Texas Coach - February 2024 - Volume LXVIII No. 6

INSIDE: meet your university interscholastic league Athletics Team

february 2024

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FEBRUARY 2024

thsca OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 2023-24 TEXAS COACH - (ISSN 0040-4241) - Copyright 2024 Texas High School Coaches’ Association, Inc.

PUBLISHER

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION, INC.

PUBLISHING/EDITORIAL OFFICES: 2553 N INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD SAN MARCOS, TX 78666-5924 web: www.thsca.com

Subscriptions: Annual subscription to TEXAS COACH for members of the Texas High School Coaches Association is $20.00, which is included in the $70.00 membership dues. For non-members: one-year subscription price is $30.00; two-year subscription price is $50.00; Foreign: one-year subscription price is $50.00. Single copies are $5.00 per current volume. TEXAS COACH is published monthly except in June, July, and August and is dated the first of the publication month, although it is mailed around the 10th of the publication month.

kendall miller

President - emerson

john snelson

Pres-elect - dickinson

jerod womack region 2 - Mansfield

kevin crane

region 2 - central

Lee Wiginton

Past-pres - Allen

aaron roan

region 2 - abl. cooper

matt lovorn

chad dunnam

region 1 - canyon

jeff rayburn

region 3 - lone star

region 1 - amarillo

dave henigan

chip darden

region 1 - lub. cooper

allen gratts

region 3 - denton ryan

region 3 - arl. bowie

james williams

b.j. gotte (interim)

todd quick

robert flores

Change of address: Request for change of address must reach us 30 days before the date of issue with which it is to take effect. Duplicate copies cannot be sent to replace those undelivered through failure to send advance notice. Email change of address notice to admin@ thsca.com or members can go online and make the change in your member portal profile at www.thsca.com.

Periodicals Postage Paid at San Marcos, TX & additional entries. “All rights reserved”. (USPS 540-600).

POSTMASTER Send address change to: TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION 2553 N INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD SAN MARCOS, TX 78666-5924

marvin sedberry jr.

mark torres

region 3 - terrell

region 4 - buda hays

shaun mcdowell

laqueisha dickerson

fred staugh

clint hartman

region 4 - monahans

region 4 - midl. legacy

ricklan holmes

chris cochran (interim) region 6 - lindale

region 6 - lufkin

charley drum

amanda wolf-schramm

lance moffett

region 5 - fb marshall

region 5 - pearland

Printed by Capital Printing Co in Austin, Texas.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOE MARTIN joemartin@thsca.com

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GLEN WEST

region 5 - grand oaks

region 5 - fb austin

region 6 - chisolm trail

region 7 - nikki rowe

glenwest@thsca.com

Chief Operating Officer of THSCA

BRIAN POLK

brianpolk@thsca.com Chief Operating Officer of THSCEF

LIBBY PACHECO

libbypacheco@thsca.com Director of Publications & Technology

BECKY ADAMS

beckyadams@thsca.com Director of Administration

MARGARET BEYER

margaretbeyer@thsca.com Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships

MOLLY FLY

mollyfly@thsca.com

jerry carpentier region 7 - odem

leo mireles

region 7 - laredo lbj

region 8 - canyon lake

region 8 - smithson valley

Finance: Dave Henigan, B.J. Gotte, Kendall Miller, John Snelson, Mark Torres, *Lee Wiginton Bylaws: Chip Darden, Charley Drum, *Chad Dunnam, Ricklan Holmes, Todd Quick, Shaun McDowell Ethics: Kevin Crane, LaQueisha Dickerson, Robert Flores, Clint Hartman, *Jeff Rayburn, Fred Staugh Policy: Chris Cochran, Jerry Carpentier, Leo Mireles, Juan Morales, Aaron Roan, *Amanda Wolf-Schramm Magazine: Allen Gratts, *Matt Lovorn, Lance Moffett, Marvin Sedberry Jr., James Williams, Jerod Womack Hall of Honor: *Ronnie Gage, Johnny Taylor, Dub Farris, Gary Joseph

allieherrmann@thsca.com

Director-Elects & Alternates:

SHERYL HONEYCUTT

sherylhoneycutt@thsca.com Director of Finance & Accounting

GORDON MACKEY

gordonmackey@thsca.com Director of Hotels & Hospitality

CHELSEA MILLER

chelseamiller@thsca.com Director of Public Relations & Awards

TYLER WATTS

tylerwatts@thsca.com

FEBRUARY 2024

juan morales

region 8 - sotomayor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEES for 2023-24:

Director of Membership

ALLIE HERRMANN

region 8 - hays

*Denotes Chair

DIRECTOR-ELECTS

Region 1 – Todd Winfrey, Canyon; Region 2 – Sterling Doty, Stephenville; Region 3 – Marvin Sedberry, Jr., Terrell; Region 4 – Jeff Ellison, Odessa Permian; Region 5 – BJ Gotte, Pearland; Region 6 – Chris Cochran, Lindale; Region 7 – Reuben Farias, La Joya; Region 8 – Joe Hubbard, East Central;

1ST ALTERNATES

Region 1 – DJ Mann, Lubbock Coronado; Region 2 – Casey Pearce, Breckenridge; Region 3 – Josh Gibson, Pleasant Grove; Region 4 – Michael Pry, El Paso Coronado; Region 5 – Brian Randle, Randle; Region 6 – Don Hyde, La Vega; Region 7 – Ben Bitner, CC Veterans Memorial; Region 8 – Eddie Salas, San Antonio Harlan;

2nd ALTERNATES

Region 1 – Andy Cavalier, Canadian; Region 2 – Sammy Burnett Brownwood; Region 3 – Marcus Shavers, McKinney; Region 4 – Daren Walker, El Paso Franklin; Region 5 – Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point; Region 6 – Clint Fuller, Kilgore; Region 7 – David Sanchez, Laredo United; Region 8 – Tony Salazar, Westlake;

3

CONTENTS

VOL. LXVIII NO. 6

C O V E R S T O RY

DE PA RT M E N T S

7 10 17 23

FEBRUARY 2024

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT KENDALL MILLER - EMERSON HIGH SCHOOL

LET'S MEET YOUR U.I.L.

ATHLETICS TEAM

NOW HEAR THIS

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES

F E AT U R E S

WIT & WISDOM

INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION

34 46

LIABILITY INSURANCE

ARE YOU COVERED?

PHOTOS BY MAC CAUDLE-PATTERSON

MEET THE U.I.L. ATHLETICS TEAM

AN INTERVIEW WITH BREITHAUPT, HARRISON & ZEPEDA

ACADEMIC ALL-STATE TEAMS FALL SPORTS ELITE TEAM HONOREES

PHOTOS BY MAC CAUDLE-PATTERSON

18 20 24 42 49 50 4

2024 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT SEE SPEAKERS, HOTEL AND TICKET INFO

COACHING SCHOOL 2024

WHAT TO KNOW AND PLAN FOR NOW

SUPER ELITE TEAMS - FALL 2023

TEAM TENNIS, CROSS COUNTRY, VOLLEYBALL, WATER POLO & FOOTBALL

R.O.C.K. MENTEE CLASS OF 2024

CONGRATS TO OUR NEWEST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

THSCWA PRESIDENT'S LETTER

WIVES ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT MISTY HOUSTON

AROUND THE STATE

COACHES, ATHLETES & FAMILIES FROM ACROSS TEXAS

52 60 63 64

STRUCTURING A STRENGTH & CONDITIONING PROGRAM FOR ALL

BY ROBERT BOCANEGRA, NIKKI ROWE HS

BURNOUT & REIGNITING THE FLAME

BY AARON ROAN, ABILENE COOPER HS

NFF AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

MEET OUR TEXAS STATE CHAMPIONS (NATIONAL FINALISTS)

COACH ONE MORE YEAR BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO HANG UP YOUR WHISTLE

BY LEVI MONTGOMERY, HALLETTSVILLE HS

FEBRUARY 2024

2023-2024 THSCA

ADVISORY COMMITTEES ATHLETIC DIRECTORS R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Jason Richards, Muleshoe Russell Lucas, Sweetwater Seth Stinton, Melissa *Jaime Boswell, Andrews Virgnia Flores, Cy-Fair Don Drake, Ennis Rob Davies, Harlingen Stan Laing, Northside

AQUATICS R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

*Trey Hayes, Lubbock Casey Pacheco, Abl. Wylie Eric Vogan, Texas High Michael Waldmann, Andrews Robert Kelly, Sam Rayburn Daniel Gonzalez, Longview Hector Castaneda Jr., Harl. South Kari Brothers, Northside

BASEBALL

R-1 Thomas Brockman, Idalou R-2 Allen McGee, Graham R-3 Josh Wheeler, Muenster R-4 Juan Orozco, EP Coronado R-5 *Corey Cephus, Cy-Ranch R-6 Matthew Anderson, Franklin R-7 Adrian Alaniz, Sinton R-8 Tom Alfieri, SA Churchill At-Large Chans Chapman, SA Reagan

BOYS BASKETBALL

R-1 Jason Pillion, Amarillo R-2 *C.J. Villegas, Brady R-3 Ty Tabor, Krum R-4 Jason Archibald, Wink R-5 Danny Russell, Katy R-6 Jake Russ, Franklin R-7 Sean Armstrong, G. Portland R-8 Andrew Brewer, Alamo Heights At-Large Richard Flores, Cy-Falls

GIRLS BASKETBALL

R-1 Tyler Helms, Idalou R-2 *Kenni Patton, Electra R-3 Donna McCullough, Sachse R-4 Steve Lee, Pebble Hills R-5 Christina Jamerson, Dulles R-6 OPEN R-7 Clarissa Arredondo, McAllen Mem. R-8 Christina Camacho, Judson At-Large Brooke Brittain, Mansfield

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

R-1 Jay McCook, Canadian R-2 Glenn Griffin, Holliday R-3 *Logan Kelly, Lovejoy R-4 Alonzo Samaniego, Presidio R-5 Kenneth Decuir, Paetow R-6 Josh Sypert, Eustace R-7 Efrain Ambriz, Harlingen R-8 Kelly Thompson, Leander Rouse At-Large Scott Hippensteel, Lockhart

FEBRUARY 2024

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

R-1 Ray Baca, Canyon R-2 Loy Triana, Burkburnet R-3 *Susan Bailey, Highland Park R-4 Corina Marrufo, Del Valle R-5 Jim Darcey, Katy R-6 Edward DeLaCruz, Waxahachie R-7 Joey Rendon, Santa Gertrudis R-8 Rachel Freeman, SA Reagan At-Large Karmen Sanders, Taylor

FOOTBALL

R-1 Jason Richards, Muleshoe R-2 Sterling Doty, Stephenville R-3 *Joe Castillo, Little Elm R-4 Ruben Rodriguez, Eastlake R-5 Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point R-6 Keylon Kincade, Winona R-7 Brent Davis, G. Portland R-8 Alan Haire, Chaparral At-Large Clint Fuller, Kilgore

BOYS GOLF

R-1 Justin Wilborn, Lub. Cooper R-2 Jason Hodges, Stephenville R-3 Charlie Means, Denison R-4 Paul Bustamante, Pebble Hills R-5 *Mike Martin, Memorial R-6 Brant Bennett, Midlothian Heritage R-7 Celso Gonzalez, McAllen Mem. R-8 Glenn Phair, New Braunfels At-Large Paige Martin, Southlake

GIRLS GOLF

R-1 Roger Wipkey, Frenship R-2 Chris Sims, Abilene Cooper R-3 Kerry Gabel, FM Marcus R-4 Shawn Trousdale, Eastwood R-5 *Angela Chancellor, Kingwood R-6 Joel Davenport, Ennis R-7 Jennifer Ruiz, McAllen R-8 Patrick Pruitt, Westlake At-Large Brent McCuiston, Alamo Heights

BOYS SOCCER

R-1 Hugo Aguillon, West Plains R-2 Justin Rhodes, Stephenville R-3 Pablo Regalado, Kemp R-4 OPEN R-5 Ben Powell, Bellville R-6 *Cashan Clark, Alvarado R-7 Julian Robles, Harl. South R-8 David Rogers, SA Lee At-Large Jason Meekins, Katy Jordan

GIRLS SOCCER

R-1 Alistair Caldwell, Lub. Coronado R-2 Carl Wiersema, WF Rider R-3 Kelly Thompson, Allen R-4 *Cecilia Kellar - Odessa R-5 Evelyn Torres, Ridge Point R-6 Gerald Slovacek, Midlo. Heritage R-7 OPEN R-8 Bailee Perrine, Dripping Springs At-Large Aaron McGough, Highland Park

SOFTBALL R-1 R-2 R-3

Styler Haddock, Canyon Cynthia Herrera, Stamford *Kathy Schoettle, Allen

R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Lindsie Swarb, Monahans Katie Roberts, Brenham Same Weeks, Troup Audra Troutman, Sinton Jennifer Fox, Alamo Heights

TENNIS R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Darby Norman, Canyon Randall *Carrie Castleberry, Vernon Sylvia Sims, Frisco Heritage OPEN Daniel Marshall, A&M Consol.

OPEN Eddie Marquez, Roma Teri Saunders, Pf. Hendrickson

BOYS TRACK & FIELD R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Jon Murphy, Stratford Andy Howard, Brownwood *Janson Head, Denton Ryan Brien Burchett, Greenwood Jason Haddock, Clements Josh Rankin, Longview Bob Bechtold, McAllen Keith Randle, SA Johnson

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Crista Jones, Lub. Monterey *Jeremiah Butchee, Stephenville Ashley Broom, Sunnyvale Robert Ontiveroz, Monahans David Pollack, Seven Lakes Jordan Johnson, Midway Stacy Zamzow, Goliad Jen McHugh, SA Reagan

VOLLEYBALL

R-1 Kelly Lozada, Lubbock Monterey R-2 Shay Douglas, Stephenville R-3 Jennifer Chandler, Northwest R-4 Heather Archibald, Wink R-5 Jenny Adcock, Stratford R-6 Arden Johnson, Troup R-7 Jess Odem, Goliad R-8 *Rachel Torvik, SA Reagan At-Large Jacob Thompson, Leander Rouse

BOYS WRESTLING R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Dalton Clear, Canyon OPEN *Kyle Stevens, Anna Oscar Norez, EP Montwood Vinnie Lowe, Katy Collin Stroner, Midlothian Heritage Donald "Ed" Arvin, CC Veterans Memorial David Burdick, Vista Ridge

GIRLS WRESTLING R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8

Tyler Frausto, Canyon OPEN *Jessica Fresh, Northwest Stephen Scott, EP Franklin Nicholas Johnson, Cy-Woods OPEN Ronald Pratt, Rio Grande City Garvin Smith, San Marcos

* DENOTES CHAIR

5

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

February 2024

THSCA Coaches, February is always an extremely busy month for coaches. There are only a few sports that are not in season, which means a busy night every night for coaches. Congratulations to all the coaches that are entering the postseason, and good luck to the coaches that are about to begin their season.

