Mirror Sports 5-4

Sports irror How sweep it is Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Softball makes quick work on Richland in bi-district, faces Keller next

By ALEX RILEY

Midlothian will face Keller in the area round of the playoffs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. A site for the game had not been determined as of press time. For playoff details, see the Thursday edition of the Waxahachie Daily Light.

Mirror sports writer

RICHLAND – Midlothian’s softball series with Richland featured two very different games. More importantly, they resulted in one very similar outcome – wins.

On Friday the Lady Panthers got final inning dramatics via Delaney Wayland’s inside-the-park home run to walk away with a 3-2 win. About 14 hours later, the bats rolled to 11 runs and an easy 11-1 victory over the Lady Rebels. With that, Midlothian picked up the sweep and bePhoto by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Amanda Claus watches as her fourth-inning double sails into the outfield as teammate Katie Daniel scores in the background. Claus had two RBI in the team’s 11-1 win to sweep Richland in bi-district.

Murphy ready to take over

came the second team sport in school history to advance in the 5A playoffs. The boys soccer team used a 3-2 win against Euless Trinity on March 29 to become the first team to advance.

“It’s a pretty special moment just the way the year got started off, just the way everything has gone, it’s been special,” coach Frank Griffin said. “A lot of people kind of counted us out, first year in 5A and we’re here and we’re for real. We’ve got

Without skipping a beat

By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer

See MURPHY, Page 5C

See SWEEP, Page 4C

2011 Midlothian Boys Soccer Season Wrap-up

Senior preps for life on offense, as leader For a guy who only has one career start at quarterback, Bryce Murphy enters the spring practice session with a lot of expectations.

Many of the positions on the Midlothian depth chart are fluid and can change at any given moment. Murphy’s really isn’t.

He’s expected to be the starter. He’s expected to be a leader. He expects it of himself and the coaches expect it of him.

No pressure, right?

“It sounds good. I’ve got to approach it as well as I can, have the guys behind me and just learn what we’re doing,” Murphy said. “We have a whole totally new offense this year. I’m just going to go into it with an open mind and just get it done, get the job done.”

Last fall, Murphy was the back-up to school record holder Dillon Fairbanks for most of the season. Fairbanks, a two-year varsity starter, rewrote most of current Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty’s record with two prolific seasons under center.

While Fairbanks started, Murphy played defense as the starting safety en route to earning second-team all-district honors at the position.

That was then. This is now.

With Fairbanks gone, the quarterback reins are Murphy’s to lose. Most of last

as good a chance as anyone to step up and get it done.”

A freshman who has seen her playing skyrocket due to injuries and line-up changes, Wayland stole the show Friday night with her bottom of the seventh heroics. With the game tied at 2-2, Wayland launched a ball to the outfield and proceeded to race around the bases for a home run that capped a thrilling game.

Wayland’s shot might have won the game but it was the pitching effort of senior Megan Spence that kept the Lady Panthers in contention. Though she did allow the two runs on eight hits, Spence managed to get out of big jams by striking out 12 Richland batters on the night.

After that effort, Midlothian was look-

After a list of off-season changes, Mirror sports writer Alex Riley sits down with boys soccer coach Austin Guest to discuss the 2011 success, what the Panther program has accomplished and where it is headed

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Keeping the Panther soccer program at a high level was no easy task for Austin Guest in the team’s first season as a 5A but he did it.

Q.

You turned your attention this season primarily on the boys after coaching both teams since your arrival with at Midlothian. How did you feel about the transition? Do you like how things worked this year?

A.

Focused more on the boys, not solely. I’m still in there with the girls. I think it gave me a chance to get a little more in-depth with some of the things I wanted to do with the boys team and gave Sid (Danner) a chance to do the same thing with the girls. The fact that we’re still all involved with everything is a huge factor in us continuing to be successful I believe.

Complete look at the Panthers earning all-district on page 3C to fill. Adding to that, you moved to 5A presenting a new set of obstacles to overcome.

Could you have imagined the season playing out like this? Are you satisfied with how things panned out?

A.

I was pleased that we made the playoffs. I don’t think that we should have won district. I think that we could have won district and I wish we would have put those results out there and managed to win that district championship so that first 5A district championship was eludLooking back at last year’s team, ing us and that’s something I’d really like to you lost a lot of very talented se- get. With the number of kids that graduated nior players and had a lot of holes and the move to 5A, I think it was a pretty successful season.

We got a good win in the playoffs. We lost a playoff game that was a lot tighter than the scoreline says.

We probably should have had a penalty kick, we hit the post twice and then that team, Plano, goes on loses the regional final in overtime to Southlake Carroll.

I think that on our best day we’re able to compete with anybody who is a 5A school. I think our problem is being able to compete consistently, Tuesday and Friday, game-in and Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror game-out, every sinWhen Brett Hames’ shot notched the go-ahead goal in gle game. If we can Midlothian’s playoff game, it was cause for a dogpile cel- do that, maybe we ebration. can get that first 5A

Q.

