Sports News
Sports News in Katy Texas
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 20, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Beckendorff Junior High eighth grader Jasial Kalapatu got the chance to interview Houston Astros’ third baseman/short stop and 2018 All-Star Game MVP, Alex Bregman.
In the Spring, Jaisal’s mother saw a post on Twitter from SI Kids inviting students to apply to be “Kid Reporters,” and he decided to go for it. “[To apply], I needed to write a 400-word essay about an athlete or sports team in the community making a difference, and then a 200-word essay about why I wanted to be an SI Kid Reporter, and then pitch two story ideas,” Jaisal says.
GETTING ACCEPTED
Kalapatu’s main essay was about the significant impact that the Houston Astros had on the community following Hurricane Harvey. About a month later, he got the news that he made it.
After being accepted, Kalapatu, a baseball and basketball player himself, specifically requested Alex Bregman as his interviewee. “I generally pitch all the stories that I want to do, and my editor (who works for SI Kids) considers them and if she agrees with the approach, she approves them and connects with the right people at the team for scheduling,” he says. To make sure nerves didn’t get the best of him, Kalapatu says he practiced giving the interview on family members so that he would be prepared.
ALEX BREGMAN, THOUGHTFUL AND THOROUGH
When Jaisal got to Minute Maid and met Alex Bregman, he was prepared with his questions for Bregman, who he says was very agreeable to talk with. “He was nice and gave thorough and thoughtful answers. He seemed to have a lot of self-confidence, but he didn’t come across as arrogant. He was a really good person to interview. I appreciated him spending time with me despite his busy schedule,” he says. Here’s a snippet of the interview with Bregman:
How has being the All-Star Game MVP changed your life? Are you recognized more out in public?
I don’t know if I’m recognized more than before in Houston, but definitely more on a national scale. When we’re out on the road, out in the community, more people know who I am.
Where on the road has it happened?
L.A., Seattle—it’s happened in most of the cities that we’ve been to since the All-Star Game.
You grew up in a baseball family. Your grandfather was the general counsel for the Washington Senators, and your father played at the University of New Mexico. Were you always drawn to the game, or did you play other sports as well?
I’ve always been drawn to baseball. Ever since I was five years old, [when] my dad would bring a baseball card home from work, I just fell in love with the game. I’d play in the cul de sac with my mom and him, and it’s been fun.
For Jaisal’s Full Interview with Alex Bregman, CLICK HERE.
At Beckendorff, Kalapatu is involved in theatre and choir, plays basketball, baseball, and piano, and represents BDJH on the Destination Imagination team. He says if he could interview any one in history, it would be the MLB legend Jackie Robinson, the first African American to ever play professional baseball.
“I’ve always been fascinated by not only his overall game, but his humble personality and the way he never lost his cool, even when people taunted and harassed him. I think that that would be a perfect interview,” he says.
Jaisal doesn’t know what his next interview will be yet, but he’s full of ideas. Follow him on Twitter @SIKids_Jaisal to stay updated.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 14, 2018
Last week, Katy ISD sent out an email about the additional safety and security measures that will be implemented across the district. Below is a breakdown of the updated safety measures at your child’s school.
When students return to school in Katy ISD on August 15, 2018, they will be met with reinforced and updated safety and security procedures that include software for reporting bullying, more strict identification requirements for parents and visitors, mandatory student ID’s and more.
PARENTS & VISITORS
Required for entrance to any Katy ISD campus:
– Valid, current, government-issued picture ID outside of the main entrance at all campuses.
– Utilize the new controlled access camera and intercom system to present their ID.
– Present valid ID to the front desk receptionist and be logged into the tracking system.
STUDENT ID BADGES
Secondary students must now wear their ID badges at all times during school hours, while on District property. Students in grades PK-5 will continue utilizing their badges during lunch and library times. Fourth and fifth-grade students are requested to wear their badges throughout the school day, when practical. At the secondary level, failure to follow the ID badge requirement may be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.?
STANDARD UNLOCK TIMES
Controlled access systems will unlock main entrance doors at a set time each morning.
– Elementary Group 1: 7:35 a.m.
– Elementary Group 2: 7:55 a.m.
– Junior High: 8:10 a.m.
– High School: 6: 45 a.m.
CLEAR BAG REGULATION
To ensure visitor safety, along with quick and efficient entry into our event venues, Katy ISD has instituted a Clear Bag Regulation. This will limit the size and type of bag allowed at sporting events, performances and graduations held at Rhodes and Legacy stadiums, as well as the Leonard Merrell Center (LMC), and the Katy ISD Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Agricultural Sciences Center.
While Katy ISD encourages visitors not to bring bags if possible, the following types of bags are permissible:
Clear, plastic, vinyl or PVC bags
Clear, plastic, one-gallon, re-sealable, Ziploc-style bags
Clutch bags approximately the size of a hand (4 ½” X 6 ½”)
Medically necessary items
Visitors who bring bags that do not meet the criteria outlined, will not be permitted entrance into the venue.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ACCEPTABLE BAGS
BULLYING
– Procedures for Reporting Allegations of Bullying
– Bullying and Intervention Programs by Campus
For a full report of Katy ISD’s increased safety and security measures, visit KatyISD.org.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 16, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Cinco Ranch defensive star, inside linebacker David Gbenda, heads into his senior year with over 20 college offers on the table.
Elite college football programs are all clamoring to sign Cinco Ranch High School’s dynamic defensive star, and 4-star Texas recruit, David Gbenda (#33).
AN OFFENSIVE NIGHTMARE
Gbenda, who will graduate in 2019, has received offers from no less than 24 national football powerhouses like Notre Dame, Nebraska, Michigan, and Ole Miss.
The 6’0, 212-pound inside linebacker earned his keep among the top college prospects in Texas last year, with 40 independent tackles, 16 assists, 2 sacks, and a total of 8 tackles for loss throughout the season. In their match up against Seven Lakes, Gbenda stymied the Spartan offense with an incredible 10-yard sack. Even Katy’s elite running game had more trouble than usual moving the ball against #33 and the rest of the strong side defense.
Recently, Gbenda narrowed down his myriad of college offers to a Top 10. On the list are University of Texas, Notre Dame, University of Houston, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Washington, Ole Miss, Texas Christian University, and Missouri. He is expected to make his final decision in December 2018.
THROWBACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS
As anyone knows, talent can only get you so far – you have to have the work ethic and heart to make plays happen in a district as competitive as Katy. According to Cinco’s head coach Don Clayton, Gbenda has all of that and more in spades.
“His energy, leadership of the team, and his constant commitment to improve are a throwback to the good old days of football, when people played as hard as they could, for as long as they could. He is always striving to perform at his absolute best,” says Clayton.
Gbenda himself is taking all of the attention in his stride. “It’s kind of crazy to be honest. As a freshman and sophomore, I saw others in my grade being heavily recruited and I just thought, ‘I want that and to be heavily recruited by big name programs.’ It’s so unreal, and a blessing to me,” he says. David says that the coaches at Cinco have been crucial in his success. “With the competition we face, the coaching staff (at Cinco) has helped me learn the game,” he says.
Fans can get their first glimpse of Gbenda’s skill at the scrimmage against Stratford on August 24 at Cinco Ranch High School. See the full Katy ISD Varsity Football Schedule here.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 2, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark & Ashley Lancaster
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter was named the 2018 Breakout Star, and signed an extension with the team for $72 million last Wednesday.
Katy, Texas’ Danielle Hunter proudly represents his hometown by shining in the big leagues with a new $72 million contract extension from the Minnesota Vikings.
Hunter signed with the Vikings in 2015, and his electrifying performance resulted in a 5-year contract extension for $72 million, with a $15 million signing bonus. These contract terms place him in the Top 10 highest paid defensive players in the NFL – impressive, considering that the DE is only 23 years old. On paper, his 2017 season may not look like much, with 25.5 sacks under his belt in his three seasons – but he hasn’t been a starter. The Vikings began to set him loose on the opposing offense and saw his incredible potential.
From Maverick to Tiger and now Viking
Hunter was a football and track and field star graduate from Katy ISD’s Morton Ranch High School. After he graduated from Morton Ranch he attended LSU from 2012-2014 where he was a two-year starter and defensive end. According to the NFL Network’s Peter Schrager Hunter is pegged as a “breakout star” for 2018 because of the talent that the Vikings have along their defensive front Hunter is rarely going to see double teams. He should have the ability to terrorize opposing offenses while only having to beat one guy. The other team can’t double team everyone, so the Vikings’ defensive line should have the ability to make a play on almost every snap. In football terms this is huge.
“I was shaking with excitement,” Hunter told the Vikings’ official website. “I was like, is this real.”
Hunter is an American born in Jamaica but spent his formative years in Katy, Texas where he grew to love football. Many can’t wait to see what the season has in store for this 23 year old.
The Vikings have been praised and noted for being strategic in their deals to open a window into the championship season. Could we see a Katy native in a Super Bowl game this year? From the sounds of the stats it could come to be.
The NFL season opener is September 7. The Vikings have their first preseason game on Saturday August 11 vs. the Denver Broncos. Their first regular season game is slated for Sunday September 9 vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
With the NFL Football season quickly approaching it’s time to prep your Fantasy Football roster. Are you including Katy’s Danielle Hunter in your roster? What do you think of the Vikings’ strategy to go for a championship? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 26, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Friends and family of Stephen Papp, 33, are mourning after the history teacher and Morton Ranch football coach was tragically killed in a car accident.
News and sorrow is quickly spreading this week of the loss of Morton Ranch’s assistant football coach, Stephen Papp. He passed away Saturday night in a car accident. Details have yet to be released. Even though he was currently on staff at Morton Ranch, Papp influenced many young Katy athletes having spent time at Katy ISD’s Mayde Creek and Cinco Ranch High Schools prior to moving to Morton Ranch.
A cancer survivor, Papp was known for being quiet about his battle and giving his all to his students. Papp was also a World History teacher and enjoyed sharing the love of both athletics and history with his students.
“I enjoyed getting to know and work with Stephen over the past 2 years,” said Wendell Ishee, social studies teacher/Morton Ranch football coach and one of Papp’s coworkers. “He was always a willing worker and loved working with our kids and athletes. He had a brilliant football mind and was always willing to talk about schematics and situations. He worked to get the most out of his football players. He taught them toughness and accountability. I also watched him transform many athletes in pole vault during track season. I am very saddened by his death and my prayers go out to his family and friends,” he says.
Current Paetow junior and former Morton Ranch freshman football player Alex Elko tweeted Monday night: “Rest Easy Coach Papp … He was always a constant believer in everyone’s ability to obtain success through hard work and dedication … The world definitely lost a great one . I truly believe he is in a much better place. I pray that his family may find peace and understanding. Again , Rest In Peace Coach Papp.”
Stephen Papp’s funeral is scheduled for this Friday, June 29 3 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in his hometown, Kingwood.
Do you have a fond memory of Coach Papp? Share it with us below in the comments.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 9, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
The popular sporting event has been held at Firethorne in past years. In 2018, the master-planned community Cane Island will host the swim, bike, and run, and introduce new events for athletes to compete.
Cane Island, a 1,100-acre master-planned community on the north side of IH-10 knowing for their exceptionally creative amenities and easy access to Katy Freeway via Cane Island Parkway, will now be home to the 25th annual Katy Triathlon.
The Rotary Club of Katy will present this beginner friendly event that includes a 500-meter swim, 14.8-mile bike race, and 3-mile run. New this year are the duathlon and aquabike events.
The race will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018 from 6-11 AM. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 2018
After taking hundreds of nominations over the past several weeks, we are excited to present the 2018 list of Katy’s most prominent, influential, inspirational, successful, and charitable men who are leading the way in Katy. (Consider yourselves all #1 because these are in ALPHABETICAL ORDER.)
TOP 100 KATY MEN’S MIXER TUES. JUNE 19, 6-8 PM
Top 100 men and their guests are invited to attend a fun, casual mixer event held at NO LABEL BREWERY. Free entrance and beer for Top 100 Men. Their invited guests are also welcome but will be charged $10 for entrance (covers up to 3 beers). This is an exclusive event for Top 100 Men and their invited friends/guests. Visit KATY MAGAZINE’S Facebook page event to RSVP or email editor@katymagazine.com for questions or additional details.
1. Monty Ballard, philanthropist and YMCA namesake
2. Tim Barker, pastor of Katy Community Fellowship
3. Justin Beckendorff, Waller County Commissioner
4. Frank Bielec, cast member on TLC’s Trading Spaces
5. Nic Black, good samaritan and Harvey hero
6. Jay Bobo, teacher of the year, Miller Career and Technology Center
7. Tom Bolin, First Baptist Church former pastor and longtime Katy icon
8. Jeffrey Brashear, Municipal court judge, US Naval veteran, Katy native
9. Sgt. Brian Brawner, Harvey hero, Harris County District 4, Blue Light Letters
10. Chuck Brawner, City of Katy Mayor
11. Rafael Brazo, teacher of the year, Seven Lakes High School
12. Bob Bryant, former fine arts director of Katy ISD and school namesake
13. Doyle Callender, former City of Katy Mayor
14. Bill Callegari, former State Representative
15. Don Clayton, head athletic director, football coach at Cinco Ranch High School
16. Lee Crews, Katy ISD chief operations officer
17. James Cross, principal of Cinco Ranch High School
18. John Curley, teacher of the year, Seven Lakes High School, father of cancer survivor
19. Andrew Derry, principal of British International School of Houston
20. Brett Donaldson, owner of Grand Vision and philanthropist
21. Ryann Donaldson, owner of Grand Vision and philanthropist
22. Duran Dowdle, Mayor pro tem, City of Katy
23. Jerry Edmonson, senior pastor of The Fellowship
24. Don Elder, former City of Katy Mayor, Board of Directors for Metro
25. Keith Garvin, KPRC reporter
26. Andrew Gaston, teacher, LaCrosse coach at Taylor High School
27. Glen Ginter, longtime Katy dentist and community volunteer
28. Stan Goss, executive coach, Visions events leader, and community volunteer
29. Austin Hansen, author, philanthropist, and volunteer
30. Chris Harris, City of Katy council member
31. Bill Hastings, City of Katy police chief
32. John “Hawk” Hawkins, 268th District County Associate Judge and former Asst. DA Fort Bend County.
33. Constable Ted Heap, Harris County Precinct 5
34. Lance Hindt, Katy ISD superintendent
35. Dr. Zachary Hodges, President Northwest College, HCC
36. Fabol Hughes, former City of Katy Mayor
37. Ken Janda, founding member and volunteer, Katy ISD Education Foundation
38. Mo Jeloudarzedeh, charitable giver, owner of Mo’s Place
39. Gary Joseph, head athletic coordinator, football coach at Katy High School
40. Sam Jow, teacher of the year, McMeans Junior High
41. Andy Kahan, victims’ rights advocate
42. Bobby Katsabas, owner of Snappy’s and community icon
43. John Micah Kerber, teacher of the year McDonald Junior High
44. Lance LaCour, Katy Area EDC president and CEO
45. Bill Lacy, Katy ISD board of Trustees
46. Jim Leggett, senior pastor of Grace Fellowship UMC
47. David Loesch, Katy Rotary and president of WWBF
48. Kevin Luce, Harvey hero and charitable giver
49. Don Massey, Community volunteer and Harvey hero
50. Don McCoy, Fulshear Chamber of Commerce President
51. Mike McGown, pastor of Parkway Fellowship
52. Andy Meyers, Fort Bend County Commissioner
53. Jose Morrillo, business owner and philanthropist
54. Dan Naef, president of Cane Island
55. Johnny Nelson (posthumously), longtime Katy Icon and namesake of Katy Heritage Museum
56. Sage Northcutt, famous UFC Fighter, outspoken Christian, Katy native
57. Ralph Oliver, Harvey hero, founder of Texans Embracing America’s Military
58. Twaski Parker, teacher of the year, Mayde Creek Junior High
59. Richard (Dick) Phillips, University of Houston
60. Steve Pierson, former City of Katy council member and avid volunteer
61. Richard Piwonka, Teacher of the year, Morton Ranch High School
62. Robert Powell, Harvey hero, Grand Lakes rescue and rebuilder
63. Zachary Randolph, Katy teen fired for paying for police officer’s dessert
64. Rory Robertson, passionate school, sports, and community volunteer
65. Jay Rodriguez, Morning Show Co-Host, SUNNY 99.1
66. Brian Royo, owner of No Label Brewery
67. James Ross, GM of Katy Mills
68. Ryan Rush, Senior Pastor Kingsland Baptist Church
69. Heath Rushing, Memorial Hermann Hospital CEO
70. Bobby Sanders, OTHS teen leadership teacher and head basketball coach
71. Luis Santiago, Katy ISD police officer and Teddy Cops program coordinator
72. Hank Schmidt, former City of Katy mayor and community icon
73. Mike Schofield, State Representative
74. George Scott, Katy ISD Board of Trustees
75. Matt Schomburg, avid community volunteer and business owner
76. Fred Shafer, lifelong educator and Katy ISD school namesake
77. Dr. Jim Siebert, Chief Meteorologist for Fox 26 News
78. Roman Soto, MCHS grad, professional concert cellist
79. Ernest Stevenson, Teacher of the year, Opportunity Awareness Center
80. Nolan Stillwell, Culinary artist, Owner of Sweet Heat Jam Co.
81. James McCoy Taylor, Katy native, musician, contestant on The Bachelorette
82. Cyril Thomas, Entrepreneur and philanthropist
83. Jeff Thompson, Katy rotary
84. Constable Wayne Thompson, Fort Bend County Constable
85. Obra Tompkins, career educator and Katy ISD school namesake
86. Alex Tsounakas , Owner Snappy’s and community icon
87. Lt. Simon VanDyk, PIO, Harris County Emergency Services District #48 Fire Department
88. Downy Vickery, Prosperity Bank and community philanthropist
89. Ted Vierling, assistant superintendent of operations, Katy ISD
90. Hendrik Volschenk, Harvey hero, Texas Game Warden
91. Evan Vourazeris, Katy actor on Netflix’s hit series, Ozark
92. Russell Wilson, Katy Fire Chief and named Texas Fire Chief of the Year
93. Lewis White, Attorney and community philanthropist
94. Robert Willeby, Community advocate and volunteer
95. Tom Wilson, career educator and Katy ISD school namesake
96. Ray Wolman, career educator and Katy ISD school namesake
97. Mark Wiley, President of Hope Impacts
98. Rusty Wylie, CFA franchisee and philanthropist
99. Dr. Ed Young, Second Baptist Church senior pastor
100. Dr. John Zerwas, State Representative and MD
TOP 100 KATY MEN’S MIXER TUES. JUNE 19, 6-8 PM
Top 100 men and their guests are invited to attend a fun, casual mixer event held at NO LABEL BREWERY. Free entrance and beer for Top 100 Men. Their invited guests are also welcome but will be charged $10 for entrance (covers up to 3 beers). This is an exclusive event for Top 100 Men and their invited friends/guests. Visit KATY MAGAZINE’S Facebook page event to RSVP or email editor@katymagazine.com for questions or additional details.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 1, 2018
A total of $64,800 was raised for the ministry to perform critical, life transforming work in the Katy/West Houston community.
Katy Christian Ministries serves 12 local zip codes, providing emergency assistance to families and individuals who find themselves in crisis or financial difficulty.
These services include Flood Relief assistance, rental and utility assistance, a long list of critical services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and a Food Pantry for those needing supplemental food and personal care items. Seasonal programs like Red Apple School Supplies, and Santa’s Sleigh help families provide extra school materials and Christmas gifts to their children when the money just isn’t there.
“KCM relies on the community to provide the resources that allow us to serve those in need. The annual Golf Tournament is a major source of income for our organization, and we are very pleased with the continued support we receive, both in volunteers and in contributors. Through 19 years of this tournament we continue to increase the overall donations and revenue (this year was one of the best!) Thanks to all that have supported and contributed to this effort.” – Kent Black, KCM Board President.
Commissioner Andy Meyers was the title sponsor for this year’s event, and Parkway Fellowship claimed the Platinum Sponsorship. “It is truly an honor and a blessing to be able to work in partnership with Katy Christian Ministries. I will continue to be a strong advocate and promoter of the organization. Thank you for all the effort and ministries that your staff accomplishes to make Katy a better home for our citizens.” – Commissioner Andy Meyers, Ft. Bend County, Pct. 3.
122 Golfers turned out to support KCM and enjoy a beautiful day of golf and fellowship for a great cause. This was our first year at the beautiful Weston Lakes Golf Course, and golfers enjoyed grilled burgers, Silent Auctions, a Raffle for a 65” Smart TV, a steak dinner, and awards for the tournament winners.
“I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of love and support by everyone involved. I’m thankful for the opportunities to come together with a purpose, in a unified mission of transforming lives right here in our own community,” says Deysi Crespo, Executive Director of KCM.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 15, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
On Monday, Mayor Brawner and the City of Katy passed a resolution for Katy’s Heritage Museum to be named after former Katy mayor and city administrator, Johnny Nelson.
Nelson passed away surrounded by loved ones in January 2018. He served as mayor from 1983 – 1987.
After retiring from his role as city administrator (1994-2014), Nelson became the curator for the Katy Heritage Museum.
The honor, therefore, of having the museum re-named in his honor, is another way that his friends and loved ones keep his legacy alive.
