VYPE Lamar CISD September 2022

LAMAR CISD HS SPORTS

L C I S D . O R G

L A M A R C I S D A T H L E T I C S R E A D Y T O P U S H F O R W A R D I N T O 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 S C H O O L Y E A R

BREAK I NG GROUND

GET CONNECTED! GOLD CARD

@LamarCISD

Did you know that all Lamar CISD residents ages 65 or older are eligible for the Gold Card Club? The Gold Card provides free

@LamarCISD

admission to cultural events such as plays and concerts, and athletic events (this excludes playoff games). Once you sign up, you are a member for life. Come by the Community Relations Office in the Brazos Crossing Administration Building (3911 Avenue I, Rosenberg) to get your Gold Card before the action begins! For questions, email Community Relations at Communications@LCISD.org or call at 832-223-0328.

@Lamar_CISD

@LamarCISD

Scan to subscribe to The Link www.LCISD.org The Link is Lamar CISD’s community e-newsletter. From District highlights and initiatives, to volunteer opportunities and celebrations, this monthly e-newsletter is your link to what’s happening in the District, straight to your inbox! THE LINK

®

GREAT FOOD. FUN PEOPLE. We are always looking for the best and brightest to deliver the unique mix of fun, fresh food and genuine hospitality that makes Freddy's one of the fastest growing restaurants in America. No experience necessary.

APPLY TODAY!

You can submit an application online: TEXT FREDDYSHOUSTON TO 242424

FREDDYS.COM

HIRING QR CODE

FREDDY’S LOCATIONS

08.2022

pregame

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Lamar CISD Community,

we strive to remain a destination district for families, we guarantee our commitment to ensuring that our students are taken care of in all regards. Lastly, let’s not forget the exceptional staff who show up every day to teach, coach and support our students. We must remember to champion our educators and coaches as well. Their dedication to the success of our students is unmatched. Thank you for supporting Lamar CISD, and I look forward to cheering on our students beside you this fall!

I don’t know about you, but those Friday night lights sure are calling my name! Nothing beats ringing in the fall semester like hearing the roar of our crowds as our community comes together to cheer on our students. It is such a gift getting to experience our students discover their passions. It’s even more of a gift when we get to witness those very passions on display for all of us to experience together. I may be biased, but here in Lamar CISD, you will be amazed at how exceptional each and every one of our students truly is. The potential they have is unparalleled. This past spring, we emphasized the importance of continuing to speak life into our students, on and off the court, and focusing on supporting

Sincerely,

Dr. Roosevelt Nivens Lamar CISD Superintendent

them as they reach success in the classroom and beyond. As

LAMAR CISD BOARD MEMBERS

Alex Hunt President

Joy Williams Vice President

Zach Lambert Secretary

Mandi Bronsell Member

Kay Danziger Member

Joe Hubenak Member

Jon Welch Member

2 \\ L AMA R C I S D \\ S E P T 2022 \\ L C I S D . o rg

VYPE social Twitter: @vypehouston Facebook: facebook.com/vypetexas Instagram: @vype_lamarcisd

Snapchat: @vype.houston TikTok: @vype_texas001

STAFF PUBLISHER VYPE MEDIA, LLC

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Shane Hildreth CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Derek Dusek VP OF OPERATIONS & FINANCE Justin Bull

I t ’s Go T ime !

MANAGING EDITOR Joshua Koch CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Bradley Collier ACCOUNT MANAGER Scott Terrell STAFF WRITER Dennis Silva II CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Carrie Follis CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Justin Hartojo, Jamey Wright, Lily Cox

The fields are freshly mowed, and the courts have a fresh coat of wax as players report to their locker rooms for that first day of workouts. The sun rises to greet runners already miles into their workout as the courts and pools are full of athletes preparing for their next match. This is one of my favorite times of year, you can smell the possibilities and potential in the air. Lamar CISD will field football, volleyball, tennis, cross country, cheer and for the first time ever – water polo, teams this fall. Our student athletes have been working through the dog days of summer in preparation to put their best on display for their friends and family and the opportunity to show the fans exactly what they are capable of. It is an exciting time to be an Athletic Director or a sports fan, and everyone gets to be a part of it. Soon, the lights will come on at the stadium as the sun sets and the sights and sounds of a Friday night tradition in Texas rise from the band, drill team, cheerleaders and families gathered to be part of this time-honored tradition that brings communities together

to remember their glory days while cheering on today’s gladiators of the gridiron. However, my favorite part of this spectacle plays out at the end of every game. When two teams come together to shake hands and congratulate each other on a well-played contest. In those brief moments at mid-field, you get to see the best in our young people, as they recognize and appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of their peers. They celebrate the success of every player. Most importantly they celebrate the opportunity to play a game that they will remember when they are sitting in the stands somewhere cheering on their children. Here’s hoping we never forget the best parts of these games, the kids who play them. Let’s cheer them on, celebrate big plays by both teams, and congratulate all athletes on a game well played regardless of the score. Because somebody was in the bleachers cheering for us, and today’s kids deserve the same. Nikki Nelson Lamar CISD Athletic Director

CONTACT INFORMATION VYPE Media, LLC 1334 Brittmoore Road, Suite 2901 Houston, TX 77043 EMAIL: info@vypemedia.com PHONE: 713-969-7105 WEBSITE: vype.com

VYPE is published by Vype Media, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondence will become property of VYPE. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editor. The views of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the policies of VYPE nor that of the publishers. VYPE has a clear commitment to inviting and publishing corrections of fact and clarifying errors of context. Corrections of errors and mistakes are a necessity in obtaining credibility in the magazine. VYPE supports and encourages our staff and contributing writers and photographers to make any potential error known to our editor. ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. The views and opinions of VYPE advertisers does not reflect that of VYPE High School Sports Magazine. In accordance with the NCAA Bylaws, VYPE and its advertisers have complied in all advertisements present in VYPE.