I hope you all had the opportunity to attend the regional meeting on February 3rd. As I stated earlier, this is such a busy time of the year for everyone so your attendance at the regional meeting was greatly appreciated.

The regional meetings are critical for the advancement of our association, as it provides us the opportunity to deliver important information and updates directly to the coaches. The regional meetings also allow each of you to voice any concerns on issues that are currently affecting our profession.

A few reminders of important dates approaching: •

February 26th – Leadership Summit. If you have never been, this is a GREAT event!

•

February 29th – Super Elite Team & Coach of the Year Nominations for Wrestling & Swim/Dive are due

•

March 1st – Academic All State for Basketball (Boys & Girls) and Wrestling are due

•

March 1st – Registration for Coaching School and Membership Renewal for 2024-25 opens

Congratulations to the new 2024 class of ROCK mentees on their selection to the program. We thank you for all your nominations, as the field is very competitive. The ROCKs will attend the workshop at AT&T Stadium in early March. For those of you that were selected, it will be a very memorable and beneficial experience. Also, the speaker lineup for the THSCA Leadership summit can be found at www.thsca.com/summit.

Please take advantage of our many of our member benefits. One of the most important benefits provided is the Liability Insurance. For a VERY small fee, you can be covered. In today’s climate, being covered is more important than ever. Another great benefit for THSCA members is the benevolence fund.

While we hope that we never have to use it, it IS a great benefit in a time of great need. Please contribute to this fund by using “Our Day to Shine” in your upcoming scrimmages.

As many things change in education, the one constant has been athletics. In the lives of our school, kids, and communities, coaches and athletics continue to be the most consistent part of the educational experience. That consistency is a reason our profession is so important to defend. In the upcoming months, we WILL reach out to each of you to help promote or combat legislation that directly effects our profession and public education. We must be willing to first defend our profession, before we ask others to do it for us. The sacrifices that each of you make every day makes it worth it. Please continue to do what coaches do, and that is make a difference that no one else can.

Kendall O. Miller, THSCA President

FEBRUARY 2024

7

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FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

9

NOW HEAR THIS We are always on the hunt for article content for publication in Texas Coach!

Article submissions can be sport-specific skills and techniques, or be related to program administration, team culture, building relationships with athletes, parents, administrators, etc.

Maybe a top 10 list you want to create or a “Do’s and Don’ts guide?” We publish articles from both members and non-members... so we encourage you to reach out to all of the different sport coaches on your campus, your athletic administration, spouses, student-athletes, school administrators, booster club presidents, etc. and ask them to share their knowledge and wisdom with our Texas coaching family! Please email all article submissions to beckyadams@thsca.com – Word Document format is preferred, and 2-4 pages would be ideal length.

Obituary

COACH ROGER HOELSCHER

Coach Roger Hoelscher, 54, of Robinson, died Monday January 8, 2024 in a Waco Hospital due to injuries from a head-on collision that occurred that morning on his way to work. Coach Hoelcsher was an employee of Chilton I.S.D. where he coached cross country and track and field.

Coach Hoelscher had previously taught Math and coached Cross Country, Track, and Basketball at Rosebud-Lott I.S.D. for almost thirty years. He was an integral part of the Cougars 2014 and Lady Cougars 2015 State Championship Track and Field teams.

Coach Hoelscher was also a graduate of Rosebud-Lott ISD, where he was a 2‐time State Champion during the spring of 1988, his senior year of high school. He won the gold medal in the 2 Mile Run, where he set the record in the State Meet that stood for 25 years as well as a gold medal in UIL Mathematics.

After high school, Hoelscher attended Baylor University on a Cross Country and Track Scholarship before transferring to The University of Mary Hardin - Baylor where he was a member of the Men's Basketball team where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Math and Physical Education.

He is survived by his son Noah and daughter Madelynn as well as several brothers and sisters, their spouses, and children and friends. He will be missed by all.

10

FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

To report a coach that is Retiring or On the Move to a new HEAD Coaching Job, (FOR ANY SPORT) go to www.thsca.com, and find "Submit a Coach On the Move Report" under the About Us tab.

COACHES RETIRING >>> Jack Alvarez, who spent two seasons leading Marshall ,announces his retirement after a 26-year head coaching career at West Sabine, Kirbyville, Ennis, Copperas Cove, Cuero and Marshall. He posted a 205-104 record and led Ennis to a state title in 2014 and also coached in two state title games at Kirbyville.

Lance Angel, who had two separate stints as Palestine's head coach, announces his retirement. He posted a 103-86 record with stops at Cooper, Canton, Palestine and he spent five years as Bryan ISD athletic director.

Monte Barrow, who spent 26 seasons at Nederland as an assistant coach and head coach, announces his retirement.

He spent seven seasons leading Nederland posting a 43-34 overall record with his best season coming in 2018 when the Bulldogs posted a 10-2 mark.

Donna Benotti announces her retirement for Cy-Fair HS Volleyball.

Eddie Gill, who spent 42 seasons as a coach, announced his retirement on January 17. Gill has a career record of 161-182; spent 32 years as a head coach at Morton, Cisco, Poteet, Whitesboro and Callisburg. He led long-struggling Whitesboro to their first ever playoff appearance in 2011.

Les Goad, who spent 28 seasons as head coach at Nazareth, Kenedy, San Antonio Southwest, New Braunfels Canyon, Lockhart, Geronimo Navarro, and Hays Consolidated, announces his retirement. He posted a career 205-106-3 record; he led Navarro to a state semifinal appearance in 2016, and Hays to a semifinal appearance in 2020.

Ray Neal, Visual Arts Teacher/Head Girls Basketball/Varsity Softball Asst./JH Volleyball-Varsity Asst., announces his retirement from Shiner HS. Ted Patton, who spent time as a head coach at Elysian Fields, Rusk and Kerens, announces his retirement. He spent four years leading the Kerens Bobcats.

John Settle, who is a 21-year head coaching veteran who spent the last thirteen seasons at Sunnyvale, announces his retirement on January 9.

Brad Talbert retires after an impressive twelve-year-run in Holland, where he posted a 104-39 record. His best season was in 2019, when the Hornets posted a 13-1 mark and advanced to the regional finals.

Brad Butler, who in six seasons posted an impressive 66-11 record at Alvin Shadow Creek and led the Sharks to the Class 5A-Division I state title in 2019, announces his retirement.

Kevin Terrier, who spent 34 seasons at Buna and the last two as head football coach, announces his retirement.

John Campbell, who posted a 171-54 career record in twenty years, announces his retirement on January 10 from Edinburg Vela.

Kerry Therwanger, who led Timpson to the state title in 2023, announces his retirement. He had a career record of 183-75 and led Lovelady to the state semifinals three times and Timpson to the state semifinals three times, in addition to the title.

Joe Coss, who led Laredo United South to the third round of the playoffs in 2020 and 2021, announced his retirement from coaching on January 11.

Kenny Davidson, the winningest coach in Graham history, announces his retirement on December 19. In fourteen seasons, he posted a 130-46 record and led Graham to the state semifinals five times. He spent 2006-2010 in Graham as the Steers defensive coordinator.

Tom Westerberg, who led Allen to four state titles, announces his retirement after spending two seasons leading his alma mater at Salado.

Quincy Williams, who was a longtime assistant at Manor and who started up the varsity program at New Tech HS, announced his retirement before the end of the season. He led the Titans to the playoffs in 2020.

Shane Willis, longtime Cross Country and Golf coach announces his retirement from Fredericksburg HS. FEBRUARY 2024

11

NOW HEAR THIS COACHES ON THE MOVE >>> Bobby Allison from DC at Northwest to HFC at Granbury.

Eden (Danny) Gonzalez HD Track at Three Rivers to AD/ HFC/HD Boys Basketball for Pawnee ISD. Jason Hammett promoted to HFC at Marshall.

Matt Arrufat promoted from DC to HFC at SA Warren.

Corey Heidebrecht from Asst. Baseball at Huntsville to HD Baseball at Tarkington.

Alejandro Bazan promoted from DC to HFC at Grulla.

Ricklan Holmes from Asst. at Hutto to HFC at Chisolm Trail.

Ricky Beaty from OC at Georgetown to HFC at Salado.

Thomas Jordan from Asst at Pine Tree to HD Baseball at Jefferson.

Jeff Breaux from OC at Little Cypress-Mauriceville to AD/ HFC at Orangefield.

Marlon Byrdsong promoted from Asst. Coach/HS Principal to HFC at Tenaha.

Elias Carrillo promoted from interim HC to HFC at Friona.

Dean Carter from OL/HD Girls BB coach at Mathis to AD/ HFC at Pettus.

Welton Johnson promoted from Asst HC to HFC at Dallas Life Oak Cliff.

Chris Jost from Girls Coord./HD Girls Basketball at San Saba to HD Girls Basketball at Lampasas.

Wade Lawson from HFC at Joaquin to HFC at Waskom.

Juan Leija from DC at Vela to AC/HFC at PSJA Southwest.

Tyrone Carter from OC at Cy-Woods to HFC at Cy-Lakes.

Nate Leonard from HFC at NB Canyon to HFC at McKinney.

Nick Cavallo from HFC at George Ranch to HFC at Morton Ranch.

Travis Marmon HD Boys Basketball at Maypearl to HD Boys Basketball at Mexia.

David Collins from OC at FM Marcus to HFC at Greenville.

Tanner Mann from DC at Snyder to HFC at Era.

Preston Compton promoted to AD/HFC/HD Baseball at Campbell.

Clay McChristian promoted from DC to AD/HFC at Graham.

Bill Cowley from DC at Anderson-Shiro to HFC at Hawkins.

Carlos Daniels from HD Girls Basketball at Mexia to HD Boys Basketball/HD Track at Crockett.

Todd Dodge comes out of retirement to be HFC at Lovejoy.

Blake Mouser from OC at Vandegrift to HFC at Tolar.

Michael Mull from DC at Taft to AC/HFC at Burbank.

Jeremy Mullins from HFC at Tolar to HFC at Eagle Mountain (New School opening Aug 24).

Ryan Faulknor promoted from DC to HFC at Hubbard.

Sam Parker from HFC at Tomball Mem. to HFC at Canyon Lake.

Jason Garrett from LB coach at Duncanville to HFC at Dallas Roosevelt.

David Petroff promoted from HFC to Asst. AD at Royse City.

Joe Gillespie from DC at TCU to HFC at Waco Midway.

Dustin Pleasant from OC at Leander Rouse to HFC at FW Carter-Riverside.

Abel Gonzalez from HFC at Grulla to HFC at Rio Grande City.

David Porras from QB coach at Rio Grande City to HFC at Zapata.

12

FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

Jason Russell from OC at Melissa to HFC at Blue Ridge.

Jeremy Russell from OC at Newton to HFC at Omaha Paul Pewitt.

Oscar Salinas from HFC at La Feria to AD of Edinburg CISD. Rex Sharp promoted from Coord. to HFC at Iola.

Josh Smalley from Orangefield to HFC at Bridge City.

David Smiley from HD Girls Basketball at Caprock to HD Boys Basketball at Andrews.

Jeff Smith from HD Boys Basketball at Gilmer to HD Boys Basketball at Greenville.

Ben Speer promoted from DC to HFC at Burnet.

Angela Spurlock from HD Girls Basketball/Asst. AC at Seven Lakes to Asst. AD for Katy ISD. Ty Taylor for Co-DC at Pleasant Grove to HFC at Jefferson.

Keri Timmerman from Asst. at Vandegrift to HFC at Marble Falls.

Mark Torres from HFC at EP Pebble Hills to HFC at Buda Hays.

Eugene Rogers from DC at Waxahachie to HFC at Corsicana.

Eric Vance from DC at Hurst Bell to HFC at Keller Central.

Blake Ware from HFC at Dayton to HFC at Aldine McArthur.

Brent Watkins from DC at Malakoff to HFC at Kerens.

Amber Wiley from HD Girls Basketball at Tyler to HD Girls Basketball at Frisco Lebanon Trail.

Brad Willard from OC at Tyler Legacy to HFC at LibertyEylau.

Patrick Williams promoted from DC to AD/HFC at Burkburnett.

Matthew Woodard from HFC at Groveton to AD/HFC at Rio Vista.

FEBRUARY 2024

13

Coaches ONE APP FOR STATS, MAXES, AND RECRUITING KB3 SPORTS APP has allowed us to streamline our stats & maxes for inseason & offseason as well as given us the ability to promote our players across the country.

James Clancy HFC, Klein Cain HS ACCURATE INFORMATION MAXES & MEASURABLES can be entered by a player or coach and will be added to a player’s profile page.

TEAM PROFILE PAGE Your teams’ profile page is publicly accessible to parents, players, media and recruiters with links to each player’s profile page.

THIS IS A FREE SERVICE FOR COACHES AND ATHLETES! SIGN UP TODAY!

PLAYER TRACKING Download a Team Stat File to keep track of team stats by player or team totals.

Download a Game Summary File to view play-by-play game recap.

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RECRUITING College coaches can access your players test scores, stats, maxes & measurables.

College Coaches can DM with coaches and players via our IN-APP MESSAGING. Get Started!

Download the free app for Android or 14 Apple, join now!

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FEBRUARY 2024

15

16

FEBRUARY 2024

&

wit TEAMWORK

wisdom

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."

Michael Jordan

“Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is succes.”

Henry Ford

"There is no such thing as a self-made man. You will reach your goals only with the help of others."

George Shinn

"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."

"You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot — it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive."

- Maya Angelou

Vince Lombardi

“Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one where they sprang up.”

Oliver Wendell Holmes

"The secret is to gang up on the problem, rather than each other."

Thomas Stallkamp

SELF-WORTH

"Almost everythign will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you."

Anne Lamott

"Sometimes, when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place."

Unknown

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose!"

Dolly Parton FEBRUARY 2024

"To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone."

Reba McEntire 17

February 26, 2024 esports stadium, arlington, tx

Meet our 2024 Leadership Summit Speakers...

Jack Alvarez Marshall HS

stephen mackey 2words

18

wayne dickens

ty ellis

debbie harris

travis reeve

danny servance

southern methodist univ. ellis performance group

dr. puja patel

dell medical professor

el campo hs

mckinney hs

killeen ellison hs

sen. lois kolkhorst

texas senator -brenham, tx

craig way

emcee/voice of the texas longhorns FEBRUARY 2024

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 8:00 am Stadium Entry doors open

To access links to discounted hotel blocks, speaker info & registration vist

www.thsca.com/summit LIMITED SEATING WILL BE AVAILABLE

9:00 am Program begins Welcome remarks and introductions THSCA Executive Director Joe Martin and THSCEF COO Libby Pacheco will give the challenge for the day Speaker: DANNY SERVANCE - ELLISON HS Title: Lead By Example Speaker: SEN. LOIS KOLKHORST Title: The Impact of a Coach

SO REGISTER TODAY! SUMMIT REGISTRATION INFORMATION...

