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serve Sports in Lubbock is about excitement, athleticism, competition ...and service. We believe that every game is an opportunity to show good, old-fashioned West Texas friendliness. We’d be happy to help you ace your next sporting event.
Scott Harrison, Sports Director
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WINTER
Features
2013
Regulars 6
Lead Off
7
Rookie of the Month
8
Opening Shot
10
Life Lessons
12
Run the Race
13
Quick Shot
46
Our House
50
Sports in the Hub
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LUBBOCK AREA ATHLETES
DANCE DYNASTY
Lubbock’s Christ in the Arts celebrates seven years of artistry and athleticism by Allison Wood
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WAYLAND WRESTLING
PINNING DOWN THEIR DREAMS As the only programs in Texas, the Wayland wrestling teams are working hard to put themselves and the rest of the Lonestar State on the college wrestling map by Summer Morgan
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Connect
COVER STORY
SOPHOMORE SURGE
www.sportslubbock.com | 806.781.8482
After bursting on the scene as a freshman in 2012,Tech forward Janine Beckie put together another spectacular season in catalyzing the Red Raiders to the second round of the NCAA tournament for the second straight year by Joe Szynkowski
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admin@sportslubbock.com
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HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
NET RESULTS
Staff
Under the leadership of decorated coach Courtney Pesterfield, the Lubbock Cooper Lady Pirate volleyball team continues to reload by Jake Edwards
PUBLICATION
Toby & Christi Brooks....................................Publishers Kristi Hart..............................................................Editor Brynnan Brooks...............................Contributing Writer Lindsay Bradshaw...........................Contributing Writer Jake Edwards..................................Contributing Writer Summer Morgan..............................Contributing Writer Georgia Reed..................................Contributing Writer Joe Szynkowski...............................Contributing Writer Allison Wood....................................Contributing Writer
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LUBBOCK AREA SPORTS
ROCK SOLID
A 15,000 sq. foot gym in southwest Lubbock is a dream come true for local competitive gymnasts by Georgia Reed
ART
Kristen Bednarz........................................Photographer Larry Martinez...........................................Photographer Regina Penney..........................................Photographer John Weast...............................................Photographer Toby Brooks.................................................Art Director
ON THE COVER:
The Texas Tech Lady Raider Soccer Team just wrapped up the most successful season in program history this year, falling in the NCAA Tournament in excruciating fashion in a shootout for the second straight season. One key cog in Tech’s impressive year was Sophomore sensation Janine Beckie. As usual, SLM photographer John Weast snapped the pics.
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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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.
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
LEAD OFF
by TOBY & CHRISTI
BROOKS
The End. For Now.
W
We can honestly say that we gave it our very best shot, but sadly, what you are holding in your hands will be the final issue of Sports Lubbock Monthly as you have come to know it.
e have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to bring Lubbock a quality sports publication with a positive perspective for these past 13 issues. We set out to provide a free publication that shined a spotlight on area athletes, and we can say with complete certainty that we did just that. We stepped out in faith and looked diligently for marketing partners to share our vision. Although we were successful in forming some relationships, unfortunately the high cost of producing the publication each month has not been offset by the monthly income of advertising revenue. Although we supported the business as long as we could, ultimately we are just a husband and wife team working on a household budget...not a large corporation with cash reserves. As a result, we simply lack the ability to “weather the storm” and continue to operate the magazine at a loss month in and month out without incurring significant debt--something we are not comfortable doing. From the onset of Sports Lubbock Monthly, we prayed that if our product was something that was meant to be successful, our venture would find favor. We can honestly say that we gave it our very best shot, but sadly, what you are holding in your hands will be the final issue of Sports Lubbock Monthly as you have come to know it. To those businesses who supported us at any step of the journey, we offer up our heartfelt thanks. Without you, we never would have been able to operate at all. For those we called upon who did not opt to support us, our only regret was that we were unable to convince you of the value of what we were attempting to bring to this community and for how that might be of benefit to your business. To you our readers and the athletes, we are truly sorry that we cannot continue to offer you a positive and uplifting venue to celebrate your accomplishments. We are saddened by the loss but better for the effort. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. In this difficult time we will strive earnestly to serve in such a way as to bring Him glory and while there is no denying our temporary disappointment, we rest easy in knowing, at least for a season, we helped make Lubbock a better place. And who knows, with some retooling and tweaking of the concept, we haven’t ruled out the possibility of returning in 2014 with a more costefficient and streamlined product that could be better received by the business community. Thank you all for your support! -Toby & Christi Brooks
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
ROOKIE OF THE MONTH Pictured here is Sophie Reed, daughter of SLM writer Georgia Reed. Georgia has her hands full taking care of this new lil’ cutie, all while also serving as a full-time stay-at-home mom and freelance writer. Georgia Reed photo
STEVE
CONWAY
OPENING SHOT
MUSTANGS FOREVER The Shallowater Mustangs had one heck of a season. The blue-collar, never-quit team, anchored by the punishing and explosive running of tailback Jarek Black was able to make a deep run into the playoffs this season, ultimately falling to Graham in the quarterfinals and finishing the season with an impressive 13-1 record. Talented area photographer Steve Conway snapped this pic of captains Black (35), Jared Moore (73), Wes McCutcheon (3), and Cameron Knight (11) with their teammates in the backdrop just prior to the Mustangs’ final home game against Cooper on November 1. Shallowater won 35-7 with Black going off for 205 yards on 26 carries with one touchdown.
LIFE LESSONS
by BRYNNAN
BROOKS
Ooops.
