BYTIMRITTER
tritter@hearstnp.com
Hungerandexcitementisrunninghighas theCanyonEaglespreparefortheupcoming footballseason.
UnderheadcoachToddWinfrey,theEagles arelookingtobuildupontheirsolidseasonin 2022withstrongseniorleadershipandattainablegoals.
“Weareexcitedaboutthisteam.Wearereplacingaspecialgroupofseniors,buttheincoming seniorshaveembracedtheleadershiprolevery well,”Winfreysaid.“Thekeyistodevelopand bringalongtheyoungplayers.”
Winfrey,whocompletedhissecondyearas headcoachin2022,learnedalotabouthimself.
“Ilearnednottoassume,”Winfreysaid.
“WhenDerrek(Clements)wentdown,wehad toreallyadaptandadjust,andsomeofthestuff wedidwasreallygood.Ifoundmyselfnot trustingthatitwouldworkmorethanacouple oftimes.
“Inreality,keepdoingituntiltheyadjustor theystopit.Becauseofthat,Ithinkwewillstill incorporatesomeofthestuffwedidlastyear. Also,inaleadershipposition,youcanNEVER communicatetoomuch.”
Withthegraduationofseveralkeyplayers fromthe2022teamthatfinished10-2overall andlostinthesecondroundoftheplayoffs, WinfreyplanstoleanonseniorsSamJohnson, ChristianMcGuire,CarsonCockrell,Rece DavisandDarionCashthisseason.
“Sam(Johnson)ishugeforusonbothsidesof
theball.Hewillhavetohelpusatlinebacker, butthenbeaworkhorseatrunningback,along withhelpingusdevelopourrunningbacks, especiallyColtCruth,”Winfreysaid.
“Christian(McGuire)beingbackandhealthy isreallynice.Hewillhavesomanyroles.He willplayoutsidelinebacker,safety,widereceiver,runningbackandsomequarterback.… That’sjustwhoheis.
“Tripp(Wright)hadareallynicesophomore yearandweexpectnothingbutbetterfrom him.Rece(Davis)willbeabigpieceofour defensivepuzzleandisalwayswillingtohelpon offensewhereverweneed.
“WatchoutforCarson(Cockrell)andJacob BurrisandDarionCash…threereallygood receiversandCarsonisacorner,alongwith Darion,andBurrisplaysoutsidelinebacker,but mightseesometimeinthesecondary.”
OneplayerthatWinfreywasexpectingtobe ahugecontributionthisseasonwasBrayden Wagner.However,withWagner’sfather,Will, gettingafootballcoachingjobatHenderson StateUniversity,Braydenwillbeajuniorwide receiver/defensivebackforArkadelphia(Ark.) HighSchoolthisfall.
Asasophomore,Wagnerappearedin11 gamesandpulleddown15receptionsfor178 yards.Ondefense,hehad34totaltackleswitha sackandateam-leading4interceptions.
Theadditionoffirst-yearoffensivecoordinator andformerCanyonHighSchoolquarterback MattLovornshouldbeapositiveforWinfrey andhisstaff.
LEADERSHIPPageJ15
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
24Clovis,N.M.7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium
1Perryton7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 8WestPlains7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 14Caprock7p.m.DickBivinsStadium 22MidlandGreenwood7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 29Andrews7p.m.AndrewsHSStadium
AUGUST
13Hereford7p.m.HerefordHSStadium 20Randall7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 27Dumas7p.m.DumasHSStadium NOVEMBER
3Pampa7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium
25Andrews7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium SEPTEMBER
1Clovis,N.M.7p.m.ClovisHSStadium 7Snyder7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 15WichitaFallsHigh7p.m.WichitaFallsHSStadium 22PaloDuro7p.m.DickBivinsStadium 28Canadian7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium OCTOBER 13Pampa7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 20Canyon7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 27Hereford7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium
NOVEMBER 3Dumas7p.m.DumasHSStadium
AUGUST
25Bushland7p.m.BushlandHSStadium
SEPTEMBER
1MidlandGreenwood7p.m.MidlandGreenwoodHSStadium 8Canyon7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 15PaloDuro7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 21LubbockEstacado7p.m.LowreyField(Lubbock) 29Hereford7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium
OCTOBER
6Seminole7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium 13Levelland7p.m.LevellandHSStadium 19Perryton7p.m.HappyStateBankStadium NOVEMBER 3Borger7p.m.BorgerHSStadium
AUGUST
26Klondike2:30p.m.Jayton 31Follett7:30p.m.FollettHS SEPTEMBER
8SpringlakeEarth7p.m.HappyHS 15Kress7p.m.KressHS 22LubbockTitans7p.m.Wilson 29Open
OCTOBER
6McLean7p.m.HappyHS 13Booker7:30p.m.BookerHS 20Nazareth7p.m.HappyHS 27Wildorado7p.m.WildoradoHS NOVEMBER 3Claude7p.m.HappyHS
BYTIMRITTER
tritter@hearstnp.com
DanSherwoodbelievesinthepowerof prayer.
HealsobelievesinGodopeningdoorsand thingshappeningforareason.
InMay,beforeacrowdedconferenceroom insideHappyStateBankStadium,theCanyonISDBoardofEducationvotedunanimouslytonameSherwoodthenextRandall HighSchoolheadfootballcoach.
Sherwood,whospentthepast9years astheheadfootballcoachatCaprock, succeedsGaylonSelman,whoannounced hisretirement18daysagoatRandallHigh School.
Nearlynineyearstotheday,May27,2013, Sherwoodwaselevatedtotheheadcoaching dutiesatCaprockHighSchool.
“Randallhassuchahightraditionandis suchagreatplace,”Sherwoodsaidonthe opportunitythatawaitshim.
Whenaskedwhy(now)istherighttimeto makethemove,Sherwoodsaid,“It’satough deal.Itwastoughtimingforeverybodybut aftermuchthought,muchdiscussionand muchprayer,thiswas….IfRandallhad beenbuiltin1976,myfatherwouldhave beenagraduateofRandallHighSchool… sothisisgoingdownabranchofmyfamily
treeIhaven’tgonedown.Andthatawasbig appealtome.
“Goingtomygrandparent’shouseoverby GeneHoweElementarywithaviewofRandallHighSchool,thisisthedoorthatGod openedandwantedmetowalkthrough.I can’tthankhimenoughforallowingmethis chance.”
Sherwood,agraduateofAmarilloHigh SchoolandWestTexasA&MUniversity, knowsthecultureofplayingfootballinthe TexasPanhandleandwhatittakestobea championbothonandoffthefield.
At27,hebecameoneoftheyoungestClass 5AfootballcoachesinthestateofTexas whenheacceptedtheheadfootballposition atCaprock.
DuringhiscareeratCaprock,SherwoodtooktheLonghornstofourplayoff appearancesin2015,2016,2018and2021.
TheLonghornsweredistrictchampionsin 2018,aswellasBi-Districtchamps(theonly playoffwininschoolhistory).
Also,SherwoodhasbeentheDistrict3-5A CoachoftheYearandrecentlynamedDave Campbell’sTexasFootballMagazineTop40 CoachesUnder40.
SherwoodnotedthathistalktotheLonghornsuponacceptingtheRandallposition was“withadoubtoneofthetoughestconversationsI’vehadtohavebecauseI’mbig
onrelationshipsandthoseweresomevery strongdeep-rootedrelationshipsoverthere.”
“AlotofthosekidsItreatjustlikemytwo boys,”Sherwoodadded.“Iconsiderthem myownsonsandtotellthemthatwas toughbuttheiralsoextremelyaccepting ofit.Thesamethingwe’vealwaystalked about…whenGodopensadoorforyou, youhavetowalkthroughitwhetheryou understandthereasonsornot…myself includedonthat.
“Butthosekidsknowtheywantthebest formeandIwantthebestforthem.Even thoughI’matRandallHighSchool,I’mstill goingtobeahugeCaprockfan…aslongas we’renotplayingthem.”
Outofahandfulofcandidatesthatapplied andsoughtinterestintheRandalljob,atthe endoftheday,CanyonISDAthleticDirectorTobyTuckerchoseSherwoodbecauseof his‘passion’andhisoverallpedigree.
