TEXAS' 2020 CLASS
The Longhorns have ftve commitments for 2020, a group that's currently ranked loth nationally. All ftve are four-star prospects: Player Pos. School Note Mookie Cooper ATH St. Louis (Mo.) Trin. Cath. No. 4-rankcd ATH nationally Hudson Card J..ii-.-;6 Third•rankcd dual-threat QB in country Logan Parr OG San Antonio O'Connor Cycle's No. 4-ranked guard Jaylen Garth -OT Port Neches-Groves Fonner teammate of QB Roschon Johnson Jake Majors OT Prosper Ranked No. 27 on the initial 2020 Fab ss A glance at the boys UIL basl{etball playoff bracl{et By Thomas Jones tdjm~.:rtesman.com
Toe UIL high school boys basketball playoffs begin Monday and will conclude March 7-9 at San Antonio's Alamodome. What area teams have the best chance of reaching state, and what will happen on the long and wind Connally Cougar point guard ing playoff rood? Ky!ln Robinson (l) leads a Let'snnswerafewguestions senior·laden Connally team as the postse'.lson tips off: that looks poised for a long Who are some famiiar faces playoff run - if it survives in this season's playoffs? a first-round game against Perhaps no sports streak dangerous Hutto. [JAM IE in the Austin area - and HARMS FOR ST Al ESMA.NJ certalnly none in basketball - canmatcbLBJ's22ndcon who are 23-10 and finished secutive seasons of winning the regular season tied for at least a share of a district second in District 13-6A, will title. Toe Jags, ranked No. have a chance t o snap that 15 by the Texas Association dubious streak when they of Basketball Coaches, won open the Class 6A playoffs District 25-5A this season and Tuesday against Langham open their playoff run Monday Creek. Behind high-scoring against Kerrville Tivy with an guards Ryan ward and carter undersized but deep roster led rorct, Round Rock bas already by 6-foot-2 guard Jordan Teal accumulated it s most wins and6-1guard 81ian hits. since 1976. LBJ's boys last missed the East View, in t h e postseason during the 1996- Georgetown school district, 97 season, which was head reached the playoffs for the coach Freddie Roland's first first time since beginning= season with the Jaguars. Who sity play in 2013 else bas a lengthy playoff Which players can carry their streak? First-year coach Mike team to a few playoff wins? Whitten guided Wimberley Vandegrift'sGrev Bnlwn Ill, a to a 19th consecutive playoff 6-foot-7 forward with offers berth, and forward Landon from almost every blue-blood Kirchner, who had a double collegiate program in the double in a win over Canyon country, bas already carried L.lA last week, leads a bal the Vipers to the playoffs; anced Texas attack. Vandegrift was 0 -5 in District Pflugerville, Liberty Hill 13-6AbeforeBrownretumed and Jarrell also have playoff from an injury and ended its streaks ofat least 14 years. ln district campaign with a 9-7 addition, McNeil reached the record playoffs for the 2Jrd time in Wes!L,kc forward Wil Baller, Coach Darrell Hagemann's 27 a 7-foot Texas signee, bas the seasons as the Round Rock tools to lead No. 6 WestU.eto scbool district campus. a return trip to tbestntetour And any new teams in the nament. Guards IU. Adams and postseason? Darius Mc:Sricle offer ideal com Round Rock, wltichopened plements to the Texas signee. in 1867, isn't new to the Don ' t over l oo k playoffs but has never won Hendrick.~n'sduoof6-8for a boys basketball playoff ward Dylan Disu and6-3 wing game, according t o coach Isaac Bullard, two college Brent Murphy. Toe Dragons, bound seniors who led the Hawks to the District 13- 6A title. OK, ~ has a good shot at WIIWllng Regloll IV. Who else has a chance to reach stale? In Class 5A's Reglo.n III, District 17-5A champion Cedar Park boasts a crafty coach in B Brown and a defensive-minded lineup led by 6-7 forward Josh Baker. DistrictrivalConnally,ranked No. 18 bytheTABC,features a senior-laden lineup led by point guard Kylin Robinson, guard Tyrone Perry and 6-8 fo1ward Eddie Burgess. Either team could make a run. r 1.. , - r . · bas a sterling 30-4 record and No. 16 rank ing in Class 6A, but injuries have wreaked bavoc on the Cavs' lineup. Don't overlook No. 22 Liberty Hill in Class 4A, which boasts an explosive offense led by sharp-shooting guard Carson Perkins. And Thorndale's Sam Reaves is a ~mooth scorer who can help the No. u Bulldogs get bot in Class2A. OK, l'ln ready 1w the playoffs. What are the best first-round games to see this weelc? Do yourself a favor and catch Manor point guard Jamal Shead and the District 18-5A champion Mustangs in a compelling matchup against Pflugerville Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Stony Point High School. Both teams lean toward guard-heavy lineups, whicbshouldmnkeforagood matchup. Dynamic point guud Jean-l'lerresancleBleadsadan gerous Hutto squad against Connally Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Weiss High School, and a Class 6A matchup between ...U ...... aa and Schertz Clemens Mondny nt 7 p.m. nt San Marcos High School features an intriguing coach ing matchup between Clint Baty - the master of tempo for the Cavs - and Clemens' Clif Ellis, who once coached Macedonia's under-18 national team. UIL BOYS AND GIRL S BASKETBALL PLAY OFFS S CHEDULE
GIRLS Guard REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL Bailff SCHEDULE Chynoweth, Monday left, Class6A and the Hendrickson vs. Cy Ranch, WesU:ikt 6 p.m., late Chaparrals Tuesday take on Class 6A Converse cedar Ridge vs. Vista Judson Ridge, 7 p.m., McNeil HS 'lllesday, WestluJ ByThoma.s rones tjoncs@lll~e.man.com SAN MARCOS - J,,, v •· , senior forward D.J. Thorpe, a 6•foot-8 Cal signee, sat on the Cavaliers' bench while still recover ing from an early season knee injury. Classmate Ryan Bormann, a three-year start ing point guard wbo signed with Texas State, w11s a few seats down with a walking boot on his ankle. Bui theCavs{32-4)slill bad Brett Baty, and U,.,t proved to be enough in II SS-4S win over Sebert~ Clemens (22-14) in a Class 6A bi-district playoff contest Monday night at San Marcos 1ligb School .,. ""' guard Brett Baty, tert. draws a foul from san AnlONo Baty led !. y with CJtmtnS' AJ Baty I a Texas ba.seball Brett Baty, who made 7 ol10 season, scored 11 of his 13 (shooting) hand, Wes-Cf; lineup with a c:ombination .signee, also took it upon sbot.s from tbcJloor and 100(11 points in the second half. opened the Cla,;s 6A playof£s of Jackson Arnette, Walker, himself lo lead a Blit.. free throws, also bad a pai, of Eight players .scored for by running S.an Antonio £asl Ea.in Mow-.tt, Matthew Mullen wi charge in the fourth a.ssl'lts tosh.vp-shootingfor• Clem.en.~, but none reached Central off the court at I lays and Mason Mangum playing period that helped turn an w.ud Bennett Mchninthe QM;' double digits. Overall, the I ligh School. KJ Adam.s, o.rl,.s arourxl the b·foot·6 Adams. e ight •point deficit into a L'lt.e run. Both led to 3 • point.er.; Buffaloes shot 9 of 27 from McBride and Grayson Walker Ad.am.