LAMAR CISD HS SPORTS

L C I S D . O R G

L A M A R C I S D A T H L E T I C S R E A D Y T O P U S H F O R W A R D I N T O 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 S C H O O L Y E A R

on the cover Photo by Bradley Collier

BREAKING GROUND: Welcome to the 2nd Annual VYPE Lamar CISD Fall Magazine. Congratulations to Fulshear’s Bailey Warren, George Ranch’s Sophia Nguyen, Foster’s Kinley Niles, BF Terry’s Jason Cruz, Lamar Consolidated’s Idara Akpaffiong and Randle’s Cortney Brown for gracing the cover.

BREAK I NG GROUND

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 3

feature

BRAGG I N ’

R I GHTS !

R I V A L R I E S I N S P O R T S A R E T H E B E S T ! T H E R E I S N O R T H C A R O L I N A V S D U K E , R E D S O X V S Y A N K E E S , A R M Y V S N A V Y T O N A M E A F E W . A R I V A L R Y T H A T H A S B R A G G I N G R I G H T S O N T H E L I N E C R E A T E S A N A M A Z I N G A T M O S P H E R E A N D I N S I D E L A M A R C I S D T H A T A T M O S P H E R E E X I S T S O N T H E F I E L D , C O U R T A N D C O U R S E , E V E R Y T I M E T H E Y C O M P E T E ! W H O W I L L T A K E H O M E T H E B R A G G I N G R I G H T S I N 2 0 2 2 – 2 0 2 3 ?

Avery Hipp, Randle

Gabriela Ramirez, BF Terry

Alexys James, Fulshear

Jakob Guadian, Lamar Consolidated

Evan Dao, Foster

Leah Scroggins, Lamar Consolidated

Jadin Nelson, Lamar Consolidated & Jordan Randle, BF Terry

Francina Lulgjuraj, Foster

Ciara Gonzales, Lamar Consolidated

Jadin Nelson, Lamar Consolidated

Sarah Brotamonte, George Ranch

Aven Gorriaran, George Ranch

Mitchell McBride, Fulshear

Elise Bristol, Foster

Angel Mendoza, BF Terry

Andrew McRea, Fulshear

Raina Kim, Randle

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 5

feature

Holly Lock, Lamar Consolidated

Curtis John-Miller Jr., Randle

Betsy Hernandez, BF Terry

Davion Godley, Fulshear

Chris Gore, Foster

Alexis Robles & Delayna Zepeda, BF Terry

Zia Osman, George Ranch

Gloria Díaz, Randle

feature

Aniya Guyton, Lamar Consolidated

Christen Cummings, Randle

Kaylan Stewart, BF Terry

Gregor Jones, George Ranch

Ava Curtis, George Ranch

Gabrielle Douglas, Foster

Kaitlyn Walsh, Foster

Collin Nguyen & Taylor Maughan, George Ranch

feature

L E T THE

F O S T E R G I R L S E Y E I N G A N O T H E R S T A T E T I T L E A S U I L A D O P T S W A T E R P O L O GAMES BEG I N !

\\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I

Foster’s Preston Acayan, Kinley Niles, Emma Woods, Dalia Kohn and Elijah Molina

Slay, the man responsible for coaching the Falcon girls to the State title. Slay, now the head coach at Katy Jordan and the highly-regarded Viper Pigeons club program, built the Foster program from the ground up and was critical in growing the spor t in the southwest Houston area. “It got younger kids on board,” Parker said. “So, we get kids who’ve been playing the spor t for a while.” Senior Dalia Kohn said the Viper Pigeons program has been vital. “ They have a great coach,” Kohn said. “It ’s an amazing environment . We’re all trying

State titles. Brazoswood and Bridgeland are also perennial area powers. Last season, Foster girls earned the highest Houston area finish at State in May (the season will now be played during the fall). “Obviously we want to win, but every team does,” said senior Lola Trujillo, an all-state, first-team selection last season. “We’re going to try to get everyone on the same page and try our best . Every team is going to do the same and it ’s going to be a fight for first place.” The Foster water polo program’s success was initiated by coach Scott

really cool.” Three years after winning a State Championship, Foster ’s girls team placed third at State last season. The boys team finished second in 2019, when the girls won it all. Foster joins Baytown Sterling, Cypress Creek , Clear Creek , Clear Lake, Humble, St . Agnes Academy and Clear Brook as Greater Houston area teams with girls water polo State Championships. On the boys’ side, Clear Lake, Baytown Sterling, Clear Creek , Cypress Creek , Humble, Nor th Shore, Strake Jesuit and Tomball have

AFTER 50 YEARS GOVERNED BY THE TEXAS INTERSCHOLASTIC SWIMMING COACHES ASSOCIATION, WATER POLO WAS ADOPTED AS AN OFFICIAL SPORT BY THE UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE BEGINNING THIS FALL. “It ’s something TISCA has wanted,” said Foster coach Kassy Parker, who enters her third season leading the aquatics program. “People have worked really hard to get it [recognized by the] UIL. It ’s exciting because it means there’s more growth in the spor t . It means more attention, and now younger kids will grow up knowing it ’s an option for them. It ’s

10 \\ L AMA R C I S D \\ S E P T 2022 \\ L C I S D . o rg

this is pretty cool.’

to build each other up. That club has really helped our school because everyone here joins it , gets better during the summer and when the season star ts, we’re all already on the same page.” Parker was an assistant at Stratford for four years before she was hired to succeed Slay. She currently has 14 girls and 30 boys, mostly sophomores, in the water polo program. She said it ’s easier to get boys involved. Girls tend to enjoy the spor t once they try it , but it can look intimidating to parents and athletes from the outside. The majority of athletes in the Foster water polo program come from the swim team but Parker is optimistic she can recruit more from other spor ts now that it is sanctioned by the UIL. She said swimmers with a background in basketball and/or softball tend to make for good water polo players. Trujillo had a gymnastics background. “I got bored, and my sister was always a swimmer,” Trujillo said. “When she got to Foster, Slay got her into water polo. I star ted swimming and she got me interested. I came to practice and thought , ‘Hey,