“He(Sherwood)hasdoneitbefore…been inthatsamesituationwithalmostadecade underhisbeltasaheadcoach.Thatexcites me,”Tuckersaid.“Ithinkhe’saguythat comesinimmediatelywithaplan,immediatelyhasaprocess…he’swatchedmore filmonourkidsthanIhave…sothatwas whatwasawesomeaboutit.Hewasjust reallyreadytoroll.”
SHERWOODPage15
BYTIMRITTER
tritter@hearstnp.com
AMARILLO–TheWestPlainsWolvesnolongerfeellikethe newkidsontheblock.
AfteradvancingtothearearoundoftheClass4ADivisionII playoffsin2022,theWolvescarrystrongoptimismintotheir secondseasonofvarsityfootball.
“We’reexcitedabouttheupcomingseason.Wefeellikewe gainedalotofexperiencefromlastyearandwillbeableto usethattobuildonourfoundation,”saidWestPlainshead footballcoachAdamCummingsenteringhissecondyear.
“Ourkidsarereadytocompete.”
Blessedwithasolidnucleusthatincludessecond-yearstarting quarterbackReidMaconandseniordefensivestalwartsDawsonHallandJarretDiggs,theexpectationsremainthesameas theywereayearagowhenpreparingfortheirfirstseason.
“Wewanttoget1percentbettereachdayandworktoputthe bestversionofourselvesoutthereeveryday,”Cummingssaid. “Withthat,wealsowanttocompeteatachampionshiplevel.
“Ourmottofortheupcomingseasonwillbe‘FullBenefit.’”
TheWolvesreturn32lettermen–includingnineoffensiveand ninedefensivestarters–froma2022teamthatfinished7-5 overalland3-1inDistrict2-4ADivisionII.
Cummingssaidtheexperienceofopeninganewschooland abuildinganewteamwasgood.
“Everythingwasnewandexciting.Therewerealotofthings wedidn’tknowwedidn’tknow,butfeellikewemadebig stridesastheyearprogressed,”Cummingsadded.“Itwasfun
towatchourkidsandcoachesdevelopourstandardandculturetogetherandIamsoblessedtogettobeapartofit.”
DaveCampbell’sTexasFootballMagazinethinkshighlyof theWestPlainsWolvesandpickedthemfirstinthepreseason District2-4ADivisionIIrankingsaheadofdefendingdistrict championSeminoleandthird-placePerryton.
Macon,asophomorequarterback/safety,openstheseason asthePreseasonOffensiveMostValuablePlayer.In2022,asa freshman,Maconcompleted197-of-336passesfor2,273yards and19touchdownswith7interceptions.
Asadual-threatsignal-caller,Maconalsofinishedwith67 carriesfor337yardsandseventouchdowns.
“Thatexperiencewasandisbigforusoffensively–notjustfor Reid(Macon)butforouroffensivelineandskillguys,aswell,” Cummingssaid.“Theyreallydevelopedagrewasaunitlast seasonandhavecontinuedtogetbetter.”
WhatmadetheWolves’offensepowerfulwastheexperience oftailbackJordiHernandez,whomovedovertoWestPlainsin 2022fromRandallHighSchool.
In12gamesasajuniorlastseason,Hernandeztallied286 carriesfor1,476yardsand18touchdowns.Healsoadded31 receptionsfor317yardsandatouchdown.
“Jordiisoneofourseniorleadersanddoesatremendousjob forusonandoffthefield,”Cummingssaid.“He’sdefinitelya workhorseandafunplayertocoachandwatchplaythegame.” Cummingsalsoseesstrongseniorleadershipandproduction fromreceiversKingTallantandJensenPhillips.
“King(Tallant)andJensen(Phillips)shouldbetwoofour topgo-toguys,”Cummingssaid.“It’sbeenneattowatchthem bothdeveloptheirgameoverthelastseveralmonthsand
continuetofinetunetheircraft.Theyhavebothbecomestrong leadersduringouroffseason.Weexpectbigthingsfromall threeoftheseguys,bothintermsofplayonthefield,butalso intermsofleadership.”
TallantwasoneofMacon’stoptargetsin2022,accounting for47receptionswith569yardsandfivetouchdowns.Phillips alsocontributedwith24catchesfor350yardsandthree touchdowns.
BYTIMRITTER
tritter@hearstnp.com
HAPPY–WhenitcomestotheHappyCowboysand Six-Manfootball,everyFridaynightinthefallisworth thepriceofadmission.
It’sanexperienceofalifetimeinthesmall-town communitywheretheCowboyshavebeenintheTop20 rankingsforthepastthreeseasons.
UndertheleadershipofheadcoachStacyPerryman, thegoalfortheCowboys–yearinandyearout–isto beplayingtheirbestfootballinthemonthofDecember…hopefullyintheClass1A-SixManDivisionI StateFinalsatAT&TStadiumintheDallas/FortWorth Metroplex.
“We’vegotatoughgroupofkidswhowanttobeperfect…wanttomakeittoDallas,”Perrymansaidinhis fifthyearastheCowboysheadcoach.
“IfwecanmakeittoDallas,thatmeanswewillhave gonethroughWestbrook.They’vebeenournemesisthe lastcoupleofyearsandwewouldlikeanothershotat them.”
Ayearago,theCowboysfinished12-2overallandadvancedtotheClass1ADivisionI-SixManStateSemifinals.TheCowboys’onlytwolossesoftheseasoncame againstWestbrook,whodefeatedHappy40-30inthe semifinalsandwentontowinthestatechampionship. Thetwoteamsmetinthe2022seasonopenerwith WestbrookrollingthroughHappy,62-16.
DaveCampbell’sTexasFootballmagazinepredicts HappytodefeatFollettintheRegionIFinalsandface WestbrookonceagainintheStateSemifinals.
PerrymanandtheCowboyswelcomebackeight returninglettermenwiththreeoffensiveandthreede-
fensivestarters.Ofthoseeightlettermen,sixareseniors andhavecontributedonthevarsitysincetheyfreshmen. TheCowboyswillleanheavilyontheleadershipof tightend/defensivelinemanQuayHodges(6-1,200) andrunningback/linebackerCutterHodges(5-11,180).
AmongtheotherCowboysreadytomakestrongcontributionsarerunningback/defensivebackJoeyBlackmon(5-11,170),center/defensivelinemanDevinBurris (6-0,200),runningback/defensivebackNoeJuarez (5-10,160),tightend/defensivebackKoleGibson(6-2, 175)andquarterback/defensivebackHayesBressler (5-11,150).
Happy’soffensiveattack,in2022,amassed744total pointsforanaverageof53.1pergame.Defensively,the Cowboysallowed206pointsin14gamesforanaverage of15percontest.
AccordingtoDaveCampbell’sTexasFootballmagazine,Happy’sQuayHodgesistheDistrict2-1ADivision IPreseasonDefensiveMVP.
Also,theCowboysarepredictedtofinishatopthe districtstandingswithNazareth,ClaudeandWildorado followinginthatorder.
“Happyneverhashadafootballteammakeittothe statefinals,”Perrymansaid.“We’vebeenknockingon thedoorthepasttwoyears(back-to-backsemifinal appearances)andthat’stheultimategoalforthisgroup. Obviously,theywanttowindistrictandhavethatunblemishedseason.
“Thesekidsareprettyconfidentandhavethatmentalitythattheywanttodosomethingspecial.”
Happy’s2023seasonkicksoffAug.26witha5p.m. gameagainstKlondikeinJayton.
BYTIMRITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
AMARILLO–Randallisn’tletayouthful lineupkeepthemfromdefendingtheirClass 4AStateTeamTennisChampionship.
“Obviouslywhenyoulose10seniorsoffan undefeatedstatechampionshipteam,you willhavesomegrowingpains,”Randallhead tenniscoachDarbyNormansaid.
“Weareareallyyoungteam,soattimeswe haveshownouryouthfulnessandinexperience.Butweareexcitedtoacceptthe challengeandgetstartedonourfallteam tennisseason.”
Winningtheschool’sfirst-everstateteam tennischampionship,accordingtoNorman, wasamazing.