His wife of 51 years, Paulette, was at City Hall to see the resolution pass.
There will be a re-dedication ceremony on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 14, 2018
By Jennifer Skelton
Katy High softball and Tompkins baseball both won their matchups over the weekend and advance in their bids for a state title.
As the #1 ranked team in the Texas as well as #8 in the nation, the Katy High School softball team is headed towards another state playoff game for the second time in 4 years. After winning the match up with Ridge Point on Friday in the 6A regional quarter-finals double header, the Tigers (36-1) will face Kingwood (33-9) in the semi-finals this week.
Game one against Kingwood will be on Thursday, May 17 at 6:00 pm at Katy. Game two is at Kingwood on Friday, May 18 at 6:00 pm. If a third game is needed to break a tie, it will be held immediately following game two on Friday.
No. 7 state-ranked Tompkins (25-8) baseball team, had some ups and downs over the weekend but came out on top over Westside. This is the first time the falcons have advanced to the regional quarterfinals. They will face Cy Ranch (26-6-2), whom they fell to last year.
The games will be played on Saturday, March 19 at Tompkins.
Here is the list of prominent, influential, inspirational, strong, and charitable women who are leading the way in Katy. (Consider yourselves all #1 because these are in ALPHABETICAL ORDER.)
KATY MAGAZINE l MAY 2018
By Katy Magazine Editors
1. BEVERLY ALLEN
Development Manager of Christ Clinic
2. DIANE ALLEN
Anti-Sex Trafficking Champion
3. KATHY ALT
Executive Director of Ballard House
4. YVONNE ARCENEAUX
Parks Director for Willow Fork Drainage District
5. ERIN BALLARD
Philanthropist and Volunteer; Namesake of Ballard House
6. GIGI BETHKE
Katy Educator and School Namesake
7. REBECCA BLACKMON
VP of Prosperity Bank and First Woman in the Katy Rotary
8. JOY LEE BOLIN
Longtime Katy Resident and Volunteer
9. MARTHA BROWN
Katy ISD KEYS Mentor and Katy ISD Partners in Education
10. FELICE BRYANT
Katy Educator and School Namesake
11. MISSY BUNCH
City Secretary, City of Katy
12. KAY CALLENDER
Keep Katy Beautiful
13. AMY CAMPBELL
Special Needs Advocate and Katy ISD Namesake
14. Dr. CHRISTINE CASKEY
Chief Academic Officer, Katy ISD
15. KRISTEN COWAN
Founder of Smilin’ Rylen Foundation
16. CHRISTA CLIFTON
Memorial Hermann Executive and Community Volunteer
17. DEYSI CRESPO
Executive Director of Katy Christian Ministries
18. CHRIS CROCKETT
Education Advocate and Community Volunteer
19. CARRA DANIELS
Principal of Beck Junior High
20. KEIKO DAVIDSON
Katy Educator and School Namesake
21. GINGER DEWBERRY
Katy Search and Rescue Champion in Hurricane Harvey
22. MINDY DICKERSON
Paetow High School Principal
23. PEGGY DIMMICK
Director of Katy’s Fussell Senior Center
24. MARIA DIPETTA
Katy ISD Media Relations and Multimedia Manager
25, FATIMA DONALDSON
Artist, photographer, and arts philanthropist
26. TAMARA DORE
Owner of Katy Budget Books
27. LORI DOUCET ALEXANDER
Nottingham/Kelliwood Fry Road Tree Activist
28. WENDY DUNCAN
President of Willow Fork Drainage Ditch
29. COURTNEY DOYLE
Katy ISD Board of Trustees
30. DANA DUSEK
Baby Gowns for Eternity
31. DIANA ELDER
Katy FFA champion and volunteer
32. REBECCA FOX
Katy ISD Board of Trustees
33. ANNIE GERHARDT
President of Cinco Ranch Ladies Club
34. KAYE GOOLSBY
Political activist and national grassroots chair for Ted Cruz, and others.
35. SHARON GRAF
Social Media Liaison for Harris County ESD 48 and Search and Rescue at TEXSAR
36. DR. LISA GRAHAM-GARZA
Local dentist and founder of Autism Rescue Angels
37. REBEKAH GREGORY
Boston Marathon bombing survivor, amputee, writer, and speaker
38. DR. ANDREA GROOMS
Katy ISD Chief Communications Officer
39. SALLY GUPTON
Assistant Principal of Creech Elementary
40. ELIZABETH HANSON
Past president of the RWCK and Cinco Ranch Ladies Club
41. SUSAN DENISE HASTINGS
Katy Christian Ministries Crisis Center Director
42.TINA HATCHER
Founder of Hope Impacts
43. PATTY HENSON
Director of the Katy High Bengal Brigade for 34 years
44. KATHRYN HINDT
Teacher and First Lady of Katy ISD
45. LORA HODGES
ELA Instructional Coach at Exley Elementary
46. BONNIE HOLLAND
Associate Superintendent, Administration, Governance and Legal Affairs, School Namesake
47. SAMANTHA HOLSOMBACK
Entrepreneur and avid volunteer
48. NICOLE ISTRE
Owner and founder of Katy’s Early Childhood Enrichment Center, and early childhood education trainer and consultant
49. LESLYN JACKS
District Wide Elementary Teacher of the Year and Katy Elementary Music Teacher
50. KAREN JAGGERS
Autism advocate and owner of Stokan Jaggers & Associates
51. EFFIE KATSABAS
Co-owner of Snappy’s Restaurant
52. TYLER KAY
Mural Artist
53. MICHELLE LACOUR
First Lady of the Katy Area EDC
54. PATTI LACY
VP of the Board for Katy Christian Ministries
55. GAIL LAND
Retired music educator and avid volunteer
56. KELLY LITVAK
Anti-Sex Trafficking Champion, founder of Childproof America
57. CARRIE LOWERY
Principal at Bethke Elementary
58. EUBERTA LUCAS
Principal of Creech Elementary
59. ANITA MANCINI
Director of Katy Cowgirls
60. ANNIE MEEKS
District wide Rookie Teacher of the Year
61. LISA MARIE
Golf Celebrity
62. DR. DOREEN MARTINEZ
Principal of Memorial Parkway Elementary
63. KERRI MCCURDY
Established Moms to the Rescue during Hurricane Harvey
64. STEPHANIE MCDANIEL
Founder of Graeme’s Superheroes
65. DR. IMELDA MEDRANO
Principal at Seven Lakes JH
66. LINDA MERRELL
Retired educator, avid volunteer, on the board of Katy Cares
67. KRISTIN MILLER
Arts Advocate and Volunteer
68. KATHRYN MILLS
Educator and Hurricane Harvey Book Club Founder
69. ABI MORTON
Founder of Clothed By Faith
70. DAWN MORTUS
Founder of Keep Kids Connected
71. CHELSEA MUESSE
Widow of Jordan Muesse
72. JOAN MURRAY
Author, missionary, speaker, pastor.
73. ANNE MURRAY-REARDON
Cancer survivor and volunteer
74. SHARI NIGHTINGALE
Founder of Lindsay’s Light, speaker, and relationship violence educator
75. ERICA NOWELL
Cancer survivor and now a Cancer Nurse Practitioner
76. JENNIFER PIERCE
Chick-fil-A Marketing Director and Community Volunteer
77. LARISSA PLUNTO
Community Relations Director for Congressman Michael McCaul
78. KAYCE REINA
Tourism and Marketing Director for the City of Katy
79. LILY ROGERS
Social Services Director, Katy Christian Ministries
80. DR. SUSAN RICE
McMeans Junior High Principal
81. JENNIFER ROYO
Co-Owner of No Label Brewery and Philanthropist
82. CHERYL SAGE
Entrepreneur and Early Childhood Education Expert
83. MANDY SANDLIN
District Wide Teacher of the Year and OTHS Teacher
84. SANDY SCHMIDT
Keep Katy Beautiful
85. ABBIE SCHOMBURG
Special Needs Advocate, Katy Wolfpack coach
86. PATTI SHAFER
Katy Educator and School Namesake
87. SUSAN SMITH
Business owner, philanthropist, and community volunteer
88. MARSHA SMITH
Vice President of KARE (Katy Association of Retired Teachers) and avid community volunteer.
89. PATSY STANLEY
Katy Educator and School Namesake
90. DR. MELINDA STONE
Principal at WoodCreek JH
91. MELANIE SUKOLICS
Business owner, avid volunteer, Harvey hero
92. JANET THEIS
Katy ISD Partners in Education and Katy ISD Education Foundation
93. ASHLEY VANN
President of Katy ISD Board of Trustees
94. RHONDA WARD
Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services
95. CHAKILA WHITE
VP of DaVita Healthcare and Volunteer
96. TARA WILSON
President of the Board of Directors, Katy ISD Education Foundation
97. CINDY WINGO
President of RWCK
98. JAMIE WOLMAN
Former Katy ISD educator, Keep Katy Beautiful board member, and school namesake
99. DR LORENA ZERTUCHE
Bear Creek Elementary Principal
100. SYLVIA ZERWAS
Wife of Rep. John Zerwas
We solicited nominations from community leaders and readers on social media venues and through email to compile these 100 Top Katy Women of 2018!
Katy Magazine News
April 15, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Starting April 20, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will travel the state restocking thousands of catfish at their “Neighborhood Fishin'” destinations. Find out where you can fish in Katy!
Throughout the season, each of the lakes designated as a TPWD “Neighborhood Fishin'” spot will be repeatedly re-stocked with channel catfish. There will be a break during the month of August due to the heat, but the re-stocking will continue through early November.
FISH IN KATY
Mary Jo Peckham Park
5597 Gardenia Ln.
7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
281-496-2177
FISHING RULES
– Anglers may keep up to 5 fish per day without a minimum length limit.
– Children under 17 can fish for free.
– A fishing license is required for all adults.
PURCHASE A LICENSE
– Academy Sports & Outdoors
23155 Katy Fwy.
– Bass Pro Shops Katy
5000 Katy Mills Cir.
– Dick’s Sporting Goods
24600 Katy Fwy.
The Katy high school graduate and OU running back will not be charged with sexual assault according to Cleveland County District Attorney, Greg Mashburn.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
December 14, 2017
Ashley Lancaster
Anderson, 21, who graduated from Katy High School in 2015, was accused of raping a woman in her apartment. She filed for a protective order after alleging the leading rusher forced her to have intercourse with him on November 16, and that she feared for her safety.
Mr. Anderson’s attorney has called the accusations, “patently false.” And today he was exonerated, after having cooperated with Cleveland County and the Norman Police Department. Late last week, Anderson submitted to and passed a three-hour lie-detector test, administered by former FBI polygraph examiner, Bill Brown.
“We want to make sure that sexual assault victims feel comfortable coming forward,” said Mashburn.
The Katy Tigers gave us the details on what Katy coaches talked about with Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M’s new head coach on Tuesday afternoon.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
December 6, 2017
By Ashley Lancaster
Aggies in Tiger Land
According to Jon Joseph, new head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies, Jimbo Fisher (formerly Florida State University), stopped by the Tigers’ field house with two staff members at 2:30 p.m.
“They came to say hello to see committed player Seth Small and were able to meet and watch Deondrick Glass,” says Joseph. Glass, now a junior, was offered by Florida State during his freshman year.
Giving Kudos to the Katy Program
While there, the Aggies staff also met all the Katy coaches, but Coach Fisher has visited Katy High in the past. “He says not much has changed, and he commented on how well the Katy program is run and how successful it is, and the plan is to get the Aggies to the championship every year like Katy,” says Joseph.
Talking X’s and O’s
There was a brief meeting between Gary and Jimbo, and a 30-minute conversation with coaches Fisher (A&M), Banks, Price, and Joseph (KHS),” he says. The Tigers say Fisher was incredibly nice and the visit went well. After the meetings, they all went out and watched the Tigers practice for their upcoming playoff matchup against the North Shore Mustangs this Saturday at 2 p.m. at NRG.
Fisher and staff ended the day meeting teachers, people, and coaches at KHS, “He told the coaching staff to come up to A&M to visit, watch practice and talk X’s and O’s whenever they want.”
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
September 26, 2017
Ashley Lancaster
The family of Taylor High School’s injured star defensive end and Texas A&M commit, Max Wright, opens up about surgery, recovery, and plans for college.
An injury late in the third
During last week’s match up against Fort Bend Austin, Mustang defensive end and A&M commit Max Wright left the game late in the third quarter complaining of a “muscle cramp” and did not make a reappearance.
Late Saturday, an MRI confirmed that Wright had suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, an injury that will keep him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.
True to form, the faithful football player encouraged his friends, teammates, and followers on Twitter with inspirational bible verses. And faith will play a huge role in the months to come while Max prepares for his big comeback with the Texas A&M Aggies.
Surgery on the books
“Honestly, we are heartbroken that he will miss his senior year but are seeking to believe and trust that God has bigger and better things in store for Max down the road,” says his mother, Cydney Wright.
According to Cydney, Max’s surgery is scheduled for October 5 by Dr. Walter Lowe, and he is already working out and attending physical therapy at Memorial Hermann Ironman. “He is ready to tackle this head on and feels incredibly strong!” says Wright.
Continuing to lead
As a team captain, the 6’4″, 270 lb. athlete will continue to lead his team from the sidelines while continuing to focus on rehab and recovery and preparing to play college football for the Aggies.
The Wright family would like to thank the Katy ISD community for their outpouring of love, support, and prayers.
(Photo by Sara Isola)
“We are truly grateful for all the love , prayers and support from the Texas A&M coaches and families as well as all our family and friends! Max is amazingly strong and his determination has proven that he can handle adversity and with God’s help he will be back stronger than ever and ready to hit Kyle Field when he reports to College Station after graduation. Setbacks bring amazing comebacks! Thank you for your continued prayers! Gig’em and Go Mustangs!”
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, TX
September 20, 2017
From Katy ISD Communications:
On Tuesday, September 19, 2017 parents and guardians of the Taylor High School Football Team were notified that their head coach was placed on administrative leave till further notice. The leave is unrelated to his role with students.
In his absence, Katy ISD Assistant Coach Joe Sheffy will be taking his place in leading the Taylor High School football team this season. Sheffy is a certified, highly experienced individual who is well versed on the needs of the team.
Katy ISD is committed to its students and will do everything necessary to ensure their continued success during this period. Because this is a personnel matter the District is unable to provide additional information.
Katy, TX News (September 1, 2017) – The Katy community of Cane Island has opened its Amenity Village event center, converting it into a temporary dorm for Katy first responders, some of whom had been sleeping in a nearby parking lot.
Beds have been set up and showers in the community’s fitness center are available. Meals also are being served. The Cane Island Amenity Village is located at 2100 Cane Island Parkway, just north of Interstate 10. On Site Contact: Dan Naef, 702-581-1956.
Katy, Texas News (August 29, 2017) – Peli Peli Restaurant is stepping up in the chaos created by hurricane Harvey to fuel first responders as they attempt to save families affected by the devastation of the flood.
Their Cinco Ranch restaurant, located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch and directly across from Torchy’s Tacos, is currently open and working to prepare hot meals for rescuers.
“Basically, we’re going to cook every bit of food on our shelves to feed Katy’s finest,” says Thomas Nguyen, co-founder and partner. If they run low, Nguyen says that they are asking Katy families who want to help to swing by with food for them to cook and prepare for Coast Guard, National Guard, FEMA, firefighters, volunteers, police, EMT, and others. “If we run out, we invite residents to donate food for us to prepare – our kitchen is ready and our doors are open. We’ll even make sandwiches.”
For first responders in a hurry, Nguyen says not to worry about coming inside. Just call 281-257- 9500 or 832-259-2448 and someone will run a hot meal out to the curb.
Today only, they will also be offering hot meals to first responders at their I-10 and Campbell location.
If you know of a Katy business offering assistance, supplies, or services to those in need, email us!
Katy, TX News (August 27, 2017) – Here are a few important advisories, alerts and notes from Harris County.
HIGH WATER LOCATIONS
There are over 177 high water locations across Harris County on Houston Transtar. Click link for more info.
Check out their Flood Warning System to see what we see. Click “channel status” on the left and you will see that most of our bayous and creeks are RED and out of bank.
Red= out of banks
Yellow= near top of bank
Green=still ok
TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN – SAUMS ROAD RESCUE
You can get swept away in as little as six inches so it’s not worth driving through.
Here is a rescue that took place last night at Saums Rd. Driving to your drowning is one of the most common ways flood deaths occur. It’s not worth it. Stay put!
USE 911 ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES
First responders are being dispatched to over 1,000 (and growing) rescues at this time. Some water inside is better than being outside. So, please stay put. If water is rising to Stay safe, this is seriously nothing to joke with!
DO NOT GO INSIDE ATTIC- GO ON YOUR ROOF
Please heed to the advice emergency officials. It’s devastating sitting in this emergency operations center listening to the thousands of calls coming in to get rescued. DO NOT attempt to leave, just stay put. TRUST US you wont get very far. More rescue boats are coming but the list is long. DO NOT go into attics, you will get TRAPPED! Get on roofs. As soon as day breaks it will be easier to rescue you!
If waters are rising and it’s absolutely necessary, please go onto your roof. We will get to as soon as we can. DO NOT GO IN YOUR ATTIC.
IF WATER IS IN YOUR HOME
We understand water is in homes, but only call 911 with life-threatening emergencies. Our 911 call center is inundated with requests, not allowing true emergencies to get thru. If you are dialing and it is a true emergency, STAY ON THE LINE. A dispatcher will get to you ASAP.DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME. Stay put.
Harris County Flood Control District 713-684-4000
Red Cross Houston 713-526-8300
1. Road Closures
2. River/Creek Flood Gages
3. Electricity Outage Tracker
4. Harris County Rainfall Map
Here’s the latest on the hurricane as it pertains to Katy
Although it’s been downgraded to a CAT 1 Hurricane, we are definitely not out of the woods. Street and flash flooding expected for the next few days.
Meteorologists are expecting 12″ inches of rain today with a total of 30″ over the next few days.
Harvey is expected to stay on Hurricane status through Saturday night and high winds may happen through Sunday.
Flooding expected around bayous and river basins Brazos, Colorado,etc.
Harvey is a tornado-happy Hurricane and we may have on/off tornado watches until 1 PM today or later. TORNADO PREPARATION LINK
WHAT TO DO NOW
Stay put. Don’t be on the roads.
If you must be on the roads, don’t drive in water. Cars have been carried away in just six inches of water.
Use 911 only for emergencies.
Katy Kindness Tip: It’s a great idea to check on your neighbors and friends who may be shut-ins, single moms, or senior citizens.
Thank you to David Thelan for sending us these important links
Katy, Texas News (August 25, 2017) – Overnight, Harvey slammed ashore and has downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. But that doesn’t mean Katy is out of the woods. Reduced wind speeds and persistent rain mean that we are still in for potentially disastrous flooding and possibly fast moving tornadoes.
POSTED: 9:00 AM.
UPDATED SAT 8/26, 7:00 AM
Weather stations reported up to 6″ of rain in the last 12 hours, with the Mayde Creek area at Greenhouse Road overflowing at its banks.
Water in this area will feed into the Barker/Addicks Reservoir, and it’s a possibility that roadways nearby could flood.
PRELIM Rainfall Reports for Katy area:
*Fort Bend County*
SSE Katy 4.47 in
SE Katy 3.41 in
*Harris County*
Katy 1.0 NNE 3.62 in
NE Katy 2.68 in
E Katy 2.00 in
SPORTING EVENTS
HOUSTON TEXANS are discussing playing next Thursday’s game against the Cowboys in Arlington.
DYNAMO & DASH games have been cancelled for the week.
HOUSTON COUGARS are practicing in Austin in preparation for the season.
UPDATED 9:30 PM
*Prelim High Wind Reports from NWS Houston*
SSW Katy 24 MPH
NE Fulshear 24 MPH
ENE Stafford 22 MPH
ENE Fulshear 21 MPH
NNW Pecan Grove 21 MPH
First Colony 20 MPH
SSE Katy 17 MPH
W Mission Bend 17 MPH
NW Richmond 17 MPH
SE Katy 16 MPH
N Pecan Grove 16 MPH
W Mission Bend 16 MPH
SE Katy 13 MPH
ENE Brookshire 32 MPH
W Katy 23 MPH
– Harris County –
NWS is showing “potentially devastating” flood threats and intense rainfall amounts as Harvey inches closer. If you haven’t already, please take last minute precautions for water, shelter, and food.
UPDATED 6:20 PM According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Harvey is now classified as a Category 4.
WATER ? available at Brookshire Bros on Franz Rd. as of 6:30 pm.
UPDATED 12:15 PM
COLD PLAY CONCERT HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN POSTPONED – ANNOUNCED 12:00 Noon.
WATER PALLETS AT SHELL STATION – Shell Station at Avenue D and Franz has water pallets for $7.99 as of 10 AM
ALL YOUTH SPORTS POSTPONED- All KYF events and activities are cancelled due to the storms this weekend.
WATER AT HEB – Highland Knolls and Mason Rd. Possibly just restocked. (8:55 AM.)
KROGER 99 & MORTON RESTOCKING – A reader reported that Kroger at Morton and 99 is restocking water and other items that are out right now. (8:40 AM).
WATER AT TRADER JOE’S – LACENTERRA
A reader reported that there is water at Trader Joe’s, LaCenterra as of 8:20 AM.
