@sportslubbock.com or vote online at www. sportslubbock.com. Get involved and get your friends involved! Without further introduction, here are the 2013 Sports Lubbock Monthly Athlete of the Year Award Finalists!
Sports Lubbock Monthly Comeback Athlete of the Year, brought to you by Lubbock Sports Medicine Description • This award is intended for one male and one female athlete who has battled back from injury and successfully returned to competition. Surgery is not required. Finalists (Female) • Jordan Hise, Cooper High Girls Basketball (ACL injury 2011, 2nd team All District 20122013) • Ashtyn Elliot, Shallowater High Girls Basketball (Two ACL repairs, returned in January) • Lauren Hoffman, Lubbock Christian High (ACL tear 2011-2012, huge role in 2012-2013 State Championship) Finalists (Male) • Byron Lara, Cooper High Football, Powerlifting, and Track (ACL/MCL/Meniscus injury 2011-2012, current state record holder in Powerlifting) • Mason Ragland, Lockney High Football & Baseball (Ankle dislocation & shoulder dislocation; successfully returned to both sports)
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Sports Lubbock Monthly Luke 2:52 Athlete of the Year Description • Luke 2:52 says, “Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.” This award is intended to honor two graduating Lubbock area athletes who are the “total package” and have demonstrated ability, growth, and leadership in the academic (wisdom), athletic/physical training (stature), spiritual (favor with God), and social/civic (favor with man) aspects of their lives. Finalists (Female) • Shanae Ammons, Trinity Christian High • Gabby Gloria, Estacado High • Madeleine Hammond, Lubbock Christian High • Abbi White, Cooper High Finalists (Male) • James Dean, Southcrest Christian High • Gregory Hewett, Coronado High • Brooks Stephenson, Lubbock Christian High • Drew Thornton, Lubbock Christian High
Sports Lubbock Monthly High Performance Athlete of the Year Description • This award is intended to honor two Lubbock area athletes whose on-field performance in one or more sports was/is truly exceptional. Finalists (Female) • Melissa Caskey, Monterey High Softball • Madisyn Cox, Lubbock High Swimming • Karolyne McMillian, Monterey High Volleyball • Madeleine Hammond, Lubbock Christian High Softball Finalists (Male) • Jarek Black, Shallowater High Football • Christian O’Neal, Coronado High Basketball • Stephen Smith, Frenship High Football & Baseball • Tyler Thorne, Coronado High Baseball • D’Maujeric Tucker, Frenship High Football
by ERIC
CHAFFIN
A
s armchair quarterbacks, we sports fans complain about coaching decisions and even yell at the TV screen. In spiritual matters, though, we find that God is an unbelievable coach. And though we sometimes question His choices, He is a God who knows how to pick the perfect players for the perfect positions within his team, the body of Christ.
Chosen to be God’s players
On the playground, a team captain selects the most talented athletes. As a result, some kids who aren’t as skilled have to desperately wait and wonder if they will even be chosen. Has that same feeling plagued you? Left you hungering for a sense of belonging or purpose? Ephesians 1:11 offers the assurance that “because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as He decided long ago.”
Chosen to play God’s position
God’s way is often to use His people as instruments to carry out His perfect game plan on Earth. Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” God didn’t simply select us to be on His roster. He chose us to play on His team. But, God doesn’t select or reject players according to the same standards kids use on the playground. The No. 1 qualification God looks for is willingness: a desire to respond and obey. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8) Isaiah was like one of those playground kids, desperate to be chosen to be on God’s team, and willing and eager to serve when called upon. Like Isaiah, God has set us apart to do something special, and He has gifted each of us for
a specific role on His team. First Corinthians 12:4-6 teaches us, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” All of our gifts work together to nurture the body of Christ and to bring glory to our Coach.
Chosen to give God props
In slang terms, giving props means to show respect. Our Heavenly Coach is certainly worthy of His. Revelation 5:12 pictures a multitude in heaven, crying, “Worthy is the Lamb, Who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” First Peter 2:9 teaches that you and I are chosen to “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” In a 2002 NFL game, maverick wide receiver Terrell Owens put on a touchdown celebration unlike any other in the history of the game. After scoring, he retrieved some pompoms and began to dance, and for a brief moment, Owens doubled as player and cheerleader. That may seem odd to us, but on God’s team that’s exactly what we’re called to do. And if we’re good cheerleaders, we incite the cheering of others, too. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The way we play our position in life is a form of praise, too. Most pro football leagues issue weekly transaction reports, listing players who’ve been traded, released, put on the injured list or on the refused-to-report list. God has drafted you to play on His team. What a wonderful position to be in! Will you report for training camp? Or will you go on the refused-to-report list?
