2024 2024 Spring SpringSports Sports
WTATHLETICS
WestTexasA&Msoftballlandedfour student-athletesontheNationalFastpitch CoachesAssociationAll-Americateams asannouncedbytheorganizationon Wednesday.
TheLadyBuffsareoneofthreeprograms tohavefourmembersontheteamsandare theonlyprogramwithtwoplayersonthe firstteam.
DianaMurthaearnedherfirstAll-Americanawardafterastandoutseasonatthird base.Murthahit.483ontheseasonwith 62runsscored,23doubles,twotriples,18 homeruns,and10stolenbases.
InadditiontoleadingtheWTlineupin multipleoffensivecategories,Murtha's numbersrankedamongthebestofDivisionIIhitters.BrittniRufusalsojoined
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IfthereisonethingthatJodyandLisaJohnsoninstilledintheirsons,it’stheimportance ofloyalty.
Forthepast10years,TrevorJohnsonhas givenhisheartandsoultotheRandallRaidersbasketballprogramandLeslieBroadhurst. TheHappyHighSchoolgraduateworked alongsideBroadhurstasanassistantcoach duringthattimeandlearnedfromoneof thebestinthestateofTexas.Broadhurst, Randall’sfirstandonlybasketballcoachsince 1988,recentlyannouncedhisretirementafter 36years. Whobettertocarryonthewinningtradition atRandallthanTrevorJohnson.Lastweek, CanyonISDannouncedthatJohnsonwould bepromotedtotheRandallRaidersheadbasketballcoachingpositionasfamily,friends, peersandplayerslookedoninsidetheDistrict SupportCenter. Fightingbacktears,TrevorJohnsonpaid respecttoCoachBroadhurstforallowinga small-towngymratfromHappytheopportunitytolearntheinsandoutsofwhatmakes Randallsuchawinningprogramwithinthe TexasPanhandleandthestateofTexas.
“Itwasagreatprocessthatwewentthrough,” CanyonISDAthleticDirectorJohnPeterson saidonfindingtherightpersontoleadthe RandallHighSchoolbasketballprogram.
“There’snooneelsethatwasmoredeserving ofthispositionthanTrevorJohnson.” Petersonaddedthat“Trevor(Johnson)is someonethathasbeenwithCoach(Leslie) Broadhurstfor10years,he’sbeenatthefill-in spotwhenCoachhadthathealthemergency (inFebruary)andwhatafantasticjobhedid leadingthatgroupallthewaydowntothe statetournament.We’resoproud,sohappy thatwegettoannounceTrevorJohnsonasthe nextheadboysbasketballcoachatRandall HighSchool.”
TrevorJohnsonlearnedfromtwoofthe bestatHappyHighSchoolincoachesBarry StevensandLandonLandry,bothformer assistantsunderBroadhurstatRandall,andis excitedabouttheopportunitythatawaitshim goingforwardatRandall.
“I’msothrilledandhappytobeheretoday. ThankfulforCoach(John)Petersonandhis guidancethepastmonthandCoach(Toby) Tuckerbeforehim.Soblessedthatmyfamilygetstobehere…mywifeandkids,my parentsandgrandmother…Mr.(Steven)Singleton,Mr.(Travis)WillardandDr.(Darryl)
Murthaonthefirstteamafterhitting.428 ontheseasonwitheightdoubles,eight triples,ninehomeruns,andateam-best 22stolenbases.
EmileeBoyerreceivedSecondTeam honorsasautility/pitcher.Boyerhit.324 inthe2024seasonwithfourdoublesand 17homeruns.
Asapitcher,theHarrisburg,S.D.native pitchedtoa23-3recordover165innings, accumulating132strikeoutsduringthat time.LaurenGrangerroundsoutthe NFCAhonoreesfortheLadyBuffsaftera breakoutsophomorecampaign. Grangerendedtheseasonwitha.397battingaveragewith19doubles,twotriples, and12homeruns.Aftersplittingtimebetweenoutfieldandcatcher,Grangerearned aspotontheThirdTeamasanoutfielder.
Flusche…andIcan’tthankCoachBroadhurstenough,”TrevorJohnsonsaid.
“His(Broadhurst)guidancethepast10years mademewhoIamtodayandthecoachIam today.Ican’tthankhimenoughforgivingme thisopportunity,aswell.Extremelyblessed andextremelythankfultobethesecondbasketballcoachatRandallHighSchool.”
CoachBroadhurstknewthisdaywould come–hisretirement–andit’sonlyfitting thathistopassistant(Johnson)wouldcarry ontheRaiderswinningtradition.
“Trevorisaone-of-a-kindguy…anybody thatknowshim,he’sthehardestworkingguy thatyou’lleverbearound.Hetalkedabout loyaltyandhisloyaltytoourschool,tome, toourprogramhasbeensecondtonone,” BroadhurstsaidonnewRandallbasketball coachTrevorJohnson.
“Trevormadeastatement…‘Ididn’tknowif thiswasevergoingtocome’…becauseevery yearIwouldtellhim,‘I’mgoingtoquitpretty soon…hopefullyI’llstaylongenoughthat youcangetthisjobbecauseyou’veworkedfor it.’Finally,IdidandItoldhimthismorning that‘I’vebeenthere(Randall)36years…he hasbeenthere10andheis34…soIwant himtoworkatleasttillhe’s60atRandalland he’llhave37yearsatRandall…He’llbeatme.’
“We’retheluckyonestohavehim,”Broadhurstsaid.“Randallbasketballisingreat shape.We’vegotagreatcoachwithsome goodplayersanditjustthrillsmeforhim (Johnson)tobetheguythatgetstocoach Randallbasketball.”
Insomanyways,Broadhursthaslearned somuchfromhavingTrevorJohnsonbyhis sideduringthose10years…especiallyonthe technicalsideofteampreparationanddoing gamestats.
“I’milliterateontechnology…Icangetthe computerturnedonandIcandosomestuff butthisguy(Johnson)isawizardandhowhe handledourstatprogram,andhe’sjustagreat coach.He’sgotabasketballmind,bringsnew ideasandoneofthethingsIreallylikedabout himfromthestartwasyoudon’twantsomebodythatjustagreeswitheverythingyousay,” Broadhurstsaid.
