Cougar Closeup • Fall 2023

COUGAR CLOSE UP

#SUCCESSFORALL WE ARE

COUGAR NATION

JARRELL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS FALL 2022 JHS.JARRELLISD.ORG

Where Community Starts

Proud to support our Jarrell ISD students, athletes, teachers, and coaches! Have a great year, Cougars!

SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Mission Statement

We believe that an exemplary athletic program is an extension of the classroom. As such, athletics offers students an opportunity to develop and grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The positive benefits that participation in athletics offers includes, but are not limited to self-esteem, self-discipline, self- confidence, problem solving, and the development of team spirit. Further, participants learn the values associated with competition and benefit from the experience of both winning and losing.

For the participating athletes, these experiences provide an integral part of the foundation needed to be a productive citizen capable of leading a full and enriching life. We teach it is the process and details that lead to success.

Superintendent • Dr. Toni Hicks

Welcome back to our students and staff for the 2022-23 school year. We are excited to continue our work in promoting success for all. As a fast-growth community, JISD is pleased to welcome an additional 70+ teachers to support more than 700 new students. With these enrollment increases, we are thankful to our community for approving the 2021 bond package, which provides a new elementary school and adds updated/increased classroom space to all our campuses.

This year we will be building on the great gains our students and staff made in academics last year, including an increase in CTE industry-based certifications. We are also proud that the addition of seven advanced academic courses improved our participation in advanced placement exams from 19 to 124 students. As well, our SAT participation increased from 21 to 309 students, PSAT participation from 139 to 552, and the number of students graduating with dual credit from Austin Community College also increased.

We look forward to this coming school year and many new and engaging courses, clubs, and activities in store for our students Tango Flight, dance team, University of Texas On-ramps, middle school Ag classes, maker space, design and technology, and leadership/career explorations, to name just a few.

We recognize parent and community engagement is essential to creating a school district that is most responsive to the needs of our students. We recently launched a teacher mentor program that partners retired educators with new teachers. Our teachers work extremely hard, and interacting with these experienced, successful individuals will provide guidance and encouragement for our new staff. We also encourage parents to join the PTO or participate in extracurricular activities. As often as parents and community members are on campus to support student achievement, they will enjoy helping our next generation find their path.

JHS Principal • Andrew Maddox

Welcome back Cougars!

Schools are about people, connections, and generating memorable experiences, and my intention this year is to build on the many qualities that enhance our Cougar pride. We will focus on building our community connections and bridging the relationships that make a strong school.

Jarrell has a strong and committed staff who work tirelessly to provide a quality educational experience for our students. We expect to see a number of upward trends at Jarrell High School this year. Along with a strong performance in athletics, we also have high expectations for band, and one-act-play. Our one-act-play staff recently wrote a play for OAP competition. We are also excited to see growing numbers in our Career and Technology Education offerings in which students can earn industry certifications. Academically, we have added University of Texas On-ramps offerings in which students will be able to earn high school and college credits.

I look forward to seeing our community members at events and appreciate your support of our Jarrell High School students.

GO COUGARS!

Owner’s Representative for JISD

The Future of Public Construction

MEET NICK SPINETTO

As Director of Communications for JISD, I work to ensure you have all the information you need about the school district. My department does this via district and campus websites, social media, public information requests, email, and telling stories about what's happening in our district.

I began working at Jarrell ISD in January 2022 and it's been a terrific experience. Before moving to Jarrell, I worked at Bastrop ISD for five years where I was the Communications Coordinator.

I started my career in journalism, however. For 13 years, I worked at television stations across the country most recently at Fox 7 Austin. Television is a demanding job, so when I started my family, I transitioned to a career with family-friendly hours.

I have four amazing kids who keep me busy.

Thank You to Our Board Members

President

Athletic Director • Marty Murr

into the 2022-2024 realignment we will face some new competition in district and regional play. I am very excited about the 2022-2023 school year. We have a tremendous coaching staff that brings enthusiasm and is student centered. Our staff has grown with our student population growth. Our athletic facilities improvements are in full swing and we hope to have all facilities finished during the 2022-2023 school year.

them to be Accountable, Dependable, and Coachable It will be exciting to see this team throughout the season.