RUN THE RACE
Choosing Teams
Eric Chaffin is an Associate Pastor at Southcrest Baptist Church, chairman of 3:14 Ministries (www. three-fourteen.org) and a former arena football team chaplain.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Heb 12:1 RUN THE RACE is a monthly column featuring a brief devotional written by area coaches and youth ministry leaders.
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HIGH SCOOL
ATHLETICS
THE BIG DEAL in NEW DEAL New Deal ISD Athletic Trainer Jill Carver honored as 2012-2013 Texas State Athletic Trainer of the Year DEVIN
HARGROVE NEW DEAL
K
STAY FLEXIBLE Carver has been a mainstay on the New Deal sidelines for years. Her sharp mind and caring demeanor have helped countless athletes prevent injuries and recover quickly.
eeping student athletes healthy and safe is perhaps the most important aspect of conducting school athletic programs. As an athletic trainer for New Deal Independent School District, Jill Carver is no stranger to the risks involved for student athletes and the challenges faced by coaches and trainers when trying to keep them safe. “I believe it is due to the increase in participation and the increase in the level of play from little league to professional ranks, not only in traditional sports, but also sports that are considered non-traditional,”
ISD
Carver explained of sports related injuries. “As a professional athletic trainer, I educate student athletes on the importance of taking care of their bodies and training properly throughout the year.” The choice to go into the field of sports medicine was easy for Carver. A natural love for sports and a strong athleticism had been fostered in her as a child. “Sports have always been a big part of my life and my family’s life,” said Carver. “I have competed in competitive sports throughout my lifetime. While I was in high school trying to decide what career I would
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HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETICS
“My first observation of the athletic trainers at work in the training room and on the playing fields and I was hooked. I knew this is what I wanted to do.” -New Deal ISD Athletic Trainer Jill Carver
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HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETICS
CENTER OF ATTENTION Carver believes strongly in preparing the next generation of professional athletic trainers. Although New Deal is relatively small in comparison to many other local high schools, she has cultivated a strong and vibrant athletic training student program and also serves as a teacher and mentor to graduate students from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
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“I provide football practice and game coverage weekly throughout the season Monday through Friday and on Saturday. I provide follow-up evaluations and treatments for players injured during Thursday and Friday night games. “At the completion of football season, we go straight into basketball season. I provide the same practice and game coverage for basketball as I do for football. I also coach junior high on Monday nights and weekends during tournament times. In the spring, we have track & field, baseball, and softball. This is the busiest time of the year for me. I continue with early morning treatments starting at 7:15 am. After school I will coach junior high girls’ track & field and assist with high school workouts. After I finish with my coaching responsibilities, I will then provide treatments for track athletes and practice coverage for softball and baseball. I go to all middle school and high school track meets held on Thursdays and Fridays. Also in the spring I will provide home game coverage for our baseball and softball teams. They play on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Saturdays. At the completion of all sports, I am responsible for girl’s offseason strength and conditioning (as well as in the summer), and I continue to provide treatments and rehab for all athletes,” she said.
