Panthers in the News
Panther girls in title pounce
Aug. 19, 2010, 5:15PM
Expectations higher than ever for talented St. Pius Spikers
Title contender: With a handful of returning starters, the St. Pius volleyball team has a legitimate shot at winning the TAPPS District 3-5A title. The Panthers, 40-8 a year ago, are on the short list of possible contenders for the TAPPS Class 5A state championship.
Talent galore: St. Pius is loaded with gifted players, including 6-foot senior Danielle Parks and 6-1 senior Megan Briggs at middle blocker, 5-10 junior Briana Reid at outside hitter and 5-8 senior Ashley Smith at setter.
Coming up: St. Pius will host Tomball Concordia Lutheran at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in a non-district contest.
Some coaches are afraid of the burden of expectations, but St. Pius head volleyball coach Preston Smith isn't one of them.
Smith genuinely believes the Panthers are destined for greatness, and his players have bought into the notion.
"What's so exciting is how badly the girls want to win," Smith said. "I don't have to tell them anything. They know how good they are, and they want to go out and prove it."
Expectations are soaring at St. Pius after the Panthers finished 40-6 a year ago. St. Pius eventually fell in the TAPPS Class 5A quarterfinals last season, but Smith admits that simply won't do this go-around.
Now in his fourth season in charge, Smith says all signs are pointed toward a breakout season for St. Pius. The lengthy checklist of goals includes claiming the TAPPS District 3-5A crown, advancing to the TAPPS Class 5A State Tournament and possibly winning it all.
"We've been building towards this moment for the past three years," Smith said. "The freshmen who came into the program with me are seniors now. It's their time."
St. Pius' experience was evident in the Panthers' first two games. St. Pius recently swept Sweeny 25-15, 25-9, 25-19 before staging a comeback against area-ranked Santa Fe 22-25, 25-19, 14-25, 25-20, 15-3.
"We really turned up the heat in the last set," said a pleased Smith.
Senior Danielle Parks, a 6-0 middle blocker, played well in both contests, racking up a combined 18 kills. Parks, who has already committed to the University of Houston, is a two-time, all-state selection and one of the most decorated players in the program's history.
"Danielle is such a driven player," Smith said. "Now that she's got her college (choice) out the way, she's completely focused on the season. She's going to do everything within her power to see that this team reaches its potential."
Smith said Parks' physical skills are well-documented, but it's her innate leadership that sets her apart.
Joining Parks at the other middle blocker spot is Megan Briggs, a 6-1 senior. Briggs transferred to St. Pius from Huffman a year ago and, like Parks, has all-state potential.
"Megan is an incredible athlete," Smith said. "Megan is quick, especially for someone who is 6-1. She hits a heavy ball. She also is very smart on the court. She has all the tools."
The addition of Briggs has allowed Briana Reid, a 5-10 junior, to move from middle blocker to outside hitter, her natural position. However, Reid still excelled last season, netting honorable mention notice on the all-state team.
"Briana is a special player in that she can hit, block, play defense and has great ball control," Smith said. "She made the all-tournament team for her club team (Texas Tornadoes) at the Junior Olympics over the summer. She's a big-time talent."
Two other players, 5-8 junior Elizabeth Vass and 5-10 sophomore Aubyn Link, are vying to fill the other outside hitter spot. Both Vass and Link have their respective strengths.
"Elizabeth is a versatile player who will contribute at outside hitter or possibly defensive specialist," Smith said. "Aubyn plyed quite a bit of varsity as freshman. She continues to get better every minute she's on the court."
Of course, Smith isn't discounting 5-9 junior Briana Hester, another outside hitter who could make matters interesting.
"Briana was one of the leaders on our junior varsity last year," Smith said. "She has great snap. She'll definitely help us."
There also is spirited competition at right side hitter between a pair of sisters, Leigha and Lexi Alexander. Leigha, a 5-11 senior, and Lexi, a 6-0 sophomore, are returning varsity players who will figure into the Panthers' plans.
"It's Leigha's senior year, so we're looking to her for leadership," Smith said. "Lexi is just a phenom. She has tremendous size and has developed even faster than we anticipated. She could even play some setter, if we need her to."
Of course, St. Pius is set at setter, thanks to the return of 5-8 senior Ashley Smith. Smith, an all-district selection last season, will be the primary setter after Courtney Madden, a 5-10 senior, suffered a knee injury during summer track and field and will be on the mend this fall. Madden was a state champion for the Panthers in the long and triple jump last spring.
"We feel terrible for Courtney in that it's her senior year," Smith said. "Fortunately, we have a veteran like Ashley leading the team. We have a lot of confidence in her ability."
Anna Beth Wilhelm, a 5-9 sophomore, is the libero. Wilhelm is the Panthers' defensive stalwart.
Providing depth are 5-6 freshman Kelly Stewart, the younger sibling of former St. Pius standout Kayla Stewart, at defensive specialist; 5-10 junior Jessi Hand at right side hitter; and 5-9 senior Emily Thompson at middle blocker.
While St. Agnes has been the pace-setter in TAPPS District 3-5A for years, this could be the season St. Pius fans have been waiting for. Smith has assembled a top-notch staff, featuring well-respected assistant coaches Mike DeLeon, Carlos Gutierrez, Lauren Rhodes and Clay Hellums.
Meanwhile, he has a roster stocked with talented players.
"If we can stay healthy and motivated, there's no limit to what we can do," Smith said.
Jarrin Lawton '10 and his Pressure-Washing Business Featured on KPRC
KPRC, Jennifer Reyna
Jarrin Lawton '10, St. Pius X's very own enterprising young man, was featured on KPRC for running a successful business at 17, and for winning the Texas Christian University Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Jarrin is the owner and operator of Jarrin's Pressure Washing Service, a business he began at the age of 13 during summer vacation.
The business has grown so much that he currently has 17 full-time employees and operation contracts with several area businesses for his services.
Track and Field: Panthers Fine With Silver
On one hand, St. Pius head coach Roderick Allen was ecstatic with the Panthers' runner-up finish at the TAPPS Class 5A State Track and Field Championships at Baylor University's Hart-Patterson Complex in Waco.
But Allen couldn't help but wonder what could have been. A week earlier, St. Pius' 4x200-meter relay was disqualified for a lane violation at the TAPPS District 1-5A Track and Field Championships in Plano.
“We were 30 meters ahead, but we dropped the baton and they (officials) ruled that we had left our lane,” Allen said. “It's really unfortunate because we would have won the race. We were way out in front of everybody else.”
Most likely, St. Pius would have won state in the 4x200 relay, too. Or, at the very least, the Panthers would have grabbed a medal.
“We had the fastest time (in the state) in the 4x200 relay. We could have gotten as many as 20 points,” Allen said. “That probably cost us the state championship.”
In the end, Austin St. Michael's claimed the boys' division with 88 points, only two points better than St. Pius with 86. Rounding out the top five were San Antonio Christian with 80, St. Thomas with 79 and Dallas Bishop Dunne with 67.
Allen and the Panthers, though, have no reason to hang their heads. St. Pius' boys turned in one of their finest finishes in recent memory.
Senior Venric Mark was the meet's elite athlete, winning all five events he entered and earning a place in the history books.
Mark, a running back/receiver who earned a football scholarship to Northwestern, was the king of the sprints, sweeping the 100- and 200-meter dashes. He won both the long and triple jumps. And he helped the Panthers seize relay gold in the 4x100 relay.
“Venric scored 45 points on his own,” Allen said. “He would have placed seventh at state all by himself.”
Mark won the 100 with a time of 10.96 seconds, the only runner to break the 11-second barrier.
St. Pius' girls also are an emerging powerhouse in TAPPS. The Panthers sent only a handful of girls to state, but they still finished fifth overall in the girls' standings.
Dallas Ursuline won the girls' title with 100 points, followed by Dallas Bishop Lynch with 76, Duchesne with 75, Austin St. Michael's with 66.5 and St. Pius with 54.
“We got fifth place with only five girls,” Allen said. “If we taken a few more (to state), who knows how high we would have finished.”
Pianist, 17, Prepares for her Concert
At age 17, Mimi Minagawa is using her 15 years of playing piano to progress rapidly at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music.
