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CONTENTS ///JULY2013
Stephanie Oliver President Beth Johnson editor@tjmag.com Managing Editor Angie Nichols Staff Writer Kim Iribarren kim@tjmag.com Director of Sales Macy Haffey Layout and Design Lisa Crow lisacrowphotography@gmail.com Event Photographer DISTRIBUTORS Lisa Crow Janet Glover Jared Thompson
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THE SPORTSMAN Coach Eby NEWSWORTHY Texas 4000
LEADERSHIP Trent Ashby FISHING REPORT Hunter Muncrief
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TOURNAMENTS Jackson Hill Marina High School Event
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CELEBRATION The Pineywoods NWTF Chapter
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COMMUNITY LEADER Scott McDonald
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TROPHY ROOM Trophy Hunts
CONTACT US: MAILING: P O B ox 1 5 0 5 37 L u f k i n , Texa s 759 1 5 P H YS I CA L : 1 1 5 E . S h e p h e rd L u f k i n , Texa s 759 0 1 936-634-7188 editor@eastmensmagazine.com facebook.com/tjmag twitter.com/tjmeast
eastmensmagazine.com /// 3
THE SPORTSMAN
A Reason to Boast: Coach Jimmy Eby Coach Eby opens up about his career, the recent success of his team, his family, and his gratitude for the community he serves.
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oach Jimmy Eby can boast that his Hudson High School girls’ softball team is the first-ever softball team in Texas to win back-to-back state titles at the Class 3A level. With all the attention on the state championships, he is a celebrity of sorts. However, he wouldn’t think to boast about anything other than the girls’ effort. A humble family man, Eby groaned at the proposal of a feature article focused on him in EAST magazine. He much preferred to focus on the team and their accomplishments.
However, with some persuasion, encouragement, and pointed questions, Coach Eby opened up about his career, the recent success of his team, his family, and his gratitude for the community he serves. Jimmy is originally from the Dallas area. Specifically, the “small town”, as he referred to it, of Burleson, joking that the label of “small town” was different in the DFW Metroplex than it is in East Texas. He attended The University of Texas - Pan American in Edinburg, Texas where he played college baseball. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree, Eby went to Stephen F. Austin for his Master’s degree, while also working as an assistant baseball coach at Angelina College. In 1999, Eby was hired as the assistant baseball coach at Hudson ISD. An avid baseball player and fan, Eby was in his element. Then in the fall of the next year, two weeks before the season started, Eby was asked to take over the girls’ softball program. He agreed, but only on the condition that it would be for just the one season. He wanted to be allowed to go back to baseball immediately. That year, the girls’ team advanced to the regional finals, and Coach Eby hasn’t looked back. He’s proudly served more than ten years as the head coach of the girls’ softball team at Hudson ISD and experienced much success in that position. When asked about that success, Coach Eby said only, “All the credit goes to the girls. They are the ones who play the game.” The kids are the main focus of Coach Eby’s work. “Seeing these girls we coach graduate, go to college, and become good citizens of our society is what makes me most proud. The only thing I said to them after we won the championship this year is ‘See what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it? Softball will only be played for a short time; the game of life goes on.’” Educating and influencing the youth of this community is a shared effort of both Coach Eby and his wife, Kasey. She is a former softball coach and currently teaches special education at Bonner Elementary in Hudson. The couple has an eleven month-old, son, Cage James. She says even though the girls on her husband’s team are like daughters to them, and he works long hours, Jimmy is able to balance his home life and coaching very well. When given the platform of commenting on his career and coaching record, coach Eby offered only gratitude. “I just want to communicate a big ‘thank you’ for all the support given--to the community for coming to the games, and a huge turnout at the state championship game. We had a lot of teachers attend and so much community encouragement. I, along with the other coaches and the team, want to express our appreciation to the teachers and staff at Hudson ISD. We couldn’t have done it without their support.” While he would never think to boast in himself, Coach Eby is certainly a man in whom Hudson and East Texas can take much pride.