Sports Lubbock Monthly
More Than a Coach
Coaching isn’t the only thing that Carver does, she explained. As with most coaches, her job also involves educational instruction among other things. “At New Deal, I instruct the coaching staff, athletic training students, extracurricular sponsors, and selected student body members in First-aid, CPR, and AED annually,” she said. “I also serve as a Preceptor for The Masters of Athletic Training Program at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. I am always available to present and have presented sports safety training to various organizations from Little League coaches to officials and referee’s that call the games. I also have presented special topics in the field of sports medicine for professionals and students at educational clinics.” With more than two decades working in the field of sports medicine, Carver has been able to carve out an impressive career, for which she has been recognized locally and across the state. “I have had the opportunity to work with youth, senior, recreational, amateur, and professional athletes with sports ranging from ballet, ice hockey, cycling, cheer and dance, to all the traditional sports,” she said. “In 2010, I was honored and presented the Everett Blackburn Award. This award
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HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETICS “I absolutely love it at New Deal. I have many responsibilities and wear many hats, but I am up for the daily challenges faced in the field of athletic training, coaching, and teaching professions.” -2012-2013 Texas State Athletic Trainer of the Year Jill Carver
is given in recognition of outstanding and unselfish giving of time and talents to serve and improve others and the athletic training profession. This summer I will be honored and receive the Athletic Trainer of the Year award in the state of Texas. As I look back over my career, it all means so much to me. My career...the people who I have worked with...and the people who have supported me through the years have been a blessing.” As far as future plans Carver said her only hopes are to keep doing what she is doing now and improve the lives of athletes she comes into contact with. “I have no plans to change what I am doing now or where I am at,” Carver says. “I absolutely love it at New Deal. I have many responsibilities and wear many hats, but I am up for the daily challenges faced in the field of athletic training, coaching, and teaching professions. “I am also actively involved in New Deal’s
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local FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) chapter. I would like to do more as a Ministry Leader and work at National FCA Sports Camps and get involved in Sports Ministry Mission Trips.” Carver explained that she has a simple philosophy as far as her contributions to the field of sports medicine. This is also the reason she enjoys her work so much. “Being able to be and to play a part of the successes of all the sports teams I have worked with is what is important,” she said. “But most importantly, helping mold the character of young athletes and see them grow into productive and successful men and women who have godly values is why I love my job.” Devin Hargrove is a contributing writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. He may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com.
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COVER
STORY
GENIUS with a GLOVE
Brought to you by
Texas Tech’s Brittany Talley balances her bona fide softball skills with astonishing intellect JOE
SZYNKOWSKI JOHN
T
he mechanics of a screwball, the mental difference between starting and coming out of the bullpen, or the strategic optimization of complex drilling systems. Take your pick. Texas Tech’s Brittany Talley can educate you on any of the three – and then some. The Red Raider standout seniorto-be pitcher thrives in many circles – including the one she pitches from and the network of professional engineers she has worked with during demanding engineering internships. See, there are smart student-athletes, and then there is Talley. “During a bullpen session, I’ll ask her how her day was,” said Aly Sartini, TTU’s associate coach and pitching coach. “She’ll go into a long speech about thermal dynamics or something that is completely over my head. I’m just staring blankly about 30 seconds in. She is a very bright young lady.”
WEAST
“She’ll go into a long speech about thermal dynamics or something that is completely over my head. I’m just staring blankly about 30 seconds in. She is a very bright young lady.” -Aly Sartini, TTU softball associate coach & pitching coach
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The Perfect Balance
“I had to learn how to study when I was tired, and how to study on the road, which still really isn’t that easy.” -Texas Tech softball pitcher Brittany Talley
The fact that Talley can balance being a bona fide Division-I athlete and an all-district academic performer is mind-boggling enough. Consider her chemical engineering major, and now we’re talking quantum physics – literally. Not to mention advanced chemistry, chemical reactions, and genetics. Those are just a sampling of the subjects waiting for her after practices, games, and team functions. Talley studies until 1 a.m. every morning and has perfected the art of time management. “I think back to my freshman year when classes weren’t even close to as hard as they are now, and I was just exhausted all of the time,” she said. “I had to learn how to study when I was tired, and how to study on the road, which still really isn’t that easy.” Studying sure hasn’t taken a toll on her performances from the rubber. The lefty out of Little Elm has helped push the Red Raiders to their fourth straight 30-win season (30-26, 4-14 Big 12). Talley accrued 106 innings in 39 appearances during the regular season. She posted a 2.77 ERA in finishing with a 9-5 record and 70 strikeouts. She was half of Tech’s 1-2 punch with Cara Custer, who struck out 124 on her way to a 14-16 record. Texas Tech ended its regular season with a 6-4 win over No. 15
Baylor, a bright spot in a season of struggles within the balanced Big 12. “I think we’ve learned a lot,” Talley said. “I personally have learned a lot about recruiting, coaching, and leadership. We haven’t had as good of a season as we hoped, and I think you learn during situations like that.” Continually focused on enhancing her knowledge, Talley began the season on a mission of improving her craft. She worked over the offseason on refining her drop ball, and finding a late break on a couple of her other pitches. And as she did last year, Talley split time during the regular season as a starter and a bullpen asset. The difference between the two roles is monumental, Talley says. “Your head is in two completely different places,” she said. “When you’re starting you want to make a statement and go right at batters. When you’re coming out of the bullpen, you might be taking over for a pitcher who was throwing well and you don’t want to break that momentum. You might throw more off-speed stuff.”
