Bryan ISD September 2024

BRYAN ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

BRYANISD.ORG

RUDDER, BRYAN HIGH BUILDING WINNING CULTURE BRYAN ISD. WE. ARE.

REAL OPPORTUNITIES

MORE SUCCESS.

www.bryanisd.org

BRYAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Ginger Carrabine, Bryan ISD Superintendent

Always Real. Offering More. In Bryan ISD, we provide multiple opportunities that serve as pathways for our 16,000 students. As Superintendent of Bryan ISD, I am proud to work alongside a staff of 3,000 employees, within a community that believes in keeping children first. Always. On behalf of the Bryan ISD Board of Trustees and administration, we are honored and excited to launch a new school year. Whether it’s in the sports arena, our state of-the-art CTE facilities, one of our many auditoriums, or in our classrooms, it’s a privilege to watch our students excel at every level. In this inaugural edition and new partnership with Vype, I believe that showcasing our many students involved in a multitude of activities will highlight all of the talent and enthusiasm in our district. We are grateful for the continued investment from our coaches, directors, and sponsors, working with our youth leagues and community at large, as they are instrumental in current and future success. It is also with deep appreciation that we recognize every campus and non-campus employee for going above and beyond to ensure all students reach their full potential. Your support of our school community is invaluable and we invite you to continue partnering with us throughout the school year. Bryan ISD. Where excellence, opportunity, and community come together. Sincerely, Ginger Carrabine, Bryan ISD Superintendent

It is an honor to serve as the Athletic Director in Bryan ISD. In a school district that keeps the best for children at the forefront of all we do, I believe that athletics is key in teaching foundations for success. Teamwork, responsibility, ownership, hard work and commitment are all qualities that are instilled in our Bryan ISD athletes. Growing up as an athlete and playing collegiate football, I share a lifelong passion for athletics with teammates, players and coaches, alike. It has been a privilege to lead an athletics department that is grounded in developing athletes’ lives now and in the future. I believe this community supports all that Bryan ISD offers, and I am confident that athletics can provide opportunities that are unmatched whether on the field, on the court, in the pool, or on the track. Your support, along with our community’s continued investment in all of our programs, is what fuels our student-athletes' drive to succeed. No matter the color of their jersey, our athletes and our coaches represent Bryan, Texas. Our pride and roots in the community run deep, and I thank you for the continued support of Bryan ISD Athletics. It’s going to be a great year!

Sincerely,

Dereck Rush Bryan ISD Athletics Director

Dr. Julie Harlin President

Felicia Benford Vice President

David Stasny Secretary

Joel Bryan

Leo Gonzalez, II

Mark McCall

Ruthie Waller

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT BRYAN VIKING ATHLETICS and if your company’s marketing is in need of a boost, we can support that too.

Bryan High

Sofia Perez, Senior, Bryan Varsity Cheer

FOUNDED IN 1880, BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL HAS BEEN A CONSTANT OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS. THOUSANDS OF STUDENT ATHLETES HAVE WALKED THE HALLS OF BRYAN HIGH, BLEEDING THE SILVER AND BLUE. THIS YEAR’S VIKINGS ARE READY FOR BATTLE ON THEIR RESPECTIVE PLAYING FIELDS. [FIGHT ON]

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Rudder High

Randon Cooks, Senior WR/DB, Rudder Football

THE PRIDE OF THE GREEN AND BLACK HAVE BEEN COMPETING SINCE 2007. THE RANGERS ARE READY TO FLEX ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, SPEED AROUND THE CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS, SLAM DUNK THEIR BASKETBALL OPPONENTS AND DOMINATE ON THE VOLLEYBALL COURT THIS SEMESTER AS THEY MAKE LASTING MEMORIES AND FRIENDSHIPS. [THE ENFORCERS]

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Viking Club is committed to supporting our athletic programs and student athletes.

Viking Club directly supports our athletic programs with funding for multi-sport facility updates, playoff transportation, and unique athletic needs.

Support Bryan Viking Athletics! Bryan Viking Club is seeking club members and corporate sponsors from our incredible community of families and businesses. Your support will enhance experiences and create opportunities for our Viking athletes.

A percentage of your membership fee will be designated specifically for the Bryan Viking athletic program of your choosing.