I
t was a warm, summer afternoon. I was at t-ball practice. It was an allboy team except for my best friend, Stormy and me. Poke! Someone had poked me in the bottom. I turned around to see the evil, giggling Hunter and his crew of two. “Stop!” I exclaimed. “Why? Make me!” said Hunter. I turned around to face Stormy. “They are so annoying.” “I know,” Stormy agreed. Poke! He did it again! “Please,” I pleaded. I turned and faced Stormy again. “Huh,” I huffed. It was almost my turn in the line. Coach hit Stormy a hard grounder. She scooped it up expertly (well, as good as it gets in t-ball— she was the total package) and in one swift motion, she tossed it to the coach. I caught my ball and hustled to the end of the line next to Stormy. Just as Hunter reached the end of the line, one of coach’s friends called him over so they could exchange a word or two. As Hunter passed by me, he poked my bottom again. “Ooops!” he giggled. “If you do that one more time—” I pressed my teeth together, and jabbed a finger in his chest. Stormy put a comforting, sympathetic hand on my shoulder. “I think he likes you,” she whispered. “Well I don’t like him,” I replied. “You throw like a girl!” Hunter exclaimed. “Duh! I’m proud to!” I spun around quickly. “It’s better than any of you boys!” Poke! “Oh, he’s got nerve,” I thought to myself. “Ooops!” His friends snickered. He had a sly smile on his mean, little face, but I had had enough. I balled my fist and punched him right in the face. “Ooops!” I said. “Dad!” he cried as he ran off, “She punched me!” “Ha, I can’t believe you did that!” Stormy exclaimed. “He totally deserved it!” “I know, right,” I said, not realizing my fist was still balled. “Ooops,” we both giggled. Brynnan Brooks is a fifth grader at Lubbock Cooper Elementary. She recently placed first at the regional UIL Number Sense competition. She loves to read, write, listen to music, and play softball, all while NOT being pestered by pesky teammates. Note: Sports Lubbock Monthly does not condone violence in any way. But in this case, this kid clearly had it comin’ . The name of the accused has been changed to protect the guilty. ;)
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
RUN THE RACE
by JOSH
CROSBY
Leadership with an Impact
P
ractice was over. It was only me and another. I toe-punched the soccer ball with a pop. It shot off my foot but spun erratically into the concrete wall. “Look, first plant your foot next to the ball. Then, with your right foot, point your toe down and away when you kick. Let the ball hit the inside laces of your shoe. That’s where your power and control comes from.” Eric, a senior at the time, was teaching me, a little sophomore, how to fire the soccer ball off my foot with power and, more importantly, with precision. Up to this point I was constantly throwing my inside ankle at the ball, as if to pass or worse and more inexperienced, toe punching my shot on goal. I had good control but not for scoring. My power fell short and the ball was embraced each time by the goalie. “Now try again.” Finally, I made solid contact and the ball went soaring into the wall. “Great job!” Success. I was thrilled because of what I had learned, but then I was startled by the spectators. Our coaches were watching this teaching moment. They didn’t seem that interested in my accomplishment though. They were more interested in what Eric was doing with a Junior Varsity, no-starting, toe-puncher. Eric was leading. He wasn’t trying to impress anybody but wanted to make me better and this caught coach’s attention. No, this doesn’t happen every day. There’s usually no desire from a star player and a helpless soul like me! The best leadership moments aren’t coerced. They thrive out of a selfless desire. You know that historic picture of Superman? The one where he is standing with chest out, fists on hips and his chin up? Everyone knows that picture. Everyone wants to be that guy… Superman. He became such an awesome
hero and icon by with his incredible strength…bending metal and lifting trains. Yup, that’s how he ended up on the poster with his mighty pose. Perhaps that’s how we see successful impact and leadership. Everything is done out of force and might and for all to see. Yes, people are saved by that and glory is given! We see the hero who has to save thousands. But I like to look at the even cooler side of Superman. He also had time for the seemingly insignificant. Everyone mattered. But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:34-35 (NIV) Jesus explains to his disciples how we are to be great. Jesus also showed through his example that everyone matters. I am convicted of my lack of this. My selfish ambition and selfish entitlement quickly negates the opportunity to serve and to love! I know that day on the soccer field, Eric showed me how to make a powerful impact. He humbled himself and helped with no selfish intentions. He was startled just as much as I when he saw the coaches watching. I’ll bet they were thinking, “there’s a man with the right leadership.” Josh Crosby Minister to Students First Baptist Lubbock. Josh has been in youth ministry for 13 years. He played sports at Temple High (TX) and Ridgewood Prep (Metairie,La). He graduated from Baylor in 2001 and from Truett Seminary in 2006. He moved to Lubbock in July of 2012. He’s a fan of all Baylor and Texas Tech sports, the New Orleans Saints, and Houston Astros. He’s married to Sally and has 2 boys, Jackson (7) and Bennett (3).
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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Sports Lubbock Monthly
QUICK SHOT
WYLD STALLYN The LYFL season recently drew to a close, giving many young players their first taste of gridiron glory. One of those players who strapped on the pads for the first time this year was Taye Brooks of the Lubbock Colts. Brooks finished the season with a few tackles, several yards rushing, and 10 great big smiles (one for every game played). Special thanks to the men and women of the LYFL and other similar surrounding leagues who give of thier time to help teach young athletes about sports and about life. Toby Brooks photo
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LUBBOCK AREA
ATHLETES
DANCE DYNASTY
Lubbock’s Christ in the Arts celebrates seven years of artistry and athleticism ALLISON
WOOD
REGINA
L
ocal performing arts school, Christ in the Arts (CITA) has a lot to celebrate. Since its inception in 2006, the preprofessional ballet school has grown to 125 students, has completed three original productions and has launched a local touring group of six company members-CITA Extend. “It’s the kind of thing that only God can do,” explained Jennifer Elder, CITA Production Director. “After we did the first production so many people involved said this is just the beginning!” Christ in the Arts developed long before there was an actual name, studio, or organized ministry. Although CITA was founded seven years ago, the beginning of this area wide dance ministry’s roots were grown out of a love for music and dance among a local homeschooling family, the Hinds.
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PENNEY
Randall and Dana Hinds have seven children ranging in ages from 32 to 15 including two sets of twins. “We didn’t have a lot of money for extra activities, so if one of the kids wanted to play soccer, they all did. We did not have the luxury of a lot of extra time for running our kids to a bunch of different activities. When the girls expressed an interest in dance, we enrolled them all in dance classes.” Lara Hinds, CITA Artistic Director, said, “I remember being a teenager and dad asking us what some of our goals for the year were. I told him I really wanted to take ballet. It was a tough thing to start at the age of 17. I had a lot to learn and it was quite a challenge. The mountains that were there to overcome were my age, body type, recalling combinations, doing things my body had never done before, but I had a fire inside me that
Sports Lubbock Monthly
STRENGTH. POWER. PRECISION. BEAUTY. The performers involved in CITA productions include some of the most committed and dedicated athletes one might find anywhere. Although their grueling regular training, conditioning, and rehearsal schedule rivals or exceeds that of most any competitive athlete, the fruits of those labors are not seen on a scoreboard or read in a box score but rather in the breathtaking and captivating artistry of their critically-acclaimed performances. Above, CITA Company members during rehearsal for their next production, Above & Beyond, January 25th at FBC Lubbock. A free performance for the community. In all, CITA has brought four productions to the Lubbock area, including A Tale of the Kingdom, Journey to the High Places, Metamorphosis, and EPIC: The Timeless Tale of Extravagant Love.
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LUBBOCK AREA
ATHLETES
“I had started a home schooling dance program once a week at my church. I will never forget the day that my mom told me, there is a woman who has five daughters that want to take dance.” -Naomi Widelski
DON’T DROP HER... Dance requires incredible strength, stamina, and balance. During the lead-up to a performance, it is not uncommon for CITA performers to spend several hours per day doing strength training, flexibility work, and choreography rehearsals.