Strength & Versatility
Talley splashed onto the scene as a freshman in 2011, jolting to an 11-1 start and finishing with a 14-6 record. Her 2.70 ERA was best on the team, and she cruised through 119.1 innings. She also appeared in all four of TTU’s games at the NCAA Tucson Regional.
SUPER SMART SOUTHPAW Talley is one of the hardest working student athletes you could ever hope to meet, but she’s had to learn how to manage her time along the way. The senior-to-be has coupled an impressive GPA in the classroom with some stout numbers on the field, making her a valued member of the Tech family.
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“Starting as a freshman, I was just so ecstatic every time I went out there,” Talley said. “It had been my dream since I was nine years old.” Besides a boost in confidence from freshman to junior year, Talley says another advantage she has now is the strength she has gained through TTU’s lifting program. “I look in the mirror and can’t believe how much bigger I am than I was when I came in,” Talley said. “I’m almost addicted to lifting now,” particularly leg lifts, which has helped strengthen her calves and stabilize her pitching foundation. Sartini has known Talley for nearly a decade, and actually recruited her to play at her former university, Arkansas. The two have a positive relationship built on past pitching success and an understanding of what makes a great pitcher. “I look at old pictures where she was younger and just a tiny little thing,” Sartini said. “Now she is two inches taller than me. She has worked hard in the weight room and it has really given her much more stamina.” Even with the strength Talley has added, she is still a finesse pitcher focused on changing speeds and locations to throw off hitters. And struggles are few and far between for Talley, who is adept at using her analytical abilities to identify and resolve potential issues before they become critical mistakes. “Because of her intelligence, she can pick apart her own pitching,” Sartini said. “It does not take long for her to find out what is going wrong.”
Leadership
Talley entered the season focused on establishing herself as a leader for an underclassmen-heavy team. With two years of Big 12 ball under her belt, it seemed like the next step in the
progression of her career chronicled by big games and unflappable performances. “I have never really seen myself as a vocal leader,” she said. “But now I know that if I have to go out there and do some yelling, I’m comfortable doing that.” Talley is still more at ease leading with her left arm than she is with her lungs. “If you’d let her throw the ball every inning, she’d try to,” said Red Raiders head coach Shanon Hays. “She has really been big for us ever since her freshman year. When her screwball is jumping it makes the rest of her pitches that much more effective.” Catcher Sandy James can attest to that. TTU’s power-hitting backstop has enjoyed calling pitches for Talley this season. “She is an awesome teammate,” James said. “She is always upbeat and brings a lot to the ball club pitchingwise.” Fun-natured and full of laughter, Talley is affable and entertaining – even when she’s not trying to be. “We were in Arizona last year taking BP on the field and she was shagging down balls, trying to get everything she could,” James said. “All of a sudden she goes down. She had tripped over a pinecone. “She is one of the smartest people I know and she is one of the clumsiest. We always give her a hard time.” “She will literally trip over her own shoelace on the mound,” Sartini echoed. “I tell her if the ground is a little uneven that she should avoid it.” Talley can take a joke, and leads through positivity. “It is rare not to see a smile on her face,” Sartini said. “She loves this game. She loves having the ball in her hand no matter what situation. She can be exhausted with absolutely no legs left and she will still say, ‘Give me the ball.’”
WHY YOU TRIPPIN’? Unsuspecting Big 12 hitters would never know that the analytical and cool lefty is lovingly recalled by teammates for tripping on a pinecone while shagging pregame BP last season.
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
The Future
DON’T FLEX WITH ME Talley credits a grueling off-season conditioning program since coming to Lubbock for her enhanced strength, power, and stamina.
IN HER BLOOD Talley says she’ll be true to the game for as long as she lives. She plans to coach, play rec league, and give pitching lessons well after her days at Tech have come to a close.
