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CONTENTS ///JUNE2013

Stephanie Oliver President Beth Johnson editor@tjmag.com Managing Editor Angie Nichols Staff Writer Kim Iribarren kim@tjmag.com Director of Sales Coran Fuqua office@tjmag.com Administrative Assistant Macy Haffey Layout and Design Lisa Crow lisacrowphotography@gmail.com Event Photographer DISTRIBUTORS Lisa Crow Janet Glover Jared Thompson

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BEST OF SHOW Built Not Bought MILESTONE Matt Smithhart

NEWSWORTHY Austin McCurry MAKING NOISE Kindred

ACCOLADES Collin Haynes NEXT LEVEL SFA Club Baseball

18

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

BEST OF SHOW 4 | EAST -June 2013

BUILT NOT BOUGHT:

D

ylan Sandlin is a 2012 graduate of Hudson High School and the son of Mike and Tami Sandlin of Lufkin. Like many young boys, as a child, Dylan was fascinated with anything with wheels. His fascination turned into a dream. He wanted to get an old truck and fix it up.

DYLAN SANDLIN’S RESTORATION On one of their bi-yearly trips to visit family in Lubbock, Texas, thirteen year-old Dylan spotted an old 1952 Ford pickup truck sitting in a yard adjacent to a dusty, iconic cotton field of west Texas. As soon as he saw it, he told his dad it was the truck of his dreams. It didn’t run and obviously nothing had been done to it in years. Surprised, but careful to nurture his vision instead of squash it, his parents helped him approach the owners about purchasing the old vehicle.

A deal reached, they hauled it to Lufkin a few months later to begin restoration.

His original goal was to have it as his first vehicle when he got his driver’s license. However, plans changed when the restoration process took longer than the family imagined. He shared his excitement for his project with school friends, but began to think they didn’t believe him as the years passed and they still hadn’t seen it revealed. Finally, by the middle of his senior year, he was able to realize his childhood dream and drove the fully-restored “black beauty” to school, proving his hard work was, in fact, real. Unsure how a restored, classic pickup would be received by his peers, his wondering eased when it was voted ‘best vehicle’ by the students.

He entered his very first car show in the spring of 2012 and won best in the 50’s class and “Best of Show”. In the year since, he entered approximately 12 shows from Jasper to Houston and won more than 25 trophies. He just competed at a large show in Kingwood winning his class, People’s Choice in the trucks division and Best of Show in the trucks division. Dylan is usually the youngest entrant in the shows, but enjoys spending all day answering questions and telling people about the process of restoring his truck. He sees the blessings of introducing a younger generation to “old school” collectible vehicles and sharing about the bonding time of realizing his dream alongside his dad. It is the hard work and persistence that makes his truck so special to him. Faith in a God who has never given up on him is the foundation of Dylan’s belief and purpose. Dylan’s favorite saying about his truck has become his mantra. “Built Not Bought”.

Dylan believes everything happens in God’s timing and is confident the countless hours he has in restoring the truck have taught him to appreciate patience and perseverance, as well as, the people who helped him, like Bobby Curtis, Bobby Cranford of ABC Auto Service and Jack Ford. Dylan says the restoration was very challenging. As soon as they got one system or part to work properly, another one would quit. The job took four years, but when you restore a vehicle and love it like Dylan does, one is never completely “done”.

He added modern aspects to the vintage truck like doors that open automatically with the push of a remote control button, a sound system, a LED lighting system inside and out, LED halo headlights, 400 horsepower 350 motor, dropped suspension, 18” chrome wheels, digital gauges, an 18 wheeler air horn, and completely redone and modernized interior.

Additional features added to the truck include power windows, tilt/cruise control, interment windshield wipers, A/C, power steering/brakes, 700R-4 automatic transmission, Ford 9” rear end, and custom headers/exhaust.