The Rice University-area resident's May 4 concert will be at Duncan Hall at the Shepherd School of Music at 6 p.m. She is scheduled to perform Bach's Prelude and Fugue in D Major, Beethoven's 32 Variations, Schubert's Sonata in D Major, and Kabalevsky's Third Sonata.
Minagawa, a sophomore at St. Pius X High School, came to the United States in 2008 from Hong Kong. She was recruited by Robert Roux, a 20-year veteran professor of music at The Shepherd School of Music, to study at Rice.
He was most impressed by her natural talent when he met her four years ago in Hong Kong while performing at a concert Roux said She came to the U.S. when she reached high school age.
“I knew she was something special and had fantastic potential. She has a very advanced technique and repertoire especially for her age. She has terrific intensity in determination and willpower. You can feel her passion when she's playing,” Roux said.
Minagawa was one out of 20 artists chosen to perform at the Houston Young Artist's Concert on National Public Radio's The Front Row, in January. She performed Brahms' Hungarian Dance Numbers 1 and 6 as a duet with another HYAC pianist.
Roux said Minagawa's progress over the past two years is the result of hard work.
“She does very advanced material that has to be memorized. I see her being a fine young artist in this world. She has the talent and character. She has what it takes for success,” Roux said.
Minagawa, the oldest of four children to Takako and Tatsuo Minagawa, began piano lessons at age 2.
At 5, she performed her first concert in her homeland of Japan. In the following years, she toured Hong Kong, the U.S. and Japan performing in concerts.
Minagawa arrived in the U.S. two years ago and settled in Houston with her host family, Bruce and McNair Johnson, in the Rice University area.
During the week, Minagawa juggles her class load from honors algebra II, honors geometry/trigonometry and honors Latin III before heading to Rice for her music education.
Minagawa is currently taking studio and music theory with Roux once a week and practices daily up to five hours at the school.
Susie Kramer, St. Pius X director of admissions, has worked closely with Minagawa during her transition to the U.S. She said Minagawa has “adapted beautifully.”
Minegawa has a 4.25 grade-point average and volunteered to perform at the school's annual open house twice during her time at SPX.
“It's an absolute honor and pleasure to have her here. She's phenomenal and has completely come out of her shell. Her playing is unbelievable and mesmerizing,” Kramer said.
Minagawa though immersed in her studies, both musically and academically, finds her Houston home intriguing.
“Houston is very different from what I thought it was going to be. I like it. It's so big and there are so many different kinds of people,” Minagawa said.
Music is her first love.
“My goal is to be a pianist. I want to study more. When I'm practicing, I think about the pieces. When I'm performing, I think about the audience. I can feel their mood. If they're excited, I can enjoy that,” Minagawa said.
In her free time, Minagawa enjoys swimming, trying new restaurants, and going to movies with friends.
St. Pius X Opens TAPPS State Title Defense
St. Pius head Adam Massiatte is taking a cautious approach as the Panthers open defense of their TAPPS Class 5A state baseball title this weekend.
The Panthers (17-10) will host Plano Prestonwood Christian at 7 p.m. Saturday in a TAPPS Class 5A first-round playoff game at St. Pius’ Mark Massey Field.
“We’re playing a third-place team, but we’re not counting our chips too early,” Massiatte said. “We won state last year as the third seed, so anything is possible.”
In fact, Massiatte says this could be St. Pius’ toughest test in its pursuit of a second straight state crown.
“Plano Prestonwood is a good team,” Massiatte said. “They might have been just a few bad breaks from winning district. You never know what’s going to happen.”
Justin Anderson will take the mound for the Panthers, the runner-up from TAPPS District 3-5A. Anderson is 4-2 on the season with a 4.88 earned run average.
Offensively, the Panthers rely on third baseman/pitcher Kyle Kirk (.445, four homers), second baseman Alex Pearsall (.355) and shortstop Matt Eureste (.312).
St. Pius Eager to End Dry Spell at State
The St. Pius softball team has made back-to-back appearances at the TAPPS Class 5A State Tournament, but head coach Laura Gallardo says the Panthers are hardly satisfied.
Respective losses to TAPPS District 3-5A rivals Beaumont Kelly and St. Agnes in the semifinals took some of the luster off otherwise stellar seasons.
“The last two years, three of the four teams (at state) were from our district,” Gallardo said. “While we're happy that our district has produced the last two state champions, we feel like it easily could have been us.”
St. Pius could break into the winner's circle this spring. The Panthers took a 14-5-1 record and 3-0 mark in TAPPS District 3-5A into last week's showdown with rival St. Agnes.
Gallardo said St. Pius is a veteran team, with a number of returning starters off last year's squad.
“We have pretty much everyone back,” Gallardo said. “Having all that experience gives us an edge.”
The Panthers also are one of the most explosive offensive teams in Greater Houston.
“We like hitting home runs,” Gallardo said. “It's not really natural for us to play small ball.”
Junior pitcher/third baseman Lindsey Quartaro provides much of the power, collecting five homers in her last three games. For the season, Quartaro is hitting .388 with nine RBI.
“The top half of our line-up is tough and it all starts with Lindsey. She's just crushing the ball,” Gallardo said. “Lindsay also is one of our top pitchers and is very solid at third base.”
Senior pitcher/shortstop Sam Wursteisen also has been on a hot streak. Wursteisen, who has committed to Millsaps College in Mississippi, owns a team-best .420 average with two homers and eight RBI.
“Sam is a highly skilled player, which comes from playing select ball,” Gallardo said. “Sam also is the voice of the team. She's turned into the type of leader we need.”
Senior catcher Haley Flowers also has been swinging a hot bat. Flowers is hitting .386 with two homers and 12 RBI.
“Haley is doing a nice job behind the plate,” Gallardo said. “She's very vocal and works well with our pitchers.”
The rest of the infield includes junior Anna Dehart at first base and senior Raji Pathak at second base. Freshman Jourdan Alvarez splits time with Wursteisen at shortstop, while senior Tiffany Perez fills in at third base when Quartaro is on the mound.
Sophomore Taylor Suarez is a utility player who has been used at second base, shortstop and in the outfield.
Junior Adrianne Rocha has emerged as a force in center field.
“Adrianne is speedy and steady,” Gallardo said. “She's also a smart ball player.”
Sophomore Cindy Cruz is the left fielder, while Alvarez and Pathak platoon in right field. Junior Rachel Houston is out with an injury, but also has added depth in the outfield.
Alvarez, who plays several infield and outfield positions, is the top newcomer, and Gallardo says she has made an immediate impact.
“Jordan is probably the biggest difference between this year's team and last year's,” Gallardo said. “Because she can do everything, it gives me more options.”
Senior Ashley Garcia, the designated hitter, has come up with key hits for the Panthers.
Next up for St. Pius is Tuesday's 6 p.m. league game at Houston Christian.
Gallardo said the Panthers need to keep winning to keep pace with St. Agnes, then gear up for a run at the TAPPS Class 5A state crown.
“I really believe it's our year,” Gallardo said. “We're overdue.”
Rugby is back in a big way at St. Pius
Second-year head coach Larry Monks says interest in the St. Pius X Rugby Football Club is at an all-time high, with more than 40 players in the program.
“We are able to have two sides this year, which was one of our goals,” said, Monks, alluding to the Panthers' varsity and junior varsity teams.
Just as importantly, Monks was thrilled to see several hundred fans at the Panthers' recent home game against district foe Kingwood, which St. Pius lost 27-12 at Parsley Field.
“That's the biggest crowd we've had so far,” Monks said. “The word's getting out.”
Fans love to root for a winner and few teams have improved as fast as St. Pius.
Last season, the Panthers started off 0-5, losing each game by 40 or more points. But they turned the corner with a 25-17 victory over San Antonio Alamo Heights, putting together a five-game winning streak that ended with a 42-7 loss to Kingwood in the Texas High School Rugby Conference State Championships.
Monks said the expectations have increased exponentially after last year's 5-6 finish. St. Pius now believes it has the chance to claim the THSRC state title.
“We have a strong core group of players who are really gung-ho about rugby,” Monks said. “They also can play.”