Fresh off a solid junior campaign, Talley is primed for a big senior season in 2014. She has enjoyed every minute of playing and studying at TTU, and already speaks fondly of her overall experience in Lubbock. “I’ve met people here I will stay in touch with the rest of my life,” she said. “I will miss my friends more than anything.” Talley is scheduled to leave for Houston this summer for her internship at Oxy, which engages in oil and gas exploration and production in the United States and Middle East. The opportunity will be more in-depth than the mini-internship she completed over Christmas break with Schlumberger, and will require her to serve as a facilities engineer. Her schedule will be from 8 to 4:30 every day with Fridays off. What will she do with all of the free time? “When I do finish college and start working, it’s going to be like getting a break,” she laughed. “No homework and no more trying to study on the road.” When Talley moves on from TTU’s softball program, it won’t be the last time she is involved in the sport. She plans to always coach, play city league softball, and give pitching lessons. She is grateful for the sport that has given her tangible experience for her future career in a demanding, fast-paced industry. “I think my background of playing softball will help a ton,” she said. “For what I’m going into, you always work in teams, so that is obviously something I am comfortable with. As a pitcher, I am put in the leadership position. There is a reason they put a circle around us.”
“As a pitcher, I am put in the leadership position. There is a reason they put a circle around us.” -Texas Tech softball pitcher Brittany Talley
Joe Szynkowski is a contributing writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. Contact him at www.joeszynkowski.com or follow him @JoeSzynkowski on Twitter.
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IT’S JUST A LITTLE CRUSH Whether she was singin’ or swingin’ in the batter’s box, Monterey High School’s Missy Caskey shook off an uncharacteristic early season slump to become a reliable threat at the plate this season for the Lady Plainsmen
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HIGH SCHOOL
SOFTBALL
DreamPhotography/Jasmine Durrett photo
SWING, SWING, SWING YOUR BAT
Singing in the batter’s box? Monterey’s Missy Caskey did whatever it took this season to help her team reach the playoffs JOE
SZYNKOWSKI JOHN WEAST
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HIGH SCHOOL
SOFTBALL
M
“I remember coach telling me I should try singing ‘Row Your Boat’ and I just thought, ‘Why not?’ It just made sense to me that I was probably taking things a little too seriously.” -Monterey Lady Plainsman Missy Caskey
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issy Caskey hadn’t heard the song in a while, but like most players mired in an early-season slump, she was willing to try anything. So despite the questionable looks from opposing catchers and umpires, and the slight awkwardness she felt at the plate while singing it, sing it she did. Yes, “Row Your Boat,” got Monterey’s Caskey back on track. It cleared her head, calmed her nerves, and shortened her swing. It also helped catalyze the Lady Plainsmen into a dream of a softball season. “Sometimes when you’ve got a kid as smart as Missy, they can get inside of their own head a little bit,” said Monterey coach Brian Cronk, who recently wrapped up his first season at the helm of the Lady Plainsmen. “I just told her to sing it to keep her mind off of things and just hit.” “It probably looked and sounded pretty funny,” Caskey said. “But it really helped keep my mind off of the way the season started for me.” Monterey as a whole trudged out of the gates due to some tough competition and a natural learning curve under a new coach. Cronk took over for former coach Steve Mims, and inherited a team that lost seven starters from last year’s bi-district qualifier. It took a while for things to click for the Lady Plainsmen. “We kind of had a little bit of both the struggles and the success,” said Cronk, who spent the past six years coaching at Canyon. “It didn’t really take that much time for the girls to understand what we were expecting. They bought into the system and it showed.” Caskey was a player Cronk counted on to help maintain the team’s approach while players and coaches learned to gel. “I remember meeting with her and realizing how much she was respected
Sports Lubbock Monthly
by her teammates and how much she cared about the team,” he said. Cronk also recognized Caskey’s smarts when it came to the game. That’s why when his senior clean-up hitter started the season off slowly, he incorporated a strategy aimed at ridding her head of negative thoughts. “I remember coach telling me I should try singing ‘Row Your Boat’ and I just thought, ‘Why not?” Caskey said. “It just made sense to me that I was probably taking things a little too seriously.” The results were nearly immediate. Caskey rolled through March, a stellar month that included a 3-for-3, 3-RBI performance over Pampa on March 12. She also posted a 2-for-3 showing with a grand slam and five RBIs in a late-month 23-3 win over Hereford. Even after feeling better about her stroke come mid-March, Caskey continued to sing away inside the batter’s box. “I almost got used to singing it all the time,” she said. “It seemed to help so I just kept singing it.” Caskey was one of many Monterey players who helped orchestrate the team’s playoff run. The Lady Plainsmen’s offensive firepower was the driving force behind their success, as the team collected 27 base hits in its final two games of the regular season. “We knew coming into the season that we were not going to be able to depend on only one or two players if we were going to have success,” Cronk said. “The girls really responded to that.” The hits kept coming throughout an impressive two-game sweep of Randall in the opening round of the Region 1-4A bi-district playoffs. Caskey went 2-for-3 with two runs in Monterey’s game-one victory, and the Lady Plainsmen advanced with their 12-4 victory in game two.