Board the Ship! Scan the QR code to learn more about club membership and sponsorship levels.

Each year the Viking Club awards scholarships to our student athletes that meet specific criteria and receive teacher recommendations.

For more information, please visit www.bryanvikingclub.org

where supporting our athletes makes a difference!

The Ranger Club directly supports and invests in every Rudder High School athletic program. Targeting additional funding, playoff transportation, and other program requests, our goal is to help enhance every student-athlete’s experience at Rudder High School.

HELP OUR RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

Scan the QR code to learn how you can best support our Ranger student-athletes today.

Bryan High Football

[PAVING THE PATH] Tullos and his staff preaching more than just football at Bryan High

Mathew Govan, Senior LB, Bryan Football

TJ Love, Senior WR, Bryan Football

Boone Turner, Senior QB, Bryan Football

Talon Devault, Senior DB, Bryan Football

Our program is built around love and discipline. When you come through our double-doors you’re going to be loved and coached just like our own personal kid. That’s a genuine emphasis from the bottom of our hearts. On the discipline-side, we have a standard of how we do things and how we operate. We don’t deviate from that. Our kids are held accountable and it’s all about making them better, so 10 years from now, they’re phenomenal husbands and fathers which will be a by-product of the time they’ve spent here.

Coach Ricky Tullos - Bryan High Football

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PLAYERS TO WATCH Talon Devault (Sr. DB —#6) Terrence Lewis (Sr. WR/DB —#1) TJ Love (Sr. WR —#5)

Jaden Morris (Sr. DL —#19) Boone Turner (Sr. QB —#9)

Semaj Edwards, Senior OL, Bryan Football

Jaden Morris, Senior DL, Bryan Football

Coach Ricky Tullos

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Bryan High Cover Story

[ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD] Various factors guiding Lewis to compete for Bryan

\\ Matthew Ogle

WHEN IT COMES TO FOOTBALL AT BRYAN ISD, THERE ARE FEW PLAYERS WHO HAVE POSSESSED THE SKILL-SET TO MATCH THAT OF TERRENCE LEWIS. The senior wideout, who also plays defensive back for BHS, is coming off a monster 2023 campaign, in which he racked up nearly 1,200 all purpose yards and 10 scores, and subsequently claiming a unanimous first-team, all district nod. While his stats make him a genuine leading figure for the Vikings, Lewis had to earn that distinction over time. “Being here since I was a freshman, which was coach (Ricky) Tullos’ first year, really inspired me to become a better player and a better leader,” he said. “Before, I kind of had an attitude problem and I wasn’t the person I am now. But, with him and his staff coming here, I changed my tune over time and I think that was the best thing for my teammates, my family and myself.” Given the level of athleticism he’s reached, and the availability to play other sports, it begs the question as to what’s kept the three star route-runner (247Sports) in the game this long and to this degree. “Really, it was my big brother (Tyree Jackson),” said Lewis. “I’d watch him play at Brenham High School on Friday nights, where we grew up. We’ve always loved football but he brought this onto me, and seeing him made me want to pursue it. “You’ve got to have love to play this game. Also, ever

postseason in 2023.

since,” he said. “That’s rare for colleges nowadays, so the fact that they kept reaching out to me and expressing their interest really spoke to me. “The relationship that me, coach (Jordan) Davis (UNT Offensive Coordinator) and coach (Eric) Morris (Head Coach) built over time made it feel like home.” Bryan’s most versatile weapon will fit right in with the Mean Green offensive scheme a year from now. But first, he still has one more mission to complete on the turf, after the Vikings narrowly missed out on the

since my mom passed away in September of 2020, she’s been motivating me to keep pushing. Some people go the other way when something like that happens in their life. But, I think she would want me to keep moving forward and that’s what I do. I do it for her.” That unwavering pursuit has resulted in Lewis being given the opportunity to continue his playing career at the D1 level, after recently committing to the University of North Texas in July. “They offered me back in April, and they have stayed consistent with me ever

“I think it’ll take more leadership for us to reach the point we’re looking for,” Lewis said. “We need to be more than a team – a single brotherhood with one purpose. I think we achieved that cohesive level over the summer, and that’s what we’ll use in order to strive for success. We’ve got that this year.” Lewis’ love for the game and those around him are sure to play a key role in the foreseeable future. Now, all that’s left to do is wait for the first snap.