4 | EAST -July 2013
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eastmensmagazine.com /// 5
A SUMME R O N A B I CYC L E :
NEWSWORTHY
Lufkin Church Hosts the Riders of Texas 4000
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ummer and bicycles go together like the Fourth of July and fireworks. One just isn’t right without the other. Most can recall, with absolute clarity, a long, summer day spent on the banana seat of a bicycle, wind in face, legs racing to the next adventure at the local pool, to a one-on-one game of hoops in a pal’s driveway, or cruising by a junior high crush’s house. Spending the summer on a bike isn’t unusual. However, a group of college students from the University of Texas is taking the idea of a summer on a bicycle to a whole other level, and a local church in Lufkin had the honor of playing an important role in their journey. Every summer, an extraordinary group of young people pedal different routes from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska in the world’s longest annual charity bike ride. Texas 4000 is a community of cancer fighters, who train, fundraise, educate, and bring hope to those with cancer. Pedaling over 4,500 miles, Texas 4000 is a journey that takes grit, determination, and support- a metaphor for the battle against cancer. There are three different routes in this year’s Texas 4000: The Sierra Route, The Rocky Route, and The Ozarks Route.
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The 23 members of the Ozark Route team pedaled into Lufkin the evening of Wednesday, June 5. Their stop in Lufkin was the fifth night of a 70 day total ride. St. Cyprian’s Church welcomed the group with open doors, offering them a blessing, a respite from the heat, and a home cooked meal upon arrival in Lufkin. Each rider was then hosted in one of nine parishioner homes for showers and a comfortable bed for the night before heading out again the following morning. Bernard Hylands, a parishioner, served as coordinator for this St. Cyprian’s Church outreach. After sending the group off the morning of June 6, he assessed that the event went very well. “The host families had lots of enthusiasm and loved having the opportunity to be around such an invigorating group of young people. The cyclist seemed to appreciate the hospitality shown them. We are looking forward to hearing how they all got on with the rest of the trip and hope to see them again in the future,” Mr. Hylands said. He shared that the point of the church’s involvement is to get outside of themselves and serve people like Alejandro Flores, working on something as important as raising money and awareness for the fight against cancer.
Alejandro Flores is one of the members of the Texas 4000 Ozark Route team. He is a third year student of the University of Texas, majoring in Supply Chain Management. He heard about the Texas 4000 last year when his twin brother participated and told him it was “so fun and the best experience of his life.” The fight against cancer hits home for Alejandro. He lost his grandfather six years ago to bone cancer. So this year, he decided to participate himself and set a personal goal to complete the ride in honor of his grandfather.
Each team member of the Texas 4000 team was required to train for 18 months prior to the ride. Training included fundraising a minimum of $4500 through family, friends, donations, letter-writing campaigns, and even panhandling. The funds are used to support MD Anderson, the LIVESTRONG organization, and other cancer research efforts. The team continues to raise funds along the way, as well. At the time of their stop in Lufkin, the team raised $480,000. Their goal for this year is to raise at least $600,000.
When asked why he made the decision to commit to such a long, arduous ride, Alejandro says, “Along with losing my grandfather to cancer, I also lost my best friend, Raul Diego, in an auto accident two years ago. I miss him greatly. While car accidents cannot be predicted or prevented, cancers, in many cases, can. So I decided to honor both my grandfather and my best friend by telling their stories along the way.”
The riders are blogging their stories and experiences along the way. To read their journals, find out more information, donate, or track Alejandro and the other riders on their journey, visit www. texas4000.org. They will roll into Anchorage, Alaska on August 8.
He adds that the best part of the ride is, “The people. I enjoy getting to talk about Texas 4000 and its mission to fight cancer. Each morning we start the day by saying, ‘We ride for those who can’t.’ On the hard days, when we are hot, upset, tired, hungry, and want to quit, I remember that individuals and their families fighting cancer can’t quit, so I keep going in a small act of solidarity.”