The results this season have been encouraging. Prior to their recent loss to Kingwood , the Panthers' varsity shut out Westside 12-0 and rallied for a 12-12 tie against Alamo Heights in a conference game.
Senior captain Eric Aguilera, the starting flyhalf, is one of St. Pius' top players. Aguilera, a member of the Texas Select Team last year, has scored a pair of tries.
“Eric loves the game, competes hard and keeps everyone around him motivated,” Monks said of Aguilera.
Junior captain Matt Schick, who plays the Number 8 position, and junior Daniel Stephens, an outside center, have excelled for the Panthers. Schick and Stephens compete for the Houston Stormers' under-17 club team.
“Matt has really picked up the game quickly. He has a lot of natural ability,” Monks said. “Daniel is a heady player and has the ability to read where the defense is and find openings on offense.”
Junior Jordan Critchlow, a flanker, has emerged as one of St. Pius' most explosive offensive performers. Critchlow scored two tries against Kingwood.
“Jordan has really stepped out of the shadows lately,” Monks said.
St. Pius has picked up athletes from other sports who have demonstrated a knack for rugby. Senior fullback Gary Nelson has a soccer background, while junior inside center Ryland Gimenez and junior flanker C.J. Martinez played football for the Panthers.
“Gary's soccer skills have helped him in rugby. He has a strong leg and can kick long,” Monks said. “Ryland and C.J. are tough, hard-nosed players, which comes from playing football.”
Sophomore wing D'ante Breaux is an up-and-coming player with notable skills. Breaux is a member of the under-17 Houston All-Stars.
“D'ante still has a lot to learn, but it won't take him long,” Monks said. “He has what it takes to become a great rugby player.”
While the loss to Kingwood hurt, Monks said St. Pius should be a factor in the THSRC's seven-team Southern District, which includes Kingwood, Memorial, St. Thomas, Strake Jesuit, Tomball and Westside.
“I believe we can hang with every team in our district,” Monks said. “I'm excited to see where the season takes us.”
Student Has Eyes Set at Being Rich
There is a fine line between balancing work and school. Jarrin Lawton has found it and it is making an incredible impact on his life.
Lawton, a senior at St. Pius X High School at 811 West Donovan, is also owner of Jarrin's Pressure Washing Service, a business he began at the age of 13 during summer vacation.
The business has grown so much that he currently has 17 full-time employees and operation contracts with several area businesses for his services.
For his efforts in business, Lawton earned a nomination as one of 25 finalists for the 2010 Texas Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Texas Christian University will award one scholarship of $5,000 and five scholarships for $1,000 each toward a finalists' education. The winners will be announced Feb. 22.
Lawton is responsible for monthly pressure washing maintenance on 16 complexes that are located within the 610 Loop. His clients, which he secured through networking and advertising, are impressed by his tenacity and drive.
“He does an excellent job and takes care of all the windows, sidewalks, light fixtures and buildings,” said Josh Hazelwood, operations director at Midtown Properties at 2106 Waugh Drive. Hazewood has worked with Lawton for almost a year.
“He's a great kid that knows what we like. He checks in with us to see if we're satisfied. I'm very impressed.”
He has also been hired by his own school to take care of their buses and stadium said athletics director and associate dean, Jason Kimball.
Kimball met Lawton when the two were at Mount Carmel High School before the school closed in 2008.
He said Lawton, a Stafford resident, has a “personality that is one in a million.”
“(Lawton) truly believes he is going to be a billionaire,” Kimball said. “He gets the networking gig. Even when I taught him speech as a freshman he was an entrepreneur in the making. He's dead serious and has a certain maturity beyond his years.”
Lawton started working part time at birthday parties working with moonwalks and carnival games with a family friend's company.
Though he was earning money, he wanted more.
His grandfather, Ralph Radley, lent Lawton his pressure washer. With a few family customers, his business grew.
“I did my house and a lot of family members' (homes),” Lawton said. “When I got finished with one, I would put a sign out in the lawn and picked up a few more houses.”
A high priority for Lawton is having a reputable business that progresses in growth.
“I've been working a long time because it's kind of hard to pass it up,” Lawton said. “In the last few weeks, I've been looking for an office. All the money I make is going back into the business for machinery, phones, the Web site and taxes.
“It's been very hard to get profitable, but it's getting there.”
The juggle between work and school can sometimes be a challenge.
The long drive home to Stafford prepares Lawton mentally for homework and tackling e-mails, client contacts and employee paperwork.
With graduation a few months away, Lawton is thinking of the future.
“I'm planning on staying in Houston for college because the business is growing tremendously right now. This is where I started it and know how to market it,” said Lawton, who plans on majoring in business management.
For more information, visit www.jarrinswashingservice.com or call 713-806-2407.
St. Pius' Mark Finds Patience, Place at Northwestern
St. Pius speedster Venric Mark calls his college recruitment the culmination of a life-changing experience — one he never thought he'd have.
As a freshman at Klein Forest before transferring, he was only mildly interested in football, so when schools started seeking his services he savored each second before finally pledging less than two weeks ago.
“I wanted to make sure it was the right decision,” Mark said. “ I felt like if I waited and the school didn't want to wait on me, then I'm not meant to go there, and Northwestern was very patient with me.”
That patience was a virtue for the Wildcats, who landed Mark over 17 other schools. He has the kind of speed that leaves patient defenders wondering where he went.
And speed — he runs a 4.3 40 on grass but seems even faster in games — is only one of the charismatic Mark's many virtues.
“He's an electrifying personality,” St. Pius coach Rene Ramirez said. “He's a lightning bolt when he walks into the room.”
Mark plans to make his commitment binding during a National Signing Day ceremony Wednesday at St. Pius.
Before making a choice, Mark narrowed his list of candidates to five: Northwestern, Arizona, Iowa State, Vanderbilt and Colorado. Houston, Baylor, UTEP and Penn State also made offers.
Mark said it came down to a combination of the football system, academics and social life at Northwestern.
Academics were important to him, he knows several players on the roster, including Episcopal graduate David Nwabuisi, and believes he can slide right in as a productive slot receiver.
“He took his time, and I'm glad he did,” Ramirez said.
Many players often commit early as juniors. Because he didn't, several schools made late runs at him, including Virginia, causing stress.
But Mark says it was worth it. He wanted to use his official visits to make sure he had something to compare Northwestern to, and in the end he went with his gut.
“By waiting longer a couple of more schools came off the rebound, but I tried to keep it to the schools I liked and the ones who were there for me at the beginning,” Mark said.
Now his talents will be there for Northwestern, which could use him as a true freshman to catch passes and return punts and kickoffs.
The 5-8 Mark says he's put on 15 pounds this offseason — up to 175 — to prepare to replace graduating senior Zeke Markshausen, who had 91 receptions for 858 yards this past season.
As a senior at St. Pius, Mark had 23 receptions for 242 yards, 92 rushes for 772 yards and 20 total touchdowns (four on kick returns).
“He'll be fine,” Ramirez said. “He's such an elusive runner, but he's very strong, and I think he'll be able to handle the punishment and just outrun a lot of folks.”
Aquatics Tourney Full of Panthers
St. Pius will be well-represented at this weekend's TAPPS Division I State Swimming and Diving Championships at the Conroe ISD Natatorium.
The Panthers qualified a combined five relays and five individuals in eight events, fueling hopes for a high state finish.
“Right now, I'm feeling great,” said St. Pius head coach Richard Butler. “We're really making some headway.”
St. Pius' boys and girls placed seventh and eighth in their respective divisions at last week's TAPPS South Region Swimming and Diving Championship at the Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio.
The biggest surprise was St. Pius' boys, who qualified all three relays.
“That's something we haven't done since I've been here,” Butler said.
The meet started well for the Panthers as the 200-yard medley, featuring junior Jeff Bell, senior Conner Brehm, junior John Shipman and sophomore John Barthelemy, finished sixth with a time of 1:59.55.
The 200 freestyle relay of Barthelemy, sophomore Sam Caskey, freshman Garrett Bergoon and Bell were eighth (1:47.29).
Finally, the 400 freestyle relay, which included sophomore Westley Wrightson, Bergoon, sophomore Westin Galleymore and Shipman, turned in a sixth-place showing (4:00.68).