“It ’s a lot of different spor ts combined while having the swimming aspect . Every game is different . With swimming and gymnastics, it ’s the same thing every time you compete. With water polo, everyone plays different , teams play differently. You see something new every time and you have to figure out what to do.” Coaches and athletes think the popularity of a spor t said to be “a combination of soccer and rugby in the water ” will grow considerably now that the UIL is involved. “In past years, water polo hasn’ t been a big spor t ,” Kohn said. “No one knows of it , we have to pay for everything, we’re doing everything ourselves. Even our school doesn’ t recognize water polo as much as football or basketball , which is understandable, but now that it ’s UIL , we’ ll get recognized more. “More stuff will get done. It ’ ll get more exposure. There will be more media. More people will get interested. More clubs will star t . More teams will star t . Just this year alone for high school , there’s tons and tons more teams.”

Dalia Kohn

watched water polo before, it ’s definitely exciting,” Parker said. “Obviously I’m biased, but I think it ’s the world’s most fun spor t to play. It ’s aggressive but it takes a lot of technical and tactical skill. People are shocked that you’re not standing in the water. You’re treading the whole time. If you come from a basketball background, you’ ll recognize similarities, like, ‘Oh, they ran a pick .’” Foster ’s girls are once again one of the favorites to come away with a State Championship this season. Trujillo and Kohn are offensively and defensively gifted and two of the best players in the Greater Houston area. Junior Clara McKee is a force in the cage. Sophomore Kinley Niles is a precocious talent and mature beyond her years. Sophomore Emma Woods is also a central figure. “We all have the intention to win,” Kohn said. “Last year, we could’ve won State. We felt it was taken from us. This year, we’re not getting second or third. We’re all coming together and working to get first .”

But the UIL’s strongest influence may come in the pockets of par ticipants. Coaches and players feel the spor t will grow in par ticipation now that expenses are being covered. Along with equipment , players were also responsible for their own transpor tation and paying for hotels to and from games. Trujillo said players would drop out of the spor t because it was too much of a financial burden on families. “Previous years, we’ve had to pay for everything ourselves,” Trujillo said. “It ’s great that the UIL is recognizing us as a spor t and we’ ll get the funds so it won’ t be trouble for us to pay for stuff.” “A typical water polo game is more physical and aggressive than many people think ,” Parker said. “It is a battle of attrition for four quar ters. The depths of the pools differ and are unique to each respective facility.” Foster ’s practice pool is 7 ½ feet deep. The Lamar Consolidated ISD natatorium is 12 feet deep. “If you have never

Coach Kassy Parker

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 11

feature

T H E S P O R T S M E D I C I N E S T U D E N T S I N L A M A R C I S D A R E S O M E O F T H E H A R D E S T W O R K I N G P E O P L E O N T H E S I D E L I N E S C O M E F R I D A Y N I G H T S . T H R O U G H O U T T H E Y E A R , T H E Y A R E C A L L E D U P O N I N A L L S E A S O N S T O L E N D A H E L P I N G H A N D . H E R E A R E T H E F A C E S O F S P O R T S M E D I C I N E ! THE TAPE TA L ES OF

Foster’s Isabella Correa and Alycia Hubbard

Randle’s Lydia Kiondo and Kira John

Jazmen Washington, BF Terry

Brooke Espinoza, Fulshear

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 13

feature

Kyndall White, Fulshear

Rayna Deluna, BF Terry

George Ranch’s Donnelly Davis and Tiffany Walker

GLUE OF

S O P H O M O R E B R Y A N T N E X T I N L I N E A T G E O R G E R A N C H THE GAME

\\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I

the first nine games. During the summer, she worked diligently on her explosiveness, to get higher over the block , and having a “higher arm,” to hit over the block instead of right into it . Bryant said her serve receive has improved drastically. “Passing the ball decently to the setter has surprised me,” she said, laughing. “It ’s probably the biggest difference in my game.” Her leadership is also evolving. Bryant studied Shimaitis last year and admired how she brought confidence to the team with the way she respected others and treated everyone equally. The Longhorns’ aforementioned star quar tet employed a culture of family and togetherness. Bryant wants to carry that on. For instance, she’s taken it upon herself to make Madelynn Coy, the lone freshman on this year ’s Longhorns, feel comfor table and at ease. Overall , it ’s a new-look George Ranch team and Bryant is hungry to make a difference for others. “ The first practice was just OK ,” Bryant said. “No one was really used to each other. But the more time we’ve had together, we’ve star ted to mesh well and we’re getting the chemistry down. All the girls are hard-working. We have no DI players yet , so it ’s a totally different team. But we definitely can make it work .”

program.

Allie Sczech (Baylor), Logan Lednicky (Texas A&M), Avery Shimaitis (Pepperdine) and Dylan Hoskins (Texas Tech) have all moved on to the nex t stop of their decorated careers after

AFTER GRADUATING NINE SENIORS, INCLUDING FOUR ELITE NCAA DIVISION I TALENTS, GEORGE RANCH’S VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM ENTERED THIS SEASON IN A STATE OF TRANSITION.