Dear Cougars:

It is an honor to serve Jarrell ISD as Athletic Director. It is our goal to provide an athletic program that our athletes, parents, and community will be excited about. As we move

We are super excited about the 2022 football season. Our Cougars have put in a lot of work in the last year to prepare for this season. We are building a positive culture that promotes teamwork and a strong work ethic. We ask three things of our players in the program: we want

We want to thank our the JISD School Board, administration, faculty, and the JH and Elementary Campuses for all the support they show the entire athletic program. We want to thank the community of Jarrell for all the support they give the athletic department throughout the year. It takes everyone to create and maintain a great athletic department. God Bless and Go COOGS!

Coach Murr

Assistant AD • Marlena Brown

Welcome Back Cougars!

I am excited to see how each one of our athletic teams competes this school year. We have had a new district realignment for all sports, and it will be fun to see how our athletes respond to new opponents and challenges. We have a good mixture of young talent and experienced upperclassmen that should enable us to be competitive in all sports.

I am starting my 20th year at Jarrell ISD, and the lifelong relationships I have made with my students, athletes, and colleagues constantly remind me of why I chose the teaching profession. My coaching philoso-

phy is to be honest, fair, and consistent with my athletes. I encourage them to: 1) never lower standards or expectations and don’t compromise in discipline; 2) work hard and try not to stress over the things you can’t control. I strive to always stay positive and let my students know I love them regardless of wins and losses. I hope I am able to instill confidence, toughness, and resiliency in my players. I think as young women these are traits that will carry them a long way.

The best way the community can support our coaches, teams, and athletes is to come watch us play and compete. It’s much more fun for our student athletes to play their

games when the bleachers are full of fans. Our athletes and coaching staff put in so much time and hard work preparing for competitions, and it is so rewarding to have people there to cheer us on.