“Westley had a great race and came out of nowhere,” Butler said.
Butler said it will take a major upset for any of those relays to place at the state meet. The 400 freestyle relay is seeded ninth, while the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays posted qualifying times that are 11th and 12th, respectively.
“Our goal is to make it to the finals and see what happens,” Butler said.
Individually, Shipman also advanced to state in his two events. At regionals, Shipman placed fifth in the 100 backstroke (1:03.79), slicing nearly three seconds from his qualifying time. In the 100 butterfly, Shipman was 10th (1:06.77) after making an even bigger drop.
Butler said Shipman, who is seeded ninth and 14th at state, respectively, deserves plenty of credit for working hard to get better.
Brehm exploded in the 100 breaststroke, earning a bronze medal with a time of 1:08.08. He's seeded sixth at state.
Bell slipped into the state field in the 500 freestyle after placing ninth (6:03.12). Bell is seeded 12th in his race.
St. Pius' girls figure to do well at state, led by junior Ashley Alspaugh and senior Clare Armstrong.
Alspaugh, one of all-time great swimmers in St. Pius history, had another outstanding regional meet. She was second in the 100 backstroke (1:02.66) and fourth in the 200 freestyle (2:08.61).
“Ashley was just ripping it (at regionals),” Butler said. “She's swimming with a lot of confidence at the moment.”
Butler rated Alspaugh as one of the favorites in the 100 backstroke. In fact, she's seeded third, just behind Fort Worth Nolan's Sarah Manning (1:01.40) and El Paso Loretto's Faith Hirschi (1:02.00).
“Ashley has the ability to win the backstroke,” Butler said. “There's not much between her and the top girls.”
The 200 freestyle could prove to be slightly more difficult, with Alspaugh seeded sixth.
Armstrong continued her surge, placing third at regionals in the 50 freestyle (26.66) and fourth in the 100 breaststroke (1:16.92). She should reach the finals at state in both races, seeded seventh and sixth.
Alspaugh and Armstrong are the backbone of St. Pius' relays. The foursome of Alspaugh, Armstrong and seniors Stefanie Farris and Stacia Dancsak were fifth at regionals in both the 200 freestyle relay (1:51.38) and 200 medley relay (2:07.01).
“We should pick up some points with our relays,” said Butler, noting that the 200 freestyle relay is seeded sixth and the 200 medley relay is eighth.
Butler credited Farris, a relay stalwart, for her leadership. Farris barely missed qualifying for state individually in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly.
Butler, though, has been pleased with the season, considering the Panthers' difficulty in finding a pool to train in. After bouncing around, St. Pius eventually found a location at a local LA Fitness.
“We've had some challenges, but our kids have risen to the occasion,” Butler said. “I'm proud of all of them. Just getting to state is an accomplishment.”
Former SPX Cheerleader Amanda Janner Pro-Bowl Bound
As a cheerleader at St. Pius X High School in Houston, Amanda Janner never expected to become a Sea Gal – let alone the squad’s representative at the Pro Bowl.
But here she is, about to be the Seahawks’ lone envoy at the NFL all-star game, which this year is being held in Miami on Jan. 31.
“I was very surprised to be chosen,” Janner said. “Because this was never anything I planned to do. Once I finished my senior year of high school, I really thought that cheerleading would be something in the past.
“So it is very cool.”
How did this happen? How is it that an online media host who moved to Seattle three years ago, after getting her B.A. in broadcast journalism from Loyola University in New Orleans and marrying her high school sweetheart, is Pro Bowl bound?
“Amanda is absolutely a great choice,” said Sherri Thompson, director of the Sea Gals and a former member of the dance team that has graced the sidelines at the Kingdome, Husky Stadium and Qwest Field for the past 34 seasons.
“She’s extremely well-spoken and, with her background, working with a microphone and public speaking and all that, it’s just easy for us. She’s just very well composed. She’s obviously beautiful. She’s got a ton of energy in her dance. And she’s photogenic. That’s why she was chosen.”
That might be how Janner got from Seattle to South Florida. But what about the Houston-to-Seattle segment of this saga?
“It was just time for us to move,” Janner said. “We were getting married and decided that we wanted to start our life in a different part of the country and experience something different from Houston.”
The decision process came with a quartet of destination must-haves: A major city; career opportunities; climate; and a NFL team.
Seattle won out as far as size and climate. “We visited Seattle and just loved it,” she said. “It’s just so naturally beautiful. The mountains, with skiing nearby, and the water. Just all these things to do.”
Her husband, Adam, got a job as a financial analyst.
Then there was that fourth item. “One of my criteria was I had to have a NFL team, and it had to have a cheerleading squad that I would want to dance for,” Janner said.
Once here, however, she still had to make that squad.
“Having come from another professional team, and knowing that my director and Sherri knew each other, I felt more pressure,” Janner said. “I thought, ‘Well, Sherri is going to expect a lot from me.’ And I’m not a trained dancer. So it really put on the pressure.”
Pressure that Janner, 27, obviously was able to handle, since she just completed her third season as a Sea Gal.
Janner had put cheerleading, competitive cheerleading/dance and gymnastics on hold after high school to focus on her studies at Loyola – while Adam attended the University of Houston.
Then her present crossed paths with her past, and set the stage for her future.
“My first job out of college was for a local ABC affiliate close to Houston (in Bryan),” Janner said. “And my first assignment was to go and interview the Texans cheerleaders, along with the players. They were in town visiting the Boys and Girls Club.
“I didn’t know that side of NFL cheerleading. I didn’t know they did all these appearances and all this charity work. It was obvious they really liked what they were doing and when I talked to them I saw their passion and just how enthused they were to be there.”
Janner had missed the camaraderie, which she still labels as the most enjoyable aspect of being part of a dance team for a professional sports team. So when she moved back to Houston, she spent three years as a member of Texans cheerleaders before she and Adam decided to make the move to Seattle.
“I love it,” Janner said of being a Sea Gal. “And I’m so happy I made the squad, especially my first year. Not knowing anyone here it made the transition easier because I had 27 friends automatically. They’ve been my family away from home, so I’ve been really thankful for that.”
Now, she gets to add another line to her already impressive resume: Pro Bowl representative.
This wasn’t just an oh-yeah-her selection. Thompson has a list of criteria that a Sea Gal must meet before she gets the annual nod: How she will photograph with representative from all the other teams; how well she will learn the dances; being punctual; appearance when not in uniform; and approaching the game and everything that will surround it as a business trip.
When it came to Janner, it was check, check, check, check and check.
“She’s always on time. She always wears the right thing. She always looks good. And in her free time, she also will make really good choices and represent us well,” as Thompson put it. “It’s an honor and an opportunity.”
Janner is making the trip a family affair. Her husband is going. So are her parents, as well as Adam’s father and brother.
“I feel a lot of responsibility, because I will be the only Sea Gal there,” Janner said. “To be the only representative to show everyone this is what a true Sea Gal is, it’s a difficult task.
“It is an honor, but I do feel a lot of responsibility with it.”
Wade likes how Astros are stacking up
MLB.com, by Brian McTaggart
The Astros are feeling better about their chances to compete for a playoff spot in 2010 than they did this time last week. The addition of veteran right-hander Brett Myers has strengthened the rotation and will create more competition, which is never a bad thing.
Houston general manager Ed Wade, who will return Thursday from Arizona following two days of meetings with his fellow GMs, said to expect only a few tweaks to the roster between now and Feb. 20, when Spring Training workouts begin. If you're scoring at home, the Astros cut ties with Miguel Tejada, Jose Valverde and Darin Erstad and added pitchers Matt Lindstrom, Brandon Lyon and Myers and third baseman Pedro Feliz.
"If there's an opportunity to pull some more guys off the list of free agents or do something from a trade standpoint that makes sense, we'll do it," Wade said. "Anything we do going forward will have to have roster ramifications, and in all likelihood the types of offers we make between now and the beginning of Spring Training will be of the non-roster variety."
The Astros' 40-man roster was at its maximum before the club signed Myers to a one-year deal with an option for 2011. With that in mind, Houston on Wednesday designated outfielder Jason Bourgeois for assignment, removing him from the 40-man roster to clear a spot for Myers.