It ’s a role Bryant has expected and been ready for. “I feel like a lot of people look up to me to score a lot of points and keep the team together,” Bryant said. “I take that role of being the glue of the team very seriously. It ’s a great oppor tunity to prepare me for what ’s to come, whether it is what college coaches want to see or for the club season.” As a reserve middle last year, Bryant totaled 88 kills and 102 total blocks as a freshman on varsity. This year, she has essentially been tasked with filling Shimaitis’ shoes as the team’s top attacker and hitter. Bryant is being asked to do so while moving to a new position as outside hitter. “I actually thought I was going to struggle more this year,” she said. “Playing outside (hitter), you have to play defense, pass and serve-receive. But my confidence is so much higher than what I expected.

leading the Longhorns to 116 wins

Sydney Bryant

over the last four years. A new era of George Ranch

volleyball is here. A sophomore leads the way. Sydney Bryant , a seemingly nex t in line as the face of coach Cheyenne Forshee’s 6-foot-3 outside hitter, is

I feel I have a role to fulfill. Last year with Avery, she held the team together with her confidence. I want to do the same thing.” Bryant got off to a fast star t this season, averaging 4.2 kills per set and hitting .269 through

George Ranch’s Stefani Ayiteyfio, Riley Steubing, Eryn Rainer, Sydney Bryant and Sarah Brotamonte

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 15

feature

H E R E ’ S A L O O K A T W H A T E L S E L A M A R C I S D H A S T O O F F E R O N T H E V O L L E Y B A L L C O U R T T H I S S E A S O N . PROSPECTUS VOL L EYBA L L

FULSHEAR CHARGERS 2021: 35-14, Regional Semifinalist

Key Players: Sophomore OH Bailey Warren, senior Arelis Ponce, sophomore L Sydney Black, senior MH/OH Victoria Powell, senior MH/OH Rachel Nordt, sophomore DS/L Avery Pruitt, senior OPP Addison Carter and senior MH Olivia Drayden. Notes: Coach Sydney Zimmerman enters this season with a 215-71 career record … The Chargers were Class 5A State Champions in 2019 and State Finalists in 2020 … Fulshear lost two key leaders in Ava Underwood and Brielle Warren from last season. They’re now playing at Texas A&M and Purdue, respectively … Keep an eye on a pair of key transfers in sophomores Addison Lednicky (previously George Ranch) and Alexys James (Katy Jordan).

Fulshear’s [Back Row]: Addison Carter, Avery Pruitt and Bailey Warren; [Front Row]: Sydney Black, Arielis Ponce and Alexys James

FOSTER FALCONS 2021: 28-15, Area finalist

Key Players: Junior Jackie Onyechi , senior Koryn Johnson, senior Chloe Howard, junior Mikaela Mendoza and junior Brinleigh Davis. Notes: The Falcons have finished second in district play each of the last two seasons. They shared the district title with Fulshear last season but lost a seeding game to finish second going into the playoffs … Foster has a pair of sophomores to keep an eye on in Brooke Barnes and Kate Henderson.

Foster’s Elise Bristol, Bailey Lechler, Eden Fairfield, Skyla Riedel and Brooke Barnes

16 \\ L AMA R C I S D \\ S E P T 2022 \\ L C I S D . o rg

LAMAR CONSOLIDATED MUSTANGS 2021: 22-14, Area finalist Key Players: Senior Taylor Joyner, senior Brooke Morris and senior Ta’ liyah De Los Santos. Notes: The Mustangs’ top goal this season: getting to the third round of the playoffs and overcoming the hurdle of the Area round … Lamar Consolidated graduated a lot of its star leaders from last season.

Lamar Consolidated’s Taylor Joyner, Ta’liya De Los Santos, Brooke Morris, Leah Scroggins and Kymbrali Palacios

TERRY RANGERS 2021: 8-19 Key Players: Senior Chloe Bentancur, sophomore Lexi Guerrero, sophomore Haley Lemmon and freshman Kaylan Stewar t . Notes: The Rangers have a talented trio of underclassmen that figures to play a huge role in this season’s success … Terry is two years removed from a third-place finish in district and postseason appearance.

BF Terry’s Haley Lemmon, Chloe Bentancur, Lexi Guerrero and Kaylan Stewart

RANDLE LIONS 2021: N/A Key Players: Junior Cidney Anthony, junior Jaziel Ramirez , junior Brooke Avery and sophomore Milaya Graves. Notes: Randle enters its first year of varsity play. Kristen Cavallo is the head coach. Cavallo was previously the head coach at Lamar Consolidated High and briefly stepped away from coaching following the bir th of her four th child.

Randle’s [Back Row]: Jaziel Ramirez, Brooke Avery and Milaya Graves; [Front Row]: Cidney Anthony

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 17

feature

\\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I F O S T E R ’ S L E C H L E R W O R K I N G F O R G R E A T N E S S EARN I NG I T

“I like that you

WHENEVER SHE’S HOME TAKING HACKS TO GET HER TIMING RIGHT OR PEPPERING VOLLEYBALLS TO TIGHTEN BALL CONTROL, FOSTER JUNIOR BAILEY LECHLER WORKS AROUND A QUOTE ENGRAVED INTO THE CONCRETE ON THE FARTHEST END OF HER DRIVEWAY – “OWED NOTHING, EARNED EVERYTHING.” “It just reminds me that nobody owes me anything,” said Lechler, a two-spor t standout for the Falcons as a defensive specialist on the volleyball team and an infielder for the softball team. “If I want to be great , I have to go and get it myself.” When concrete was being put down on the pavement five years ago, Lechler wrote in the quote as a permanent reminder. “I had come out of a tough softball season and realized that I needed to be working harder than what I was working then if I wanted to do anything with it ,” she said. “It paid off.” Lechler is entering her first full season on varsity with the Falcons’ volleyball team. She was pulled up to the varsity from the JV for the playoffs last winter. In the spring, she was key in the softball team’s inspiring run to the Regional Quar ter finals. Softball has always been Lechler ’s first love. She wants to play in college. But when her mom Erin, who played volleyball at Texas A&M, put her in summer camps when she was seven years old, Lechler found beneficial similarities between the diamond and the cour t .