-. and Walker tallied double·digit win. Arter from Mohn, which was a weJ • 3 -point range and attempted all scored 21 points for the 13 points in the first half as the C lemens took a 40•32 lead come sight for Clint Bldy and his only 17 two-point shob. a,,,ps, woo will t.ceeither s.n Chap.-.canied a4b- 30 lead into on a 3•pointer from Raymond teamaftestheCavsmis.'iedonall With the victory, l AntonioReaganorSanAnton.in the break. Roscoe 30 seconds into the 10 of theirJ-point shots in the ,. improved to S·o in O1Coonor in the second round. Mc.Bride returned in the final period, the Cavs went firsl three periods. first -round playoff games Conditions couldn't h3ve third quart.er a.nd dominated on a 17 · ◄ run over the next .. Did you teU them not to under Clint Baty and advanced been riper for F.a.,i C'..entra.1 to the contest, scoring 15 point.~ six minute$ to go a.head. Baty make one until the fourth to face San Antonio Brennan pull off an upset when Mcllride, in the quarter as We...,tl.iiike's had three buckets in the run, because you wanted it inter• later in the week_ a senior and an SMU ~gnee, lead started to balloon. The including a }·pointer that esting?11 Clint Baty asked WesUNP 86, San Antonio East picked up two quick foul,; to J lomets(21 • 15)nevermoonted gavel 147-44lead a reporter after the game, ce-ntral 62: Life 'Without Will slart the game, putting two a comeback. with I minute, S2 seconds left tongue firmly in cheek. Baker bcgao for tbeCb3pamls fulure Division I ptay,,rs on the Mowat fini shed with 10 in the game. "Bennett didn't have bis I~ ooMooday. bcncb for the Chaps. points to give Wesf' four "I really didn't want him under him; he's been battling The result looked a lot lilcelife But West' (}2-3), wbicb play,,,-s in dooble figures. to take the shot, but he had the flu, aod he's tired and was with Baker. won 14 games by at least 20 enough guts to toke it," s.aid asking for• sub, but I told him Playing its first game after points and went undefeated in Collzy Cordon, G .,. . coach Ctint Baty. f'm not listening to him. But itsstar7-footcenter andTe,w Dis!Jict 25-M, didn't flinch. M-S corre,pondcnt Westlake's 95-pound wrestler is no lightweight Dy Rick Cantu Lass is the first girl from [email protected] Westlake to reach the state tournament since 2000. With Behind the curly brown no other girls on the cur locks and easy smile is a rent team, she trains against 95-pound high school wres the boys. She has competed tler that doesn't back down against fellow teammates as from a challenge. much as 40 pounds heavier Freshman Jocelyn Lass, than she is. Westlake's lone representa The boys have size and tive at this week's UIL state strength on their side. Lass wrestling tournament in counters with quickness. Houston, is treatedlike "one of "There's a big difference the guys," she says. When th.e between the way girls and guys Chaparrals took their official wrestle," she said. "Girls tend team photo on Tuesday, she to be quicker and more agile. was the only girl in the picture. Guys will try to muscle you. "The guys on my team are When I practice against the inclusive and supportive," guys they put a lot of pressure Westlake's Jocelyn Lass (top) defeated Los Fresnos' Endrith Peralez Lass said. "They treat me as at the Region IV·6A wrestrmg meet last weekend in San Antonio on an equal, a teammate, not just her way to a third-place overaU finish. She's headed to the state as a girl." See WRESTLER, C2 meet. (PAUL BRICK/I-OR AMERICAN-STATESMAN] Westlake freshman Jocelyn Lass is competing in the UIL state wrestling tournament this weekend in the girls' 95-pound division. She"s the first Westlake girls wrestler to make it to state since 2000. IROOOlfO GONZALEZ/H)ll AMERJCAN-STATESMANJ UIL State Tournament Friday-Saturday, Berry Center, Cypress Area competitors Class6A Boys: 106 pounds - Carson Laughery, So., ; David Banda, So., San Marcos; 113 - Grant Faulkner, Jr., Bowie: Zaid Hassan, Sr., Anderson; Troy Smith, Sr., Vista Ridge; 120 - Remy Jacops, So., Vandegrift; John Geiger, Sr.. Leander: 126 - Noah Gochberg, So., Vandegrift; 132 - Vincent Villanueva, Sr., Bowie; Luke Sloan, Jr., Vandegrift; Jordan Stnniska, Sr., $; 145 - Aaron Lofton, So., Vista Ridge; 160 - Kyle Holubets, Jr., ; Dane Wiest, So., Vandegrift; 170 - Cory Silguero, Sr., Bowie: 182 - Isaac Slade, So-, ICt..l.lls; 195 - Mauricio Trevino, Jr., L · •, r .. · • s; 220 - Clilristopher Soliz. Jr.• San Marcos; 285 - Matt Sanders, Sr., Vandegrift Girls: 95 - Jocelyn Lass, Fr_, Wes ~; 102 - Aylen Vivar, Sr., Bowie: 119 - Sophia Rivera, Jr.. Akins: 128 - Gianna Moreno, So., San Marcos; Iris Gana, Sr.. Akins; 165 - Jason Foster, Jr., Vandegrift; 215 - Alyssa Rosales, Sr., Akins Class SA Boys: 106 pounds - Sean-Michael Willimon, Sr., Pflugerville; 113 - Joseph Gibson, Sr., Glenn; l20 - Bryant Bailey, Jr. Hutto; Brodie Oyer, Jr., Dripping Springs; Gage Foulds, So., Cedar Park; 126 - Bryce Mclaren, Fr., Glenn; Jarred Adams, Jr., Hutto; 132 - Toby Adams, Sr., Hutto; Ethan Rodea, Jr., Glenn; Jacob Moreno, Fr., Pflugerville; 138 - Tanner Pottenger, Sr., Georgetown; 145 - Jacob Hansen, Fr., Pflugerville; Chase Warden, Jr., Dripping Springs: Brian Creel, Sr., Glenn: 152 - Brylan Bailey, Sr.. Rouse: Micah Wiginton, Jr., Weiss; Tony Quevedo, Sr., Dripping Springs; Hampton Jenschke, Sr., Cedar Park; 160 - Luke Norton, Soph., Dripping Springs; Thomas Tolbert, Sr., Rouse; Christopher Branham, Sr., Georgetown; 170 - Kevin Hanson, Sr-, Crockett; Jefferson Guerrero, So, Dripping Springs; 182 - Corey Lensing, Sr., Cedar Park; Ronald caldwell, Jr., Weiss; 195 - Kai Ion Guyton, Jr., Glenn; Anthony Apodaca, Jr., Weiss; Jonah Morales, So., Cedar Park; Clayton Jetton, Sr., Dripping Springs; 220 - David Rodriguez. Sr., 'i" "';; Jacob Munoz, Sr., Cedar Park; Jacob Trim, Sr., Glenn; 285 - Ben Bell, Jr., Cedar Park; Andrew Butler, So., Rouse; Jeff-Francis Oiaku, Sr., Glenn Girls: 95 - Kalli Lea, Jr., Glenn; 102 - Cassidy King, Jr., Cedar Park; 110 - Elexis Kalar, Sr., LBJ; Violet Hall, Sr., Rouse; 119 - Catalina Miller, So., Dripping Spri°ngs; 128 - Mea Mohler, Jr., Glenn; 138 - Maddison Hill, Jr., Glenn; Izabel Castillo, Sr., Cedar Park; 148 - Faith Elliot, Jr., Cedar Park. WRESTLER homPageC1 onme." Lass' fearlessness is not unusual for a girl who took up the sport at the nearby West• ., .. Youth Wrestling Club in the fourth grade. Jonathan and Julie Lass aren't surprised their daughter has 1Il13intained her desire to excel in wrestling. "I thought it was a great idea (when she took up the sport)," Jonathan Lass said. "When I coached her in soccer, you could already see how physical and ath letic she was. One of the parents of a teammate said Jocelyn was going to be great in either soccer or lacrosse because she did not fear physical contact or challenges." Instead, Lass gravitated to wrestling, a:sport that has seen tremendous growth in Texas over the last 20 years. When