“That’snotgoingtohelpyourprogram…I don’tthink.He’sneverbeenafraidtosaywhat ifwetrythis,whataboutthis…andthatjust mademebetter.He(Johnson)saysIhelped him…IhopeIhelpedhimsome…He helpedmejustasmuchandgavemealotof confidencewithhimandtheseplayers.
“Theselasttwoyears–Igottotellyou–walkingonthecourtduringwarmupsIstand
Wrap Up WrapUp
atthebenchandTrevorgetsunderthegoal andI’mwatching…andIwatchtheother teamandIwatchus…Ithinkwe’regoingto win,Ithinkwe’regoingtogetanother‘W’.It’s justbeensofunandit’sagoodtimeformeto leaveandit’sagoodtimeforhimtocomein.” KJThomas,Randall’sall-timeleadingscorer andthecatalystbehindthepasttwotripsto theClass4AStateTournament,believesthat RaiderbasketballisingoodshapewithTrevor Johnsonasheadcoach.
“CoachBroadhurstmeansalottome.He’s taughtmealot,notonlyasabasketballplayer butasaperson,aswell.Ireallythankhimfor everythingthathe’sdoneandthengivingon toTrevorJohnson…IfeellikeCoachhighly deservesthejob.He’sdonesomuchforme, theprogramandI’mjustthankfulhe(Johnson)gotit,”Thomassaid.
DevinBaccus,oneoftheoutgoingsenior leadersontheRaiders’statesemifinalistteam, addedthat“Obviously,CoachBroadhursthas doneagreatjobandalltheyearsI’vebeen atRandall,thosehavebeensomesuccessful yearsandI’vehadagreattime.He’sdeveloped meintothemanIamandhasbeenthere everystepoftheway.
“It’sagreatdealforourprogramtohave CoachJohnsonleadtheRaiders.Sohappy forhim.He’sbeenlikeanotherdadtomeall theseyearsandIjustreallyappreciatehim.” Fromafather’sstandpoint,wordscannot expresshowexcitingandgratefulthatJody Johnsonisforhisson,Trevor,tohavethis opportunityatRandall.
“Thisisamazing…I’lltellyouwhat… Trevorhasworkedforalongtimeforthis.He said,‘Heturneddownacoupleofjobstostay atRandallandcoachunderBroadhurst…my goshforhimtostepintothisrole,it’sgoingto beexcitingcomingtowatchhimcoach,”Jody Johnsonsaid.
“Itmakesmeextremelyproud(hearingmy sontalkaboutloyalty)…youwonderifyour kidsarelisteningtoyou,butmywifeandIare bothextremelyloyaltytotheschooldistricts we’vealwaysworkedforandthat’srubbed offonallthreeofmysons,Ithink.Trevoris goingtodoagreatjobhere(atRandall).” ForthefutureofRandallbasketball,onething iscertain…theRaidersaregoingtoscorea lotofpointsandplayafast-pacedbrandof basketball.
“Idon’tthinkhe’sgoingtochangejusta wholelot.Kindofwhatwesawdownthe stretchthisseason,Ithinkthat’sprettywell thesamethingsyou’regoingtoseeforthe next10-20years,hopefully,”JodyJohnson
said.
Duringthatstretchoftheseason,when BroadhursthandedTrevorJohnsonthe interimrole,Jodysayshissonfacedalotof pressure.
“Trevorwentthroughalotthere,especially worryingaboutCoachBroadhurst.Henever willsayitbuthewasworryingaboutletting down(Coach)andworryingaboutletting thoseboysdown.Theexpectationswereso highthisseason.Itwastoughonhim,”Jody Johnsonsaid.
“WhentheRaiderswontheregionaltournamentagainthisyear,Itellyouthatwastwo tough,toughgamesdownthereinLubbock. Hemadesomebigdecisionsthroughoutthose twogamestogetthemthosewins.And,then seeinghimstandonthatcourtatstate,it doesn’tgetnobetterthanthat.” TrevorJohnsonhascherishedthepasttwo years–ofanyoftheprevious10–withCoach BroadhurstandtheRaiders.
“Everydayhasbeenspecialandtheseguys aregoingtodogreatthingsinlife.They’re greatyoungmenandtheyworkreallyhard. Whatwe’vebeenabletodothesepasttwo years–going34-4thisyearandmakingit tothestatetournament–aresomespecial, specialdays,”TrevorJohnsonsaid.
“Coach(Broadhurst)haslaidthegroundworkandtheseguyshavelaidthegroundworkforteamstocome.We’reexcitedtokeep buildingonthisthingandkeepitrolling.” Photo-CoachTrevorJohnson
Photos-EmileeBoyer,DianaMurthaandBrittniRufus
BYTIMRITTER
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WOLFFORTH–Canyonheadbaseball coachJohnDoanmayberetiringattheend oftheseason,butrightnow,he’senjoying thejourneyandnotreadytohangupthose spikes.
Sincearegular-seasonlosstoPerrytoninthe District4-4Afinale,theEagleshaven’tlosta post-seasonseries.
*CanyonsweptAndrews,2-1and7-2inthe Bi-Districtround.
*CanyonsweptClint,3-2(10inning)and 13-1intheAreaaround.
*CanyonsweptWestPlains,8-7and9-1in theRegionalQuarterfinals
AndThursdayeveninginWolfforth,aonegameserieswithSpringtownintheRegional SemifinalssawCanyonsoartoan8-1victory. Rightnow,it’ssafetosaythatCanyonisthe hottestteaminWestTexasandonthebrink offollowingthepathofthe2023Randall RaiderstotheClass4AStateTournament. Firstthingsfirst,though,Canyonwillhave totakedownthewinnerofStephenvilleor SeminoleintheRegionI-4AFinalsatatime andplacetobedeterminedthisweek.
“Thesearetheguysthatgotusoverthe humptoday,”saidCanyonheadcoachJohn Doan,whohasbeentotheRegionI-4ASemifinalseighttimesatCanyon.