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Cover Story

Rudder High

[THE CAN’T-MISS KID] Martin looking to leave a tremendous legacy at Rudder

\\ Matt Malatesta

JAQUISE MARTIN HAS BIG SHOES TO FILL. His Mom, Tilmila Martin, played college basketball at Texas Tech and he has always used her as his benchmark. “I grew up playing basketball because of my Mom,” he laughed. “But my homeboys in middle school were always telling me I was better at football. I made varsity as a freshman in football and the rest is history. “My Mom and I are really close, but I want to be the best in the family. That’s the real title I’m shooting for.” Martin was the District Newcomer of the Year for his sophomore season, when he accounted for nearly 1,000 yards of offense and 10 scores. He improved on that number as a junior with another 1,000 yards and 12 scores. The receiver also stars on the basketball team, where he averaged over 14 points per game in 2023 and has set a school record in the long jump for the track and field team. He also runs sprints and relays. “Playing varsity as a freshman really set me up,” he said. “It just gave me so much confidence in all the sports I played. I also learned from the older guys about leadership and dedication. Being around them really took my game to another level. I was key to my development.” While he was offered by his Mom’s Texas Tech, Martin wanted to chart his own path. The Red Raider legacy

communicate and keep our composure when something bad happens. We have to go 100-percent all the time.” With the resume he has built, has he earned the title for the “best athlete” in his family? Stay tuned.

next part of my journey.” The future Hurricane, however, has his focus on the 2024 Rudder football season as he takes one last ride with his “homeboys”. “We have the experience under our belts, so we should have a great season,” he said. “We just have to continue to

committed to Tulsa University in the spring. “The coaches have just built a great relationship with me,” he said. “They are always checking on me and staying in constant communication with my family. It will be an adjustment being away from home, but I’m excited for the

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Rudder High Football

[EXPERIENCE MATTERS] Rangers led by multi-year letterwinners

Juan Gutierrez, Junior OL, Rudder Football

Jayden Erskine, Senior WR/LB, Rudder Football

William Rash, Senior LB, Rudder Football

Jondavid Ballard, Junior OL, Rudder Football

PLAYERS TO WATCH Brandon Cooks (Sr. WR —#4) Randon Cooks (Sr. WR/DB —#3) William Delgado (Sr. LB —#22) Juan Gutierrez (Jr. OL —#55) Jaquise Martin (Sr. WR/ATH —#1) AJ Morrison (Jr. RB —#5)

William Rash (Sr. LB —#33) Zamontae Wells (Sr. DB —#2)

AJ Morrsion, Junior RB, Rudder Football

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William Delgado, Senior LB, Rudder Football

Coach Eric Ezar

Zamontae Wells, Senior DB, Rudder Football

Brandon Cooks, Senior WR, Rudder Football

We are excited about this season. Three years ago, these guys made the playoffs for the first time in school history. Those guys are still here and play big roles for us. We have all the guys, but we just have to stay healthy. It’s a new district, which we are excited about, so we are looking to go get a gold ball (district title). The sky is the limit.

Coach Eric Ezar - Rudder Football

Bryan High Volleyball

[YEAR ONE] Hubacek brings a new culture to Vikings Volleyball I’m very excited to be back at my alma mater and in this role. There’s always a transition coming into a program, and I am really looking forward to establishing a great culture. My main focus this year will be an emphasis on dedicated work ethic and what it means to commit to getting better. It’s going to be a great season!

Coach Emily Hubacek - Bryan High Volleyball

Coach Emily Hubacek

PLAYERS TO WATCH Gabrielle Nunn (So. OH —#12) Madi Polasek (Sr. OH/DS —#11) Allison Warden (Sr. S/OH —#7)