Registration will be $89 in advance (purchase your ticket in the THSCA Member Portal), or $99 at the door. (Registration fee includes a box lunch for the attendee.)

Registration is available now through the THSCA box office on Hometown Ticketing. Use this QR code to access online registration!

Introduction of R.O.C.K. Participants

All seating is General Admission.

Speaker: TRAVIS REEVE - EL CAMPO HS Title: Weekly Plan for Coaching What Matters Most

Doors will open at 8:00 AM.

Speaker: DEBBIE HARRIS - MCKINNEY HS Title: Building/Sustaining a Successful Program Coaching Beyond the Game Award Presentation & Speaker: JACK ALVAREZ - MARSHALL HS Title: Have a Cause Greater than You

Event will run from approximately 9 AM - 2 PM. If you are unable to attend the event for any reason, you must contact the THSCA offices to request a refund or transfer your event registration to someone else NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 15, 2024.

Need to register with a school check? Call our office and ask for further instructions, 512.392.3741.

NOON - LUNCH BREAK

PARKING INFORMATION:

Speaker: STEPHEN MACKEY, 2WORDS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT Title: Sportsmanship

Parking at the Esports Stadium venue will be $10 for the day. Guests of the Sheraton may park free in the hotel lot.

Speaker: WAYNE DICKENS - SMU Title: Leadership Vision and Core Values Speaker: DR. PUJA PATEL - DELL CHILDREN'S Title: Mental Health and the Student-Athlete Speaker: TY ELLIS - ELLIS PERFORMANCE GROUP - OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH Title: iLEAD - Foundation to Effective Leadership 2:00 pm Closing Remarks FEBRUARY 2024

19

2024 THSCA Convention & Coaching School

SAN ANTONIO, TX

July 21-23

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Planning for the 2024 Coaching School & Convention in San Antonio and we are excited to host all our Texas coaches! We want to provide you with some details & updates and what to expect for 2024!

»

THSCA MEETINGS AT COACHING SCHOOL Regional meetings will be on Monday afternoon, from 3:45-5:00 PM as the final agenda item to finish out the day. The THSCA general meeting will still be held on Tuesday morning at 11:30 AM, and we will vote on the THSCA President-Elect nominees.

»

HALL OF HONOR We will celebrate all of our Hall of Honor Class of 2024 Inductees (Lee Bridges, Ken Cook, Chris Koetting, Mel Maxfield & Jack Murphy), our State Champions coaches, and our esteemed award winners at the Hall of Honor Banquet. This banquet will kick off our Coaching School schedule on Saturday, July 20th at 7:00 PM in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Stars at Night Ballroom on the third floor. Tickets will be available for purchase in advance only.

»

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE 2024 COACHING SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEE:

what to start planning for now... »

REGISTRATION The price for Coaching School registration will be the same as last year. Please make note of the registration deadlines to afford our staff time to get registrations processed before the event.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES/COST: MARCH 1 - JUNE 1 - $60 PER COACH JUNE 2 - JULY 1 - $75 PER COACH ONSITE AT CONVENTION - $90 PER COACH (Please note convention registration fees are separate from the annual membership fee.

Membership fee/renewal is a separate $70 fee.)

PLAN FOR CONVENTION HOURS: SUNDAY, July 21st - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM MONDAY, July 22nd - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM TUESDAY, July 23rd - 8:00 AM to NOON

»

20

TRANSFERS & REFUNDS The deadline to request a refund or transfer of payment for a Coaching School registration will be July 1st. If you are paying with a school check and still need to hire a coach, you may still send in the registration fee with the rest of your staff and make a note that you would like us to store it in our system as open credit on your school's account until you are able to hire that person.

► IN-PERSON ACCESS to LIVE Demos, Sport Lectures & Professional Development Lectures ► IN-PERSON ACCESS to Exhibit Show and Sponsored Networking Events ► IN-PERSON ACCESS to THSCA Regional Meetings & General Meeting, including your OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE OR BE NOMINATED in our 2024 THSCA elections. ► IN-PERSON OPTION to print/laminate your THSCA membership card for upcoming year. ► Email Certificate of Participation for Continuing Education Hours to provide to your School. (Only available to those who attend the convention in-person and pick up their packet onsite.)

FEBRUARY 2024

TENTATIVE OUTLINE OF EVENTS FOR 2024 COACHING SCHOOL AND CONVENTION...

MONDAY, JULY 22 SATURDAY, JULY 20 8:30 AM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM

Registration Open THSCA Office & Help Desk 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Exhibits Open LIVE Turf & Court Demonstrations 9:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES 10:00 AM

New Board Member Indoctrination THSCA Board Meeting Hall of Honor Banquet HBGCC Stars at Night Ballroom

SUNDAY, JULY 21

11:00 AM

Registration Open THSCA Office & Help Desk 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Exhibits Open LIVE Turf & Court Demonstrations 10:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES 11:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES 12:00 PM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES 1:00 PM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES 2:00 PM 3:00 PM

4:00 - 5:15 PM

5:30 - 6:30 PM

1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:45 - 5:00 PM

5:15 - 6:15 PM

FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES - NCAA FBS Div. I Head Football Coaches Panel Discussion - Leadership in Women's Coaching Panel Discussion - Athletic Trainers Networking Reception Networking Receptions: - HS/College Networking - Baseball/Softball Coaches - Basketball/Track Coaches - Soccer Coaches

UPDATED 2/1/2024 - HOTEL NAME

RATE/NIGHT

Courtyard San Antonio Riverwalk

$157

Crockett Hotel

$164

DoubleTree San Antonio Downtown

$139

The Emily Morgan Hotel

$164

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Alamo Plaza

$164

Grand Hyatt San Antonio (HEADQUARTERS)

$166

Hampton Inn San Antonio Riverwalk Area

$159

Hilton Palacio Del Rio

$166

Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk

$164

Hotel Contessa

$179

Hotel Indigo Riverwalk

$164

Hotel Valencia

$164

Hyat Regency San Antonio

$159

La Quinta San Antonio Riveralk

$156

San Antonio Marriott RIVERCENTER

$164

San Antonio Marriott RIVERWALK

$164

Menger Hotel

$164

Sonesta ES Suites Downtown Alamo Plaza

$159

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Alamo Plaza

$164

Thompson San Antonio

$176

The Westin Riverwalk

$164

FEBRUARY 2024

12:00 PM

FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES

REGIONAL MEETINGS Networking Receptions: - Girls Sport Coaches - Regions 1/2/4 Social - Regions 3/5 Social - Region 6 Social - Region 7/8 Social

TUESDAY, JULY 23

THSCA Career Center THSCA Office & Help Desk 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Exhibits Open LIVE Turf & Court Demonstrations 9:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES 10:00 AM 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

GENERAL MEETING

Booking for the THSCA housing block and updates on hotel availability and parking are only accessible on our website at:

www.thsca.com/hotels

Online booking will require a credit card in order to secure the room, however the card will not be charged until you check-in or 72 hours before arrival. THE DEADLINE FOR BOOKING AT THE DISCOUNTED RATE WILL BE JULY 1ST.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations made after June 1, 2024, and 72 hours prior to arrival date will be charged a $50.00 cancellation fee per room. Continue to use Orchid.Events for all changes and cancellations through July 1, 2024. After July 1, 2024, cancellations must be directed to your assigned hotel at least 72 hours prior to arrival or a one night’s room and tax charge will be assessed by the hotel.

Please note the following fee is not included in room rates: 1.25% Tourism Public Improvement District (PID) Fee. Room rates and PID fees are subject to 16.75% Hotel Tax per Night. (Subject to change) Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency have additional state cost recovery fees that will be added to the rate. *Additional fees may apply for 3rd or 4th person in room: If a rollaway bed is required.* Orchid.Events is the ONLY THSCA designated housing provider for the 2024 THSCA Convention & Coaching School. Beware of other companies misrepresenting themselves as affiliated with THSCA.

21

22

FEBRUARY 2024

Offered By:

The John A. Barclay Agency

8701 Shoal Creek Blvd., Bldg. 2, Ste #201 -- Austin, TX 78757

Phone: 512.374.4927

Underwritten by Carrier rated A+ XV Superior by A.M. Best

This coverage will be in effect July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE WHAT THE POLICY COVERS:

COVERAGE A - LIABILITY INSURANCE Up to $2,000,000 per insured per occurrence/$ 3,000,000 per occurrence, plus the cost of defense, investigation and legal fees • Applies in the event a member is alleged to have caused injury or damage to others while performing his/her professional duties • Errors and omissions insurance for claims for damages arising out of a member’s duties as a professional educator, including all defense cost Note: The duty of the insurer to defend extends even to groundless, false and frivolous suits and accusations.

COVERAGE B - REIMBURSEMENT OF ATTORNEY FEES Up to $10,000 per insured per occurrence • The policy provides reimbursement of attorney fees in a broad range of situations not included under Coverage A. This includes allegations of criminal and/or sexual misconduct and employment related actions against an educator involving dismissal, revocation of certification and other professional rights and duties.

• In actions involving termination, salary, reassignment, certification or resignation, the matter in dispute must be resolved in favor of the member to qualify for the full reimbursement of $10,000. However, $2,000 of this amount is available for initial consultation and research, whether or not the member prevails, to determine if there exists a reasonable chance of the case being resolved in the member’s favor.

COVERAGE C - BAIL BONDS Up to $2,000 premium on bail bonds

WHAT THE POLICY PAYS:

COVERAGE A: Up to $2,000,000 per insured per ccurrence/$3,000,000 per occurrence, plus the cost of defense, investigation and legal fees.

COVERAGE B: Up to $10,000 per claim per Insured. Coverage for criminal proceedings and /or sexual misconduct limited to $10,000 aggregate per policy term.

COVERAGE C: Up to $2,000 premium on bail bonds.

COVERAGE FEATURES:

Criminal/Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The policy provides reimbursement of attorney fees up to $10,000 under Coverage B if the educator is acting in the scope of his/her duties.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is covered under Coverage A (Liability) if administered according to the rules of the jurisdiction in which the school is located.

Outside Activity

As long as the educator is within the scope of his/her professional duties, the policy covers liability for injury to students and others while the educator is conducting visits to industrial and commercial establishments, entertainment centers, outings, picnics and other similar school functions, subject to specific automobile, watercraft, & aircraft exclusions

Coverage B

Reimbursement of Attorney Fees - Such reimbursement as is afforded the member for actions involving tenure, dismissal, revocation of certification & other professional rights and duties is assured under the policy and is not contingent on the approval of a board or review committee, as might be the case where 44 the only available assistance is from a defense fund.

FEBRUARY 2024

NEW INSURANCE PURCHASED AFTER 7/1/23 WILL COMMENCE ON THE PAYMENT RECEIVED DATE. THIS COVERAGE IS NOT RETROACTIVE.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE & HOW DO I PURCHASE?

The Texas High School Coaches Association offers a Coaches Professional Liability Insurance option to eligible members with coverage beginning July 1, 2023. The THSCA has chosen the John A. Barclay Agency, Inc. to provide this coverage to our members.

This plan was devised to offer liability insurance and legal assistance to THSCA members. In order to be eligible for this coverage you must meet the following criteria: • You must be a Coach, Athletic Trainer or Athletic Director for an accredited secondary school, college, junior college or university, within the state of Texas. Coverage also applies to classroom duties.

• Your THSCA Membership must be current for the school year in which the coverage is effective – 7/1/23 - 6/30/24.

• PROFESSIONAL, AFFLIATE and LIFE members are eligible only if they meet the criteria above. This insurance is not available to STUDENT or RETIRED members.

If you choose to purchase this insurance coverage and do not meet the criteria for eligibility, this coverage will not be valid. This coverage will be in effect July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. Insurance purchased after July 1, 2023 will commence on the payment received date. This insurance coverage is not retroactive.

Payment should be made directly to the THSCA. The total 23/24 annual premium for the insurance coverage will be $58.00 per member.

Annual Insurance Premium: State Taxes and Fees (4.925%): Association Administrative Fee: TOTAL 2022/23 Annual Premium:

$ 53.00 $ 2.61 $ 2.39 $ 58.00

Checks should be made payable to: THSCA Mail payment to: THSCA, P.O. Box 1138, San Marcos, TX 78667 DO NOT MAIL PAYMENT to the Barclay Agency.

Eligible members will be able to purchase the Coaches Professional Liability Insurance on the THSCA website, or by selecting to purchase the coverage on the THSCA membership application form and submitting it by fax, email or mail to the THSCA office with the insurance payment.

NOTE: In order to be eligible to purchase the coverage your membership must be current for the same year of policy coverage. (7/1/23-6/30/24)

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Do you have the financial ability to defend yourself in the event of claim?

Do you have the expertise to find the best legal counsel for your situation?