“Wegivetheseguysalotoffreedomtojust gooutandplay.Ihopetheyfeelthatfreedom andwejustreallytrynottogetinthewayof them.They’resuchaspecialcrewandthey justkeephammeringaway.Ijustcouldn’tbe proudofthem.”
Fortwoinnings,CanyonandSpringtown weredeadlockedinadefensivegem.Canyon startingpitcherColtCruthandSpringtown starterBraydenFoxputupscorelessinnings. Inthetopofthethirdinning,Springtown scoredanunearnedrunforthe1-0lead. WithFoxonthemoundandstrikingout10 ofCanyon’sfirst14hitters,momentumwas onSpringtown’sside.
However,asthepostseasonhasshownthe
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It’sbeen21yearssincetheCanyonEagles baseballteamhasexperiencedtheregional finals.
FormerCanyonheadcoachGaryHixand assistantcoachJohnDoanguidedtheEagles tothe2003Class3ARegionalChampionship …settingastrongfoundationforfuture teamstofollowintheyearstocome. WhattheEaglesdidin2003underHixand Doancontinuestobetalkedaboutonsocial mediaandbaseballcirclesacrossCanyonand WestTexas. …BaseballinJune–especiallyinCanyon–wasnolongerapipedream. ItwasarealityasCanyondefeatedAbilene Wylie,7-6(8innings)and5-3(8innings)in abest-of-threegameseriesthrilleratMoffett FieldinSnyder.
Themomentwasnevertoolargeforthose Eaglesin2003,asthatplayoffjourneytoAustinwasmuchthesamepathasthecurrent onein2004.
In2003,HixandtheEaglesdrewthefirstroundbyeandthenoutlastedSnyderina three-gameseries,falling7-4intheopener andwinning17-12and12-10toadvanceto theregionalquarterfinals. Intheregionalquarterfinals,Canyontook downSweetwaterinanotherthree-game series,losing4-3intheopenerandwinning 16-6and15-0infiveinningstoadvanceto theregionalsemifinals.
Canyonneededonlytwogamestosoar throughLakeDallas,11-3and16-3infive inningstomoveontotheregionalchampionship. WhatCanyonfansexperiencedin2003 wasnothingshortofagroupofEaglesthat playedwiththe‘heartofachampion’andleft everyounceofblood,sweatandtearsonthe diamond. Alotofthesameemotionsandpageantry thatDoan’sEaglesareflyingwithintothis year’sregionalchampionshipshowdownwith Stephenville.
MuchlikewhatEvanParker,MichaelCrabtree,ChrisMcMenamy,LanceDougherty, TravisFranklin,KyleHaymes,JasonBoehning,LeviSharp,CandyMedellinandmany othersexperiencedoverthecourseofthat 36-gameseason,the2024Eaglesareetching theirownlegacywithAustininsight. HixandDoantastedthethrillsofAustinin 2003astheEaglessoaredtotheClass3A StateTournament–onlytofalltoSinton,4-3 in10inningsofthestatesemifinalsatAFCU Disch-FalkFieldontheUniversityofTexas campus. LittledidDoanknowatthetimethathe wouldbetakingovertheCanyonEagles baseballprogramthatHixbuiltintoaproven winnerandcenteredaroundintegrity,hard work,trustandheart. AlotofthesamequalitiesthatDoanemphasizesintohisprogram21yearslaterand onthebrinkofanothertriptotheClass4A StateTournamentatAFCUDisch-FalkField inAustin. Therecipeforsuccess–startedin2003–hasneverlefttheCanyonEaglesbaseball lockerroomorbetteryet,thehallowed groundsofDoubleEaglePark. Sincethat2003seasonthatproducedoneof
fans,youcan’tevercountout‘CardiacCanyon’andtheirtimelycomebacks. Earlyon,Doansaidhisteamhadto‘overcomeafewnerves.’
“Weprayedthatwe’regoingtolayanyfears andanxietiesorconcernsattheLord’sfeet,” Doansaid.“Andwe’renotgoingtorunover thereandpickthemup.Wehadtofightthose thingsbackalittlebitinthefirstandsecond inninguntilwecouldgetthingsgoing.
“Thethirdandfourth,Ithoughttheir (Springtown)starterwasdoingagoodjob …gettinginalittlebitofarhythmandwas gettingtous.But,likeallseasonlong,the guysjustmanagedbigsituationsandthelow heartrate…justthecalmdemeanorofthis crewjustgetsitdoneforus.”
Bythefifthinning,Canyonneededsomeone tostepupandZabienUrteagacamethrough intheclutch.
AfterFoxissuedback-to-backwalksto CruthandReceDavisandthenair-lifteda throwpastfirstbaseonasacrificebuntby NoahSanchez,whichallowedCruthtoscore thegame-tyingrunandputrunnersonsecondandthirdbase,Urteagacametotheplate inabigsituation.
Urteaga,whofinished3-for-4against SpringtownandhadtwohitsagainstFox, rippedantwo-runsingletoleft-fieldthat caromedofftheoutfielder’sgloveandallowed theCanyonbaserunnertoreachthirdbase.
Thetimely,clutchhitfromUrteagascored DavisandSanchezforthe3-1inthebottom ofthefifth.
“Wehadbeentalkingabouthim(Fox)all week.Eversinceweflippedfortheone,we knewthatthey(Springtown)hadaguythat threwhard.Propstohim(Fox)…hethrew hard,”UrteagasaidonfacingSpringtown’s acepitcherwhoiscommittedtoAngeloState.