Coach Brown

MARTY MURR

Athletic Director Head Football Coach

Meet the Coaches

MARLENA BROWN

Assistant Athletic Director

BOBBY SUGG

Football Offensive Line

BETTY PERALTA

Athletic Administrative Assistant

ANDREW SUMNER

Football Offensive Coordinator

RODRICK JAMES

Football Defensive Coordinator

BRAD CROAK

Football Wide Receivers

DARYL JONES

Football Running Backs

MARK GARCIA

Football Safeties

TONY JIMENEZ

Football Linebackers

DEAN FITZNER

Football Linebackers

JAIME CERDA

Football Defensive Line

CLINT FRY

Football Strength

RYAN WILLIAMS

Football Head Trainer

MEGAN MURPHY

Football Kicking Assistant Cross Country

MARIAN KELSO

Volleyball Head Coach

Volleyball Assistant Coach

HOPE GIPSON

Volleyball Assistant Coach

Cross Country Head Coach

TIM KELSO

JOHN JARRETT

2022 Cougar Football Schedule

Varsity Cougar Football 2022

JALANI PRICE

JAMARION NIBBLETT

DATHAN WALKER

HAYDEN DOTSON

ETHAN MARTONE

CHRISTIAN BELTRAN

JAMES MABE

LATAVIOUS ROGERS

DAKARAI BARNES

BRAYDEN BOLYARD

TYLER JOHNSON

DANIEL FARR

MASON DOTSON

ALEK CASTRO

KAMARI FISHER

T.J. MILLER

JACQUES SPRADLEY

ANDREW KNEBEL

MALIK DAVIS

#1 #6 #14 #23

#2 #7 #17 #24

#3 #8 #18 #29

#4 #10 #21 #33

#5 #11 #22

SEBASTIAN CHORA #35

Varsity Cougar Football 2022

DYLAN PURSLEY

ISIAH FUNDENBERG

CODY CEDER

ISAIAH JAMES

MATTHEW CRAFT

ESTEBAN CRUZ

FELIPE REYES

JAHEIM NIBBLETT

JAI'TRON TATUM

CESAR JUAREZ

MORGEN PEACH

LORD BASNIGHT

SAMMY GUERRERO

MARK ARNOLD

EMMANUEL BEAULIEU

ANTAVAS ROGERS

CORBIN LEWIS

DAVID SALAS

JAYSON PRICE

#40

#55

#66 #79

#42 #57 #70 #81

#48 #60 #72 #84

#50

#63 #75 #88

#54 #65 #77

2022/2023 OUTLOOK

I am excited to see how each one of our athletic teams competes this school year. We have had a new district realignment for all sports and it will be fun to see how our athletes respond to new opponents and challenges. We have a good mixture of young talent and experienced upperclassmen that should allow us to be competitive in all sports. The Lady Cougar Basketball team qualified for the state playoffs for the 12th year in a row and is looking to continue that tradition. Our cross country and track teams are returning 2x state qualifier, Jasmine Benividez.

- Marlena Brown Assistant Athletic Director

MEET MEGAN MURPHY

Jarrell High School's Female Football Coach

Coach Megan Murphy is the kind of mentor that makes us all look like we’re moving in slow motion. On any given Friday in the fall, she coaches cross country before school, teaches advanced placement courses and heads up the social studies department all day, coaches the kicking team at the football game, then gets up early Saturday morning for a cross country meet. Not surprisingly, she was Jarrell HS Teacher of the Year in 2022. Humble to her core, Coach Murphy says, “I just feel like I’m doing my job—to be a presence for the kids as a teacher, coach, mentor, and advisor.” She also reflects on the nature of her coach-and-teacher role, “Some days it’s more about building relationships and rapport rather than skills. It boils down to communication and I relish having opportunities in the classroom and on the field. At the end of the day, it’s really about teaching them to be good people.”

Coach Murphy’s fire for sports and teaching was ignited by her grandfather, who was so well known as an educator and coach, his hometown named a school

after him. “I strive to emulate his spirit and his energy,” she says. “I have him to thank for my desire to help kids grow. It’s a calling.”

Following in his footsteps, Coach Murphy grew up playing soccer and, after college, took a teaching position with Rockdale ISD. She coached middle school athletes for two years and made her way to Jarrell in 2016 when she saw a vacancy for head girls soccer coach. In 2021, Coach Marty Murr observed her helping one of his kickers during strength and speed training and

suggested her coaching could be good for the team. Coach Murphy says, “I know how to kick a ball and I helped my brother when he was a kicker in college. It was a good opportunity for me, and it has been an adventure.”

Coach Murphy is looking forward to getting kids back on campus and working with great kickers on the field at all three levels. She says her players last season were a dream to work with. “They encourage and compete with each other, which makes for healthy competition, and they all get better ... and they make me look good,” she adds with a smile. “It’s going to be a great year because all of our players have a lot of buy-in, commitment, and they are ready to work hard.”

Head Volleyball Coach • Marian Kelso

28 YEARS COACHING

CAREER COACHING: JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL, BASEBALL, TRACK, SOFTBALL, SOCCER

What attributes do you try to instill in your players?

Several points we try to instill in our athletes that will also help them in life are teamwork, discipline, respect, character, time management, developing a goal, and how to handle adversity.

Do you have a coaching philosophy?

One of my favorite quotes is by Pat Summitt1, "They don't care how much you know, unless they know how much you care." As teachers and coaches, we must lead by example. I hope that by my actions and words, my students and athletes know I care for them, not just in the classroom or on the court or field, but most importantly, even after they graduate.

Do you have a personal hero or mentor who has impacted your coaching style?

Pat Summitt is my idol. The impact she had on her girls’ lives was amazing. Even though I did not have the opportunity to play for her, I have read the books and watched all the documentaries about her life. I had the opportunity to talk to her once while I was writing a research paper for one of my courses in college. This was prior to the Internet and Google and my college didn't have any books about her, so I called the University of Tennessee and asked a secretary if they could send me some information about her. A few days later, I got a phone call from Pat Summitt herself. Once I found my voice, I asked my questions, and then to my surprise, she asked about me my school and my family. I looked up to her before this phone call, but that one conversation where she wanted to get to know me (not a D1 recruit, just a little country girl from Texas), changed my life.