Houston has 10 days to outright, trade or release Bourgeois, who was acquired on a waiver claim from Milwaukee on Oct. 26. If he's outrighted, he has the right to elect free agency. The Houston native spent most of last year at Triple-A Nashville in Milwaukee's organization and hit .316 with 41 RBIs and 36 steals.
President of baseball operations Tal Smith and assistant GMs Ricky Bennett and David Gottfried are spending the bulk of their time on the Astros' eight arbitration-eligible players, a list that includes key players in Wandy Rodriguez, Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence and a newcomer in Lindstrom.
Wade and his staff are still scouring the free-agent market for a left-handed bat in the outfield to occupy the role Darin Erstad held last year, and the team is also looking at Minor League free agents to fill out the roster at Triple-A Round Rock, which could have a much different look this year.
"There's still a couple of guys that we have been interested in all winter, and there's a chance we'll add one or two of them to add more depth," Wade said. "We've been aggressive in the six-year free-agent market and brought in some guys, not only to help the Round Rock club, but also to possibly help the big league club as well."
The Astros' approach to six-year free agents has been more sophisticated. They've taken the reports from their professional scouts and ranked the six-year free agents and then went back to the scouts to have them restate the level of interest and have aggressively tried to sign guys.
"There's a good chance over half the Triple-A club could be different, coming from outside the organization," Wade said.
Among the six-year free agents signed by the Astros are infielders Chris Shelton and Oswaldo Navarro, outfielder Alex Romero and pitchers Jose Valdez, Gary Majewski, Josh Banks and Gustavo Chacin. They also re-signed pitchers Rory Corcoran, Casey Daigle and Jeremy Johnson.
"Most of them have Major League experience, and you mix that with some of the guys we had in Triple-A last year like [Yordany] Ramirez, [Brian] Bogusevic -- and Collin Delome could be in the mix depending on what happens [at the Major League level -- we've got a chance to have a very a competitive club," Bennett said. "We have some depth we haven't had in recent years."
Spiffing up the great outdoors
From fire pits to pools, residential projects keep Houston company growing
A millennium ago, people cooked food over open fires in the great outdoors. Apparently, everything old really is new again. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, Americans bought almost 2 million outdoor fireplaces last year, not to mention the many barbecues, pools and fountains.
For small-business owner A.J. Benys of A.J.'s Landscaping & Design, in Houston's Heights neighborhood, that's good news.
Benys took a fledgling company he began in 1989 with a newly minted landscaping design degree from Texas A&M and turned it into a four-acre operation that today employs 110 people and earned revenue of some $12 million last year between the landscaping company and an adjacent nursery.
People want to maximize their outdoor spaces, especially during tough economic times, Benys said during a recent interview.
“People are conscious of their budgets, but for many people, home is the largest investment they have,” Benys said. “Now, they may look at substitutes for expensive materials like flagstone, and instead use cast stone or stucco, but they're still interested in making the most of their property.”
Deidra Darsa, manager of media and PR for the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, said: “The latest term is ‘staycation,' and it means more people are staying home than going on vacation. So, they want to make their outdoor spaces as nice as possible.”
Construction is focus
While Benys originally focused on landscaping services, such as designing gardens and yards, today most of his business centers on outdoor construction. Be it a $5,000 outdoor fire pit or a $65,000 pool, Benys said each design is unique to the property, which also poses his largest challenge.
“How do you top yourself when you've been in this business for a while?” Benys said. “The challenge is to not get stagnant, but to continually create new spaces, to do something different.”
To keep his company's designs fresh, Benys makes annual pilgrimages to Europe to study the courtyards and architecture there.
“While we can never re-create some of the original work they have — because the materials just aren't available anymore — we can borrow ideas from them.”
$1 million backyard
According to Benys, 90 percent of his firm's business is residential design and construction. Projects range from $3,000 outdoor grills to pools that range from $45,000 to $60,000 and up.
His most expensive project? A $1 million backyard in Tanglewood that featured a tennis court, swimming pool and three courtyards.
“But we take projects of all sizes,” Benys said. “Usually we have eight to 10 projects going a month, in all price ranges.”
The association's Darsa said: “Even in these tough economic times, people who want these things are going to buy them. They may do it over time, instead of tackling a whole project, but they're still doing it.”
‘Cocktail pool'
Because of the volume of projects he undertakes, Benys employs five landscape architects. According to Benys, the newest trend in outdoor design is the “cocktail pool,” which is a combination fountain and Jacuzzi, designed for small courtyards.
“It's amazing what you can do with even a small space,” Benys said. “My favorite part of this job is taking a family's dreams and making them a reality.”
SPX Grad Sara Brooks '06 Wins Miss Louisiana USA Title, Will Compete for Miss USA Title
Sara Brooks '06, the reigning Miss Lafayette, was crowned Miss Louisiana USA on October 31, 2009, at the Heymann in Lafayette. She will be representing Louisiana in the nationally Televised Miss USA Pageant on April 18, 2010. Sara Brooks is currently a student at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. After graduating from college, she plans to continue her education by going to nursing school. She competed in her first pageant in Louisiana last April, placing first runner up, and decided to continue onto Miss Louisiana USA, where she placed in the top 10 her first try. Winning Miss Lafayette is really special to Sara because she lives in Lafayette and enjoys representing her home town. Sara enjoys playing sports, keeping up her EBAY business, as well as international travel.
St. Pius Begins Drive to Another TAPPS Title
St. Pius head football coach Rene Ramirez called reigning champion Fort Worth Nolan the heavy favorite to claim another TAPPS Division I state crown.
“Fort Worth Nolan has made the state championship game four out of the last five years,” Ramirez said. “They're undefeated (10-0) and the defending state champion. Coach (Joe) Prud'homme has a really good football team.”
But, based on their play during a stellar 8-2 regular season, Ramirez's Panthers likely would pick up a few votes if an informal poll were held today.
“We've got the athletes to make a run at the title,” Ramirez acknowledged.
St. Pius, the District 3 winner, kicks off the TAPPS Division I playoffs at 4 p.m. Saturday at home against San Antonio Central Catholic (8-3) in a state quarterfinal game at Parsley Field.
The Panthers received a first-round bye. Meanwhile, Central Catholic dominated El Paso Cathedral 28-6 in its playoff opener.
Ramirez said the Buttons present a few problems for St. Pius, especially defensively.
“Central Catholic has played everything from a 3-3 stacked (alignment) to a 3-4, 4-3 and 4-2-5,” Ramirez said. “They do a lot of different things to try to confuse you. They make it hard to game-plan offensively.”
However, the Panthers showed in their recent 35-32 non-district victory over Bellaire that they have the ability to make adjustments.
“When teams try to take away the running game, we've been able to go up top and throw it,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez noted that defenses have often paid too much attention to senior Venric Mark, St. Pius' versatile running back/receiver. Mark has rushed 69 times for 587 yards and 12 touchdowns and grabbed 19 receptions for 191 yards and four scores.
“Teams freak out trying to stop Venric, but that's opened up things for our other skill guys,” Ramirez said.
The Panthers' receivers, led by junior Tad Ecby (29 catches for 802 yards, seven TDs senior Cameron Peavy (26 for 529, five TDs), are among the best in TAPPS.
Sophomore running back Bradley Ward is the team's leading rusher with 100 carries for 821 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Senior quarterback Brent Peavy has been incredibly accurate, completing 129 of 219 attempts for 2,122 yards, 25 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
The foundation for St. Pius' offense is the line, featuring senior Reid Reichle at center, senior Cody Kaleh and junior Joe Sable at the guards and senior William Reyner and sophomore Hank Granda at the tackles.
Defensively, the Panthers feature plenty of playmakers, led by seniors Greg Daniels and Kirk Poston at defensive end. But junior Kellen Jones, the middle linebacker, is having a breakout season along with senior Josef Slaney at outside linebacker.
The secondary is stingy, with junior cornerback Matt Eureste and junior free safety Matt Barajas combining for 13 interceptions. Junior Kolby Griffin, the other cornerback, has battled a high ankle sprain, but the blue chipper should be ready for Saturday's game.