The team says they ride for those fighting cancer. They ride in memory of those lost to cancer. They ride in support of those caring for loved ones suffering with cancer. They ride to a future without cancer. With so much at stake, a summer on a bicycle never meant so much.
eastmensmagazine.com /// 7
LEADERSHIP
Representing East Texas: Trent Ashby
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ast Texas’ own Trent Ashby just completed his first session of service as a Texas State Representative in Austin for District 57. In what many are calling a legacy session, Ashby passed six bills and served on two powerful House committees, Appropriations and Natural Resources.
On the final day of the 83rd Legislative Session in Austin, Ashby was voted by his peers as the Outstanding Republican Freshman of the Year out of 29 freshman GOP members in the House. His performance the past five months garnered recognition from the 95-member House Republican Caucus and from the Speaker of the House, Joe Straus. “Representative Ashby has made an immediate impact in the Texas House by working with his colleagues to address critical issues facing our state,” Speaker Straus said. “He is smart, independent, and deeply committed to his constituents. This distinction is well-earned.” The Journey Magazine/EAST Magazine had a chance to speak with Representative Ashby and ask him about his impressions of his first legislative session and congratulate him on his recent accomplishments in the House of Representatives and the Outstanding Republican Freshman of the Year award.
Representative Ashby: Thank you. I was surprised, but deeply honored to receive the award. As for my impressions on this legislative session, I am very pleased with the session we had. I thought it was a very good session for East Texas and the State of Texas. We spent the bulk of our time talking about issues important to Texans, such as education, water, controlling the growth of government, and the budget. All subjects most East Texans talk about around the kitchen table. We were able to pass and sign into law a new budget. The budget is the probably the single most important piece of legislation we pass. I was honored to serve on the Appropriations Committee and able to offer input and discussion regarding East Texas priorities in the budget and what it should look like. Overall, I am pleased with the budget we sent to the Governor’s office. We were able to do some things important for East Texas, such as increased funding for our schools, and achieved greater transparency in our budgeting process. This year, we ended the diversions that were used for a number of years and increased the honesty in our state budgeting by insuring the dollars for specific purposes actually go to those needs. Additionally, we increased funds for road infrastructure and for mental health programs, implemented measures to prevent Medicaid fraud, and were able to set aside $2 billion for a state-wide water bank. One of the things voters will see when they go to the poll this November is a Constitutional referendum on creating a Water Infrastructure Fund. Should the initiative be approved, the $2 billion will go into that account. It is a revolving loan to help fund a 50-year state water plan. In looking back, along with House Bill 5, which was the education overhaul bill we passed, I believe those two pieces
of legislation will be something Texans are proud of for many years to come. House Bill 5 deals with our over-reliance on high stakes testing in our schools. This bill will reduce the end-of-course exams for high school students from the current 15 to 5. In addition to that, another significant component is that it revamps the graduation requirements, allowing students to pursue their interests while maintaining rigor. Throughout the session, I heard from hundreds of teachers and retired teachers about insuring the long term solvency of our teacher retirement system. We did that this session. We addressed that challenge and gave the first cost of living adjustment in 12 years to our retired teachers. Also, locally significant, we were able to increase funding by $1 million to Angelina College. The Journey Magazine/EAST Magazine: What was your biggest challenge as a freshman representative? Representative Ashby: The biggest challenge for any legislator is understanding how the process really works, and some members understand it better than others. It is about relationships and knowing the other 149 members of the House of Representatives. You can have the greatest idea in the world, but if you don’t have the votes, you can’t get anything accomplished. I spent much of my time fostering and maintaining relationships with other members so I can be successful in achieving the goals of my constituents. It is a matter of treating people the way you would want to be treated, setting aside differences, and working together. People appreciate members of the legislature that are friendly, hardworking and are doing the right things. I also learned that
When I walk onto the legislative floor, I represent approximately 170,000 people that have entrusted their voice with me. being on the microphone is not a direct correlation to your success. I tried not to spend a lot of time on the microphone, but when I did go to the microphone, people listened. There is a lot to be said for a one-on-one conversation when differences arise. Knowing when to use the microphone and when to speak personally with another representative is important. The Journey Magazine/EAST Magazine: What are you proud of accomplishing in this session? Representative Ashby: I am most proud to have been given this opportunity to serve the great people of East Texas in Austin. It is a responsibility I do not take for granted. When I walk onto the legislative floor, I represent approximately 170,000 people that have entrusted their voice with me. I strive to act in a manner that makes those people proud. By testament of the fact that I was able to help get six bills signed by the Governor, I think it was a good and productive first session for me and for the people who elected me.