Gabrielle Nunn, Sophomore OH, Bryan Volleyball

Madi Polasek & Gabrielle Nunn, Bryan Volleyball

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Cover Story

Bryan High

[UNBROKEN] Bryan’s Polasek changing tactics on the court in 2024

\\ Matthew Ogle

the past,” she said. “There’s nothing to do about it now. So, my mentality going into this last season is to understand that it’s going to be rocky at first. But I hope to be a positive role model and help guide others to reach their full potential, with a newer perspective.” Polasek’s steadfast optimism is sure to be infectious for her teammates, when she takes on a slightly different role this Fall, alongside first-year head coach Emily Hubacek. Considering the determination she’s shown up to this point, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to know what her future might hold. “Once I graduate, I plan on hopefully getting a scholarship to play volleyball in college,” Polasek said. “Then, I intend to get my Bachelor’s degree and go into the cosmetology field. I love doing hair and making people feel beautiful, in order for them to express themselves in the best way. So, hopefully I pass my state board exam this year, because I’ve got a lot of hours I need to reach.” In life, we are often defined by our resiliency in the face of adversity, and Madi Polasek is no exception. After all, the way in which she has carried herself has equated to her becoming a remarkable student-athlete with tremendous resolve. She may not be back in action for some time, but the fact remains that her future is still bright.

registered over 300 kills and digs to earn an all-district honorable mention a year ago. So, where did it all begin for the incoming senior outside hitter? “I started when I was in about second grade,” said Polasek. “I came home with a flyer that was for Upward Volleyball here in College Station and I thought it would be a fun thing to do. So, I made my older sister join with me because – being the youngest – you don’t want to do anything by yourself. “From there, I progressed to club volleyball (TAV Houston, then BCS Skyline) and that’s where I really found my passion. I got caught up in all the work that goes into it, getting reps everyday, countless hours of preparation. Once you find something like that, it really shows you what you’re capable of.” Unfortunately, her journey hit a snag over the course of the summer, when something unexpected happened that altered Polasek’s trajectory heading into this season. When she was tubing on the lake with her friends and sister, she sustained a knee injury when she and the tube flipped over at a sharp angle, resulting in her requiring surgery. Consequently, that meant that she would be unable to play during her final year on the Bryan High squad. Despite that, Polasek isn’t one to indulge in self-pity. “After the injury, I already knew that I couldn’t dwell on

POSITION WITH A VOCAL PRESENCE. More often than not,

THROUGHOUT HER TENURE WITHIN THE VIKINGS VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM, MADI POLASEK HAS GRADUALLY ASCENDED INTO A LEADERSHIP

she lets her actions do the talking, as she most recently

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Rudder High Volleyball

[ON THE GRIND] Rudder Volleyball will grind out wins on defense

Daniela Ponce, Junior Setter/Team Captain, Rudder Volleyball

Kimora Maxey, Senior OH, Rudder Volleyball

PLAYERS TO WATCH Gabby Baker (Sr. DS —#19) Addison Benavidez (Jr. OH/MB —#3) Kimora Maxey (Sr. OH —#11) Daniela Ponce (Jr. S —#9)

Coach Jacky Pence

Gabriella Baker, Senior DS, Rudder Volleyball

We have nine seniors this year who have all been in our program so that should help. We have some size this year and some great defense, but we will need a setter to emerge. Four-year starter Gabby Baker is our leader and was the District Defensive MVP last season. We have our work cut out for us in district play, which is extremely competitive, but the goal every year is to get in the top four for the playoffs.

Coach Jacky Pence - Rudder Volleyball

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The Arts

Bryan High

[CLASS ACT PERFORMANCE] The faces of Bryan Friday Night Lights

The Bryan High Shy-Annes

Alexis Newman, Junior, Bryan Varsity Cheer

Alex Basile, Senior Drum Major, Bryan High Band

AS FANS GATHER AT MERRILL GREEN STADIUM TO WITNESS THE NATION’S MOST WIDELY POPULAR GAME, THEY WILL BE GRACED BY FAR MORE THAN JUST THE YOUNG MEN WEARING PADS. THE GRANDEUR OF FRIDAY NIGHTS RUNS MUCH DEEPER THAN JUST FOOTBALL, CONSIDERING ALL OF THE WORK THAT GOES INTO ITS PREPARATION. FROM THE ICONIC VIKINGS MARCHING BAND AND COLOR GUARD, THE COORDINATED EFFORTS OF THE CHEERLEADERS, THE SHIMMERING SHY-ANNES DANCE TEAM AND THE DUTIFUL JROTC PROGRAM, THIS IS WHAT MAKES THE EVENING AN ENTERTAINING SPECTACLE AT BRYAN ISD.