THIS IS NOT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE POLICY BUT A SUMMARY AND IS PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE ONLY. ALL COVERAGE PROVIDED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE POLICY IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS OR OCCURRENCE IS SUBJECT TO THE EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THE MASTER POLICY ON FILE WITH THE POLICYHOLDER, INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS, ENDORSEMENTS, AND ADDITIONS. QUESTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC INSURANCE POLICY COVERAGE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO: The John A. Barclay Agency, Inc. 512.374.4927 2/23/2023

MARCH 2021

23

congratulations to our fall sport

thsca Super Elite Teams boys WATER POLO Class AAAAAA

MVP: Bexon Harrison, Boerne Champion HS GOALIE: Cooper Smith, Marcus HS Ben Brockmeier, Brandeis HS Evan Croley, Tom C. Clark HS Jacob Duong, Highland Park HS Cole Faux, Tom C. Clark HS Will Harrison, Boerne Champion HS Dane Johnson, Hebron HS Andrew Koelzer, Foster HS Owen Wittrock, Westside HS

girls WATER POLO Class AAAAAA

MVP: Addison Olson, Foster HS GOALIE: Clara McKee, Foster HS Grace Goldhammer, Brandeis HS Hannah Lee, Prosper HS Kinley Niles, Foster HS Somto Okafo, Southlake Carroll HS Savana Slaughter, Hebron HS JoJo Walters, Southlake Carroll HS Kylie Williams, Highland Park HS Emma Woods, Foster HS

24

Team Tennis Class Aaaa

Scout Adams, West Plains HS Justin Barraza, Boerne HS Daxon Betzen, Randall HS Lauren Brooks, Canyon HS Kell Castleberry, Vernon HS Kynley Craddock, Randall HS Gabriella Dishong, Randall HS Maddux Foster, Andrews HS Connor Hubbert, Kaufman HS Olivia Perez, Kaufman HS Isaac Reynolds, Canyon HS Laney Sanders, Kaufman HS Bryson Shelton, Randall HS Makale Strutton, Wills Point HS

Team Tennis Class Aaaaa

Meghna Arun Kumar, Argyle HS Ediz Bostanci, Frisco Wakeland HS Fredrich Buquel, Sharyland HS Ethan Carter, Harlingen HS South Dania Casas, Mcallen Memorial HS Elaine Flachs, Georgetown HS Diego Garcia, Harlingen HS South Amber Lewis, Boerne Champion HS Austin Lewis, Argyle HS Rishi Natarajan, Argyle HS Daniela Ocaranza, El Paso HS Diego Sanchez, Sharyland HS Ella Wertz, Wakeland HS Tvisha Yadiki, Frisco Wakeland HS FEBRUARY 2024

2023-2024 Team Tennis

Boys Cross Country

Ahona Chowdhury, The Woodlands HS Liam Collins, Stratford HS Juliana Creel, Lake Travis HS Jastine Escamos, Clements HS Cody Huang, Plano West HS Isaac Joseph, Coppell HS Gopal Koduri, Plano West HS Rikita Koshimizu, Coppell HS Kevin Lee, Clements HS Alexandra Patton, Coppell HS Eli Sam, The Woodlands HS Elizabeth Shu, Clements HS Ananya Sriniketh, Tompkins HS Praneet Tulluri, Bridgeland HS

Jeysen Alvarez, Crane HS Carlos jose Cortez, Troy HS Christopher Kopecky, East Bernard HS Noah Strohman, Holliday HS Ryder Strohman, Holliday HS

Class Aaaaaa

Boys Cross Country Class A

Cole Fenhaus, Fayetteville HS Wiley Gaskins, Sands HS Austin Magness, Paint Rock HS Carlos Plata, Sands HS Brandon Timms, Tilden McMullen County HS

Boys Cross Country Class AA

Class AAA

Boys Cross Country Class AAAA

Bryce Denton, Anna HS Ryan Fernandez, Canyon HS Lathan Lewter, Canyon HS Armando Morales, La Feria HS Anthony Morales, La Feria HS Alexander Niemiec, Canyon HS Nathan Salinas, La Feria HS

Boys Cross Country Class AAAAA

Caden Gary, Lovejoy HS Ethan Gonzalez, Richland HS Joey Reid, Lovejoy HS Edwin Rotich, Leander Rouse HS Andruw Villa, Abilene HS Nick Yarad, Lovejoy HS Anthony Zapata, Southwest Legacy HS

Dwight DonJuan, Quanah HS Jeremiah Gonzales, Plains HS Sawyer Hamilton, Plains HS Andres Landaverde, Corrigan-Camden HS Caden Thurman, Wolfe City HS Taylor Warrick, Stockdale HS Cooper Warrick, Stockdale HS FEBRUARY 2024

25

GIrls Cross Country Class AAA

Kenli Atwood, Holliday HS Sophia Bendet, Randolph HS Aubrey Milam, Randolph HS Simone Mouras, Holliday HS Cara Sims, Elysian Fields HS McKayla Stephens, Maypearl HS

Boys Cross Country Class AAAAAA

Aleksandr Acuna, Ray Braswell HS Gavin Chapa, Reagan HS Joaquin De La Cruz, McKinney Boyd HS Hudson Haley, Vandegrift HS Caleb Millard, McKinney Boyd HS Benjamin Montgomery, Bridgeland HS Dylan Schieffelin, Vandegrift HS

girls Cross Country Class A

Isabella Billingsley, McMullen County HS Hailie Cauthen, Eula HS Jace Chisum, Jayton HS Daylee Chisum, Jayton HS Hayley Connell, Sands HS Kamryn Nail, Jayton HS

girls Cross Country Class AA

Schylar Anderson, Stamford HS Kiley Barrera, Plains HS Emily Bartek, Goldthwaite HS Yarida DeLeon, Chilton School Isabella Jaime, Farwell HS Anna Pearcy, Hamilton HS Alexis Wade, Farwell HS 26

girls Cross Country Class AAAA

Addyson Bristow, Canyon HS Ann Claire Cop, Fredericksburg HS Taylor Grona, Fredericksburg HS Rilyn Grona, Fredericksburg HS Cade Harris, Salado HS Maddie Reagan, Davenport HS Kate Shepherd, Canyon HS

girls Cross Country Class AAAAA

Peyton Benson, Lovejoy HS Camryn Benson, Lovejoy HS Yazmin Guerra, PSJA Southwest Early College HS Elizabeth Leachman, Boerne Champion HS Sara Morefield, Lovejoy HS Delaney Ulrich, College Station HS Sydni Wilkins, Liberty HS

girls Cross Country Class AAAAAA

Maya Easterwood, Coppell HS Lily Fawcett, Bridgeland HS Felicity Hamilton, Klein Cain HS Maddy Hunter, Katy HS Miah McAulay, Bowie HS Macy Wingard, Braswell HS

FEBRUARY 2024

volleyball Class A

MVP: Ruby Rumohr, Blum HS Off. Player of the Year: Kinsley McPherson, Blum HS Def. Player of the Year: Kayden Arrington, Blum HS Jessa Frosch, D'Hanis HS Sealy Hines, Neches HS Joely Jenkins, Neches HS Mallory Krause, Round Top-Carmine HS Lily Read, Chester HS Maggie Salinas, Round Top-Carmine HS Emma Scott, Blum HS Kacie Trimble, Neches HS Addison Willingham, Blum HS

volleyball Class AA

MVP: Lindsey Gooch, Iola HS Off. Player of the Year: Rylee Wolf, Windthorst HS Def. Player of the Year: Kieryn Adams, Schulenburg HS Aizlyn Dewberry, Wink HS Laney Elmore, Crawford HS Annikah Frank, Windthorst HS Beryn Hyland, Crawford HS Sadie Kasowski, Bremond HS Blair Keith, Crawford HS Meredith Magliolo, Schulenburg HS Leann Wise, Stockdale HS Landry Zapalac, Schulenburg HS

volleyball Class AAA

MVP: Mackenzie Sims, Bushland HS Off. Player of the Year: Ally Tribe, Columbus HS Def. Player of the Year: Averie Threet, Peaster HS Abigail Carr, Clyde HS Kaycee Cavanaugh, Troy HS Abby Howell, Bushland HS Chloe Johnson, Gunter HS Philomina Klotz, Ponder HS Brelee Mauldin, Gunter HS Halie McDaniel, Peaster HS Madison Smith, Gunter HS Sage Thomas, Columbus HS

volleyball Class AAAA

MVP: Jordyn Gove, Randall HS Off. Player of the Year: Talan Dodson, Davenport HS Def. Player of the Year: Leddy Rae Guinn, Stephenville HS Keirstyn Carlton, Stephenville HS Demi Carter, Bridge City HS Ashtan Dodson, Davenport HS Laney Hennessee, Wimberley HS Ryan McCoy, Celina HS Livia Niu, Salado HS Annaleise Sevier, Aubrey HS Sidney Soria, Randall HS Logan Strong, Davenport HS FEBRUARY 2024

27

volleyball

football

MVP: Savannah Skopal, Rouse HS Off. Player of the Year: Lauren Perry, Denton HS Def. Player of the Year: Chloe Morgan, Barbers Hill HS

Offensive MVP: Terry Bussey, Timpson HS Defensive MVP: Adam Hill, Albany HS Utility Player: Bryce Ullman, Ganado HS CLASS AA OFFENSE: Amare Bruton, Timpson HS Grayson Ellis, Wink HS Cason Fairchild, Albany HS JJ Garner, Timpson HS Parker Gleaton, Roscoe Collegiate HS Logan Jenkins, Collinsville HS Karston Long, Stratford HS Omarion Rasberry, Garrison HS Ramon Rodriguez, Wellington HS Monte Swaner, Mart HS Julio Valdez, Stratford HS Zane Waggoner, Albany HS CLASS AA DEFENSE: JaCayden Adams, Timpson HS Bryce Braden, Stratford HS Cash Clark, Tolar HS Stephen Cowan, Gruver HS Brayden Davidson, Garrison HS Jaxson Hoel, Albany HS Tyler Lane, Timpson HS Brysen Maxwell-Steele, Marlin HS Ethan Nevarez, Wellington HS Reed Patterson, Collinsville HS Clayton Stembridge, Tolar HS Antonio Yarbrough, Garrison HS CLASS AA SPECIAL TEAMS: Armando Chavez, Mart HS Carson Herron, Wolfe City HS

Class AAAAA

Gentry Barker, Lovejoy HS McKenna Brand, Lovejoy HS Shelby Burriss, Lovejoy HS Megan Hawkins, Canyon HS Katherine Holtman, Argyle HS Taylor Kubacak, Tivy HS Grace Sweeney, Midlothian Heritage HS Blair Thiebaud, College Station HS Jadyn Wilgus, Rouse HS

volleyball Class AAAAAA

MVP: Ayden Ames, Prosper HS Off. Player of the Year: Mya Allen, SA Reagan HS Def. Player of the Year: Alice Volpe, Bridgeland HS Henley Anderson, Dripping Springs HS Favor Anyanwu, Sachse HS Jaela Auguste, Grand Oaks Carson Eickenloff, McKinney Boyd HS Avery Hamlin, Lake Travis HS Aniya Joseph, Harlan HS Lauryn Lambert, Plano East Senior High Kassidy O’Brien, Cinco Ranch HS Halle Thompson, Grand Oaks HS

28

Class AA

FEBRUARY 2024

football

football

Offensive MVP: Camren Cavalier, Canadian HS Defensive MVP: Koby Dickens, Paradise HS Utility Player: Case Peacock, Ponder HS CLASS AAA OFFENSE: Luke Flowers, Canadian HS Joseph Dodds, Tidehaven HS Kyler Finney, Winnsoboro HS Landon Holley, Paradise HS Brock Riker, Brock HS Braden Smith, Franklin HS Hunter Smith, Clyde HS Jayden Trapp, Columbus HS Pablo Vega, San Diego HS Jordan Velasquez, Westwood HS Ty'Vone Whitehead, Columbus HS Jake Whitley, Jim Ned HS CLASS AAA DEFENSE: Wyatt Davis, Canadian HS Hunter Fay, Brock HS Carson Finney, Brock HS Justin Griffith, Tidehaven HS Cam Harris, Brock HS Chauncey Hogg, Malakoff HS Cooper Massey, Brock HS Colt Matlock, Brock HS Boone Morris, Mount Vernon HS Andrew Rendon, London HS Cooper Reynolds, Ponder HS Rowdy Topper, Blanco HS CLASS AAA SPECIAL TEAMS: Tate Hendley, Idalou HS Preston Tarpley, Gunter HS

Offensive MVP: Will Henderson, Gilmer HS Defensive MVP: CJ Miller, Anna HS Utility Player: Camden Raymond, Glen Rose HS CLASS AAAA OFFENSE: Dyllan Drummond, Chapel Hill HS Emmet Greiman, Davenport HS Josiah Groeneweg, Glen Rose HS Braydon Nelson, Kilgore HS Nate Palmer, Decatur HS Casey Poe, Lindale HS Caden Romo, Wimberley HS Jaydon Smith, Ingleside HS Rickey Stewart, Chapel Hill HS Cristian Trickett, Panther Creek HS Tyler Weeks, Celina HS Ziondre Williams, Anna HS CLASS AAAA DEFENSE: Jamison Adams, Anna HS Kendall Allen, Chapel Hill HS Aron Bell, Gilmer HS Kam'Ryn Brown, Gilmer HS Kolton Dearth, Stephenville HS Hyson Foreman, Stephenville HS Seth Jackson, Frisco Panther Creek HS Zahir Livingston, Davenport HS Brandt Patek, Cuero HS Daveon Ross, Chapel Hill HS DJ Sanders, Bellville HS Zaylon Stoker, Kilgore HS CLASS AAAA SPECIAL TEAMS: Junior Martinez, Brownwood HS Brayden Pate, Gilmer HS

Class AAA

FEBRUARY 2024

Class AAAA

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football

Class AAAAA Offensive MVP: Hauss Henjy, Aledo HS Defensive MVP: Davhon Keys, Aledo HS Utility Player: Gabriel Juarez, Gregory-Portland HS CLASS AAAAA OFFENSE: Aiden Beckett, Elgin HS Ben Carter, Liberty Hill HS Jackson Christian, Port Neches Groves Holton Hendrix, Lubbock-Cooper HS Torrie Henry, Chaparral HS Micah Hudson, Lake Belton HS Karson Maynard, Melissa HS Tavion Morgan, Longview HS Brennan Myer, Frisco Wakeland HS Stetson Sarratt, Midlothian Heritage Szyron Scott, Texas City HS Broderick Taylor, Roy Miller HS CLASS AAAAA DEFENSE: Jordan Deck, Frisco-Lone Star HS Evonjre Donnell, WF Rider HS Jailyn Gibbs, Wichita Falls Rider HS Zach Gingrich, Smithson Valley HS Agape Lawrence, Frisco Emerson HS Cameron Lewis, B. F. Terry HS Jaime Martinez, Veterans Memorial HS Kesean Meeks, C.E Ellison HS Juan Milleon-Aguilar, Dallas Kimball HS Bryce Neves, Abilene High HS Xaryus Sheppard, Longview HS Gilbert Trillo, Veterans Memorial HS CLASS AAAAA SPECIAL TEAMS: Connor Hawkins, Liberty Hill HS Cub Patton, Lubbock-Cooper HS 30

football

Class AAAAAA Offensive MVP: Darius Bailey, DeSoto HS Defensive MVP: Keylan Abrams, DeSoto HS Utility Player: Christian English, San Angelo HS CLASS AAAAAA OFFENSE: Jalen Cooper, Steele HS Caden Durham, Duncanville HS Coen Echols, Katy HS Ryan Fodje, Bridgeland HS Ashton Funk, Tompkins HS Alex Green, Hutto HS Damien Johnson, Madland Legacy HS Tyler Knape, Austin Westlake HS Tyler Mercer, Prosper HS Dakorien Moore, Duncanville HS Trey Owens, Cy-Fair HS Christian Saldana, United HS CLASS AAAAAA DEFENSE: Xavier Atkins, Summer Creek HS Rodney Bimage Jr., Dickinson HS Gunner Caballero, Eagle Pass HS Dontae Carter , Cibolo Steele HS Athen Dominguez, Midland HS Mason Dossette, Ridge Point HS Alex January, Duncanville HS Nathaniel Kirksey, Tyler Legacy HS Jack Morse, Highland Park HS Armstrong Nnodim, Mesquite Horn HS Landon Rink, Cy-Fair HS Elliott Schaper, Austin Westlake HS CLASS AAAAAA SPECIAL TEAMS: Levi Crowder, Midland High HS Scott Starzyk, The Woodlands HS FEBRUARY 2024

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33

LET'S MEET THE

U.I.L. TEAM

Dr. Charles Breithaupt u.i.l. executive Director

Tell me about your journey and how you ended up working with the UIL. In 1975, fresh out of college, I got my first job at Buna Jr. High, coaching football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, and track and field. In addition, I was also the assistant high school baseball coach. I learned quickly how much I didn’t know about coaching. But I soon learned how to scout, cut the grass, stripe the fields, manage the equipment, clean the locker-room, do laundry, and drive the bus. It was one of the best times in my life.