The Journey Magazine/EAST Magazine: What are you looking forward to in the next year? Representative Ashby: First and foremost, I am looking forward to spending time with my family this summer. Serving in Austin the past five months has been a sacrifice for me and my family. I am also looking forward to getting back to work at Community Title, my real job. I am also anxious to travel the district and talk to people about what we accomplished in Austin this year, and listen to what is on their minds--in hopes that I can take their ideas, opinions, and sentiments and bring them back, Lord willing, for the next session. I want to stress that it is the honor of my lifetime to represent the fine people of East Texas. For more information, visit www.trentashby.com or contact the District 57 office in Lufkin or their Capital office in Austin.
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H
unter Muncrief may be only twelve years old, but his fishing resume would make even a veteran fisherman envious. An honor roll student of West Sabine Middle School in Pineland, Hunter enjoys hunting and playing baseball, but fishing is his first and greatest obsession. While many other boys his age might excel in conquering the highest levels of the latest video game, Hunter prefers the outdoors with a fishing pole in his hand and his father, William Muncrief, by his side.
FISHING REPORT
Junior Bass Master: HUNTER MUNCRIEF
William had his son out on the water at a very early age and it made a lasting impression. Hunter started competing in fishing tournaments with his dad at the age of five. Since then, his participation in tournaments has increased, as has his skill and list of accomplishments. 2007: Won his first Jr. Bassmaster tournament and participated in two adult bass club tournaments finishing 3rd in each. 2008: Won the Junior Angler division of the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash with a record 9.02 lb bass. Weeks later he and his dad won the Dr. Shelton’s tournament on Rayburn in a field of over 100 teams. 2009: Hunter and his dad finished 5th in the Adult/Boy division of the Texas State Bass Tournament on Toledo Bend and Hunter fished his first Youth Fishing League event placing 2nd in the Little League division. 2010: The father and son teamed up to win the Adult/Boy division of the Texas State Bass Tournament. Hunter also received the boy’s big bass award. 2011: Repeated as winners of the Texas State Bass Tournament and Hunter was the big bass winner again. Hunter also finished 2nd in the Minor League division of the Youth Fishing League tournament on Rayburn and attended Camp Bass on Lake Fork that summer. 2012: Hunter and father finished 2nd In the Texas State Bass Tournament on Rayburn. 2013: Hunter finished first in the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Jr. Bassmaster State Tournament in the 11-14 age division. His club finished 2nd overall. He qualified for the Central Divisional in June on Sam Rayburn, finishing 5th. In April, he finished first in the Minor League division of the Youth Fishing League tourney on Rayburn. Dad and Hunter finished 2nd in the Texas State Bass Tournament in the Adult/Boy division. Hunter holds or has held Junior Angler records for white bass, freshwater drum, redbreast sunfish, channel catfish, and blue catfish. He is a member of No Name Bass Club of Lufkin, and the East Texas Junior Anglers, and is a B.A.S.S. Federation Nation member. Always looking to expand his angling knowledge, Hunter hopes to fish multiple club tournaments and State Tournaments and try his hand in new lakes. eastmensmagazine.com /// 11
tournaments
“Give a man a fish, and you have fed him once. Teach him how to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime.” It is a centuries-old proverb, but its age in no way disqualifies its relevance, even in our current generation of video games and personal electronic devices. Terry Sympson, owner of Jackson Hill Marina, located at the Highway 147 bridge near Broaddus on Sam Rayburn lake, is a passionate visionary who personifies the ancient proverb in both word and deed. Terry offers his marina and other facilities for a number of charitable and community events, believing in the importance of the outdoors and the sport of fishing to inspire a new generation by enriching education, promoting family values, and instilling pride in the community. Terry shares his passion in a number of ways, including the Patriots Challenge Open Fishing Tournaments that raise money to help host military service members of all branches and their families to an all expenses paid weekend of fun. Terry is also involved in fostering the development and growth of the future of fishing through high school competitive bass fishing. What was once primarily a professional sport, bass fishing has more recently become a booming college and high school event. About three years ago, colleges began establishing bass fishing as part of their competitive programs, even awarding scholarships to students who excel in the sport. It didn’t take long for high schools to take notice. This year, there are 48 states with high school fishing championship events. High school fishing is unlike any other high school sport. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is not involved in high school fishing. The clubs are established and organized by parents and students. Once there is a core group of people who start a club in a high school, it provides access to this sport for students who would not otherwise be able to get involved with fishing. High schools are increasingly realizing that students who are not involved in organized sports or other extra-curricular activities have a chance to excel in the sport of fishing. East Texas, with its abundance of fresh water fishing locations, began to take hold of the idea of cultivating youth in fishing/sporting opportunities. The weekend of Friday, June 21- Sunday, June 23 was the first ever National High School Open fishing tournament on Sam Rayburn. Terry Sympson is the event’s coordinator. The event included a block party, educational expo, pre-fishing and registration, and official weigh-in. The Bass Federation’s (TBF) Student Angler Federation, the event’s organizer, promoter,
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THE FUTURE OF FISHING: HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION Terry Sympson of Jackson Hill Marina offers his venue and his wisdom and manager, expected approximately 100 boats to participate in the tournament. Each boat is comprised of two high school students and one boat coach, which is usually a parent or other fishing mentor. Terry saw the benefits for community economic growth. A high school fishing tournament can potentially bring up to 300 people into the community for a weekend tournament event. No doubt, that is a positive boost for a local economy. But for Terry, money is not the point. East Texas is one of the most fertile areas for the development of this sport and these students. The local area has some of the best bass fishing in the world and a wealth of people who are knowledgeable and well-equipped to lead in this area. Terry says, “When students fish with their parents or other role models, it gives them an opportunity to share the love of the outdoors and the values of God, country, and community. Something wonderful happens when you are out on the water. Give someone a fishing pole and something magical happens. It is very therapeutic and a vehicle to teach so many other life lessons.” That is precisely why Terry is currently working to join with people in the industry, parents of high school anglers, local businesses and sponsors, and leaders of local bass clubs to organize more events and establish a sporting structure, even offering his marina as a venue for these events. “It goes way beyond scholarships in bass fishing. There is a lot more to it. Yes, the tournament will give scholarship awards and prizes, but more importantly, it focuses on fun, skills, and sportsmanship. You never make better memories than the memories made out on the water with your family and friends.” Terry believes that when a kid grows up fishing with his parents, he or she learns invaluable skills and vital life lessons. Those are then passed from one generation to the next. He says you see the results of the opposite of that, as well. “You don’t need a lot of specialized training to reach a child. You just need to take them fishing.”--Terry Sympson For more information or to plan a visit to Jackson Hill Marina, go to www.jacksonhill.us. To find out more about high school competitive fishing, visit www.highschoolfishing.org
eastmensmagazine.com /// 13
celebration
The Pineywoods NWTF Chapter… Celebrating 25 Years of Wildlife Conservation in Angelina County
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n August 17,the Pineywoods NWTF Chapter (PNWTFC) will gather with their many supporters and friends at Lufkins Pitzer Garrison Civic Center to celebrate 25 years of work for wildlife in deep east Texas. Recognized as one of the top local chapters in the nation, the PNWTFC received many accolades for it work in 2012. Representing the Pineywoods Chapter, Aubrey Luce and Dale Bounds accepted the prestigious L. A. Dixon Chapter Award for outstanding chapters in the United States and Canada. Pineywoods received a second place among approximately 1,900 chapters nationwide at the 40th Annual National NWTF Convention, Saturday, February 16th. The award was based on the Net/Net dollars earned in 2012. At the 2012 Texas State NWTF Awards Banquet in Mesquite, Texas , President, Dick McCarver stated, “ We created a special, one of a kind award that would be presented to chapters based on their performance over a period of years, not just a single year. This award will in all probability not
The Pineywoods NWTF Committee won the L.A. Dixon Award at the NWTF National Convention in Nashville this year. The Pineywoods Chapter ranker second out of 2,000 chapters in the U.S and Canada in Net dollars earned 2012.