After its completion, Dylan drove the truck every day, but then started attending car shows and listened to the advice of experienced restorers who advised him to be more cautious with the old truck. Now he is choosy about when and where he drives, and reserves it for church every Sunday. eastmensmagazine.com /// 5

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MATT SMITHHART: The Merit of Service MILESTONE

The Scout Oath charges duty to God, Country, and to help other people at all times.

E

agle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. To earn the rank, a Boy Scout must progress through the Boy Scout ranks, earn 21 merit badges, serve six months in a troop leadership position, plan, develop, and give leadership to a service project for any religious organization, school or community, take part in a Scoutmaster conference, and successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.

Seventeen year old Matt Smithhart obtained his Eagle Scout rank on December 19, 2012. Matt is a junior at Lufkin High School and the son of Kevin and Dana Smithhart. He received his pin on February 11, 2013 at a ceremony attended by family and close friends.

As part of the requirements to obtain the highest Boy Scout rank, Matt completed a service project. For his project, Matt chose to build gardens and a pergola for Buckner Family Place, a self-sufficiency program for single parents and child development center providing foster care and adoption services to the greater Deep East Texas area. Matt planned, led and coordinated the building of raised gardens for the center. These gardens will give opportunities for the children served

by Buckner Family Place to see how the food they eat is grown and harvested.

“It has been my pleasure to work with Matt since age eleven when he joined Boy Scout Troop 136. He is undoubtedly one of the most respectful, obedient, responsible and teachable young men with whom I have been involved,” says Brad Busler, Matt’s Scoutmaster.

“The Scout Oath, among several requirements, charges us to do our duty to God and our Country and to help other people at all times. Matt’s involvement with the Scouts, his church, his school, and the community shows that he takes this responsibility seriously.”

Dana Smithhart, Matt’s mother. Only 2 percent of all Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle, so his parents are extremely proud of his accomplishment. “I was in Scouts and earned the rank of Life, but never completed Eagle.

It is one of those things I have always regretted, so I am really proud to see Matt finish.” -- Kevin Smithhart, Matt’s father.

Matt’s other activities include competing on the Lufkin High School swim team. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was a member of the Anchor Club, a community service organization, last year.

His future plans include attending Texas A&M University where he is considering a major in mechanical engineering. Matt will have an advantage thanks to his hard work and completion of his Eagle Scout rank.

According to a study by Baylor University, Eagle Scouts are more likely than men who have never been in Scouting to have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented, and network with others, as well as, be in a leadership positions at their place of employment or local community. Matt says obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout has taught him to be prepared, how to be a leader, and the merit of service.

For more information about Boy Scouts, visit www.beascout.org.

“Matt joined Troop 136 on July 9, 2007 and set a goal of becoming an Eagle Scout at that time. Through a strong work ethic and determination, along with guidance and encouragement from Scout leaders and family, he achieved his goal in December 2012,” says eastmensmagazine.com /// 7

NEWSWORTHY

I

f you use the phrase, “Happy, happy, happy,” or preface any random thought with “Hey! Look here,” and end it with an annunciated, “Jack,” people will likely know you are a fan of A&E’s most watched television series, Duck Dynasty. The show features a Louisiana bayou family living the American dream as they operate a thriving business building and selling duck calls. America’s favorite big-bearded, camo-clad family has made a fortune turning a backyard business into a multi-million dollar sporting empire, all the while maintaining their homes in the backwoods and staying true to their southern roots, family values, and Christian beliefs.

Lufkin’s own Austin McCurry knew them before the whole world went Duckmen crazy. Austin is a 2003 graduate of Lufkin

High School and is the son of Paul and Jayne McCurry of Lufkin. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 2007 with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

Always an avid hunter, McCurry knew of the Duck Commander brand through their early Duckmen DVDs.

partners and sponsors to represent their products and promoting them in the industry. He also was involved with product development along-side of Jase Robertson, working to source, design, and manage the assembly of the now widely famous, patented duck calls.