the UIL adopted wrestling as a sanctioned sport in 1999, only 432girls from 77 schools partici pated. In 2018 there were 3,869 girls competing from 316 schools. - . . . Lass' goal is to win state one time before she gradu ates. At this year's meet, she is among just two freshmen in the 16-girl field in the Class 6A 95-pound division. "Before the season, I didn't think I'd win more than just a couple matches. I didn't even know ifI'd win at all," she said. "I certainly didn't think I'd be placing in tournaments, but once I did, I eventually set a goal of reaching state." Lass enters state with a respectable 2:5-9 record, a surprising mark consider ing she "lost most of her matches" while compet ing at the youth club, her mother said. As the season unfolded, longtime West• l· coach Patrick O'Harra said his prodigy has earned respect from her teammates. "The guys on the team don't treat her any differ ently than anyone else," O'Harra said. "She is as much a part of the team as anyone. They were cheering pretty hard for her Saturday graduation from Wes"l 1,\!. (at the regional meet in San The author has described Antonio).n the book as an in-depth Julie Lass didn't predict discussion about the psy her little girl would reach chology of talent, effort and state in her first year of achievement. high school, but Jocelyn has As for the future, O'Harra always been driven to try said Lass is not wed to wres new things - and succeed, tling. She aspires to be on the she said. school's tennis team, too. At West Ridge Middle Lass claims she has never School, Lass had a major part been hurt while wrestling, in the annual school play. In except for an occasional "The Lion King, n she played nosebleed and "bruises after the role of Rafiki, the angular every tournament." Last baboon who presents new year she broke her arm ... born cubs to all the animals while skateboarding. gathered at Pride Rock. At "A lot of people didn't West,L~~. she played a realize, especially when I zombie in the school play, was younger, how motivated "Night of the Living Dead." I can be," she said. "They After reading a book didn't see me as someone called "Grit" by Angela who was strong or capable. Duckworth, Lass told her I'm hoping to prove them parents she was interested in wrong." joining the military upon her Perhaps she already has. GIRlS Clns6A 95po,nls.'.mt,ntm.R.IG2:~V.,,,,s,__ Wcsr,lllr ll'tS..,.RMri,11:. ll!l:Glaon.i-SOpl\.S....._ln --..Micalli W.rrtSr.Ht.lllO l12' 36l)T'S 11.4123 Paiiltr!l ::}:;UPG.lliL 11,:-..r1: ~·--~WillSaac...,uadl«I< NAl7 6191 5.4U £ddit Blqti~CO,,..ay NA 67 U D)'IIOOiM.Htodri""4o D 42 LI NOIII Al:lbltdo. Ltlndtr NA 42 I.S r,01 ero... 1/Md,gnlt 11 n L< U 114 1.4 --Glon•JosbBalctr.CodarPatl NA lS U Gabe:Ri~. v.k-gritt » 31 U -(lllo. 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SA l!radcnwldgt, 7 p.m. t,hlUO HS Oript>i!g Sllri"91 ,._ SA Housloo. 7 P,.._ Slldt HS, Ci>olo Cl.lssJ.l 1J11i.,vs. SA Calr. 7 p,m. -HS, 5"" ...a.-..elinco- '15. H.lltdsvilc. 7 PA. ~ HS, PINNING DOWNA SPOT AT STATE Three cavs advance to state wrestling meet Sta« reports eteran wrestling coach Kevin Smith, Vwho started the'-' r ·' five years ago, will travel to this weekend's state wrestling meet with three members of the ; · program. Jordan Slrmiska won a gold medal in the132-pound class at the Class 6A Region JV tournament this past week end in San Antonio, and teammate Carson Laughery of won gold in the 106- pound class. In addition, Mauricio Trevino claimed bronze in the 195-pound division at regionals and also advanced to the state meet, which talces place Friday and Saturday at the Berry Center in Cypress. (PliOTOS BY PAUL 8/!ICK / FOR STATESMAN) ABOVE: Cilia coach Kevin Smith celebrates wi:th 132-pound gold medalist Jordan Strmiska at thoe Class 6A Region IV wrestling tourllillMnl In San Antonio on Feb. 16. LEFT: ,~ ,. sophomore Carson Laughery won the gold medal in the 106-pound class at the Class 6A Region IV wrestling tournament in San Antonio on Feb. 16. Herceg's record tops sM111111ers' success By Colby Gordon American· Slatesman Correspondent Weiss' Ana Herceg is the fastest 200-yard freestyle swimmer in Class 5A history. Andshe'sonlyasophomore. Herceg defended her state title in the event and set a class record with a blister ing time of 1 minute, 46.39 seconds Saturday at the UIL state swimming and diving championships. "Honestly, I wasn't expect ing it," Herceg said. "The competition here is tough. But I think it was really a mental game of 'I can do this.' I don't have to worry about everyone else. Just do my thing and race." Herceg, who also took second in the 500 free, swam nearly 4 seconds faster than her preliminary performance a day earlier at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center and topped her personal best by 2 seconds. Kyle Valdez of I l , competes in the 200 Yard I~ at the UIL swimming and diving state championships at the Lee & Joe Jamall Texas Swim "That's crazy," she said. "I Center on Saturday. (JAY JANNER/AMEJIICAN·STAT£SMANJ didn't know it was n record until the announcer said so. the100 backstroke (48.89) and Corona in the 200 individual and was nearly a half-second Class 6A champion, winning I'm still hyped from it." was the area's lone double indi medley (1:49.95) and 100 free faster than in preliminaries. the 200 individual medley Herceg wasn't the only area vidual champion. (46.05). "Itfeels really good to three (1:47.98) in going-away athlete to break a record. "Mycoachesandteammates The LBJ girls 200 free relay peat," Collins said. "I was fashion. Georgetown senior Greyson really pushed me this year," team of juniors. Ava Longi, nervous about it coming in, "I just went for it," said Alarcon set a mark in the Class Alarcon said. "It's just good to Jules Hays, Sarah Mines and butl'm happy. When I started Ribeiro, who also took the 5A boys 100 butterfly (48.05) have the team that I do. They're Elizabeth Myers also claimed high school I never would have silver in the 100 breaststroke. during preliminaries, then won the reason thisisposstble, along gold (1:37.36) to give the area a imagined winning three state "I knew I had a shot and used the state title Saturday. with my family and faith." boys-girls sweep ofthe event. titles." the opportunity to take it to "That was my goal coming Alarcon's teammate Corby It was Longi's third medal of The Austin area dominated them. It's somethingI've been into the year, wastotryandget Furrer claimed another indi the day as she garnered silver in the event as Wes~ ,.s Emma looking forward to all year. To the ( Class 5A) record," Alarcon vidual title for the Eagles when the5ofree(23.38) andbronzein Wheal finished second. finally see it pay off is one for said. he won the 500 free (4:32.04), the100 free (51.00). Collins also medaled in the thebooks." "I was nervous both times and the two teamed up with In Class 6A, Anderson's Ella 200 free (1:47.06), taking the Third-place finishes by because I'm a senior and I William Corona and Landon Collinscompleteda three-peat. silver while dropping her time Wes • e's Jaden Luo in the wanted to go out with a bang. Alarcon for first place in the Collins, a senior, won her more than a second from the 200 free and Round Rock I'm really happy with what I 200 free relay(1:24.87). third straight title in the 100 previous day. junior Adam Haig in the JOO did." Furrer also took second in free (49.53). Round Rock's Vincent backstroke rounded out the Alarcon also claimed gold in the 200 free (1:38.84), as did Her time was a personal best Ribeiro was the area's other area's medalists. The rest of the district West"'• (31-3, 16-0) fin ished n perfect nm through the district with an 87-55 win over Austin High Feb. 12••• • ' (31-4, n3-3)ended the regular season with a 4 7-45 win over Akins (10-21, 3-13) behind 20 points from Bennett Mohn. The Cavs enter the playoffs as the district's second seed.... DelValle(14-17, 7-9)defeated Bowie 67-39 on Feb.12 to earn its seventh win and force the three-team playoff. OJ Igiehon added 17 points and eight rebounds for the Cardinals in the win. Thelrulldogs(20-10, 10-6) finished as the district's No. 3seed.... Anderson (14-17, 6-10) finished its season with a 58-48 win over Hays (14- 20, 3-13). Ma-x Smith paced the Trojans with 19 points.... Lehman (16-16, 7-9) played bi-district playoff matchups vs. District25-6A qualifiers Feb. Bowie and Austin High only once, its matchup with District 26-6A out of the san 18. The Chaps take on fourth play Feb. 19. The Bulldogs the Maroons. The Lobos return Antonio area seeded East Central at Hays face second-seeded Judson four starters next year. High School, while the Cavs at 7 p.m. at Lockhart High It's playoff time, with top face third-seeded Schertz School, while the Maroons THE WEEK IN PREVIEW seeded West ],ik and No. Clemens at San Marcos High face District 26-6A champion 2 seed - _. getting School. Both games are at 7 Cibolo Steele at Seguin High Games of the Week: All four things started for the four p.m. School at 6 p.m. Thank you: You raised more than $1M for Season for Caring Money and other donations wlll help central Texas famllles throughout the year Dy Nicole Villalpando ~tatesman [email protected] Mary Anne Malicki's class season at F . t• Pointe Elementary School in the !...tk.: 'f._.iJ forcaring school district has never met Ernest Kimble, yet the fifth Read past stories and graders worked extra chores, make donations all year collected their pennies and long at statesman.com/ raised $821. 72 to help him. seasonforcaring. It's the fourth year the class has donated m oney to help someone featured in Action Inc., which nomi the Statesman Season for nated him for the program. Caring program. They also Kimble, 53, touched many sent cards of encouragement Ernest Kimble settles into his donated recliner at his new apartment. to him through Community See CARING, D6 [LYNDA M. GONZALEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN) Kevin Duroy, Jayme and Leyton open up gifts with students and teachers watching at Grisham Middle School. I RICARDO B. BRAZZIEl.VAMERICAN·STATESMANJ Ahmed Haroun, 8, tests his new bed donated by Factory Mattress. " I'm ready for Christmas now," Haroun said after resting on the mattress in December. [DEBORAH CANNON FOR STATESMAN] Danny Woodflll of Precision Door Service talks to Keith Desilets about replacing a garage door. (SUZANNE CORDEIRO FOR STATESMAN! CARING From Page DI Statesman readers. He had been working for more than 30 years at a Burger King in San Marcos and living in a motel that had roaches. His shoes were womfrom walk- ing along Interstate 35 each day to get to work. Readers showed up in big ways to help him and the other u featured families in the 20th Season for Caring program, as well as hundreds of other families served by the selected local non profit organizations. The 2018 Season for Jennifer late and her son Brennan, 7, lit the Driskill Hotel Christmas tree In De<:ember. Caring raised $714,667 The Tates, one of this year's Season for caring families, have left their small recreational in monetary donations vehicle behind for a house. [ANA llAMIREZ/AMERICAIViTATESMANJ and $318,922in gifts of ...... goods and services for a total of $1,033,589. It was the second-best year and the second time Season for Caring has raised more than $1 mil lion. Since 1999, Season for Caring has given more than $U. 7 million to local nonprofit organizations. For Kimble, being part of Season for Caring meant that be was able to move into an apartment just before Christmas using donations from two readers to pay bis rent for the year. He and the other Season for Caring families sleep on new beds from Factory Mattress. He bas a kitchen to prepare meals and a place to wash bis clothes. Toeapart ment complex, which is for seniors, means that Wendy Conklin donated a new table and chairs from her line Chu Whimsy to the Lugo family. be now has meaningful Conklin, mom Mirtha Lugo, 53, and daughters Andrea Arias Zarate, 15, and Giselle Arias co11J_act_~ people. Zarate, 14, toast around the table. [COITTRIBUTEO BY SIERRA RANOALl./fOUNOATION COMMUNffiESJ "I've talked to more people since I've been here than I ever talked to over November from cervical Jayme, u, and Layton, 9, in a recreational vehicle there" at the motel, he cancer. Reader Frances Christmas came witlrin while they dealt with said, on the clay he moved Thompoon and her daugh days ofwhat would have medical bills from Trisha's in. When he saw all those ter, Dorothy, took the been mom Trisha's 43£d illness.TheDuroyshave people lined up to meet girls' Christmas wish list birthday. She died in now beenable to purchase him, ''I was breathless." and completed every June from cervical can the land, and through One ofthe best things thing they could find. The cer. Grisham Middle Season for Caring, the Season for Caring does family's agency, CareBox School was determined National Association of for the featured families Program, which helps to give them a Christmas the Remodeling Industry's is tolet them know that provide needed supplies to remember. They Austin chapter is help- they are not alone. Two to people with cancer, collected more than ing them get electricity families were facing the was able to use Season $10,000 worth ofgifts hooked up on the property first Chrisbnas without for Caring funds to pay and gift cards to help with and a design for the barn mom last year. Basil Seals, offmany of the family's Christmas and beyond. dominium house. Some of 42, just wanted daughters medical bills as well as buy Many of the items were the gifts, however, will not Sabrina, 181 and Beth, a gently used car for Basil. bought for the new home make it to the new home. 161 to have a Christmas ForKevinDuroy, the family is building in Just before Christmas, after their