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burned. God kept that fire lit and kept my dream alive.” Naomi (Campbell) Widelski who taught the first dance classes, said, “I had started a home schooling dance program once a week at my church. I will never forget the day that my mom told me, there is a woman who has five daughters that want to take dance. There are two sets of twins and their younger sister!” she remembered. “All of the kids were taking ballet classes and we had an opportunity to see Ballet Magnificat! perform ‘Deliver Us’ in Dallas. This was the beginning of my ability to see what the girls saw in ballet. I think they had the vision long before I did. Once I saw Ballet Magnificat!’s approach -- that you could do it a way that was so beautiful and outside the normal box of ballet, it grabbed my attention. It is kind of an indefinable expression of music and dance and it has the power to touch people unlike anything else,” recalled CITA Administrator Randall Hinds. The family of siblings continued to dance locally at Ballet Lubbock. Eventually Lara and Rachel Hinds both danced at Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, Mississippi. During this time, their sister Jennifer Elder had taught drama at the Vienna Christian School in Austria. All roads for the siblings that had gone their separate ways led back to Lubbock, back to home in the summer of 2006. Home school ballet classes once taught by Widelski had transitioned to being taught by the Hinds family. The professional company experience from Ballet Magnificat!, as well as, Jenni’s expertise as a drama director overseas
Sports Lubbock Monthly
paved the way for the vision of a fullscale original production, A Tale of The Kingdom. Those first productions included about 75 people, with the Hinds family working in full force. Randall completed an original musical score; Dana designed and sewed costumes with daughter Sara; Jenni and Anna concepted, scripted and directed; Lara choreographed the dance portions; dancers included all the Hinds siblings including Rachel, David, and Kevin. Cast member Joey Brown commented, “Our daughter Jessie was a part of these early productions and we wanted to participate as a family, so we all became involved. After it was complete, we wanted to continue to work with all of these quality people.” Brown, his wife Darra and children, Jessie, Derek and Jeremy are all still a part of Christ in the Arts. “You will never find more quality, pure hearted people in an organization than in this one, and not just the Hinds family; CITA attracts and celebrates families and the environment honors God and is so encouraging to everyone involved,” Brown said. After performing A Tale of the Kingdom for two years, CITA concepted and developed another original production, Journey to the High Places, based on the allegory of Hunard’s, Hinds’ Feet on High Places. “As Journey was wrapping up, I remember being on a walk with Jenni as we were conceptualizing our next spring performance,” described Anna Hinds. “We as a family had always
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“I came out of EPIC a better man, excited about my future and my faith as never before. Stories I have read for years came alive on stage and I was touched in a unique way that impacted me.” -Kurt Kiser
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loved the music of Michael Card and had the idea to do a joint music and dance production with him. The timing did not work out for that, but it began to speak to all of us that these songs were not just music, but a story that needed to be told. We started to realize there is something more. The music is coming alive in the form of a story. We started, the opening piece came immediately, shifting our focus and making it a story.” This was the launching pad for perhaps CITA’s most well known production, EPIC: The Timeless Tale of Extravagant Love, which debuted in 2011 and ran in 2012 and 2013. EPIC included the music of Michael Card and a series of Bible truths told in a series of dramatic dance and artistry that deeply touched the audiences. Local media personality Kurt Kiser saw EPIC in 2012, “I came out of EPIC a better man, excited about my future and my faith as never before. Stories I have read for years came alive on stage and I was touched in a unique way that impacted me.” “The element of EPIC that we heard the most about was how real Jesus became
Sports Lubbock Monthly
to the audience. How relatable He was in a real and tangible way that some people never saw before,” said Elder. “It is great to be on the receiving end of this process. We get to communicate these great stories and doing so through a personal journey for all of us.” Large-scale productions like this take a tremendous amount of work on the part of the CITA artists. Company members are in class daily taking conditioning, working on their strength and flexibility in addition to their technique. Nutrition is a top priority among CITA instructors and dancers. “It is one of those things you think of every moment of the day, it is a full time commitment to be a dancer, and it is not a part time job. You continually consider your eating habits at every meal and physically fueling yourself to make it through rehearsals and performances,” commented CITA Instructor and Company member Katrina Hinds. Dancers have been called the ‘ultimate athletes’ due to the extreme yet equal amounts of physical, mental, and spiritual toughness required to perfect their craft. “The most challenging thing about being a dancer is working hard to make it look
LUBBOCK AREA
ATHLETES IT’S HARD WORK TO MAKE IT LOOK THIS EASY... Lara Hinds, CITA Artistic Director discusses choreography with members of the Christ in the Arts leadership team, Anna Hinds and Randall Hinds.
easy. Keeping the balance between strength, flexibility and endurance with a strong mind-body connection is of paramount importance,” said Anna Hinds, who is also a Certified Health Coach. Dance, particularly ballet, can also have the imagery of fine tuned perfection to a fault, and some dancers battle eating disorders and comparisons. “We encourage real food instead of artificial things because it affects everything in your body. Here, we have every age of person from very young (age 3) to an adult ballet class that goes up past age 60,” said Dana Hinds. CITA Instructor and Company member Rachel Hinds explains, “I understand comparisons. It was hard for me not to compare myself to my four unbelievably gorgeous and talented older sisters. Comparison is a thief that steals our joy and our ability to embrace life. I have a specific passion for young women and for our students to see more in the mirror than their body image.” “I am so glad that for these kids that they are constantly reminded their identity is in Christ. They can use this gift of dance as their act of worship and it is amazing that we have a school like this in Lubbock. They teach ballet and give them all a strong discipline in dance and even
more so a strong discipline of mind - that it is not about them,” remarked CITA mom, Kellie Kennedy. A unique standout of CITA is the number of men who also participate in the productions and dance ministry. Currently, of the 125 enrolled, twenty are men and boys taking guys’ classes and partnering classes. “Above all things the heart is your life. I want my actions to reveal what my heart is saying. Partnering is physically challenging. The cool thing about this art form, it is a constant discovery and development of your body and mind,” describes David Hinds, CITA Instructor. As Christ in the Arts reflects on their past seven years of ministry, they will do what they do so well: celebrate with a performance. On January 25, 2014, they will host a free production entitled Above and Beyond: Celebrating Seven Years of More than We Could Imagine at First Baptist Church in Lubbock. Ballet Magnificat! Executive Director Keith Thibodeaux chimed in about their celebration, “We have so enjoyed our partnership with the Hinds Family and Christ in the Arts through the years. Several of them have been in our trainee program, attended summer workshops and CITA has brought us to perform in www.sportslubbock.com |
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LUBBOCK AREA
ATHLETES
ALL DRESSED UP Dana Hinds tailors a dress for CITA Apprentice Grace Kennedy. Dana, her daughter Sara and other CITA moms have sewn nearly 1000 costumes for the original productions over the last seven years.
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
Lubbock several times. Their productions brought to the stage are unique and professional. Christ in the Arts has taken the inspiration from what we do and have made it their own.” The family aspect of Christ in the Arts has not been lost through the growth of the program. Many participating families begin with one child taking classes and end up having their entire family participate in classes or productions. Randall Hinds concluded, “It is definitely a large extended family feel here. I have learned a lot about being a parent of our family and of our group. The gradual dawning on me as a parent is that God places in your child’s heart what they need to do and a parent’s job is to let it unfold. I believe what we have at CITA is that we honor individuality and hone what God is doing in each person’s life.” Allison Wood is a contributing writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. She may be reached at admin@ sportslubbock.com.
“It is definitely a large extended family feel here. The gradual dawning on me as a parent is that God places in your child’s heart what they need to do and a parent’s job is to let it unfold.” -CITA Administrator Randall Hinds
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FLYING WAYLAND QUEENS
WRESTLING HOOPS
PINNING DOWN THEIR DREAMS
As the only programs in Texas, the Wayland wrestling teams are working hard to put themselves and the rest of the Lonestar State on the college wrestling map SUMMER
T HART OF A CHAMPION Sophomore Chris Hart of Katy, Texas finished seventh at the NAIA Championships last year and captured all-American honors and came to Wayland specifically because he wanted to play a part in helping to build the new program.
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he state of Texas may not have a reputation as a hotbed for wrestling, but longtime area coach Johnny Cobb has been working for more than 40 years to change that. Prior to helping establish the first collegiate varsity program in the state at Wayland Baptist University in 2010, he helped start the Panhandle Amateur Wrestling Association and Amarillo’s Maverick Boys Club before leading Tascosa High School to three state titles during 20 years at the squad’s helm. Cobb’s desire to create opportunities for West Texas wrestlers took a new turn
Sports Lubbock Monthly
MORGAN
when he joined forces with former Tascosa protégé and 2000 Olympic champion Brandon Slay to found a program at Slay’s alma mater, West Texas A&M University. “We took a proposal to them every year and they just kept telling us to come back the next year,” he said. “That went on for 10 years or so, but it just never panned out.” The decorated coach retired from his post at Tascosa in 2008, but when Wayland Director of Athletics Dr. Greg Feris came calling in late 2009, the draw of the mat was just too strong.