“Firstat-bat,youknow,justgotarealgood feelforhim…moveChristian(McGuire) over…Ireallydidn’twanttolethim(Fox) getthatstrikeoutandgetinagroove.Second at-bat,Ishoutthefastballupthemiddle… gotthehit.Basesload,Christianpopsoutand CoachDoanreallytalksaboutpassingthe
thebestbaseballseasonsinCanyonEagles history,Hixmovedontoheadcoaching stintsatAmarilloHighandLubbockCoronadoandDoan–for21years–wentfrom beingHix’sassistanttotheEaglesskipper. Doanwasthefirsttogivehisplayersthe credittheydeservedThursdaynightfollowingan8-1winoverSpringtowninaonegameregionalsemifinalsgameatFrenship. “Thesearetheguysthatgotusoverthehump today,”Doansaidwhilefightingbackthe emotionsofwatchinghisteamcelebrate. “Wegivetheseguysalotoffreedomtojust gooutandplay.Ihopetheyfeelthatfreedom andwejustreallytrynottogetinthewayof them.”
Followingthepathandlegacyofthe2003 Eagles,atriptoAustinisforeverinstilledin the2024Eagles.
Allthat’sstandingintheirwayisathreegameserieswithStephenvilleThursdayand FridayintheRegionI-4AFinalsatDanLaw FieldontheTexasTechcampusinLubbock. StephenvillepuncheditsticketwithCanyon aftersecuringapairof5-1and4-3winsover Seminoleintheregionalsemifinals.Stephenvillewillbemakingitsfourthconsecutive appearanceintheregionalfinals.
In2023,RandallfelltoStephenville,3-2in theregionalfinalopenerandthenwentto eliminatetheJacketswithapairofshutout victories,2-0and6-0.
Thehugecome-from-behindthree-gameseriesvictoryoverStephenvilleallowedRandall tomakeschoolhistorywithitssecondtripto theClass4AStateTournamentinAustin.
UnderpreviousRandallheadbaseballcoach DavidWalden,theRaidersappearedinthe 2007Class4AStateTournament…fallingto CorpusChristiMoody,5-3inthesemifinals atDellDiamondinRoundRock.
What’satstakeforthe2024Eaglesisplaying baseballinJuneandaberthintheFinalFour. WhentheseasonstartsinFebruary,200 teamsacrossTexasviefortheopportunityto beoneofthelastfourteamsstandingatstate inAustin.
Shortlyaftertheregionalsemifinalswin overSpringtown,itdidn’ttakelongforDoan toreflectonthat2003playoffjourneyand howeverythingcametogether.
“IthinkbacktoCoachHix’s2003team… andI’vealwayswantedateamtogetoverthis humpandhaveashottogoandplayforthe biggesthonorinhighschoolbaseball…and that’stotakeatriptoAustin,”Doansaid.
“Idefinitelythinkaboutthat2003teamand Iwantthatsamefeelingfortheseguys.That wasaspecialtimewaybackthenandagain theseguysgotusoverthehump.” In2003,Canyonhadtowithstandalotof gut-wrenchingthree-gameseriesinorderto maketheirsandlotdreamscometruewitha triptoAustin.
Thisyear’splayoffjourneythroughClass4A hasseenadifferentpathtoAustin. Canyonhasyettoplayathirdgameinthe postseason,sweepingAndrewsinBi-District, ClintinArea,WestPlainsintheRegional QuarterfinalsanddefeatingSpringtownina one-gamecontestintheRegionalSemifinals. “That’swhatwe’relookingforwardtoo,” Canyonjuniorthirdbaseman/pitcherZabien UrteagasaidonplayingbaseballinJune. “Wegotasaying‘RoadtoRoundRock… RTRR’andhereweare…itmeansawhole
torch.
“We’reafamily,we’rereallytight.Iknew thatIhada3-2countandIkindofcelebrated alittleearlywhenIwasrunning,andIsawit kickoff…andwegotit.”
Urteagalaterscoredonthefielder’schoice fromCarsonAllenwithtwoouts. WithFoxnearingthe100-pitchmark,UrteagaandCanyonknewtheyhadashottokeep thisthingrolling.
“Foxwasjustcruisinginthefirstfour innings.Attackthefastball,attackthefastball …aguythatthrowsthathard,Imean,is goingtodothat,”Urteagasaid.“Wegotout onhimearly,drewsomewalks…weknewif wecouldgetupthereinhisheadandgetthe pitchcounthigh,wecouldgettohimpretty quick.That’swhathappen.” AllenscoredonJacobBurris’singletomake it5-1inthefifth,andFoxexitingthemound. “Thatwashuge(Urteaga’stwo-runsingle).I guessinthatkindofworld,wecallthoseback breakers,”Doansaid.“Zabienisaboutas steadyastheycome.Youtalkaboutthatlow heartrate,builtforthebigmoment,Zabien’s yourguy.”
Clingingtoa5-1leadenteringthesixth, CanyonsophomorerelieverBaylerSchilling, whocameoninthethirdforCruth,had Springtownwherehewantedthem.
Schilling’scombinationoffastballandoffspeedkeptSpringtownsecond-guessingand flustered.Hepitchedthreescorelessinnings andtheEaglesaddedthreemorerunsto makeit8-1goingintothetopoftheseventh. “Baylerwasasexpected…Itoldhimwhen wewenttogethimonthemound‘Thisisnot aknockonyou.Thisisgoodexperiencefor youtohaveandworkinlongreliefandit’s goingtocomeinandgiveNoah(Sanchez) somebig-timeexperience.’…Thiswasa greatatmosphere,areallybigballpark,the atmospherewasawesome,thestandswere fullandthecityofCanyonreallycameout,” Doansaid.
TogowithSchillinginthethirdwasthe ‘rightmove’accordingtoDoan. “Wecountedonhim(Schilling).Heknows
lottomethatwegotCoachDoanpastthat fourthround.Iknowthey’vebeenhere…it’s theirninthtimetogetpastit. “I’vealwayswantedtobeaCanyonEagle andI’mgladtobeapartofthislegacy.”
NOTE:CanyonfacesStephenvilleinthe RegionI-4AFinalsonThursdayandFriday atDanLawFieldinLubbock.Game1:7 p.m.onThursday.Game2:2p.m.onFriday andtheifnecessaryGame3willtakeplace 30minuteslater.…Canyonfansnotableto attendtheregionalchampionshipcanlisten onlineatwww.tpsnsports.com.