“Itwasaonceinalifetimeexperiencethat noneofuswilleverforget,”Normanadded. “But,itdidincreasetheexpectationspeople haveforus.Wehavehadaverysuccessful programforyears,butputtingunrealistic expectationsonayoungteamcanonlyaddto thepressure.So,wewillhavetonavigatethe highexpectationswiththerealityofwhowe arethisyear.”
Currently,Randallis8-1ontheyearand rankedNo.4intheClass4Apoll.
LubbockHigh,rankedNo.4inClass5A,is theonlyteamthusfartodefeatRandall.LubbockHighwonthematchwithRandall,15-4. Asidefromthatloss,Randallhasaccomplishedvictoriesoverthefollowingteams:
Plainview(19-0)
Vernon(14-5)
LubbockCoronado(15-4)
Caprock(19-0)
Tascosa(11-8)
PaloDuro(19-0)
Seminole(18-0)
Andrews(13-2)
“Wecarriedalotofyoungkidsonourteam lastyear.Iwantedthemtolearnfromour seniors.Iwantedthemtogetafrontrowseat andwatchhowourkidspracticed,prepared andplayed.Theywereveryblessedtogetto learnfromanoutstandinggroupofkidsboth onandoffthecourt,”Normansaid.
“Hopefully,theywerelikespongesand soakeditallin.Notmanypeoplegettoreap therewardsthatwedidlastyear.I’mhoping theywillbeexcitedandmotivatedtogoout andtelltheirownstoriesandcarveouttheir ownidentitiesthisyear.”
Normanagreedthatin2022,Randallwas the‘hunted.”
“Wewerenumberoneallyearlong,andour kidsknewthateverytimeout.Weweregoing togeteverybody’sbesteffort.And,we
handledthatperfectly,”Normansaid.
“Wedefinitelyliveduptothehighexpectationsandprovedwedeservedourhighranking.Thisyear,wehaveaverydifferentteam. Weareyoungandinexperienced,andtime willtellwhatouridentitywillbethisyear.”
Buildingonthatchampionshipseasonwillbe tougherthannormal,butNormanembraces thechallenge.
“Everyoneofourkidswillbeinadifferent rolethisyear.Welost8of12spotsinour lineup.Sothosekidsinthemiddleorbottom ofourlineuparenowthetopdogsandhigh upinourlineup,”Normansaid.
“Thoseyoungkidswhogottositandwatch arenowexpectedtoplayincountingmatches.Itisgoingtobefunseeinghowourkids handletheirnewroles.
“Wehavesomegreatleadershipagainthis year.LikeImentionedearlier,wehavegreat kidsonandoffthecourt.Theytakecareof businessintheclassroomaswell.Ourtennis kidsareleadersinourschoolandourcommunity.”
AlotoftheleadershipfallsonRandall’slone senior…BrysonShelton.
“He(Bryson)hasworkedhardthissummer andwillbeourleaddog,”Normansaid.“He issuchanawesomeyoungman,andIcould notpickabetterleaderforourteam.Ilove thiskid,andeventhoughweonlyhaveone
seniorinourprogram,hewillleaveahuge voidwhenhegraduatesinMay.”
Sheltonwillbewrappedaroundasolidcore ofunderclassmen,includingseveralvery talentedjuniors.
“Wealsohavesomeoutstandingjuniorswho willplaypivotalrolesonourteambothas leadersandasvitalplayersinbothoursingles anddoubleslineups,”Normansaid.
“DaxBetzen,GabbyDishong,MicahPerkins,EmmaleeSilliventandLandoIngersoll willallbenecessaryforoursuccess.Wealso havesomenewjuniorstoourrosterwhoare takingonmoreimportantresponsibilities.
DestinyAguinaldo,ParkerLandandBreannaRegehrarenewtoourvarsityteam.”
Normanhashighexpectationsforhissophomoreclass,whogainedexperiencein2022as freshmenonthestatechampionshipteam.
“Lastyear,KynleyCraddock,SawyerEason andScotlynnHendricksallplayedinthestate tournamentandhadgreatfreshmencampaigns.Theywillbeaskedtodoevenmore thisyear,”Normansaid.
“ThenwehaveKeatonDaniels,ElliottDay, EliGodwin,DamianMartinez,JazzyPhillips andGavinTaylorwhowereallmembersof ourvarsitylastyearandshouldhavelearned atonthatwillhelpusthisyearastheyfind spotsinourlineup.
“MarcRamirezisonemoresophomorewho workedhardoverthesummerandhasearned hisplaceonthevarsity.
“Finally,wehavesomemorefreshmenwho willbefightingtofindtheirwayintoour lineup.LilyBrooks,HunterHendricks,Wyatt PerkinsandLynnleeRamirezhavealready playedsomebigmatchesforusthisfalland willcontinuetoimprovethisseason.”
NormanbelievesthathavingstrongdistrictcompetitionwillbenefitRandallgoing forward.
“IthinkthefactthatfiveteamsinourdistrictarerankedintheTop21inthestateto begintheyearspeaksforitself.Icanpromise thatourdistrictchampionwillhaveearned it,”Normansaid.
“Therearenotmany‘daysoff’inourdistrict. Canyonisloaded.Theyhavesomegreat seniorleadersmixedinwithsomeverypromisingyoungkids.Theyareprobablytheearly favoritestowinthedistricttitle.
“Then,thekidsatWestPlainsarevery talentedandtough.IshouldknowbecauseI gottoseetheminactionforacoupleofyears whentheyplayedatRandall.Itisnowtheir timetoshine.Theyareonamissionandhave hadagreatpreseason.TheWolvesareavery seniorladenteamandwillbetoughtobeat.
“Herefordisalsoaveryimpressiveteam. Theydidnotloseverymanyseniorsandare thedarkhorseinourdistrict.Iknowthey
maynotgetasmuchpublicityastheRaiders, EaglesorWolves,buttheyaresneakygood andcouldwinthewholething.”
Asgoodasthedistrictisthisseason,Norman knowsitsgoingtotakesomelucktodefend thatperfectrun.
“Ijustcan’tseeateamgoingundefeatedin ourdistrict,”Normansaid.“And,justbecause someonewillsurviveandwinthedistrict championshipdoesn’tmeanmuch.Then,you gettoturnaroundandfacethemagaininthe playoffs.Heck,therewardforthethirdand fourthplacefinishersinourdistrictwillbe VernonandBurkburnett.
“Thosetwoschoolsarealsorankedinthe Top10-15inthestateandwillbeanunbelievablytoughfirst-roundplayoffopponent. Thereisnothingeasyaboutmakingittostate in4ARegionI.Ijusthopewhoeversurvives andmakesittostatehasenoughgasleftin thetanktogowinitall.”
Whetherit’sRandalloranyotherteamin thedistrictmakingthatjourneytostate,Normanrelishestheprocessandthepreparation ofgettingthere.
“Thiswillbeanothergreatyearofhigh schooltennisintheTexasPanhandle.Iamso proudoftherespectwegetfromacrossthe state.Youcan’tmentionhighschooltennis andnotmentionthePanhandle,”Norman said.
“Thatisatruetestamenttothehardwork ourcoachesandkidshavecontinuedtoput intobeingsosuccessful.Itwillbeafunride thisfall.”