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FLYING WAYLAND QUEENS
WRESTLING HOOPS
PIONEER NAVIGATORS Head coach Johnny Cobb (left) and his staff, including assistant coach Garrett Kiley (right), have worked hard to build the Wayland program from scratch and have enjoyed some early success in just three seasons.
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Cobb’s initial plan was to help Wayland put its program together and assist in the hiring of a head coach, but when Feris asked him to stay on, he couldn’t say no. “I didn’t want Wayland to lose this opportunity, so I decided to jump in with both feet and get things done,” he said. “At the beginning, there was no equipment, no schedule and no assistant, so it was pretty overwhelming. That spring I worked hard to get the word out on a national level and spent hours on the phone getting kids to fill out recruiting questionnaires. Thankfully, I was able to bring on Aaron (Meister), our assistant coach, that summer.”
COACH MEISTER
Meister, who had wrestled in his home state of Kansas from first grade through college, jumped at the opportunity to help build a new program from the ground up, even if he’d never heard of Wayland or Plainview, Texas.
Sports Lubbock Monthly
“I saw they were adding a program at Wayland and called Coach Cobb to say I was interested in the job,” he said. “He told me he was about 99 percent sure he already had someone on board, but after three months of persistent phone calls and e-mails, I had the chance to come and visit. I knew right away when I came to Plainview that it’s where I wanted to be. I didn’t know what the culture of wrestling in Texas was, but I knew we’d have great support from the university.”
THE INAUGURAL TEAM
Cobb and Meister didn’t have long to plan, but by the time the fall rolled around, they had recruited a roster of 30 men and 20 women with 12 competitions on the schedule for each team. It wasn’t an easy start, however, as the men’s team went 2-10 and the women finished 1-11 that inaugural season. The coaches knew they were dealing with several potential stumbling blocks for the fledgling program, including a
MISTER MEISTER Wayland assistant wrestling coach Aaron Meister is a former national champion
hodgepodge of talent and a squad of nearly all freshmen. “We had a really rough start, no doubt about it,” Cobb said. “That first year, we couldn’t be too selective with our roster…we took anybody and everybody. Thankfully, now we don’t have to do that, but that first year, we had to just get kids here to compete with us. “Also, the vast majority of our team were freshmen. Even for the very best kids, moving up to the competition at the college level is a tough adjustment, but they were also dealing with their studies and being away from home for the first time.” Meister recalled seeing great potential in Wayland’s program, but also knew there would be growing pains. “We had such great support from the school and everything was in place for us to be successful, but that first year was very difficult,” he said. “Some of the kids
we had weren’t necessarily the most talented, but they wanted to be a part of something. We started to gradually work to build a culture, came up with a team mission and began to set goals and expectations. No matter how defeated or frustrated we were at times, we had to put on a brave face and stick with our plan.”
REALIZING POTENTIAL
Fortunately for Wayland, it wasn’t just the coaches who saw potential in Wayland’s new program. Athletes from the Dallas and Houston areas, El Paso and across West Texas jumped at the chance to be a part of the first and only varsity (non-club) collegiate program in the state, and the newest Pioneer team began to take shape. One such athlete was Katynative Chris Hart, a runner-up at the state tournament during his senior year of high school. “I was recruited by a lot other schools but ended up at Wayland because it was the first collegiate program in Texas and I wanted to help put it on the map,” he said. “I’m a redshirt junior now, so I’ve been here since the beginning and have seen all the changes. “That first year there wasn’t much depth, but the coaches have done a good job recruiting quality depth in each weight class,” Hart added. “We’ve lost some people along the way, but the returners are pushing each other and we’ve created a competitive environment.” A former collegiate national champion himself, Meister has been thrilled to see the growth of Wayland’s young program in just four years.
“We had a really rough start, no doubt about it. That first year, we couldn’t be too selective with our roster… we took anybody and everybody. Thankfully, now we don’t have to do that, but that first year, we had to just get kids here to compete with us.” -Wayland Baptist head coach Johnny Cobb
THAT’S A WINNER Wayland junior Markese Christian wins a match at home in Plainview. Wayland’s awesome assistant athletic trainer Erica Andersen looks on.
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“We’re still evolving, but it’s all about building kids up, developing those relationships and getting them some experience,” he said. “The ones that are resilient are still with us and some of our best kids would no doubt have success in almost any program. We just keep building and adding good kids to the program each year. “That first season, we couldn’t even fill a line-up, but things got better the second year and we were close to a full roster. Last year we built some depth and this season we’ve got a full team with backups, which is important when you have injuries to deal with.” Cobb pointed at the team’s records and national finishes as proof of how the squad has progressed by leaps and bounds in such a short time. “In our second year, we continued to improve and had several kids come back,” he said. “Then last year (2012-13) was a big step in the right direction. We went from being close to finishing last on the women’s end and in the middle of the pack on the men’s side to the women taking eighth place and the men tying for 16th. This season we expect the men to break into the top 10 and the women to land in the top four.”
Sports Lubbock Monthly
WAYLAND’S WOMEN
Wayland’s women’s program has flourished of late, thanks to the success of several talented athletes, including Tamyra Mensah, who like Hart also hails from Katy. “Wayland started its program during my senior year of high school and I was interested in what they were doing,” Mensah said. “Several other colleges offered me scholarships, but I took a couple of recruiting visits to see how I would fit with the other girls and the environment. I loved Plainview and the people here more than anywhere else. “The first semester was a little shaky for me, but I had my twin sister (Tarkyia) here and it was great to have her to lean on. Everything was new and it was tough being away from home, but I got over it. I knew I was going to wrestle in college, so it was great to find Wayland because it was the best fit for me.”
A GROWING REPUTATION
The majority of Wayland’s roster continues to be composed of athletes from Texas, but the word is spreading as wrestlers from California, Colorado, Idaho,
WAYLAND
WRESTLING ALL SHE DOES IS WIN California native Angela Vynborny was a 2012 NAIA All-American and was a National Champion in 2009.
New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin now call themselves Pioneers. Meister said being the only school to offer a varsity program in the state is noteworthy, but it does have a drawback. “It’s a double-edged sword, really,” he said. “As the only school in Texas with a wrestling program, we get our pick of recruits, but we need a rival and somebody closer for us to travel to. Texas is big enough and has more than enough wrestlers with talent to be shared. Dr. Feris really had some great insight to start a program in an area that has a lot of tradition. “If we have the ingredients we need with good kids, school support and a solid budget, we can continue to work hard and promote the program so it will be one of the best. We’re working to establish our brand because we don’t just want people locally to know us. We want to be mentioned every year with the best programs in the NAIA and NCAA.” As the head coach of one of Wayland’s largest athletic teams, Cobb said the squad’s mascot has taken on a special meaning for his young program, which currently is ranked No. 4 (women) and No. 15 (men) in its fourth season of competition. “We’re the Wayland Pioneers, and that means something to us as we’re one of the younger programs in the country,” he said. “To be able to recruit so well from so many high school programs is great, and we now can say we’re ranked and have national finalists on our team. It’s been wonderful to see our older athletes step into those upperclassmen leadership roles…athletes like Chris Hart and Jose ‘Chino’ Alvarez on the men’s side and Tamyra Mensah and Angela Vyborny for the women. It’s really made a difference in team attitude.”