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

A year removed from being an all-district safety, Bryce Murphy will transition into the quarterback role for Midlothian.

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Emigdio Arvizu was one of the many seniors who stepped up to play major roles despite limited previous varsity experience.

district championship and push further in the playoffs.

Q.

By virtue of the 3-2 win against Euless Trinity, the boys soccer team became the first program in Midlothian school history to win a 5A playoff game. Has that fact hit the team yet? Do they see the historical significance?

A.

I think that sunk in really well with the guys. I think that as soon as they did it we got that. But they’re See BOYS, Page 4C

Sports

2C Midlothian Mirror, Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Alex Riley, Sports Writer 469-517-1456 | alex.riley@wninews.com

Perfect approach

Golf standout Taylor signs with junior college

By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Destiny Berry’s family and coaches look on as the senior signs her letter of intent to play at Valdosta State next season.

Simply peachy Berry takes volleyball talents to Georgia school

By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer

Georgia was definitely on Destiny Berry’s mind.

After a dominant volleyball career at Midlothian, the standout senior carefully weighed her college options before ultimately deciding on attending Valdosta State in Georgia. It’s a long way from home, just how she wanted it.

“All my school choices were all far away. None of them were in state. I’ve been wanting to leave Texas for a long time,” Berry said.

Since her arrival on the varsity scene, Berry has been an impact player for the Lady Panthers, helping establish a presence on the front line. As a sophomore, she earned a District 16-4A superlative as co-middle blocker of the year. During her junior season, Berry was tabbed all-district once again this time as a second-teamer in District 16-4A. Following the graduation of several seniors, Berry saw her role on the front increase even more.

She responded by bringing home first-team all-district honors her senior season while helping lead the Lady Panthers to within a game of claiming the District 5-5A title.

With her 6-foot frame and towering vertical leap, Berry was bound for college. She just didn’t know which one.

After looking at schools in the southwest, she took a trip to Valdosta State and immediately found a home. Though she is normally a soft spoken kid who lets her play do the talking, Berry made it clear she wanted to branch out

and try a new part of the country.

Midlothian coach Rhonda Currey believes Berry has found the right place.

“She took the trip up there and fell in love with it and liked it. I think she’s going to fit in with their program well,” Currey said.

“She’s going to bring some height that they need and she’s going to be a dominating force at the beginning. I’m excited to see her really blossom and take off in college.”

Berry figures to be a factor in the Valdosta rotation this fall as the Blazers have just two players that clear the 6-foot plateau. She will be the team’s new native Texan as McAllen product Emelia Saulter just graduated.

While there are still a lot of things left to play out before the start of the collegiate volleyball season, Berry has her mind set to go in and challenge for playing time with the veterans but knows she will get her shot eventually.

All she wants is the chance to shine in a new environment. With any luck, it won’t take long for that to happen.

“I’ll be playing middle. It just depends on how I come in and how everybody else who is already in there does,” Berry said. “(My goal is) just to play great I guess.”

Cody Taylor spent the last few seasons raising the expectation level of the Midlothian boys golf program.

Now, he’s aiming for that same result at the collegiate level.

Flanked by his family and coaches, Taylor signed a letter of intent to attend Texarkana College next fall continuing a career that has been one of the strongest in the program’s history.

“It feels great. I can’t wait to get out there and show them what I’ve got and hopefully come out on top and just make sure I keep my game together, show the team that I’m here to help,” Taylor said.

Taylor made big waves last season when the then-junior qualified for state as a medalist after a strong individual showing at regionals.

He became the first male golfer in Midlothian history to reach the state tournament. In Austin, Taylor placed fifth individually setting the stage for a much hyped senior season.

When Midlothian moved to 5A, those expectations didn’t change as Taylor was ranked the No. 1 golfer in 5A Region I at the start of the season winning three tournament championships and playing seven rounds of golf under par for the season. He advanced to regionals as a medalist again, finishing two strokes away from qualifying for state for the second-straight season.

Now Taylor will get a chance to improve his game at the junior college level before moving on to a Division I program. The senior had been in talks with several top-tier schools but chose to get his academics in order at a junior college before moving on to the highest level of golf. He figures to be one of the top junior college golfers in the country whenever he decides to make his move.

For Midlothian coach Brant Bennett, seeing his best player move on was a bittersweet moment but one that showcased just how far the Panther program has come because of Taylor’s presence.

“He’s just elevated my program so much. When you have a young man like him that other young kids are looking up to and they aspire to

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

After a stellar career in both 4A and 5A, golfer Cody Taylor will play a few seasons in the junior college ranks before moving on to a D-I school. do what he’s done, he’s just made a tremendous improvement to the program,” Bennett said.