After three years, I got my first high school job at Hardin-Jefferson High School where I eventually became the head basketball coach. I then moved to Beaumont West Brook High School for four years before returning to HJHS for three years as Athletic Director/Head Basketball Coach. Later, I became the high school principal in addition to my other duties.

I coached for 14 seasons as a head basketball coach.

After 17 years as a teacher/coach/ administrator, the UIL offered me a position as Assistant Athletic Director. Dr. Bailey Marshall retired as UIL Director in 1995 and Director of Athletics Dr. Bill Farney moved 34

into the lead role and promoted me to Director of Athletics where I remained for 14 years. I have been the Executive Director for the past 15 years.

What is something you wish more people knew about the UIL? I wish more people understood the UIL is not just the people in a building in Austin. The UIL is led by the school superintendents from our membership. The thoughts and ideas for our organization come from administrators, coaches, participants, officials, parents, and fans. The rules are made by the schools through the Legislative Council and are initially adjudicated by each member school and the local District Executive Committee and finally by the State Executive Committee. The UIL staff serves to provide leadership and as a resource for each of those committees. What I want people to know is that fair competition begins with a set of rules that are agreed upon in advance.

While the rules are not more important than the individual, every individual must comply with the rules; otherwise, the contests wouldn’t be on a level playing field. We have more than a million contests each year, and each of those contests end with a winner. It is our purpose to make these contests as fair as possible.

Why do you think it is important for the THSCA and UIL to work together?

Since 1930, the THSCA has stood strong in support of coaches and student-athletes. It is critical for the UIL and THSCA to have great relationship because the FEBRUARY 2024

stakes for athletics are so high. With more than 26,000 members, the THSCA has the influence to preserve, protect, and promote coaches and athletes. With so many outside influences attempting to disrupt athletic programs across this country, it is vital for the UIL and THSCA to collaborate on the issues at hand. THSCA has been a strong voice for what is best for UIL and its membership for many years. I have worked very closely with previous leaders at THSCA, Eddie Joseph, Eddie Wolski, D.W. Rutledge, and each of the presidents and boards who have served THSCA. They have all been outstanding in their roles.

What Joe Martin and his assistant Glen West are currently doing with new initiatives, while also protecting the traditions of the organization, is phenomenal. Joe Martin has provided a vision for all coaches for every sport and an opportunity to do more for kids each day. He has done critical work with the state legislature providing testimony on bills that have impact on athletes and coaches. His leadership has taken the THSCA from good to great. The THSCA helps make athletics in Texas the best in the country.

What is your favorite thing about working for the UIL? My favorite thing about working at the UIL is the people. Having the opportunity to work with some of the most dedicated and intelligent UIL staff members has been a great blessing. I learned so much from Dr. Marshall and Dr. Farney. They were outstanding men and set a standard of excellence at UIL that has been tough to follow.

I have enjoyed working with our entire staff throughout the years because of their ability to manage conflicts and issues with grace and fortitude.

I am particularly proud of the work of Deputy Director Dr. Jamey Harrison and our new Director of Athletics Ray Zepeda. They have raised the bar significantly.

Their incredible leadership skills are crucial as we continue to improve the experiences offered to our student-athletes.

We have many talented individuals at the UIL, and they work as a team to make plans and solve problems.

I think we are uniquely positioned for success with this staff.

To have the opportunity to work with the best and brightest athletes and coaches in Texas who showcase their talents and abilities every day is significant. We have the great fortune to watch state championship FEBRUARY 2024

level athletes and teams each year at our events. But the opportunity to watch practices and games across the state during the regular season and playoffs brings me a great deal of enjoyment. There is nothing better than watching coaches at their craft during a practice session.

What encouragement would you offer our Texas coaches about their impact and commitment to the coaching profession?

There are at least 12 coaches’ associations in Texas.

I would encourage every coach to be a member of at least one of these professional organizations including the THSCA. The THSCA coaching school each summer is the largest coaches’ convention in the country. Coaches should continue to support coaching as a profession and not as a job or simply as a hobby. I believe that coaching is a calling. Coaches don’t just happen upon the scene. Coaching is done with intention. Coaches are called to bring the best of their abilities so that young people can become the outstanding citizens we desire. Coaches should always exemplify the best character traits, as they often serve as the primary role models for their athletes. I believe we have the best coaches in the country and THSCA is a big part of this success.

What would you say is the most impactful thing participation in extracurricular activities teaches our youth?

Students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school than those who do not participate. It is important for coaches to recognize how much they are needed in our schools and in our society today. I have said for many years that coaches are the hope for a better America. Coaches make use of the two most important words in the English languageyes and no. Balancing those two words and raising the bar of expectations for behavior and performance is paramount in building citizens for tomorrow.

Young people need and expect fences around them and will respect coaches who provide a safe haven. I would encourage coaches to continue to be demanding and tough but, within reason. These athletes are not machines. Treat them as you would your own children.

Remember that your players will do what you ask if they know you truly love them and care for them.

Education-based athletics teach students how to 35

overcome adversity, but also how to deal with success.

It teaches time management, goal setting, learning to take instructions, dealing with conflict, the value of team and the reward of a thing well done. In no other setting does a student-athlete get the opportunity to have the enrichment and enjoyment they gain from a coach. Serving as educator, coach, part-time parent, counselor, advisor, trainer, nurse, psychiatrist, dietician, and advocate for athletes are part of the duties and responsibilities given to coaches. Yes, it is hard, but that is what makes it special. If it was easy, everyone would be a coach.

Dr. jamey harrison

u.i.l. deputy Director Tell me about your journey and how you ended up working with the UIL. UIL has always played an integral role in my life. As a high school student, I competed in UIL athletics, band, and academic competitions. These experiences really defined my high school educational experience.

That led to me becoming a teacher and coach right out of college. I absolutely loved my time in coaching.

I maintain close relationships with many of my former players to this day. Even throughout my journey in education administration, I maintained close ties to athletics. As a school superintendent, I knew the value of athletics to kids, the school as a whole, and the community.

After serving as a member of the UIL Legislative Council, I had the opportunity to join the UIL. During my 13 years at UIL, while there are always challenges, the experience has been amazing.

What is something you wish more people knew about the UIL? One key thing that people often miss about UIL is how closely we work with schools. Whether we are dealing with a potential rules infraction, the rule making process, alignment, postseason structures… whatever…we are constantly seeking information and input from schools. Many times, decisions appear from the outside to be disconnected from our membership.

36

That simply is never the case. Our decisions are driven by input from school leaders.

Why do you think it is important for the THSCA and UIL to work together?

The relationship between UIL staff and THSCA is critical. Both organizations serve coaches, simply in different ways. THSCA is able to aggregate and refine the feedback they receive from coaches to serve as the voice for coaches across the state. That voice is critical to driving UIL decisions. Conversely, UIL serves a very large and diverse constituency group. Parents, kids, elected officials, and other school leaders are included in addition to coaches. The strong and collaborative relationship we enjoy with THSCA allows us to explain the input from those other constituency groups to THSCA leadership. That, in turn, allows them to help disseminate that information and factor it into the feedback we receive from coaches through the THSCA leadership. Simply, we would not enjoy the level of success both organizations enjoy without a strong relationship between the two.

What is your favorite thing about working for the UIL? Relationships. This job allows for, and requires, strong relationships with tremendous people from across the state. I treasure those relationships. The impact these activities and coaches has on kids is nothing short of remarkable. Constantly remembering why we do what we do, to improve kids’ lives, helps motivate me to continue to maintain and improve those relationships. I truly enjoy having the opportunity to visit with the great people we have in this space in our great state.

What predictions do you have for the UIL and Texas high school athletics in the next 5 years?

Change. It is difficult to nail down exactly what that change will be. But it is assured to occur. Helping guide what that change looks like, navigating through it successfully to be better on the other side, will require a continued strong partnership between our two organizations.

What advice would you offer coaches about how they can best support the UIL and thrive in their competitions?

FEBRUARY 2024

U.i.l. director of athletics, ray zepeda & the u.i.l. athletics team Always do what is best for kids. The impact and influence a coach has on kids is extremely powerful.

I have seen that firsthand as a parent. I am blessed to have seen that influence be very positive for my own children. My family has been truly blessed to have great coaches who are great people coaching our kids.

If you do what is best for kids, always, everything else falls into place. That includes engaging in the decisionmaking process with UIL through THSCA. Those who have engaged understand the solution is rarely as simple and easy as it may appear. Be a positive voice for kids and for athletics by positively engaging in the process.

ray zepeda

u.i.l. Director of athletics Tell me about your journey and how you ended up working with the UIL. I have a thirty plus year career in public education as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator in a variety of environments. I started out as a middle school athletic coordinator in Corpus Christi in the early nineties and was not tough enough to continue as a middle school coach beyond my first year of teaching and coaching. I moved on to be an assistant football and baseball coach at WB Ray HS and continued as an assistant coach and/or defensive coordinator at Houston Milby and Galena Park HS for a period of eleven years. I became a first-time head FEBRUARY 2024

coach and athletic director at Mathis ISD in 2004 and stayed there for two years before returning to Galena Park HS in the Greater Houston area as the campus athletic coordinator and head football coach. In 2013, I left Galena Park and took an assistant athletic director position in Cy-Fair ISD and was promoted to be the athletic director in 2016. I feel that the wide variety of educational environments and experiences that I have had over the length of a long career has prepared me very well to be of service to the many great coaches, athletes, and athletic administrators in our great state.

What is something you wish more people knew about the UIL? I wish people viewed us as true partners in their process of educating and growing kids. We have a tremendous team at the UIL that really strives each day to be of maximal service to all concerned in this state. Because we are an extremely large and diverse state with many different unique needs, it is sometimes difficult to impossible to meet every need or to address every situation. However, I know that this organization is the best interscholastic athletic association in the nation and we are fortunate to serve the most capable and competent coaches that can be found anywhere.

Why do you think it is important for the THSCA and UIL to work together?

This is a unique time in public education in our state.

It seems like there are dynamic challenges everyday being presented that put stress and pressure on our public education system. Given this, I believe that it is important for our organizations to truly be partners to ensure that we are collectively best meeting the 37

diverse needs of our state. The collective dialogue and collaboration between our organization and the THSCA better positions the UIL to be of maximal service and support to educators getting the work done in a very complex environment.

Meet the u.i.l. Athletics Team: joseph garmon

assistant athletic director Sport responsibilities: Team Tennis, Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field

What is your favorite thing about working for the UIL? As a coach or athletic administrator at a local public ISD throughout my career, my focus was always centered on the unique needs of my school, schools or community. It has been so interesting and gratifying to be able to work on a daily basis with coaches and athletic administrators across the entire State of Texas.

I have made a concerted effort to visit each area of our great state and it has really been a lot of fun to be able to get into communities across this state and see how their community supports educationally based interscholastic athletics.

aj martinez

assistant athletic director Sport responsibilities: football, wrestling, golf, baseball, water polo

grace mcdowell

assistant athletic director

Coming into this role as part of the UIL staff, what are some goals you have set for yourself and/or the UIL athletics team?

Sport responsibilities: volleyball, spirit, swimming & diving, b asketball, softball

We had three immediate goals as an athletic staff this year. We really wanted to communicate and collaborate with all concerned with greater effectiveness, and we wanted to continue to improve the consistency of our approach. These general goals have guided our specific actions and I am hopeful that all coaches feel that we have made progress in each of these areas this year.

What is the best way for young coaches, to connect with UIL and thrive in this profession?

I would suggest that first and foremost it is to get involved with the THSCA and our other coaching associations. Their direct participation in these associations and their processes will allow them to have a voice through our combined collaborative efforts. Further, I think that all coaches would benefit from having a process in place that allows them to learn and grow in their understanding of UIL rules and procedures. Finally, I do think that our entire athletic staff have made themselves available for direct communication and would always suggest that coaches reach out to our team directly if they need service or support.

38

dillon bankston

hannah higgins

sydney johnson

jessica walker

sports officials coordinator

events program coordinator

senior events program coordinator

senior events program coordinator

FEBRUARY 2024

u.i.l. From the Thsca perspective... joe martin

thsca executive director What do you think is the primary goal or most valuable part of the UIL? Their goal is to provide fair and equitable competition in Academics, Athletics, and Fine Arts for public school students. I personally believe that the University Interscholastic League (UIL) is the greatest “Activity Association” in America. We are very fortunate to have a governing body that is comprised of PublicSchool Superintendents with former Administrators and Coaches running the day-to-day operations.

The most valuable piece to the UIL organization is the wisdom, the professional communication, and the processes that these individuals provide for our schools, coaches, and athletes. Dr. Charles Breithaupt, Dr. Jamey Harrison, and Ray Zepeda are great leaders and communicators. Through their leadership, UIL has adapted to change while keeping our community-based athletics playing by rules that are fair and equitable.

They are willing to listen and discuss new ideas and are not afraid to enforce the rules and policies created by the Legislative Council.

Why do you think it’s important for THSCA and the UIL to work together?

It is extremely important to work together on common goals and initiatives. Having a great relationship with the UIL helps us meet our mission statement of “Helping Coaches Help Kids”.

The relationship between THSCA and the UIL is the best it has been in multiple decades. We have intentionally strived to create a collaborative working relationship to benefit our coaches and athletes. We are currently involved in multiple initiatives with the UIL that will positively serve and impact our athletes, athletic administrators, coaches, fans, officials, parents and athletic trainers for the next several years.

FEBRUARY 2024

Explain the legislative advocacy process and how THSCA can lobby on behalf of coaches on UIL matters.

The UIL cannot lobby at the state capitol during the Legislative Session. They only serve as a resource if called to be a witness on a bill. During the Legislative session, THSCA monitors ALL bills filed. If there is a bill filed with UIL name attached or a bill that is harmful to public education, we flag it for special attention and most times we attend the legislative committee hearings and testify on these bills. We also have two sets of lobbyists/legislative consultants that guide us as well as testify on our behalf. We rely on these lobbyists to guide our THSCA executive staff on testimony within the capital, but we also depend on their judgement when it comes to mobilizing our THSCA membership from across the state.