SUCCESSES
Hart, who finished seventh at the NAIA Championships last year and captured allAmerican honors, said he’s happy to bring an element of leadership to the team, even
if he’s not the loudest one in the gym. “I’m not very vocal, but I lead by example,” he said. “I put my head down and I work hard. I’m not going to tell the guys what to do, but I want to show them what it takes to be the best. They can see my work ethic and see how it’s made me successful.” After taking third place at the WCWA National Championships and second at the ASICS Las Vegas U.S. Open in April, Mensah has big plans – even Olympic aspirations – for the future. She credits her coaches and experiences at Wayland for getting her there. “During my freshman year, people looked at me like Wayland wasn’t going to be the place I needed it to be for me to be successful, but I’ve been traveling the world and proving everybody wrong,” she said. “I’m exactly where I need to be because it fits my mentality and this is where it’s at. “Coach Cobb is so enthusiastic and I fit really well with him,” she added. “Coach Meister can be tough and I had to feel him out at first, but I quickly figured out that he’s awesome, too. We’ve come a long way as a team. This year I’m planning on being a national champion and someday making the Olympic team.” As the wrestling program continues to grow and improve, Meister said he’s been blessed to see positive development throughout both the men’s and women’s teams. “As we continue to be successful, it validates everybody’s hard work, from the starters to the third string, coaches and administrators,” he said. “We’ve been able to hire another assistant coach, Garrett Kiley, who has really helped us get the word out there about us through a big social media push. Being able to have three coaches on staff just puts us another step closer to where we want to be. “People are starting to know we’re here. We’re putting ourselves out there and people like what they see. We want to be contenders and help create student-athletes who can go out and apply their experiences to the real world. Wrestling teaches lessons about work ethic and facing adversity in
MAKIN’ IT LOOK EASY Tamyra Mensch handily disposes of her opponent and looks for the official to make the call.
ways that allow kids to become resilient. It speaks volumes when we not only produce good wrestlers, but also good people.” Cobb agreed, acknowledging that while finding success on the mat is always an uphill battle, helping mold young men and women into people of character is the ultimate reward. “Our goal is to eventually earn a national championship for Wayland, but we fully understand the difficulty in that,” he said. “We’re going up against teams that have been around for more than 30 years, but we’re going to continue to bring up good athletes and set the bar higher each year. “Wrestlers are a bunch of scrappy, battling kids. They’re often a little rough around the edges, but the sport provides great opportunities for character-building. Sometimes you’ve got to learn to kick them in the butt while you’re patting them on the back, but it’s always worth it.” Summer Morgan is a contributing writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. She may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com.
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COVER
STORY
Brought to you by
SOPHOMORE
SURGE
After bursting on the scene as a freshman in 2012,Tech forward Janine Beckie put together another spectacular season in catalyzing the Red Raiders to the second round of the NCAA tournament for the second straight year
JOE
SZYNKOWSKI JOHN
WEAST
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THE BECKIE FILE Class: Sophomore Position: Forward Height: 5’8” High School: Valor Christian Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colorado Major: Communications Career Highlights:
• 2013 NSCAA Continental Tire AllCentral Region First Team (along with teammate Jaelene Hinkle) • 2012 NSCAA Second Team All-American • 2012 All-Big 12 Team and Big 12 Rookie of the Year • Member of U-20 and U-18 U.S. National Team • Back-to-back Colorado high school state champion runner-up
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A
fter bursting on the scene as a freshman in 2012, Texas Tech forward Janine Beckie put together another spectacular season in catalyzing the Red Raiders to the second round of the NCAA tournament for the second straight season. Beckie ended her sophomore season with 12 goals, giving her 26 through two seasons. She scored twice in Texas Tech’s 3-0 win over Minnesota in the first round of the NCAA tournament, and added another goal one round later in the Red Raiders heart-breaking loss to Texas A&M. She is already in the top five alltime at Texas Tech in scoring and is No. 4 in career points with 61. It was a strong follow-up to a freshman campaign that saw Beckie finish on the NSCAA All-America Second Team and AllBig 12 First Team. Beckie led the Big 12 as a freshman in shots (122), points (33) and points per game (1.43), helping her earn Big 12 Rookie of the Year honors. Beckie recently took a few minutes out of her U.S. U-20 national team training in California to discuss her first two seasons and what lies ahead in the second half of her Texas Tech career. Sports Lubbock: I know you’re only a few days removed from the season, but what will you remember most about your sophomore year? Janine Beckie: I’m definitely still trying to deal with how it ended. It was a tough way to finish up. But we had a record-breaking season and I’m just excited for the chance to do it again next year.
Sports Lubbock Monthly
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SL: The City of Lubbock really got behind your team this year, didn’t it? JB: It was amazing the amount of support we got from the Lubbock community. And team-wise, everybody bought into Tom’s (coach Tom Stone) dream of making this program something big. It was an unbelievable season and I’m lucky to been part of it. SL: What were some of the highlights of the season? Obviously making it to the second round of the NCAA tournament again had to be one of them. JB: It was just an unbelievable season. So many people shined and came through in the clutch for us. On the soccer side of it, beating West Virginia on our own field was amazing. It was one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen. Being able to make those memories with my teammates was just so special. SL: Your PK goal in the postseason loss to A&M, was that one of the most memorable of your young career? JB: It was definitely one of the most nerve-wracking. I had been missing them in practice and my only goal was to just put it away. At the time you’re just happier about keeping the game going rather than the fact that you scored a goal.
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SL: What can you learn from the A&M game that will help next season? JB: I really feel like we dominated the entire game. The way our defense played. The way Victoria (Esson, goalkeeper) had just an awesome game and an amazing season. I’m sure it will be a motivator to all of us while we’re training in the offseason. SL: I know it was an emotional ending for a lot of the seniors. Can you give any insight to the emotions that you were feeling watching your team leaders struggle with how the season ended? JB: It was kind of devastating for our seniors and really hard to watch them go through that. They led us the whole season and we really became a family. We just talked a lot after the game about how much we appreciated one another. It was kind of surreal until I realized, wow, we don’t have any practice tomorrow. SL: Fortunately, you have two seasons left, so how do you see your role transitioning next season?
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JB: I’m ready to rise up and be a leader. I’m already very vocal and I’ll be ready to help the younger players get acclimated. Especially after seeing our seniors so upset this year, I can’t imagine being done. I’m excited about the opportunity to play two more years. SL: Knowing you’re going to be a top leader and possibly a team captain, what do you plan to work on this offseason to get ready for 2014? JB: Something always comes to the surface during the offseason. For now I’m just focused on my national training and working on a few things here and there like holding the ball with my back toe and getting more people involved in the game.