mother died in 39, and his children, Buchanan Dam after living someone broke into the agency's storage unit and took some ofthe items. Duroy told his agency that whoever did it must have needed those things more than they did. Season for Caring money also helped move Jennifer Tate, 47, and her son, Brennan, 7, outof a recreational vehicle and into a home, and donations helped furnish that home. For the Murorunkwere family, they soon will be leaving 3D apart ment complex for people who have experienced domestic violence and moving into new apart ments using Season for Caring funds. Thefam ily, whichcamefroma Annie Colson, center, reacts as Lauren Greenwade, a program director at AGE of Central refugee camp in Rw3Ilda Texas, tells her there wiO be repairs done to her home. Tracy Sanders, right, and his in 20161 experienced an company will take care of the repairs. (ANA RAMIREZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN) amazing surprise from Amplify Credit Union when they were given two gently used cars, com puters for the kids and other household items. Many of the featured families needed major home repairs. Annie Colson, 811 and her son F.arl, 58, who uses a wheel chair after a stroke, will have an accessible bath room from Simply Sold in spring. Sanders Roofing & Exterior and Austin Pro Construction are working onredoing the exterior ofthe house, from roof to windows to siding. Michael Gomez, 521 who is a double amputee, will soon see the bottom floor of his Pflugerville home transformed by a remodel from CG&S Design Build. He's been using a garden hose to shower, and soon he will have an accessible ba:throom. Charles Simpson, 77, and Diana Simpson, 67, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January, struggle with congestive heart failure and decreased mobil- ity after a car accident a decade ago. Their home, which flooded in the 2015 Halloween rains, has had many repairs, includ- ing new floors from Apex Home Maintenance, plumbing from ABC Home& Commercial Services, andelectri - cal.. from ... - Jon ....Wells . Keith Desilets, 41, was embraced bythe Westwood High School community, wherehe works as a groundskeeper. The man withcerebral palsy and developmen tal delays was given a new garage door from Precision Garage Door ofAustin, a new air con ditioner from Service WJZard Air Conditioning & Heat and the Osgood Family, and car repairs from Colvin Automotive. Three otheir families asked for help with educa tion and more financial security. MirthaLugo, 53, has been taking finan cial planning classes and English as a second language classes and will take sewing md com - puter classes with Suzann Madeley, whovolunteered after reading Lugo's story. Season for Caring funds also haveallowed Lugo to spend more time at home with her daugh ten; because ofthe addi tional rent assistance. Diana Castro, 50, wor ried that she would not be able to keep son Noah, 20, in school at Gallaudet University while caring for son Marc, 9, who has leu kemia, and working three jobs. Reader Elizabeth Harris connected with her friendsandraised$6,325 to keep Noah in school. The Haroun family, who cmne from Iraq in 2014,nowsitarounda new dining room table big enough and comfort able enough for them all. Once daughter Sara, 3, is in school, mom Bushra, 46, will be able to get the job training she needs to better support the family. Many iaige donations also helped all the families. 1be Sheth family matched $100,oooindonationsfor the first two weeks of the program. Whataburger gave a $25,000 check. P. Terry's Burger stands donated a day's worth of profits - $36,052 - to the program. Capital Area Dental Foundation made sure all the families haddeotalcare.Factory Mattress donated $20,000 worth of beds to the families. Firehouse Animal Health Center gave $10,000 worth of vet care to the families' animals. Driskill Hotel's Cookies for Caring raised $ U ,382 through people buying tins of cookies filled with local bakeries' treats. Season for Caring truly is one person reaching out to another person, writing a check: from the heart, dooating a service they can perform, letting people throughout Central Texas know that they are not alone during the holidays and all year long. -"Otice to bid t11 ISO w• be oiCCepcing bids for. =~~~~~:rt;:::.~!Bid t 19-0?S RfP • A ClawOOffl Audk> ~~2.~'t.;1mf.,tt1:,,i~! ~oposal Conference a-nd Site visit on F~ru.My 27, 2019 Soiicotion1 will h. openitd •t. .and docurMnts ffiJ11 bf: obtained from ~D 7~~'"'3. ~:"~ ~~ ~aWt,~,f or at www.ltisdschools. 2/21, V2S 2019 School district, Bee Cave expected to cancel May election By Luz Moreno-Lozano unopposed. and 2017, announced in resident of the Ladera district Board of Trustees spokesman for the dis lmoreuo•lo-,ano@ The Bee Cave City January that she would neighborhood and a also has three seats open trict, said all three slatesmnn.com Council has three seats not seek another term on member of the Planning for election. incumbents filed for open for election: Andrew the council. nnd Zoning Commission, Place J Trustee Jessica re -election and are all Bee Cave and the tllll Clark, Kara King and City Secretary Kaylynn filed to run for Lowrnan's Putonti, Place 4 Trustee running unopposed. :'• 1 , school district Marie Lowman. Holloway said Clark seat. John Aoueille and Place 5 He said the board will will likely cancel its May Lowman, who was and King both filed for All three are running Trustee Kirn Flasch are all likely cancel the elec - election after all of their first elected in 2014 and re-election. unopposed. up for election. tion through a vote at its candidates are running was re-elected in 2015 Andrea Willott, The - school Marco Al varado, March meeting. EDUCATION MATTERS Realignment process for school attendance zones underway ith the opening of Bee Cave Middle WSchool in August and Elementary School No. 7 in the fall 2020, our elementary and middle school attendance zones must be realigned. To do this, we have convened a School Attendance Zone Advisory Committee. Thecommitt.ee is chaiged with developing recom mendations for new atten dance zones to our school board that will best sup port balance in :student enrollment and continu- ity for families across our f~-growth district. Every two years, College Station-b.ised demog rapher Population and Survey Analysts studies student residential loca tions, potential growth and decline, housing trends, and economic factors inherent to the district. The findings are contained in a demo graphic update presented to district officials to assist with the planningof future facilities and the adjustment ofschool attendance :wne boundaries to accommodate projected growth in student enrollment. The School Attendance Zome Advisory Committee will utilize data contained in the 2018-2019 demographic update to our ~1-~~.~ I.I_Dll3IY~.