What do you do in your free time?

I love spending time with my family and traveling. My husband, Tim coaches HS volleyball and track and teaches SPED Math at Jarrell. We have two daughters; Kayla is a nurse, and Kenzie is a cosmetologist. We have one granddaughter who is the center of our world.

How can the community support you, your staff, and your athletes this year?

Show up for games home and away. Be loud and proud of these young ladies that will be putting in six days a week for the first month representing Jarrell High School. When you see these young ladies in town, at church, in the neighborhoods, acknowledge them for all their hard work and the time they will be putting into being a Lady Cougar volleyball player while also taking care of their classes.

1 Record-breaking women' basketball coach at the University of Tennessee 1974-2012.

2022 Volleyball Schedule

*DISTRICT GAMES

VOLLEYBALL OUTLOOK

We have some experienced players returning this year. Kyndall Farmer will lead the team as our setter, along with freshman Jazmine Gonzalez. Hitters Aley Bruner and Aaryianna Wyss are recovering from injuries but are ready to come back swinging. We have senior leaders on the court Paige Phalen and Jenna Venegoni who will contribute on front row.

Our defense is led by Jasmine "J" Benavidez who has worked very hard this summer and leads by example. Another promising standout is Maliyah Floriano Teinert.

We have a legitimate shot at the playoffs this season in our district. We have to heal, trust the process, work hard every day, and play as a team.

ALYSSA NEHRING

CAMI MURPHY

PAIGE PHALEN

JASMINE BENAVIDES #1 #2 #4 #3

AARYIANNA WYSS

ALEY BRUNER #6 #5

~Coach Marian Kelso

TEAMWORK

MALIYAH TIENERT

SHELBY HAWES

BROOKLYN NEHRING

JENNA VENEGONI

#13 #14 #10 #12

KYNDALL FARMER

JAZMINE GONZALEZ #7 #8

Cross Country Coach • John Jarrett

5TH YEAR AT JISD

15 TOTAL YEARS TEACHING AND COACHING

CAREER COACHING: CROSS COUNTRY, TRACK, GIRLS & BOYS BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL

What atributes do you try to instill in your players?

I encourage my kids to show up, be positive, and get better every day. I encourage them to set realistic individual and team goals and then work hard to achieve those goals.

Do you have a personal hero or mentor who has impacted your coaching style?

One of my former high school coaches, Steve Golemon.  He passed away last fall after more than 50 years as a high school coach. He was an amazing man who loved and coached kids up until the day he died. His relentless passion and determination has always inspired me.

My dad was a teacher and coach for 14 years before moving into administration as a principal and then superintendent until he retired.  He was excellent in every role he ever filled. He was smart, hard working, and passionate about public education in small Texas towns, as he mainly worked in smaller school districts.

After my father’s sudden passing in December of 2020, my mother has led our family with love, persistence, and gratitude for the good things in life. While my father had a strong personality and was very outgoing, she is strong, quiet, persistent, and keeps moving forward no matter what.

What do you do in your free time?

I try to spend as much time with my family as possible.  My kids are 7 and 12 and we like to go to the pool during the summer.  I also read a lot and play golf when I can. My wife is the librarian at Igo, and she has fed my passion for reading.

How can the community support you, your staff, and your athletes this year?

Follow the team Facebook account (Jarrell Cougars Cross Country) or the Twitter page (@jarrell_xc). Results and pictures will be posted on social media throughout the season for anyone who wants to support the team.