Photo-CanyonPitchercoltCruth
thatwecountonhim.He’smaturewayabove hissophomoreyear.So,wehadnoproblem withthat.It’sjustthatthey(Springtown) barreledupacoupleandgotintoarhythm. Withthepitchingthatwehave,wecameinto thisgamesaying‘wedon’thavetoletpeople getinarhythmagainstus.’…Sothat’swhen wewenttoNoah.” Sanchez,inthetopoftheseventhwithone outandtworunnersonbase,gotthedouble-playgroundertoAllentoendthegame andsendCanyonintocelebrationmodeat thepitcher’smound. “It’salwaysfuncominginintheseclutch games,”Schillingsaid.“Ilovethrivinginit andit’salwaysthebestenvironmentouthere. Thesemomsputinsomucheffortthatit’sby farthemostfunI’vehadplayingbaseball.” …Tobeabletogetoverthehumpandget totheregionalchampionship,Doansaidhe thinksbacktoformerCanyonskipperGary Hixandhis2003team.
“I’vealwayswantedateamtogetoverthis humpandhaveashottogoandplayforthe biggesthonorinhighschoolbaseball.That’s totakeatriptoAustin.Idefinitelythink aboutthat03teamandIwantthatsame feelingfortheseguys,”Doansaid.
“Thatwasaspecialtimewaybackthen,and again,theseguysgotoverthehump.” SchillingandtheEaglesknowtheridesnot over,andthere’salotofbaseballlefttobe playedinJune,butit’saspecialjourneywith theircoach.
“It’sanamazingfeeling,”Schillingsaid gettingCoachDoanoverthehumpand gettingtotheregionalfinals.“Icouldn’tbe moreproudofeverybody.Thewayourteam chemistryfights,it’samazing.
“Ithinkifwekeepupthisenergy,wecan makeitagoodways.”
InthewordsofCharlieRobison…“theroad goesonforeverandthepartyneverends” rightnowinCanyon.
WestPlainsBaseballbrings homefirstplayofftrophy
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LUBBOCK–Victory,sosweet!
ThejubilationofwatchingtheWestPlains Wolfpackleapoverthedugoutrailandraceonto thefieldforthatfirst-everClass4ABi-District Championshipwaseverythingheadbaseballcoach ColbyChandlercouldimaginewhenheaccepted thejobtwoyearsago.
“Ultimately,I’mjustproudoftheguys.Those aretwobigteamwins.Itwasexcitingtoseethat,” Chandlersaid.
Comingintothegame,theapproach–according toChandler–wastofindwaystowinclosegames.
“WhatIwasmostproudofwaswinningtwoclose games.Theywereathree-runandatwo-rungame, butultimately,it’sallittakes.Youcanwinthose gamesandwintheseries,soI’mproudofourguys forshowingalittlegrit.”
Ayearago,MidlandGreenwoodeliminatedWest Plainsintheprogram’sfirstBi-Districtplayoffexperiencewithapairof5-3and3-2victories.
WestPlainsusedlastyear’striptoLubbockasa motivatingfactortonotonlygetbacktothepostseason,buttomakeadeeprunintoJune.
Fridaynight,Chandlersawthat‘grit’hewanted toseeastheWolfpackrodethestrongpitchingof junioraceright-handerEthanBentleyandanother solidperformanceondefensetooustMidland Greenwood,3-0inGame2atFirstUnitedParkin Lubbock.
“Icongratulatedthem(theplayers).Isaid‘Guys, I’mveryproudofyou.There’salotthatwentinto this,butultimately,we’renotdone.’,”Chandler’s messagetohisteamuponreceivingtheBi-District trophy.
“We’renotdoneandwe’replanningonwinning somemoreofthose(goldballs).” WestPlains(27-6)advancestotheAreaFinals againstElPasoRiversideforathree-gameseries startingThursdayatMidlandGreenwood.Game1 issetfor6p.m.withGame2at11a.m.onFriday andtheif-necessarygame30minuteslater. AccordingtoBentley,“Theseguys(Midland Greenwood)gotuslastyearandIfeellikewehad thebetterteamlastyear.But,Ifeellikethisyear
WestPlains’Russell namedHerefordhead volleyballcoach
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AMARILLO–Whenitcomestohiringacoachof integrity,determinationandastrongworkethicto continuethewinningtraditionofLadyWhitefaces volleyball,HerefordISDhititoutoftheparkwith EmmaRussell.
Russell,whospentthepasttwoseasonsonthe WestPlainsHighSchoolvolleyballstaffunderKaitlynCornelius,wasnamedthenewHerefordLady Whitefacesheadvolleyballcoachforthe2024-25 schoolyear.
“Thisisahugemilestoneinhercareer,”Cornelius saidonEmmaRussell,“especiallytakingovera prominentprograminourareathathasareputation ofsuccess.Emmawasahugepartofourprogram andoneofthereasonswehavebeensuccessful.
“However,Iknowthatshewillpourintothatprogramjustasshedidhere.Beingondifferentsidesof thenetwillbebittersweet.Wearebothcompetitive, soIknowthattheywillbehardfoughtmatches. Whenallissaidanddoneandthegamesareover, Iamstillrootingforherandoneofherbiggest supporters.” CanyonLadyEaglesheadvolleyballcoachSara Morathgotafirst-handseatofmoldingRussellinto thequalitypersonandcoachsheistodayduringher fouryearsofplayingatCanyonHighSchool.
“ThenewsofEmmaRussell’snewopportunityas headvolleyballcoachatHerefordisnoshockto me,”Morathsaid.“Sheisatremendouscoachand personandHerefordisblessedtohaveher.
“Emmawillbringalotofvolleyballknowledge toHerefordbutmorethanjustvolleyball,Emma knowshowtodeveloprelationshipswithplayers. Developingrelationshipswithplayersissoimportantbecausetheywilltrustyouandplayhardforyou ifthatfoundationisbuilt.
“EmmaknowshowtodothatandIhavenodoubt shewillearntheloveandrespectfromherplayers inHereford.”
ForfouryearsasadefensivespecialistunderMorath’sleadership,Russelllearnedtheimportanceof teamworkandbeingadefensivecatalyst.