• - Additionally, we recently engaged our district parents and commllllity members in a conversation about their priorities on realign ment through an online tool called Thoughtexchange. The committee will also take into con.ooerntion respon5e5 contnbuted through tbls process as it begins to build its rec ommendation to the school board. Toe use of Tooughtexchange has allowed us to move beyond simple community engage ment, resulting ina much deeper conversation and stronger investment in our schools. The results ofthe exchange will be posted on our website for publ.icreview shortly. Toe School Attendance Zone Advisory Committee is comprised of 31 members who will serve:in an ad hoc capacity to the r school district's Board of Trustees. Sixteen mem bers represent the par- ent community, with two parents representing each elementaryschool and two representing each middle school. Four members are classroom teachers, five members are campus principals, and two mem bers of the Board ofTrustees will serve in anex-officio capacity. Additionally, four school district residents will serve the community on the committee in an at-large capacity. Deputy Superintendent Holly Morris-Kuent:z will facili tate the committee's work. The 16 parents selected to serve on the commit tee are individuals who: • do not currently serve in an elected posi tion within the district, i.e., PTA, booster club or other schoo.1-related executive board; • are not currently employed by the dis trict or related to an employee ofthe district; • have not indicated or possess a predetennilled po5ition regarding specific attendance boundaries; • are able to attend meet ings during February, March, April, and May; and • are aware and accept ing ofthe fact that their names will be disclosed to the community. Th.efollowingtime line will guide the com mittee's work: • January:Population and SUrvey Analysts demo graphic update, forma tion of school attendance zone advisory commit- tee, community input via Thoughtexchange • February through April: Advisory com mittee meetings • March throoghApril: Public comment period • Apri12andApril4: Community presentations • Aprill7: Board of Trustees meeting (rec ommendation to school board for review) • May 15: Board of Trustees meeting (rec ommendation to school boardfor vote) School attendance zones are expected to be announced by the endof thespring2019semester prior to students leaving for summer break. It is impor tant to note that middle school attendance zones will be effective to corre spond with the opening of Bee Cave Middle School in August, while elementary attendance zones will be effective with the open ingof Elementary School No. 7inAugust2020. We appreciate your support of this process as we work to ensure that the overall best interest of students is served. For more infor mation about the School Attendance Zone Advisory Committee, visit our website at Jtisdscbools. org/attendancezones. - Brad Lancaster is the superintendent ofthe school district. The two-story, 240,000-square-toot Bee cave Middle School wlll feature outdoor learning and gathering space and multipurpose breakout areas for collaboration. An estimated 1,200 students will be housed at the new campus. !COURTESY SCHOOl DISTRICT) Promoting peace through posters Winnet"S in the Lions Club Peace Poster contest are, from left, Sofia Vargas (Hudson Bend Middle SChool, first place), Jayda Flint I Middle Schoo~ runner-up) and Nicolas Miller (Hudson Bend Middle School, honorable mention). More than 100 posters were submitted by 11· to 13-years.old students in the area. All of the artwork from the Peace Poster contest are on display at the lower level 2nd floor at Baylor Scott & White Medical center · ~ .-way. (COKTRIBUTED PHOTO) Gilbert leads Orlando to AAF win over San Antonio By Suzanne llalllburton receiver Mekale McKay sbalh'[email protected] -· and returned the inter ception for a 38-yard ALUANC[ AAFCDM @ SAN ANTONIO - ~ '•~ , touchdown midway Garrett Gilbert, taking a ~,_: / through the fourth quar snap in bis home state for AllUUICE ALLIANCE ter. Gilbert completed the the first time in six years, f @ two-point try to give the successfully led his new Apollos a 37-29 lead, their team to a come-from @ "' -- :.COM @ first of the second half. behind victory. r The Orlando defen Gilbert, who starred at sive score came about a • ~ ~ , . ' High School AAF.CCM quarter after San Antonio and played for both Texas ~ defensive tackle Joey and SMU, celebrated Mbu scooped up Gilbert's Sunday's win by shak !ANCE fumble and sprinted to the ing hllilds with the San @ end zone for the 9-yard Antonio Commanders touchdown. The score and walking to the visi Garrett G.ilbert addresses the media after his Orlando came with 8 minutes, 10 tor's locker room. Then Apollos came from behind to beat the San Antonio seconds to go in the third he flew with the rest of bis Commanders, 37-29. [SUZANNE HAWBURTON/AUSTIN to give the Commanders a Orlando teammates back AMERICAN-STATESMAN] 29-17 lead. But it was San to his new home in Florido. Antonio's final score. Gilbert is the hottest dropped to 1-1. seventh-round NFL draft The Commanders bad quarterback in t he new Steve Spurrier, the pick from Grand Valley a chance with three min Alliance of American Orlando coach, loved how State, who caught 10 of utes to go to tie the game Football. His Apollos the game unfolded. He the passes for 192 yards. and send it into overtime. were down 29-17 in the always has been known No other receiver in the But Woodside's fourth thirdquarter.ButOrlando for a wide-open pass AAf broke a 100 yards this down throw toward ended t he game on a ing strategy and having weekend. McKay inthe end zone was 20-pointhotstreakforthe a quarterback complete And Orlando did this incomplete. eventual 37-29 victory in so many deep balls on against a Commanders Orlando hadn't been frontof29,167 very loud a Sunday afternoon in defense that picked off able to run the ball effec fans at the Alamodome. February warmed his three passes in its season tively all game. But the Gilbert threw for 393 73-year-old offensive opener on Feb. 9. Apollos, via the rush, yards, completing 19 ofbis soul. Despite all the offense, kept the ball out of San 28 throws. His afternoon "It's always fun to win the game turned on a Antonio's hands, erasing featured three comple these games," Spurrier defensive play. the final three minutes off tions of50 yards or longer. said. "I've been on the Orlando cornerback the clock. Stat-wise, that's the top losing end of a few of Keith Reaser, who was "It was a lot of fun get game in the league's brief, them." added to the team earlier ting out here," Gilbert said two-week history. His Gilbert's favorite this month, successfully ofbisreturntoTexas. "It Apollos st ayed unbeaten receiver was Charles jumped a route on a pass was more about handling at 2-0, wbile San Antonio Johnson, a former intended for San Antonio our business." Gilbert enjoying a career rebirth in new AAF league Orlando Apollos quarterback Garrett Gilbert (right) sets up to throw a pass In front of Atlanta Legends llnebacker KeShun Flffman (92) during the first half of an Alllance of American FOOtball game on Feb. 9 in Orlando, Fla. (PHElAN M. E8£NH~l FromPageCJ Spurrier initially tried to establish a running game against the Commanders. The strategy resulted in consecu - tive three-and-outs to start the game. Then he told his team he had a "stack of pass plays I'm going to start calling. Throwing deep is what we do best." Gilbert threw for 39 3 yards. No other AAF quarterback After finishing his college career with SMU, former Texas has yet to break 300 in the quarteri>ack Garrett Gilbert was dratted in the sixth round of the first two games. Gilbert had 2014 NA. draft by the St. Louis Rams. He has played for five NFL four completions of at least teams. (RONALD MARTINEZ,".;ETTY IMAG£5] 50 yards. The yardage wasn't gained by cheap check downs. 