What is something you wish more coaches understood about the UIL? The UIL processes and protocol to change a rule or implement a new proposal through the Legislative Council has proven to be very successful. We want coaches to be aware that THSCA is engaged in every UIL Legislative Council meeting as we always have at least one if not 2-3 presentations at the Legislative Council meeting. The Legislative Council meets in June and October. At those meetings, we advocate for coaches by presenting proposals to the council from our advisory committees. We have a protocol of presenting a proposal to the Council from our advisory committees and Board of Directors that is very similar to the UIL protocol. Our protocol provides a level of confidence and assurance to the UIL Legislative Council members that we have vetted the proposal through our sport specific advisory committee securing a unanimous vote along with the THSCA Board of Directors vote of approval.

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We are so proud to announce the official class of R.O.C.K mentees for 2024. The 4th annual R.O.C.K Coaches Mentoring Workshop will be presented at AT&T Stadium on March 3-4, 2024.

The ROCK Coaches Mentoring Program is a partnership formed between the THSCA and Texas A&M’s Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy which has been created to meet the needs of and retain high school coaches and administrators. Coaches at all levels impact large numbers of individuals, teams, and communities on a daily basis. Positive lifelong physical, mental, emotional, and social components can be found in well-led athletic teams, programs, and communities. THSCA and the Thornton -McFerrin Coaching Academy believe there is a critical need to cultivate and assist young coaches to find their passion and be prepared as coaches, teachers, and leaders in an ever-evolving environment. In this increasingly rewarding, complicated, and challenging area the ROCK Coaches Mentoring Program has been developed by and for coaches to cultivate leadership, foster work alignment, execute best practices, combat apathy, enhance time management, and address work life balance issues.

Congratulations to our R.O.C.K. Mentee Class of 2024: Kelsey Ahrens, Canyon HS - Comal ISD

Tania Castro, John B. Alexander HS - United ISD

Rashad Anderson, Hays HS - Buda ISD

Allison Compass, Plano East Senior HS - Plano ISD

Bryce Baccarini, Eaton HS - Northwest ISD

Isabel Cornejo, Marshall HS - Fort Bend ISD

Edward Barrio, Pebble Hills HS - Socorro ISD

Taylor Daniel, Marcus HS - Lewisville ISD

MIchael Barta, El Campo MS - El Campo ISD

Elvis Davis, Chavez HS - Houston ISD

Angela Beadle, William B. Travis HS - Austin ISD

Andy DeLeon, Churchill HS - North East ISD

Brandon Beasley, Frisco Emerson HS - Frisco ISD

Gabriel Diaz, Stevens HS - Northside ISD

Christopher Bence, Kingwood HS - Humble ISD

Michelle Duff, Kirby MS - Wichita Falls ISD

Tommy Bowden, Rockport-Fulton HS - Rockport-Fulton ISD

Trace Edwards, Andrews MS - Andrews ISD

David Brazil, Weatherford HS - Weatherford ISD

Jaylen Ellis, Allen HS - Allen ISD

Darius Brooks, Rockdale JH/HS - Rockdale ISD

Ki-Janaven Garrett, Dade MS - Dallas ISD

Dylan Brunson, West Plains JH - Canyon ISD

Nick Gerber, Liberty HS - Lubbock Cooper ISD

Ty Bryant, Canyon Junior HS - Canyon ISD

Tanner Gordon, Clear Lake HS - Clear Creek ISD

Alejandra Canales, Harlingen HS South - Harlingen CISD

Geremy Gutierrez, Brown MS - El Paso ISD

Quentin Cannon, Maypearl HS - Maypearl ISD

Camirey Jackson, Hempstead HS - Hempstead ISD

Orlando Carrillo, Paschal HS - Fort Worth ISD

KerriAnne Jaime, Westlake HS - Eanes ISD

Christopher Casias, Cypress Ridge HS - Cy-Fair ISD

Kaegan Jimenez, Whitehouse HS - Whitehouse ISD

David Castillo, Rockport-Fulton HS - Rockport-Fulton ISD

Heath Koop, Madison MS - Abilene ISD

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FEBRUARY 2024

Jake Kotzur, Southwest Legacy HS - Southwest ISD Kyra Lair, Wink HS - Wink Loving ISD Edwin Lampe, Hutto HS - Hutto ISD Pete Lozano, Veterans Memorial HS - Brownsville ISD Chatori Major, Pieper HS - Comal ISD Mikaela McCarthy, McKinney Boyd HS - McKinney ISD Heath McDonough, Canyon Lake HS - Comal ISD Ashley McHugh, Sinton HS - Sinton ISD McKenna Miller, Sotomayor HS - Northside ISD Hannah Morales, Floydada HS/JH - Floydada CISD Shelby Morris, Lubbock HS - Lubbock ISD Devin Morrison, Mackenzie MS - Lubbock ISD Reed Oaks, Denton HS - Denton ISD Ross O'Hanlon, East Chambers HS - East Chambers ISD Hanneus Ollison, Colorado HS - Colorado ISD Rolando Ortiz, Carroll HS - Corpus Christi ISD Trent Pearson, Abilene HS - Abilene ISD Brittany Pellegrino, Lowell MS - San Antonio ISD Chance Pierce, Cooper HS - Abilene ISD Kirtrice Ploucha, Fleming MS - Houston ISD KC Rater, Stanton HS - Stanton ISD Joel Rinlee, Lindale HS - Lindale ISD Kandin Robertson, Kirby MS - Wichita Falls ISD Taylor Ruesch, Liberty HS - Frisco ISD Erica Russell, Paetow HS - Katy ISD Tontyana Sanders, University HS - Waco ISD Manuel Sandoval, Harlingen HS - Harlingen CISD Hannah Saracene, Cypress Woods HS - Cy-Fair ISD Zac Spears, Gladewater HS - Gladewater ISD Taylor Stancell, Farwell JH/HS - Farwell ISD Whitlow Stanley, Worley MS - Mansfield ISD Styphan Stewart, Montgomery HS - Montgomery ISD Joshua Terrell, Dickinson HS - Dickinson ISD Jasmine Torres, Northbrook HS - Spring Branch ISD Morgan Unwin, Canyon HS - Canyon ISD Javier Villarreal, McAllen Nikki Rowe HS - Mcallen ISD Boomer Warren, Midland Legacy HS - Midland ISD Erin Williams, Franklin HS - Franklin ISD Tyler Williams, Sweetwater HS - Sweetwater ISD FEBRUARY 2024

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FEBRUARY 2024

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academic all-state Elite team presented by the texas high school coaches association

For a complete list of fall sport academic all-state recipients please visit www.thsca.com/academic

Cross Country

Nahum Garcia, Leander Glenn HS

Marin Murray, Abilene HS

Kyndall Houchin, McGregor HS

Kenny Bibb, Anna HS Ashutosh Ghamande, Belton HS Matthew Duran, Boerne Champion HS Benjamin Matamoros, Boerne Champion HS Leif Nelson, Borger HS Riley McBride, Brady HS Trevor Kuhlman, Brazoswood HS Alexander Jenz, Buda Hays HS Kendall Fant, Carthage HS Joshua Mushan Wan, Clements HS Jadyn DeVerna, College Station HS Patrick Bullock, Colleyville Heritage HS Samarth Dubey, Coppell HS Penelope Albrecht, Cy-Fair HS Thomas Leger, Cypress Ridge HS Milad Khezrefaridi, Dripping Springs HS Mackenzie Simms, Elysian Fields HS Alisha Wille, Fredericksburg HS Ryan Cluff, Frenship HS Brooks Bryant, Fulshear HS Mary Schnautz, Grapevine HS John Haraway, Harlingen HS South Kayla Dickerson, Highland Park HS John Nobles, Huffman-Hargrave HS Hannah Heineman, Huntsville HS Cooper Forejt, JJ Pearce HS Quincy Cobb, JJ Pearce HS Delaney Vanderpool, JJ Pearce HS Sophia Manganiello, JJ Pearce HS Hayden Kessels, JJ Pearce HS Emily Grace Shipman, Katy HS Rebecca Wylie, Klein Cain HS 46

Weston Cole Frey, Lockhart HS Carly Hunt, McKinney Boyd HS Samuel Wilson, McKinney HS Zachary Butler, McKinney North HS Ross Graham, Melissa HS Brian Jones, Memorial HS (Hous) Josh Lee, Memorial HS (Hous) Alexia Valdes, Memorial HS (Hous) Anthony Noah Kotinek, Montgomery HS Zack Zimny, Montgomery HS Dana Pham, Plano East HS Lincoln Wilson, Pottsboro HS Ethan Gonzalez, Richland HS Michael Connell, Ridge Point HS Kohen Manthey, Ridge Point HS Christian Devenish, Ridge Point HS Lindsey Teufel, Rock Hill HS Alexia Callahan, Rock Hill HS Shawn Lin, Seven Lakes HS Aditya Bhardwaj, Sonia Sotomayor HS Sonny Rodgers, Tom C. Clark HS Audrey Pomeroy, Tom C. Clark HS Shannon LaRue, Tomball HS Alex Alcott, Tomball Memorial HS Samuel Bryan, Tuscola Jim Ned HS Seth Stephens, Tuscola Jim Ned HS Brady Filla, Tyler Legacy HS Caitlin Garrett, Vandegrift HS

James Jaeckle, Alamo Heights H S Cooper Peach, Arlington H S Fisher Arrington, Arp H S Cole Jaynes, Austin Bowie H S Braden Forsythe, Azle H S Kendall Murray Fant, Carthage H S John Garrett, Cedar Park H S Ryan Reemts, Celina H S Angel Asare, China Spring H S Harper Hall, College Station H S Varun Ravilla, Coppell H S Kaleb Leutwyler, Cushing H S Chris Chaney, Del Rio H S Lucas Ritzert, Flower Mound H S Izaan Rizvi, Frisco Independence H S Jack Debnar, Glen Rose H S Eli Gerick, Gregory-Portland H S Pratt McLain, Gruver H S Alan Dane Brown, Hallsville H S Luke Ratcliff, Harleton H S Evan Enderlin, Hebron H S Brady McGee, Houston Lamar H S Benjamin Bidan, JJ Pearce H S Ryan Williams, JJ Pearce H S Brock Shanklin, John H. Guyer H S Mason Cotton, Katy H S Nandika Gatamaneni, Keller H S Sofiya Borodina, Keller H S Abhinav Potluri, Klein Cain H S Blake Hayward, Lake Creek H S

Aidan Fitch, Winnsboro HS

Lawson Mann, Lake Creek H S

football

Isabella Mickelson, Lamar H S

Connor Whitmire, Lake Highlands H S

Lindsey Johnson, Abernathy H S

Deven Rawal, Lamar H S

Lucas David, Abilene Cooper H S

Owen Mietus, Leander Rouse H S FEBRUARY 2024

Austin Ellis, Levelland H S

Akhil Vellaturi, Coppell HS

Emily Lima Stock, Cedar Ridge HS

Jackson Cude, Lubbock H S

Kelly Yin, Elkins HS

Alexandra Wilcoxen, Clyde HS

Hayden Futch, Lufkin H S

Claire Sheehan, Frisco Heritage HS

Barrett Boyd, Gatesville HS

Isaiah Bozarth, Magnolia H S

Anirudh Selvakumar, Frisco Heritage HS

Paisley Evans, Glen Rose HS

Nicholas Beuershausen, Magnolia H S

Dev Aggarwal, Frisco HS

Avery Gray, Glen Rose HS

Bryce McAnelly, Magnolia H S

Ahkil Repaka, Frisco Panther Creek HS

Ella Larsen, Grapevine HS

Johnique "JT" Thomas, Manor Senior H S

Madeline Sams, George Ranch HS

Avery Canter, Grapevine HS

Wesley Jordan, Marcus H S

Olivia Xiao, Highland Park HS

Sadie Gruber, Highland Park HS

Jack Tanner, Marcus H S

Ganesh Vaishnav, IH Kempner HS

Hannah Fan, James E. Taylor HS

Andres M. Barrera, McAllen H S

Grace Nicodemus, J.J. Pearce HS

Hailey Ashcraft, JJ Pearce HS

Sydney Medrano, McAllen Memorial H S

Josh Vorel, J.J. Pearce HS

Katelyn McAlister, Klein Cain HS

Gabriel Irvine, Mildred H S

Alexa Hoang, J.J. Pearce HS

Brooke Day, Leonard HS

James Graham, New Deal H S

Avanthi Reddy, Jersey Village HS

Alyssa Harbin, MacArthur HS (Irving)

Niklas Brady, Newman Smith H S

Dominic Tumibay, Katy Jordan HS

Emily Anne Martin, Marble Falls HS

Tanner Gahr, Odessa Compass Academy

Satvik Kumar, Lake Travis HS

Olivia Fouratt, Marcus HS

Kentin Morrow, Peaster H S

Nathan Nguyen, Lake Travis HS

Lexi Tedford, Medina Valley HS

Caden Warner, Plano East H S

Kayla Surpless, Legacy of Educational Excellence

Abby Whitehead, Montgomery HS

Andrew LeBlanc Jr., Port Isabel H S

Simon Lema, McAllen Memorial HS

Kyla Harrison, Rock Hill HS

Hudson Glenn, Riesel H S

Mia Rodriguez, McAllen Memorial HS

Lewhat Musie, Rock Hill HS

Dylan Uribe, Round Rock H S

Brayden Whitfield, McKinney Boyd HS

Kensley Oliver, S.H. Rider HS

Seth Mariano, San Angelo Central H S

Ian Clark, New Braunfels HS

Charlotte Grosenbacher, Shiner HS

Kristian Domanski, San Benito H S

Sarauswathy Chockalingam, Tompkins HS

Makenna Hanscom, Smithson Valley HS

Trajan Falk, Smithson Valley H S

Kannaa Chockalingam, Tompkins HS

Audrey Hilberth, Stratford HS (Hous)

Gavin St. Clair, Smyer H S

Patrick Chen, Tompkins HS

Jaelyn Chen, Stratford HS (Hous)

Samuel Fuller, Southlake Carroll H S

Haru Love Ibuka, Ranchview HS

Sara Randall, Weiss HS

Ridge Westendorf, Springtown H S

Lindy Niedzwecki, Ridge Point HS

Zane Sudduth, Springtown H S

Owen Jeansonne, Stratford HS

WAter polo

Jason Schiller, The Colony H S

Ana Salmain, Stratford HS

Tori Foster, Alamo Heights HS

Martin Schofield, The Woodlands H S

Harrison Brooks, Stratford HS

Britt Bell, Alamo Heights HS

Macoy Noack, The Woodlands H S

Tatum Marye, Stratford HS

Zack Ning, Brandeis HS

Aidan Burnham, Tomball H S

Anna Sanchez, Stratford HS

Valerie Hospers, C.T. Johnson HS

Gavin Sipes, White Oak H S

Ramy Triki, The Colony HS

Charlie Hogue, Davenport HS

Wyatt Johnston, Willis H S

Raul Hinojosa, Tomball HS

Reva Joshi, Flower Mound HS

team tennis

Anthony Jung, W.B. Ray HS

Connie Jongkind, Fort Bend Austin HS

Morgan Dye, W.B. Ray HS

Emily Hoang, Kempner HS

Wendy Geng, Austin LASA HS

Samuel Everett, Waco HS

Allen J. A. Huang, Ridge Point HS

Sanwi Sarode, Austin LASA HS

Ann James, Wichita Falls Hirschi HS

Toby Hoang, South Grand Prairie HS

Arleth Soria, Caddo Mills HS

volleyball

Somto Okafo, Southlake Carroll HS

Ella Wolfe, Carthage HS

Flor Ramos Chavez, Andrews HS

Evan Croley, Tom C. Clark HS

Zahra Shaikhali, Coppell HS

Victoria Evridge, Brady HS

Kyra Sauter, Walnut Grove HS

Arjun Nijasure, Coppell HS

Zaea Ragle, Breckenridge HS

Vedant Sangani, Austin LASA HS

FEBRUARY 2024

Chris Clarin, Southlake Carroll HS

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Hello Coaching Wives!