THE LATEST UPDATE – FLASH FLOOD WATCHES
As Hurricane Harvey heads toward the Texas coast, the National Hurricane Center is warning Texans to be ready for “life threatening flash flooding”. Katy will not be impacted by surges because we have no coastal areas, but will need to be on alert for flash flooding. Katy could also experience heavy winds and rains. Flash flood watches are in effect possibly through Monday. Heavy rain is projected and the hurricane is reported to be “very close to reaching Category 3”.
WATER AT HEB AND SOUTH FRY
There was a lot of water stocked at HEB South Fry Road as of 6:30 AM. Lines already forming.
KATY ISD AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CLOSED
All Katy ISD campuses and school facilities are closed today. According to a statement from the school district, “While Hurricane Harvey has yet to touch ground in the Katy area, the National Weather Services is predicting an extreme weather event. As such, we have chosen to err on the side of caution to ensure the safety and security of our students, families, staff and community.”
HUNKER DOWN KATY AND CHECK ON EACH OTHER
If you do not have to drive, stay put. Make sure you have water and rations for a few days. Don’t forget to check on your neighbors, seniors, and shut ins!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
– Charge your phones now.
– Stay put during the storms.
– If you must drive, DO NOT drive through water.
– Never bypass road closure signs. The roads have been closed because of serious danger or flooding.
KATY MAGAZINE will continue to update this page specifically for Katy as new events take place.
Katy, TX News (August 24, 2017) – Several Katy ISD Varsity football scrimmages have been rescheduled due to tropical storm Harvey’s anticipated landfall on Friday afternoon.
Current Katy ISD Varsity Football Scrimmage Schedule:
- Katy High School
8/25 @ 7:30 a.m.
vs. Clear Springs/Paetow HS
Legacy Stadium - Cinco Ranch High School
8/25 @ 1:00 p.m.
vs. Stratford
Cinco Ranch High School - Mayde Creek High School
8/25 @ 9:00 a.m.
vs. Aldine Davis
Rhodes Stadium
Katy, TX News (August 2, 2017) – Parents, students, staff, and other community members, as well as media outlets, are invited to join Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt and the Board of Trustees for the official dedication of Mike Johnston Field and Legacy Stadium. Katy ISD namesakes and local officials will also participate in the celebration.
The Mike Johnston Field at Legacy Stadium was approved by voters as part of the 2014 Katy ISD bond. The facility will provide students and the community with a state of the art multipurpose second stadium to serve more than 77,000 students, and community members, across the district. This year, athletic and fine arts teams from eight high schools will benefit from this new facility.
The dedication ceremony will include special performances by all high school bands and choir directors.
Where: Legacy Stadium
1830 Katyland Drive
Katy, TX 77493
When: Thursday, August 17
2:30 – 4:45 p.m. – Community & Media Tours
(Call to schedule a tour)
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Stadium Dedication Ceremony
MEDIA CREDENTIALS REQUIRED FOR TOURS AND CEREMONY ACCESS.
Katy, TX News (July 25, 2017) – Katy ISD’s head athletic director, Debbie Decker, was recently appointed president of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA). Decker is the first person from Katy ISD to serve in this capacity.
In addition to overseeing the day-to-day business of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association, Decker will also be responsible for writing columns for quarterly newsletters, appointing committees and committee members, and serving on the special events committee, among other tasks.
Courtesy of Debbie Decker via THSADA:
“My vision as President of the THSADA is to engage, encourage and support athletic administrators in the development of knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders in educational based athletics.
Goals:
1. Promote the role of the athletic administrator in the state.
2. Continue developing athletic administrators to their highest level of competency by providing resources through trainings including the state conference.
3. Expand on professional development and leadership training opportunities.
4. Build on the current relationship with the UIL, THSCA and TGCA.
5. Collaborate with THSADA members on how to continue to grow our association.”
Katy, TX News (July 11, 2017) – Katy ISD Seven Lakes Junior High sixth grader Rowan Dumond, recently competed at the 2017 U.S. Men’s Junior Olympic National Championships in Kissimmee, FL. Over 800 of the country’s top male gymnasts competed in the regional team, all-around and individual apparatus events.
After two days of competition, Rowan tied for first place earning the title of National Champion for Floor in his division. He had a career high score of 13.45 on Floor during the preliminary competition. Rowan is an honors student at Seven Lakes Junior High, and when he’s not training at the gym, he enjoys playing percussion with the SLJH Honors Band, designing with Legos and solving Rubix cube puzzles.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (June 14, 2017) – “Located off of Kingsland Blvd, just south of I-10 in Katy Texas, The Katy Boardwalk District is an approximately forty acre development conceptualized by the City of Katy and the Katy Development Authority to transform the underutilized property and existing detention lake into an exciting retail, residential and recreational destination.
The project will be located just south of The Katy Mills Mall and within walking distance of the new Typhoon Texas Waterpark. The Katy Boardwalk District will add a number of exciting amenities and services to this rapidly transforming part of Katy.
Plans are currently underway with the City of Katy to complete the master plan for the district and for the final design for the park and lakefront. Ultimately The District will include approximately 650 modern loft residences, approximately 145,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and approximately 60,000 square feet of retail space along with a new City of Katy Conference Center and Hotel all bordering a newly improved, eighty acre lake and park to the south.”
Courtesy of The Katy Boardwalk District
Katy, TX (June 7, 2017) Taylor High School student Max Wright has been nominated to play in the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl presented by American Family Insurance. In total, 400 football players are nominated, but only 100 are selected to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, the nation’s premier high school sporting event, held every January.
Wright was nominated by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee, which consists of All American Games, its national network of coaches and scouts, as well as 247Sports. This nomination recognizes the versatility and adaptability Wright possesses both on and off the field.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a unique event designed to showcase and recognize the talents of America’s youth while celebrating the team that makes a difference every day for the nation – the U.S. Army.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (May 11, 2017) – On the banks of scenic Lake Livingston mounted to the tall pines is one of the longest dual zip lines in Texas. All summer long, children – secured in their harnesses – race each other down the cabled lines in what many have described as an “experience of a lifetime” on the 530 acres of YMCA’s Camp Cullen.
For those who have never experienced Camp Cullen in Trinity, Texas, the YMCA is opening its doors to the public free of charge on May 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. During this time, children will get to sample what this lakeside camp has to offer, specifically kayaking, horseback riding, archery and tours of the extra modern and air-conditioned cabins and a newly built dining hall that offers dramatic views of the lake at any time of day.
After attending Camp Cullen and climbing its 55-foot tall Alpine tower, going wake boarding, sailing, and playing sports, parachute games and paintball, kids often return home from this residential camp having gained much more than a week of fun.
“YMCA Camp Cullen is more than just a summer camp. It provides an opportunity for kids to have life-changing experiences. While each day is packed full of tubing, ropes courses, creative arts, drama, dancing and opportunities to learn about geology and environmental science, behind the scenes kids are building self-confidence and making lasting friendships,” said Andrew Hood, director of the camp. “Camp Cullen is a community that instills a sense of belonging and being a part of something.”
Camp Cullen has consistently garnered the highest ratings from camp participants and their parents. Hood believes this is because the camp is also designed to appeal to a kid’s heart and soul.
“No doubt our kids like the cool stuff, but at Camp Cullen, they feel at home. They are welcomed energetically from the minute they arrive and are embraced by a staff that takes caring of the children to more meaningful levels,” Hood said of the camp counselors, many of whom travel from as far away as Great Britain and Australia to be an instrumental part of the camp experience. “Every year, parents tell us that their children return home more confident than ever, and that they forged so many new and lasting friendships with kids they otherwise would never have met.”
Camp Cullen is open to kids ages 7-17 and operates in one-week sessions. It is located 90 miles north of Houston.
No registration is necessary to try Camp Cullen on May 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. for free. Simply drive up and have fun! Camp Cullen is located at 460 Cullen Loop in Trinity, Texas: Camp Map and Directions
Want to arrange a tour on another day? Please call 936-594-2274.
For more information, please visit: www.ymcacampcullen.org.
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, TX News (April 20, 2017) – The Katy ISD Volunteer Celebration will be held in the Merrell Center on Friday, May 12th from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Hosted by Partners in Education and the Volunteers in Public Schools Executive Board, this annual event honors the thousands of school district volunteers who donate their time and talents to our students and teachers.
This year’s guest speaker is former NFL player and sportscaster Spencer Tillman. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Tillman was part of the 1985 National Championship team and won MVP of the Orange Bowl that year. He went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Houston Oilers and the Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers. Tillman is now the Color Analyst for Fox Sports 1 alongside Tim Brando. He can be seen just about every College Football Saturday on FS1 and every NFL Sunday on KTRK, giving expert analysis on our Houston Texans. Off-camera, Spencer Tillman has been the featured keynote speaker at some of the country’s most notable companies.
The VIPS Celebration entertainment will include students from every high school, the West Memorial Junior High Theater Troupe and a surprise performance from one of the district’s principals. The morning will also honor the 2016-2017 Campus Volunteers of the Year and debut this year’s principal video homage to volunteers.
All Katy ISD volunteers are invited to attend and should RSVP no later than May 9th by visiting the “Community” page at www.katyisd.org and clicking “Partners in Education.” Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:00. For more information about the event, volunteers should contact their campus VIPS Liaison or marthabrown@katyisd.org.
Volunteers in Public Schools, a Katy ISD Partners in Education program, offers moms, dads, family and community members a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at their chosen campus. To learn more, visit Partners in Education under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org or contact your campus Volunteer Coordinator.
SurveyMonkey Link to RSVP to the VIPS Celebration
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, Texas News (April 3, 2017) – The Fort Bend Family YMCA, T.W. Davis Family YMCA, Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, and the YMCA at Katy Main Street – all four located in Fort Bend County – raised more than $64,000 in the 11th Annual YMCA Spring Golf Classic.
Sponsored by Fort Bend Toyota and Sterling McCall Lexus for the sixth consecutive year, the event’s proceeds will go to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign to ultimately provide scholarships and subsidized programming for at-risk children.
The YMCA rounded up more than 130 players and 32 teams to take part in the charitable event – breaking a record of participation. Thirty volunteers helped make the event a success.
“As a YMCA volunteer, it is exciting to see so much support from the business community, which is committed to the YMCA and the impact that it has on our community,” said Barbara Jones of Fluor Corporation, YMCA golf chair and T.W. Davis YMCA board member.
The tournament was held at Pecan Grove Country Club and included several on-course competitions, sponsored by Thom Polvogt Insurance Group, Top Golf and Firehouse Subs. It also included a lunch donated by Swinging Door BBQ and dinner donated by Macaroni Grill.
In addition, participants participated in silent and live auctions that raised more than $12,000. Fort Bend County Commissioner James Patterson served as auctioneer and special guest at the event was Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Annual Support Campaigns of the Fort Bend Family YMCA in Missouri City, the T.W. Davis Family YMCA in Richmond, the Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, and the YMCA at Katy Main Street. Combined, the campaigns provide scholarships or subsidized programming for more than 7,000 youth, families and individuals in YMCA programs, outreach and memberships.
“We are thankful to have the ongoing support of so many sponsors and teams who have participated in this tournament since its inceptions. Through their support combined with all our new teams and sponsors, hundreds of youth and families will benefit from YMCA services this summer,” said Brian Haines, district executive director for the YMCA of Greater Houston.
In addition to the event’s title sponsors, Fort Bend Toyota and Sterling McCall Lexus, other top sponsors were Fluor Corporation, NtheZone Photography, Staff Force Personnel Services, NRG – WS Parish Plant and First Transit.
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, Texas News (March 29, 2017) – Over 700 local residents attended the first annual Katy Color Run. The event benefited three local organizations: Christ Clinic, Clothed by Faith and Hope Impacts. The event got off to a colorful start with a 1K Kids’ Dash and was followed by a chalk filled 5k. The run was held at the APEX medical building at 25277 Kingsland Boulevard in Katy, and sponsored by Kingsland Baptist Church along with the City of Katy and Healthy Gourmet.
Jackson Potter, 12 and Alexia Diermeier, 15 were the top male and female finishers in the 5K. Potter finished with a time of 19:47 and Diermeier clocked in at 21:58. Paloma Medrano, 8 and Kian Ghilzadeh, 11 were the winners of the Kids’ Dash 1K.
Entertainment at the post race party included performances by Marshall Camp and Mark Wells and featured fitness demonstrations by the Katy Main Street YMCA. Talented local chalk artists created colorful masterpieces. Several local vendors attended the event and offered complementary beverages and snacks to runners and spectators. A kids zone had games, face painting, balloon artists, inflatables, trampolines and healthy snacks.
All proceeds from the Color Run benefited three local nonprofit organizations: Christ Clinic, Clothed by Faith and Hope Impacts. Christ Clinic is a charity health clinic and provides medical care for uninsured and underinsured patients. Clothed by Faith gives gently used and new clothing to thousands of Katy area residents in need. Hope Impacts imparts hope to homeless, helpless and under resourced people in the Katy area by connecting them to services and resources. More than 100 volunteers helped make the event a success.
Courtesy of Christ Clinic
Katy, Texas News (March 23, 2017) – After little debate Thursday, the Senate Education Committee voted 7-3 to pass legislation that would create two public programs subsidizing private school tuition and homeschooling expenses.
Senate Bill 3, a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, now heads to the full Senate, where it’s also expected to pass. Corresponding bills have not been taken up by the House Public Education Committee.
Thursday’s vote came two days after a committee hearing that lasted more than eight hours, with more than 150 people filling the room to testify in support and opposition. The bill’s author, Senate Education Chairman Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, submitted a new version of the bill that he said would decrease the cost of the programs.
“We are continuing to work on this bill when we get out of this committee. We will work with you as well as all the members who are on the Senate floor,” he said Thursday.
The first program created in the bill, education savings accounts or ESAs, would give parents online accounts of state money to pay for private school tuition or homeschooling expenses.
The second program, tax credit scholarships, would allow businesses to receive credits against their insurance premium taxes if they contribute to approved scholarship organizations.
The fiscal note attached to the previous version of the bill said it would cost the state $90 million to $330 million in general revenue in the next biennium, depending on the payment schedule. The newer version of the bill would take the cost to the lower end of that range, according to testimony Thursday from the Legislative Budget Board. The board does not yet have a fiscal note with exact numbers.
Proponents of private tuition subsidies say they allow parents flexibility on how to get the best education for their children. They argued Tuesday that parents keep private schools in check by leaving those that are doing a bad job — therefore, state accountability is not needed.
Opponents of the bill argue that competition does not work when it comes to education, and that schools receiving public money should be accountable to the state.
“Those who go and take public money in public schools will have some of the most stringent accountability standards in the country, and those who get public money under Senate Bill 3 will have none,” said Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, Thursday before he voted against the bill. Sens. Royce West, D-Dallas, and Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, also voted against the bill.
The programs proposed in Senate Bill 3 would offer money to public school students to leave the system for private schools or homeschooling.
Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano, who voted for the measure, argued that would help school districts, especially those growing so quickly that they are having trouble funding the additional enrollment. “There actually will be more money per child in the public education system in Texas,” he said. “Slowing the rate of growth is actually operationally advantageous to the districts I represent.”
But public educators disagree with Taylor’s math, saying that the programs would cost the state money, and not significantly reduce the amount schools need to spend.
“Children don’t leave in perfect groups of 22 or 25, allowing a district to then need one less teacher. Even if they left in those groups, all of the other costs to operate a facility and run a quality school don’t go away,” said Guy Sconzo, executive director of the Fast Growth School Coalition, a group of 75 school districts seeing the quickest enrollment growth in Texas.
Public education advocates have urged the Legislature to focus on putting more funding into the public school system, and allocating that money equitably.
“SB3’s voucher scheme will drain tax dollars from public education, without helping families most in need. Instead the Legislature should focus on the real issue – remodeling Texas’ outdated school finance system to ensure all Texas students can get a quality public education, no matter where they live or what their background,” said Ann Beeson, executive director of the left-leaning policy group Center for Public Policy Priorities, in a statement after the vote.
Read related Tribune coverage here:
- Tuesday’s Senate Education Committee debate on private school subsidies lasted more than seven hours and saw experts on both sides arguing they knew best how to educate black and Latino Texas students.
- Rural conservatives and homeschoolers are joining forces with public education advocates against Senate Bill 3, which pushes private school choice. Their state senators are not all on the same page.
Disclosure: The Fast Growth School Coalition and the Center for Public Policy Priorities have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.
This information courtesy of the Texas Tribune.
Katy, TX News (March 10, 2017) – The British International School of Houston (BISH) varsity boys’ soccer team played an impressive game and won the 2017 TAPPS Texas Division III State Soccer Championship title against Dallas Covenant with a final score of 5-2. The team notably played 21 matches over four months before winning this coveted title. Over the last six years they have been district champions four times and state champions twice.
TAPPS, Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), has a membership of 230 schools throughout Texas who regularly compete with one another in athletic events. TAPPS commits to building leadership, fellowship, fair play and sportsmanship of students enrolled in the organization’s member schools in the areas of academics, athletics and fine arts by providing wholesome competition for young men and women.
Andrew Derry, Principal of BISH commented, “I am extremely proud of our team and our students’ success, which was achieved through determination and resilience, epitomizing our core values of unity, respect and pride. At BISH we believe all children are ambitious by nature and can achieve their greatest aspirations with support and access to an exemplary global education.”
BISH provides a nurturing environment with a world-class learning approach that is grounded in each student’s unique experiences, capabilities and interests. This combined with a brand-new campus, purposely designed to support student achievement, allows the school to extend learning beyond the classroom through a wide variety of academic and athletic activities.
About British International School of Houston
The British International School of Houston (BISH) is an independent school catering to local and international students from Pre-K to 12th Grade. Part of Nord Anglia Education Inc., the school offers a challenging, broad course of study that culminates with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). Student learning is supported by collaborations with The Juilliard School in New York and MIT. Our new Katy campus spans 34-acres and features purpose driven technology supported by Apple, customizable maker spaces, state-of-the-art science labs, four athletic fields, an aquatic center, two NCAA regulation size gymnasiums, and a 550-seat performing arts theater designed in collaboration with Juilliard. Conveniently located off IH10 at N. Westgreen Boulevard and just minutes from the Grand Parkway, the school is accessible to families residing in major cities across the Greater Houston Area, including Houston, The Woodlands and Sugar Land. Visit www.houston.nae.school to learn more.
About Nord Anglia Education, Inc.
Nord Anglia Education (NYSE: NORD) is the world’s leading operator of premium international schools, serving students from kindergarten through the end of secondary school (K-12). We teach over 37,000 students at our 43 premium schools in China, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia and North America. We are driven by one unifying philosophy – we are ambitious for our students, our people and our family of schools. Our schools deliver a high-quality education through a personalized approach enhanced with unique global opportunities to enable every student to succeed. Nord Anglia Education is headquartered in Hong Kong. Our website is www.nordangliaeducation.com.
For further information, please contact:
Jo Turner, Communications Manager
Tel: 832 248 0581
Email: jo.turner@houston.nae.school
Katy, TX News (February 28, 2017) – Katy ISD welcomes Todd McVey as the new Head Football Coach/Campus Athletic Coordinator at Obra D. Tompkins High School. Coach McVey is currently serving as an Assistant Athletic Director for Katy ISD, and the Interim Head Coach at Tompkins. He has been the Head Coach and Athletic Coordinator at McKinney HS and Killeen Harker Heights. He was also a member of the staff at Texas City High school when they won the 4A state championship in 1997. The Falcons will introduce Mr. McVey to the Tompkins community at 7 p.m. in the Main Commons on Thursday, March 2.
Katy, TX News (February 27, 2017) – With a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved tonight “Legacy Stadium” as the new name for the Student Activity Facility: Second Stadium. Additionally and as part of public recommendation, the field will be named after former coach Mike Johnston. This state of the art, cost efficient, multipurpose school facility will open up Fall of 2017, thanks to the 2014 voter-approved bond program and it will be part of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Complex.
“It’s an honor to recognize all the former legacies which continue to inspire our students,” says Rebecca Fox, Katy ISD Board President. “Coach Johnston is a perfect example of an individual who continues to pour out his love and dedication for the future generation.”
This February, the Second Stadium Naming Advisory Committee was tasked with identifying a suitable name for the Second Stadium, which would align with the values and core believes of Katy ISD. The committee began with a solicitation of name nominations from the Katy ISD community, which was open from February 8-17. After careful review, a recommendation was presented during the Board of Trustees Work Study Meeting on Tuesday, February 21. District officials were happy to see dozens of attendees at the public forum offered for parents, teachers, staff and community input.
The Second Stadium is being built not just for the districts 75,000+ Katy ISD students, but for the entire community.
Click here to see photos of recent Second Stadium construction.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (February 27, 2017) – Its doors are open, and YMCA officials are ready to make their newest and state-of-the-art center, the YMCA at Katy Main Street, 1350 Main St., official. On March 3, the YMCA of Greater Houston will host a grand-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the second YMCA in Katy and one of the most unique centers in the Greater Houston area.
A brief ceremony, which will begin at 10 a.m., will include remarks from Paul McEntire, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston; Ann Hodge of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, David Ruzicka, chairman of the board for the Katy Area YMCAs; Carlos Valdez, chairman of the Board for the YMCA of Greater Houston; and Pam Filip, executive director of the YMCA at Katy Main Street. From March 3-5, all are invited to try the new center free of charge. Those who choose to join before March 6 will pay no join fee, a savings of $125.