SL: You mentioned coach’s system, what is it about his philosophy and approach that has put Texas Tech soccer on the map? JB: I can remember back to the recruiting process. He told me about his dreams of where this program could go. He was just so excited and confident that we could bring the right pieces here to build a consistent winner. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come here. SL: And what about off the field? How has he made a difference in that regard? JB: Coach is definitely focused on team success but he’s also very dedicated to making sure he graduates strong, prepared young women. He really cares about us. He puts a lot of trust in us to make good decisions off the field. I’ve already learned more from him than I ever imagined. Joe Szynkowski is a freelance writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. Find him online at www. joeszynkowski.com or @JoeSzynkowski on Twitter.
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GAME FACE Megan Allen, pictured here with a fierce attack from the middle, had high hopes for her senior campaign before injury struck again. The talented middle blocker battled back from devastating knee injuries last year and in the off-season only to be re-injured again this year just prior to district play. She valiantly tried to play through the pain, wearing two braces and tape (inset), but was simply not physically able to compete. Despite being sidelined again, Allen was still a valued and vocal teammate who will leave big leadership shoes to fill for the Pirates next year.
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HIGH SCHOOL
NET RESULTS
V-BALL
Under the leadership of decorated coach Courtney Pesterfield, the Lubbock Cooper Lady Pirate volleyball team continues to reload JAKE
T
EDWARDS
hroughout Texas, many sports teams are heading into the most exciting time of their season as they advance into the playoffs. Other teams, however, like the Lubbock Cooper High School volleyball team, are reflecting on their seasons that ended too soon and are already looking for ways they can improve their game next year. The Lady Pirates came off a very successful season in 2012 that took them all the way to the regional tournament. They knew coming into the 2013 season it was going to be more difficult to have that kind of success after losing eight seniors and having only three returning players from the 2012 team. They knew it would be a year to “rebuild,” as teams often do so that they can once again rise to prominence and be seen as a force to be reckoned with in their district. Even before the 2012 season had come to a close, the Lady Pirates heard much about how 2013 would
KRISTIN
BEDNARZ
be a “rebuilding” year, a year to bring in younger players who would need time get accustomed to playing at the Varsity level. No one expected the Lady Pirates to repeat their successful season in 2012, but they knew that these young ladies would work diligently to improve their program. Seniors Torey Kay, Megan Allen and Hayden Scott knew they would be looked to as the leaders this season. Not only did these seniors need to help develop the skills of their new teammates, but they needed to help develop the younger players’ confidence as well if 2013 was going to be a great year for the Lady Pirates. “As the only seniors, we knew that we had to be available every day to push our teammates hard throughout the offseason to make their individual games better.” Kay, the setter for the Lady Pirates, said. “We worked very hard earn the respect of our teammates by teaching them to always respect our coaches, include our teammates in activities of the court, and be available to encourage each other. “ The work of those seniors, and the team
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WE ARE FAMILY The team huddles for a quick pre-game meeting in the middle of the court
as a whole, was evident throughout the season. During this year of “rebuilding,” the Lady Pirates were able to finish the season with a respectable 26-12 record and co-district championship, adding more accolades to a very impressive program that has seen much success over the last few years. This year’s slogan for the Lady Pirates was “Stand Strong.” With only two seniors from the original team returning, Coach Courtney Pesterfield wanted the Lady Pirates to get back to the basics and develop a strong “never-back-down” attitude. “We go into every game confident that we can pull out a win. This season has had its fair share of ups and downs. Megan Allen, our starting middle, went down with an ACL injury last year and tweaked it again during the offseason. Megan was very important in rallying our girls to be excited about the new season in spite of her injuries,” Pesterfield said. Allen was determined to come back from her injury and did, only to find herself once again on the disabled list with a second knee injury just before heading into district play. With aspirations to play in college, Allen has been forced to think
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about the prospect of a future that does not involve college sports. She has handled this situation by learning through her injury struggles. “I am a stronger person because of what happened,” Allen said. “I have been able to become closer to my teammates even though it was so difficult to sit on the bench. I have started to realize that volleyball is not the center point of my life. There are so many other important things.” Allen is interested in attending Texas Tech and has allowed her experiences through sports to drive her to succeed in the classroom and in life. With such a strong presence in Allen being lost for the season, coach Pesterfield was forced with the task of looking for suitable replacements. “We brought up a freshman and sophomore to the Varsity,” said Pesterfield. “There were only two girls returning from the team last year that had even played on the Varsity before!” Going into the district season, the Lady Pirates got off to a great start by winning their first game against Andrews only to lose their next two district games to Seminole and huge rival, Shallowater. “The Shallowater game was a tough pill for our girls to swallow,” said Pesterfield. “To lose on their court in front of their home crowd made the loss sting even more.” To start the district season off with a 1-2 record can be frustrating for a team that has lost one of their strongest players to injury and that doesn’t have experienced players to substitute. The Lady Pirates knew that they needed everyone to step up and start doing their part to help the team succeed.
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Coach Pesterfield met with her team in hopes to regroup them back to their original moment to stand strong. “In order to teach our girls to Stand Strong, the coaches and I showed the girls a video on YouTube of a girl who fell down running the 300-meter hurdles and was able to get up and win the race in spite of falling. I wanted the girls to understand that the Shallowater game was our ‘fall on our face’ moment.” Pesterfield’s encouragement made a huge statement for this young team as they strung together seven straight wins to become the co-district champions. When asked about the winning streak, Scott replied, “The streak was a great ride for us. Our team was able to build up our confidence and see that we were capable of accomplishing great things when we are firing on all cylinders. We were also able to watch some underclassmen step up and take on important roles for the team.” Few teams could bounce back from such a tough start. The Lady Pirates were able to prove to everyone in their district that they were a force to be reckoned with. Sam Mendez, a sophomore middle at Cooper, received some extra playing time. After being brought up from junior varsity for the district season, she was called upon to play a huge role for the team, one that most underclassmen are rarely awarded. “It took a lot of adjusting on my part to keep up with the speed of the game when I moved up to varsity,” said Mendez. “I was not used to this speed, but playing with these girls last year (while a freshmen on junior varsity) was a little bit better because I was able to quickly mesh together with my teammates.” Mendez knows that she will be a major player for the Lady Pirates next year and
wants to use the offseason to increase her vertical jump, a very important aspect of playing the middle position. She knows that in order to grow into a better player, she will have to give one hundred percent in the gym. Mendez was able to use this season as a chance to gain confidence and learn more about how to play at the varsity level. Her potential remains to be seen. With so many underclassmen like Mendez coming up, the future is very bright for these Lady Pirates of Cooper High School who want to continue to build on their successes. Pesterfield knows that a successful season can be accomplished by hard work in the offseason, strong athletic synergy, teamwork and parental encouragement. “The parents for all of our teams are the most supportive parents I’ve ever seen. They are always doing great things for our athletic program. They show up to games and cheer loud, make goodie bags for our athletes, locker tags, and were incredible when we sent off our athletes to away games.” The athletes and coaches also spent their time bonding with one another in many creative ways. To help create a teamwork atmosphere, Pesterfield and the coaching staff led the team to participate in their own Lady Pirate talent show where teammates were placed in groups that would perform skits for one another. “While this was embarrassing and hilarious for everyone, our team was given the opportunity to work together,” said
SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE (left to right) Torey Kay, Coach Pesterfield, Haidyn Scott, and Megan Allen pose for a quick picture during the Senior Night Presentation
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HIGH SCHOOL
V-BALL NOT SO FAST Jenny Evans and Torey Kay blocking an opponent from Shallowater
Allen. “Coach is always looking for ways for our team to bond and work together.” For the three lone seniors on this incredible team, 2013 was a statement year for them. They refused for their season to be acknowledged as a “rebuilding” year. When asked about how she felt about the season, Kay stated that, “I am proud of how everything ended up turning out. No one can tell us that this season was not a success.” The Lady Pirates overcame losing 8 seniors to graduation, their strongest senior to injury, an early losing streak, and little experience to beat the odds to become co-district champions. To the outside world, many would see their accomplishments as a miracle. To the Lady Pirates volleyball team and coaching staff, they know that their season was successful because of their competitive spirit and their will to win.