February 2024

It's a new year filled with new hopes, dreams, and opportunities. Congratulations to all of our newly crowned State Champions and those that made the playoffs in your fall sports. We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you continued success in the off-season. Spring sports are well underway, and we wish all of you good luck and many victories.

We are already in the process of planning an amazing Coaching School event in July. We will be back in San Antonio at the Grand Hyatt. However, we need your help to make it a memorable experience. We are looking for sponsorships, door prizes, auction baskets, and vendors.

Stay updated by checking our website and Facebook page for sponsor ads.

The THSCWA Scholarship applications for 2024 are now available at www.thscwa.org/scholarships. Please note that the deadline for all applications is no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2024. No applications will be accepted after this deadline.

Additionally, we are accepting nominations for "Woman of the Year." If you would like to nominate someone, please please fill out the nomination form at www.thscwa.org/womanof-the-year or send your nomination letter to txcoacheswives@gmail.com. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2024.

If you haven't renewed your membership or are interested in joining for the first time, please visit our website and fill out the membership form. You can conveniently pay online and receive a digital membership card. If you have any questions about your membership, feel free to contact Cynthia Griffing at thscwatreasurer@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow us on social media - our website is www.thscwa.org, and you can find us on Facebook under "Texas High School Coaches Wives Association”. We also have an Instagram account with the handle @_ thscwa (case sensitive).

Best wishes for a great spring!

Misty Houston, THSCWA President txcoacheswives@gmail.com

THSCWA OFFICERS: 2023-2024 PRESIDENT: misty houston PRESIDENT ELECT: justine palmer SECRETARY: daisy greek TREASURER: cynthia griffing PAST PRESIDENT: shelby b. shelby FEBRUARY 2024

DIRECTORS REG 1: clara simmons REG 2: JESSICA ATWOD REG 3: KRISTEN HAYWOOD REG 4: angie torres REG 5: erin smith REG 6: LYNDSEY RATLIFF REG 7: rita romero REG 8: AMANDA AGUIRRE

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS: REG 1: autumn softley REG 2: victoria dugeon REG 3: valerie harris REG 4: GENTRY STAUGH REG 5: courtney reeve & leigh montgomery REG 6: karla anderson REG 7: Alisa masters REG 8: Hilary moore

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Thank You to our 2023-24 THSCA Sponsors

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STRUCTURING A

STRENGTH &

CONDITIONING PROGRAM

FOR ALL ATHLETES

By Robert Bocanegra

nikki rowe high school - defensive coordinator/certified strength coach Strength and Conditioning is the most vital part of any athletic program. The outcome of a competition game or event depends on how well your athlete trains year-round. The Pre-Season, In-Season, and OffSeason phases will have an impact on the success of your program.

I am humbled and blessed to be the Strength Coach at James Nikki Rowe High School at McAllen ISD. I want to thank our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J.A. Gonzalez, and our Athletic Director Brian McClenny for creating a vision for our school district to have a Certified Strength Coach at each campus (3), an assistant Strength Coach (3), and a plan to provide a structured Strength and Conditioning Program for all athletic programs. I am also grateful for our Athletic Coordinator/Head Football Coach, Robert Flores, for his support and all our coaches for allowing me to work with their athletes. A special thanks goes to our Assistant Athletic Girls Coordinator and Assistant Strength Coach, Magda Canales, for helping me throughout the process and all her passion for what we are trying to accomplish.

With that said, I would like to share the process we took in creating this vision. Here is the game plan.

Phase 1-The Vision (2021) This first stage was the most challenging part in developing our Strength and Conditioning plan.

Selling the vision to our principals and coaches was our top priority. Having a Certified Strength Coach would allow us to work with all athletic programs every day of the year, help them understand theory, and how to implement structure within their program. That meant we would not be teaching a subject area in the classroom and fully focus on the development aspect of the athlete and athletic programs. Once we accomplished this task, we went through the certification process to become a Certified Strength Coach. With so many philosophies within our coaching staff, we presented a plan, collaborated in meetings, and produced a product. The goal was to be unified as an Athletic Program and work together to ensure we had a successful Strength and Conditioning plan.

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FEBRUARY 2024

Strength & Conditioning Athletic Mission Statement: To create an environment of growth and development, goals, standards, and structure for all athletic programs to gain athletic performance through a strength & conditioning program that provides various movement patterns, safety awareness, training principles, and techniques to compete at a high level and prevent injuries.

Strength & Conditioning Philosophy: At James Nikki Rowe High School, our Strength & Conditioning program is designed to provide all athletic programs with various phases that focus on strength, power, speed, agility, and flexibility to create athletic performance keeping the athlete healthy throughout the year to perform at a high level.

Phase 2-The Buy In (2022) This phase was just as vital as the vision. The vision was set and now it was time for the buy in from our middle school coaches, head coaches, assistant coaches, and athletes. We created a plan, goals, test measurements, and the benefits of a unified Strength and Conditioning Program. We continued to meet as a program to discuss our plan, gain trust within each other, and collaborate. Even though there were different types of beliefs, our coaches were proactive and unified with the benefits of Strength and Conditioning and a Certified Strength Coach and understood the important impact to their athletic program. Once this process was accomplished, our coaches began selling it to their athletes in their respective program. They began bringing their athletes to the weight room more often and the athletes understood the importance of it. Our coaches did a great job of making sure their athletes were involved in our vision.

S & C Goals How to reach these Goals Develop Strength/Power

Must have the same S & C Vision

Develop Speed/Agility/COD

Pre-Season/In-Season/Off-Season

Develop ROM/Flexibility

Set Standards-Dressing Out

Prevent Injuries

Start-End times

Nutrition/Hydration/Recovery

Provide test and measurements as data

Develop Phases-Base, Developmental, Peak

Make it meaningful for the athletes

FEBRUARY 2024

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Phase 3-The Implementation (2023) The final stage for success was the implementation, structure, and organization to ensure all our athletic programs were getting the same benefits of Strength and Conditioning. With so many athletic programs involved, the fall of 2022 showed us what worked and what needed to be improved. We developed a calendar with three sessions to accommodate our programs. We invested in a software program (Rack Coach) to structure our workouts, collect, and analyze our data, and provide charts for our athletes. We started with simple lifting movements to educate our athletes about safety, technique, and the fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning.

In conclusion, structuring a strength and condition plan for your athletic program with a Certified Strength Coach is a process. It took us three phases to develop this. The vision, buy in, and implementation took collaboration from the Superintendent of Schools, Athletic Director, Principal, Athletic Coordinator, coaches, and athletes to get us to this point. As we continue to improve, our athletic programs have been very successful competing on the field, court, and track. It is evident that our Strength and Conditioning program is beneficial because our athletic teams have been very competitive.

In-Season Off-Season

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Weights-2x a Week

Weights-3x a Week

Speed/Agility/Skill-3x a Week

Speed/Agility/Skill-2x a Week

FEBRUARY 2024

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© Ascension 2023. All rights reserved.

MASTERING THE

THROWING PROGRESSION By: John Travnick, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS With Spring right around the corner, many of our athletes are getting excited to jump back into throwing sports. As an Athletic Trainer who worked primarily Division I baseball, the offseason and preseason were where much of my time was spent evaluating and planning throwing programs for my team. As a former collegiate catcher, this is the time of the year that I wish I had paid more attention to, armed with the information I know now. The Winter months can either set up a thrower for failure or help lead them to success. A mistake that I made as a player, and that I continue to see made all too often, is improper throwing preparation for the season ahead. Luckily, research has come a long way in matching throwing programs to 56

biological adaptations, and if you consider the individual factors that play a part in the readiness of each thrower, establishing a proper throwing progression is simple.

First, let’s establish a baseline. Dr. Keith Meister, Head Team Physician for the Texas Rangers, has a handful of readily available throwing progressions for multiple sports and positions, whether the athlete is recovering from an injury or completely healthy.4 They are all available at tmisportsmed. org under “rehabilitation protocols.” These range anywhere from 4-8 weeks, and pitchers have a separate 4-week flat ground and mound program for a total of 4-12 weeks. The rest of the decisionmaking process is based on these factors: time away from throwing, time until competition, and expected in-season throwing demands.

FEBRUARY 2024

Take the necessary time away from throwing.

Collectively, Major League Baseball and one of the nation’s most respected surgeons for professional athletes, Dr. James Andrews, have established guidelines that state that pitchers 1518 years old should take 2-3 continuous months off throwing.1 The reason for this timeline is based on the recovery rates of specific tissues after the chronic stress of throwing for 9-10 months. If the athlete has had the opportunity to take that full time away from throwing, I would recommend that the full 8-week protocol is followed in order to give the athlete’s arm enough time to acclimate to consistent throwing without shocking the soft tissue.

This is an alarming amount of time to take off for more competitive players, especially given how many showcases are available throughout the year. However, to quote Dr. Andrews, “Year-round baseball is number one” as far as risks factors for eventually requiring Tommy John surgery from a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).2 On the other end of the spectrum, if a player has had no time off at all during the year, taking time completely off right before competition would be inadvisable. This quick stop-and-go nature is a common pattern for injury. Instead of completely shutting down throwing a month before competition and going into game-week cold, the athlete should work back from the end of the 4 week program (or 4 week mound progression for pitchers), leaving themselves as much time as possible to ramp into their first competition. As an example, if they have 3 weeks to take off before beginning games, they should start at “Week 2” in the 4-week program or mound progression, or “Week 6” in the 8-week program. After the season, they should shut down from throwing for the recommended 2-3 months, then begin a full return to throwing progression.

dealing with issues through the bulk of the year.

For this we evaluate the acute to chronic workload ratio, essentially, how much more is the thrower doing now compared to what they’re used to.

Challenging the arm takes time, and that time is well spent making sure that the arm remains resilient throughout the rest of the competitive season. This is why a proper throwing progression takes a month at the very least. Any quicker than 4 weeks, and the athlete will have a barking arm at some point during the season, usually towards the front end, because their acute to chronic workload ratio is too high. Find the plan that will work with the timeline and build in an extra week of time to prepare in case the schedule goes awry.

Know the demands.

expected

in-season

throwing

The pre-season throwing progression should match the demands of the position. This is why Dr. Meister’s interval throwing programs max out at 120 feet. It is rare for a player to need to throw a ball greater than 120 feet during a game, and there are biomechanical changes that put greater torque on the elbow and shoulder, placing the athlete at an unnecessary risk, when the ball is launched on a high arc.3 In the case of outfielders and catchers, intensity can be built into the program by integrating “pulldowns” in the last handful of throws at 120ft.

This incorporates using body momentum (aka crow hop) to get more effort behind a near max-effort throw, but on a line, replicating in-game demands much more closely than long toss. A good idea is to mix in a pulldown every 4-5 throws for the last 1520 throws at 120 feet, or leave 3-4 at the end with at least a minute rest in between throws.

Make the timeline make sense.

Along with the off-season time spent away from throwing, this plays one of the largest roles in planning a throwing progression. The player should use as slow and steady of a ramp-up time as possible to avoid overloading tissues. Going too hard, too quickly is a sure way to wind up FEBRUARY 2024

57

Another demand to be knowledgeable of is not intensity, but volume. Usually, practice conditions will demand an even greater workload on an athlete’s arm than any game ever could, especially for position players. It is often best practice to complete the progression before beginning the practice period so they may be ready for infield drills that include throwing. Even more important than this, each coach should be mindful of the number of throws demanded out of each position during practice. It is common, even usual, to see collegiate and professional programs go no-throw on infield drills and focus on footwork. When you see that throwing volume has come to a point in the practice when throwing is no longer arm conditioning, but just a necessary action to get the ball where it needs to go, it’s time to put a bucket out by each position, have them focus on footwork, and drop the ball into the bucket.

the highest level, any high school athlete can be set up for success in staying healthy and playing to their skill level.

References 1. https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines/ ages-15-18 2. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dr-andrews-yearround-baseball-at-young-age-is-top-tj-risk-factor/ 3. Fleisig, Glenn S., et al. "Biomechanical comparison of baseball pitching and long-toss: implications for training and rehabilitation." journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy 41.5 (2011): 296-303. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2011.3568 4. https://www.tmisportsmed.com/rehabilitation-protocolsorthopedic-surgery-texas.html

Be intentional.

When looking at the throwing progression, it’s easy to see a low volume, low intensity day, and write off the day of throwing as a sort of “nothing” day, when it is far from that. The earlier stages of a throwing progression should be utilized to work on mechanics and targeting. A thrower can use the time to feel out body positioning, work on drills, or even make a game out of the progression. Games can be a percentage of throws being chest hits, a game of “21”, or working on quadrants by throwing the ball to either shoulder or either hip.

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FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

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Burnout & Reigniting the Flame

By Aaron Roan, Abilene Cooper - THSCA Director Region 2 You have heard it said time and time again, “If the past two years have taught us anything it’s how important mental health is!” This is a true statement for coaches, administrators, and our athletes. It was never more manifestly true for me that when I faced the edge of burnout a couple of years ago.

have a network of support at work and outside of work, so that you can avoid the echo chambers. Your outside support keeps you balanced when your inside support starts absorbing the negativity around you. But your work support is important because they are in the trenches with you and can relate to Earlier that year, our district hired a new athletic director, your daily grind. then a new superintendent, and then my head coach and Second, learn to delegate. It is easy to get caught in mentor resigned to take a position closer to family. I was the cycle of handling everything yourself. When you are promoted into his position as head coach for my two favorite surrounded by a good support system and good colleagues, sports and Girls’ Coordinator. Needless to say, lots of changes you take a lot of the pressure off yourself. It can be scary to were happening fast, but I was okay with that. I can roll with let go of control, but you have to trust your head coaches to change. I had been part of these two sports and the girls’ run their programs and trust your assistants to help you in program for the past several years and felt I had helped shape your sports. Give them room to lead and allow them to be full the program. I was trained well for the new positions by an participants with you. You are not the only one who can get it amazing coach and mentor, so it was a scary, but exciting time done. I was not good at this, and it took its toll. for me.