Taylor now begins a bit of a waiting process as he works to hone his game and get his basics in the classroom knocked out all while sorting out which school he will call home after his time at Texarkana.

Wherever the road takes him, Taylor is prepared to keep doing what he does best – play golf.

“I’m just going to treat it like every other round, another day on the course. Just go out and play my game and just concentrate on that,” Taylor said.

Contact Alex at alex.riley@ wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.

Contact Alex at alex.riley@ wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.

Photo by Gary Puckett/Special to the Mirror

Destiny Berry, a three-time all-district selection, will be a middle blocker for the Blazers.

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Surrounded by his family and coaches, Cody Taylor signed his letter of intent to play at Texarkana College.

Goals within arms’ length for Tockhorn

Senior pitcher signs with junior college

By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer

Stand next to Daniel Tockhorn and you’ll quickly realize just how daunting his size is. The Midlothian baseball player clears the 6-foot-5 mark with ease. Now, imagine that vertical obstacle staring you down from the pitching mound.

That’s exactly what Tockhorn will be doing when he makes the move to Northeast Texas Community College next season.

“I’m just going to go play and do what I do. It’s great to keep doing

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Standing 6-foot-5, Daniel Tockhorn became one of the top relief pitchers for Midlothian this season.

after high school. Can’t wait to see where it takes me in life,” Tockhorn said.

Over the course of the season, Tockhorn has developed into one of the Panthers’ top relief pitchers. He has one of the team’s three saves while commanding a 3.97 ERA in 12plus innings pitched. His 14 strikeouts are fifth-highest on the team and he is one of just two players with 10plus innings pitched averaging more than a strikeout per inning.

While pitching has been his primary role this season, Tockhorn has also swung the bat fairly well in pinch hit situations. Of his four hits, two were doubles and the third was a triple. He had two RBI. With his size and strength, it was no surprise that a college was willing to take a shot on Tockhorn as his physical tools only figure to improve with the right training. Midlothian coach Ray Hydes was proud of the senior for his work this season as the team’s closer but believes his real success will come as he gets more training.

“I think he can fit in in any direction whether it’s closer or starting. I just think he’s going to have a lot of success in college. Once he grows into his body and matures a little bit Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

With his family and coaches looking on, Midlothian senior pitcher Daniel Tockhorn signed his See SIGN, Page 5C letter of intent to play baseball at Northeast Texas Community College.

Sports

Alex Riley, Sports Writer 469-517-1456 | alex.riley@wninews.com

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 Midlothian Mirror 3C

Boys soccer picks up 12 all-district honors

Emigdio Arvizu Utility player of the year

John Schoonover First-team all-district

Brett Hames First-team all-district

Leevi Schwartz First-team all-district

Isaac Arrington First-team all-district

Scott Hayden Second-team all-district

Brian Robertson Second-team all-district

Parker Ellis Second-team all-district

Kyle Markwardt Second-team all-district

Matthew Robertson Honorable mention

Laurence Chamberlain Honorable mention

Preston Haught Honorable mention Photos by Alex Riley and Amy Nutt/The Mirror

Sports

4C Midlothian Mirror, Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Alex Riley, Sports Writer 469-517-1456 | alex.riley@wninews.com

Baseball team falls short of playoff berth

Regular season loss to Mansfield, play-in game loss to Grand Prairie end season

By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer

A late-season surge put the Midlothian baseball team in position to clinch a playoff spot on Saturday by virtue of a play-in game against Grand Prairie.

Sadly, the run ended there.

After falling to Mansfield 11-1 on Friday, the Panther bats struggled against the Gophers resulting in a 3-1 loss to end the season. The loss means Midlothian will miss the playoffs for the first time in almost a decade.

“It’s been a while here at Midlothian since we haven’t been in the playoffs and I know these guys did a good job Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Coach Ray Hydes and his Midlothian baseball team rallied from an early hole in the first half of the season to get back into playoff contention. The Panthers had a win-to-get-in game against Grand Prairie on Saturday in Duncanville but fell just short in a 3-1 game to finish the season as the fifth place team in 5-5A.

of fighting back,” coach Ray Hydes said.

“We just told them that we love them and that we believed in them. Our seniors carried the torch on our leadership and sometimes in this game things don’t bounce your way. Unfortunately this year we didn’t get a whole lot of breaks, things didn’t go our way and it caught up with us at the end.”

Friday’s loss to Mansfield snapped a four-game win streak and left the Panthers wondering if they’d get a chance to redeem themselves. Grand Prairie’s loss to South Grand Prairie meant the two teams were tied for fourth, forcing a play-in situation between the two teams at Duncanville.

As has been the case much of the season, Midlothian (13-16-1) fell prey to field mistakes that extended the inning and resulted in crucial runs. Starting pitcher Blaine Blackburn held the Gophers to five hits on the day but three fielding errors could not keep Grand Prairie off the scoreboard. All three errors in the field eventually resulted in runs that put the necessary distance up.