Craftsman ad here
Jake Edwards is a freelance writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. He may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com.
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ROCK SOLID A 15,000 sq. foot gym in southwest Lubbock is a dream come true for local competitive gymnasts GEORGIA
REED
ASHLEY
T
he floor was a flurry of activity. Kirstie Mensen did a tumbling pass, vaulting her body into the air. No less than five feet away her sister Alyssa started her running pass. At the same time three other girls were doing flips and turns. Assistant Coach Kirsten Alvarez stood by watching each move closely. She said it takes a lot of multitasking but each girl knows where she needs to be and what she needs to be doing. Addie “Short Stuff” Quisenberry, exactly four feet tall, prepared to take a tumbling pass. The other girls paused and shouted encouragement. When she stuck her landing, there was applause and genuine excitement from her teammates. Rock Solid Athletics, a 15,000 sq. foot gym in southwest Lubbock is a dream come true for local competitive gymnasts.
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WIRZ
Rock Solid: What’s in a Name?
As a child, Kendra Barker had a dream of owning a gym. Her parents were working in secret to make it a reality for her after they saw the need for advanced gymnastics in Lubbock. When Karmen Barker and her husband Craig were only a month away from revealing their gym plans, twelve-year-old Kendra came to her parents with a name for her “dream gym.” Karmen and Craig braced themselves for the worst but were pleasantly surprised with Kendra’s choice, “Rock Solid...like on Christ the solid rock.” Now, three years later, the gym is a reality. Rock Solid has over seven hundred children weekly ranging from 18 month olds to 17 years.
Sports Lubbock Monthly
Ten of the most advanced athletes at Rock Solid Athletics are young women on the 2013 optional team who compete in the Junior Olympic program of USA Gymnastics. The optional team is made up of young athletes from middle school to high school. They compete in as many as eight meets a year from Las Vegas to Oklahoma City. Rock Solid founder Karmen Barker explained that “optional” in gymnastics
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refers to levels six to ten of competition that are beyond the compulsory routines of levels one to five. “When Rock Solid opened just over two years ago,” explained Barker, “we were blessed to have a group of girls beginning their optional career. This group is the largest group of advanced gymnasts in West Texas in a decade.”
Coaches Al Gamboa and Assistant coach Kirsten Alvarez choreograph the optional teams’ routines to showcase their strengths. Rock Solid Athletics’ optional team consists of two level nines, four level eights, two level sevens and two brand new level sixes. Level ten is the most advanced level before the elite level where gymnasts compete internationally.
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The 2013 optional girls are Lexie Harlan, Nicole Johnson, Kendra Barker, Brittany Carson, Alyssa Mensen, Makayla Cochran, Courtney Boring, Kirstie Mensen, Megan Smith and Addie Quisenberry.
Optional Team
The optional team girls line up according to the level at which they compete. They range in ages from nine to seventeen. “The girls are required to compete on vault, bar, beam and floor,” explained Coach Al Gamboa, “and all are hoping for gymnastic scholarships.” Like many of the girls, Kirstie Mensen feels fortunate to be on the team. It’s an honor and even after a bad day she can come to the gym and have fun. Addie Quisenberry, the youngest member of the team at nine years old, started gymnastics only two years ago. She smiled sheepishly and explained, “Sometimes they call me ‘Short Stuff’.”
Commitment & Character
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relieves a lot of stress from the outside world though it is really time consuming. Undoubtedly, it is a big commitment. Karmen Barker pointed out that each girl has made choices to stick with gymnastics, many making sacrifices from a young age like missing out on sleep overs that might conflict with practice. The optional team trains about 18 hours a week, after school most days and on Saturday mornings. Karmen Barker said, “This can’t be a seasonal thing... it’s a year long commitment with no off-season.” Manager Jennifer Porter explained that gymnastics offers, “self discipline, determination and mental strength from competing.” “We don’t define success by awards or trophies,” said Coach Al Gamboa, “but by how they compete.”
Challenges
Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Mensen sees gymnastics as a way to express herself.
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“It’s a way to escape from reality. When you’re here you don’t worry about anything else going on.” Her younger sister agrees. “It takes stress away from school,” said Kirstie Mensen. “It feels like flying in the air after having to sit all day.” As for the time commitment and hard work it takes, Alyssa Mensen explained, “When you stick it, it all pays off.” Fourteen-year-old Courtney Boring acknowledges how hard gymnastics
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can be. “It’s a hard sport... It’s challenging to flip on a four inch piece of wood.” In the end Courtney sees it as a mental game with herself. Fourteen-year-old Lexie Harlan is training for level nine this year and her challenges are mental as well. Especially on the beam. Harlan explained that being a part of the optional team has its perks as well. “It’s exciting that the younger girls look up to us.”
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Gymnastics teaches Frenship freshman Nicole Johnson how to overcome fear in life and in the gym. “Fear holds you back,” said Johnson. There isn’t room for fear when the girls are mid-air between two bars. “I feel like I’m flying in those few seconds between bars,” said Johnson. This challenge and thrill is what keeps many of the girls coming back. “We all strive for perfection,” explained Johnson, “in the gym and at school.” Johnson is training to compete at level nine this year. Like the other girls, she dreams of the Olympics. Johnson’s back up plan is to be a college gymnast at either Oklahoma, Alabama, or Florida. Johnson said, “Friends at school ask, ‘Do you get a break?’ If you love something you’re not going to stop.”
Unique Team
A large red banner hangs over the “floor” that reads “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The girls refer to it often and to their desire to glorify Christ in their performances and in how they relate to one another. “We have a close knit team.” Coach Al Gamoba said. “They motivate each other. We have received compliments from other
gyms because our girls cheer for each other.” Many of the girls have been in the gym together their entire gymnastic life. Makayla Cochran has known most of the girls since she was four years old and can’t imagine where she would be without them. For newer members of the team the close relationships are just as important. Courtney Boring moved to Lubbock a year and a half ago from Odessa and loves having encouraging friends around her in the form of team and coaches. “We text each other, ‘Will you pray for me?’” said Boring. She explained, “We compete and do everything for the glory of God.” You can see the excitement and passion the girls have not only for gymnastics but also for one another. The team spends almost twenty hours a week together working in the gym and also meeting for other after school activities. While gymnastics is an individual sport, the Rock Solid optional team is more about the group. “We always have each others’ backs,” said Johnson. “Team is my family. They help me solve problems.” The family sentiment is echoed by all of the girls and the coaches. “I love that we all are really close, “
said thirteen year old Brittany Carson. “We are all like sisters... we fight sometimes but make up...“ “This,” manager Jennifer Porter, motioned around the gym, ”...becomes a family.” When twelve-year-old Megan Smith first got a cartwheel back on the beam her team rejoiced with her. “People are always cheering you on,” Smith said simply. “This place,” said Kirstie Mensen, “feels like a second home. Coaches feel like a second parent and friends feel like a second family.” Her big sister Alyssa agreed, “Everyone has bad days or weeks. Part of what helps keep us going is teammates. When struggling we can go to the coaches....they are not just coaches for gymnastics but for life.” The Rock Solid Optional Team is without a doubt in a class of its own. Lexie has been on this team since she was six years old. “This place,” she motioned to the gym, “is a second home.”