On March 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the YMCA at Katy Main Street will host a round of demos for much of what the new center has to offer, including TRX, Body Flow and Zumba classes and a Motion Magix kids’ zone. (See schedule below for all demos.) During the same time, there will be carnival-type activities for families and kids, including face painting, a “selfie station”, balloon making, games, a bingo map for visiting different areas of the new Y, and a drawing for Fitbits and other prizes. If the weather permits, the pool will be open for limited hours. Popcorn and juice will be on hand for refreshments.
On March 5 from 1 to 4 p.m., similar demos and festivities will continue.
YMCA at Katy Main Street
The YMCA at Katy Main Street took the best designs from YMCA centers around the nation and incorporated them into one 41,000 square-foot facility with extra modern amenities and a sleek, airy design.
The $12 million center offers the latest exercise crazes including TRX and aerial yoga. Its outdoor pool is heated and connected to private changing rooms.
The YMCA at Katy Main Street features strength training and cardio equipment, group exercise rooms, a basketball gym, Child Watch rooms to accommodate children from six weeks to 11 years old, an outdoor playground and sports fields, a cycle studio and coffee bar. It also includes health and wellness activities, aquatics, youth sports, after-school care, summer day camp, summer sports clinics, teen programs, senior activities and more.
The new center is expected to receive more than 400,000 visits a year. It will provide approximately $250,000 in community assistance and program/membership scholarships as well as create more than 200 area jobs.
Demo Schedule:
Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
10:15 – Family Pickleball (Outside)
10:45 – Body Flow (Outside)
11:00 – Dance (Mind/Body Studio)
11:30 – TKD (Outside)
11:30 – Aerial Yoga (Personal Training Studio)
11:45 – Cheer (Outside)
12:00 – Zumba (Outside)
12:00 – TRX – (Personal Training Studio)
12:15 – Zumba Strong (Outside)
12:30 – Body Jam (Outside)
12:45 – DrumFit (Outside)
1:00 – Barre Workout (Outside)
1:00 – Exergames (Kids Zone)
1:30 – Motion Magix (Kids Zone)
Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
1:10 – Enhance Fitness (Outside)
1:15 – Silver Sneakers (Outside)
1:30 – CXWorx (Outside)
1:45 – Zumba (Outside)
2:00 – Zumba Toning (Outside)
2:00 – Exergames (Kids Zone)
2:15 – Body Pump (Outside)
2:30 – Body Combat (Outside)
2:30 – Motion Magix (Kids Zone)
2:45 – Mat Pilates (Outside)
3:00 – TKD (Outside)
3:15 – Soccer (Outside)
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, TX News (February 27, 2017) – On March 27, the Fort Bend Family YMCA, T.W. Davis Family YMCA, Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, and the YMCA at Katy Main Street – all four located in Fort Bend County – will be hosting the 11th Annual YMCA Golf Classic, sponsored by Fort Bend Toyota and Sterling McCall Lexus. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the YMCA’s Annual Campaign and ultimately provide support for scholarships and subsidized programming.
The YMCA is in the process of rounding up teams and sponsors who will support this charitable event. The deadline for signing up is March 20.
“We are excited to be teaming up once again with an organization that does so much for youth and families in our region,” said Joey Dupuis, a co-sponsor of the event and general manager at Sterling McCall Lexus.
This year, the tournament will be held at Pecan Grove Country Club with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m.
The Y event will have a best ball scramble format and include several on-course competitions, including the Hit the Green Contest sponsored by Thom Polvogt Insurance Group. It will also include a lunch donated by Swinging Door BBQ and dinner donated by Macaroni Grill. Golfers will enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks during their rounds. And, each golfer will receive a goodie bag that includes a shirt, balls, snacks and more. During the dinner and awards ceremony, golfers can participate in both silent and live auctions.
Supporters already on board include: Fluor, Staff Force, NtheZone Photography, NRG-WA Parish Plant, and Direct Energy.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Annual Support Campaigns of the Fort Bend Family YMCA in Missouri City, the T.W. Davis Family YMCA in Richmond, the Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, and the YMCA at Katy Main Street.
For information on available sponsorships or team registration call Connie Stirgus or Brian Haines at 281-392-5055.
Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy, TX News (February 9, 2017) – Katy ISD is now accepting nominations for the naming of the Student Activity Facility: Second Stadium, set to open Fall 2017. Katy ISD will be providing its community with a state of the art, cost efficient, multipurpose second stadium as part of its 2014 Bond.
Individuals interested in submitting a name are asked to review the Katy ISD Board Policy CW (Local) for specific facility naming guidelines, and submit a completed Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form. Click here for guidelines and form.
The public may submit the Nomination for Naming a New School or Facility Form and all supplementary materials in the following manner:
- Via email to schoolnaming@katyisd.org
- By mail to Katy ISD School/Facility Naming
Communications Department
P.O. Box 159
Katy, TX 77492-0159
- Personal delivery to Education Support Complex (ESC)
Communications Department
6301 S. Stadium Lane
Katy, TX 77494
Submissions must be received no later than 4 p.m. on February 17.
Courtesy of Katy ISD Communications
Katy, TX News (February 3, 2017) – By taking the best designs from YMCA centers around the nation and incorporating them into one 41,000 square-foot facility, the YMCA of Greater Houston has responded to Katy’s burgeoning population with extra modern amenities and a sleek, airy design.
After nine months of construction, the YMCA at Katy Main Street, 1350 Main St., will open its doors on Saturday and offer the latest exercise crazes including TRX and aerial yoga. Its outdoor pool is heated and connected to private changing rooms.
Those are just some of the special features at the $12 million center. The center is expected to be a hub for Katy’s growing needs for child care, health and fitness, and educational programs.
Located at the intersection of Main Street and Kingsland Boulevard (near Interstate 10 and Pin Oak Road), the two-story facility aims to serve residents in west and north Katy and in neighboring communities.
“One amazing thing about the YMCA is the scope of our work, which can be seen at all of our centers, but is especially evident in ever-expanding Katy,” said Paul McEntire, president and CEO of The YMCA of Greater Houston. “Katy’s population is expected to grow from 300,000 people to nearly 550,000 by 2035. In just three years, this new center is expected to serve 20,000 people.”
The YMCA at Katy Main Street features strength training and cardio equipment, group exercise rooms, a basketball gym, Child Watch rooms to accommodate children from six weeks to 11 years old, an outdoor playground and sports fields, a cycle studio and coffee bar. It also includes health and wellness activities, aquatics, youth sports, after-school care, summer day camp, summer sports clinics, teen programs, senior activities and more.
The Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch is currently the largest provider of child care in the Katy area, serving more than 1,500 children each year at before- and after-school care sites in Katy Independent School District. It also offers the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program and LIVESTRONG for those recovering from cancer. In addition, more than 5,000 children participate in the center’s youth sports program. The center serves approximately 50,000 people.
Feasibility studies indicate that 3,000 new families will utilize the new YMCA at Katy Main Street, and that 1,000 current family memberships would relocate for the convenience of the new location.
The new center is expected to receive more than 400,000 visits a year. Projected to be self-sustaining in 12 to 18 months, it will provide approximately $250,000 in community assistance and program/membership scholarships as well as create more than 200 area jobs.
“People need the YMCA at Katy Main Street for their health, for social interaction, and to improve their spirits,” said Brian Haines, district executive director at the YMCA of Greater Houston. “We will make sure we stay true to our commitment to make sure that no one is ever turned away.”
Katy, TX News (February 2, 2017) – Yesterday Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management hosted dozens of elected officials from across the area for a briefing about Super Bowl 51 and its week-long activation leading up to game day.
“Special events like the Super Bowl attract massive crowds that create many safety and traffic challenges,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “We are doing all we can to help support the region and all the entities involved with this major task.”
Officials also toured the Harris County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for a glimpse of how emergency management personnel are monitoring all activities related to Super Bowl 51. The Harris County EOC is currently activated at Level 1 (High Readiness) and working with federal, state and local partners to monitor and support all safety and security efforts.
“Our ability to collaborate with others during a major event or crisis is key,” added Emmett. “Many of our surrounding communities have contributed resources and first responders to keep Harris County’s NRG Stadium safe on game day.”
The Regional Joint Information Center is also activated to support traffic, transportation and other public information needs. State and local transportation partners have been assisting media to provide area residents and visitors with information about road closures, parking and public transportation.
Officials attending the briefing included county judges, commissioners, mayors, council members and others.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the ReadyHarris app on iTunes or Google Play for the latest emergency information.
Katy, TX News (January 31, 2017) – National Letter of Intent Signing Day is February 1, 2017. Several Katy ISD high school athletes, accompanied by their family, friends and Katy ISD staff, will be signing a binding letter of intent offered by distinct college teams from across the United States. Below are the times for signing day at each school:
Cinco Ranch High School – Conference Room 1210 7:00 a.m.
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Katy High School – Field House Team Meeting Room 2:45 p.m.
6331 Highway Blvd.
Mayde Creek High School – Library 7:00 a.m.
19202 Groeschke Rd., Houston, TX 77084
Morton Ranch High School – Field House 8:00 a.m.
21000 Franz Rd.
Seven Lakes High School – LGI 7:00 a.m.
9251 S. Fry Rd.
Taylor High School – PAC 7:00 a.m.
20700 Kingsland Blvd.
Tompkins High School – LGI 7:00 a.m.
4400 Falcon Landing Blvd.
Katy, TX News (January 30, 2017) – The Katy High School varsity swimming and diving team had a record-breaking weekend at the district meet located at Tompkins High School last weekend.
The team took third place over all in what was one of the fastest district meets Katy ISD has seen in a long time. Diver Chloe Ceyanes was crowned the district champion while fellow diver Hollie Schaper took fourth. In boys diving, Jacob Adkisson was fifth and John Salder placed sixth.
In swimming, their team broke two school records and received numerous medals. All six relay teams advanced to regionals, along with numerous individual swimmers. Massimo Gasponi broke the Boys 100 Fly record previously set in 2004 and Kaloyan Bratanov broke the Boys 100 Free record previously set in 2003.
Here are the Results from District Swimming Prelims & Finals:
Girls 200 Medley Relay
– 3rd Place Bronze Medal – Fernanda Gamez, Haley Watters, Marissa Watters, Kaelyn Lance
Girls 200 Free Relay
– 3rd Place Bronze Medal – Rachael Sanders, Jamie Morgan, Fernanda Gamez, Kaelyn Lance
Girls 400 Free Relay
– 4th Place Ribbon – Rachael Sanders, Jamie Morgan, Haley Watters, Wednesday Hunter
Boys 200 Medley Relay
– 2nd Place Silver Medal – Kaloyan Bratanov, Jonathan Tucker, Massimo Gasponi, Nathan Einarsson
Boys 200 Free Relay
– 4th Place Ribbon – Massimo Gasponi, William Irwin, Kyle Hendon, Nathan Einarsson
Boys 400 Free Relay
– 4th Place Ribbon – Jonathan Tucker, David Freeman, Kyle Hendon, Kaloyan Bratanov
Girls 200 Free
– Breanna Cuzzocreo – 11th
– Heather Matthews – 12th
– Mimi Bratanova – 14th
– Maddie Cotton – 16th
Boys 200 Free
– William Irwin – 18th
– Ben Erickson – 19th
– Alex Hernandez – 20th
Girls 200 Individual Medley
– Haley Watters – 4th Place Ribbon
– Wednesday Hunter – 8th Place Ribbon
– Shivani Kapoor – 14th
Boys 200 Individual Medley
– Kaloyan Bratanov – 1st Place Gold Medal
– Kyle Hendon – 15th Place
Girls 50 Free
– Kaelyn Lance – 5th Place Ribbon
– Rachael Sanders – 7th Place Ribbon
– Alyssa Basaldua – 15th Place
Boys 50 Free
– Nathan Einarsson – 5th Place Ribbon
– Massimo Gasponi – 7th Place Ribbon
– Drake Rosser – 15th Place
– David Freeman – 17th Place
Girls 100 Butterfly
– Marissa Watters – 3rd Place Bronze Medal
– Jamie Morgan – 7th Place Ribbon
– Maddie Cotton – 14th Place
Boys 100 Butterfly
– Massimo Gasponi – 3rd Place Bronze Medal
– Drake Rosser – 12th Place
– Vito Kiselev – 20th Place
– Alex Hernandez – 21st Place
Girls 100 Free
– Wednesday Hunter – 3rd Place Bronze Medal
– Kaelyn Lance – 5th Place Ribbon
– Rachael Sanders – 11th Place
– Heather Matthews – 13th Place
Boys 100 Free
– Kaloyan Bratanov – 1st Place Gold Medal
– Jonathan Tucker – 9th Place
– Nathan Einarsson – 12th Place
– Christopher Perry – 24th Place
Girls 500 Free
– Jamie Morgan – 3rd Place Bronze Medal
– Fernanda Gamez – 4th Place Ribbon
Boys 500 Free
– David Freeman – 15th Place
– Ben Erickson – 16th Place
Girls 100 Backstroke
– Fernanda Gamez – 4th Place Ribbon
– Mimi Bratanov – 9th Place
Boys 100 Backstroke
– William Irwin – 15th Place
Girls 100 Breaststroke
– Haley Watters – 2nd Place Silver Medal
– Breanna Cuzzocreo – 11th Place
– Alyssa Basaldua – 15th Place
– Shivani Kapoor – 16th Place
Boys 100 Breaststroke
– Jonathan Tucker – 8th Place Ribbon
– Kyle Hendon – 19th Place
– Christopher Perry – 20th Place
– Vito Kiselev – 22nd Place
Katy, TX News (January 26, 2017) – The City of Katy will host this once-in-a-decade event happening at Rhodes Stadium on the Saturday before the Super Bowl, on February 4. The day will start with the Taste of Katy Chili Bowl, followed by a celebrity flag football game and an after party. On the celebrity roster are former Katy Tiger and Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton, Cowboys legend Michael Irvin, Doug Flutie, Seven Lakes High School alum and UFC fighter Sage Northcutt, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, and more.
A raffle drawing will be held for amazing prices, and there will be activities for children and families to enjoy. The cook-off is free to the public and all proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Katy. Tickets to the celebrity flag football game are $20 dollars at the gate and proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior foundation.
After the game, head to the after party at No Label Brewery from 4 – 8 p.m. Bring your ticket! Admission is $15 for adults 21 and over, and guests 21 and under are free with an adult. Your ticket includes a pint glass and three free beers. There will also be food trucks and a DJ.
Online ticket sales to the Celebrity Sweat football game are closed, but can be purchased at the gate. For more information, visit katytailgate.com.
Katy, TX News (January 18, 2017) – Katy ISD is pleased to announce the addition of Ron Counter and B.J. William Gotte as our new Campus Athletic Coordinator/Head Football Coach’s for Morton Ranch High School and Paetow High School. Both positions were approved unanimously during the Katy ISD Board of Trustees Work Study meeting tonight.
Coach Counter comes to Morton Ranch High from Stafford High where he was the head football coach and athletic director for the last four years. During his time at Stafford, Coach Counter led the program into the playoffs four years in a row. Prior to Stafford, Coach Counter made coaching stops at Strake Jesuit High, Round Rock Westwood High, Spring Woods High, Alief Hastings High and Klein Oak High. Coach Counter has also received several “Coach of the Year” honors.
For Coach Gotte, moving to Paetow High School means staying close to home. Growing up he attended Cimarron Elementary, West Memorial Junior High and graduated “class of ’97” at Katy High School, which is where he also began his career in 2001. Coach Gotte made stops at Deer Park High, La Marque High and Flower Mound Marcus High prior to returning to Katy High in 2009. His role as an Offensive Coordinator at Katy High School has played an integral part in winning three state championships.
The Katy ISD Athletic Department is excited to welcome both coaches to these new endeavors within the Katy ISD family. Both coaches will begin this new journey on February 1st.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX News (January 13, 2017) During a tournament in College Station this week, the Mayde Creek High School men’s JV soccer team showed that there is more to competition than points on a scoreboard. When the players learned from their coach that one of the opposing team members had down syndrome, they banded together to show a level of sportsmanship that is seldom seen in competitive tournaments. Read the story below:
Rams soccer coach Ryan Allred says, “I was notified ahead of time that the team we were playing had a young man with down syndrome on their team. The coach told me that he was going to be putting the young man in the second half, and that he would be wearing the #17 jersey. Before the game started, I went over to our team and I asked them if they would be willing to let this young man score a goal while he was in the game. Without hesitation, all of them answered yes. As the game started, all of that had kind of gone to the back of our minds. With a few minutes remaining in the game their coach put this young man into the game. I yelled to our players that he was on the field. With one minute left to go in the game this young man had received the ball and started dribbling towards our goal. One by one our players started diving to the ground as if he had dribbled around them, and they had missed trying to take the ball away from him. Our goalie even did the same thing. I wish you could’ve been there to see the look on this young man’s face as he scored the goal. His hands quickly shot in the air while running to the sideline and then jumping into the arms of his coach. Meanwhile, all of our players were clapping and cheering him on. And to top that all off, as we were driving away his car was closely parked to our bus and our boys started chanting his name and telling him great game. I felt like we had won more than just a game today. These young men displayed something that most young men would not do for fear of embarrassment or ridicule. They truly set an example as some of the great students we have here at Mayde Creek.”
Courtesy of Mayde Creek High School
Katy ISD Selects Academy Sports + Outdoors for Exclusive Naming Rights of Student Activities Complex
Katy, TX (December 13, 2016) Katy Independent School District (ISD) announced that Academy, Ltd. (d/b/a Academy Sports + Outdoors), a premier sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer, will receive exclusive naming rights to the school district’s Student Activities Complex, as part of a new ten-year deal. The complex is home to Jack Rhodes Memorial Stadium and a second football stadium to be completed in summer 2017.
“As the Houston area’s hometown sporting goods retailer, this partnership is especially meaningful to our team, as Katy is home to more than 3,000 of our team members, our corporate headquarters, two of our store locations, and one of our distribution centers,” said J.K. Symancyk, President and CEO, Academy Sports + Outdoors. “Academy has partnered with Katy ISD for over 25 years, and we are proud to extend our support in the Katy community over the next decade.”
Under the terms of the deal, Katy ISD Student Activities Complex will be named “Academy Sports + Outdoors Student Activities Complex.” The state-of-the-art facility will host district-wide athletics, fine arts and extracurricular activities, as well as non-Katy ISD events at the local and regional level.
“We are grateful for Academy’s support of Katy ISD’s students and community and are proud to be able to grant the organization the naming rights for the Student Activities Complex,” said Rebecca Fox, Board of Trustees President, Katy ISD. “This is an exciting time for our school district and we look forward to our long-term partnership with Academy on a complex that will be a destination for local residents to enjoy for many years to come.”
The 10-year, $2.5 million naming rights agreement will take effect on July 1, 2017.
“I want to commend the administration, staff and community members who worked so diligently with the Board to make this partnership a reality,” said Lance Hindt, Superintendent, Katy ISD. “Community partnerships contribute largely to our legacy of excellence, and we couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Academy.”
Headquartered in Katy since 1990, Academy Sports + Outdoors is dedicated to supporting the community, particularly youth athletics. Through sponsorships, equipment donations and volunteer efforts, Academy supports more than 120 Houston-area youth sports organizations, serving more than 80,000 area kids.
Courtesy of Katy ISD
Katy, TX (August 17, 2016) On Tuesday, Aug. 16, patients at Texas Children’s Hospital were treated to a Mini Jr. Cheer Camp hosted by the Houston Texans Cheerleaders.
Patients and the cheerleaders played games, created cheers and learned a dance routine. The room filled with excitement during the group’s performance for patients’ parents and siblings. Following the performance, the cheerleaders signed autographs and brought smiles to heart and pulmonary patients in their rooms.
Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katy, TX (August 12, 2016) Playing school sports is a great way for students to get physically active and build life skills such as teamwork and communication. Each year, numerous students participate in school sports and one way to ensure students are performing at their best is through a sports physical, also called a preparticipation physical examination, which provides a detailed look at a student athlete’s health and fitness.
“With any sport there is risk for injury. Sports physicals are highly recommended because the exam provides insight into a student’s past injuries, personal and family medical history,” said M. Nameer Sidiquee, MD, CAQSM, MD, primary care sports medicine at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “The information gathered during the physical gives a better understanding of the risk of potential conditions that can prevent a student from reaching optimal performance,” said Sidiquee.
Join Dr. Sidiquee and a team of physicians on Tuesday, August 23, from 3 – 6 p.m. for sports physicals for all school activities. Physicians who will be attending this event include, Dr. Hardeep “Debbie” Bal, Dr. Sabari Sundarraj and Dr. Pheba Zachariah from Houston Methodist Primary Care Group and Dr. Scott Rand, Dr. Christian Schupp, Dr. Gregory Seelhoefer and Dr. M. Nameer Sidiquee from Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and Houston Methodist Primary Care Group physicians will offer physicals at their offices located on 7105 FM 2920 Road, on the corner of T.C. Jester and FM 2920.
The sports physicals will be offered to athletes ages 12-18. The cost of the physical is $20. Cash only please (no checks or credit cards accepted.) No appointment is necessary. Wear light comfortable clothing. Please bring your school physical form with medical history completed and a signed physical consent form.