The Panthers responded with a lackluster offensive day and several base

Boys

Sweep

hungry for more because it’s a group that’s been to the regional semifinals the last two years.

It’s hard to swallow going out in the area game. By the same token, they know that they can get a win in the playoffs in 5A and hopefully that’s something that helps everybody else in the school because we’ve done it, that monkey’s off our back.

Midlothian’s got a playoff win in 5A which is something you want to get done as soon as you can.

ing to give some help to Spence in the circle on Saturday. Whatever switch was flipped from Friday to Saturday sparked an immediate change.

“From the moment we got in the cages (Saturday) morning you could just tell we were ready, we wanted this so bad,” freshman Katie Daniel said.

“We knew we still had another chance if we made a mistake on this game but we didn’t want it, we didn’t want to give them that little glimmer of hope.”

At the onset, the Lady Panther bats came out swinging as Amanda Claus’ triple plated the first run of the day.

Reagan Luedtke tacked on the next run with a sac fly. Daniel broke the previously tight game with a pinch hit triple to plate two more runs.

From there, Claus added her second RBI of the game with a double, Kacy Williams plated two run on two bunt attempts that were thrown away, Luedtke got her second RBI with a single and Savannah Valderas brought home two with a single. In all, Midlothian got eight hits on the day of which three were triples and two were doubles.

“I’m glad the team put it together.

We finally started hitting (Richland’s pitcher),” Claus said. “(Friday) we were popping up, hitting little weak ground balls. We definitely adjusted to her today.”

The reward for a quick sweep of Richland – an area round match-up with No. 6 state-ranked Keller on Friday.

Following the Saturday game, coaches from both teams met to decide on the specifics of the battle which will be a one-game, winner-take-all scenario at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Details of where the game will be played had not been finalized as of press time.

With a strong start to the playoffs, the Lady Panthers were upbeat and optimistic about what’s ahead of them.

“It’s exciting. I love playoffs and I think we just kicked their butt,” Spen-

Continued from Page 1C

Q. A. Q.

Once again, you lose some key guys from this year’s team and you’ve now seen your 5A district one time through. Do your expectations for next spring change at all?

A.

I always expect more so I think that next year if we can do what we need to do and we manage to play ourselves into a favorable playoff draw, we’ve got a chance to do better than we did this year. I can say, and I’m sure people would argue with me, but I’m relatively cer-

Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews. com or at 469-517-1456.

Continued from Page 1C

This group of guys did so much for the soccer program over the last few years. What kind of legacy do they leave behind?

I think they leave behind, as the quinsessentially, transition group from 4A to 5A, they leave behind the expectation that going to 5A is not an excuse for failure. It’s just an opportunity to continue to succeed at a more difficult level.

running mistakes. A would-be sacrifice fly didn’t happen after a runner at third failed to tag up while a missed sacrifice bunt kept a runner off third just moments before a passed ball would have allowed him to score.

“We had runners at second and third with one out in several key situations and we’re in a 2-1, 3-1 game, we get a hit and we tie it up. We’d just get a strikeout or hit the ball hard and we’d just make a couple base running mistakes,” Hydes said.

For the game, Midlothian did manage to out hit the Gophers, 6-5, but couldn’t string anything together.

Those little things added up for a frustrating finish that left the team on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.

“That’s the things that don’t happen that you can look back at. I just didn’t feel like we played as well defensively and for sure at the plate. We just ran into some decent pitching and good pitching beats good hitting every time,” Hydes said.

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Moving John Schoonover to defense was a big turning point this season for the Midlothian soccer team. Schoonover is one of the senior leaders who will be missed next season.

tain that our route, our bracket to 5A regional playoffs is easily the most difficult one in the state. That’s all there is to it.

You can look at every team’s success over the last several years and say, ‘OK, those brackets with 5, 6, 7, 8, that’s the toughest route you have to get there.’ That’ll be brutal but if we can do it, if we can get through that bracket, we can do anything.

Freshman football orientation dates, info

Freshman football orientation will take place from 5:30-7 p.m on May 12 at the high school practice field. Attendees will meet the freshman coaches, learn expectations and discipline, procedures, schedules and do facility tours during this time.

For more information on orientation or pick up registration forms, contact the MISD athletic office at 972-775-8174.

Pantherette spring show

The Midlothian Pantherette’s will be putting on a spring show at 7 p.m. May 6 and 7 at the high school auditorium. Tickets for the show are $9.

A silent auction will be held both nights with bids running both nights. Interested bidders will be able to place their bids before the show and at intermission. Winners do not need to be present and will be contacted if they won a prize.