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Bryan High The Arts

Bryan High JROTC

Aracely Padilla, Senior, Bryan High Shy-Annes

The Bryan Viking Marching Band

Bryan High Color Guard

Bryan Varsity Cheer

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Piper McLaughlin, Senior Drum Major, Bryan High Band

Tony Newman, Senior, Bryan Vikings Mascot

Brigette Rojas-Trejo, Senior Drum Major, Bryan High Band

Grace Guess, Sophomore, Bryan Varsity Cheer

Liliana Sherman, Senior, Bryan High Color Guard

Elli Merrell, Senior Captain, Bryan High Shy-Annes

Kiahlee Preuett, Sophomore, Bryan JROTC

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Rudder High The Arts

[THE REGIMENT] Hard work pays off under the Friday Night Lights

Jose Martinez, Sophomore, Rudder Rangers Mascot

Camila Morales, Senior, The Rudder High Regiment

Rudder Varsity Cheer

Aden Sandoval, Senior, The Rudder High Regiment

Amiyah Oldham, Senior, Rudder High Color Guard

The Regiment of Rudder High

Brooklynn Bosquez, Senior Captain, Rudder Varsity Cheer

Alexa Cooks, Senior Captain, Rudder Varsity Cheer

Riley Cannon, Junior, Rudder Varsity Cheer

The Rudder High RangeRettes

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Bryan High Cross Country

[ENDURING THE ELEMENTS] Strict dedication stressed by Bryan XC’s Havens

Coach Justin Havens

Bella Gomez, Sophomore, Bryan Cross Country

Diego Duran, Sophomore, Bryan Cross Country

One of the things we’re trying to establish is an understanding that the conditioning required in cross country is a year-round commitment. It’s not something that you can show up on the first day and expect to perform well in. So, we’re trying to instill that level of dedication, especially when they’re running in 100-degree heat.

Haylie Wise, Senior, Bryan Cross Country

PLAYERS TO WATCH Diego Duran Bella Gomez Haylie Wise

Coach Justin Havens - Bryan High Cross Country

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Cross Country

Rudder High

[ON THE RIGHT PATH]

Rainey Scott, Freshman, Rudder Cross Country

Coach Riaz Chohan

Daniel Mares, Senior, Rudder Cross Country

THE RUDDER CROSS COUNTRY TEAM IS PRIMED AND CONDITIONED FOR THE 2024 SEASON. THE RUNNING SHOES ARE BROKEN IN, THE APPLE WATCHES HAVE THEIR ALARMS SET FOR PERSONAL BESTS AND THESE ELITE ATHLETES ARE ALREADY ACCLIMATED TO THE TEXAS HEAT. LEADING THE WAY FOR THE GIRLS WILL BE LILIANA GONZALEZ, PARIS MITCHELL, RAINEY SCOTT, MADELIS GARCIA AND KAYLA TORRES, WHILE THE BOYS WILL BE PACED BY DANIEL MARES AND XANDER LEE. STAY TUNED AS THE RANGERS CHASE DOWN THE COMPETITION ALL FALL.

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Bryan High Boys Basketball

[WE ARE ONE] Another year of experience could bode well for Viking Hoops Jacob Walker, Junior G, Bryan Boys Basketball

PLAYERS TO WATCH Landon Brown (Sr. G —#12) Sean Dunn (Sr. F —#23) Christian “C.J.” Ellis Jr. (Jr. G —#2) William Jefferson (Sr. F —#3) Jacob Walker (Jr. G —#1)

Landon Brown, Senior G, Bryan Boys Basketball

William Jefferson, Senior F, Bryan Boys Basketball

Coach Keith Jackson

Something we’ve started to emphasize is that ‘we are one’, and that’s the unity we have in both the boys and girls programs. We’re just trying to get the guys to understand that they have to play together. We had a very young team last year, and with that inexperience shows the room for growth. So, we learned a lot about ourselves and we see the area that we need to focus on and get better at.

Coach Keith Jackson - Bryan High Boys Basketball

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Boys Basketball

Rudder High

[EXPERIENCE MATTERS] Could this be the year of the Rangers?