have to have a good work ethic to be good in softball ,” she said. “I like that nothing is handed to you. If you want to earn something, you have to do it yourself. Volleyball is very similar to that , and I also like that it ’s constantly moving. It ’s a quick-paced game. I really enjoy that .” Lechler said the different workouts and motions for each spor t complement one another. A softball swing, for instance, helps her swing in volleyball because strength is derived from the demands are like what is needed as a first baseman in softball. “Volleyball is a lot freer and fun for me,” Lechler said. “Softball , I take same area. The quick reactions that volleyball

to get the job done, when it needs to be done, how it needs to be done. I don’ t take a rep off. On the cour t , I’m learning to be more vocal because the game is so emotional and up and down. “My approach is if you go all out every time, nothing could go wrong. If I’m always diving for a ball , I’m going to get it eventually. If you beat me once, I’m going to keep coming at you. I’m going to get you eventually.”

me going is the little-by little success I see in my progression. I don’ t need to be per fect . But if I see progress, I know what I’m doing is working.” Foster ’s volleyball team graduated eight seniors from last season. Lechler said she feels she’s being put into position to assume a heavy leadership role, which she is excited about . “In practices, I lead by example,” she said. “I like

super seriously. I don’ t let up for volleyball , but I still enjoy it .” Lechler enjoys the process. The journey. It ’s the work that attracts her. She plays for a club volleyball team and select softball team in the summer and barely has time for her favorite hobbies, photography and reading. “ The work ethic pulls me,” Lechler said. “What keeps

18 \\ L AMA R C I S D \\ S E P T 2022 \\ L C I S D . o rg

\\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I M U S T A N G S ’ M O R R I S R E A D Y F O R S E N I O R Y E A R CONF I DENT STRONG AND

lady who knows who she is and what she’s about , Morris credits her parents, Barbara and Allen, for her makeup. When Morris was 15 years old, talks with them and her coaches helped her understand she could not afford to get down or hang her head as a setter. As a leader. So, she developed a counter to adversity. Whenever times get tough during a game, Morris wipes off the bottom of her shoes and stares out into the distance somewhere to reset herself. Mind, body and spirit . “ They ’re always hard on me, always strict on me,” Morris said of her parents. “In this world, you have to be strong and confident in everything you do. They ’ve taught me to make sure I’m doing everything I have to do to be the best .” Morris wants to play college volleyball. “ That ’s the dream,” she said. But she doesn’ t necessarily care to play for the biggest name or under the brightest of lights. She wants to play for an HBCU, a historically black college and university. “It ’s impor tant , being a Black female athlete,” Morris said. “ There’s this idea, you know, that maybe I wouldn’ t fit at bigger schools, but there are some really good HBCU schools. I feel like Black female athletes being at one is a really great thing.” Strong and confident reasoning. The Morris way.

together, especially the younger girls. We want to win. For the past three years, we’ve gone to the second round of the playoffs but we’re trying to go far ther than that .” Morris loves being a setter. Most leaders do. She loves to control the offense. She relishes teammates looking to her for guidance and coaches trusting her to run the team. Since she star ted playing volleyball when she was 11, Morris has always been a setter. It was a natural fit . Meticulous, conscientious and detail-oriented, she welcomed the responsibility that came with a prominent role. “I like how I get to bring the team together,” Morris said. A confident , poised young

and 22 aces and was a first team, all-district selection. However, she vividly remembers the disappointment of another season ending in the second round of the postseason. Again. And now she gets one final chance to push the program as far as she thinks it can go. No matter what happens for the Mustangs this season, Morris will be front and center. “I’m expecting to be a leader,” she said. “My coach is expecting a lot from me. She wants me to be that voice, be that senior that can lift a team and tell them what needs to be done and how. It ’s kind of nerve wracking. “But I know this is my team. I need to show out and bring my teammates

LIFE IS COMING FAST FOR LAMAR CONSOLIDATED SENIOR BROOKE MORRIS. Homecoming. Prom. Finals. Graduation. It felt like only yesterday when Morris was watching her senior teammates depar t high school for the nex t chapter in life. And, now, here she is. “It ’s a bunch of mixed emotions,” Morris said. “It ’s such a big, impor tant year. Not only dealing with volleyball , but also with college and finding a school , signing day … it ’s a lot coming at once and I still feel like a junior. I feel like we just finished the season and now it ’s here again.” Last year, Morris helped the Mustangs to the Area playoffs. As a setter and right-side hitter, she totaled 189 assists, 140 digs, 61 kills

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 19

feature

L A M A R C I S D ’ S S P I R I T S Q U A D S A R E R E A D Y T O G E T T H E F A N S F I R E D U P O N F R I D A Y N I G H T S A N D T H R O U G H O U T T H E 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 S C H O O L Y E A R ! T H E Y H A V E T H E P O M S , M E G A P H O N E S , A N D S I G N S T O G E T E V E R Y O N E O N T H E I R F E E T ! T I M E T O S T A N D U P A N D C H E E R W I T H T H E C H E E R S Q U A D S O F L A M A R C I S D . & SP I R I T ! POMS , S I GNS

Britt Bludau, George Ranch

Foster’s Tatum Vela, Emerson Dao, Taylor Giannone and Bailey Helmcamp

Harmony Jones, BF Terry

Randle’s Charisma Smith, Hailey Franklin, Trinity Green and Keimora Evans

Tatum Vela, Foster

BF Terry’s Michael Garcia, Emilie Mascorro, Harmony Jones and Alexis Henderson

Hailey Franklin, Randle

Lamar Consolidated’s [Back Row]: Samantha Kolts and Harper Mansfield; [Front Row]: Riley Vacek and Anjel Waddell

Sydney Heikkila, Fulshear

George Ranch’s Kyleigh Meuth, Abby Pierce, Britt Bludau and Sophia Musser

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 21

feature

Riley Vacek, Lamar Consolidated

Fulsehar’s Laila Chapman, Sydney Heikkila, Emma Barton and Sloane Kalkomey

Hi, it’s Matt From State Farm

YOUR NEIGHBOR SINCE 2002

INSURANCE PRODUCTS Auto, Home, Business, Property, Life, Health

www.mattinsuresyou.com • matt.schomburg.jysk@statefarm.com 814 East Ave • Katy, TX 77493 Matt Schomburg • (281) 578-0607

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

22 \\ L AMA R C I S D \\ S E P T 2022 \\ L C I S D . o rg

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Interested in getting involved with the District but don’t know how? There are numerous ways that you can support Lamar CISD through a variety of community service and volunteer opportunities.