MHS summer basketball training and workouts

Offseason basketball programs for both the girls and boys teams at Midlothian are in the process of getting ready for the summer. This program is open to all current players and any incoming freshman planning to play basketball next season.

Cost of the training will be tournament registration fees and jerseys with nearly all practices to be conducted during open gyms at the high school. Spring league tournaments won’t be identified until later in March when all

Sports Happenings

state playoffs are finished. Tournaments will start before school lets out and run throughout the summer.

Along with players, organizers are looking for team coordinators and coaches to help out.

The hope is to have three boy and three girl teams for work this summer.

For more information, contact Karl Drusch at kdrusch@psgjets.com.

For more information, contact Daniel Trevino at 972-935-0058 or Joe Camarillo at 972-937-6670.

Soccer booster club

Midlothian ISD sports summer camp dates

The Midlothian soccer booster club will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. on May 16. The program’s end of season banquet is slated for May 5.

Midlothian Tennis Association spring events

The Midlothian Tennis Association will be holding a block party at the tennis complex on May 14. Also, spring sessions are currently underway with different leagues every night for all ages.

For more details, see the MTA website at www.midtennis.org

Mens benefit softball tourney

The 13th annual Cinco de Mayo District 35 qualifier men’s softball tournament will be held Saturday, May 7, at the Waxahachie Sports Complex. Entry fee is $175.

ASA rules will apply and there will be a limit of four home runs per game. Teams must provide their own balls. Team trophy’s will be awarded for first-third place teams. All proceeds from the tournament will go to the Joel Ramirez family.

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

In two games against Richland, senior pitcher Megan Spence picked up 20 strikeouts. ce said of the Richland series. “This is Contact Alex at alex.riley@ good for us to go on to the next round.” wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.

Brandon Palady tourney

Registration for the fifth annual Brandon Palady 4v4 Tournament is May 22. The tournament will be June 10-12.

The Midlothian ISD athletic department has released its list of summer camps for this summer. Six different sports will host campers of all ages.

June 6 -9 Baseball - Contact: Ray Hydes Ages 7-10 will be from 9 a.m.-noon and ages 11-14 will be from 2-5 p.m.

Soccer - Contact: Austin Guest Grades kindergarten to fifth-grade (girls and boys) will be from 8:30-11 a.m and boys in grades sixth to ninth-grade will be from 1-3:30 p.m.

Football - Contact: Jimmy Spradley First to sixth-grades will be from 5:30-8:00 pm June 13-16 Boys basketball - Contact: Glenn Hartson Grades third through fifth will be from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and grades sixth through ninth will be from 1-4 p.m.

Soccer - Contact: Austin Guest Grades kindergarten to fifth-grade (girls and boys) will be from 8:30-11 a.m and girls in grades sixth to ninth-grade will be from

1-3:30 p.m.

Golf - Contact: Brant Bennett The camp is open to golfers from ages 6-18 and will be from 9-11 a.m. at Tangle Ridge Golf Camp.

June 20-23 Girls basketball - Contact: Brooke Walthall Grades third through sixth will be from 9 a.m.-noon and seventh- to ninth-grade will be from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

July 25-28 Volleyball - Contact: Rhonda Currey Grades third to eighth will be from 8:30 -11:30 a.m. with ninth-graders going from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

July 25, 27-29 (No camp on Tuesday) Football - Contact: Jimmy Spradley Grades seventh to ninth from 5:30-8 p.m.

All registration flyers and information can be found online at www.midlothian-isd.net/ athletics.

Junior Panther Club

Any youngster looking to join the Junior Panther Club can find more information by visiting Midlothian’s athletic department Website at www.midlothian-isd.net/athletics.

The club is open to all students in sixth-grade or younger.

Got a sports happening in the Midlothian area or for all of Ellis County? Send it to sports writer Alex at alex.riley@wninews. com.

Sports

Alex Riley, Sports Writer 469-517-1456 | alex.riley@wninews.com

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 Midlothian Mirror 5C

Spring football notebook

Finding replacements With high player turnover on defense, fresh faces fill open voids

By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Beachey Sutton spent the first day of practice playing the spot held by former Panther and Division I signee Eric Agbaroji at corner. Graduation has left the Midlothian roster depleted and looking for new players to step up.

Murphy Continued from Page 1C

year’s starters on both sides of the ball are gone due to graduation. Murphy is one of the few seasoned varsity players returning and even though he’s changing posi-

tions coach Lee Wiginton has those expectations set high.

Still, it doesn’t mean a little competition isn’t in order.

“He being the senior should win it. He has the most experience, he’s the oldest but there’s two more that I think have a very good shot. It’ll be a good battle all spring I think,” Wiginton said.

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Bryce Murphy hands the ball off to a teammate during Midlothian’s first day of spring practice last week. Murphy is the incumbent quarterback this season a year after playing a major role on the Panther defense.