2022 Cross Country Schedule

DATE/TIME

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19

8:00 AM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 8:00 AM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 8:00 AM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 8:00 AM

MEET/SITE TEAM

ROCKDALE RELAY MEET APACHE PASS EVENT CENTER

VISTA RIDGE INVITATIONAL VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

PROFIT INVITATIONAL WILSON PARK (TEMPLE)

PFLUGERVILLE ISD INVITATIONAL NORTH EAST METRO PARK

HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 LIBERTY HILL INVITATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 8:00 AM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 8:00 AM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 9:00 AM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25 TBD

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 TBD

LEO MANZANO MARBLE FALLS

MUSTANG INVITATIONAL MARBLE FALLS HIGH SCHOOL

PROFIT LAST CHANCE MEET

HERITAGE PARK, BELTON

DISTRICT MEET MARBLE FALLS HIGH SCHOOL

REGIONAL MEET

KAT BARR ROSS PARK HUNTSVILLE, TX

STATE MEET

OLD SETTLERS PARK ROUND ROCK, TX

HIGH SCHOOL/ MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL/ MIDDLE SCHOOL

VARSITY QUALIFIERS

VARSITY QUALIFIERS

DISTRICT REALIGNMENT

Every two years, the University of Interscholastic League (UIL) realigns athletic districts throughout Texas with the goal of balancing high school populations. “They try to balance out each classification 1A through 6A so you’re competing against schools your size,” Athletic Director and Football Coach Marty Murr says.

While Coach Murr was surprised that the realignment moved Jarrell’s football and soccer teams south, he is excited for the chance to compete in the new district while embracing the challenge of facing the top schools in District 13-4A, Wimberley and Navarro. Lago Vista and Marble Falls will also make it a tough season for the Cougars. “They’ll be the big fish in the smaller pond. That’ll make it rougher,” Coach Murr says, adding that “With every realignment year there will be new challenges that come with new districts. We look forward to the competition we will face in the 2022-2024 realignment. As the enrollment in Jarrell ISD continues to grow, so will our level of competition. Fans will begin to see Jarrell playing larger schools in all sports as we continue to move up in classification.”

FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL WILL BE IN DISTRICT 13-4A D2 AND WILL MOVE FROM REGION 3 TO REGION 4. THE TEAMS IN DISTRICT 13 ARE AUSTIN ACHIEVE, GERONIMO NAVARRO, LAGO VISTA, JARRELL, MANOR NEW TECH, AND WIMBERLEY.

VOLLEYBALL / CROSS

COUNTRY / BASKETBALL

TRACK / SOFTBALL / BASEBALL/ TENNIS

/ GOLF

THESE SPORTS WILL BE IN DISTRICT 24-4A AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN REGION 3. THE TEAMS IN DISTRICT 24 ARE BURNET, GEORGETOWN GATEWAY, JARRELL, LAGO VISTA, LAMPASAS, AND MARBLE FALLS.

SOCCER

SOCCER WILL BE IN DISTRICT 25-4A AND REGION 4. THE TEAMS IN DISTRICT 25 ARE AUSTIN ACHIEVE, BURNET, GEORGETOWN GATEWAY, JARRELL, LAGO VISTA, FLORENCE, AND MARBLE FALLS.

TENNIS

TENNIS WILL BE IN DISTRICT 19-4A AND REGION 3. THE TEAMS IN DISTRICT 19-4A ARE BURNET, JARRELL, LAGO VISTA, LAKE BELTON NEW TECH, LAGO VISTA, AND MARBLE FALLS.

COUGAR CAPTAINS

While engaged in the annual process of selecting four team captains, Football Coach Marty Murr and other coaches were faced with a good problem too many outstanding candidates. “They’re all quality kids and so we decided to go with five this year,” Coach Murr says.

Accountability, dependability, and an other-focused mindset are the building blocks of a true Cougar leader, Coach Murr says, all characteristics displayed by the new team captains. “The big thing is the person that can put the team above themselves.”

That includes representing their team at events as well as making decisions for the team from uniform choices to community programs like reading to elementary students or walking them to class.

Proving they have what it takes to lead the team was part of the application process, which included submitting an essay and answering questions about leadership, traits of a good captain, and reasons why each would make a good captain. In the second half of the process, a committee of coaches interviewed the players with the goal of finding

those who will hold their teammates accountable for their actions and improve the team as a whole. The committee also looked at each candidates’ attendance, academics, and work ethic. Once a player is a captain, he remains so until he graduates.

ANDREW KNEBEL ISAIAH JAMES MARK ARNOLD TYLER JOHNSON ETHAN MARTONE

#11 #79 #63 #18 #2

With so many teams to celebrate, an amazing victory is imminent nearly every day.