‘’All of you who support the Pineywoods Chapter share in this great accomplishment, “I am so proud of all of you and the continued work you do for conservation and our hunting heritage in Angelina County and East Texas. For 25 years you have helped us with our NWTF mission; conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. It is even more important now to be part of an organization that promotes and preserves our right to hunt.” We are in for a tough fight to maintain our hunting traditions. The assault on our guns , the declining sales of hunting licenses, and the fact that each year habit loss equal to an area the size of Yellowstone National Park is developed and lost to hunting. All these things together create a “perfect storm” and spell a dark future for hunting and wildlife as we know it. Supporting the NWTF is a way you can partner with an organization who is working to maintain our freedom in preserving what we hold dear…our hunting tradition.
Not many organizations have a record of leveraging their money to support its mission as the Texas State NWTF Chapter and Pinewoods Chapter has done! In 1987 Texas Park and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the NWTF launched a historic Eastern Wild Turkey restoration program aimed at the return of this species of wild turkeys back to East Texas. By 1995 over 8,000 Eastern birds were trapped in donor states and released in 56 East Texas counties. A limited hunting season was set, and once again hunters could pursue and harvest a Two beautiful Wild Turkeys, the Pineywoods Chapters goal is to save the habitat for wildlife and save gobbling wild turkey in East Texas. In 2005 harvest records the hunting tradition. NWTF Photo indicated a decline in the number of Eastern Wild Turkeys be presented on an annual basis. It takes into consideration that has continued to the present. the fact that the chapter being considered for the award has a long history of conducting not only successful banquets, TPWD and the NWTF are engaged in a new Eastern Wild but holds WITO, JAKES, Wheelin Sportsman events and Turkey restocking program, according to TPWD Upland Game sponsors scholarships. The Executive Committee chose to Bird Specialist Jason Hardin,” Harvest and numbers in general name this award “The Lifetime Legacy Award and thought it have continued to decline in East Texas. This information fitting that the Pineywoods Chapter of Lufkin should be the is based on anecdotal observations provided by landowners first chapter to receive this honor. The Pinewoods Chapter is and biologists as well as through the TPWD mandatory certainly the premier chapter in Texas and has set exemplary Eastern turkey check stations. TPWD’s first attempts at a new stocking technique now referred to as “Super Stocking” took standards for other Texas chapters to try to achieve “. place as part of a scientific study in 2007 and 2008. Those Dale Bounds ,Pineywoods NWTF Chapter President said, sites receiving a “Super Stocking” experienced survival and
reproduction similar to that seen in established Southeastern turkey populations. One of the sites has recorded expansion of turkeys for miles beyond the original stocking area and hunters are now seeing turkeys in areas of the state where they have not been seen for decades. TPWD is hoping this new stocking technique will help grow our currently declining Eastern turkey population. In response to declining Eastern turkey numbers, TPWD recently completed development of a new Habitat Suitability Index for ranking turkey habitat in East Texas. The department is now looking to rank properties or cooperatives containing a minimum of 10,000 acres of suitable habitat to support Eastern Turkey populations in consideration of future Eastern Turkey stocking efforts. The Eastern Turkey decline is not unique to Texas. Most of the Southeastern United States is experiencing similar long-term declines. In an effort to identify what is occurring to Eastern turkey populations across the Southeast, NWTF in coordination with the University of Georgia and the majority of other Southeastern states have joined forces to fund research aimed at standardizing