“Injuries and diseases can make it unsafe for any athlete to participate in sports. Student athletes’ bodies are still building muscle mass and stronger bones. While playing sports students are putting their bodies through rigorous repetitive muscle contractions over extended periods of time. A sports physical is the first step in helping students prepare for play.”
Dr. Sidiquee is board-certified in sports medicine and family medicine. He is fellowship trained in primary care sports medicine. He treats numerous conditions including
- Concussions
- Fractures
- Sprains and Strains
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Back Pain/Disc Herniations
- Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis
- Gout
- Hand Conditions (carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, etc.)
- Sick Visits (upper respiratory infections, rashes, UTIs, etc.)
For more information about sports physicals, call 281.737.0902.
Courtesy of Houston Methodist Willowbrook
Katy, TX (April 6, 2016) The TIRR Memorial Hermann junior Hotwheels team – the defending champion of last year’s National Wheelchair Basketball Association national tournament – along with the adult Hotwheels team, are heading to Louisville, Ky., hoping to bring back national titles to Houston.
The TIRR Memorial Hermann junior Hotwheels team enters this year’s tournament ranked third in their division. The adult Hotwheels team is ranked No. 1 going into the tournament with an eye on the national title after finishing in sixth place last year.
“We’re very proud of our teams and the way they represent TIRR Memorial Hermann across the country,” says Carl Josehart, Sr. Vice President and CEO, TIRR Memorial Hermann. “We want them to know the entire TIRR family and city of Houston is behind them and we look forward to celebrating two National Championships this year.”
The junior Hotwheels open play in the Varsity Divison Thursday, April 7, at 9:00 a.m. CST, against the Seattle Junior Sonics. In Division III, the adult Hotwheels play their first game Thursday at 11:00 a.m. CST against the winner of an earlier game between the Music City Lightning and the Shepherd Stealers.
The championship games will be broadcast LIVE at www.nwba.org. The Varsity Division championship will be broadcast Saturday, April 9 at 1:00 p.m. CST and the Division III championship game will be broadcast Sunday, April 10 at 9:00 a.m. CST.
You can also find LIVE updates on the TIRR Memorial Hermann Facebook page.
Courtesy of the Memorial Hermann
Katy, TX (January 18, 2016) After 3 years of opening the doors at Tompkins High School, the Falcon wrestlers took first place at the 2016 Seven Lakes Hall Of Fame Invitational. This is their first year with seniors, and was a huge moment for the team.
Content courtesy of Sonia Cerza
Katy, TX News (November 20, 2015) – Katy ISD’s newest high school campus, Tompkins High School, recently held their first-ever signing day for student athletes.
- Drew Guthrie, Harding University, Baseball
- Nick Hutchison. Texas A&M – Kingsville, Baseball
- Marissa Langer,University of Texas-Dallas, Golf
- Brittany Panetti,University of New Mexico, Basketball
- Kendall Rollins, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Basketball
Congratulations to these awesome young athletes for their success and hard work, and to Tompkins High School for their first signing day in school history.
Katy, TX News (September 29, 2015) – Utah-based Momentum Indoor Climbing has purchased land at the intersection of Kingsland Blvd. and Katy Mills Pkwy. and is slated to open in the summer of 2016.
Not only will this be Momentum Indoor Climbing’s first Houston location, it will also be the one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world. There will be 36,000 square feet dedicated to providing a mountain climber’s paradise, with 50 feet of climbing, yoga classes, and a fitness area.
For more information about what’s coming soon or just opening in Katy, read the New to Katy section in every issue of Katy Magazine!
Katy, TX News (September 24, 2015) – In recognition of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, various Taylor High School football, band, Pacesetters, cheer squad and flagmen will wear the color gold to help raise awareness.
“It’s been great to have the support of the community to help spread awareness of childhood cancer,” said Kay Curry, mother of Lilli, a 9th-grade freshman at Taylor HS who has been battling cancer for four years. Curry has been working with neighbors to spread awareness of childhood cancer. “That the staff and students at Taylor would rally around the effort in Friday’s game is amazing.”
While Taylor’s main color – blue – won’t change, the Taylor teams will add gold to their uniforms in the game Friday vs. Katy:
- The football team will wear gold arm bands.
- The coaches will wear gold visors.
- The cheer squad will wear gold bows in their hair and gold ribbons on their socks.
- The band will wear gold armbands.
- The Pacesetters will use gold pompoms.
- The flagmen will wear gold socks.
Earlier this month, the THS cheer squad and several local citizens wrapped gold bows around the trees in the median of Kingsland Blvd, the street that runs in front of Taylor High School and neighboring Nottingham Country Elementary.
“Currently, THS has students fighting Childhood Cancer and we also have current cheerleaders who have lost siblings to Childhood Cancer,” said Reyna Wagner, THS varsity cheerleading and flagmen coach. “That is why when this awareness and opportunity came up, the Cheerleading Program at THS wanted to spread awareness, because it has affected us at ‘home’.”
Curry is appreciative, “It’s so heartwarming to have the support of friends and neighbors for those of us impacted by this horrible disease. Childhood cancer is a lot less rare than most people think. Unfortunately, in our journey, I’ve become aware of other children impacted by cancer in the Katy area. The statistics on childhood cancer are sad.”
Those stats include:
- Every three minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer
- 1 in 285 children will get cancer before the age of 20
- Every year, the parents of approximately 16,000 children in the US will hear the words ‘your child has cancer’
- Of all the federal funds earmarked for cancer research, only 4% is directed toward childhood cancer research
Curry and neighbors also have worked this month with other schools to help spread awareness of childhood cancer in one way or another (faculty/staff wearing gold ribbons, distributing fact sheets about childhood cancer, wearing gold shirts to school, posting a message on the marquee, etc.). Some of those schools include Nottingham Country Elementary, Memorial Parkway Elementary, Memorial Parkway Junior High, Bonnie Holland Elementary and Beck Junior High.
Katy, TX News (January 26, 2015) – Brittany Bowles, Elena Irvine, and Amanda Stoner from St John XXIII College Preparatory in Katy, Texas are three of more than 500 high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. who performed in the world famous London New Year’s Day Parade, now in its 26th year.
The individuals invited to perform in the parade qualified for the trip after being selected as an All American at one of the summer camps hosted by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), United Spirit Association (USA), Universal Dance Association (UDA) and National Dance Alliance (NDA). All Americans are selected to try out based on superior cheerleading skills at camps across the country.
Varsity has been hosting camps since 1974. Since then, they have been leading the way by combing high energy entertainment with traditional school leadership. Each year Varsity Brands trains over 325,000 cheerleaders at over 5,000 camp sessions.
Only the top 12% of the cheerleaders who attend Varsity summer camps earn the chance to march in the holiday spectacular. In addition to performing in the London parade, the All Americans had a chance to tour London during their seven-day trip.
“This is the 26th year we’ve been able to bring talented cheerleaders to London, where they can showcase their skills to a very enthusiastic international audience,” says Mike Fultz, the Varsity International Event Coordinator.
Katy, TX News (December 29, 2014) – A few members of the Katy Sun Devils sixth-grade football team were recently won the Houston Football University national championship in Naples, Florida. The Katy Sun Devils are ranked #1 in the nation for sixth-grade by National Sports Report (NSR) and they will be competing in the NSR National Tournament to defend their ranking.
Katy, TX News (September 4, 2014) – The Taylor Lacrosse Club, established in 2003, is the oldest high school lacrosse club in the Katy, Texas area. A number of players have gone on to play lacrosse at the college level at schools such as Marymount, Oklahoma, UT Austin, Texas State, Texas A&M, North Texas, Shenandoah College, Rollins and Sam Houston State.
Since lacrosse is not a UIL sport in Texas, it is considered a club in Katy ISD. Taylor club is looking to change its name to the Katy Kings for the 2016 season due to the wide range of players that come from schools all over the district, and many consider lacrosse to be the perfect off season sport for football players. Practice starts in September and the season runs from late January to late April.
JetLax plays at the Division II level and has had players from Taylor, Cinco Ranch, Morton Ranch and Katy High Schools that play under the direction of the Texas High School Lacrosse League. Division opponents are Fort Bend, Lamar, St. Thomas, Stratford and Westside. The Texas High School Lacross League has 27 different lacrosse teams across the Houston metropolitan area, and has clubs for female as well as elementary and junior high players.
If you are interested in coaching or playing for JetLax, visit www.taylorlacrosse.com.
Katy, TX News (June 4, 2014) – Emily Couch, a sophomore at Katy High School, is a member of the varsity golf team. During the 2014 school year, Couch was selected to play in the Shell Houston Open Pro-Junior Event, which is organized through the Houston Golf Association. She was paired with professional golfer Brandon Grace of South Africa and two male golfers Case Garrison and Sean Cleland. The foursome shot a score of 31, taking first place in the event.
Fifty teams from across the nation traveled to Lubbock this past week in the battle for Premier Baseball’s National Sophomore Championship Title. Three of the four teams in the semifinals were from Texas. Three of the athletes photographed from Katy are: Taylor Jiral – Cinco Ranch High School sophomore; Hunter Wells – Cinco Ranch High School sophomore; and Ryan Hill– Taylor High School sophomore.
From the left: Coach David Hart, Trevor Hand, Nick Airhart, Taylor Jiral, Zach Zubia, Hunter Wells, Tyler Turner, Clayton Kopecky, Trent Murphy, Brady Burns, Chris Winter, Cody Lee, Cody LeCompte, Josh Biles, Evian Benjamin, Ryan Hill, Coach Jack Rodriguez, Coach James Ulsh. Not pictured: Nick Tanner, Chris Andritsos, Ryan Stanley, Josh Wallace, Wendell Champion, Chandler Morris.
Find out more information here: www.premierbaseball.net/?page=tournamentschedule&tournament=3
Katy, TX (July 29, 2013) – While attending an Offense-Defense Football Camp this summer, Katy area youth Channing P. Dumas, JR., age 9 years old, of Katy, TX, was named an Offense-Defense All-American and invited to participate in the 8th-annual Offense-Defense Bowl Week festivities taking place at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL.
Channing P. Dumas
Channing, known to his family, friends, and team mates as “C.J”, a Quarterback/Safety for Katy Youth Football Junior Varsity Ravens, was selected for this honor from a group of young athletes numbering in the thousands across the country and played well representing Katy, TX, easily validating the Bowl Selection Committee’s choice in tabbing Channing for the All-Star tilt. The Offense-Defense Youth All-American Bowl is part of a week-long series of events including the televised, 8th-annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, an All-Star football game showcasing 88 of the top high school seniors in the country and has featured current NFL pros such as Cam Newton, Carlos Dunlap, and Dez Bryant among others before they were collegiate and later professional stars.
KATY, TX – (July 25, 2013) – Eighteen-year-old Jasmine Williams, a Katy, TX resident, is a liver and kidney transplant recipient who, at age 7, was diagnosed with hyperoxaluria with oxalosis type 1, a rare genetic disorder in which a liver enzyme is defective which impacts the function of a person’s kidney. Originally from Louisiana, Jasmine and her family would drive to and from Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for appointments and treatment. At age 8, Jasmine received her much needed donor liver and kidney and was given a second chance at life.
Jasmine Williams
Two years after her transplant, Jasmine began to play softball and found joy in sports that she was unable to play while on the organ wait lists. Jasmine will get to use those skills at the 2013 World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa competing in bowling, lawn bowling and badminton.
Jasmine is one of seven transplant recipients who boarded a plane today to Durban, South Africa, to represent Texas Children’s Hospital and Team USA at the 19th World Transplant Games. There, these patients will join thousands of other athletes from around the world whose lives were saved by organ transplantation to compete for the gold. For more information about transplantation at Texas Children’s Hospital visit: www.texaschildrens.org/transplant.
Attending the Games with Texas Children’s are three renal transplant patients, two heart transplant patients, a lung transplant patient and a patient who received a kidney-liver transplant. They will participate during the week long, Olympic-style event that celebrates patient athletes who have received life-saving organ transplants.
“All of these participants had to adhere to stringent guidelines while on their respective organ waitlists which included anything from activity restrictions to travel restrictions, both of which can impact the entire family,” said Dr. John Goss, medical director of the transplantation program at Texas Children’s Hospital and professor of surgery and director of the Abdominal Transplant Center at Baylor College of Medicine. “After the surgery, most patients are able to resume normal activities within three months, and, as evidenced by the patients participating in the Games, can expect a full recovery.”
Nearly 1,500 athletes from more than 55 countries are expected to attend the World Transplant Games. The main goal of the event is to raise public awareness of the benefits of organ donation by demonstrating the health benefits that can be achieved through physical activities and sports after organ transplantation. The Opening Ceremonies on July 29 will include the parade of athletes and the lighting of the cauldron. The event concludes Aug. 3 with Closing Ceremonies where the Team Cup Award and Outstanding Athlete Award winners will be announced.
“Participating in the World Transplant Games provides these young men and women an opportunity to truly demonstrate how much their lives have changed by receiving a life-saving transplant,” said Helen Currier, director of Renal and Pheresis Services at Texas Children’s Hospital. “A major emphasis for our team, through our Quality of Life program, is to help recent transplant patients focus on having a normal life that is not defined by medical challenges.”
Recently, Texas Children’s Hospital entered into a management agreement with the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio to help expand access to world-class pediatric care to that area. As a way to continue delivering on that promise to provide access to care and opportunities to those in the San Antonio market, Texas Children’s Hospital extended an invitation to a transplant patient from the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio to attend the Games.
Katy, TX (July 23, 2013) – The Katy Spartans 9u AAA team, comprised of players from Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, and Weston Lakes areas, recently competed in the USSSA Global World Series in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
After pool play and a few rain delays, the Spartans overcame all adversities and left Gulf Shores as the champions in the 9u open division. They had an overall record of 6-2 and out scored their opponents 78-35. The boys were thrilled to bring their trophy and championship rings home to Katy, TX.
Team members include Brady Hughes, Jackson Pursley, Luke Guzzetta, Jack Little, Noah Shipp, Braden Phillips, Leighton Reddy, Jonah Thigpen, Jared Schaeffer, Nathanial Lopez, and Justin Ashworth. Mark Little, Steve Guzzetta, Todd Shipp, and Mike Pursley proudly serve as coaches to this team of all-stars.
Katy, TX (June 18, 2013) – During the June Work Study meeting, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved a recommendation by Superintendent Alton Frailey to retain the services of PBK Architects for the design services associated with the proposed construction of a new second stadium. Available 2010 Bond funds are proposed to fund the initial design work.
The recommendation for design work associated with the proposed second stadium comes from the need for additional athletic and fine arts support facilities to keep pace with student growth at the secondary level within the district.
PBK Architects are deemed best qualified for this service, having successfully completed numerous stadium projects across the state, including multiple projects at the Rhodes stadium complex.
Katy, Texas – July 3, 2013 – The Nottingham Country Swim Team recently honored Les and Pam Roberson for their 23-year involvement with Nottingham Country Swim Team (NCST).
Pam and Les Roberson
In their honor, the group instituted a panicle award that will be given to future swimmers for outstanding achievement and excellence in swimming. Les and Pam Roberson have four grown children, each who swam consecutively from start to finish: 12 yrs., 13 yrs., 13 yrs., and 12 yrs. In addition, Pam and Les have spent their wedding anniversary at the Meet of Champs for the last 20 yrs. They were honored for their consistent service to both the local swim team and the Meet of Champs.
The Roberson Award will be given annually to a swimmer who demonstrates exceptional dedication, determination, commitment, and sportsmanship throughout the season, who has the support for their fellow teammates and the desire to become the best swimmer they can be. The Roberson Award is Nottingham Country Swim Team’s (NCST) panicle award for excellence.
Katy, TX – Memorial Herman is the first health system in Houston to launch a sports medicine mobile application (app) targeted at coaches, trainers, athletes and parents. Available to download for free on any iPhone, the new app is a guide to the most common sports-related injuries and treatments, as well as related tips and information from Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute experts.
“As athletic trainers, we talk to coaches, trainers, athletes and parents daily,” said Kevin Bastin, director of athletic outreach services at Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute. “During our ongoing interactions with these folks, we came to realize we needed a more effective and convenient way to share basic information. A mobile phone app, working in conjunction with our Web site and continued one-on-one communication, was the best solution.”
Key features of the mobile app include:
- Information on sports injuries, concussion and heat stroke – Learn what to do when a player is injured, including when to call 911.
- Weather update – Get animated radar with sunrise and sunset times. Know when to go inside during a storm and when it’s safe to return to play.
- Sports medicine tips – Watch sports medicine and performance improvement video tips from sports medicine experts.
- Directory of athletic trainers, map of locations – Using the directory, call or email questions or concerns to Memorial Hermann athletic trainers who support athletes around the greater Houston area. Also, find Memorial Hermann ERs, physical therapy clinics and a Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute location near you.
“We believe that this new app will help the public identify common injuries that occur in athletic competition and provide basic guidelines on how to best manage the injuries,” added Bastin.
The mobile phone app will be available on Android systems later this summer.
The Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute, with locations in the TexasMedicalCenter, MemorialCity and The Woodlands, provides athletes’ access to sports medicine-trained orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, biomechanists, exercise physiologists and sports dieticians. The experts work with athletes of all ages and abilities to develop individualized and comprehensive treatment programs – from injury prevention and performance improvement to orthopedic surgery and post-injury rehabilitation. For more information, visit www.ironman.memorialhermann.org.
Five local athletic trainers were recently awarded Sports Medicine scholarships from Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Katy High School recipients Danielle Carlin and Alyssa Carlin, Cinco Ranch High School’s Dakota Brower, Taylor High School recipient Juliana Jimenez and Seven Lakes High School’s Whitney White each received $600 in recognition of the distinguished service they provided to Katy ISD athletic programs during their high school careers.
Each student has big plans for the future. Danielle Carlin will attend HoustonCommunity College and Alyssa Carlin will travel west to San Marcos where she is enrolled at Texas State University. Dakota Brower will train to become an EMT at Houston Community College while Juliana Jimenez will start her studies at The University of Texas in Austin. Whitney White is attending BlinnCollege in the fall. For more information on Memorial Hermann Katy, call 281.644.7000.
Pictured from left to right: Scott Barbe, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital CEO; Charlie Stevens, Katy ISD Assistant Athletic Director; Russell Sadberry, Katy High School Athletic Trainer; Danielle Carlin; Justin Landers, Katy High School Athletic Trainer; Alyssa Carlin; Bennett Johnson, Cinco Ranch High School Athletic Trainer; Dakota Brower; Anjanette Butts, Taylor High School Athletic Trainer; Juliana Jimenez; David Worden, Seven Lakes High School Trainer; and Jim Parisi, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital COO. Whitney White is not pictured.
Morton Ranch High School senior Elijah Hall-Thompson competed in the UIL Track and Field State Meet in Austin. With this time, he became number one among high school athletes in the nation in the 200 meters. He has been invited to compete in the Adidas Dream 100 in New York in two weeks. Only the top athletes get an invite. He ran his personal best in both events.
Elijah Hall-Thompson
He represented the school well by winning two gold medals, competing in the conference 5A 100 meter and 200 meter dash. He blazed the track with a time of 10.26 in the 100 meter dash edging out Kyle Fulks of Katy to win first place. He ran away from the competition in the 200 meter dash winning first place with a time of 20.6.
Videos of the race can be found at the following link: http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/250693-UIL-Texas-State-Championship-Track-and-Field-Meet-2013
For more information, contact William Gulley at MRHS.
Elijah Hall-Thompson
Mary-Kate Cooper, a fifth grader at Memorial Parkway Elementary School, recently competed in the Kansas Girls Wrestling State Championships. The tournament, which is open to girls K-12 from any state, is held every year in McPherson, KS.
Mary-Kate, 96 pounds, placed first in the elementary division (grades K-5) in the 106 lb weight class. She also wrestled in the middle school (grades 6-8) 99 lb weight class and placed third. Mary-Kate, a fourth year wrestler, wrestles for the Katy Area Wrestling Club and is coached by Doug Koger.
Seven Lakes offensive guard Caleb Benenoch has seen progressively more interest in him as a player over the past year. Originally a Michigan State commit, the high three-star prospect received new offers from Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and UCLA.
The 6-foot-5, 321-pound Benenoch decided to de-commit from Michigan State in June. After showing interest in several schools he was between two programs – Baylor and UCLA – and officially visited both campuses in recent weeks.
On Monday morning, in front of a small gathering of his fellow senior teammates at Seven Lakes, Benenoch announced his commitment. He started by thanking his teammates.
“I want to tell everybody ‘Thank you.’ Thank you for being my teammates – some of y’all for four years,” Benenoch said. “Y’all are a big part of my success. We shed blood, sweat and tears together for four years. It’s been really great being a part of this.”
He then talked about the process of choosing a school.
“As far as college goes, I committed to Michigan State a while ago, early in the process, and then opened my recruitment back up,” he said. “It’s been a long process and I’ve had a lot of fun but I want it to come to an end today. It took a lot to make this decision. I talked to my parents and prayed about it for a long time.”
Benenoch then let his intentions be known that he would be a UCLA Bruin.
“I wanted to stay closer to home so y’all can watch me play and to be close to my family and friends,” he said. “After taking all my visits, though, I’ve decided that the best option for me is to go to Westwood and play for UCLA.”
He chose to play at the Pac-12 program for several reasons but a big one was offensive line coach Adrian Klemm.