AUGUST
3Plainview9a.m.PlainviewHS 3Vernon2p.m.CanyonHS 5LubbockCoronado9a.m.LubbockCoronadoHS 5LubbockHigh2p.m.LubbockHS 7Caprock3p.m.CaprockHS 8Tascosa10a.m.TascosaHS 12Andrews9a.m.SeminoleHS 12Seminole2p.m.SeminoleHS 19LubbockMonterey9a.m.LubbockMontereyHS 19LubbockCooper2p.m.LubbockCooperHS 22Pampa4:30p.m.RandallHS 25AbileneCooper9a.m.Abilene 26AbileneCooper9a.m.Abilene 29Canyon4:30p.m.CanyonHS SEPTEMBER
9Dumas9a.m.DumasHS 9Borger2p.m.BorgerHS 12WestPlains4:30p.m.RandallHS 16Pampa9a.m.PampaHS 19Hereford4:30p.m.HerefordHS 23Borger9a.m.RandallHS 23Dumas2p.m.RandallHS 26Canyon4:30p.m.RandallHS OCTOBER
3WestPlains4:30p.m.WestPlainsHS
CANYON HS TENNIS SCHEDULE CANYONHSTENNISSCHEDULE
AUGUST
3Vernon9:45a.m.CanyonHS 3Plainview1:30p.m.CanyonHS 4AmarilloHigh8:30a.m.BonhamMS 4Caprock2:30p.m.CaprockHS 7Tascosa1p.m.CanyonHS 8PaloDuro10a.m.PaloDuroHS 8Caprock3p.m.CaprockHS 10AbileneHigh2:30p.m.AbileneHS 11Central8:30a.m.AbileneHS 11AbileneCooper5:30p.m.AbileneHS 12WillsPoint8:30a.m.AbileneHS 12Wall1:30p.m.AbileneHS 14Coronado9a.m.LubbockCoronadoHS 14Monterey2p.m.LubbockMontereyHS 17Dumas4p.m.DumasHS 18Coronado2p.m.Amarillo 19Tascosa9a.m.Amarillo 22Borger4p.m.BorgerHS 29Randall4p.m.CanyonHS SEPTEMBER 5WestPlains4p.m.WestPlainsHS 9Pampa9a.m.PampaHS 12Hereford4p.m.HerefordHS 16Dumas9a.m.CanyonHS 16Borger2p.m.CanyonHS 19WestPlains4p.m.CanyonHS 23Pampa2p.m.CanyonHS 26RandalL4p.m.RandallHS OCTOBER
3Hereford4p.m.CanyonHS
AUGUST
3LubbockMonterey9a.m.LubbockMontereyHS 3LubbockHigh2p.m.LubbockHS 4Tascosa/Coronado10a.m.RebelTennisCenter 5WallHighSchool9a.m.Lubbock 7ArgyleTeamRoundRobin8a.m.Argyle 8ArgyleTeamRoundRobin8a.m.Argyle 10AbileneHighSchool4p.m.AbileneHS 11AbileneCooper9a.m.AbileneCooperHS 11VernonHighSchool2p.m.RosePark(Abilene) 12SanAngeloCentral9a.m.RosePark(Abilene) 17Pampa4:30p.m.WestPlainsHS 29Hereford4:30p.m.HerefordHS SEPTEMBER 5Canyon4:30p.m.WestPlainsHS 9Borger9a.m.BorgerHS 9Dumas2p.m.DumasHS 12Randall4:30p.m.RandallHS 16Pampa2p.m.PampaHS 19Canyon4:30p.m.CanyonHS 23Dumas9a.m.WestPlainsHS 23Borger2p.m.WestPlainsHS 26Hereford4:30p.m.WestPlainsHS OCTOBER
3Randall4:30p.m.WestPlainsHS
BYTIMRITTER
tritter@hearstnp.com
TheroadtoRoundRockandtheClass4A StateCrossCountrymeetiswellwithinthe viewoftheCanyonEagles.
Undertheleadershipofveteranhead coachWesKirton,theEagleslookto defendtheirClass4Astatechampionship withaseasonedgroupofrunners.
ThecoreoftheEaglesthisseasonwill beledbyseniorAlexNiemiecandjuniorsLathanLewterandRyanFernandez. NiemiecplacedfourthattheClass4AState CrossCountrymeetin2022withatimeof 16:15.50,whileLewterwasseventhwitha timeof16:17.30andFernandezwas12that 16:28.00.
“Ourfocus(thisseason)isTeamBuilding,” Kirtonsaid.“Asweprogressthroughthe season,thebetterwebuildeachotherup thebetterchancewehaveattheDistrict, RegionalandStateChampionship.”
In2022,Canyonsoaredtothestate championshipwith40totalpoints.LaFeria finishedsecondwith107pointsandSan Elizariowasthirdat147.
“Winningstatelastyearwassucha
rewardingexperienceforallthetimeand dedicationtheboysputin,”Kirtonsaid.
“Wehavebeenonthepodiuminthepast buttogetthechampionshipgivesourteam andcommunitysuchpride.”
Withthreetoprunnersreturning,Kirton addedthathe’slookingforwardtowatching theirleadershipwiththeunderclassmen.
Amongthosetalentedotherrunnersthat willbekeyforthisyear’sEaglesareAaryan KatwalShaverandNoahCooper.
“Wehadgreatteamdepthlastyearso steppingupwillbeAaryanKatwalShaver andNoahCooper,possiblyas4thand5th runners,”
Kirtonsaid.“Followingthemworking hardtobecountedonvarsityisJamison Kirton,DaysonSmith,EthanLaBue,AndrewHuddlestonandLucasMata.”
Sofarthisoffseason,Kirtonsaid,“The boyshaveputintheworkthissummer. Theyhavebuiltasolidfoundationanda disciplinedhabitthatsetstheteamnorm forhowwewillworkthisfall.”
AlongwithpreparingtheseEaglesfor thevarsitylevel,Kirtonspendsquiteabit withMattSpearsingettingthejuniorhigh runnersreadyfortheirseason.
“CoachMattSpearsisexcellentinleading ourjuniorhighteams.
Hisleadershipanddrivesetsanexpectationthathelpsprepareforthenextlevel,” Kirtonsaid.
Canyonwillbelookeduponasoneofthe teamstobeatintheTexasPanhandleand Kirtonhasatoughscheduleforthefall season.
“ThebigmeetswewillattendareSept.9,
inDentonandSept.23atOklahomaState University,”Kirtonsaid.“Big/highly competitivemeetshelpathleteslearntorun withintheirabilitywhilepushingthemselvestobebetter.”
CanyonwillhosttheEagle6MileRelay onAugust26fortheseason-openingmeet. OtherCanyonmeetsincludetheCanyon InvitationalonSept.30andtheDistrict meetonOct.13.
BYTIMRITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
Asthe2023volleyballseasonapproachesin thecomingweeks,theCanyonLadyEagles arefiredupandreadytomakesomenoise underveteranheadcoachSaraMorath.
“Wehavehadtochangeouroutlookforthis upcomingseason,”Morathsaid.“Weare talkingalotaboutbeingintentionalwitheverythingwedo;fromthewaywewarmupall thewaytogamepreparationandexecution.”
Ayearago,theLadyEagleswere“extremely young”asthenucleusofthisyear’steamdoes notincludealotofkeyjuniorsreturningwith experience,Morathadded.
“Therewereafewmatcheslastseasonwhere allsixstartersweresophomores,sothisyear welooktosomeofthosereturnersforknowledgeandexperience,”Morathsaid.
CanyonwillleanonBrooklynKinsey,Isabel Hunt,SydneeWinfrey,LandriJayandCali McKinleyforleadershiponandoffthecourt. Also,threeseniorsinRileySnelson,Taylor MiersmaandMacyPernellareexpectedto contributeandplaykeyrolesthisseason.
“MacyPernelltoreherACLinAugust(2022) butsheisbackandreadytocontributethis season,”Morathsaid.
Canyon’sidentityremainsaworkinprogress asMorathandtheLadyEagleswilllookto establishtheirteammottoatafewupcoming summercamps.
“Thusfar,however,wehavetalkedalotabout learninghowtocompete;Competeinthe classroom,competeinpracticeandcompete ongameday.Weoftenusethephrase:hateto losemorethanyoulovetowin,”Morathsaid. Offensively,withWinfreyandKinseyreturningtothefrontrow,shouldbeastrengthfor theLadyEagles.
“Wehaveseveralplayerswhocanprovide greatoffenseforusinmanydifferentpositions,”Morathsaid.“Wearesoversatileatthe netwhichisgoingtobeoneofourstrengths.
“Cali(McKinley),Isabel(Hunt),Brooklyn (Kinsey)andSydnee(Winfrey)areallplayers whocanbringalotofoffensefrommany differentpositions.”
Defensively,CanyonreturnsbackrowspecialistsinRileySnelsonandLandriJay.
“BothRileyandLandriarerelentlesson defense,”Morathsaid.“Wefocusaloton ourfirstcontactandhowourdefenseisone ofthemostimportantpartsofourteam’s success.”
Canyon’spre-districtschedulestartsAugust 8withahomematchagainstClass3Astate powerhouseBushland.Canyonwillalso competeintournamentsatMansfieldand Granbury.