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HIGH SCHOOL
SOFTBALL
“She’s one of those kids who will run through a wall for you. The other girls see that and her approach is contagious.” -Monterey Head Volleyball Coach & Assistant Softball Coach Krissa Johnson
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Monterey was overmatched, however, in its next round against El Paso Hanks. The Knights won 9-7 and 24-3 to bounce the Lady Plainsmen from the postseason and finish their season with a 1914 record. Monterey nearly mounted an improbable comeback in game one against the Knights, rallying from down 9-0. It was a disappointing end to a season that started with uncertainty and an overhauled roster. Caskey said she took it upon herself to become more of a vocal leader – in ways other than singing – to make sure her team carried the momentum from last season into 2013. “In workouts and everything, I just tried to lead by example and show the younger girls especially that hard work can pay off,” Caskey said. Her teammates took notice. “We all could see that she came into the season as more of a leader,” said teammate Alex Vines. “She has obviously had a lot of success in the past, so she knows what she’s talking about.” Vines said that Caskey isn’t just an accomplished hitter, but also a defensive difference-maker from second base. “She is always diving for balls and making plays,” Vines said. “She will do anything to help the team win.” Cronk agrees, and says that the fact Caskey plays one of the most critical positions on the diamond is no coincidence. “She isn’t just a clutch hitter, she is an outstanding infielder,” Cronk said of his sure-gloved standout. “You want your best defensive players up the middle. She is definitely great in the field.” Sports Lubbock Monthly
Caskey’s defensive skills have been honed by four years of varsity starting experience for the Lady Plainsmen’s volleyball program. She initially served as team’s defensive specialist before finding her niche as an all-district setter. Along with her defensive knack, Caskey’s work ethic also transfers from the volleyball court to the softball diamond. “She’s one of those kids who will run through a wall for you,” said head volleyball coach Krissa Johnson, who is also an assistant softball coach for Monterey. “The other girls see that and her approach is contagious. “She will not be easy to replace in volleyball or softball. She is one of those kids that you would take a whole team of.” Joe Szynkowski is a freelance writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. Read more of his work at www.joeszynkowski.com or follow him @JoeSzynkowski.
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COMMUNITY
SPORTS
BIG INVESTMENTS FOR LITTLE LEAGUE Area Little League coaches help shape Lubbock youth, and Challenger League opens new facility to provide miles of smiles for Hub City Challengers GEORGIA
O
n any given spring evening you are sure to find hot dogs, pickles and snow cones at ballparks across Lubbock. Little League baseball players put on their hats and uniforms and take to the fields. Out on the diamond, children are busy making memories and
REED
ASHLEY
WIRZ
forming character. Right beside them, hardworking men and women spend countless hours investing in the children. Many of these men and women volunteer their time and energy as a way to give back to the community. Each person has their own unique drive and motivation and their own special story to tell.
Editors Note: SLM contributing author Georgia Reed developed this story several weeks ago, and after photographer Ashley Wirz sent in these photos from the Challenger League opening ceremonies, we decided they were just too inspiring to have to pick and choose. We have included as many as possible in this feature. For even more, be sure to visit our website to view the whole gallery.