Ramirez said Central Catholic is well-stocked on the offensive side of the ball.
“Their two (running) backs are special, and they have outstanding receivers and a big offensive line,” Ramirez said. “Just like I say every week, we're going to have to play well to win.”
If St. Pius gets past San Antonio Central Catholic, the Panthers could meet Fort Worth Nolen in the semifinals. The Vikings battle Grapevine Faith Christian in the quarterfinals.
“We'd like the opportunity to play Fort Worth Nolen, but we can't do that unless we win on Saturday,” Ramirez said. “(Beating) San Antonio Central Catholic is our top priority.”
St. Pius, St. Thomas in playoffs
Rivals St. Pius and St. Thomas are headed to the TAPPS Division I football playoffs. The Panthers and Eagles both get first-round byes.
The District 3 champion Panthers (8-2) will face the San Antonio Central Catholic-El Paso Cathedral winner in the second round.
St. Pius head coach Rene Ramirez said his squad doesn’t mind having an off-week, particularly after last week’s dramatic 35-32 non-district win over Class 5A Bellaire.
“That was as physical a team as we’ve played all year,” Ramirez said. “The caliber of athletes was probably a little better than we’ve seen the last couple of weeks.”
Jake D'Eramo Claims Another State Title for SPX
It only took 136 years, but Incarnate Word Academy has finally claimed its first district crown.
The all-girl Catholic school in downtown Houston, founded in 1873, recently celebrated a title in cross country. The Falcons won the TAPPS District 3-5A Championships at Buffalo Bayou Park with 46 points, holding off St. Agnes with 51 and Duchesne with 59. Rounding out the field was Houston Christian with 75 points and St. Pius with 126.
“From what I've been told, this is the first district championship Incarnate Word has won in any sport,” said IWA head coach Chris Warren. “It's truly a reason to celebrate.”
This historic event wasn't entirely unexpected. Incarnate Word has performed consistently all year, winning the recent Houston Christian Invitational and tying St. Thomas Aquinas of Louisiana for first place at the John Cooper Invitational.
“We've had some good results all year,” said Warren, noting that the Falcons gained confidence after beating Lamar and rival St. Agnes at the Houston Christian meet.
Duchesne's Shannon Klenke won her third straight district title, taking the girls' 2-mile race in 12:32. Klenke, the reigning TAPPS state cross country champion, edged Incarnate Word's MyKalia Dudley (12:43).
“We thought MyKalia could catch Shannon over the last 600 meters, but Shannon was just too tough,” Warren said.
St. Agnes' Carly Graf placed third (12:51), followed by Incarnate Word's Nicole Payne (13:21) and Houston Christian's Kathryn Quandt (13:26). Rounding out the top 10 were Incarnate Word's Jessica Needle (13:30), Houston Christian's Margaret Goode (13:36), Duchesne's Jackie Manley (14:03) and St. Agnes' Kara Koinis (14:04) and Shannon Gaden (14:12).
Warren said he expected his top three runners to finish among the top 10. The key to victory were his fourth and fifth runners, with Valerie Lerma in 13th (14:29) and Briana Faustino in 21st (15:04).
“Valerie did a good job of holding on,” Warren said. “Briana didn't run her best race, but she's been there for us all year. She did just enough to help us win (the title).”
While Incarnate Word stepped into the winner's circle for the first time, St. Thomas was in familiar territory. The Eagles dominated the boys' division with 24 points, well ahead of St. Pius with 51 and Houston Christian with 62.
“I wasn't focused as much on our places as our individual times,” said St. Thomas head coach Nathan Labus. “We probably could have run faster, but it was a hot day. It was 101, 102 degrees with the heat index. The conditions were tough.”
St. Pius' Jake D'Eramo followed in the footsteps of his older brother Joey D'Eramo, the greatest runner in school history, by capturing the boys' 3-mile race in 17:37.
John Cantu of St. Thomas, the Eagles' No. 1 runner, placed second in 17:59.
Alex Barrett of Houston Christian came in third (18:22), followed by a pack of St. Thomas runners in fourth through ninth place — Taylor Edwards (18:34), Matthew Flanagan (18:37), Derek Brown (18:41), Keaton Opila (18:49), Nicholas Matthews (18:59) and JT Gaden (19:08) Houston Christian's Andy Jameson ranked 10th (19:30).
Incarnate Word and St. Thomas will head to Baylor University in Waco for Saturday's TAPPS Class 5A State Cross Country Championships full of momentum.
Warren said the Falcons have their sights set on a high finish. Dallas Ursuline is the heavy favorite, with Austin St. Michael's, Addison Trinity Christian and St. Agnes in hot pursuit.
“At state, if you are in the top four, you get a plaque,” Warren said. “That's our goal.”
Labus said the Eagles are young, with three freshmen running at state for the first time. But St. Thomas hopes to push Austin St. Michael's, Dallas Bishop Lynch, Fort Worth Nolan, San Antonio Antonian and the other top contenders.
“We're going to state to gain experience,” Labus said. “We feel like next year we'll be in stronger position.”
Football
The goal is still the same for the St. Pius football team: win the TAPPS Division I state championship.
Nothing the Panthers have done lately would indicate they aren't up to the challenge. St. Pius has survived a rigorous early-season schedule, not to mention injuries to a handful of starters, but first-year head coach Rene Ramirez has his squad competing at a high level.
St. Pius (4-2) has looked unbeaten in TAPPS Division I-District 3 action, rolling past Beaumont Kelly 44-14 and rival St. Thomas 38-14 last week.
“I thought we looked good,” Ramirez said. “We're finally getting healthy. We're playing well in all phases of the game. When that's the case, we're pretty dangerous.”
Ramirez was thrilled to welcome back senior all-purpose player Venric Mark, who has been injured lately. Against Beaumont Kelly, Mark ran seven times for 160 yards and an 89-yard touchdown and caught a 37-yard TD pass.
“Venric is a big part of our game plan,” Ramirez said. “He makes an impact wherever you put him — wide receiver, running back or returning kicks. We may even put him at quarterback at some point.”
In Mark's absence, sophomore Bradley Ward has emerged as a legitimate threat at running back. Ward was the offensive standout against St. Thomas, rushing 16 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns.
“It's hard to believe Bradley is a 10th-grader. He's only 14 years old,” Ramirez said. “We're really excited about the future.”
Senior quarterback Brent Peavy has impressed Ramirez with his accuracy, not to mention his intangibles. Peavy completed 13 of 20 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score against St. Thomas.
“Brent has done very well,” Ramirez said. “He's a natural leader. She's shown a lot of poise and good decision-making. We try to spread the ball around, and he's doing a fine job finding different receivers.”
Junior Tad Ecby headlines a receiving corps that is among the best in TAPPS. Ecby is joined by senior Cameron Peavy, junior Matt Eureste and sophomore Kyle Kirk.
St. Pius' offensive line is underrated, with junior Joe Sable at left tackle, senior Cody Kaleh at left guard, senior Reid Reichle at center, senior Julian Jean-Baptiste at right guard and senior William Reyner at right tackle. Senior Greg Daniels and junior Matthew Schick are splitting time at tight end.
Defensively, the Panthers have shown a penchant for forcing turnovers. Against Beaumont Kelly and St. Thomas, the Panthers created 11 of them.
The secondary, in particular, has been on fire. Senior strong safety Josef Slaney recorded two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 11 tackles to lead the way in the Beaumont Kelly game. Junior free safety Matt Barajas also has made several big plays. Junior Kolby Griffin, a blue-chip prospect, has been slowed by a high ankle sprain, with Eureste filling in for him at cornerback. Juniors Myles Garza and Ryland Gimenez share the other cornerback slot.
At linebacker, St. Pius has been without juniors Mike Mitchell and Kellen Jones, who both missed time for various reasons. Mitchell and Jones are now back on the field and will rotate with Schick and junior C.J. Martinez. Senior Cedric Law is the rover in the Panthers' scheme.
Daniels, the University of Texas signee, and senior Kirk Poston anchor the defensive line at the ends.