“Pre-districtis,bydesign,verytough.We liketheMansfieldtournamentasourfirst tournamentbecauseitgivesustheimmediate competitionweneedtohelpusidentifyour weaknessesandstrengths,”Morathsaid.
“WealsohaveBushland,TascosaandAmarilloHighscheduledinAugusttoalsogiveus thehighlevelcompetitionweneedtohelpus prepareforourtoughdistrict.
“Ourultimategoalinpre-districtistonot onlyidentifyourbiggestweaknesses,butto beabletoimprovethatpartofourgame.”
Morath,formanyyears,hasviewedDistrict 4-4Avolleyballasoneofthebestandmost dominatinginthestateofTexas.
“Ourdistrictisobviouslyverytough,”Morath said.“Itrynottolooktoofarahead,however, ourgoalistocomeoutontopofsomeofthe bigmatcheswehaveahead.
“Thisteamhasthepiecestodosomething great.IjusthavetomakesureIdomyjob topreparethisteamandgivethemthetools theyneedtobesuccessful.”
Let’s make some Let’smakesome noise Canyon noiseCanyon Eagles!
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BYTIMRITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
AMARILLO–Whenvolleyballseasonstarts inAugust,alleyeswillbeonthedefending Class4AstatechampionRandallLadyRaiders. AccordingtoheadcoachHaleighBurnsand thefiveseniors,Randall’steammottoforthe 2023seasonwillbe‘WhyNot.’
“Theseniorspickateammottoeveryyear andthisyearitis‘whynot’…whynotwork harderforthethingsandseasonwewant,why notbelieveinyourteammatesandcoaches, whynotwinanotherstatechampionshipand provethatwecan,”Burnssaid.
“ThereisalotthatgoesintoitandIthinkit growsandprogressesoverseasonandit’sfun towatchtheplayerstakethatonandmakeit somethingreallyspecial.”
Freshoffa2022seasonthatsawtheLady Raidersfinish40-8overallandsweeppastAubreyinthreesetstowintheirsecondstatetitle, Burnsremainsoptimisticabouttheupcoming season.
“Comingoffatremendous2022season,I believethatmygirlsandIarejustexcitedto getbackintoseason.Wearereturningmostof ourplayersfromlastseasonandaddingsome newfaces,aswell,”Burnssaid.
“Wearegoingintothisseasonwithanew senseofcompetitivenessandeagernessbecauseweknowwhatittakes.”
Amongthosereturningstartersaresenior outsidehitterJordynGoveandjuniorsetter SidneySoria.Also,Randallwelcomesback seniormiddleblockerKandreePerez,senior defensivespecialistKennaMillerandjunior outsidehitterBrookeHenderson.
“Wehaveagreatgroupofseniorsthatallcollectivelybringsomethingspecialtotheteam andwehavegirlsthatwereproductiveplayers lastseasonthatnowhavesomeexperience andmaturitythatIthinkwillhelpusgrowthis season,”Burnssaid.
Burnsconsidersthisseniorclass–fivetotal–specialandgreatleaders.
“JordynGove,KandreePerez,KennaMiller, RileyNeeseandPeytonHunt…theexpectationsforourseniorgrouparetocontinueto buildthecultureofRandallvolleyballbybeing leadersandrolemodelforfutureplayers,” Burnssaid.
“Thisgroupisgreatinthataspectbecause theyarefunandtalentedandworkreallyhard toupholdourphilosophiesandculture.”
Burnsnotedthatcomingoffastatechampionshipseason,pressurewilldefinitelybeon Randall’sshouldersthisyear.
“Comingoffofastatechampionship,we
knowthereispressureandinourgym,we talkaboutpressurebeingprivilege,”Burns said.“Wehadanamazing2022seasonand didsomethingthatsometeamsjustdreamof. Wehavetheopportunitytodogreatthings thisseasonaswellandIthinkthekickeriswe knowwhatitwilltakeandweknowthatit’s worthit.
“Ibelievemygirlsaremoredeterminedthan evertogetstartedandmakethe2023season onetoremember.”
Inorderforthose2023goalstocometrue again,theLadyRaiderswillrelyheavilyon theirdefense.
“Defenseisreallyimportanttousandwe speakaboutrelentlesspursuitanddeterminationindefense.It’sanattitudeandmindset andIbelieveallofmyplayersembodythat,” Burnssaid.
“WearestrongdefendersandIbelievethat willcontinue.”
Offensively,whereGoveandHenderson thrive,aswellasSoria’sabilitytomakethose picture-perfectpasses,theLadyRaidersare solidandverypotent.
“Offensively,wehavekeyplayersinbothmy outsidepositionsandmymiddles.Wecango fast,butwealsohavesmartplayersthatknow weretoplacetheball,”Burnssaid.
“Ihaveagreatsetter(Soria)thatcanrunthe courtreallyefficientlyandsetsthetoneforus.” Burnsbelievesthathernon-districtschedule willchallengeherteamandpreparethemfor anotherdistricttitlerun.
“Weplaytoughteamsandgototoughtournamentsandreallyworktogetbetterevery game.Wewanttolearnfromeverygameand opponent,”Burnssaid.“Wewilldoourbestto stayhealthyandgohardinpracticestokeep ourmomentumgoingintodistrictandplayoff time.”
Also,BurnsaddedthatDistrict4-4Avolleyballis“oneofthetopsinthestate.”
“Youhavetobattleeveryweek(inour district),”Burnssaid.“Ipersonallylovethat becauseit’sgoodvolleyballandyouhaveto worktobethebest.Ourgoalistoshowup everyweekandputthepiecestogetherandbe thebestteamwecanbe.”
RandallwillscrimmageatTascosaonAugust 4andthentraveltotheArgyleTournamenton Aug.8.ThefirsthomematchwillbeAug.15 againstLubbockCooper.
BYTIMRITTER
tritter@hearstnp.com
JordynGovemaygetthespotlightfromheroutside hitterposition,butshe’llbethefirsttotellyouthat hercoachesandteammatesdeservethecredit.
TheRandallHighSchoolseniorcaptainandStudentBodyPresidentwalksthroughlifewithhigh standardsandaTEAMfirstattitude.
TogetherEveryoneAchievesMore.
That’showitisintheGovefamily,asJordyn’sparents–ChrisandKatieGove–arecoachesatWest TexasA&MUniversityandRandallHighSchool. Havingtwoparentsthatarecoaches–bothin basketballandvolleyball–hasprovidedJordyn withgoodrolemodelsandstrongcritiques… mostlyfromKatie,whowatchesfromthebench asheryoungestdaughterfinesseshercraftonthe volleyballcourt.
ChrisandKatie’soldestdaughter,Sydney,never flourishedinathletics,thoughshegrewuparound thesportsworld.She’scurrentlyenrolledinTexas StateUniversityinSanMarcosandthrivinginthe theatreartsindustry.
“Ifirstputher(Sydney)inaballcartforaChristmaspictureandwashopingthatshewasgoingto wanttoplayvolleyball,”Katiesaid.“…Ihopedthat bothofthem(SydneyandJordyn)wouldwantto playvolleyball.Astheywerelittleandgrowingup,I soonrealizedhowmuchSydneydidnothaveabig interestinvolleyball.ButJordyn,fromthetimethat shecouldtalk,throw,catch,shewasjust…Mom, mom,mom…alwaysaskingtoplaysomething,do littlesetsinthelivingroom,dowhatever.
“Astheygrewup,she(Jordyn)wouldbegtogoto volleyballpracticewithme,begtogotocamp…I wouldtellher,‘No,hereandthere’andshewasn’t goingtotake‘No’forananswer.Shewasgoingto beallreadywithallthings…backpack,whatever …andstandingatthedoorsoIcouldn’tresist, couldn’tsay‘No.’”
BeforetakingtheRandallassistantvolleyballcoachingposition,Katiewasaheadvolleyballcoachin Minnesotaandherhusband,Chris,wasanassistant basketballcoachwithTomBrownatWinonaState University.
“Intheoffseason,Icoachedclubvolleyball(in Minnesota)andthosekidswere12yearsold,and Jordynwas6…Shecoulddoaswellasthose 12-year-olds.SheandSydneybothwouldgoto practiceandwoulddoallthethingsthateverybody did,”Katiesaid.
