Sports

NEW COACH SETS SIGHTS ON PLAYOFF SUCCESS FOR LONGHORNS

Ross led WTW to its highest scoring offensive season in first year at school

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

After leading W.T. White to the most prolific offensive season in program history, Kenchee Ross was due for a promotion.

Ross began his tenure as head football coach and athletic coordinator for the Longhorns this spring, eager to continue the momentum of a program on the rise.

Ross takes over for Tony Johnson, who left WTW after four years for Copperas Cove after last season. Johnson amassed a 17-25 overall record but led the Longhorns to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in 40 years.

Meanwhile, in his first season as WTW’s offensive coordinator, Ross spearheaded an offense that set a school record with 385 points. His first head coaching opportunity resulted from years of hard work, success, and disappointment.

Ross was the top assistant coach for a decade at perennial powerhouse Lancaster, where he was an integral part of several deep postseason runs, including the Class 5A Division II runner-up in 2012.

He felt those experiences prepared him for a chance to lead his own program, although Ross was turned down for multiple openings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area before the 2021 season. That made him especially grateful when the WTW chance came along.

“Someone finally said yes,” Ross said. “It’s the hardest thing ever to land a head job in Texas because so many people have been chasing it. I really felt like I was

Kenchee Ross brings a pedigree of postseason success to his first head coaching job at

W.T. White. (PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY)

ready. When they tell you no, it kind of puts a chip on your shoulder.”

Since beginning his new role, Ross’ schedule has been a whirlwind. After four assistant coaches left with Johnson and another retired, he had to overhaul the WTW staff.

Then he organized spring practice on short notice and had to transition his returning players into their offseason routine, all while trying to put his stamp on the program.

Ross, who specializes in coaching quarterbacks, also has been an assistant at Greenville, South Oak Cliff, and Terrell, among other stops. He has coached four players who are currently in the NFL.

He hopes that pedigree and hardnosed mentality will carry over at WTW, which has reached the first round of the 5A Division I playoffs in each of the past two years.

“My goal is to get us to the point

I really felt like I was ready. Kenchee Ross

GETTING OFFENSIVE

W.T. White has shown steady improvement in each of the past four seasons. Year Record Avg. points 2018 1-9 17.7 2019 4-6 20.6 2020 6-5 21.2 2021 6-5 35.0

where we’re winning playoff games,” Ross said. “It’s a process. I’ve got a great rapport with the kids. It’s made for a very easy transition.”

Trying Again: Spieth Gains Momentum After Byron Nelson Near-Miss

Preston Hollow golfer looks to continue his 2021 rebound in 2022

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

PCP_July2022_Banner-FINAL.pdf 1 5/19/2022 7:42:14 AM

Though Jordan Spieth’s quest for a hometown title at the AT&T Byron Nelson eluded him again in May, at least the former Jesuit standout is getting closer. The runner-up finish is Spieth’s best at the PGA Tour event in 11 appearances since debuting as a teenager in 2010. He finished at 25-under par over four rounds at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, one shot behind repeat champion K.H. Lee. “I love playing at home,” Spieth said after his final round of 5-under 67. “I would love to win it someday. I had a good chance here. But it would be nice to close one out.” While he still doesn’t have his Byron Preston Hollow resident Jordan Spieth always Nelson trophy, Spieth’s play is trending upfeels at home at the Byron Nelson, a tournament ward. The Preston Hollow resident won his he has never won. (PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY) previous Tour start at the RBC Heritage in April in South Carolina and subsequently earned his fourth top-10 finish of the season at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth.

Spieth, 28, bounced back from an extended stretch of mediocre form with a solid 2021 season, where his triumph at the Texas Open near San Antonio was his first in almost four years. A week later, he tied for third at The Masters.

Overall, Spieth posted nine top-10 finishes in 25 starts last season — including five times in the top three — and that momentum has carried over. He was part of the winning U.S. team in the Ryder Cup in September and placed second at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February.

Spieth has won three major championships, most recently the British Open in 2017, and claimed the FedEx Cup title in 2015. But he carries a special affection for the large and supportive galleries at the Byron Nelson. Spieth was encouraged by his near-miss at the TPC Craig Ranch, which hosted the tournament for the second straight year. It’s the same course where he

I would love to win secured his first top-10 showing at the event in it someday. 2021. Jordan Spieth “I always want to play really well here,” Spieth said. “It’s obviously one that’s starred on the calendar as I’ve got so many of my friends that are able to come out. Maybe I can take a little confidence off the shifts in courses over the years, and maybe this one’s the best fit for me.”