“They're both ferocious in the way they play the game,” Ramirez said of Daniels and Poston. “They're both intense and they put a lot of pressure on the (opposing) quarterback.”
Rounding out the defense are junior Peyton Sykes at nose guard and sophomore Andrew Gonzales at defensive tackle.
St. Pius' special teams are exciting, with Mark and Ecby handling the returns. The kicking game is equally effective. Sophomore Aaron Arguelles is the kicker, while Brent Peavy takes care of the punting.
Ramirez said the Panthers are a well-rounded team, one that has the potential to be a state contender.
“The talent is there, but it's all about the preparation,” Ramirez said. “If we continue to work hard and take each opponent seriously, we can go far.”
St. Pius ready for state
St. Pius head cross country coach Erin Van Wassenhove set tough goals for her squad this season.
Last week, the Panthers made their coach proud with solid results at the TAPPS District 3-5A Championships at Buffalo Bayou Park.
“It was a challenging course, but most of the kids ran good times,” Van Wassenhove said.
As expected, St. Thomas won the boys' division with 24 points, ahead of St. Pius with 51 and Houston Christian with 62.
But St. Pius senior Jake D'Eramo won the boys' 3-mile race in 17:37, winning easily over St. Thomas' John Cantu (17:59).
“Jake had two goals going into the season: win district and finish in the top 10 at state,” Van Wassenhove said. “He's halfway there.”
D'Eramo ran a personal-best time, the perfect tune-up for Saturday's TAPPS Class 5A State Championships at Baylor University in Waco.
While D'Eramo was the lone St. Pius runner in the top 10, the Panthers competed at a high level.
Sophomore Frederick Mueller was 12th in 19:41.
“Fred did an incredible job,” Van Wassenhove said. “He's become a leader on the team.”
The rest of the team included junior Drew Sanchez (14th, 21:18), senior Dirk Villman (15th, 22:20), sophomore Trevor Lauten (16th, 22:33) and freshman Cameron Garcia (19th, 23:52).
On the girls' side, St. Pius was without junior Molly Franke, one of the Panthers' top runners. Franke sat out with a knee injury, but Van Wassenhove expects her to be ready for the state meet.
With Franke unavailable, St. Pius came in fifth with 126 points, trailing Incarnate Word with 46, St. Agnes with 51, Duchesne with 59 and Houston Christian with 75.
“I don't know if having Molly would have a made a difference because our district is so tough,” Van Wassenhove. “But we're glad to have Molly back for state.”
Sophomore Holly Josey was St. Pius' top finisher at district, coming in 14th with a 2-mile time of 14:31.
“Holly and Molly battled for the No. 1 spot all year,” Van Wassenhove said. “They both run around 14 minutes (for two miles).”
Other runners were sophomore Shannon Walker (25th, 15:35), senior Crystal Galacia (28th, 16:07), junior Leslie Martinez (34th, 17:36) and junior Victoria Markantonis (37th, 18:13).
Other runners were sophomore Shannon Walker (25th, 15:35), senior Crystal Galacia (28th, 16:07), junior Leslie Martinez (34th, 17:36) and junior Victoria Markantonis (37th, 18:13).
Van Wassenhove believes St. Pius' boys have the potential to rank in the top 10 at state. The girls also could pull a surprise, too.
“If our girls are in the top three-quarters, I'll be pleased,” Van Wassenhove said.
St. Pius X to host Sealy Friday night
The St. Pius football team will host Class 3A powerhouse Sealy at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Parsley Field.
It's nothing new for the Panthers (2-1), whose non-district schedule was loaded with games against Westbury, Columbia and Huntsville.
“For the fourth straight game, we're going to play a great opponent,” said St. Pius head coach Rene Ramirez. “I scouted Sealy last week and they're just awesome. It's a major test for us.”
Sealy is a perfect 3-0 after rolling past Second Baptist (57-17), Hempstead (45-6) and Rice Consolidated (26-6).
Ramirez expects a standing-room-only crowd at St. Pius on Friday night.
“At Sealy, there were probably 8,000 fans. It was your typical one-school, Class 3A high school football game, like (the film) Varsity Blues,” Ramirez said.
“I expect Sealy to bring a lot of people to the game. It should make for an exciting atmosphere.”
St. Pius was idle last week after Kipp Academy postponed its game with the Panthers because of a flu scare on campus. However, Ramirez said the game may be rescheduled for Oct. 16.
The break did St. Pius some good, allowing injured players like running back Venric Mark, wide receiver Lord-Byron Cannon, wide receiver/outside linebacker Joe Noonan and middle linebacker Kellen Jones to rest up and get healthy.
“Hopefully, we'll have all of them for Sealy,” Ramirez said.
“We sure need them.”
St. Thomas (1-3) will host Del Valle at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Granger Stadium. The Eagles lost to Santa Fe 63-13 last week.
SPX Game vs. Westbury is Chronicle Game of the Week
On the surface, Westbury and St. Pius couldn't seem more different. The Rebels are the reigning District 21-4A champions, while the Panthers are a private school powerhouse, having won numerous TAPPS state titles over the years.
When the teams collide on Friday night at Butler Stadium, Westbury's Stephen Hill and St. Pius' Rene Ramirez, both in their first seasons as head coach, feel like they are staring at mirror images of each other.
“It's really strange how much we're alike,” Hill said. “Both teams have first-year head coaches. We're running pretty much the same offense. St. Pius, like us, is relying on a lot of new faces. Frankly, there's not much between us.”
Ramirez, though, said Westbury, as a Class 4A public school, is the heavy favorite and deservedly so. But it's worth noting that the Panthers pulled the upset last year, knocking off the Rebels 38-20.
“We won last year's game, but I don't think it's a factor at all,” Ramirez said. “Westbury is loaded with athletes, probably a few more than we do. Coach Hill has a young team and he'll have them ready to play on Friday night.”
Both Hill and Ramirez agree about one thing. Both expect a close game that could be decided in the final minutes.
“It probably will come down to defense,” Hill said. “The team that makes big plays at the end of the game will win.”
About the Game
- Match-Up: St. Pius Panthers (0-0) vs. Westbury Rebels (0-0)
- When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
- Where: Butler Stadium
- What's at stake: St. Pius is never shy about playing top-notch competition. The Panthers, a contender to win the TAPPS Division I state title, have an opportunity to earn more validation for the program. Westbury is practically rebuilding after last year's surprising success, but Hill says the Rebels were loaded with talent at the sub-varsity level. A win out of the chute could give a young Westbury squad a shot in the arm.
- St. Pius players to watch: RB Venric Mark, WR Matt Eureste, WR Tad Ecby, WR Lord-Byron Cannon, WR Cameron Peavy, QB Brent Peavy, OL Kody Kaleh, DE Greg Daniels, DE Kirk Poston, CB Kolby Griffin, FS Matt Barajas, SS Josef Slaney.
- Westbury players to watch: FB Chris Bernard, QB Delvon Carpenter, TB Jailyn Singleton, WR Alex Bennett, WR Edwin Williams, OT Nick Soto, NG Jacobee Arbuckle, DE Chris Gilbert, LB Jamaal Ojo, FS Kenneth Noel.
Team Highlights
- St. Pius: It's the start of a new era at St. Pius, with Ramirez taking over for Robin Kirk (Hidalgo). The Panthers got off to a fast start, winning the Texas Private School Coaches Association 7-on-7 State Tournament over the summer. St. Pius has plenty of weapons offensively, with Mark, a multi-dimensional running back/receiver, drawing the most attention. Brent Peavy, the new quarterback, should benefit from a deep receiving corps featuring Cannon, Ecby, Eureste and twin brother Cameron Peavy. Defensively, Daniels (University of Texas) and Poston are a load up front, while Griffin patrols the secondary.
- Westbury: The Rebels return only a handful of starters off last year's 8-2 squad. Hill says there's no secret what Westbury's offense will do: give the ball to Bernard early and often. But the Rebels may diversify things once Carpenter gets his bearings at quarterback. Westbury should throw the ball, with speedster Bennett and the reliable Williams available. Defensively, Arbuckle and Gilbert will apply the pressure. The linebackers are extremely young, but Hill has been impressed with rookies Ojo and Jacorian Mardis, a freshman. Still, the Rebels could be a team to watch closely in the coming weeks.