“Emmawasafour-yearvarsityplayerforme.She wasthetypeofplayerallcoacheswantontheir teams,”Morathsaid.“Yes,shewasatalentedand competitivevolleyballplayerbutherintangiblesis whatsetherapartfromherpeers.
“Emmapossessedakeenintellectandastrong workethicthatdrovehertoexcelineverythingshe did.AsEmmacontinuedhervolleyballcareerasa LadyEagle,shehadauniqueabilitytoinspireand motivateherteammates.”
wereallyputittogetherandthisyearcamemore togetherasateam.
“Wedidn’twindistrict,obviously,butIthinkeven now,we’remoreofateamthanlastyear.”
IttookatotalteameffortThursdayandFridayto eliminateMidlandGreenwood,asGame1starter BrytonBertrandwent81/3inningsofone-run baseballandGame2starterBentleyclosedthedoor withsixsolidinningstoshutouttheRangers.
ThemotivationofJonnieGifford’shomerearly inGame2wasallWestPlainsneededasBentley settledintoworkhis‘magic’againstGreenwood’s lineup.
“Thepitchingstaff…Itrustmorethananything,” BentleysaidonthedepthoftheWolfpacks’arsenal. “Obviously,Iwishwewouldhavehitalittlebetter. Brytondidagreatjob,Ididagreatjobtodayand Julyen(Aguilera)cameinandclosedanddidan amazingjob.Itrustourpitchingstaffmorethanany teaminthestateofTexas.”
Bentley’sfinesseonthemoundthroughsixinnings benefitedfromhisoff-speedpitches.
“Mysliderwasmovingalottoday,”Bentleysaid.
“Gotthetopoftheirlineupoutprettyeasysothat helpedalot.”
WestPlainsproducedtworunsinthebottomof thefirstinningonGifford’smassivehomeroverthe left-fieldwallthatmayhavelandednearLubbock CooperLibertyHighSchool.
“Thatfirstinning,Jonnie(Gifford)hitahomerun …Ifeltcomfortablefromtheget-goandonceIget comfortable,I’mjustkeepgoingandmoreouts,” Bentleysaid.
Forthebettermentoftwoplayoffgames,West Plains’offensewaslimitedtosixtotalrunsonfive totalhitsthrough16innings.
“Indistrict,wehittheballreallywell.But,Grayson Register–thedudethatpitchedyesterday–was verygoodonthemound.Thedudethatpitched todaywasprettygood,aswell,”Bentleysaidon MidlandGreenwood’spitchingstaff. ChandlergavecredittoGreenwood’spitchingstaff forfindingwaystolimitWestPlains’offense.
“They(MidlandGreenwood)havesomegoodarms. Wesawtheirthreebestarmsandtheydidagreat job,”Chandlersaid.
“Wewereabletoscratchenoughrunsandgotthe bighitearlyinthegametonight…kindofgotus going…andwejustsettledinandgotbehindEB. Hekindofledustherestofthewayonthemound andthenJucameinandclosedit.”
Morathadded,“Havingaformerplayergetajob likethisissorewarding.IhavewatchedEmmagrow fromayoung7thgradertonowaheadcoachata highlycompetitiveprogram.Emmawentfroma playerofmine,toafriend,andnowacolleague.”
RussellinheritsaHerefordvolleyballprogramthat reachedtheRegionI-4AQuarterfinalsthepasttwo seasonsandtheRegionI-4ASemifinalsin2022.
CorneliusbelievesthatRussellwillhaveanimmediateimpactontheLadyWhitefacesinthesameway shedidthepasttwoyearsatWestPlains.
“EmmaRussellisoneofthebestpeopleyouwill evermeet,”Corneliussaid.“Sheissointentionalin allthatshedoes,andshetrulyknowshowtomake peoplefeelliketheymatter.Notonlythat,sheisone ofaheckofacoach.
“Emmapushedthesegirlsandwasabletopullthe bestoutofeachofthem.Sheworealotofdifferent hatsinourprogramandschool,andsheshowedup toworkeachandeverydayreadytolead,learnand love.”CorneliusnotedthatRussellwasher“righthandwoman.”
“She(Russell)investedinourprogramandour kidsfromtheverybeginning.Ifyouaskedanyof ourgirlstoday,theywouldtellyoujusthowmuchof alightshewasinWestPlainsvolleyball.”
Asanup-and-comingheadvolleyballcoach,Corneliusseesalotofpotentialinherformerassistant.
“Icouldwriteanovelofallofherstrengths,”CorneliussaidonRussell.“Emmaisoneofthehardest workingpeopleyouwillevermeet.Sheissopassionateaboutwhatshedoes,organized,motivated andisalwayslearningandlookingforwaystobetter herselfandherteam.
“Emmamakeseveryonearoundherbetter,bothon thecourtandoff,whichinmyopinionisoneofthe mostimportantqualitiesaheadcoachcanpossess.”
RussellhaslearnedunderMorathatCanyon,Jason CulpepperatBushlandandCorneliusatWest Plains.Prettyimpressiveresume,andthenadd legendaryHerefordvolleyballcoachBrendaKitten tothatlonglistofwinnersasanimportantsourcein thecommunity.
Twoyearsago,CorneliuswasattractedtoRussell asapotentialassistantcoachbasedonherpassion forthegameofvolleyball.
“Ifeellikeourwholecoachingteamispassionate andbringsatonofenergy,”Corneliussaid.“Ifwe areaskingourkidstodothatonthecourt,weneed to‘WalktheWalk.’Emmaisoneofthebestatthis. Sheknowswhentocheerandpraise,butshealso knowswhentocorrectandcritique.
“Shehasagreatgaugeonherathletessothatshe isabletogetthemostoutofthem,andherteams alwaysplaysohardforher.Sheisacoachthrough andthroughanditisevidentinallthatshedoes.” Russell’sloveforkidsiswhatattractedCorneliusto thevolleyballenthusiast.
“Herloveforkids,hervolleyballknowledge,and shehadthesamevisionwhenitcomestobuildinga programfromscratch,”Corneliussaidonworking withRussell.