Then came an opportunity to intern with Duck Commander the summer between his junior and senior year of college. At that time, it was still a small, family-owned business struggling to make ends meet. Austin recalls moving into one of Phil Robertson’s trailers near the Ouachita River where the crew stayed while filming DVDs for hunting retailers.

His duties included working with Phil Robertson, the family patriarch, on the land--an approximate 1000 acre piece of property on the Ouachita River the family used exclusively for duck hunting, and in the warehouse.

But the question everyone wants to know is, “What was it like to work with the Robertsons?”

McCurry finished school in 2007 and landed his first full-time job with Duck Commander/Buck Commander as their Marketing Manager from 2007 to 2009. The company was small with nine family members and approximately eight non-family member employees.

His roles included working with vendor

Austin shared that Phil, known as a legend in Louisiana and more widely known as the Duck Commander, basically focused on duck hunting. Less involved with day-to-day business, he traveled all over the country for speaking engagements, sharing his Christian faith. His sons, Willie, the CEO and Jase moved the business and focused on selling duck calls.

Austin says the personalities on the show are as real as they are in actual life.

The inner family turmoil and Willie’s challenges of working with family to run a business are accurate. Austin says he loves the show and continues to be a fan of the family’s products and purposes. He added, “While some of the stories are scripted or set-up, most of the stories happened at one time in

AUSTIN MCCURRY A Hometown Son’s Connection to the Famous Family of Duck Dynasty reality. They have just recreated or framed them for TV purposes and entertainment.

The personalities are genuine. Si is definitely as crazy as he appears on the show. He was sometimes quiet, but then something would trigger a two hour Si-ence fiction story of Vietnam. He is an interesting person.”

Phil Robertson has four sons. Three are seen on the show (Jase, Willie, and Jep). However, the fourth and oldest son, Alan, a preacher, has chosen to remain behind the scenes and off camera to this point. Alan performed the wedding of Austin McCurry to his wife, Kelly, in 2008. Austin characterized Alan as a talented communicator, and says he is probably the most “normal” of the entire family. No big beard for him. He left the family business as a young man when he received the call of ministry and has spent the last 22 years as a senior pastor of a church in West Monroe, LA. However, he recently re-joined the family business scheduling their endless public appearances. It is also reported he and his wife, Lisa, will be joining the cast for the fourth season.

One personal story Austin always tells of his time working for the Duckmen highlights the family’s endearing, humorous, yet weird ways.

A big-name sporting retailer sent a marketing executive, a hunting expert, and a three-man

film crew to shoot footage of a duck hunt with Phil, Jase, and Si. The morning of the hunt a lone swan flew overhead. The corporate men and film crew remained silent. Confused looks were exchanged between the Robertson men, but no one shot at the swan because they were unsure if it was legal to do so.

Later, Jase called Austin and presented him with his suspicions that this film crew and marketing executive were undercover game wardens setting them up in a sting operation.

He believed there to be an elaborate, covert plan attempting (and failing) to catch the family in illegal hunting practices. Austin had to remind the Duckmen that the crew arrived in three logo-wrapped trucks that clearly displayed the retailer’s name. They were obviously NOT game wardens. Austin dissolved the conspiracy theory the Duckmen cooked up in their minds, telling them it must have been just an innocent lone, lost swan in a cypress swamp.

On the fame and success of his former company, Austin says he is surprised at how well-received the show is to main-stream America, to “Yuppieville” (as Phil would say), and to women. He explains, “One would expect their popularity among hard core hunters. But I think their story of struggling to succeed, their faith, and their family values appeal to the masses.” He says

the producers have done an excellent job highlighting the personalities and allowing them to come across as genuine and funny.

“People seem to be weary of the drama and filth you so often see on TV. Duck Dynasty is good, clean comedy that everyone from a four year-old child to a seventy-five year old man can enjoy.”