Imagine walking onto a practice field, being told to play a position once held by a player who signed with a Division I, nationally ranked football program and having that player stand on the sideline watching your every move.

That could very well be how Beachey Sutton’s varsity career at Midlothian begins. And in many regards, he’s not alone.

While Eric Agbaroji, a defensive back who signed with Boise State, might be the most high profile name gone from the Panther program the laundry list of slots to fill is no less important. Six alldistrict selections are gone not to mention the emotional team leaders.

“Really it’s really hard because a lot of guys, a lot of seniors that were really important last year like P-Nut (Victor Gonzales) and Eric and Gage (Windsor) are gone,” Sutton said. “Right now they’ve got me filling Eric’s spot so I’m trying my best to fill his spot the best that I can. Trying to play it as hard as I can.”

Other defenses across the Metroplex are gearing up for spring practice as well. They’ll address some areas of need, plug in some holes and begin working on the defensive scheme they plan to employ this fall.

Midlothian defensive coordinator Chris King wishes that’s what he was doing.

With 33 seniors gone from last season, King isn’t worried about schemes and play calling. He’s worried about depth charts and starters. When practice opened Monday, the only players on the defensive side of the ball with prior varsity experience who were able to suit up were Slater Gravens, Michael Glenn, Kendall Jackson and Tre Peace.

“Usually when you go into a spring you kind of have a new scheme or something that you want to look at that you may have picked up somewhere and see how it fits. We’re not really doing that this spring because we don’t know who is where,” King said. “We’re playing a lot of people at a lot of different positions and just trying to see who can play the game and who can’t.”

Much like Murphy last season, the back-up quarterbacks will be asked to play some other role on the football field, possibly at receiver or in the defensive secondary.

Wiginton stresses the need for reserves, especially those hoping to assume quarterback roles someday, to see plenty of action while they wait their turn. Experience at the varsity level can’t be fully simulated at practice making time spent on the field Friday nights all the more important.

Meanwhile, Murphy won’t have to worry about being a defensive player any more, allowing him to focus solely on the offensive aspects of the game. That in itself will be far from easy.

Along with that totally new playbook he discussed, the senior signal caller inherits an extremely bare cupboard of offensive weapons in terms of varsity experience.

Of the 12 players who caught a pass last season, only two are returning and one of them is Murphy. The other is running back Justin Seeton who caught 20 passes for 185 yards and two scores.

All the other players on that list either graduated or did not return to football this season making for a lot of adjustments in the spring practice session.

It’s a job Murphy doesn’t mind because both sides are still relatively new to the situation. Even with just a few hours of practice in the books, he’s already begun working on developing that chemistry that will be crucial to success this fall.

“We’ve got a couple new guys but we’re getting our timing down. There’s still some little bumps in the road but overall we’re getting it done,” Murphy said. “Right now I can say it’s less pressure but I guess during the season we’ll see how that happens.”

Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469517-1456.

Spring practice dates May 4 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 5 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 6 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 9 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 10 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 11 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 12 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 13 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 17 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 18 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 19 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 20 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 24 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 25 (4-6:40 p.m.)

May 27 Spring Game

The freshman teams will practice in the morning with a freshman spring game at the MISD Stadium slated for May 26.

The good news for King and the Panther defense is that those new faces will be coming from the sub-varsity level where they experienced some success last season. Not only that but they’ll hit another teenage growth spurt in that 16-17-year-old range meaning some players will get bigger, stronger and faster over the summer.

Ultimately, it leaves a lot of sorting out to do. And it leaves players like Sutton with a big opportunity to grab ahold of.

His biggest hope is to get in game shape quickly and impress the coaching staff enough to earn a slot on that varsity roster. It’s a tough challenge but he knows he’s not alone.

“You’ve just got to go out there and have the mindset to do it, do your best at it. That’s what I’m trying to do,” Sutton said. “Everybody’s out of shape. I’m out of shape and they’ve got me playing a lot. It’s a lot of running I’ve got to do so I’ve got to get back in shape. Once I get back in shape I’ll be able to get the flow

for it again.”

A golden opportunity

Since Wiginton’s last spring, the coaching staff has instituted motivational tools as a way to get players excited about doing their job. Last season, helmet stickers after practice were awarded in recognition of a job well done.

For the spring, there will a competition for a gold jersey awarded at the end of each practice to the most physical player that day. The jersey can be won by anyone on the field and can be won by the same player multiple times. Rising senior Michael Glenn won the first jersey given out after the first practice.

Injury report

Midlothian’s depth will suffer in the spring due to injury recovery from several key players. Linebacker Jarmon Jackson had off-season wrist surgery to fix ligament damage dating back to two seasons ago and will not be available again until the start of two-a-days this fall.

Joining Jackson on the injury list due to surgery are defenders Will Marks and Jesse Rios. Marks had surgery on his arm in the off-season but was at the first practice in a jersey and helmet but did limited work. Rios continues to rehab from knee surgery and wore ice on his knee at practice after working the knee out earlier in the day.