District-Wide Opportunities Advisory Committees

L.A.M.P. Mentoring Program Mentors serve as positive role models and motivate students to become their best. They offer students a pathway to expand their life perspectives, overcome

Your input and expertise are important to us. Please consider serving on one of our many District advisory committees. • Attendance Boundary Committee • CTE Advisory Board • Citizens’ Bond Committee • District-wide Student Improvement Council (DSIC) • GT Parent Advisory Committee • School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) • Special Education Parent Advisory Committee • Technology Advisory Committee If you are interested in serving, please scan the QR Code for more information. Common Threads contributions from local businesses and community members. Donations are accepted throughout the year at every Lamar CISD campus, or Common Threads on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All donations are tax-deductible. Please contact Elida Castillo, Common Threads Manager, at 832-223-0342 or Elida.Castillo@LCISD.org for more information. The Common Threads facility is located at the Old Jane Long Historic Gym, 414 S. 9th Street, Richmond, Texas 77469. Connect Connect was established to support child development and improve student achievement through bridging the connections between families, schools, businesses, and organizations. The numerous year-round programs hands-on learning experiences that help them make academic connections and build background knowledge while strengthening the family-school-community partnership. If you or your organization is interested in partnering with Connect, please email Jane Devine, Title I Special Projects Coordinator, at JDevine@LCISD.org. provided by Connect and its partners engage students in Common Threads supports Lamar CISD families in need. Their focus is on providing clothing and toiletry items for eligible families. Common Threads relies on donations and

obstacles, build on their strengths to make positive choices, and develop essential school and life skills. Scan the QR Code for more information on becoming an L.A.M.P. Mentor. Project L.E.A.R.N.

Project L.E.A.R.N. is another pro gram that can positively impact the entire family. Parents are allowed to increase their literacy levels through

enrollment in English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) classes. The program also offers classes in computer learning, financial literacy, and many other areas for every family member to learn and grow to ensure student success. All classes are FREE of charge. If you are a community member or local business interest ing in working with Project L.E.A.R.N, please contact Tori Hernandez, Parent and Community Facilitator, at 832 233-0384 or email Torivia.Hernandez@LCISD.org. Campus-Level Opportunities Looking to get involved at a specific campus in your community? Contact any school in your neighborhood for more information on their campus-specific organizations such as PTO/PTA, School Booster Club(s), Watch Dog Group/Dad’s on Duty, or general volunteer opportunities to provide campus support. For more information about all volunteer opportunities at Lamar CISD, please email Dr. Kanesha Waites, Director of Community Relations, at Kanesha.Waites@LCISD.org. Have Student Service Hour Opportunities?

Lamar CISD students are always looking for ways to give back to their community. Does your organization have volunteer opportunities? If so, scan the QR code to submit your student volunteer opportunities! Volunteer Service Hours Lamar CISD students can find Community Service opportunities as well as record service hours via SchoolLinks. Scan the QR Code to log into SchooLinks, click on Careers, and then select Opportunities

www.LCISD.org

feature

\\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I L I O N S P R E P P E D F O R I N A U G U R A L V A R S I T Y S E A S O N RANDL E READY TO ROL L

Randle’s [Back Row]: Jaxon Montelongo, Oluwatamilore Sanyaolu and Leonardo Garza; [Middle Row]: Perry Kindred, Curtis John-Miller Jr., Chace Sims and Eric Strickland; [Front Row]: Kevin Williams Jr. and Cortney Brown

24 \\ L AMA R C I S D \\ S E P T 2022 \\ L C I S D . o rg

never played football before last season. Now he’s the Lions’ best offensive lineman. Randle’s pitch? “We’re selling a good time,” said the seventh year head coach. “We’re selling the game of life. takes everybody and builds so much character. That ’s what we sell. We also sell being bigger and stronger because we lift weights. “I think the big thing is getting kids involved and showing up and being involved in something,” he added. “In a small school like this, we need everybody to be involved. The more people involved in UIL activities, the better the campus is. You can’ t be a taker. If you’re in school , you need to be a par t of something.” This season, the Lions will star t three freshmen, 12-13 sophomores and the rest juniors. “I think everyone will have that nervous feeling before our first game,” Brown said of the historic Aug. 26 showdown against Pasadena Memorial. “I’m excited to go out and show everyone what we can do, no matter the level.” There will be no resting on the laurels of moral victories. “If wins and losses didn’ t matter, we wouldn’ t take score, right? So, we plan on winning,” Randle said. “We plan on being successful. I like flying under the radar. Keep grinding, people don’ t see us coming and then punch them in the mouth. We are going to be a good football team. We’re just young. But we need to have the mindset that this is varsity ball. We’ve got to come to play.” Football , to me, is the ultimate team spor t . It

each other accountable, then we’ ll be fine.” It ’s working. “Initially, I felt I had to work harder because Coach Randle was constantly reprimanding me,” sophomore defensive lineman Eric Strickland Jr. said. “But as the season progressed, I understood he was developing me as a leader for the program.” The Lions went 8-2 last season as a team of all-sophomores playing a junior varsity schedule. One of their landmark wins was against Katy High’s sophomore team, when the Lions rallied from a 17-point halftime deficit . Randle was most impressed with his team’s relentlessness last season. Players never quit or hung their heads. Confidence blossomed with each win. “I think we proved to everyone that we will be the best team in Lamar (Consolidated) ISD, and we’ve just got to keep that same mentality going into this season,” junior receiver/ cornerback Cor tney Brown Jr. said. Randle’s primary task , other than cultivating leadership, has been working the program’s numbers. Currently, the Lions have 225 student-athletes in the football program. Randle High has an enrollment of about 900. Ideally, Randle would like 350-400 kids in his program. Over the last year, each Lions coach cold-called 30 kids to recruit to play football. The program’s numbers grew by 10-15 percent with the number of kids joining who had never played football. Sophomore left guard Chris Taylor, for instance,