He adds that he is grateful, as a Christian, to see more and more believers reaching this level of professional excellence and wide-reaching platform. “They can spread the gospel through entertainment and their personalities. It is good to see there are Christian people making it to the national stage and furthering the gospel message on the merits of their God-given professionalism and talent. They have such a broad reach. It is a great blessing to have been involved with them. “ Austin McCurry is currently employed by Academy Sports and Outdoors at their corporate office. He still sees his former employees and friends, the Robertsons, at industry shows and works with them on strategic marketing opportunities through Academy.

MAKING NOISE 10 | EAST -June 2013

GOING PLACES: KINDRED

K

indred is a Christian rock band from East Texas. Brought together through a natural pull towards one another’s styles, their sound is a blend of lyrical expression and intricate instrumentation. With a commanding and passionate lead singer, Nyna Knox of Lufkin, Kindred is rounded by an inspiring guitarist, Guiseppe “Joey” Cefalu, a spirited bass player, Dustin Herres, a talented rhythm guitarist, Cash Hamilton, and a superior rhythm section by Jacob Hines, all of Nacogdoches.

The original band began in 2007 as a junior high garage band. As with all bands, time passed, members changed, and talent progressed. However, they reached a point where they didn’t know if the ‘band thing’ was where they needed to be going, but God proved He wasn’t finished with them.

Opportunities started coming in from other towns and states, churches and youth events. The music was getting better, but the connection between fans and the band is what really took off. The band realized it was not only fun to play music, but it was a mission.

The young band had an opportunity to perform in Nashville for, “Band with A Mission.” The event was for unknown Christian bands to perform before promoters, labels, and radio scouts. They were signed by PopGun Entertainment with Dustin Kirkendall from Nashville. PopGun mentored and recorded them and changed the band name to Kindred. Since then, Kindred has played two showcases for major record labels and was given great feedback of interest. They also play fairs, youth rallies, Battle of Bands, and a variety of other shows. They were featured by Tom Jackson’s Back Stage Pass in April of this year. Tom Jackson is a world renowned music producer and author who

has worked with hundreds of artists in nearly every genre, including major artists like Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, Jars of Clay, and others, giving them a foundation and direction to define their unique voice and style to showcase their talent. Jackson had this to say about the band, “Five young people with an affinity to each other in style… Christian rock band Kindred is going places!”

Kindred has released two albums, “We Are Kindred” was the first, and “Evolve” is their latest.

Also nominated for Christian Band of the Year by the ETEX Music Awards for 2013, they would love to have your vote. You can vote for them at their website, www.kindredband.com. Also check their calendar, updated monthly, for upcoming shows and events. They use their shows as an opportunity to reach out to people who may not know God, or may not want to know Him. They have a motto for the band and pray it before each show. “Just One.” They ultimately play for an audience of One and ask God to allow them to reach “Just One,” and He hasn’t failed them yet.

When asked about the most rewarding aspect of being in the band, Nyna Knox, lead singer, had this to say, “I think that one of the most rewarding things about being in Kindred is the love that you get from the people you play for, especially the younger kids who really are looking up to you. There are always those people you really connect with, and who you can really tell you are impacting.”

Kindred is enthusiastically looking ahead with upcoming tour dates in the works. Always growing and moving forward, Kindred continues to anticipate what God has in store for them in the future, while thanking Him for exceeding the expectations of their past.

accolades

Welding Champ:

Collin Haynes

C

ollin Haynes is a senior at Lufkin High School and is the son of Robert and Melanie Haynes of Lufkin. While a lot of seniors are recognized for their achievements in sports, band, or academics, Collin’s most prized accolades are a bit more unique.

It started at the age of two when Collin began accompanying his Papa, Dr. Jim Lovelady, to the Angelina College Welding shop. He quickly took an interest in the workings of the shop and equipment, and by the age of eight, Collin made his first weld. His interest in welding only increased, and when he was older, he worked summers and each Christmas break for his dad, owner of Haynes Construction Co., LLC in Lufkin.