2014, but like so many quar quarterbacks. The rest of the These passes were tight spi terbacks who were deemed player pool was allocated by rals thrown deep downfield not quite good enough to lead regions. as a San Antonio rush closed an NFL team, be bas drifted Gilbert said he isn't inten in on him. The Commanders between the coasts, working tionally trying to use his time secondary was aggressive and during the wee:k on practice in Orlando solely as a last Gilbert had the arm strength squads, hoping to be active chance showcase for the NFL. to exploit their gambles. on Sundays. He won a Super Winning is fun. He's thrown "Garrett is a beautiful Bowl ring for New England as four touchdown passes. He's passer," Spurrier said. "When part of the Patriots' practice even caught a touchdown he's got time to throw, we squad, but that was a career pass. were making the plays." highlight. "My goalandmy jobistobe Gilbert was the top quarter In five seasons, he threw a the best quarterback I can be back prospect in the country pass in only one game. Gilbert for the Apollos. And we'll go when he signed with Texas was working as a coach at a from there," Gilbert said. "If in 2009, but he never lived high school in Charlotte, N .C. I was worrying about those up to that billing with the when the Carolina Panthers type of things, I think I'd Longhorns. He started as a called him on Christmas Eve be getting in the way of my sophomore and the first two to re-sign him as a backup. development, and that's to be games of his junior year. The Panthers were down to the quarterback of this team." But he struggled and was third-teamer Kyle Allen, a Spurrier was effusive in his demoted to third team by one-time starter at Texas praise for Gilbert. mid-September. Gilbert had A&M. When Allen was hurt, "He throws a beautiful pass season-ending shoulder sur Gilber t was able to play. (and) I've said it many times, gery, then announced be was His five-year NFL stat line the receivers don't drop his transferring. - three attempts, two com balls," Spurrier said. "We He played his final two sea pletions, 40 yards. made a lot of good, tough sons at SMU. His best year During a draft ceremony in catches. And that's 'cause he was 2013, when he threw Las Vegas on Nov. 27, Gilbert throws sucb a catchable ball, for 3,523 yards in 10 starts. was selected by Orlando in usually a nice spiral on the He was selected in the sixth the first round. The eight ball. He's a nat ural passer. round by the St. Louis Rams in AAF franchises only drafted That's a gift he's got." J(aeperniclc won the battle, but the war remazns olin Kaepemick won a huge battle Cagamst the NFL multi-billion -dollar machine, but the war is so much bigger. It was a huge step because the NFL doesn't lose very often in court. The agree ment - terms were undisclosed - was obviously a move by the league to make sure certain facts in the case aren't made public. Toe cost of dirty laundry has gotten a lot more expensive than a Saturday after noon trip to the laun dromat, it seems. Now for the fall- out. When Kaepernick (and safety Eric Reid) reached the settlement in this collusion case, some observers are tak ing it the wrong way. They believe that since Kaepemick is getting paid - and the number is upwards of$80 mil lion, depending on who you believe- it made bis kneeling during the national anthem a dis ingenuous act. They're calling him a sellout. Not true. These were separate issues. One was him using bis platform as an NFL quarterback to bring national aware ness to police brutality against black men. See GOLDEN, C3 Fil£ • In this Sept. 12, 2016, file photo, San ffan<:isco 4-9ers safety Eric Reid (35) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) kneel during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams In Santa Clara, caiif. Kaepernlck and Reid have reached settlements on their collusion lawsuits against the NFL (MAACIO JOSE SANCHEZ/TH£ ASSOCIATED PRESSJ GOLDEN l•rom Page Ci The other was him calling out the owners for black· balling him based on fac tors tlurt had nothing to do with on-field performance, especially at a time when the overall quarterbacking in the league is average at best. Some of you have emailed or tweeted me that Kaepemick didn't get signed Team Giannis' Dirk Nowitzki, of the Dallas Mavericks and Team because the owners don't LeBron's Dwayne Wade, of the Miami Heat, are given jerseys tbin1c he can play anymore. during the second hatt of Sunday"s NBA All-Star basketball game In Another innccurate toke by Charlotte, N.C. [CHUCK BURTO,VTHE ASSOCIAT£0 PRESS) people who are letting emo tions get in the way of simple much kinder to him in 20 stretch of his Hall of Fame logic. Kap can still play. He years, just like it was with career. It's time, Dirk. Tum has 72 career touchdowns Muhammad Ali, who was the page .... The slam dunk and only 30 interceptions, bated by many in the 1960s contest isn't nearly as inter a completion percentage of for his stance on the Vietnam esting as the three-point 59.8 and a passer rating of War. Just like J\li, Kaepemick shootout. The league should 88,9 that's better than cur gave up some prime earning make the shooting contest the rent NFL starters Derek Carr, years because ofhis personal last event next year, that is, Alex Smith, Mott Stafford, beliefs. Unlike The Greatest, unless Zion Williamson enters Jruneis Winston, Andy be apparently recouped some the dunk contest. Then we Dalton and Cam Newton. of those lost earnings. But it would have some star power. So what happen~now? was just one battle. The war World Wide Leader?: U;! Kaepemiclc has indicated won't be won until black men "" rTexas/SMU product he still wants to play but the in America are able to feel as Garrett Gilbert was having guess here is his days in the safe as our white brothers a massive game on Sunday NFL are at an end. While some and sisters when in the pres for the Afliance of American ofhis actions were disagree ence