Randle said. “We’re going to get them the ball in space and let them do what they do.” It ’s off the field, par ticularly in establishing culture and leadership, where Randle is mired in the unknown. “It ’s been ex tremely exciting, but it ’s also been very difficult ,” Randle said. “You’re building a culture; you’re doing something that hasn’ t been done before. And you’re still dealing with a lot of immature kiddos, so you have a lack of leadership in the locker room and on the campus. They ’re really good kids. It ’s a real family atmosphere. But it ’s on us as coaches to find those leaders.” It ’s happening, step by step. Day by day. So far, junior quar terback Leo Garza, junior defensive end Mike Blake, junior defensive end Cur tis John Miller and junior running back/linebacker Jered Sherman have ingrained themselves as prominent voices in the locker room. Randle wants more. During the week , the Lions have a routine where coaches and kids assume leadership roles. On Mondays, players huddle after practice around Randle. Tuesdays, they ’re with the coordinators. Wednesdays, they ’re with their respective position coaches. And on Thursdays, meetings after practice are player-led, with position coaches picking a player to lead each week . “We pride ourselves on trying to grow productive citizens,” Randle said. “ That means learning how to talk in front of people. Once we get kids to understand the impor tance of leadership and understand they ’re not hur ting each other ’s feelings and it ’s OK to hold

HEADING INTO RANDLE HIGH’S INAUGURAL YEAR OF VARSITY FOOTBALL THIS SEASON, HEAD COACH BRIAN RANDLE, WHOSE FATHER THE SCHOOL IS NAMED AFTER, HAS AN IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE FIELD. “We have kids who will make you miss in space,”

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 25

feature

FOOTBA L L

H E R E ’ S A L O O K A T W H A T E L S E I S I N S T O R E F O R L C I S D F O O T B A L L T H I S S E A S O N . PROSPECTUS

FOSTER FALCONS 2021: 5-5 Returning starters (O/D): 9/8 Projected strengths: QB, WR, LB, DB Projected concerns: DL , OL Key returners: Senior QB JT Fayard (1,687 yards, 16 TDs in 2021), senior WR Kendal Stewar t (725 yards, 5 TDs), senior WR Jalen Austin (378 yards, 3 TDs), senior DB/RB Ashton Ojiaku (29 tackles, 2 INTs), senior LB Christopher Gore (82 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4 sacks), senior CB Chase Canada (22 tackles).

Foster’s [Back Row]: Kyle Kearns, Chris Gore, Ahmad Alchikhali, Quenton Joseph, JT Fayard and Ashton Ojiaku; [Front Row]: Landon Godwin and Chase Canada

FULSHEAR CHARGERS 2021: 5-6, bi-district playoff finalist Returning starters (O/D): 9/7 Projected strengths: QB, WR, RB, LB, DB Projected concerns: OL , DL Key returners: Senior QB/WR Parker Williams (1,762 yards, 12 TDs passing; 910 yards, 11 TDs rushing), senior WR Jax Medica (664 yards, 4 TDs), senior TE Gavin Waits (331 yards, 3 TDs), junior WR Tate Struble (266 yards, 3 TDs), junior RB Davion Godley (732 yards, 3 TDs), senior LB Germany Williams (90 tackles, 5 sacks), senior DB Maverick Schomberg (26 tackles, 4 INTs).

Fulshear’s Jax Medica, Chance Bryant, Davion Godley, Jacob Sanders, Parker Williams, William Okeke, Sheldon Rice, Maverick Schomburg and Germany Williams

26 \\ L AMA R C I S D \\ S E P T 2022 \\ L C I S D . o rg

GEORGE RANCH LONGHORNS 2021: 5-5 Returning starters (O/D): 5/3 Projected strengths: OL Projected concerns: DB

Key returners: Senior OL Hanzlah Rana, junior QB Deion Drinkard (238 yards, 2 TDs passing; 32 yards, TD rushing), senior WR Gregor Jones (101 yards, TD), junior RB Jaden Shelton (270 yards, TD, 6.8 yards per carry), junior CB Kennard McGuire (24 total tackles, 5 passes defensed), senior DL Jacques Franklin (24 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks), junior LB Trevion Aikens (27 total tackles TD).

George Ranch’s [Back Row]: Hanzlah Rana, Kevin Odikpo, Jackson Muckelroy, Jacques Franklin II and Gregor Jones; [Front Row]: Russell Franklin, David Michael and Matthew Whitehead

TERRY RANGERS 2021: 4-6

Returning starters (O/D): 6/6 Projected strengths: QB, WR, RB Projected concerns: DB, OL Key returners: Senior QB Jason Cruz , junior RB Devin Wilkerson, senior WR Trumaine Mitchell , senior LB Juan Rodriguez , senior DL Johnte McCauley, junior DE Cameron Lewis, sophomore DE Jordan Randle.

BF Terry’s Angel Mendoza, Marvin Thomas, Jason Cruz, Marcus Townsend, Hector Sierra Jr., Keelin Perry, Cory Jiles, Jordan Randle and Calix Perry

LAMAR CONSOLIDATED MUSTANGS 2021: 3-7 Returning starters (O/D): 4/8 Projected strengths: Defense Projected concerns: OL Key returners: Senior DT Jadin Nelson, senior NT Ricky Davis, junior LB Marvin Farris, senior DB Edwin Quijada, senior DB Jonathan Anders, senior OLB/TE Jason McCullough, senior RB Justin McCullough.