how Eastern Turkey population data is collected and identifying what might be occurring to these populations. Texas State Chapter of NWTF and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have combined funds to cover Texas’ portion of this critical research. Our goal is to better identify how state wildlife agencies can uniformly collect turkey population data across the range to provide biologists with a better understanding of Eastern wild turkey population dynamics”. Dale Bounds said, Just know this… since 2007 our NWTF Superfund has funded $190,000 in habitat work in east Texas. Those dollars have been leveraged by NWTF’s Regional Biologist. Scotty Parsons
with our partners: TPWD, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service, into $3,875,512 of on ground habitat work. That is a staggering 20 to 1 ratio, this work benefits all wildlife. The Pineywoods NWTF Chapter and April AWOL Chapters have contributed over $100,000 the last 3 years alone to help make this happen, much of it on Public Lands and TPWD Wildlife Management Areas that we all can use. You are invited to join us August 17 at the Lufkin Civic Center to help us celebrate our success and reach our goal to” SAVE THE HABITAT, SAVE THE HUNT”.
Since 2009 the NWTF has invested $ 190,000 in East Texas. We have leveraged that into $3,875,513 worth of habitat work on public lands that you have access to. This open forest on the Angelina National Forest is good brood range for turkey Polts.
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COMMUNITY LEADER
Man of Influence: Scott McDonald His dedication to the league is second only to his dedication to his own sons. Ten year-old, Brady and twelve year-old, Mason play on separate teams, both of which Scott coaches. In his wife’s opinion, Scott does all these volunteer jobs for the kids, saying, “He goes like the energizer bunny. He wants the job done right. A lot of these kids do not have active fathers in their lives so he wants to be a good role model to them. If certain kids need extra help or training, he tries to see they get it.”
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sk anyone who knows Scott McDonald personally, and they will tell you he never sits down. He can be found most evenings and into the nights at the baseball field working, serving, and ensuring the Hudson Diamond Sports league delivers on its mission to develop the youth of Hudson through athletic competition. Scott is originally from the Dallas area, but moved to East Texas to attend Stephen F. Austin University in 1994. He’s been a productive and valuable resident of Lufkin ever since. Scott graduated SFA in 1998 with a degree in Forestry and is currently an employee of Campbell Timberland Management, where he holds the position of Manager of sales and marketing. Scott volunteers his time by serving on the board of directors for the Texas Forestry Museum, as well as, acting as vice president of baseball operations for the Hudson Diamond Sports League’s youth baseball and softball program. Gloria, Scott’s wife, says her husband spends more than 20 hours a week working to ensure the children involved in the league have a great time participating in youth sports. Passing on what he received in his childhood is a priority to Scott. He explains, “It’s all for the kids. That’s why I do it. I want to make sure these kids have a positive experience like I had when I was a kid.” Gloria shared that Scott wears many hats and works from before the start of the season to make that priority a reality--everything from signing-up kids and entering their information into a database himself, to setting all the schedules once the teams are formed, and readjusting schedules when rainouts occur. He manages the concessions, too. He takes inventory, shops, and stocks. He continues by preparing snacks and drinks to sell to spectators and then closes it out at the end of the day, cleaning and re-stocking for the next time to do it all over again. Scott even helps with field maintenance and securing sponsors to purchase advertising signs, going the extra mile to install the signs on the field fence with his own hands.