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COMMUNITY
SPORTS
Family and Beyond
Giving Back
Todd Cepica began coaching as a way to For many, an early start in Little League spend time with his kids but quickly found a themselves paved the way for their own new reason to stay on the field. future involvement. “What has continued my motivation is “I was very fortunate,” said Dusty not only my own kids,” said Cepica, “but McDonald, manager at Cardinal Sports also the relationships developed with other Center. “Growing up I had some of the best players that have become like part of my local league coaches that coached for a long family.” time, even when they didn’t have kids in the Cepica, a pastor at Melonie Park Church, program.” purposefully coaches on draft leagues, like “Now we’re seeing a lot of guys, who do the Frenship Youth League, where he can not have kids, coaching and giving back to have a say in who is on the community because his team. that is what was given to “Our goal is not to “A lot of the kids us,” McDonald said. develop the next I have on my team McDonald started Major League Allbecause I know a little coaching over 20 years Star, but to develop ago, long before he had bit of their story and a young boy to learn kids. After playing in I...want to be a good example of a father in what it means to be college he wanted to give the process of teaching back to the community a young man, and them the game of and began his coaching to grow up to be baseball,” Cepica career immediately. “Now something that is explained. I have a son playing so I For Cepica and many respectable in our am coaching his team.” society.” like him, the benefit of “We have to remember volunteering his time to be an example and -Todd Cepica, youth baseball coach goes beyond a sport. set a standard for these Cepica said, “The children,” McDonald said. reward I get really is “What they see in us they beyond the game of baseball and has more to will continue in their lives.” do with feeling like I’m making a difference Getting Involved in a child’s life.” When Manny Vigil’s son started playing “I feel like I have a unique opportunity to Little League, Vigil wasn’t involved and have consistent time with a group of young there were some things he didn’t like. kids who need to have a positive influence Vigil said, “I can’t complain if I don’t in their life and I am grateful to have that do something about it.” So Vigil got opportunity.” [sic] involved and eight years later is the umpire Cepica sees his role in Little League as coordinator for Shallowater. valuable. Vigil’s kids have been out of Little “Our goal is not to develop the next League for two years and he is still involved. Major League All-Star,” said Cepica, “but to “I really enjoy it,” Vigil said. develop a young boy to learn what it means He credits his own Little League to be a young man, and to grow up to be coaches for inspiring him to give back to the something that is respectable in our society.” community. Cepica’s Little League philosophy is “I had a great coach back in the day,” said simple, “My focus is teaching them the game Vigil, “and he taught me a lot about sports... of baseball but really more than baseballthat’s something I wanted to teach these teaching them how to live life.” kids.”
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Challenges and Big Rewards
Russ Perkins coached Little League for years in Idalou. 15 years ago, his friend’s disabled son, Jonathan Peralez, asked Perkins to be his ‘Buddy’ at Challenger League Baseball in Lubbock. Perkins said, “Sure! I have no idea what Challenger League is but whatever we can do we’ll do.” Perkins soon learned that the Challenger League has rules and uniforms just like standard Little League and is a league designed especially for physically and mentally disabled children and youth from all over the South Plains. Some families drive in weekly from Odessa, Spur and Olton just so their children can take part. Whenever Perkins started as a ‘Buddy’ for Jonathan, he was helping him bat, holding his hands, hitting the ball and pushing him around bases. Sadly, Jonathan passed away three years later. Soon after Perkins was asked to help coach a Challenger’s team and has never stopped. “I have been coaching a Challenger’s League team for 11 years, and both of my boys have been ‘Buddies’.”
Family Affair
Beginning to work with the Challenger League was a surprise blessing for the Perkins family. “It was good family time for my family,” Perkins said. “We would sit down and talk and eat together (after games).” And the Perkins family still does. Perkins’ sons Will and Kole are now grown and are involved in Challenger League also. “I’ve been on the board for about eight years now,” said Perkins, “and it’s my son, Kole’s first year to be on the board.” In fact, Perkins’ oldest son Kole met his wife Brooke and her family through Challenger League as she was serving as a ‘Buddy’ for her brother Brandon. Perkins’ youngest son Will realized a love and talent for working with children through his involvement with Challenger League and is planning his career around youth.
“Working with the Challenger League opened their eyes to some of the challenges that other folks have and trying to work through those challenges,” said Perkins. Perkins explained that what his family has done with Challenger League has given his kids the opportunity to give back as well as see the bigger picture in society. “It really doesn’t matter what the score is at the end of the game, but it’s how you play the game,” said Perkins. “What they learned over there and saw what those kids are going through puts it in perspective really quick.”
Challenger Details
When Lubbock built the new ballparks at McCallister Park near Marsha Sharp Freeway, they left one field blank. The Challenger League raised money in grants and donations and designed the park for handicap use only. Perkins excitedly explained that the infield is all synthetic turf for wheelchairs and that lines and bases are painted on. “We have our own press box...we have a guy, Bobby Boynton, who is awesome. He loves baseball and has been a part of this forever and he announces every ball game... calls every kid’s name before they bat,” said Perkins. The Challenger League has opening ceremonies just like every other Little League. All of the kids come on the field, and are introduced. They throw out the first pitch, sing the National Anthem and raise the flag. At Challenger League Lubbock games, when someone bats there are six or eight baseballs in the field and everybody throws baseballs around. Perkins said that in Challenger League baseball everybody makes a home run.