Fromaparent’sstandpoint,Katieadmitsthatthere isgoodandbadtobeingacoach’skid.
“Yougetreps,yougetgymtime,yougetallofthat, butyouhavethisparentwho’salsodedicatedtoall theseotherkids,andyouhavetosharethem.So, that’swhereyoujustenduptakingyourkidswith you,”Katiesaid.“Jordyn,Imean,shejusthasitin her.Idon’tknow.Shejustlovestoplay,couldn’tget enoughofit,wouldn’twanttoleavethegymand wouldwanttodoitathome…allofthat,fromthat time.
“Shewas6yearsoldplayingonthis12steam,and shecontinuedtodoit.Wehadalotoffuntogether, hadalotofmother-daughtermoments.”
BothSydneyandJordynare19monthsapartinage, andyet,thetwosiblingsareeachother’sbiggest fans.
“Sydneywastheband,theatre,speech(student)… Shewentthatdirection,”Katiesaid.“AndJordyn
choseathleticsandwouldhavekeptplayingbasketball,too,butitjustkindofoverlapstoomuch.”
AccordingtoKatie,Jordyn’sprogressionthrough thegameofvolleyballhasbeenamazingtowatch.
“Whenshe(Jordyn)waslittle,andbecauseshewas aroundmeallthetime,Ithinkshelistenedand shepickeduponthingsandshewatchedandshe learned.Shealwaysknewwhereeverybodyshould beonthecourt,includingherself,”Katiesaid.
“Sothatpieceofitandherabilitytohelpherteammatesandtellthem,‘you’reoverhere,yougohere’ …thatissomethingthatmostkidsdon’thave.
“Fromthetimeshewas10or11,playingherein Amarillo,shewouldtelleverybodywheretogo, whattodo…hopefullyinagoodway.Skillwise, shewasjustahardworkeranditdidn’tmatterwhat sportwason(TV),ifshewaswatchingthesport, shewaswatchingtolearnsomething.
“OnenightIcamehomeandtheNBAFinalsor somethingwereonTVandshe’ssittingonthe couchandSydneyissittingonthecouch…noone else…usuallyChrisalwayshassportson…butit wasjusther.Shewaswatchingthisbasketballgame andshe’slike‘Didyouseethat?’andsherewindsit andsays‘Thatwassuchanillegalscreen…whatever’.I’mtellingyou,noteenagegirlissittingthere watchingabasketballgameandrewindingand (calling)anillegalscreen.
“Andthat’swhatshewouldwithwatchingvolleyball.Shewouldwatchvolleyballandwewould watchhighlevelvolleyball.WewenttothreeFinal Four’sandI’vetakenhertowatchlotsofthings,but herabilitytoanalyzethegametoatee.Thingsthat Idon’tknowIampayingattentiontosometimes andthat’swhy,asamom,she’sjustsomuchbetter thanme.”
Katie,whowasatalentedvolleyballplayerin herownrightinhighschoolandcollege,openly acknowledgedthatJordynis“somuchbetterthanI wasasaplayer.”
Havingasetofparentsthataredrivenandcompetitive,KatienotedthatChrisis“veryathletic.”
“He(Chris)wasanAll-Americanbaseballplayer andplayedcollegebaseballandbasketball.Iplayed atDivisionIIWinonaState,andIdidn’thaveher (Jordyn)height.IwasanoutsidehitterandIdid haveagoodverticalbackintheday.Iwasagreat player…four-yearAll-Conference,All-State,allof thethingsinvolleyball,basketball,softball,”Katie said.
“EverythingthatsportsgavemewasexactlywhatI feltlikeIneeded.IthinkthatChrisandIreallyconnectedonthatlevel,ofcourse.AndJordyncoming along,wantingtobethisplayer,lovingthegame somuch,Ithink,asamom,you’relike,‘Thisisso great.Shegetstoshareinthethingsthatwelove.’
“Asacoach,IthinkI’vealwaysbeenoverlycritical ofherandI’vealwaystoldher,‘Whenyou’rea coach’skid,Ifeellikeyouhavetobetwiceasgood.
…Andifyou’regoingtomoveuporyou’regoing todosomethingoryou’regoingtoplayalltheway around,therecanbenodoubtthatyou’rebetter thansomebodyelse.’That’suptoyou,that’sonyou.” KatieevenstressedtothepointthatJordyn“sometimesknowstoomuchforherowngood.”
“Herdevelopmentallevelishere,andthenshehas thisinformationandshecan’tfigureoutwhattodo withit,”Katieadded.“Thatparthasbeenalearning curveforme(ashercoach).”
KatiehasbeeninJordyn’sbackpocketashercoach sinceshewas6yearsoldandontowhenshewas11 playingonthe12s.
“Sheplayed12salotofyearsbecausethatwas thelowestlevel,”KatiesaidinMinnesotaclub volleyball.
Jordyn,asenioratRandall,isyoungamongher peersbutherskilllevelandmaturityinvolleyballis outoftheroof.
“She’sabouttobe17tomorrow(aweekago)…very youngforhergrade,”Katiesaid.“Whenshewas abouttogotokindergarten,Chriskeptsaying‘No, let’snot,let’snot..becausemymomsentmeandI don’tthinkIwasready’…Iwaslike‘Lookather, she’stallerthaneveryotherkid.Shewasready.’ “Rightnow,she’s7thinherclass.Sheissmart,she iswithit.Emotionally,that’swherewehavehad tolearnalotofthingsbecauseemotionallyshe’sa 16yearold.That’sbeenhardforusbecauseshe’s alwaysplayedayearolderandwe(ChrisandI) holdhertothosestandards.Sometimesthat’stough andpressureandthosekindsofthings.”
WhenJordyngottoRandall,afteryearsofplaying inMinnesotaandatWestoverPark,herhighschool career–asafreshman–startedontheJVwithher momandcoach.
“ShestartedontheJVandthatyear,itwasgood andabigchallenge,”Katiesaid.“Wehadsomegirls comein,oneinparticular,TatumBrandt,who Jordynissuperclosewithnow.TatumandJordyn buttedheadslikecrazybecausetheyboththought theykneweverything.AndIhadtotryandmanage alotofthat.Itwasfineanditwentwellandthey wereverysuccessful,butmother-daughterwise, thatwasrough.
“ItwasreallyroughbecauseIwanthertojustbe great.Iwanthertobegreatandtobeperfectly behavedandIwanthertobeagreatteammate… performthewayIwanthertooandallthesethings. Ithinkmyexpectationsweresohighthatsometimestherewasthatrebellionthereandsometimes therewasjustthat‘I’mnotdoingittoday…it’sjust howitis.’…Ilearnedalotthroughallofthat.”
JordynagreedthatplayingforhermomontheJV was“abigmaturity,humbledmoment.”
“ItwascomingbackfromCOVID,firstyearinhigh schoolandthenyou’replayingonJV,thewhole friendthing,”Jordynsaidonthechallenges.
“TheseniorstheyearJordynwasafreshman… wehadthisfullteamofkidsandIthinksheeasily couldhave,shouldhavecomeupattournament timeandwasrighttherebutitwasoneofthose thingsandIkepttellingher‘Youhavetobebetter thanthesegirls’…Theyhadit,theyhadtheexperience,”Katiesaid.
Jordynadded,“They(thoseseniors)hadthe maturity.”
Jordyn,at14thenandafreshman,was‘veryraw,’ accordingtoKatie.
Playingforhermom,Katie,Jordynadmittedthat “sometimesyoujustneedlikeaslapinthefaceto makeyouworkharder.”
“That’sjusthowitisespeciallywithher(Katie)like that’swhatshe’llgivemewhenIdon’twantit.And wewillbuttheads…likestopitMom,andthenit’s likeoh,you’remycoach,”Jordynsaid.
“Notanactualslapintheface,”Katieadded.“But,a realitycheck.”
Playingatsomeahighlevel,Jordynknowsshehas toworkthatmuchhardereachdaytoupholdthose highstandardsthatshesetsforherselfandher Randallteammates.
Ayearago,JordynandtheLadyRaidersmadeit theirNo.1goaltofinishasthelastteamstandingat theClass4AStateTournament.
And,theydidjustthat,stormingthroughtough competition,includingoneofthemostdifficult district’sinthestate…District4-4Awithtraditionally-richprogramslikeHerefordandDumasand now,second-yearWestPlains.