Show your Cougar spirit by coming out to support our athletes this season!

CELEBRATING OUR VICTORIES

TRAINING TO WIN

Contrary to what some students might think, athletic trainers aren’t there to keep them from playing the sports they love.

“I ADVOCATE FOR STUDENT SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OVERALL. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU’RE PLAYING A SPORT, YOUR SAFETY AND WELL-BEING ARE THE LAST THINGS ON YOUR MIND. YOU WANT TO GET OUT AND DO THE BEST THING FOR YOUR TEAM,” RYAN WILLIAMS SAYS.

Williams had that mindset himself when he was a high school athlete at least until he separated his shoulder while pole vaulting his senior year. “My athletic trainer, James ‘Doc’ Allen, took good care of me,” he says, adding that the injury made him realize he needed to plan a future beyond playing sports. “I found the next best thing. I can still be on the sidelines on Friday nights, and I can try to help athletes avoid and recover from injuries, just like Doc Allen did for me.”

Now an athletic trainer at Jarrell High School, Williams ensures students are in good shape to play,

treats injuries from ACL tears to shoulder sprains, and teaches CPR and first aid. He also leads a sports medicine class for aspiring athletic trainers and athletes who want to be prepared to help injured teammates.

Mr. Williams' dedication to athletes’ health includes going above and beyond to see kids through the healing process. When a student injured his knee playing football, Mr. Williams was there to schedule the doctor’s appointment, attend the surgery, and help him rehabilitate. “Now he’s in the military so he must be doing well with that knee,” he says. “Being able to keep kids healthy and happy to play the sport they love it is definitely fulfilling to know I’ve done something to help someone move forward and learn that athletic trainers are not the enemy. I just want people to know we are here and on the field to take care of the athletes to the best of our ability.”

MARRIED TO THE JOB

A kiss goodbye before heading to work may have been the life for Tim and Marian Kelso at one time, but this year these sports enthusiasts are teaching at the same school as well as coaching on the volleyball court.

The Kelsos coach multiple sports and seasons and made Jarrell their home after hearing good things about the district and its growth. While learning to coach sideby-side may take years to perfect for any two people, the Kelsos have mastered the art and do not compete over the reins on the court.

Head Coach Marian said, “We are both athletically minded, competitive, and driven but we have a great balance when it comes to leading a team. We both know what the other is good at and what we need to work on.”

Tim, who is an assistant coach, agreed: “Our personalities mesh well and it carries onto the court. When it comes to volleyball, I am more offensive minded, and she is the defense expert. She makes me a better coach because she can shut my offense down, but I make her better because I can score against her defense.”

TEAM PLAYERS

Having just finished a day of scrimmaging, both were eager to put the day’s assessments to work and make personnel changes for the best positions and player combinations. Marian said, “They have already improved since we began practicing five days ago. The younger students are showing a lot of growth and the older students have the determination. If their current level of effort continues, our win column will be a lot bigger.”

Tim explained, “Our philosophy is that there are three seasons: pre-season, in-season, and playoffs. If we don’t make it to the playoffs, we should have done something different during one of the first two.” Marian added, “I’m told the girls have struggled so one of my personal goals is to provide them with the enthusiasm and stability that will give them the emotional balance for play.”

The coaches were equally encouraged by the support from football players and parents who were spectators during the scrimmages. “It was good for the girls to see the camaraderie and it is a good sign for the community that we had a good crowd,” Marian said. Tim added, “I’m pleased to know the support will be there and everyone should be ready for some great volleyball.”

CROSSCOUNTRY OUTLOOK

On the girls' side, Jasmine Benavidez qualified for the state Cross Country meet as both a Freshman and a Sophomore. She is a gifted runner who works extremely hard while also playing volleyball and softball in the fall. The girls will also be led by Laney Hammett and Jasmine Espinosa. These two juniors have improved greatly in the last few years, and I expect to see the results pay off this fall.

On the boys' side, Mason Dotson qualified for the Regional Meet last year as an individual last year, and his brother, Cody Dotson, just barely missed qualifying by one spot. Tyler Howe and Garrett Phalen also came a long way last year, and I am looking forward to a very competitive boys team that will have a chance to qualify for the Regional Meet.