Lamar Consolidated’s [Back Row]: Jason McCullough, Kaleb Martinez, Jadin Nelson, Tomas Martinez, Joseph Campbell and Justin McCullough; [Front Row]: Simon Omoruyi, Nathan Lowther and Edwin Quijada

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 27

feature

\\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I F U L S H E A R R E C E I V E R M E D I C A A D I A M O N D I N T H E R O U G H R I SER H I GH

ACL and MCL to help their team make a playoff run? That ’s how he wants to be remembered. “I want people to see a receiver that plays angry,” Medica said. “I pride myself on being physical. But I really love being under those lights. Adrenaline starts going and you just trust your training. “At the end of the day, I’ve caught that ball 800 times or whatever. I’m not worried about dropping it . I can see myself catching it before it actually happens. The crowd is loud, the moment slows down, I see it spinning toward me.” And then Jax Medica makes the play that he has worked so hard for.

where, is Fulshear ? It all pushes him.

I can possibly do to help us win,” Medica said. “If that ’s me playing defense or offense … whatever the team needs me to do. At the end of the day, that ’s what matters first for me.” Medica has good size at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds. He is terrific around the ball , with admirable athleticism and ball instincts. He is tough, selfish and overwhelming when the ball is in the air. Getting Mossed? Hapless defensive backs know about Getting Jaxed. But Medica hears the doubters. He hears the noise that he may not be fast enough. Maybe still not quite big enough. And what , or

FULSHEAR SENIOR JAX MEDICA IS ONE OF THE MORE UNDERRATED AND OVERLOOKED RECEIVERS IN THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA His awe-inspiring catch radius, strength and soft hands make for an impressive playmaking talent . And he didn’ t even play offense until the seventh grade. “ That ’s when they tried me at receiver,” Medica said as he reflected. “I’d always played safety.” It ’s then that Medica set in motion the work ethic and discipline that define him to this day. Medica’s father would toss bricks at him from 10 feet away. Medica would catch them. It ’s a drill Jerry Rice used to do to work on “squeezing” of the hands. Medica also threw footballs off the roof of his house. “It ’d bounce back to you, and you wouldn’ t know where it ’d go, so you’d have to track it ,” Medica said. He also made sure to catch 150 balls every day. Every...Day. However, it ’s not individual success that inspires Medica. Though he had a remarkable junior year last season, with 44 catches, 664 yards and four touchdowns while playing the final three games of the season with a sprained MCL and ACL , he is most proud of helping the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time in five years as a varsity program. “It ’s being able to win as many games as we can as a team and doing everything

“People saying I can’ t do this or I can’ t do that , it ’s motivation,” Medica said. “‘Like (Fulshear) Coach (Nick) Codutti says, I just try and control what I can control. I can’ t control what someone may think about me or what they don’ t like about my film. At the end of the day, I’m just going to keep producing. At some point , you can’ t just keep denying stats and film.” Medica is a throwback receiver — physical , gritty, tough, no-nonsense — as fond of blocking as he is scoring a touchdown. How many kids today would play on a sprained

28 \\ L AMA R C I S D \\ S E P T 2022 \\ L C I S D . o rg

\\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I R A N G E R S ’ C R U Z H O N O R S L A T E G R A N D P A T H R O U G H F O O T B A L L GRAMPS P L AY I NG FOR

playing the position.

ON JASON CRUZ’S RIGHT ARM IS A TATTOO. IT READS DATES IN ROMAN NUMERALS IN MEMORY OF HIS LATE GRANDPA, DANIEL YBARBO. Ybarbo introduced the Terry senior to football. Cruz loves the game, especially quar terbacking, because of all those Sundays when he and Ybarbo would watch the Texans. Or when they ’d watch the NFL Draft every spring, dissecting picks. When they weren’ t watching football , the two would play catch in the backyard. “Anything that had to do with football , we did it together,” Cruz said. Ybarbo passed away when Cruz was in the eighth grade. The two idolized Texans great Andre Johnson. Cruz wore Johnson’s number 80 when he played Little League. “He was the one who told me to pay attention to the players and watch how they did things,” Cruz said. “Any little thing that happened, he’d take the time to explain to me about why or how it happened. That ’s how I learned the game of football.” Cruz is skilled as a runner and passer, though generally more comfor table running the ball than throwing it . Last season—his first as a varsity quar terback after playing varsity as a sophomore receiver— he completed 47 of 102 passes for 553 yards and eight touchdowns to four interceptions. Cruz worked tirelessly this offseason on his passing. He already has the running par t down. One thing he also has is a passion that comes for

“Gotta love everything that comes with playing QB. I love it ,” he said. “I try my best to just let the game come to me. It ’s always a nervous feeling before every game but I’m never scared. Playing for my brothers on the field means I have to step up. It gets me going. I just want to be the best me I can be and get to the playoffs. That ’s the ultimate goal—get this team to the playoffs.” Cruz appreciates playing for a school with the tradition Terry has. The fieldhouse is adorned with pictures, mementos and records of past Ranger greats. There is a pride that comes with putting on the red and black . “Playing at Terry, there’s definitely a lot of guys whose shoes I want to fill ,” Cruz said. “I definitely want to live up to the hype.” Terry went 4-6 last season, but Cruz said he’s never seen the team work as hard as it did during the summer and offseason. He understands that games in August , September, October and November are won in April , May, June and July. He knows there is a lot of work to accomplish. He has big plans in football. Plans that matriculated on those Sundays with grandpa. “I’d feel like I would have really done well and made the most out of everything if I’m playing football at the nex t level ,” Cruz said of where he sees himself in 10 years. “I’m hungry for a school to take a chance on me.”

L C I S D . o rg / / S E P T 2022 / / L AMA R C I S D / / 29