Jordyndefinitelylooksuptoherparentsandbelievesintheirwinningphilosophies.
“Growingupwiththem,asparentsandcoachesand leadersandmentorstome,shesaid,‘WhenIwas watchingandanalyzingallthethingsisbecause that’swhatIwasusetoo.’Beingaroundthem,they’ll goandtheirwatchinggamesandtheirwatching filmingathomeanddoingallthisstuff,talking aboutplayersandtheirpersonalitiesandtheirattitudes,allofthementalthingscanaffectthegame somuchandmetryingtounderstandthatatsuch littleagereallyaffectedhowIgrewup,”Jordynsaid. “Iremember,especiallymydad,likehesaiditbest …‘Ifyourbestplayersdon’tbuyin,youcan’twin agame.’”
ThatfatherlyadvicehasreallyimpactedJordynand thewaysheattackseveryaspectofherlife.
“Ifyou’renotgoingtobetheonetodoitorsayit… noyoucan’tcomplainthesedaysordoallthesebad things…becauseifyou’redoingit,thewholeteam isgoingtodoit,”Jordynsaid.
“They(myparents)teachmesomuchaboutbeing agoodteammateandmymomespecially.Ata littleage,Iwasn’tthebestteammateandIwas aboutmyself…‘Whycan’ttheyjustdoit?’andshe (mom)wouldhavetoremindme‘Hey,yougrewup withthesepeoplearoundyouandtheydidn’t.’…
She’slike‘RununtilI’mtired.’It’sjustlikeconstantly holdingmeaccountabletomeetingtheirstandards.”
ThebarishighforJordynandtheLadyRaidersthis season.
Theyhaveastatechampionshiptodefend. Andthey–includingJordyn–aren’tgoingdown withoutafight. It’sthatTEAMmentalitythathasmadeJordynthe bestteammate.
BYTIMRITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
AMARILLO–Headingintotheirsecond seasonofvarsityvolleyball,theWestPlains LadyWolvesplanto‘GRIT’itoutunderhead coachKaitlynCornelius.
Pickingateammottothatdescribespieces ofCornelius’philosophyandthecultureshe continuestoestablishatWestPlainsiswhat hastheenergizedheadcoachexcitedabout beginninghersecondseason.
“Ithinkwedidagreatjobofcompetinglast season.Weplayedsomephenomenalteams reallyclose.However,ourgoalthisyearisto beabletoshowgritinthosetoughmoments andpushthroughtoWINtheclosegames,” Corneliussaid.
“Thesegirlshaveinvestedsomuchtime,energyandWORKintothisprogramandeach other.Icannotwaittoseethatpayoffinthose momentsonthecourt.”
InWestPlains’firstseasonatthevarsitylevel,theLadyWolvesfinished32-9overalland werethirdplaceinDistrict4-4A.Theyalso advancedtotheRegionI-4AQuarterfinals afterwinningBi-DistrictandAreachampionships.
Lookingtowardthisseason,Corneliusfeels veryoptimisticabouttheLadyWolves’chancesofmakingadeeperruninthepostseason. “Theskyistrulythelimitforthisteam,” Corneliussaid.“Wehavemostofourteam returningthisyear.Sincewehavethefirst yearunderourbelt,wehavemoreexperience toleanon.Ifullyexpectustobecompetitive andmakeastatementinpre-season,district andpostseasonplay.”
Withthisyear’sgroupofLadyWolves,seven seniorswillbeexpectedtocarryalotofthe leadershiprolesonandoffthecourt.
“Myexpectationsformyfearlessseniorsisto befearlessleadersbothonandoffthecourt,” Corneliussaid.“Wehavetheopportunityto dobigthingsthisseasonasateam,andIwant themtoleadbyexampleandtakeownership overoursuccessnomatterwhattheirrole maybe.”
Corneliusnotedthatkeyreturningstarters areJayliFranklin,BrooklynGarcia,McCall SimsandZenaidaMurrillo.Also,sheexpects newcomerEmersonCastillotomakeastrong contributiononthevarsity.
Ayearago,Corneliussethercorevaluesand whatshewantedtheLadyWolvesvolleyball programtorepresent.Askherayearlaterif theLadyWolvesexceededherexpectations andtheformerBushlandstandoutathlete wouldnodherhead.
“Icouldnothaveaskedforabetterfirstyear. Itwasfilledwithsuccessesandfailures,but mostimportantly,lotsofgrowth,”Cornelius
said.“Therewerethingsthatworkedwell anddefinitelyareasthatneedtoimprovethis upcomingyear,butthatjustcomeswiththe territory.
“Asaprogram,welearnedhowtobattle. Thereweremanydifferentobstacleswehadto overcomeevenbeforetheseasonstarted,and lotsoflearningcurveswiththisbeingabrand newatmosphereforeveryoneinvolved.The girlshandledeverysituationwithmaturity, graceandresiliency.
“Asacoach,this(past)yearhastaughtme totrustmycoachesintuitionandtoleanon theteam(bothcoachesandathletes).We werenevermeanttodoitallonourown,and Ihavetheabsolutebestpeople/kidsinmy cornerthatareahugepartofwhywewere successful.”
Lookingatheroffenseandthefirepower returnsinFranklinandGarcia,whobothtallied395and302killsin2022,Corneliuslikes havingthatexperiencebackonthefrontrow.
“Werunaquickoffenseandhavethemajority ofourfrontrowreturning.Jayli(Franklin) andBrooklyn(Garcia)bringalotofexperienceandconsistencytoourfrontline,which willhelpusoutinthosetightsituations,” Corneliussaid.
“Wealsohavesomeyoungerplayerswho addalotofdepthandversatilitytoour offense.Theyareflexibleandcanplayallthe wayacrossthenet.”
Cornelius,wholeansonherformerhigh schoolvolleyballcoachJaneenEudy’sphilosophythatoffensesellsticketsbutdefensewins championships,believesthestrengthofthe LadyWolvesmaybeinthebackrowwith defensivesensationMcCallSimsreturning. SimsclosedoutherfirstseasonatWestPlains with606totaldigsand26serviceaces.
“Wearereallyworkingtoperfectwhathappensdefensivelyallthewayfromtheblockto thedig,”Corneliussaid.“McCallSimsledour defenselastyearanddidaphenomenaljobof owningthatrole.Shetoowillbringexperience,controlandleadershiptothebackline.
“ZenaidaMurilloalsoplaysakeyrole.As asetter,sheplaysrelentlessdefense.Shewill runthroughabrickwalltogettheballup.”
Murillo,fromthesetterposition,contributed with630assistsandalsohad31serviceaces in2022.Defensively,shefinishedwith244 digs.
WestPlains’pre-seasonschedulebegins August8withadualagainstTascosaandLubbockMontereyatTascosaHighSchool.From there,WestPlainswilltraveltoMansfield, GrahamandFrenshipfortournamentplayto roundoutAugust.
“Wehaveacompetitivepre-districtschedule thisyearwherewewillbeplaying4A,5Aand some6Ateams.Ourgoalistoperfectour
craftandget1percentbettereachday,”Corneliussaid.“Themainpurposeofpre-district playistogetusreadyforourtoughdistrict.”
District4-4Amaybeoneofthetoughest leaguesinthestatewiththedefending4A statechampionRandallLadyRaidersand traditionalpowerhouseHerefordamongthe teamstobeateachseason.
“Whenwegettodistrict,ourgoalisto keepprogressingeachday,”Corneliussaid. “Whetherthatisinskill,strengthorteam chemistry,wewanttomakesurethatweare stillfiringonallcylinders.It’simportantthat wedowhateverisnecessarytoensurethatwe arepeakingattherighttime.
“Weknowtheroadaheadistoughinour district,buttheexpectationistoshowGRIT, beresilientandleanoneachothertoearnus anotherspotinthepostseason.”
WOLVESPage4
Otherpart-timereturningstartersback fortheWolvesthisseasonaresophomorereceiversBostonLaddandKaden Hooker.Insixgames,Laddcaughtseven passesfor74yards;whileHookerpulled sixreceptionsfor64yardsinninegames. Cummingsbelievesthisseniorclassis somethingspecial.