Q&A with Astros' 34th-round pick Scott Migl
Bobby Heck utilized the final day of the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft to select potential late-round sleepers for the Houston Astros.
History proves that late-round selections can develop into All-Star-caliber players at the big league level.
Mark Buehrle, Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte, Mike Piazza, Jorge Posada, Kenny Rogers and Ryne Sandberg represent some of the standout players who were overlooked by numerous teams in the draft.
Heck invested 12 out of the final 20 picks on pitching in the hope of discovering the next Oswalt. The talented scouting director has a distinct eye for identifying the right kind of talent for an organization.
Who's going to be the next Oswalt or Pettitte from the Astros' 2009 Draft class?
With the right coaching and development, minor league prospects have the opportunity to climb the ladder toward playing in the big leagues.
Astros scout Rusty Pendergrass, who reports to Heck, evaluates collegiant and high-school talent in the state of Texas. He was influential in the drafting and signing of Matt Albers, Hunter Pence, Troy Patton, Ross Seaton, as well as the free-agent signing of Texarkana Gunslinger standout Jack Tilghman.
Pendergrass spent the past few years evaluating a potential sleeper in Texas A&M right-hander Scott Migl. Recently, the Astros selected the Houston native in the 34th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Aggie features a strong arm, excellent command and a repertoire of pitches, which keeps opposing hitters off balance and guessing. He mixes his low-90s fastball with a wicked curve, effective slider and solid changeup.
Migl graduated from St. Pius High School in 2006 before heading to College Station. The talented right-hander led his team to the TAPPS 5A state title in 2003 and 2005, tossing a three-hit shutout in the 2005 state championship game. Also, St. Pius advanced to the state semifinals in 2004 and 2006.
He earned first-team All-State honors his junior and senior year, striking out 100 hitters over 87 innings in 2006. Remarkably, Migl walked only three batters while posting a 0.91 ERA his senior year.
"Migl's a command pitcher who throws strikes," Pendergrass said. "I've been watching him since high school. He's a guy we wanted to draft and develop. As long as he keeps getting better, he'll be a special player in the Astros system."
Recently, Migl spoke with Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff about being drafted by the Astros, growing up in the Houston area, his positive baseball influences and signing his first professional contract.
Q: How did you find out the Houston Astros drafted you?
A: My mom was following the draft online. When the Astros drafted me, she immediately called me and told me the great news. At the time, I was asleep. It didn't sink in right away until I woke up and realized that my hometown team drafted me. It's really fun to experience this thrill.
Q: Being from Houston, how big of an Astros fan are you?
A: The Astros have always been my favorite team. I'm a huge fan of Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio. It's really cool to be drafted by my favorite team and get the chance to hopefully play one day with the Astros and help them win.
Q: Did you follow any of the collegiant teams in Houston or the state of Texas growing up?
A: I've always been a fan of UH and Rice. Being from Houston, I cheer for both teams. Wayne Graham and Rayner Noble are great coaches with a respectful rivalry. Ironically, I was more of a Longhorn than Aggie growing up. Funny enough, I ended up playing college ball for the Aggies.
Q: Which teams expressed the most interest in possibly drafting you?
A: Well, I knew the Astros were interested. Also, the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals showed some interest leading up to the draft. I figured one of these three teams would draft me.
Q: How did your experience at St. Pius High School influence your career?
A: I was a member of two state championship teams at St. Pius. Also, we made the state semifinals my sophomore and senior years. I really began developing as a senior. This opened the door for options in my baseball career.
Q: Were you heavily recruited out of high school?
A: Not really. Navarro College heavily recruited me. Tulane generated some interest, but I didn't hear much from them after the hurricane. Liberty University in Virginia, as well as Rice showed little interest. I was planning on going to Navarro until Texas A&M came into the picture. I chose to become an Aggie.
Q: Who are some of your biggest baseball influences?
A: I grew up playing for Proway Baseball Academy in Houston. All the coaches associated with Proway helped in my development as a pitcher. I will always be thankful to Dean Crowe, Sid Holland, Scipio Spinks, and especially Darwin Pennye. Darwin is the coach of all coaches. I still talk to him and seek advice on how to get better.
Q: Do you feel you're ready to play professional baseball after three years at Texas A&M?
A: Yes. I'm ready to make the jump to pro ball. I want the thrill of a new challenge and look forward to playing minor league ball for the Astros. I love to play baseball, and it's what I want to do for a living.
Q: Describe the feeling of being one of the 22 draft picks to already sign with the Astros?
A: Very rewarding. I signed with the Astros through Rusty (Pendergrass). I'm very excited to get started. I want to be part of the Astros organization. It's not everyday where your hometown team drafts you. It feels right and I'm ready to roll.
Q: Now that you're signed, where does the Astros organization plan to assign you?
A: I'll be heading to Rookie-Advanced Greeneville in Tennessee on Thursday. I'm eager to learn, get better and do what they tell me. It's going to be new for me. I'm used to balancing baseball and school. Now, all I have to do is focus on baseball, so it will be an adjustment process.
Artist Focuses on Mixed Media
Work Leads her to Study Art in San Francisco, by Valerie Sweeten, from the 5/28/09 edition of the Houston Chronicle
Brittany Ellis, a graduating senior at St. Pius X High School, has been a prolific artist this year.
Ellis’ work was exhibited in “Perspectives 165: Contents Under Pressure” at the Contemporary Arts Museum, 5216 Montrose, Feb. 27- May 3. The exhibit was organized by the museum’s teen council.
The painting, “Color Bound,” is a mixed-media piece using felt, fleece, wire, acrylic and a photo of a hand.
The girl has focus
Ellis was focused on her work.
“This was all or nothing. I painted all year for this and the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools competition.
“This was my last chance as a senior,” said Ellis, a Trinity Gardens resident.
She received fourth place for her painting, “Lola” and honorable mention for her photograph, “Abstract Red,” in the 2009 TAPPS competition.
Identifiable objects
Georgianne Beissner, Fine Arts department co-chair at St. Pius X, said Ellis’ method of using objects in her paintings is what makes them original.
“That identifiable object becomes the focal point of the painting. Brittany enjoys this type of art because she’s good at it.
“It shows her originality. She’s doing something no one else can do,” said Beissner.
Feedback from the Contemporary Arts Museum exhibit was positive, Ellis said.
“They think it’s wonderful.
“They were just amazed that I had talent at this level. I was so excited.
“I pushed myself to do something different,” Ellis said.
Her proactive nature
Amy Lorino, St. Pius X photography teacher, has worked with Ellis for the past two years.
She said Ellis’ “very proactive” nature has made her successful.
“She knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s grown amazingly over the past two years.
“Her abstract work is unbelievable. It’s less figurative with more color and texture.
“Her portraiture work is also great. She has an amazing amount of creativity and drive. She’s constantly working. I’m not surprised at all because I knew she was going to do well,” said Lorino.
Ellis is younger of two children of Mary Ellis, a prekindergarten teacher, and Aaron Ellis, who works as a supervisor with Metro.
It began in 8th grade
Ellis began her education at The Presbyterian School and continued art lessons at The Glassell School.
Although Ellis remembers drawing and painting as a young child, it was when she was in eighth grade at The Presbyterian School that she embraced her work.
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“My work was hard to explain. I had things in different variations.
“I did what I felt I wanted to do.
"I started adding the objects so it became mixed media abstract," Ellis said. "It was another way to show my abilities. Sometimes it looks like chaos. The bigger the piece, the more detail I add with objects."
Sharing her visions
"My inspirations are based on themes. I'm sharing my vision with others."
She credits the nuturing environment at St. Pius X with developing her skills.
"I've met professional artists and photographers. They've all offered critiques along the way so I can advance and flourish. I did have help from my wonderful teachers to help me grow. I'm really grateful for all their help they've given me here," Ellis said.
She received a grant
Ellis, who participated in the Culture Club, Science Club, Student Ambassadors and Juniors States America Debate Team at St. Pius X, will attend the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco in the fall with a grant for her outstanding portfolio.
Ellis enjoys her passions of drawing, painting and photography in her spare time.
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