Offensive lineman Myron Hanson is sidelined with a shoulder injury but hopes to return to action before the end of spring practice.

There was some good news at practice as both Justin and Dustin Seeton were in action. Justin, the district sophomore of the year last season, has recovered from a hand injury sustained in the Mansfield Timberview game last season and was the primary running back for much of the first practice. Dustin, his twin brother, sat out last season with a back injury but has been cleared to play this spring.

Both players ran on the track team this season.

Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews. com or at 469-517-1456.

Basketball champions

Submitted photo

This group of young basketball players claimed the fourth-grade championship for the Midlothian recreational league a few weeks ago.

The team consisted of, front row from left, Christian, Sean, Landon, second row from left, Jace, Coach Lance, Noah, Dylan, Coach Jacob, Coach Greg, Jakob and Cody.

Sign

Continued from Page 2C good things are going to happen,” Hydes said. “He’s got a great frame and just has to work, that’s the bottom line.

I’m excited about his potential and it’ll be good for him.”

Tockhorn isn’t quite sure what his pitching role will be at Northeast but he does know one thing – he is go-

ing to pitch in some form or fashion. The junior college program in Mt. Pleasant has informed Tockhorn he will be on the mound from the time he arrives on campus making his transition to the college game a quick one.

With plenty of opportunities to shine, Tockhorn has set a goal to do one thing – impress someone enough to earn his way on to the next bigger and better platform.

Whatever lies ahead, the

lanky hurler is ready for it.

“Right off the bat they want me to start pitching, I won’t have to redshirt my freshman year, just go out there and start,” Tockhorn said. “Hopefully (I’ll) get drafted or go to a four-year (school) at least.

Figure out which way it goes from there.”

Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469517-1456.

Coming next week...

Details of the 5A Region I track meet in Lubbock

Sports

6C Midlothian Mirror, Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Alex Riley, Sports Writer 469-517-1456 | alex.riley@wninews.com

Continuing the tradition Senior golfer Chalmers caps dream stretch with signing to Adams State

By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer

Photo special to the Mirror

Days after playing the 5A Region I golf tournament in Lubbock, Midlothian senior Taylor Chalmers signed with Adams State.

When it comes to the Midlothian girls golf program, there is a tradition in place where girls come in, improve their game and find their way on to a college roster. Taylor Chalmers’ signing last week kept that tradition alive and well.

Chalmers, one of the senior leaders on this year’s Lady Panther roster, capped an exciting three-week stretch by signing her letter of intent to play college golf at Adams State College in Colorado.

For Chalmers, the move out of Texas was a goal she set and couldn’t be happier to reach.

“I’ve always loved the state of Colorado and it’s really the only choice I had for going out of state,” Chalmers said with a laugh. “I didn’t consider any other places. Colorado was my only choice. It was either Colorado or Texas.”

After the Lady Panthers hit a bump in the road last season, Chalmers was one of the players in the program determined to get the team back on track.

By the end of the year, she had helped the team do just that.

Chalmers and the Lady

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

With her signing to Adams State College as her family looks on, Midlothian senior Taylor Chalmers becomes the latest in a long list of female golfers to continue their careers at the college level.

Panthers capped their efforts with a second-place finish at the District 5-5A golf tournament, the program’s first 5A meet, earning a spot at the 5A Region I tournament in Lubbock. Midlothian struggled in day one competition at Lubbock but rallied back to finish 12th as a team. The regional berth marked the ninth time in the last 10 years that the Midlothian girls golf team has advanced to regionals.

Along the way, Chalmers and her teammates all averaged scores in the 80s for the season, setting a school record. Her success on the course helped Chalmers get noticed by the Division II program, which quickly worked to make her a part of their program.

Midlothian coach Brant Bennett was more than happy for his senior but not surprised that the opportunity had pre-

sented itself.

“The tradition that’s been set for a while with the girls, like Taylor, is that’s the expectation now is that they’re going to go on and play college golf,” Bennett said. “When they come in, that’s what they expect to do. She’s just going to help grow that as well.”

While she might be moving on to the next level of competition, Chalmers hopes to have left a small impact on the Lady Panther program in two ways – that the team can compete at the 5A level and that college golf is a dream that can be realized.

Chalmers believes the program is in good shape to keep winning and keep producing talent. She’s just glad to have helped add to that legacy.

“It feels amazing. It just shows how much our team is growing and putting forth effort and how competitive that we all can be,” Chalmers said.

“If we see a goal that we want, we will go after it. All of us, not only myself, are all capable of it.”

Contact Alex at alex.riley@ wninews.com or at 469-5171456.