of lawenforcement . Football's Orlando Apollos able - the anti-police pig rune to go, Dirk: It was against San Antonio, so I socks and the stupid compli· great to see Dirk Nowitzld wenttoESPN's website to ments offidel Castro come and Dwyane Wade knock check out his final stats. to mind - he gets points for ing down three-pointers I looked everywhere. There shining a two-year spotlight in their final N1BA all-star were links for horse rac- on one of the uglier parts of appearances. While Wade ing, cricket, the X Games, daily American life. And let's says this is bis final season, and even one for Analytics, not forget the million-plus he Dirk says the door is open to whatever that means. quietly donated to 41 chari returning for a 22nd season. Then it occurred to me. table causes when his NFL It's time to hang them up, ESPN doesn't have a financial money was drying up, That's but Mark Cuban may keep relationship with the /\AF. called impact. While many him around for another year CBS does. So you can't post were ripping him publicly, at the cheap price of$5mil· the scores because you're not he broke bread to help com• lion. He's been doing farewell getting paid? I thought you munities, here and abroad. tours on these road trips, were the World Wide Sports I believe history will be so hopefully this is the final Leader. Come on, Bristol. Trio of Texas women primed for Augusta llrllBobls aiUyn Papp can't wait. l( The event is still two months away, but Papp is already jacked up about the chance to compete in the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship this April, a54-hole, stroke golf event with an international field of 72 players. So what will the Longhorns star be most jacked up about? "It'll be walking through the gates, seeing the perfec tion and all the azalea flowers," the sopho more stud from :..::..a IDIIII said. "It'll be like wallcing through the gates of heaven." Yeah, you could say she's excited. So are her Texas teammates, Emilee Hoffman and Agathe Laisne, who also were invited to take part in this first-ever golf tournament at the most prestigious golf course in the world. They're all pumped to repre sent Texas 11Dd get the chance to play on the same hallowed, immac ulate grounds that Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus have walked. Papp, last year's Big u player of the year and freshman of the year, saw the initial tweet last month that invitations were going out, andsbegotacall See BOHLS, C2 BOHLS f'romPageC1 her sister that the pre cious mail had arrived. Papp begged her not to open the envelope. "I felt really accomplished and blessed,• she said. Hoffman was on a family vacation in Arizona when her invite was being deliv ered, but she too was attuned to the timing. "I kept having my grandma go over and check our mail every day. Has it arrived? Has it arrived?" she recalled. Texas• Emilee Hoffman smiles after sinking a plltt during "It's in.credibly special." the NCAA Golf Austin Regional at the UT Golf Club last May. Both Papp and IJAV JANNER/AMERICAN·STATfSMANf Hoffinan expected the invitations because the Northrop Grumman competing than Texas. It of their high rank Regional Challenge this also should help Murphy ings. Papp sits at month and tying for continue to recruit on No. 24 in the World nth along with tenm the international front. Amateur Golf Ranking, mate Hailee Cooper at He's already dipped bis Laisoe at No. 40 and last week's Sugar Bowl toe in foreign waters for Hoffman at No. 65. Intercollegiate Golf talent like Papp and Sara But Hoffman can Challenge, which No. Kouskova, who has been remember sitting down 3-ranked Texas woo. a member of the Czech a year ago with her Laisoe has five Top-20 national team since 2013. Longhomscoach,Ryan finishes in her last six "We're looking around Murphy, and together events. Texas is so deep, the globe," Murphy mapping out her future senior Maddie Luitwieler said. "It's lucky for the goals. Her world rank played well and finished University of Texas ing hovered then around tied for eighth in the that we can attract theNo.15omark, and Sugar tourney as the low athletes from all cor Murphy told her she'd Longhorn in the field. ners of the world." need to get inside the But before this surge, The talented trio top 72 to qualify. Laisoe figured she'd end aren't guaranteed to So the very driven up five or so spots out play the pristine Augusta Hoffman won the of contention. So when National course, how Western Women's she received the letter at ever. The first two Amateur last sum home in Paris, France, rounds will be held at mer and then made she tore it open in front Champions Retreat Golf a strong run to the of her mother, and they Club in Evans, out- Round of 16 at the U.S. rejoiced together. side Augusta. The field Women's Amateur. This ground- breaking will be cut to 36 for the "Suddenly, n she said, event should bring final round on Saturday "I was right there. n valuable exposure for the week before the Laisne wasn't the already success- Masters begins with nearly so confident. ful Texas golf program. three hours of Jive She's smce been on Only Duke with five and television on NBC. fire, finishing a career Arizona State with four Those who make the best tied for second at will have more players cut will get to practice on the same Augusta course as former cham pions Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed and deal with what Hoffman described as the "dia bolical greens. " "We don't h:it the ball 350 yards like the men, but we realize women's golf is just as exciting as men's,,, Hoffman said. "This is incred ibly prestigious. I hope it brings more aware ness to women's golf. Augusta is iconic." They are very familiar with Augusta National, where no blade of grass is unmanicured. The Longhorns team has even had television watch parties to take in previous Masters. In Hoffman's fresh man year, Murphy took the team to a practice round at Augusta. Papp watches the Masters every April and is stunned by "how tight the golf course is, especially off the tees. It's very much about placement golf with all the undulations." Laisne is still capti vated by the shot that two-time champion Bubba Watson made out of the pine straw in the woods guarding the right fairway on the 10th bole of a playoff with Louis Oosthuizen to win the 2012 Masters. Watson's creative recovery shot from 164 yards to the pin came to rest just 15 feet from the bole, allow- ing him to two -putt for the title. The memory of it still dazzles her. "I felt that shot was impossible, and he did it," Laisne said. "That tells me to always have imagination." Even when it comes to incoming mail. Hosler, c.darM 86 lO'l .789 11y.,,_ 44 56 .7116 lllktltist!r. BUmrl 108 138 ,78] P.vle McCun:ly, Libtrty Hil 43 55 .782 11\'lln-COMIII' 61 87 .m --Ll>ortyHil 69 ,0 .766 sam ...,._ Mcc.n.n 35 " .m Jaylicl Th•soa. Gk!M 79 llk .760 c.n.tFonl.-- 8'J 11' .748 8