Third, find ways to unplug. You have to find ways to I was enthusiastic about building the girls’ staff and getting the right pieces in play, even though we faced some challenges and had to make some late hires. The staff was unified and cohesive, a team built on good relationships. I had talked to the AD about my vision, and we seemed to be on the same page.

de-stress and disconnect that are not related to sports and coaching. Engage in relaxation techniques, meditation, mindfulness, whatever works for you. Find a hobby you enjoy that is not work related. For me, I enjoyed road trips home, reading comic books, and playing with my daughter.

That leads into my fourth tip, which is focus on your family. Our jobs tend to consume our lives, which is just the nature of it, but it is important to have time with your family away from the sports. This takes a lot of intentionality. Find ways and schedule time to engage with each other with out distractions. Some of my favorite memories with my family are water balloon fights in the front yard, playing catch with My excitement was gone. My confidence was gone. I was our dogs, and letting my daughter paint my nails. Make sure questioning my passion to coach and teach. I was burning out. your family feels seen, and they will make you feel seen and loved, too.

My wife and I decided it was time to move our family back Finally, refocus on your “why”. Why are you in this closer to our parents. She was offered a job in her hometown, profession?

What keeps you going when it feels too hard? I and I decided to look for teaching jobs and take a year off rediscovered my “why” during my down year. I got back to the from coaching. I needed time to refresh and re-focus. basics of being an athlete again. I was working out on the track, While the down time was needed, I could not help but get and I would bring my preschool-aged daughter. Watching her that coaching itch again. A year later, my “dream job” opened run with me, seeing the joy on her face, reminded me what I up at a local high school. With some encouragement from love about coaching and why it was time to get back at it. My my wife, I took the leap, applied for the job, and got it. I am “why” is to give kids opportunities I never had. I want them grateful that I did, but I have had to stay focused on keeping a to see there is a great big world waiting for them, and I want balance, so that burn out does not come calling again. to give them every opportunity I can to explore it. I want to I want to share with you a few of the things I think are encourage them onto their next paths wherever they may lead – college, trade school, military, career. I want them to important to survive and avoid burnout. always know they are more than just a sport.

First, everyone needs a strong support system made up of I hope that you can be encouraged from my journey to mentors, colleagues, family, and friends that can feed and fill you with positivity when the negativity starts getting too loud. keep going. You are making a difference every day, even if you I have been blessed with great mentors that are always happy do not see it right now. When the burnout comes, and it will to be a sounding board. They listen when I need them to, and come, stay focused on why we do the things we do. And in they give advice when I need that. I think it is important to case someone has not told you yet today, I love you.

I had a lot of confidence and excitement as the school year started but would soon encounter hiccups and unexpected negativity from multiple directions that started making me doubt myself and question my capacity to handle my position.

With each new bump in the road, the negativity only got louder, and my doubts only got stronger.

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FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TEXAS STATE champions FOR THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

CLASS aaaaaA STATE CHAMPION (NATIONAL FINALIST)

klein cain HS HEad Coach: james clancy

42 State Finalist applications were reviewed and these State Champion selections for each classification were submitted to the National Football Foundation to be considered as National Finalists. National Champion selections will be announced in conjunction with the Super Bowl in February.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO OUR

OVERALL TEXAS STATE CHAMPION

klein cain High School CLASS aaaaA STATE CHAMPION (NATIONAL FINALIST)

CLASS aaaA STATE CHAMPION (NATIONAL FINALIST)

HEad Coach: todd rodgers

HEad Coach: todd winfrey

CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPION (NATIONAL FINALIST)

CLASS AA STATE CHAMPION (NATIONAL FINALIST)

HEad Coach: aaron witten

HEad Coach: jon ward

argyle HS

spearman HS

CANYON HS

NEW HOME HS

CLASS A STATE CHAMPION (NATIONAL FINALIST)

Private School STATE CHAMPION (NATIONAL FINALIST)

HEad Coach: Justin Hilliard

HEad Coach: Rich mcguire

Sanderson HS

FEBRUARY 2024

st. thomas catholic HS

63

Coach one more year before you decide to hang up your whistle By levi montgomery

AD/HFC at Hallettsville isd This time of year, it is natural for many of us to reflect upon the past and look toward the future. This reflection and planning is often done as individuals, husbands, and fathers. It is healthy and wise for a man to assess where he is in life, and if the path that he is on is the correct one. There are many coaches at this very moment who are considering leaving this profession. Coach, if you are thinking about hanging up your whistle, give it another year before getting out. Please hear me out on this.

It is understandable if you are considering getting out of education, as I have left the profession myself. I am writing this article hoping that a fellow Coach will be prompted to consider some aspects of coaching and life that he has not yet. The perspective I write this from is that of a football coach, but the advice I am giving could benefit any coach, male or female, who is thinking about getting out.

In 2013, I was at a crossroads in my life. I was the offensive coordinator at Canyon Lake High School and had been coaching for ten years, but I simply wasn’t as passionate about the profession as I had been. My oldest son had just graduated from Canyon Lake, and my other two sons were still young at 6 and 3 years old. I knew (and my wife agreed), that if I were to leave coaching, now was the time; because I would not leave once my boys got closer to Jr. High age. Looking back at the driving factor in my getting out of coaching, it remains hard to articulate.

I can best describe it as me being a little burned out and wanting to make more money. Likely, the money was the biggest motivator.

At that time, I knew a couple of former coaches who were in the insurance business, and they freely spoke of 64

the available financial opportunities. I gave my notice to my AD in February and told him I would be leaving after my contract ended in May. I spent the spring acquiring the necessary credentials to be an insurance man, interviewed with a local insurance agency, was offered a position, and accepted it. I jumped both feet in the insurance business the day after I hung my whistle up. Long story short, it was the worst four months of my life. It was awful. In September, I knew I had made a huge mistake, but football season was in full swing, and I had to make it in the private sector a few more months before I could get another coaching job.

As luck would have it, this was still pretty hot and heavy during the Eagle Ford oil boom, and I knew a man who told me I should interview with a construction supply company in the Austin/San Antonio area. He set me up with an interview, and I got a 100% commission construction supply sales job. The economy was good, and I was good at selling. Soon enough, I was making significantly more money than when I was coaching. The money part of my leaving coaching had come to fruition.

The coaching itch I had, though, was still very real.

I kept thinking about coaching. I missed being part of a team. Near my home was a small Christian School where I had enrolled my sons. When school leaders learned I was a former football coach, they asked me if I would coach their middle school team. I jumped on it in a heartbeat.

I am a man of Faith, and I do not pretend ever to understand the path the Lord puts us on, but I can see in retrospect why God has done certain things. For the next several years, I could coach football in the late afternoons because I was a 100% commission salesman and made my FEBRUARY 2024

own schedule. However, coaching football was the only time I felt fulfilled. My day job chasing dollars still left me empty, and the extra money did not satisfy or excite me about getting out of bed every day.

saying corporate America is bad. I’m simply stating that in terms of real relationships and camaraderie, corporate America cannot hold a candle to coaching. You can’t buy camaraderie.

Be honest if you want to leave our profession because money is your driving factor. If you are financially unorganized on an educator’s salary now, you will still be financially unorganized if you make more money in the private sector. Some people think much of Dave Ramsey, and some do not, but what he teaches about money is true. More specifically, what he teaches about financial literacy is true. If you are coaching now, and your finances are a wreck because you are financially illiterate, check out what Dave Ramsey teaches, and it may help ease your burden. If your money situation gets more organized, you may realize the $70,000 a year that a beginning teacher/ coach can make in some districts is really not that bad.

(The Cypress-Fairbanks starting teacher salary is 62K. Add stipends/days; a first-year certified teacher and coach can make 70K.)

For those thinking about getting out of public education and jumping to the private sector, I want you to be honest about how long we get off in a calendar year. Don’t take my word for it. Ask someone you know who works in the corporate world. I bet you (we) get significantly more vacation days than they do. Do coaches work a lot? Absolutely. We also get a lot of time off, so I’m simply asking that you consider that as well, especially if you are weighing the pros and cons of another profession.

In most cases, those in the private sector get a fraction of the time off we in education do.

I’ve heard the “Buy Me a Boat” song where the guy talks about how money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy him a boat, a truck, and some other toys. I’ll concede that point. Going out and killing it in corporate America can sometimes have a high dollar upside. It did for me. The commercial construction business was very hot, and I sold much material and made some pretty fat commissions. I didn’t buy myself a boat, but I did buy some things and take some vacations that I likely wouldn’t have on a coach's salary. After a time, though, the novelty of material things wears off. You can’t buy camaraderie and relationships.

(Don’t get me started on how little kids don’t give a flip about expensive vacations. A little kid can have just as much fun with a water hose in the backyard as on a beach in Mexico.)

I sometimes like to tell people that I have coached for many years, and tomorrow, I could run into a former player at HEB that I coached 18 years ago, and we could pick up right away and talk about the good times we had being a part of a football program. The memories we made, the adversity we faced, the games won, the games lost, the work put in, the other guys, and so much more.

It sticks with you. It would be the same if I ran into a guy I coached three years ago. It never fails. The relationships formed through competitive athletics are genuine, strong, and they last.

Whether you are kicking around the idea of getting out of coaching or not, staying away from negative coaches is always advisable. Any coach you overhear saying, “I’m tired of raising other people’s kids. I need to get a job where I can raise my own.”, avoid him like the plague. Most coaches who talk like that fail to understand that they would have to deal with people in almost any profession they were to be in. You will deal with “kids” in any job environment because people are people. As far as seeing your kids, I do get that, especially for those of us who coach football. We can discuss that more later.

Before you hang the whistle up, here are some things I urge you to try instead: You should know that it is a coaches' market out there.

If you are a certified teacher and have your CDL, there are a boatload of job opportunities around the state. Heck, even if you are not yet certified and working on your CDL, there are plenty of job opportunities. Do not be afraid of change within the profession. This is what you should try first. Change your coaching assignment up, and it may breathe new life into you.

If moving or changing schools scares you a little, you should think about it. Have you ever thought about where you would like to coach? Give it a shot. If you are in a rut and a little bored with the profession, radically change

On the flip side, I also sold construction supplies for several years. I met a lot of people and made a lot of money. I never once ran into a customer of mine in HEB, where we talked about how I sold them a truckload of nuts and bolts and the money I made money doing it. The relationships were very transactional and shallow. I am not FEBRUARY 2024

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where you live and coach, and it will likely get your juices flowing. Maybe you are a city boy and have never lived more than 5 miles away from a Starbucks. Find you a job at an A, AA, or AAA school and see how the country folks live.

I bet your life would get a little more interesting. Maybe you are a country boy who still doesn’t understand how all those toll roads work. Find you a job in one of our big cities and see how they do it there. Find a place close to the school where you don’t have to drive on those toll roads every day. Make a move. I bet it will fire you up.

If you don’t want to or can’t move, think about changing it up where you are. If you’ve been coaching high school and you are feeling burned out, go coach middle school for a year. Getting around those little guys often makes you remember why kids play sports in the first place. Sure, middle school kids are a handful, but they sure can make life fun. Maybe you need to laugh a little more when coaching. Go coach Jr. High for a year and get back to the basics.

Maybe you should change up what sports you are coaching. You may be a football/track guy who has never coached girls. Before getting out of coaching altogether, coach girls’ basketball for a year. Coaching is coaching. You probably will appreciate the change. Try to find a soccer job. Anything that can change your mindset is worth a try before you leave the profession. Getting around a different group of kids could very well be the thing that ignites your coaching fire once again.

For you married guys, it may be your wife prompting you to leave the profession. Have an open and candid conversation with her about why that is. I’ve already discussed the money part, but maybe it is something else. During the season, I freely admit that our hours can be long. You will spend much of your time with “Jimmy” and “Joe” instead of with your own family. If you do not already, make sure your wife also knows your players as people, not simply as numbers running around on a field.

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Inviting your position group to your house for dinner is a good start. Let your wife see the good you are doing in the lives of these young men, and maybe she will understand more why you do what you do.

Maybe she hates your HC/AD because you work so many hours during the season, and that’s why she wants you to leave coaching. It is not my business how much your HC has you working during the season, but he’s not the only head coach out there. Head coaches come in all varieties. Different personalities, different work schedules, different styles. Before you get out of coaching, try to find one that jives with you and your wife. Some head coaches do everything they can to ensure your wife and kids have an opportunity to see you and be around the season. Some have more demanding weekend schedules, and some are more flexible. See what is out there before getting out of coaching altogether. Most importantly, communicate realistically with your wife and kids, and talk about your future.

Concerning your marriage, there is no job, coaching, or otherwise that is worth the destruction of one. Marriage and family are vital, and you get one crack at it. I only want you to sincerely see if your job is the sole issue causing friction in your marriage. Marriage is tough, and people in every profession have difficulties. I have known plenty of men from all walks of life who have had a tough time in marriage, and changing a job won’t necessarily fix it.

Find out what will strengthen your marriage while you are coaching rather than assuming your marital problems will vanish if you move to another profession.

This essay may have caused you to think and say, “Yeah, I’ll give this another year.” or maybe you have your mind made up and will hang up your whistle. If you are moving on, ensure you end this school year well. Give your current school plenty of notice. Never burn a bridge when you do not have to. Once you are out, I strongly suggest you leave your TRS in place, keep your teaching certificate up to date, and keep your CDL. Just as I did, there’s a good chance you will come back to coaching one day.

Either way, I’m pulling for you and hope you stick with us. There is no greater profession in the world than being a Texas High School Coach. Y’all keep fighting the good fight.

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around the state

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The enrollment period for 2023-24 Professional Liability Insurance (7/1/23-6/30/24) is still open.

You must purchase 2023-24 THSCA Membership (7/1/23-6/30/24) in order to be eligible for this insurance coverage. ** THIS INSURANCE COVERAGE WILL BEGIN ON THE DATE OF PURCHASE AND WILL EXPIRE 6/30/2024.**

You have the option to purchase online by logging into the Member Portal, or you can visit https://www.thsca.com/liability-insurance to find a downloadable Insurance Regsitration Form. Find more information on policy coverage on page 23.

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       Tom Burnett, President/CEO P.O. Box 709, Frisco, TX 75034 (469) 628-7727 tom@swsportspartners.com FEBRUARY 2024

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