Collin’s instructor, Jeff Pillows, noticed Collin’s talent and encouraged him to enter competition with SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers, high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, and technical and skilled service occupations. Formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce, and helps each student excel in his/her field. The organization has 13,000 school chapters in 54 states and territorial associations.

12 | EAST -June 2013

As a sophomore, Collin won First Place at the district level and attended the state SkillsUSA competition, but did not place. However, by his junior year, Collin won first place, as well as, Best of Show at the district level with his fire pit project. He went on to win First Place at the State of Texas SkillsUSA competition, Best of Show of Texas and the title of Texas SkillsUSA Welding Champ. He attended the National competition in Kansas City, Missouri last June and placed 18th out of 48 competitors. For his senior year,

Collin added to his awards, another First Place district and state Welding Champ title, and will be representing the state of Texas, once again, at the National competition in Kansas City this June.

At competition, Collin is interviewed by an industry professional, takes a written test and welds tig, mig and stick welding. Each competitor is given an overall score and ranked accordingly. Collin is currently practicing and preparing for the National competition and hopes to bring home a National Title.

Collin credits a large part of his success to the men who taught, encouraged, and supported his interest in welding. He is especially thankful to his instructor, Mr. Jeff Pillows, and Stephen Rhoades, the head of the Career and Technology department at Lufkin High School.

Collin’s other accomplishments include the Academic Excellence patch for maintaining grades of 90 and above, as well as, winning a scholarship by the Lufkin Host Lions club at their recent scholarship awards ceremonies. Collin graduated from Lufkin High School on May 31st and plans on attending Angelina College this fall to major in Welding.

eastmensmagazine.com /// 13

NEXT LEVEL

NATIONAL CHAMPION CONTENDERS:

J

ohnathan Fletcher, a 2008 graduate of Lufkin High School, loves baseball. He played throughout his childhood and even into his college years, where he played for the University of Texas’ club baseball league. After graduating in May 2012 from U.T. with a degree in advertising, Fletcher began his post-graduate work at Stephen F. Austin University in the Fall of 2012. When he got to SFA he found they did not have a club baseball team, so he decided to establish one with his friend, also a former Lufkin High School Panther, Will Horn.

The pair worked to raise funds for the team’s travel and other expenses, as club teams are not directly sponsored by the colleges they represent.

The first-year program had a great season. They played a total of 24 regular season games from January through May yielding a 17-7 overall record and 10-2 record in district play.

Sam Houston State University, Texas State, and the University of Texas in Austin’s club teams opposed the SFA team before district, and the team faced the Texas A&M Corp Cadet team, TCU, Lone Star College - Tomball, and Kingwood Community College in district play. Stephen F. Austin defeated Rice 5-2 in the Championship Game to win the District VII Crown and move on to compete for the chance at a National Championship at the 2013 NCBA DII World Series. Brooks

14 | EAST -June 2013

Stadium, in Paducah, Kentucky served as host of the 2013 NCBA Division II World Series. SFA is one of eight district champion teams crowned among the 108 teams in the league to fight for a chance to win a National Championship.

Seeding set and matchups were finalized in the 2013 DII World Series Bracket on May 17-21. Friday, May 17, SFA (#7 ranked) played Northeastern (#3 ranked) and defeated them 7 to 4. The victory set them up for a game against Penn State (ranked #2). SFA defeated them by a score of 3 to 2.

On Monday, SFA met Penn State again and secured a 13-10 win. The victory sent them to the Championship game on Tuesday afternoon where they came up short in a 5 to 2 loss.

When asked about the success of his team in their first year, Johnathan Fletcher had this to say: “Well, we had a great group of guys and a very close-knit team. Everyone worked hard to reach our ultimate goal, but we came up one game short. Still, I’m proud of everyone’s effort and I know we will be back next year competing at the World Series again.”