“We’reexcitedaboutourseniorclass. It’salargeclasswithalotofreallygood leadersinit,”Cummingssaid.“Thecool thingaboutthisclassisthattheyaren’t allthesametypeofleaders;theyeach bringsomethinguniqueandspecialto thetable.
“With30-plusseniors,we’rehopingthat theycontinuetohaveamajorpositive impactonourprogramandcommunity.”
Insidethelockerroom,Cummingswitnessesahungertogomakeastatement.
“Thehungerisdefinitelythere,”Cummingssaid.“Ourkidswanttobegreat andtheireffortshavedemonstratedthat overthepastseveralmonths.Oursummerparticipationhasbeenverygood andkidsarecompetingandpushingeach othereveryday.”
Havingthattasteofpostseasonplayin 2022wasdefinitelybeneficialforthe Wolves.
“Ithinkitwashugeintermsofmomentumgoingintoouroffseasonandinto summerworkouts,andthenstartingthis newyear,”Cummingssaidonadvancing tothesecondroundoftheplayoffslast season.
“Ithinkgettingatasteofthatsuccesscan beagoodmotivatingfactorheadinginto thisseason.”
Likeallteams,offensemaysellthetickets,butdefenseiswhatbringshomethe championships.
TheWolves’defensehasapairofcenterpiecesinseniordefensiveendDawson HallandseniorlinebackersMasonGomezandJarrettDiggsthatwillbelooked uponforleadership.
“Wetalkallthetimeaboutattacking, playingfastandbeingphysical,”CummingssaidontheWolves’defensivephilosophy.“Ithinkthisgrouphasagreat opportunityaheadofthemtobejustthat kindofdefense.Therewillbecompetitionateveryspotsoeachdaywillbeguys pushingeachothertogetbetter. “Wehaveveryhighexpectationsonthis sideoftheballthisyear.”
In11games,MasonGomezledthe Wolveswith104tackles,whileHall produced90andDiggsfinishedwith45 injustsixgames.
WestPlains’secondaryalsoresponded with17interceptionsasBrodyTupinled thewaywiththreepicksandLaddand Tallanteachhadapair.
InordertowintheDistrictChampionshipin2023,Cummingsbelievesthe Wolveshavetoplayataveryhighlevel. “Wehavetoexecutewhatwedoonall threesidesoftheball.Takingcareofthe footballonoffenseandcreatingtakeawaysondefensewillbekeyaswell,” Cummingssaid.“Attheendoftheday, it’saboutusandwhatwecancontrol–ourattitude,effortandfocuswillbeof utmostimportance.”
TheWolveskickoffthe2023seasonon Aug.25atBushlandHighSchool.
SHERWOOD
FromPage3
Tuckeradmittedthatwasaveryshortlistof candidates.
“Withthistimeline,weknewwehadtobe diligentwiththeguysweweregoingtoapproach,” Tuckersaid.“YoulistentoCoachSherwoodand youunderstandrealquickwhyhewasthetopguy. “No.1,(Randall)isgetting(aguy)withpassion. He’sacoachwithabigvoiceandcangetthatthing acrankin’outthere.I’mlookingforwardtothat excitement.We’resoblessedinCanyonISD… we’vegotthreefantasticfootballcoachesinthis district.Youlookattheseguys,it’saculture.
“YougotToddWinfreyandCoachAdamCummingsheretodaytosupporttheguythatthey’re allgoingtobebattlingforadistrictchampionship. Wewanttogetaftereachotherandthenifwecan helpeachotherbeatDumas,Pampaorwhoever, that’swhatwewanttodo.Iappreciatethatculture andIthinkhe(Sherwood)isaguythatcomesin andisapartofthat.”
DonCarthel,whocoachedSherwoodatWest TexasA&MUniversityandhasfollowedhimover theyearsatCaprock,isveryproudofRandall’s hire.
“It’shuge.I’vebeenaDanSherwoodfanever sincehewasinhighschool(atAmarilloHigh). WatchinghimturnthatCaprockprogramaround wasreallyspecial,”Carthelsaid.“He’sjustgota greatwaywithkidsandkidsplayforhim,love him,sohe’sgoingtodotremendousthingshereat Randall.”
CarthelbelievesthatRandallisgetting“aperson thatisgoingtotakecareofthekids.”
LEADERSHIP
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“WearesoexcitedforMattand Kelsey(Lovorn)tobecoming home.Thegreatthingabout thisplaceiswehaveguysthat havebeenhereforreallylong periodsoftime,andwehave coachesthatplayedhere,like MattandCadeWartes.Matt isagreatcoachandwillbea greatadditiontoourprogram,” Winfreysaid.
Canyon’squarterbackquestion willbedecidedbetweenjunior BostonBellandsophomore NoahSanchez,whobothsaw playingtimeonthevarsity in2022afterstarterDerrek Clementswentdownwitha season-endinginjury.
“Boston(Bell)andNoah (Sanchez)havebothworked extremelyhardandaredoing great,” Winfreysaid.“Everydayisa competitionandtheyembrace
ForWinfreyandCummings,thehiringofSherwoodtotheCanyonISDcoachingfraternityonly strengthensthoseFridaynightbattlesevenmore. “He’sawinner,”WinfreysaidonCoachSherwood.“He’swon.Hemaybethehardestworking, mostwellprepared…youwatchhisteamson Fridaynightshowupandamen,everygamewe’ve everhadagainsthimhasbeenaknockdown,drag out…wonsomeandlostsome…
ThegreatthingaboutDaniswhenthegame’s over,it’salotlikemeandAdam(Cummings). Afterthose48minutes,itinstantlygoesbackto beingbrothersandbestfriends.Danisgoingto fallintothatcategoryrealquickandIthinkthat willonethingAdamwillfindout.He(Sherwood) isjustagenuinely,awesome,niceguy. There’sareasoneverybodyrespectshimand loveshiminthePanhandle.”
Cummingsnotedthat“everythingIdoknow abouthim(Sherwood)fromtalkingtoother peopleishe’saclassactanddoeseverythingright. He’sareallyqualityballcoach.Ihaveseentheir teamsonfilmandagain,justwatchinghowpreparedtheyareandwellcoachedtheyare,Ithink he’sgoingtobeagoodfitforRandallandIthink itjuststrengthensthethreeprogramswithinour district.”
Sherwood’smessagetotheRaiderswassimple. “Bereadyforsomeexcitementandbereadyfor somefun,”Sherwoodsaid.“I’mreadyfor someexcitementandtogeteveryonemotivated.Theyknow theyhaveagreattraditionatRandall.…We’re readytodosomethingspecial.”
that.Intheend,wewilldo whateverisbestfortheteam.”
In5gameslastseason,Bell completed30-of-67passesfor 310yardswithaninterception. Healsohad4carriesfor16 yards.
Sanchez,infourgames,completed24-of-37passesfor302 yardswith2touchdownsand5 interceptions.Healsorushedfor 45yardson11carries. Winfreywasquicktoreiterate thatCanyon’sstrengthswillbe theirskillplayers.
Statistically,SamJohnson returnswith868rushingyards and12touchdownsandCarson Cockrellhad19receptionsfor 255yardsand2touchdowns. TrippWrightalsohad12 receptionsfor166yardsand2 touchdownsandDarionCash followedwith6receptionsfor 50yards.
“Thehungerishigh.Ithink thatespeciallycomingoffofa 10winseason,thatthisbunch doesn’twanttohavealetdown,” Winfreysaid.“Theywantto meetorexceedalltheaccolades thatlastyear’steamaccomplished.
“Thisseniorbunch(ofleaders) hasbeengreat.Icantellyou thatthesuccessofourseason willdepend99percentonthose guys.
Theyhaveboughtinandhad agreatsummer,andreallydo agoodjobinhelpingwiththe youngerplayers.Wetalkallthe timethatcoach-ledteamscan begood,player-ledteamscan begreat.”
“Ourweaknesseswillbewe arealittlethinattheoffensive anddefensivelineposition,so weneedtodevelopsomeyoung playersquickly,”Winfreysaid. Asthecoachesevaluateeach positionandlookatwhatwillbe theidentityofthisyear’sEagles, Winfreyremainshighontheir workethicandpositiveattitude.