InGame1Thursday,KaidenDorman’sRBI-single inthetopoftheninthallowedAguileratoscorethe go-aheadrunandWestPlainsaddedanotherrun onaerrantthrowfollowingabuntfromJeremiah Gutierrez. Chandlermayhavebeenalittlesurprisedwithhis team’soffensiveoutputagainstGreenwood. “Ifyoulookattheirscoresallyearlong,they, ultimately,holdteamstoreally,reallyclosegames andthey’velostsomeclosegameslikethat.But,it’s theirpitching,”ChandlersaidonGreenwood’smain strengthofplayingclosegames. “Theirpitchingstaffisreally,reallysolid.Ultimately, Ikindofexpectedclosegames.Ithoughtwemight getgoingtodaywiththewinddirectionchangebut wedidwhatweneededto…soIwasproudofour guys.”
TheNo.7-rankedRandallRaiderssweptFort Stocktontostretchtheirwinningstreakto16 gamesfollowingapairof10-5and3-0victoriesin theClass4ABi-DistrictplayoffsatSeminoleHigh School. Withthetwovictories,Randall(22-9)movesonto theAreaFinalsonThursdayandFridayagainstEl PasoIrvinatSeminole.Game1issetfor7p.m.on Thursday,followedbyGame2at11a.m.onFriday withtheif-necessary30minuteslater.
Photo-WestPlainsshortstopBradleyCepeda
Randall’soffensetookcommandearlyinGame 1withfiverunsinthesecondinning–aidedby DylanRay’stwo-rundoubleandBlaineBrannon’s two-runsingles–forthe6-0advantage. GioMirandastartedGame1fortheRaidersand allowedfiverunsbeforesecuringthevictory. InGame2,Randallrodetheexperiencedarmof seniorleft-handerCarsonHaffnerforacomplete gameperformancetosilenceFortStockton. Haffner,thenephewofformerRandallRaiders headbaseballcoachCoryHamilton,recorded11 strikeoutswithonehitthroughseveninnings. KameronJohnsonprovidedthepowerintheRaiders’lineupFriday,liftingatwo-runhomerinthe bottomofthesecondinning.Haffneralsohadan RBI-doubleintheinning. Inbothgames,Randallgotsolidproductionfrom TyHoelting,whofinishedwiththreehitsandapair ofRBIs. CanyoncompletedtheCanyonISDcleansweep SaturdayafternoonatBulldogParkinPlainview. AftertakingdownAndrews,2-1inGame1Friday night,Canyonovercameasluggishstarttorallyfor the7-2victorythatclinchedtheClass4ABi-Districttrophy. Canyon(23-7)rollsintotheAreaFinalsonFriday andSaturdayagainstClintatSeminoleHighSchool. Game1issetfor6p.m.onFridayandGame2will followat11a.m.onSaturday.Theif-necessarygame willfollow30minuteslater. Saturday,though,Canyonneededalateoffensive boostfromCarsonAllen’ssolohomertotiethe gameat2-2inthesixth.Momentslater,anRBI-singlefromJacobBurrispushedacrossthego-ahead runandCanyonsecuredthevictory. CanyongotbehindearlyasstartingpitcherChristianMcGuireallowedtworunsinthefirstinningof Game2againstAndrews. Throughthefirsttwoinnings,McGuire’spitch countwasat53beforetheseniorcaptainsettledin toretirethenextninehittersinarow. Inthetopofthefourthinning,Canyonnarrowed thedeficitto2-1onBurris’RBIinfieldsinglewith twoouts.ZabienUrteagareachedfirstonthesingle torightfieldtoleadofftheinningandadvancedto thirdonSamJohnson’sbuntsingledownthethird baseline. CanyonheadcoachJohnDoanrelievedMcGuire inthebottomofthesixthwithBaylerSchilling, whofiredapairofscorelessinningsforthewinand thesave. Canyonaddedfourrunsinthetopoftheseventh ontwohitsandaerror.BeauBoehningrippeda two-rundoubletoleftfieldforthebighit. Game1FridaysawColtCruthtoss41/3inningsto getthe2-1victoryforCanyon.UrteagaandSchillingrelievedCruthtocompletethegame. Offensively,Canyonscoredbothofitsrunsinthe firstandsecondinnings.
“Ineededsomeonetobounceideasoffof,thatwas goingtopushmeandourathletestobethebest thatwecanbeand,Emmawasjustthat.Fromthe veryfirstinterview,therewasaninstantconnection, andIknewshewasgoingtobeahugepartofour program.”
ThecoachingtrioofCornelius,RussellandAmberleeGeraldledtotheRegionI-4ATournamentin thesecondyearoftheprogram. Corneliuswillbethefirsttosay,‘Youcan’treplacea coachlikeEmmaRussell.’
“IgetemotionalwhenIthinkaboutthisquestion,” CorneliussaidonhowEmmaRussellmadehera bettercoach.“Emmamademeabettercoachfrom themomentshewashired.Notonlydidsheinvest inthisprogram,butsheinvestedinme.Fromthe beginning,weformedafriendshipandabondthat Iwilltrulycherish.Shewasloyal,butnotayesman. Shewassosupportiveofmeasaheadcoach,but gavehonestfeedbackthatwasgoingtomakeour programbetter.
“Emmatookalotoffofmyplatewithoutasking, sothatIcouldfocusondevelopingourkidstothe fullestpotential.Wewouldalwaysjokinglysaythat wewereallmorphingintothesameperson,orthat
wecouldreadeachother’sminds.
“Emmataughtmehowtoseethingsfromadifferentperspective,howtolistenandbeintentional, andhowtotrustmygut.Shegrewrightalongwith me,aswebuiltthisprogramtogether.”
Goingforward,Corneliussaidthebiggest“weare lookingforissomeonewhoisago-getter,loveskids andcoacheshard.”
“Ofcourse,volleyballknowledgeispreferred,but Icantrainthemonallofthex’sando’sofWest Plainsvolleyball,”Corneliusadded.“Eventhough CoachRussellisleaving,westillhavebiggoalsto accomplishnextseason.So,itisimportantthatwe havesomeonewhoisn’tafraidtogrinditoutand helpcontinuebuildingthelegacywehavealready begun.”