Randon Cooks, Senior G, Rudder Boys Basketball

Coach Mike Carrabine

Kayden Holmes, Senior G, Rudder Boys Basketball

Jaquise Martin, Senior G, Rudder Boys Basketball

I am excited about our bunch. We have four, three-year varsity players returning, so I like our experience. As usual, we don’t have a lot of size, but no one plays harder than these guys. Their quickness is really hard to prepare for. Several of our guys play football so we have a tough mentality. We really get clicking when district comes around when we get those guys back. I think we have enough to win the district, but our goal is getting into the playoffs. Anything can happen when you get into the postseason.

Dorian Auguste, Senior F, Rudder Boys Basketball

PLAYERS TO WATCH Brandon Cooks (Sr. G —#4) Randon Cooks (Sr. G —#3) Jaquise Martin (Sr. F —#1)

Coach Mike Carrabine - Rudder Boys Basketball

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Bryan High Girls Basketball

[PERFECTING EACH PHASE] Jackson playing on team’s strengths in first year as head coach In order to continue the success we’ve seen, it’s really going to be about playing as a team, while keying in on our shooters and getting the ball inside to our post players. We’ve been really good about pushing the ball in transition, so I think that if we can keep locking down on defense, we’ll have a really great year down the line.

Coach Treasure Jackson - Bryan High Girls Basketball

Madison Wells, Senior G, Bryan Girls Basketball

Coach Treasure Jackson

PLAYERS TO WATCH Avery Archer (Jr. G —#2)

Alyssa Ferguson (Jr. G —#1) Addison Siegert (Sr. G —#4) Madison Wells (Sr. G —#3)

Avery Archer, Junior G, Bryan Girls Basketball

Alyssa Ferguson, Junior G, Bryan Girls Basketball

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Cover Story

Rudder High

\\ Matt Malatesta [THE 411] Mitchell is the heartbeat of Rudder Basketball

puzzles,” she said. “That’s how I wind down. I look for inspirational pictures or just jot down my feelings and paint from there.” When she hangs up her high tops, the 4.3 GPA student has a plan for her future. “I love to help people and just get to know people I might not run into every day,” she said. “That’s why I want to pursue nursing. It will be a challenge, but I’m up for it.” No surprise there.

Rangers try and compete for a playoff spot this winter. “We had some bumps in the road last year,” she said. “We had some really tough injuries, but I think those adversities will push us even more this season. We will be putting up a big fight in district play with the goal of making the postseason.” When she’s not honing her game on the hardwood, Mitchell taps into her artsy side. “I love to paint and do

touch and likes to defend, aggressively. “Basketball is more than just a game for me,” she said. “I love competing and it’s been a great motivator for me over the years, on and off the court. My older sister played, so that sparked my interest but it’s really about the small gains you can make every day. When I see improvement, I just want more. I have that kind of grit.” That’s music to coach Karla Calhoun’s ears as the

PARIS MITCHELL IS A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY. The second-team, all district forward on the basketball team isn’t afraid to mix it up. “I like getting myself out there,” she said. “I like to get involved in little programs and meet people. It gets me out of my shell. I like being uncomfortable.” The 5-foot-10 hooper has big energy on the court and can score inside and out. She has a great shooting

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Rudder High Girls Basketball

[OUR TIME] Ranger’s tenacity will be on full display

PLAYERS TO WATCH Tyasia Chambers (Sr. G —#12) Kendall Gibson-Calloway (Sr. F —#15) Alaina Hill (Sr. G —#11)

Aalaya Jones (Sr. C —#34) Paris Mitchell (Sr. F —#14) T’yana Smith (Jr. G —#20) Brandi Turner (Sr. G —#22)

Alaina Hill, Senior G, Rudder Girls Basketball

Brandi Turner, Senior G, Rudder Girls Basketball

T’yana Smith, Junior G, Rudder Girls Basketball

Coach Karla Calhoun

Aalaya Jones, Senior C, Rudder Girls Basketball

I’m looking forward to our seniors having a great finale. This group of seniors got beat up as freshmen and sophomores because they played varsity when they were so young. Now they have the experience on the court. I can’t wait to see them rise to the occasion and show what they have been working towards over the past couple of years. We are a balanced team, which makes me excited. I’m just preaching to them to give everything they have, hustle, lead and be encouraging. I want them to be mentally prepared and resilient. With that, you can overcome anything.