~Coach Jarrett

CHEERS, COUGARS!

A former dancer and cheerleader who has coached college and high school teams, Ms. Zoretic now gets to pass on her love of movement to the next generation every day at JISD through teaching and coaching. While other teams await their opening days, her cheerleaders have already begun their school spirit season. Coach Zoretic believes the ladies’ job is to support the school and not just teams, so they performed on stage at opening convocation. As well, when not in uniform on the field or the court, you will likely find her cheer and dance teams in the stands at baseball, soccer, and softball games. “Supporting people is our job and it is a year-long commitment to be leaders in the school,” she says.

IN THE CLASSROOM

During class time, Coach Zoretic is the district dance teacher. She directs Dance 1 and 2 at the high school as well as a middle school dance program that allows younger

students to learn the fundamentals and explore their interest. “Middle school is a great time for students to see if they like it and assess what they need to work on before trying out for a high school team.” At both schools, students get course credit either in physical education or fine arts. Coach Zoretic says, “It’s a great way to give the kids a foundation and keep them physically active doing something they already like.”

ON THE FIELD

While already deep in preparation for Friday night lights, Coach Zoretic is judicious as a coach and insists there will be no spoilers, but “both teams have great things up their sleeves this season. We are excited about that first kickoff and particularly for homecoming. I plan to make things exciting for the school and

community pep rallies. The fans’ surprise is a big part of the fun.”

The cheerleaders will also be simultaneously preparing for the UIL Spirit competition in January. Coach Zoretic explains, “Fortunately, while it is very competitive, there are limitations on what teams are allowed to do in competition, which keeps the field level for all teams. At the high school level, the focus remains on school spirit so we begin focusing on that from day one by incorporating elements into and from our game day and sport routines.”

Coach Zoretic says what drives her are the rewards of working with kids who share her dedication to be successful in cheer and dance. “This is a very individualized sport, and art, and I’m happy to give them the skills, knowledge, and opportunities. While other schools have old and rich traditions, I’m happy to be part of building those for Jarrell. My mission is to impact the spirit of the whole community, get people to games to make it a true Friday night thing because that’s the place to be. That’s our chance to grow the spirit the best we can.”

Coach Caroline Zoretic is living the dream of many a former cheerleader and dancer.

BOND UPDATE

While the City of Jarrell still holds on to its small-town charm, there’s no denying we are growing at a rapid rate. Each day more and more people are calling our great city home. As a result, Jarrell ISD has blossomed into a 4A district where Cougars are destroying the competition and bringing home state champions.

As the trophy case expands, so does our city. Based on a demographer report done by Zonda, Jarrell ISD will register an additional 700 students this school year. That’s record growth.

To accommodate the growth, the voters passed a bond in May 2021. Part of the $113,380,000 bond is for athletic improvements at the high school, including baseball and softball turf, which was completed in January. A ribbon cutting was held in February. The fields were completed and were available for use during the seasons. Players felt a new sense of pride, bolstering the Cougar Spirit. Covered batting cages, tennis court lighting, and four additional tennis courts. Improvements and expansion to Cougar Stadium, including adding 995 new seats, wider sidewalks from the new parking lot along the ticket booths to the stands, and new visitor con-

cession and restrooms are also part of the bond package.

While inflation and supply issues plague the country, the district was able to buy all the concrete for the parking lots saving $400,000. The time frame for completing these projects varies, but they will be finished by the 23-24 school year. A year ahead of schedule.

Even though student-athletes will compete in new and updated facilities, etching in a new era, the foundation supporting the Cougar spirit will always have charm.

JARRELLHIGHSCHOOL:FORTHEWIN

NOW HIRING!

NWWilco, LLC

Janet Hage | Mark Allen | Ron Heine | Ryan Heine

400-Home Subdivision Coming to Jarrell

Jarrell Development Group

Mark Allen | Ron Heine | Ryan Heine represents

WELCOME BACK COUGARS!

Have a Great Year!