“I really just felt at home there,” he said of UCLA. “I really like the offensive line coach, coach Klemm. He played in the NFL so he knows what it takes to get there. The other offensive linemen in the class, it’s a really good class and we have a chance to be a part of something big. I’m really excited.”
Benenoch’s older brother, Josh Benenoch, plays for Baylor and the Bears also received his last visit. It was not quite enough to make up ground on UCLA though.
“It was tough to pick against Baylor and they really made me think when I visited there,” he said. “I could have played with my brother, which I haven’t done since I was a freshman, but my heart was just set on UCLA.”
Benenoch is ranked as the No. 25 offensive guard in the country and the No. 76 overall prospect in the state of Texas. He is commitment No. 19 in the class for UCLA and the seventh offensive line pledge for the Bruins.
Austin Vacek currently 18 years old, started swimming part time just 5 years ago and moved to year-round swimming with KATY Aquatics in 2009. He has made rapid improvement over the past three years, including advancing to the Junior National Championships that were held in August at Indianapolis, IN and the Minneapolis Grand Prix that was held earlier this month in Minnesota.
Austin is home-schooled and currently a High School Senior. Since applying to many colleges and Universities earlier this fall, he has received several offers for Swimming Scholarships including West Point, Texas A&M and The University of Texas, just to name a few. On Friday, November 16, Austin officially made his choice and signed a letter of intent to swim at The University of Texas in Austin. The UT men’s swimming program won the NCAA Division I Championships in 2010 and has been second place in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012.
Austin is now looking forward to finishing an outstanding year at KATY Aquatics while anticipating his start with UT in the fall of 2013. Austin is scheduled to compete at the Junior Nationals in December at the University of Tennessee. The parents of Austin Vacek are Dan and Sherre Vacek. His coach is Troy Emmons, Head Coach of KATY Aquatics.
The KATY Aquatics coaching staff and team would like to congratulate Austin on his accomplishments both in and out of the pool and wish him well during his collegiate career at The University of Texas!
Left to Right: Dan Vacek (father), Austin Vacek (center), Troy Emmons, Head Coach KATY Aquatics (left)
This October, Roger Clemens, former Houston Astro, spoke to Mrs. Poss’ Communication Applications classes at Taylor High School.
The students were doing a project on leadership and a student picked Mr. Clemens as his leader. The student contacted Mr. Clemens and he graciously agreed to come speak to the student’s class. Clemens spoke about different leadership roles, how to overcome obstacles, and how to achieve success.
After Clemens spoke he signed autographs and let the students see his “Team of the Decade” championship ring.
The Communication Application’s class teaches students communication skills that allow them to understand the communication process as well as the verbal, nonverbal, and listening skills involved in personal and professional communication.
Having been a Houston Astro, Clemens knows what it takes to be a public figure. He has the knowledge and experience of having to communicate with large groups of people and also knows valuable life skills that have helped him reach fame.
The kids of Mrs. Poss’ classes as well as Taylor High School were glad to welcome the iconic Roger Clemens.
Rosanne Legon and Randy and Maria Semroska will compete at the 14th annual Fete de Lune veterans' fencing tournament on Aug. 18 in the Gilruth Center at the Johnson Space Center. Veterans' tournaments are for competitive fencers age 40 and over. Legon and the Semroskas have been long-time members of the Katy Blades Fencing Academy, competing in tournaments throughout Texas.
Seven-year-old Grace Howard of Katy recently competed in the 46th USATF Junior Olympics Track and Field Championships in Baltimore, MD along with 8,000 other youth at WAC Hughes Stadium on the campus of Morgan State.
Howard made it to the national competition after medaling in the qualifier and regional track meets in the 200-meter dash, 4×400-meter relay, and 4×100-meter relay. Howard ended the season as one of the top 25 200-meter runners in her age group nationally. She is a student at Alexander Elementary School.
Howard is pictured with two medals for her third-place finish in the 4×400-meter relay and eighth-place finish in the 4×100-metter relay in the sub-bantam age group (ages 8 and under). Howard and fellow members of the 4×400-meter relay team, including Ireyana Jefferson, JaNisha Johnson, Madisyn Woodfork, and alternate Autumn Brent competed against 19 other teams from across the nation. Howard and fellow members of the 4×100-meter relay team, including Lauren Moore, JaNisha Johnson, and Madisyn Woodfork competed against 25 other teams from across the nation.
These girls have been competing locally since March in various track meets throughout Houston and surrounding areas with the Track Houston Track Club.
Katy has a new three-time world champion. Mikayla Francisco, age 8, recently took home three gold world champion titles in traditional form, sparring, and creative form at the American Taekwondo Association’s World Championships in Little Rock, AR. She competed in a total of seven top 10 divisions, placing in each event with three silver medals in traditional weapon, extreme form, and extreme weapon, and a bronze medal in creative weapon.
Francisco was first enthralled by her two older cousins performing Taekwondo forms on a white, powdery sand beach during a family reunion in late December 2008. At the age of 4, she declined her father's offer to sign her up for youth soccer and figured that it could not match the attraction of a crisp, white uniform (Dobok), punching and kicking techniques, and learning the bo staff (Jahng Bong).
In January 2009, Francisco began lessons at Katy ATA Black Belt Academy, starting as a white belt Tiny Tiger. She showed good promise as a color belt, competing at regional tournaments and eventually becoming a young junior leader. At age 6, she earned her first Texas state champion title in creative form.
During the 2010 to 2011 season, Francisco continued to excel in each of the color belt forms and competed in both regional and national tournaments. At age 7, she earned five Texas state champion titles in traditional form, traditional weapon, sparring, creative form, and creative weapon in 2011.
She was promoted to the rank of first degree black belt in June 2011 at age 7. The 2011 to 2012 season would prove to be her road to the world championships. Francisco trained numerous hours with world champion Taekwondo instructors, third to fifth degree black belt instructors, and tumbling coaches based in Katy, as well as with an extreme martial arts instructor, based in Los Angeles.
Along with her 2012 world championship achievements, Francisco also earned seven Texas state champion titles in traditional form, traditional weapon, sparring, creative form, creative weapon, extreme form, and extreme weapon.
Her parents, Tim and Maristelle Francisco, believe that the leadership program helped her establish goals and objectives, focusing on courtesy, loyalty, respect, perseverance, honor, integrity, and self-control, the basic tenets of Taekwondo.
Entering fourth grade this fall at Stanley Elementary, Francisco continues to be an A student. She also has a passion for piano, tumbling, and her Katy ISD Destination Imagination team, which rounds out her activity schedule.
Katy ISD and Katy Athletics are proud to announce the return of Memorial Hermann Katy as the official healthcare provider for the district’s athletic program. Memorial Hermann and Katy ISD originally entered into this agreement back in 2008. The agreement started out as a partnership with Memorial Hermann physicians and the district’s trainers to provide timely and cardiovascular screenings, nutrition letters, and Saturday morning athletic clinics. Katy ISD’s trainers work in tandem with Memorial Hermann’s team to constantly educate student-athletes, ensuring long-term wellness and short-term success in their athletic outings.
“Memorial Hermann prides itself on providing top-notch care and protecting and caring for Katy’s student-athletes, their parents, and the community as a whole,” says Diana Schauer-Tran, marketing director for Memorial Hermann Katy.
Charles Stevens, Katy ISD assistant athletic director, spearheaded the agreement back in 2008 and couldn’t be more pleased to continue through 2013. “Our trainers know that when a student-athlete suffers an injury, the physicians at Memorial Hermann will provide high-quality care in a time-efficient manner,” says Stevens.
In addition to the physician support, Memorial Hermann provides scholarships to Katy ISD student trainers each year. Three 2012 Katy ISD graduates recently received a $1,000 scholarship each to assist with their college expenses.
The Grand Lakes Gators Swim Team, West Houston Aquatic League’s Division I champions, recently hosted a Swim-a-Thon with proceeds benefiting the Katy Wolf Pack. The Katy Wolf Pack is a Special Olympics Texas team, which offers softball, basketball, track and field, bocce ball, golf, bowling, and aquatics for individuals with intellectual disabilities who live in Katy and surrounding areas. Grand Lakes Gators swimmers collected pledges and swam up to 100 laps each, raising $1,500 to donate to their fellow Katy athletes to assist with the purchase of equipment and operating expenses. Wolf Pack athletes came to cheer on their Gator friends at the event. The Gators’ top fundraisers and coaches presented the Wolf Pack with a large check at the team’s end-of-the-year party.
Katy Honor, an 8U coach pitch baseball team, recently won second place in the Nations Baseball State Tournament. The select team finished its second season with a record of 47-16. The Katy Honor organization focuses on building character via baseball. Coaches and players, along with their families, made the season successful by demonstrating outstanding character.
The eighth-grade Katy Rebels-D’Addieco basketball team recently won first place in the Primetime tournament in Humble, with a record of 4-0. Team members put in extra effort to complete every play, which made all the difference in the games. Their strong defense allowed them to control the pace of the games and overcome opponents early, resulting in large margins of victory against quality teams. Team members include Allison, LaShanda, Kim, Sydney, Natalia, Alyssa, Emily, Delaney, Tianna, and Anna.
The Cinco Ranch Junior High girls’ volleyball team recently competed against several other schools in the Katy south region for the Katy ISD Summer Volleyball League championship. The team advanced to the final bracket against McMeans Junior High School and won first place in the league.
The Katy Turn 2 Titans, a local 10U Katy baseball team, recently won the USSSA Baseball State Championship on June 17. The Titans will be representing Katy in the USSSA Global World Series in Orange Beach, AL from July 18 to 22. Team members include front row, from left Antonio Araya, Carter Calland, Kyle Wong, Mitchell Bowman, middle row Clayton Wendel, Hunter Hillegeist, Tyroun Murray, Christian Garcia, Christian Limón, Gunner Thompson, back row Paul Wong, Erik Murray, Edward Limón, assistant coach Mario Garcia, and head coach Curtis Thompson.
The Katy Highflyers jump rope team will take center stage, when 20 team members travel to Long Beach, CA to compete at the U.S. National Jump Rope Championship from June 21 to 24. An additional five team members have also qualified for the U.S. National Team and are heading to the FISAC Rope Skipping Championship in Tampa, FL from July 30 to Aug. 9.
Leaping out of the Katy Family YMCA, the team includes jumpers in first grade through college. The Highflyers team initially took flight in fall 2000 under the leadership of coaches David Cazares and Tammy Aleman Cazares, and has been featured in local and national media, including ESPN and an X-Box 360 commercial with Chicago Bulls star Ben Wallace.
The Highflyers’ commitment to community service is a core fundamental of the group’s experience, and the team has performed in support of the America Heart Association, the Ronald McDonald House, America’s Walk for Diabetes, Walk MS, and the Houston Grand Prix. The Highflyers promote hard work, dedication, leadership, and responsibility – virtues essential to personal and professional success. To learn more about the team, contact coach David Cazares at 832-444-5375.
Seven Lakes High School senior Nicole Breaux recently signed with the University of Louisiana to play tennis. She was joined at the signing ceremony by (front row) her mom Tricia Breaux, Lanie Breaux, (back row) SLHS Principal Ted Vierling, Head Tennis Coach Kevin Mcilvain, her dad Barry Breaux, and Assistant Tennis Coach Joshua Martinez. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Seven Lakes High School senior Kyle Fitch recently signed with the University of Mary to play football. He was joined at the signing ceremony by (front row) his mom Tina Fitch, brother Luke Fitch, (back row) SLHS Athletic Coordinator Lydell Wilson, Assistant Football Coach Scott Joseph, dad Lingard Fitch, sister Lauren Fitch, and Assistant Football Coach David Pollack. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Morton Ranch High School seniors Jose Muniz and Matt Herrera recently signed letters of intent to play baseball at the University of Houston Victoria for the upcoming school year. They were joined at the signing ceremony by their parents, MRHS Athletic Coordinator Dave Meadows, Senior Class Assistant Principal Rom Crespo, Head Baseball Coach Jim Janczak, and Principal Mark Grisdale. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
MRHS student Jose Muniz with his parents Jose and Alma Muniz and MRHS staff members
MRHS student Matt Herrera with his parents Tom and Marguerite Herrera and MRHS staff members
The seventh-grade girls’ C basketball team at Cinco Ranch Junior High recently celebrated winning the district championship for the current season. The team was coached by JJ Haynie, and the girls finished the season with a record of 8-1. All of the team members were newbies to the sport this year, making their achievement that much greater. Team members include (back row, from left) Mackenzie Beard, Dana Pollack, Erin Spicer, Coach Haynie, Jasmine Rivera, Karla de la Luz, Jamie Shuerg, (front row, from left) Natalie Hagan, Megan Esch, Terra Kubala, Jean Blackwell, Paola Alcantara, and (not pictured) Sarah Foreman. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katyite Robert McArthur signed his letter of intent with MAC College Cardinals on Sunday, Jan. 15. McArthur currently plays select ball for the Texas Twins, a team based out of Katy High School and Foster High School in Richmond.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The James E. Taylor swimming and diving team recently participated in the Texas Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association Gulf Zone Championships at the Conroe ISD Natatorium. The men’s team took fifth place and the women’s team took ninth place out of 37 teams.
Taylor team members qualifying for the meet included: Kasey Palfreyman, Hanna Huston, Aila Taylor, Marie Saunders, Simone Romero, Carmina Alvarez, Galina Martin, Emily Roulston, Samantha Wong, Jordan Rodriguez, Megan Skinner, David Harlan, Anurag Gupta, Stuart Mossup, Alan Tankovich, James Taylor, Gavin Erdmann, Josh Kingma, Andre Romero, Skyler Phillips, Patrick Rozum, Travis Loveland, Galen Sulistyo, Kevin Hammack, Chris High, and Christian Martin.
Finalists included:
200 Yard Medley Relay
Women: Kasey Palfreyman, Hanna Huston, Aila Taylor, and Marie Saunders – seventh place
Men: Stuart Mossup, Alan Tankovich, James Taylor, and Gavin Erdmann – seventh place
200 Yard Freestyle
Women: Hanna Huston – fifth place
Men: David Harlan – third place
200 Yard IM
Women: Marie Saunders – 15th place
Men: Stuart Mossup – 14th place
Men’s 50 Yard Freestyle
James Taylor – seventh place
Men’s 1 Meter Diving
Kevin Hammack – 11th place
Chris High – 14th place
Christian Martin – 15th place
100 Yard Fly
Women: Hannah Huston – sixth place
Men: Alan Tankovich – 13th place
Men’s 100 Yard Freestyle
David Harlan – first place
Gavin Erdmann – 13th place
Men’s 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
David Harlan, Anurag Gupta, James Taylor, and Gavin Erdmann – seventh place
Men’s 100 Yard Backstroke
Gavin Erdmann – 14th place
100 Yard Breaststroke
Women: Aila Taylor – 12th place
Men: James Taylor – first place
400 Yard Freestyle Relay
Women: Marie Saunders, Samantha Wong, Aila Taylor, and Hanna Huston – seventh place
Men: David Harlan, Anurag Gupta, Alan Tankovich, Stuart Mossup, and Josh Kingma – seventh place
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Taylor High School varsity boys golf team recently won second place in Division II at the Dick Harmon Memorial Golf Tournament held at Redstone. Team members are: Taylor MacKay, Thomas Reilly, Ben Stephens, Ryan Miller, and Austin Partin.
In addition, MacKay finished first in individual play with a score of 71, 38 in the 27-hole event.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Senior Aaron Murray and Junior Maria Gonzales won medals at the TAPPS State Championship Cross Country Meet in Waco, Texas this past weekend. Murray, who joined the Pope John cross country team just last year, took home the first place medal for the second time. His 4800-meter course time of 15:30.6 minutes was the fastest time across all divisions. This first place win earned him the title of Boys 4A State Champion for the second year in a row.
Junior Maria Gonzales took second place in the 4A Girls Division, running the 3200-meter course in 12:20.5. This is Gonzales’ first year to place at the state meet and only second to participate, with a three minute improvement over her time in 2009 as a freshman.
“I’m very proud of what our runners have accomplished this year,” says Coach Hilda Gonzales. “We’ve worked hard towards developing a quality program and athletes like Aaron and Maria show that our hard work is paying off.”
Pope John XXIII High School opened its doors in 2004. Located in the heart of West Houston, Pope John XXIII High School strives to educate the whole student – mind, body, spirit, and imagination. With a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, strong Catholic identity, and emphasis on service and leadership, graduates move on to collegiate careers prepared to succeed.
For more information about Pope John XXIII High School, visit pj23.org.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
This past Saturday, Katy Youth Football (KYF) players and cheerleaders showed their support for Breast Cancer Awareness by wearing pick socks, mouthpieces, hair bows and other accessories during all KYF football games to help raise awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for the American Cancer Society to help support increased cancer research. There are close to 2,000 football players and cheerleaders in KYF, and the disease has personally affected many of the players and their families.
Senior Varsity Jets player Will Priest’s great grandmother was a 50-year breast cancer survivor. She had a bi-lateral radical mastectomy 50 years ago and passed away in January of 2011. Senior Varsity Texans Coach Wilson Hart lost his sister to breast cancer when she was just 38 years old.
“We want the kids to know that it is important for their moms, grandmothers, aunts and sisters to get tested. They can be a catalyst and help encourage their loved ones to get the tests they need for early diagnosis,” says Keri Sherman, team parent coordinator and board director member.
According to statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS), nearly 230,480 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2011, and another 57,650 will be diagnosed with carcinoma in situ (CIS), a non-invasive, early form of breast cancer.
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. More than 39,500 women will die from the disease in 2011. One woman in every eight will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.
Founded in 1980, Katy Youth Football is a 501c3 organization. KYF serves the community of Katy and surrounding areas with one of the nation’s premier football and cheerleading programs. The success of the program is directly linked to the dedication of the parents, coaches, children, and community.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The 13U Katy Wildcats have reason to celebrate. The baseball team was named champions of the recent Best of the Best Tournament held at Bear Creek Park. The Wildcats scored a total of 65 runs and only allowed 18 runs against them throughout the whole tournament.
Members of the team include: Payton Scott, Konner Cote, Hudson Pullin, Victor Zheng, Zachary Volan, Alan Winter, Andrew Prieto, Ross Brock, Kaito Soeda, and Josh Jiral. The team is coached by: Head Coach Skipper Scott, Brad Brock, Lee Pullin, Kevin Cote, and Donnie Martin.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Adam Rojas, 13, of Katy has been named to the 3rd Annual Offense-Defense Youth All-American Bowl. Rojas, a tail back for Woodcreek Junior High will join dozens of peers in his age group nationwide in an East meets West clash that is part of a week-long series of events leading up to the nationally televised, 6th Annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. The event is an all-star football game of similar format showcasing 80 of the top high school seniors in the country.
Rojas was selected from a group of young athletes numbering in the thousands across the country to participate in this one-of-a-kind all-star game. This year’s event will take place in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy is pleased to announce its newest class of Tiger Cub graduates, black belt students reaching new milestones and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level during the August rank exam.
Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 1 “Probationary” Black Belt: Bryce Amos, Jordan Huggins, Noah Lightsey, Angelica Murray, Brian Nguyen, Trey Reardon, Caroline Rush, Zachary Sumrall, George Wayne Theodoroulis.
Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 2 “Decided” Black Belt: Grayson Beall, Jean-Marc Boyce, Anthony Gaona, Noah Lerma, William Luke, Meghan Masson, Shreya Mehta, Gabriel Murray, Jack Reardon, Autumn Thompson.
Congratulations to the following students for earning their Second Degree Black Belts: Kirsten Madina, Dawson Seago.
The following students earned their Third Degree Black Belts: Brandon Komplin, Jai Manning-Shaw, Jacob Roopchand, Natalie Russo.
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy is also pleased to announce these dedicated students who passed testing requirements during the instructor exam to earn tiered instructor status. Congratulations, Max Conway, Noah Lightsey, Diego Velaochaga on becoming Level 1 instructors! Congratulations, William Luke, Catherine Weldon on becoming Level 2 instructors!
Congratulations to the following students who graduated from the Tiger Cubs program into the Junior program: Ethan Barker, Alexa Gaona, Nathan Koons.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Firethorne to Host Two Triathlons in One Weekend: Kiwanis Kids Triathlon Announced for Sat., Oct. 29
Firethorne will host two triathlons in one weekend this October with its first-ever Kiwanis Kids Triathlon Series Race No. 9 for children on Saturday, October 29 at 8 a.m., followed by the 19th Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne Sunday, October 30 from 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Both USA Triathlon-sanctioned races will be positioned in and around the 1,400-acre Firethorne residential community on FM 1463, near the crossroads of the I-10 West corridor, Westpark Tollway and Grand Parkway in Katy/Fulshear.
“We are pleased to introduce the Kiwanis Kids Triathlon to Firethorne this year and welcome back the Katy Triathlon for the third year,” says Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer.
Organizers expect approximately 200 participants for the children’s race and 900 in the Katy Triathlon at Firethorne coming from throughout the Houston metropolitan area and the state.
The Katy Triathlon at Firethorne encompasses a 16-mile bike race, a three-mile run and a 500-meter swim in Lake Firethorne. Rotary Club of Katy has sponsored the Katy race for more than 10 years, according to President-Elect Dr. Ralph Brock. The Club organizes more than 40 of its own member-volunteers, in addition to helpers from Cinco Ranch High School FBLA, Rotary Interact Club and Boy Scouts to orchestrate the Katy Triathlon.