MorathandCorneliuswillseeRussell’simprint onHerefordvolleyballtwotimesinDistrict4-4A competition,andpossiblyintheClass4Aplayoffs. “IlookforwardtowatchingEmmamakehermark onHerefordvolleyball,”Morathsaid.“Iknowshe willinstilldisciplineandworkethicinthoseyoung athletes.Itwillbeoddseeingherinmaroon,butI havenodoubtshewillleadtheprogramtomany successes.”
Canyon’s Stuart Canyon’sStuart secures 2 gold medals secures2goldmedals at 4A State Track meet at4AStateTrackmeet BYTIMRITTER tritter@hearstnp.com
AUSTIN–CanyonseniorHannahStuart closedoutherhighschoolcareerwitha pairofstatechampionshipvictoriesinthe 1,600-metersand3,200-metersThursdayat theClass4AStateMeetinAustin. Stuart,whowillcontinuehertrackcareerat theUniversityofMissouriinthefall,helped Canyonfinishfourthoverallwith48points–10behindstatechampionIowaColony. IowaColonywonthestatetitlewith58 points,followedbyPariswith56andFrisco PantherCreekwith50.
Stuart’sfirstraceoftheday–the3,200-meters–showcasedherenduranceasthe
Canyonrunnerrecordedanimpressivetime of10:36.58forthegoldmedal. Inthe1,600-meters,StuartheldoffteammateAddysonBristowforfirstplacewitha timeof4:55.04.Bristowtooksecondplace andthesilvermedalwithatimeof4:56.29. CanyonjuniorBrooklynKinseyplacedsixth inthe300-meterhurdleswithatimeof44.81 seconds.RandalljuniorTeneraGrayalso finishedninthwithatimeof49.00seconds. Inthe100-meterhurdles,Kinseyalsofinishedsixthwithatimeof15.38seconds.
BristowproducedagoldmedalforCanyon withastunningperformanceinthe800-meters.Bristowclockedatimeof2:10.61toearn firstplacehonors.
Canyon’s1,600-meterrelay–comprisedof Kinsey,ThaliaSolis,SydneeWinfreyandBristow–placedfourthwithatimeof3:54.18. IowaColonywonthegoldmedalwithafirstplacetimeof3:50.54.
WestPlainsjuniorPiperPattersonplaced eighthinthetriplejumpat35-3.50. RandalljuniorSophiaBushplacedsixth
inthepolevaultat11-6.Randallfreshman BrookeFrenchplacedfifthinthe3,200-meterswithatimeof11:27.44. TheCanyonEaglescameawaywithstrong performancesinthedistanceraces. SeniorAlexNiemiecbroughthomethegold medalinthe800-meterswithafirst-place timeof1:53.08.Niemiec,whoisheadedto PrincetonUniversitytocontinuehiscareer, alsofinishedfourthinthe1,600-meterswith atimeof4:17.90.
Canyon’sRyanFernandezplacedsecond overallinthe1,600-meterswithatimeof 4:13.55andsecondinthe3,200-metersat 9:19.36.
WestPlainssophomoreBrycenWilliams securedthesilvermedalinhighjumpwitha second-placemarkof6-feet-6inches. RandalljuniorCollinMillerplacedfifthoverallinlongjumpwithamarkof22-5.75. Randall’s400-meterrelay–comprisedof CollinMiller,PhoenixSherwood,Connor MillerandKaidenMiller–finishedsixth withatimeof42.01seconds.Gilmerwonthe
goldmedal withatimeof40.56seconds.
WTATHLETICS
WestTexasA&MTrackandFieldearn23AllAmericahonors forthe2024NCAADivisionIIOutdoorTrack&Fieldseason asannouncedTuesdaybytheU.S.Track&FieldandCross CountryCoachesAssociation(USTFCCCA).
Athletesofmemberinstitutionswhofinishedinthetop-8of theirrespectiveindividualeventsandaspartofarelayteamat the2024NCAADivisionIIOutdoorTrack&FieldChampionshipsearnedFirst-TeamAll-Americahonors.Thosewhofinishedninththrough16thindividuallyandninththrough12th aspartofarelayteamwerenamedSecond-TeamAll-America. ALL-AMERICANBUFFS
TheBuffshave14All-Americahonorswithtenfirstteamand foursecondteam.NationalChampionsIsaacBotsioandWilliamAmponsahleadthepackwithtwofirstteamhonorseach. JerryJakpaaddsanotherfirstteamhonorandasecondteam honorinthe100m.GerardBryantcontinueshisAll-America streakinthedecathlonwithsecondteamasdoesHarryLouradourinthe10,000m.JosephOrevaandHamdiAliholddown firstteamhonorsforthefieldeventsinlongjumpandhigh jump.JeremiahLauzonaddsanother4x100relayAll-America firstteamhonoraswell.
PrinceMcabelo,AzizMohammedandJaceLynchalladdtheir firstAll-Americaoutdoorhonors.Mcabeloearnedsecondteam inthe800m.NationalChampionsMohammedandLyncheach earnedafirstteamhonorintheirrespectiveevents.Lynchis thesolefreshmanoftheBuffstoearnAll-Americaoutdoorthis season. ALL-AMERICANLADYBUFFS
TheLadyBuffshave9All-Americahonorswithsixasfirst teamandthreeassecondteam.Two-timeNationalChampion FloranceUwajenezaleadstheLadyBuffswithtwofirst-team honors.CorrssiaPerryearnstwohonors,afirstteamfor400m andasecondteamfor200m.LaitenGreesonearnstwosecond teamhonorsforheptathlonand110mhurdles. FreshmenBlessingAkintoyeandDeborahAcheampong earnedtheirfirstAll-AmericahonorswithAkintoyefromthe 400mwhereshetookseventhandAcheamponginthe100m whereshetooksixth.BothfreshmenaddfirstteamAll-America totheirdebutseasoninmaroonandwhite.