New Perspective
The rewards and benefits of working in Challenger League are rich for Perkins. “With the Challengers, it’s just watching the kids learn that they can do some of the same things that their brothers or sisters get to do,” explained Perkins.
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COMMUNITY
SPORTS Perkins’ greatest reward is seeing the kids overcome different challenges. “When you pitch to a kid all year long and he’s never hit that ball and he finally does,” Perkins said, “the stands go wild. The kids go wild. The look in his eye when he hits that ball and drops the bat and heads for first base… it chokes me up. It is such an overwhelming feeling to watch them do that.” Perkins believes that working with the Challenger League benefits everyone. He said, “It’s about the kids and them learning something as opposed to just making sure that you win a prize at the end of the day.” “After coaching for the number of years I did at Little League,” said Perkins, “I think
every coach should go to one Challenger League Baseball game and help.” Anyone in the community, for that matter, can come and help out at a Challenger game. Perkins encourages all people to go to any Challenger game, at any time, to be a ‘Buddy’. “We are always looking for ‘Buddies’,” he said. “They would find someway, in some place, for you to help in that ball game,” Perkins explained. “I guarantee you will have a whole new appreciation that it’s for the kids... not for the coaches or parents.” Georgia Reed is a contributing writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. She may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com.
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SPORTS
IN THE
HUB
by ALYSSA
KITTEN
June ASCO Football Classic
F
ootball is king in Texas. From Pop Warner to the NFL, games are played nearly every day of the week in the fall. Lives can be changed forever on the football fields, but not always for the best. Football is a dangerous sport, and unfortunately some athletes can be seriously injured. That’s where Lubbock Sports and the ASCO (Associated Supply Company, Inc.) Football Classic come into play. The ASCO Football Classic, set for Wednesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 8, is a four-day charity event capped off by a senior, all-star football game. The proceeds from the event benefit former high school football players who were permanently injured on the football field. “This event gives us a chance to give back to athletes and their families, as well as help local business’ bottom line,” Scott Harrison, director of Lubbock Sports, said. “With the event’s proceeds, we’re able to reduce medical costs for injured football players and provide college scholarship money.” Athletes and coaching staffs from area high schools are invited to participate in this all-star event and pay their own way to help raise money for the event’s cause. Tickets, programs, merchandise sales and monetary sponsorship funds are also donated. “Football is so much more than a game for these guys,” Harrison said. “This event is a way for everyone to give back and support those who lost more than just a game on the gridiron.” Lubbock Sports is anticipating more than 150 participants, including players, coaches, trainers and officials. The event is estimated to book 1,000 room nights and bring in more than $307,000 in economic impact to the local economy. The Lubbock Sports Team ensures that organizations, such as ASCO, have help for everything the event needs, including registration, marketing efforts, event planning and much more. Lubbock Sports hosted more than 100 sporting events over the past year and can help with anything from registration, facilities, marketing and hospitality needs. Lubbock Sports has access to a wide variety of facilities and can work with you to host your event in Lubbock. “We have an in-house marketing team to help promote sporting events brought to the Lubbock area,” Harrison said. “Our team handles everything from the coordination and distribution of press releases to local and regional media, to the design of programs and tickets. The marketing team also promotes sporting events via Lubbock Sports’ social media channels.” If you would like to learn more about how Lubbock Sports can help you host a sporting event or tournament or to get more information on the upcoming ASCO Football Classic, please call 806.747.5232. To find up-todate information about events, attractions and dining and shopping options, visit www.visitlubbock.org.
Alyssa Kitten currently serves as Communications Coordinator of Lubbock Sports. She may be reached at alyssa@visitlubbock.org.
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“This event gives us a chance to give back to athletes and their families, as well as help local business’ bottom line. With the event’s proceeds, we’re able to reduce medical costs for injured football players and provide college scholarship money.” -Lubbock Sports Director Scott Harrison
Covenant Health is Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for
Orthopedic Excellence by Healthgrades® in 2013.
We congratulate and thank each of our physicians, staff and volunteers whose dedication to excellence lead to these outstanding quality rankings.
Covenant Health 2013 Rankings for Orthopedic Excellence: • Healthgrades 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery 2013 • Healthgrades Orthopedics Surgery Excellence Award 2013 • Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2013 • No. 6 in Texas for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2013
Healthgrades.com
covenanthealth.org