The Kiwanis Kids Triathlon Series Race No. 9, open to children ages 6-12 (birth years 1999-2004), will vary its course length according to birth year/age group. The swimming leg will be held in Firethorne’s new competitive lap pool. For registration for the USA Triathlon-sanctioned race, visit: https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/75756.
The Sunday cycling route for adults will include sections of FM 1463 and US Hwy. 90 within the Katy city limits.
“Firethorne opened a six-lane, 25-yard-long competitive lap pool earlier this summer that is an ideal place for residents to train,” says veteran Race Director Dave Rainey.
Katy Triathlon registration is open and continues through October 25. The complete fee structure and deadlines are posted on the event website, katytriathlon.com.
The Rotary Club of Katy donates event proceeds to the Katy Rotary Fund, which supports local charities for their work in providing essential health, recreation and educational services to children in Katy ISD. In July, the Rotary Fund awarded $21,000 in scholarships, $1,500 each to 14 graduating seniors from the district’s six high schools. Race sponsorships, underwriters and in-kind underwriters are available. For information, call Vicki Rao, 281-391-3655.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Seven Lakes High School’s varsity volleyball team recently placed second at the Remedy Roofing Volleyball Classic. Teams played over two days at Katy ISD high schools. Seven Lakes won their final game against Tomball High School.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Beginning this fall, KUBE-TV Channel 57 will offer Katy ISD high school football fans the chance to watch the game in the comfort of their own home. Seven Lakes, Cinco Ranch, Morton Ranch and Katy high school games will all air on the Houston broadcast channel.
With the start of the new school year, The KUBE will kick-off its weekly coverage of high school sports with “Thursday Night Showdown,” which will feature eight high school football games during the season. Live coverage of each game will begin at 7 p.m. and will highlight some of the biggest high school football rivalries in the Houston area. The season will begin on Aug. 25.
Katy-area games to be shown include:
Sept. 29 Seven Lakes Spartans vs. Cinco Ranch Cougars
Oct. 6 Katy Tigers vs. Morton Ranch Mavericks
Two additional playoff games will be aired with teams determined by ranking and division.
In addition live high school football coverage every Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m., KUBE-TV will air “The High School SportZone,” a locally produced sports program dedicated to high school sports and hosted by veteran sportscaster Todd Freed, who has been covering Houston high school sports for more than a decade. This fast-paced, 60-minute show offers all high school sports throughout the entire school year.
During the show, Freed, the recipient of two prestigious Lone Star Emmy Awards, including the Host/Producer of the Best Sports Show in Texas, will present action packed highlights and conduct compelling interviews with student athletes and coaches. In addition, each week, Freed will bring in a team that has demonstrated exceptional talent on the field or court for his “Team of the Week” segment. The team chosen for this honor distinguished itself with outstanding play and ability.
“It’s awesome to present a show that I believe is bigger and better than ever,” Freed says. “I’m confident high school fans across greater Houston are going to enjoy what they see — with 60 minutes of action-packed sports though the entire school year.”
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
James E. Taylor High School’s Albert Riley has committed to swim for Texas A&M University. Riley graduated from Taylor High School in May. He was coached by Rick Barker at Taylor and Clayton Cagle at Cypress-Fairbanks Swim Team in Cypress.
Riley is an eight-time All-America selection. At the Texas State meet in March 2011, he placed third in the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 20.79 second and fourth in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 45.05 seconds, breaking school records in both events. At the Regionals meet in February, he set a meet record in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 45.44 seconds. He finished in the top 30 at the December 2010 Junior Short Course Nationals in multiple events with times of 21.20 seconds in the 50-meter freestyle, 46.36 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle, and 1:40.39 in the 200-meter freestyle.
Riley was selected as the Taylor High School Athlete of the year
for 2010-2011 and Katy ISD District Swimmer of the Year 2011. He is the son of Albert and Carrie Riley and plans on pursuing a degree in accounting and finance at A&M.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy High School’s junior varsity and varsity cheerleading squads have had a busy and productive summer as they gear up for the 2011-2012 school year. The junior varsity squad recently held their annual Red & White game and the varsity squad won three trophies at the Woodland’s Elite Cheer Camp.
The junior varsity squad holds the Red & White game at the end of each school year. Members who participated include: Maranda Ripperger, Courtney Alexander, Annie Rymes,Co-Captain Hannah Martin, Carling Williams, Laura Ann Thiele, Alicia Walker, Danielle Golden, Co-Captain Devyn Harris, Brianna Wadas, Avery Carrier, and Chelsea Beauford.
Katy High School varsity cheerleaders won Most Game-Ready Squad at the Wooland’s Elite Cheer Camp, while Kara Hanson won Best Jumper and Shelby Walker was awarded Most Passionate Mascot. Members who participated include: Taylor Marks, Camilla Reed, Carley Roseberry, Victoria Holsey, Mallory Montgomery, Kara Hanson, Sara Rucker, Lauren White, Co-Captain Lauren Ellingson, Co-Captain Amber Treybig, Alexis Bailey, Victoria Dresden, and Shelby Walker.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Russell Morrison, an incoming eighth grade student at Beck Junior High, was selected to compete with 28 other eighth graders from around the county in the National Football Academy’s Quarterback Competition at the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.
After the morning session of throwing accuracy testing, footwork, speed and arm strength testing and coverage reads, the student athletes competed in the Gauntlet, a timed obstacle course testing throwing accuracy, footwork and speed. When the numbers were tallied Morrison was one of the five finalist competing for the eighth grade National Championship.
In the final competition Morrison was the third to run the Gauntlet, hitting four of five targets in 38 seconds and winning the national championship.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital recently awarded $750 scholarships to athletic trainers from several local high schools.
Those honored from Katy ISD include: Katy High School graduate Pricilla Chavez, who will be attending Vet Tech Institute in the fall; Cinco Ranch High School graduate Sarah Kolb, who will be attending Blinn College; Cinco Ranch High School graduate Chloe Gessner, who will be attending Sam Houston State University; and Seven Lakes High School graduate Reid McClusky, who will be attending Blinn College.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy announced its newest class of Tiger Cub graduates, black belt students reaching new milestones and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level during the June rank exam.
Students who earned their First Degree Level 1 “Probationary” Black Belt are: Jean-Marc Boyce, Christopher Cieslewicz, Benjamin Key, Noah Lerma, William Luke, Shreya Mehta, Matthew Morris, Gabriel Murray, and Autumn Thompson.
Students who earned their First Degree Level 2 “Decided” Black Belt are: Kevin Aguilar, Brandon Baker, Jordyn Blonder, Jake Brown, Sneha Chezhian, Nicholas Garcia, Sanjana Menon, and Nicholas Pohla.
Students who earned their Second Degree Black Belts are: Barbara Duncan, Efosa Ehimwenma, Joey Fullinwider, Sassoon Haroutounian, Efren Munoz, Nicholas Munoz, and Madison Schenk.
Students who earned their Third Degree Black Belts are: Travis Atchley, Nikki Harris, and Arya Muralidharan.
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy also recognized students who passed testing requirements during the instructor exam to earn tiered instructor status. Garrett Clancy became a Level 1 instructor, and Bill Weldon earned his Level 4 instructor certification.
Finally, Katy TaeKwonDo recognized student Alessandro Brazo who graduated from the Tiger Cubs program into the Junior program.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Kilpatrick Elementary recently celebrated its own 2011 USATF Region 12 Junior Olympic Champions who are headed to the Junior Olympics in Wichita, KS.
Fifth grader Kendrick Leggins and third grader Finnley Polidore are members of the Track Houston Youth Track Club and competed in the USATF Region 12 Junior Olympic Championship in Arlington on July 6-9.
Leggins ran the 200m, 4x100m relay and the 400m where he earned the gold medal, silver medal and sixth place respectively. Polidore competed in the 4x400m relay, 4x100m relay and the 200m run where he earned the gold medal, bronze medal and seventh place respectively.
In each event, the top five athletes advance on to the 2011 USATF National Junior Olympic Championship in Wichita on July 26-31 where they will compete amongst the nation’s best athletes in their age groups.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Brooks Sports, Inc. recently named Taylor High School Cross Country Coach Amy Pitzel as the nation’s most inspiring coach for 2011. Pitzel was chosen from a nationwide pool of entries representing 46 states. As part of winning the award, Pitzel will receive $5,000 in Brooks gear for the Taylor High School program, $500 in cash for team expenses and a trip for two to the Brooks PR Invitational in 2012.
The Brooks Inspiring Coach of the Year Award recognizes 10 finalists and one winning cross country and track and field coach who made a significant, positive impact on the lives of their athletes.
In a video currently posted on the Brooks blog, Pitzel says, “There was a pretty elite group of coaches that were nominated, so I didn’t know what my chances were…I feel like I owe this all to my team because they were the ones that nominated me. They are a very special group of kids and parents.”
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Taylor High School Cross Country Coach Amy Pitzel receives her Inspiring Coaches award from Brooks CEO Jim Weber.
Members of the Southwest Juniors 14U Asics volleyball team, comprised of girls from Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg and Sugar Land, will be heading to Atlanta, Ga. to compete in the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships June 25-28. They are the only team from the Houston area who qualified to play in the 14U Open Division. The girls will stack up against the best 31 other teams from across our country.
The season began with a bang when the Southwest Juniors 14U Asics, coached by Priscilla Sandoval, won the first official tournament of the year, The Texas Region Warm-Up Tournament, held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Mid-season the team was reaping rewards as they won third in the Tour of Texas Championship.
When it counted the most, the Southwest Juniors 14U club headed to the Big South National Qualifier to earn a bid to the USA National Championships. There were 72 teams in their division. The girls won it all, coming in first place. Only 32 teams earned the honor of playing for the USA Juniors National Championship.
“We’re all really good in our specific positions, so playing with everyone together just makes us all better,” says team member Ciara Appelbaum. “We’re so excited to have qualified for Junior Nationals. It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s an honor to be able to go and play against the best teams in the country. Whether we win or lose, we are the national champions in my eyes. ”
Southwest Juniors 14U Asics will play three matches each day during two days of pool play. Final rounds will take place on days three and four.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Schaub’s GR8 Hope Foundation donates funds raised from a golf tournament and gala to equip a second playroom at new pediatric hospital
Matt Schaub and his wife, Laurie, visited Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus today and presented the new community hospital with a $108,000 donation on behalf of the couple’s GR8 Hope Foundation. The donation will be used to equip and furnish a Child Life playroom on the third floor of West Campus, Houston’s first community hospital designed, built and equipped exclusively for children. The hospital currently has a completed Child Life playroom on its second floor.
The Schaubs, accompanied by members of the foundation’s board, presented the check to Mark A. Wallace, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital; Michelle Riley-Brown, vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus; and Dr. Charles T. Hankins, chief medical officer of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus.
“We are thankful for the generosity and inspiration of Laurie and Matt Schaub,” said Wallace. “They know what it means for a child to be cared for in a hospital fully dedicated to children, with facilities designed just for them. The playroom is an area where children can be with their families, play with other children and interact with a team of highly trained and motivated Child Life specialists.”
After volunteering at Texas Children’s for several years with the Houston Texans, the Schaubs became enamored with the Child Life department and its dedication to create as normal of an environment as
possible for children in the hospital. The couple created their GR8 Hope Foundation to provide resources, support, hope and happiness for children with medical needs and their families.
“When we visited the hospital, the one place where we saw nonstop smiles was in the playroom and that’s why we decided to direct our attention to the Child Life program,” said Matt Schaub. “People often don’t realize that playing, laughing and interacting with other kids can help the healing and recovery process for children.”
In addition to coordinating playroom activity, Texas Children’s Child Life Department also coordinates bedside play and special events. These activities are initiated by highly trained child life specialists with the intent of normalizing the hospital environment for patients and their siblings.
“Our goal is to help manage children’s stress and help them heal faster with less long-term psychological effects,” said Sarah Rowe, a Child Life specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. “It is important for our patients to play and the playroom gives children a chance to forget about why they are in the hospital. That’s why we’re so appreciative of the Schaubs’ gift.”
Differentiating itself from other hospitals that provide pediatric care, Texas Children’s has one of the largest child life departments in the country with more than 30 child life professionals on staff, including a dedicated team for West Campus.
Located at I-10 and Barker Cypress, the 515,000-square-foot Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus houses the only 24/7 pediatric emergency room in the Greater West Houston area and provides inpatient and outpatient pediatric care. The attached outpatient clinic offers 15 pediatric subspecialty practices ranging from physical/occupational and speech therapy to cardiology and oncology. A Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates primary care practice is also on site.
For more information about Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus or to learn how to support the hospital, visit www.westcampus.texaschildrens.org . Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital in Katy and the Southern Indoor Football League, Houston Stallions teamed together on Sunday, May 8 at the Merrell Center to support breast cancer awareness.
The Stallions hosted their league rival, the Abilene Ruff Riders and in then end were victorious remaining undefeated with an 8-0 record. The team sported Pink & Black jerseys as a tribute to “Sport the PINK” to help the fight against breast cancer. Following the game The Houston Stallions auctioned off the official player jerseys with proceeds going to the CHRISTUS St. Catherine Breast Cancer Awareness Fund.
“We are proud to be able to help out with such a valuable cause and we look forward to doing many more of these types of events in the future”, says team owner Joe Kramer.
An official check presentation was made by team owner, Joe Kramer, at halftime on May 15th when The Houston Stallions took on the Louisiana Swashbucklers. Dana Mersiovsky, Development Officer at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital graciously accepted a check in the amount of $2,200 raised by the jersey auction the previous week.
“We are very grateful to the team and its ownership for their commitment to this important cause,” says Mersiovsky. “We look forward to a continued relationship with The Houston Stallions.”
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy High School recently recognized those who received Coach of the Year awards. Honorees included Gary Joseph, Shanna Marhofer, Karen Paxton and Justic “Doc” Landers.
Joseph is the campus athletic coordinator and head football coach. He was named District 19-5A Football Coach of the Year, Houston Texans Coach of the Week and one of Houston’s Top 100 Professionals. Marhofer, girls assistant basketball coach, was named Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Girl’s Assistant Coach of the Year. Paxton, head volleyball coach, was named Katy ISD Volleyball Coach of the Year. And Landers, a trainer at Katy High School, was named Katy ISD Trainer of the Year.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy High School recently recognized the seniors who earned the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Academic All-State Team selection.
Those honored include: Lindsay Gustafson, trainer; Alex Gill, soccer; Jessica Slate, softball; Emily Cordon, basketball; Morgan Griffin soccer; Taylor Notter trainer; Kayla Fischer, track; Teresa Tauriello, track; Caitlyn Cassity, golf; Shayne Haley, track; Melissa Herman, softball; Courtney Cox, basketball; Meghan Jackman, basketball; Christian Ramsey, baseball; Robert Cagle, basketball; Dillon Mazzoccoli, baseball; Grant Williams basketball; Connor Wynne, basketball; and Angel Montoya, baseball.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Taylor Lacrosse Club beat Klein 10-8 in the final game of the season to wrap up the Texas High School Lacrosse Clubs’ district championship. It is the first title for Taylor in its nine year history. Taylor finished the regular season with a 9-3 record.
Taylor was lead by seniors Brent Phelps, goalie, and Mason Moore, midfielder, who were selected as All-State players. Colby Morgan, All District, and Grant Bolding – Honorable Mention also received honors for the season. Taylor graduates 14 seniors with several planning to continue their lacrosse careers in college.
In addition, Phelps, varsity goalie and co-captain of the Taylor Lacrosse team, was named an US Lacrosse Academic All-American for 2011. This award is given a select group of players nationwide who excel in not only in the sport of lacrosse, but demonstrate high academic achievement, broad involvement in school activities and commitment to community service.
He is the only player selected from the Houston area and one of only 4 players named in the state of Texas.
Phelps is a two time All State lacrosse goalie and helped lead the Taylor Lacrosse Club to win the THSLL district championship. He is currently ranked academically near the top of his class at Morton Ranch High School and has been a member of the Maverick Band for the past 4 years. Phelps also attained the rank of Eagle Scout this year and continues to participate in Boy Scout Leadership programs.
Phelps will attend Texas A&M to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering and plans on continuing his lacrosse career for the Aggies.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
National Fusion Soccer Club is forming teams now for the Fall 2011 competitive soccer program. NFSC offers Division I, Super II and Division II soccer from U-11 and U-18 as well as a U8/U9/U10 Academy Program and Recreational Program. NFSC is one of the most competitive clubs in the Houston area for both boys and girls, and a proud partner with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, who provides expertise in sports medical treatment, performance training and education for NFSC players and their families.
No prior club experience is required to tryout. The Club staff will form as many teams in each age group as possible, depending on the number of qualified players.
The U8/U9/U10 Developmental evaluations and player draft will be held on May 24 at George Bush Park and May 25 at New Territory Sports Complex. All players attending the draft will have an opportunity to be placed on a balanced team.
NFSC competitive tryouts will be held on May 16 and 18 for all U11-U13 players, and June 6-8 for all U14-U18 players. Visit nationalfusion.org or call Chris Bloise at 832-372-2701 or Moses Ochiche at 281-222-2407 for times and more information.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Seven Lakes High School announced their 2011-2012 Junior Varsity cheerleading squad.
Members for the 2011-2012 school year, pictured below, include: Sydney Walden, Kendall Guinn, Taylor Freetage, Niki Swanson, Meg Swanson, Britt Fancher, Sara Stout, Kristen Whiddon, Brennah Blackwelder, Taylor Fono, Austin Harris, and Alissa Fono. The Junior Varsity squad is sponsored by Jaime Wilson, who teaches US History at Seven Lakes High School.
The JV squad will cheer at their first event together May 18 at the Spring Game at Spartan Field.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Houston Stallions will finally have their home debut Saturday night at the Merrell Center against division rival Corpus Christi. Despite the challenge of playing their first five games on the road to begin the 2011 campaign, the Stallions have trampled the competition in route to a 5-0 start and a 2.5 game lead in the Southwest Division of the SIFL.
Fans will now get their first opportunity to see Houston’s newest football franchises and a team that many experts feel is the class of the league.
“It’s great that folks are projecting us as the team to beat but you still have to go out on the field and back it up,” says Head Coach Gerald Dockery. “This is a good team we are playing Saturday and a big test for us.”
Houston is leading the league in yards and scoring averaging 326.2 yards and 67.5 points per game. QB Robert Kent, who leads the league in passing efficiency and is third in passing yards per game, is a big reason for Houston’s success. “We can’t wait for Saturday to finally play in front of our fans and show them what Stallions football is all about”, he says.
Not only will fans see an exciting night of Indoor Football, but will also be treated to some special entertainment as well. Longtime Houston Oilers Superfan Krazy George make his return to Houston to pump fans up all game long, and the 2002 Grand Prize winner in the 30 Minutes to Fame TV competition, Christopher performs his famous Schtick on a Stick Michael Jackson Puppet show at Halftime. “Christopher is a first class entertaining act that we were lucky to secure for the opener,” says Stallions Co-Owner Joe Kramer. “Fans will get a big kick out of it.”
Tickets for Saturday’s game start at $10 and are available online at extremetix.com or by calling the Stallions office at 281-600-PASS (7277). Kickoff Saturday night at the Merrill Center is set for 7:05 p.m. Visit houtonstallionsfootball.com for more information.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted April 11, 2011
The Seven Lakes girls softball team was recently ranked no. 17 in a new straw poll by the Texas Coaches Association. This is a huge accomplishment for the Seven Lakes softball program, as this is the first time in the program’s history to receive this recognition. With a current district record of 5-2 and wins over Katy Taylor and Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes is making their mark in what is considered an extremely competitive district full of talented teams and players.
“It is good to see the recognition for our program,†says Terry Kangas, head coach. “We have accomplished a lot this year, and that is good for the girls and their hard work that they are putting in.â€
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted April 6, 2011
The ladies of the Katy High School Winter Guard went to Pearland Friday night with one goal: bring back a state title, which they did. Their last state championship was more than 10 years ago.
Andrew Lee, band director in charge of Guard and Drumline, was visibly moved by his team’s success. “The girls worked hard for this,†he says. “They earned it.â€
“I love these girls, and I prayed they do their best and congratulate themselves on an amazing season,†adds guard director Michelle Jordan. The team has been practicing afterschool since marching season ended in December. They competed in three shows prior to finals with two first place and one second place finish.
Most people are familiar with Color Guard work in the marching band with flags, rifles and sabers. Winter Guard competitions are held in gymnasiums with only guard members performing on a painted floor to taped music. While the Novice division is one of the lower levels of competition with teams using body work and flags with some rifle work, Katy went above and beyond and competed with saber work as well.
Greg Horne, father of former guard director Meghan Horne, wrote the show. He picked the music, “The Ascent†by Yanni. Greg and Meghan both flew back from Boston to work with the girls during weekend rehearsals.
Since this is a Texas Color Guard Circuit event and not UIL sanctioned, Katy had members from freshmen thorough senior classes and an eighth grade member from West Memorial Junior High. All of the members had to maintain academic eligibility to participate. As Winter Guard started after football season was over, two marching band members participated as well.