Georgia Reed is a freelance writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. She may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com.
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OUR HOUSE Lubbock ISD’s Lowrey Field undergoes $18 million renovation, updating the 52-year old facility and making it one of the nicest such facilities in the land LARRY
MARTINEZ
FRESH NEW DIGS After serving as home to LISD athletics for half a century, Lowrey Field was in dire need of a makeover. Thanks to a $198 million bond package passed by voters in 2010, the project was far more than merely an aesthetic face lift. The facility now features a three level press box, a new track, improved and expanded concession stands and restrooms, and four fully equipped varsity locker rooms. The facility is host to Coronado, Monterey, Lubbock, and Estacado high schools and will also serve as a neutral site for state playoff games. SLM sent photographer Larry Martinez in with camera in hand to give readers an inside look.
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SZYNKOWSKI
Caprock Classic It’s a lot about hoops, even more about heart
IN THE
HUB
by JOE
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or many local basketball squads, teams, and AMBUCS is still able to help the FiberMax Caprock Classic out the community thanks to the great fan serves as the jumping-off point support the tournament draws. for district play – the end of one The 55th annual FiberMax Caprock season and the beginning of a whole new Classic is slated for Dec. 26-28. Last year’s one. edition brought in 86 varsity teams and For Caprock American Business Clubs was once again the largest tournament in (AMBUCS), the tournament serves as the nation. As of late October, this year’s the continuation of a volunteer-driven tournament field was listed at 80 teams with opportunity to provide services for people room for growth. “Obviously we’d like to with disabilities. get back up to 96 teams,” It is a partnership that said. “It helps fill “For us it really Johnson runs 50 years strong. out the bracket, and the more serves as a The Caprock Classic – competition the better.” kind of state the largest boys and girls Top-tier competition is a tournament for major factor in the Caprock basketball tournament in the nation – dedicates its our preseason. Classic’s popularity. proceeds to help AMBUCS’ “The thing we enjoy most It’s the end of volunteers provide mobility about the tournament is it’s one season and our only chance to really support and independence the beginning for people with disabilities. play teams within our area of another.” It is a lot about hoops, but code,” said Trinity Christian even more about heart. coach Jeremy McFerrin. -Trinity Christian head “It’s by far our biggest “We enjoy that. Competition basketball coach Jeremy McFerrin fundraiser of the year,” is fun when you get to stay said Caprock AMBUCS in town and go against local President Gary Johnson, guys you know.” who plays a big role in McFerrin’s team lost coordinating the tournament. “It gives us an last year’s boys tournament championship opportunity to help a lot of people.” game. He said the event serves as a highThe tournament is played every year profile finish to the non-district schedule, between Christmas and New Years in and gives his players a type of playoff Lubbock High School and collegiate gyms. atmosphere to help catalyze their start in It got its start more than a half century ago district. when Texas Tech coach Polk Robinson “They bring in great teams from all approached AMBUCS about co-sponsoring over the place,” he said. “For us it really a boys high school basketball tournament. serves as a kind of state tournament for our The then-16-team tourney helped finance preseason. It’s the end of one season and the a special charity, Lubbock Children’s beginning of another. And hopefully you Training Center, a pre-school for mentally learn some things about your team from handicapped children. Fast forward to going against really good talent.” recent years that have fielded more than 90 Bringing in teams from as far as El Paso,
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
Sincerest Thanks!
We are so thankful for all who have helped us bring you Sports Lubbock Monthly over the past one-plus year. Do us a solid and thank them for helping us along the way! Dallas and Houston takes planning and execution between many groups. Lubbock Sports helped with coordination in general as well as coaches gifts and water donations for last year’s classic. AMBUCS discusses the tournament year-round in its meetings, as serious planning gets under way in September every year. Johnson, who became club president earlier this year, says it is quite an undertaking to pull off such a highprofile event. “We have a lot of meetings,” he laughed. The tournament means a lot to AMBUCS members. It also means big things for the City of Lubbock. Lubbock Sports estimates that the tournament brings around 3,400 hotel room nights each year. In 2011, Events Response, an independent marketing firm that specializes in pre- and postevent surveys, conducted a survey about the Caprock Classic. Both coaches and attendees were surveyed. The results indicated that there were about 3,500 spectators at the tournament each day, and about 4,704 total, including coaches and players. The survey revealed an estimated $2.5 million impact on the Lubbock economy, including lodging, dining, fuel, attractions and shopping related to the tournament. Fiscally – and fanatically – the Caprock Classic provides a boon to Hub City. “I think everyone involved, even if they weren’t a basketball fan before, they are come tournament time,” Johnson said. Joe Szynkowski is a freelance writer with Sports Lubbock Monthly. Contact him at info@joeszynkowski.com and follow him @ JoeSzynkowski. PLEASE FORGIVE ANY OMISSIONS! We did our best and scoured our brains to provide a comprehensive list, but if we inadvertently left anyone off, it sure wasn’t on purpose! Thanks for understanding.
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Peoples Bank Lubbock Sports Covenant Health Southcrest KDO St. Clair & Massey Orthodontics Hi Plains Building Division Play It Again Sports Lubbock Sports Medicine South Plains Electric Cooperative Dr. Jason Ramsey/SportsZone Orthopedics Yahwear Texas Dive Center Tracy Starkey Insurance Bug Zappers MaxOut Crossfit United States Marine Corps Southcrest Baptist Church Visalis: Jerri Doggett SportClips Harrigans (and Zookinis)
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Buffalo Springs Triathalon Floor Essence Lubbock File Room Germblast Edward Jones: Tommy Wood GreerCoach.com Tosi Roofing GL Construction Garret Swann MGM Electronics Captivated Images Caprock Images John Weast Photography Penney Photography Curry Photography Kristen Bednarz Photography Craftsman Printers Taco Villa Hub City Fieldhouse Rick’s Tire Copy Craft JFerg Roofing and Foam Fitness Specialist
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Zack Barnard Baron Batch Shawn Best Bryan Beaver Kristen Bednarz Lindsay Bradshaw Cameron Brock Brynnan Brooks Eric Chaffin Steve Conway Josh Crosby Luann Curry Michael Dalby Josh Dill Jerri Doggett David Drake Jake Edwards Scott Fitzgerald Brandon Gilbert Holly Givens
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Garrett Gregory Devin Hargrove Domi Harmon Scott Harrison Kristi Hart Derek Herron James Holloway Elizabeth Jackson Angella Jordan Dalila Kettrey Terry Kinard Alyssa Kitten Holly Kitten Kevin Lewis Larry Martinez Donald McArthur Summer Morgan Barry Nelson Jackie Parrott Regina Penney
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Amy Pinkerton Amanda Randle Georgia Reed Melissa Riley Grant Stovall Riley Swinford Joe Sznkowski Dusty Thompson Laura Tucker Laura Turnbough Rob Tuttle Clayton Walker Joe Walker Nick Watts John Weast Spike Wideman Kerry Wimberly Ashley Wirz Allison Wood YOU!
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