Three former Hudson High School baseball players, Johnny New, Zach Allen, and Nick Baker, as well as, John Tatum, from Lufkin High School are among the SFA team. For the entire roster, see next page.

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN CLUB BASEBALL # Name

DOB

Yr/Elig

HT

WT

POS

Hometown

High School

26 Adams, Noah

7/27/1992

3rd / Jr

6’ 1”

200

OF/DH

Rockwall, TX

Rockwall Heath

34 Allen, Kyle

6/4/1992

3rd / Jr

6’ 4”

235

1B/P

Heath, TX

Rockwall-Heath High School

25 Allen, Zach

1/13/1991

4th / Sr

5’ 10”

170

SS/P

Hudson, TX

Hudson

14 Baker, Nick

8/25/1992

2nd / So

6’ 1”

185

P/OF

Lufkin, TX

Hudson High School

11 Calvin, Peter

12/6/1991

3rd / Jr

5’ 11”

175

P/IF

Dallas, TX

Lutheran High School Of Dallas

3

Coronado, Michael

12/29/1992

2nd / So

5’ 10”

145

P/OF

Irving, TX

Irving High School

1

Fletcher, Jonathan

12/29/1989

5th / 5Sr

6’ 0”

170

OF/P

Lufkin, TX

Lufkin

16 Holder, Allan

7/1/1992

3rd / Jr

6’ 3”

201

P/OF

Red Oak, TX

Red Oak High School

10 Horn, William

9/25/1989

5th / 5Sr

5’ 10”

170

2B/C

Lufkin, TX

Lufkin

12 King, Brandon

2/10/1992

3rd / Jr

6’ 0”

185

P/UT

Cypress, TX

Cy-Fair High School

23 Lopez, Steven

12/22/1990

4th / Sr

5’ 9”

265

C/3B

League City, TX

Clear Creek

9

Loria, Trent

8/24/1992

3rd / Jr

6’ 0”

185

OF/2B

Baytown, TX

Ross S. Sterling High School

20 New, Johnny

9/22/1990

4th / Sr

5’ 7”

195

3B/IF

Hudson, TX

Hudson High School

24 Ressler, Cody

3/27/1992

3rd / Jr

6’ 2”

165

P/SS

Crosby, TX

Crosby High School

15 Tatum, John

1/26/1990

5th / 5Sr

6’ 4”

220

1B/P

Lufkin, TX

Lufkin High School

eastmensmagazine.com /// 15

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Caitlyn Lambert Zavalla High School

Caitlyn Lambert, Zavalla High School junior, has had a very successful year. The 2013 school year culminated with Caitlyn bringing home a bronze medal from the State Track Meet in the discus. That bronze medal represents the first time a Zavalla athlete has climbed up on the podium in Austin to be draped with the honor of being among the best in the State of Texas. Prior to track season, Caitlyn and the Lady Eagles had a very successful year on the basketball court.

Fighting their way to the Regional Tournament in Tyler, the Lady Eagles were eliminated by the 2013 State Champion Martins Mill, 53-46. Caitlyn reaped many individual honors along the way including District 23-A MVP, Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region and All-State team, the Texas Girl’s Coaches Association All-State team. Caitlyn led her team in scoring with an 18.3 ppg and rebounds 10.2 ppg. As track season approached, Caitlyn racked up 1st and 2nd place finishes in every meet in the discus and shot put. She claimed the District and Area Championship titles in both events and then at Regionals won the discus and finished 2nd in the shot put to qualify for State in both events. At State she finished 8th in the shot put and then in the final event took 3rd in the discus. This spring Caitlyn was also inducted into the National Honor Society at ZHS. Academics are very important to Caitlyn. She has a goal of competing at the collegiate level and knows grades come first. Lambert has built a foundation for a very exciting and successful senior year. The community of Zavalla is looking forward to great things from her.

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20 | EAST -June 2013