Richards ready to take center court

Senior set for individual career at Schreiner

By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Midlothian’s Isaac Arrington was excited to sign his letter of intent to play soccer for Virginia Wesleyan with his family and coaches looking on.

Whole new world

Arrington prepared for competition in Virginia, life on coast

By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer

Isaac Arrington is ready for an adventure, a journey into the unknown.

Virginia seems like a good place to start.

Arrington, a senior soccer standout for the Midlothian boys program, signed his letter of intent last week to continue his career at Virginia Wesleyan College. After a lifetime spent in Texas, the outgoing Arrington was looking to shake things up.

“It’s easy being a high school student, you can go home, sit in front of the refrigerator, eat all you want and have no worries in the world,” Arrington said. “I’ve just been in DeSoto and Midlothian my whole life and I just want to branch out and explore the world, go see what else is out there. I’m a curious guy. I just want to go explore and see what else is going on.”

Over the last few seasons, Arrington has spent his time on the soccer field making a big impact in whatever way he could. Last year, he was a reserve who came off the bench to provide a spark in certain situations but a senior-heavy roster limited his role.

This year, he earned a few starts but became primarily known for his play off the bench. Against Mansfield Timberview at home this season, Arrington came off the bench to score two goals while adding an assist and was dragged down to set up a penalty shot for the fourth goal.

In the Panthers’ area playoff game against Plano, Arrington came off the bench again to help the team get back into the game before some bad

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

On more than one occasion, Isaac Arrington came off the bench to provide a muchneeded lift to the Midlothian offense. He earned first-team all-district honors this year.

luck ended the team’s run.

For coach Austin Guest, Arrington’s season was summed up in his performance against Grand Prairie on Midlothian’s senior night.

“We’re in the locker room at halftime and he takes over and says, ‘Look guys, we’re not going to lose this game. We’re going to win this game. That’s all there is to it. No excuses, no options. Failure’s not an option.’ Then went out there and led the team to a 2-1 win over Grand Prairie,” Guest said. “All season long, he has left everything he’s got on the field.”

Arrington’s talents will keep his career going long after he graduates from Midlothian. He’s just excited to be taking those talents to the east coast. Coast being the operative word.

After a childhood spent in the Metroplex, Arrington admits the idea of being near the beach is a reason he is making the move east. It’s not the only reason and not the most important one but it is an added benefit.

“Being near the beach to be honest that helped out a lot but the coaches were really genuine, they wanted me to be recruited there. They said I have a really good possible chance of starting my freshman year, which is a big plus,” Arrington said. “I just want to go a college and play. You have the big colleges which are all good but my main thing about going to college is I just want to play soccer, I just want to play the sport I love for as many years as possible.”

Contact Alex at alex.riley@ wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.

Haley Richards has always played under pressure on the tennis court. Why should her college experience be any different?

Richards signed her letter of intent to play collegiate tennis at Schreiner University in Kerrville last week becoming the first tennis player from Midlothian to sign in more than five years. After a lengthy recruiting process, the senior was just glad to have the decision out of the way.

“I feel like I’ve lifted a weight off my shoulders. I have that taken care of,” Richards said with a smile.

Signing was the easy part.

When next season starts, that’s when the pressure will be on.

During her time at Midlothian, Richards was a highly successful singles and doubles player. She earned second-team all-district honors as a line three doubles player in the fall. In the spring, she and doubles partner Lexi Hendrix placed third in district for the second-straight season earning alternate status for the regional meet.

Now Richards gets to see what she can accomplish as an individual as the Schriener program will give her the opportunity to battle for one of the top three singles spots on the team. Coupled with a high course load, Richards is ready for the challenge.

“I got recruited as their No. 2 girl and I’m also doing the nursing program so that should be fun,” Richards said.

For varsity tennis coaching assistant Greg Owen, the signing was the first he’s seen at the school in his first few years and a positive sign of things to come.

His hope was that Richards’ success would encourage other tennis players to up their level of play and see that college competition is a goal that can be reached through hard work and dedication.

“It’s exciting. She’s a great player and it’s sad to see her go

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Haley Richards dominated the court over the past few seasons including earning two regional alternate statuses.

but it’s exciting to see her continue playing her tennis career,” Owen said. “Hopefully this helps future boys and girls see that college level is out there and it kind of excites them to see her go off and playing.”

For Richards, it’s a new chapter at a new level with a whole new set of goals to accomplish.

Her high school success is a point she is still very proud of but the move to college will present more obstacles to hurdle over.

To some people, that might be pressure they’re not ready to handle. Not Richards. To her, it’s just another goal she’s ready to reach.

“I feel pressure but I’m also excited because I usually play better under pressure,” she said.

“It’ll be different. Definitely.”

Contact Alex at alex.riley@ wninews.com or at 469-5171456.

Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror

Haley Richards signs with Schriener University as her family looks on. Richards will go into the school competing for the No. 2 individual slot on the roster.