Coach Karla Calhoun - Rudder Girls Basketball

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Tennis

Bryan High

[FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME] Extensive dedication generated in Maupin’s debut with Bryan Tennis

I’m looking to build from the ground up to try to really get more involvement in the program. I’m also trying to work with them about what we’re trying to accomplish as a team, singles and doubles strategies, and what to focus on moving forward. Tennis is a life-long sport, so one of the things I want to instill in them is a love for the game. Something they can always come back to later on, and that all starts this fall.

Juan Martinez, Senior, Bryan Tennis

Coach Stephen Maupin - Bryan High Tennis

Ruth Skelton, Senior, Bryan Tennis

Bobby Warren, Junior, Bryan Tennis

Madeleine Ward, Senior, Bryan Tennis

Coach Stephen Maupin

PLAYERS TO WATCH Madeleine Ward, Senior Bobby Warren, Junior

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Rudder High Gymnastics

[HIGH-FLYING RANGERS] Gymnastics looking to build on stellar 2024 finish

Rudder has probably one of the best training centers in the state of Texas. The team has a lot of camaraderie and we return several athletes off of a team that finished fifth overall in the state. We are looking to surpass that finish with more experience and working on new skills. We will see what happens. I couldn’t be more excited to be joining a district with such a rich history of success in gymnastics. In the short time I’ve been here I have been blown away by the level of toughness and overall work ethic the students in the Bryan community possess. Our girls team will be young this year, but I see a bright future ahead with this talented group of athletes. Coach Jared Whiles - Rudder Girls Gymnastics

Coach Jared Whiles

Coach Omar Loya

The girls team returns Gabriella Vasquez, who advanced to State in 2024.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Elijah Acosta, Senior Michael Farnsworth, Junior David Hernandez, Senior Aldo Rios, Senior Gabriella Vasquez, Sophomore

Coach Omar Loya - Rudder Boys Gymnastics

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Water Polo

Bryan High

[COMMON PURPOSE] Fugleburg plans to make a splash this season

Zachary Gulley, Senior, Bryan Water Polo

Liz Moeller, Sophomore, Bryan Water Polo

Kaden Tham, Senior, Bryan Water Polo

Addison Hartnett, Junior, Bryan Water Polo

I think that this sport offers them a different challenge. With swimming, in particular, it’s really them against themselves when they’re fighting to improve their times for competition. Water polo gives the kids the opportunity to use their skills to come in and compete as a team, towards an ultimate goal.

Coach Jessica Fugleberg

PLAYERS TO WATCH Zachary Gulley, Senior Liz Moeller, Sophomore Kaden Tham, Senior

Coach Jessica Fulgeberg - Bryan High Water Polo

bryanisd.org // SEPT 2024 // BRYAN ISD // 31

Did You Know? Rudder High School was named for General James Earl Rudder, a soldier, land commissioner, and president of Texas A&M. He was called into active duty in 1941 and had a celebrated military career during World War II. In 1943, as a lieutenant colonel, he became commander and trainer of the Second Ranger Battalion, which had a major role in the D-Day invasion. Rudder's Rangers stormed the beach at Pointe du Hoc and, under constant enemy fire, scaled 100-foot cliffs to reach and destroy German gun batteries. Rudder won the election for Texas land commissioner in 1956 and served until February 1, 1958. That year, he became vice president of Texas A&M University. He became president in 1959 and president of the entire A&M system in 1965. In 1967 President Lyndon Johnson presented Rudder the Distinguished Service Medal, the highest peacetime service award. May all of our Rudder Rangers follow in his footsteps.

32 \\ BRYAN ISD \\ SEPT 2024 \\ bryanisd.org

REAL COMMUNITY MORE ENGAGEMENT

Bryan ISD Showcase, Downtown Bryan

Bryan ISD built a house for a district family in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Bryan ISD hosts a Community Pep Rally every year in order to celebrate the start of school!

Bryan ISD is always well represented at the annua Fiesta Patrias parade through downtown Bryan!

Bryan ISD’s Readby3rd Program helps build successful families by giving parents the skills and resources to help their children.

Bryan ISD schools take pride in collecting cans and donating food items during the annual KBTX Food for Families Food Drive.

Bryan ISD has many Faith-Based Partners that adopt our schools and treat them regularly with lunches or treats!

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