Scott says he wants the kids to have fun. “That is what youth baseball is all about. It keeps kids positively involved in activities and less likely to find trouble. Watching them grow and develop is why I get involved.” Anyone who knows Scott can testify that Scott’s humble words are proved right by his actions.
TROPHY HUNTS TROPHY ROOM
Trophy Scimitar Horned Oryx shot by Chris Colbey at the O Bar Ranch in Woodward, Oklahoma on May 3, 2013.
Caleb Stanford with a 38 pound catfish he caught on Lake Sam Rayburn.
Pineywoods Junior Tour Diboll Tournament Boys 7-9: 1st Griffin Salas, 2nd Will Thomason, 3rd Michael Rasmussen.
The Hudson Color Guard at the Band Banquet on May 30, 2013 with the trophies that they won. (L-R): Hailey May, Cassie Parker, Cristina Turbeville & Kristina Belschner.
Kylee Burton 1st place 2013 TriAggieland Kids Triathlon
Randy Whittington killed an Axis Buck at the CJW Whitetail Ranch on June 19, 2013. 34 ½ inches long, 28 inches wide, 215lbs.
Pineywoods Junior Tour Diboll Tournament Girls 7-9: Kiersten Whitaker.
Pineywoods Junior Tour Diboll Tournament Boys 10-12: 1st Reid Hensley, 2nd Trevor Rasmussen, 3rd Sammy Henson.
Michelle Colbey shot this trophy Axis deer at 200 yards at the O Bar Ranch in Woodward, Oklahoma on May 4, 2013 with a 270 WSM.
Pineywoods Junior Tour Diboll Tournament Girls 10-14: 1st Jamie Lynn Lucas, 2nd Maddie Zimmerman.
Pineywoods Junior Tour Diboll Tournament Boys 13-14: 1st Rick Frauenburger, 2nd Brayden Cheatham.
Pineywoods Junior Tour Diboll Tournament Boys 13-14: 3rd Holt Davis.
Pineywoods Junior Tour Diboll Tournament Girls 15-18: 1st Lauren Johnson, 2nd Jill Picou.
Pineywoods Junior Tour Diboll Tournament Boys 15-18: 1st Ben Augustine, 2nd Ben Smith, 3rd Hayden Woods.
Send a photo of your trophy hunt & information to photos@tjmag.com. Submissions are free of charge. eastmensmagazine.com /// 17
Colin Frizzell
Nacogdoches High School Colin Frizzell is a 4 year member of the Nacogdoches varsity golf team. As a Dragon golfer, Colin was District medalist 3 out of 4 years; he was a 4 year Regional qualifier; and he tied for 2nd place at the 2013 State 4-A golf championship. Colin has been named as an honorable mention scholar for the Texas Scholar Award, presented by State Farm. He is a 2 year NISD Superintendent Scholar, as well as a 2 year member of the National Honor Society. Colin earned National recognition for his golf and academic achievements by being named one of 12 HP Scholastic Junior All-American’s. Colin was nominated by his peers as most talented, most intellectual, and most likely to succeed. He received academic awards in Geometry, Pre-Calculus and Anatomy and Physiology. Colin is an active youth member of Nacogdoches First Church of the Nazarene. Colin will attend Western Kentucky University where he will be a member of the men’s golf team while pursuing a degree in engineering or mathematics.
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p o r t s O u r C o mm u n i t y
STRONG AS STEEL features an outstanding high-school athlete in the community that deser ves recognition. Since 1915, Commercial Metals Company has recycled, manufactured, and marketed steel and metal products for customers worldwide. CMC Recycling buys appliances, iron, aluminum cans, car bodies, copper, and brass. Industrial container services are also available. Interested in selling your scrap metal? Visit your local CMC Recycling facility at
4060 Hwy 59 North, Lufkin, Texas | 936.639.3718
18 | EAST -July 2013