All six Katy ISD schools had teams competing this year with Taylor’s JV squad taking a second place trophy in the Novice Division with Katy. Taylor’s Varsity took second in Scholastic A which competes at a higher level and has different judging criteria than Novice. They will be competing in Dayton, Ohio for a chance at a Winter Guard International title April 7-9.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted April 6, 2011
High school cheerleaders, coaches and mascots joined forces for the first ever Katy ISD Cheer for Charity Showcase that raised just over $3,000 for playrooms at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus.
“It was good to see the cheerleaders and mascots from all schools congratulating each other on their performances at the end of the evening,†says Bob Bryant, Katy ISD Director of Fine Arts. “This is another example that shows that, though we have many schools here, Katy ISD is one community working together.â€
Approximately 650 patrons attended the event that featured varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads representing each Katy ISD high school. High school mascots also joined forces with a combined performance.
“Pushing the students to stay positive and committed to their teams to see the project through was very rewarding,†says Amy McConnell, psychology teacher and cheerleading coach at Taylor High School. “We tend to be very competitive with one another but, on this night, we were cheering and celebrating together. It was very powerful.â€
During the planning phase of the event, cheerleading coaches from all campuses compiled a list of popular charity choices submitted by their squads and voted on who would be the final recipient. This resulted in Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus being the charity of choice for the event.
“I think it was perfect timing with the opening of the west campus,†adds McConnell. “Plus, it’s great to see students doing something for the youth in this community.â€
A check presentation to Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus is scheduled for Monday, April 11.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted March 28, 2011
Local student and state champion Macy Ray of Pattison Elementary School won the 2011 Southwest Regional Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest held in Dallas this past Saturday, March 26.
Ray won the 10-11-year-old girls division by sinking 23 free throws out of 25 attempts. She also won a later contest for top score at the tournament, sinking five of five baskets in a shoot off with the 12-13-year-old boys division winner.
Ray advances to the national finals in Springfield, Mass. On April 29-30. She will compete against 11 other regional champions for the national title and to have her name engraved on the Elks trophy in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted March 25, 2011
Five members of the Taylor High School boys swim team competed at the Texas State UIL swimming championships the weekend of February 18-19. The team broke four school records during the State meet. Senior Captains Cooper Robinson and Albert Riley along with juniors David Harlan, Anurag Gupta, and James Taylor represented Taylor at the state meet. The team finished eighth in State.
In individual events, Albert Riley took third place in the 50-yard Freestyle and fourth place in the 100-yard freestyle earning All American Automatic and breaking a school record.  Cooper Robinson took third in the 100-yard backstroke earning American Automatic where he already has the school record and earned 17th place All-state in the 200 freestyle based on his region results. James Taylor took fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke and received All American consideration.  David Harlan took 12th in the 200-yard freestyle.
The 400-yard Free Relay team took fourth place, breaking a school record and making All American Automatic. The 200-yard medley relay team won fifth place all state ranking and All American Automatic qualification based on their region 5 5A school record results.
The team also competed in the 2011 UIL Region 5 5A championships at the University of Houston. The team had outstanding results with all swimmers achieving personal bests, five swimmers making All-American, and two school records broken. The boys finished second as a team and the girls 11th. Five team members qualified for the State Meet for All-American recognition including Albert Riley, Cooper Robinson, David Harlan, James Taylor, and Anurag Gupta.
Other regional finalists included Kasey Palfreyman, Simone Romero, Carmina Alvarez, Marie Saunders, Lauren Woltemate, Jordan Rodriguez, Megan Skinner, Grant Bolding, Stuart Mossop, Alan Tankovic, Patrick Rozum, Christian Martin (diving), and Kayvon Flynn (diving).
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted March 23, 2011
Houston’s hometown annual horse show, the 66th Annual Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, kicks off this week, attracting horse enthusiasts from around the world. The Pin Oak Charity Horse show is one of the longest-running and most prominent equestrian events in the country.
This year’s event, titled “Step Up & Step Out for Children,†is presented by BBVA Compass and will benefit Texas Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Houston. The show will span two weeks, March 23 through April 3, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas.
This year Pin Oak will fulfill its recent pledge to donate $300,000 over five years for the construction of Texas Children’s West Campus. Part of this year’s contributions will fund the oncology and hematology treatments in the new hospital. The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has called Houston home for 66 years since it first debuted at the Pin Oak Stables in 1945. Since then, it has gained the reputation of being one of the premier horse shows in the country, attracting crowds by the tens of thousands, and providing millions in donations to fulfill its mission of helping children.
Pin Oak is one of few shows in existence that features both hunters and jumpers. Other breeds that compete include American Saddlebred, Welsh Ponies, Andalusian and Lusitanos, United Mountain, and for the first time in 2011, Irish Draught horses.
This year’s show is expected to draw approximately 1,200 competitors and over 1,500 horses to showcase some of the best international talent. Hunter and jumper events will take place during both weeks of the show’s two-week run with two Grand Prix events presented on each Saturday. Aside from a stunning lineup of events, show attendees will also enjoy an assortment of classes and exhibitions for a variety of different breeds during the first week of the show.
New to the show this year is Pin Oak’s first-ever International Hospitality Sponsor, Haras Dos Cavaleiros. An experienced breeder of the beautiful and legendary Portuguese Lusitano horses, Haras Dos Cavaleiros also specializes in dressage and training in Mexico and Texas. Referred to as the “Sons of the Wind,†Lusitanos are kin to the Spanish Andalusian breed. This ancient warhorse was once worshiped by the Greeks and Romans, and has been ridden for over 5,000 years, making it the oldest saddle horse.
Present-day Lusitanos are now revered for their championship talent in working equitation competitions. These competitions were developed to display the different equitation practices used on farms. Working equitation competitions are comprised of three tests, dressage, ease of handling, and speed obstacles. The first test requires competitors to perform certain movements, much like a traditional dressage competition. The next test is designed to simulate the country terrain. Riders must maneuver around a series of obstacles displaying confidence and ease. The last test measures the amount of time to complete an obstacle course. Haras Dos Cavaleiros has excelled in training and exhibiting World Champion Lusitanos within this new discipline, sparking much nationwide interest. Haras Dos Cavaleiros will host the Lusitano Lounge at Pin Oak to promote purebred Lusitanos.
The Lusitano Lounge will feature videos, presentations, and live demonstrations with a World Champion Lusitano, highlighting the physical characteristics, form, and functionality of the this exotic breed. Show-goers will also receive information about riding, equitation, and dressage. In addition to exhibiting, Haras Dos Cavaleiros will also be competing in events throughout the show.
Owners, Rafael Chavez and Carmina Zamorano have been preparing for this event. “As the International Hospitality Sponsor we have the unique honor to represent three countries. We are representing the Portuguese culture, with a Mexican tradition, in the United States. To be able to fuse these multiple cultures allows us to promote this magnificent breed worldwide. We look forward to meeting with show attendees to exhibit the Lusitano breed and we are elated to be partnered with Pin Oak and such a remarkable cause. As a local breeder, we take great pride in giving back to our community.â€
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted March 3, 2011
Cheerleading squads from all Katy ISD high schools will host the district’s first ever Cheer for Charity Showcase, benefiting children’s playrooms at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. The event will showcase the skills and talents of JV and Varsity squads, as well as mixed squad cheer routines – all taking place on Tuesday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. at the Leonard E. Merrell Center.  Tickets are $2 and can be purchase from members of any Katy ISD high school cheerleading squad.
“This event will showcase these students’ talents, in an event that is not focused on competition,†says Amy McConnell, Cinco Ranch High School teacher and Varsity Cheerleader Sponsor. “The evidence of school spirit from our cheerleaders is contagious you walk the halls of any of the six high schools in Katy ISD.â€
This event is a collaborative effort of all squads and cheer coaches. Coaches and cheerleaders both assisted in selecting the charity for this year, and all team routines have been developed by cheerleaders and their coaches.
“We hope everyone who attends this event is inspired by the athletes who spend most of their time on the sidelines impacting the events on the field, the court and the campus,†says McConnell
For more information contact Amy McConnell at amyMmcconnell@katyisd.org. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
March 1, 2011
Seven Lakes High School’s softball team won the Spring Branch ISD tournament with an undefeated record. With first round wins on Thursday, February 24, against Langham Creek (11-4) and Stratford (6-1), the Lady Spartans began Saturday, February 26 with wins over Foster (1-0) and Dulles (9-5). Seven Lakes begins district play against Katy tonight.
In addition, Paige Ortiz received the tournament MVP. Those selected to the all-tournament team Paige Ortiz, Sloan Jenkins, Callie Abney, Jennifer Hudler and Maddie Stulce. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted February 28, 2011
Taylor High School Varsity Men’s Golf Team recently captured second place in the Corser/Kobza Memorial Golf Tournament held at River Ridge Golf Club in Sealy. In addition, senior Eric Redeker received the 2010-2011 Sportsmanship Award from the Texas Junior Golf Tour (TJGT). The team continues a successful season that has seen several tournament wins, as well as individual awards. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted February 25, 2011
The WoodCreek Lady Timberwolves recently clinched the 8B Basketball District Championship. The girls come off an undefeated season. They are coached by Lindsay Burnell. Team members include: Maddie Williams, Micah Johnson, Skylar Dabney, Neha Bhat, Courtney Williams, Kaitlyn Matthey, Brooke Griffin, Abby Gentry, Carla Fischer, Samantha Dorisca, Kylie Liddell. and Kaija Blake.
In addition, the WoodCreek Lady Timberwolves 8C Basketball team also won their district championship. They are coached by Madison Wilson. Team members include: Savannah Stylianou, Laura Cusguen, Caitlyn Causey, Niana Pallat, Cierra Enabnit, Rebecca Serna, Laura Bohorquez, Megan Mendiola, Kaitlin Miller, Rachel Cecil, Lynette Botes, Courtney Burson, and Miranda Serna.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted February 21, 2011
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy announced its newest class of Tiger Cub graduates, new first degree black belt students and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level during the February rank exam.
Students who earned their First Degree Level 1 “Probationary†Black Belt are: Brandon Baker, Jake Brown, Kishore Mugundhan, and Luke Parmenter.
Students who earned their First Degree Level 2 “Decided†Black Belt are: Christopher Duan, Adolfo Alzate, Emma Duncan, Kent Gonzales, John Jones, Ishaan Lahoti, Joshua Lopez, Luke Schaefer, and Michael Schaefer.
Students who earned their Second Degree Black Belts are: Amanda Barnett-Saez, Mira Bhat, Neha Bhat, Jacob Cummins, and Skylar Galicia.
Students who graduated from the Tiger Cubs program into the Junior program are: Aura Maria Mosquera, Adam Mitchell, Kayla Mitchell, Isabel Salazar, Luke Stoddard, and Megan Stubbs.
In addition, student Carlos E. Trujillo earned his Third Degree Black Belt and River Silversmith passed testing requirements to become a Level 1 Instructor.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted February 7, 2011
Four Katy seniors participated in National Signing Day, Wednesday, Feb. 2. On this day, high school seniors offered sporting scholarships officially sign their letter to play their sport with a particular college or university.
Erin Bailey signed a letter of intent to attend Lubbock Christian University on a cross country, track and field scholarship. Michael Grant Clifton signed a letter of intent to play football and attend the United States Naval Academy. Teresa Tauriello signed a letter of intent to attend Texas A & M University at Corpus Christi on a cross country, track and field scholarship. Donovonn Young signed a letter of intent to play football at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted February 1, 2011
The 17th annual Sunday Bowl Fun Run will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2011, at 2 p.m. on the campus of Houston Christian High School located at 2700 W. Sam Houston Parkway North and Kempwood Drive. This year marks the eighth consecutive year for the event to be held at HCHS. The first nine races were held at Stratford High School in the Spring Branch school district and were initially open to runners 14 years and younger. The event is open to the public, and runners of all ages are encouraged to participate in the one-mile run. Many runners from area schools and running clubs participate in the annual fun run as a means to increase their competitive advantage and better their times.
The primary purpose of the run is to get kids and adults out doing something on a day when many would just spend the entire time sitting in front of a television set. “I recently read in Newsweek Magazine that exercise is one of the best ways to maintain and improve brain function,” says HCHS cross country and track and field coach Dave Jantzen. “I can attest to this fact as a high percentage of our students on the cross country team make the Honor Roll.”
Another tradition of the run is everyone who finishes the race receives a gold medal, emphasizing the point that there are many more benefits to running than just winning.
Be sure to stay around after the race as there will be drawings for prizes, mostly donated by Houston Christian High School, Spring Branch/Memorial Track Club, and by Finish Strong, a local running store. The early registration fee is $4 per runner; late registration fee is $5 per runner (day of race). For more information and to access an entry form, go to houstonchristianhs.org, click on “Athletics Home,” then click on “HCHS Sunday Bowl Run.” Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 31, 2011
If you want a first-hand look at what the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers will be playing for this Sunday, visit The Solana, a senior living community in Cinco Ranch.
Football great and Solana resident Tom Bettis is displaying his Super Bowl IV ring this week for residents to enjoy. Bettis earned the ring and an AFL Championship ring when he coached the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to his coaching career, Bettis also played as a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears. Following his time in the league as a player, Bettis spent 30 years as a coach, working for the Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Cardinals and even the Houston Oilers.
When asked how he thinks his teammates, coaches and team owners would remember him, Bettis says, “I hope they would all say about the same thing: He played all-out every play, was solid and dependable.â€
For more information on The Solana, visit thesolana.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 28, 2011
Congratulations to the Seven Lakes Spartan wrestlers, who are off to a fantastic start this season. Their 2011 accolades include:
A record of 25-1
Cy Ridge Classic – Team Runner Up
The Woodlands Invitational – Team Runner Up
Frisco Centennial Titan Games – Team Champions
Bryan’s Doc Hess Invitational – Team Champions
Cy-Fair ISD Invitational – Team Runner Up
Seven Lakes Spartan Duals – Team Champions
Morton Ranch Maverick Stampede – Team Champions
They hope to keep up the great work and move on to district competition. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 27, 2011
Morton Ranch High School junior Roger Hebert recently achieved a perfect 300 game at the age of 16. His “300 Ring†was presented to him in January by the United States Bowling Congress’ youth league. In addition, Hebert is the captain of the Morton Ranch varsity bowling team and currently holds the position for highest average in Katy ISD. Congrats Roger! Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 27, 2011
The Cinco Ranch High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheer Squads participated for the second year in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. “Team Cinco†is made up of cheerleaders, sponsors, and family members. All donations that were collected go directly to the Susan G. Komen fund. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 26, 2011
The Taylor High School varsity girls’ golf team won second place at Greatwood Golf Course on January 17-18. Courtney Moro won second place in individual play. Team members include Courtney Moro, Kristen Purser, Remi Fruge, Maya Gruebler and Erin Hagemeier. The Taylor golf team is coached by Joe Gibbons and Cindy Lloyd. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 26, 2011
The Cinco Ranch High School cheerleaders, mascots and sponsors recently attended the UCA Cheer Camp at Texas A&M. The Varsity Cheer Squad won the top honor of Camp Champion for their team cheer, and a Superior Recognition for their extreme routine, which includes dance. The Varsity Cheer Squad also received a Leadership Award which was voted on by the other squads attending the camp. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 21, 2011
CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital in Katy invites the surrounding communities to participate in the fifth annual Heart of Katy Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, Feb. 12, where every dollar raised will support Katy’s only comprehensive heart program at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital.
The sanctioned, certified, chip-timed 5K Fun Run and Walk event will include a 5K Run, 1 Mile Kids Run, a 1 Mile Family Walk/Run, race awards and an after party with food, music and athletic massages. Awards will be given to the top three male and female participants in each category, to every 1Mile Kids Run participant and to the overall Fun Run/Walk event winner.
“With heart disease on the rise and Katy and the Greater Houston area recently being dubbed the third most stressed out city in America, CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital is more and more aware of – and more and more committed to – encouraging healthy living,†says Dana Mersiovsky, chief development officer at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital. “We’re proud to be Katy’s only comprehensive heart program, and the Heart of Katy Fun Run/Walk is a great way to share our successes with our community and ‘walk’ together into a more heart-healthy future.â€
The fun-filled, family-friendly day will begin at 7 a.m. at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital, 701 S. Fry Road in Katy, with late registration and packet pick-up. Event announcements and race line-up starts at 8 a.m., and the 1 Mile Kids Run for ages 12 and under begins at 8:15 a.m., followed by the 5K Run at 8:30 a.m. and Family Walk/Run at 9:15 a.m.
Kids Zone sponsor Chick-Fil-A will provide food during the after party, and KILT-FM 100.3 and MIX 96.5 will provide commentary, music and entertainment. Event participants will enjoy post-race leg stretches and calf massages provided by CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital Sports Medicine, and a 10:30 a.m. performance by the Morton Ranch High School Maverick Belles dance team.
Early registration ends on Friday, Jan. 21, as does the reduced price of participation in the Heart of Katy Fun Run/Walk ($25 per 5K participant, $15 per 1 Mile Kids Race participant and $10 1 Mile Family Walk participant). For more information on registration, sponsorship opportunities, packet pick-up or CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital’s cardiac program, visit CHRISTUSStCatherine.org or contact Dana Mersiovsky at 281-599-6696 or email dana.mersiovsky@christushealth.org. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 17, 2011
Congratulations to Taylor High School senior Eric Redeker, who took first place in the River Ridge I-10 Junior Championship golf tournament. His score of 148 (72-76) earned him the top spot in this competition. He is pictured below with Coach Nordstrom of the Texas Junior Golf Tour. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 12, 2011
Two Katy Junior High School students, Riley Garrett and Sierra Schriefer, were winners of the “Take a Texan to School†art contest, winning a special campus visit from Houston Texan players Shelley Smith and Cole Pemberton. The two players visited the student’s art class to conduct the NFL’s “Fuel up to 60†program about nutrition, health and physical fitness. Afterward, the players conducted athletic drills with the students in the school’s cafeteria. Students enjoyed getting autographs and interacting with the players. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted January 4, 2011
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy’s C3 Booster Club worked with the U.S. Marine Corps. to collect toys for the annual Toys For Tots toy drive.  Martial arts students brought new toys to the academy in December and then helped load them all up with Marines on December 11.
Leading the toy drive for the Katy TaeKwonDo Academy were Farrell Hochmuth and Nilesh Popat, both board members of the academy’s C3 Booster Club. The booster club helps the Katy community throughout the year by way of its programs that demonstrate three of the TaeKwonDo tenets: “Community,†“Courage†and “Courtesy.â€
The C3 Booster Club operates with financial support of memberships, sponsorships and the dedicated volunteer board of members who make its philanthropic programs possible. Primary fund raisers throughout the year are corporate and private sponsorships, Parents Night Out and membership dues. This philanthropic organization strives to make a difference in Katy by giving back to its students and the community. For more information about the Katy TaeKwonDo Academy or the C3 Booster Club, visit katytkd.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted December 28, 2010
Three Katy-area football players were selected from more than 2,500 nominees to participate in the Eastbay Youth 8th Grade All American Bowl. These players will receive advance recognition from college scouts and personnel all before making their way to Katy High School. They will also get a chance to spend time with the U.S. Army All American High School Players and will be VIP attendees at the U.S. Army All American Bowl live on NBC Saturday Jan. 8, 2011.
The selected players are: Rodney Anderson, tailback at Katy Junior High; Broderick “BJ†Brooks Jr., middle linebacker at Katy Junior High; and Derrick Brown, defensive tackle at West Memorial Junior High. All three will play in the 8th Grade All American Bowl Sunday, Jan. 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted December 10, 2010
Taylor High School’s golf team has had a very successful fall semester, consistently winning awards and placing in tournaments.
Hunter Clemenceau placed second in a tournament sponsored by Bryan High School held at Legendary Oaks Golf Course in September. In mid-November the junior varsity boys team, consisting of Hunter Clemenceau, Jordy Kanisius, Kevin Cho, Austin Partin and Sam Detke, won first place at the Memorial High School Tournament held at Eagle Point Golf Course. In individual play at the same tournament, Cho won first place and Partin won fourth place.
Also in mid-November, the junior varsity girls team, consisting of Kendall Bosse, Courtney Hernandez, Caitlin Beer, and Hannah Grimsley, won third place at the at the Galveston Ball High School tournament held at Moody Gardens Golf Course. Beer placed second in individual play and Hernandez placed third.
In late November, the junior varsity boys team, consisting of Ryan Miller, Austin Zen, Sean Ali-Samboul, Jacob Cahilll and Clark Corser, won third place at the Fort Bend Austin tournament held at Pecan Grove Golf Course. Miller placed second in individual play and Cahill placed third. The junior varsity girls team, consisting of Hannah Grimsley, Kirby Clifford, Maya Gruebler, Remy Fruge, Caitlin Beer and Courtney Hernandez, won first place at the Fort Bend Austin High School tournament held at Pecan Grove Golf Course. In individual play, Caitlin Beer placed second and Courtney Hernandez placed third.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
As part of their continued involvement with recreational soccer, Albion Hurricanes Football Club (AHFC) is pleased to announce the donation of $10,000 to Katy Youth Soccer Club (KYSC) for field improvements and park infrastructure. AHFC is the competitive branch of KYSC and they lease fields at Katy Park.
In addition to this financial contribution, AHFC offers skills training to KYSC players throughout the year on Friday nights. AHFC Boys and Girls directors Brian Haynes and Ivan Ruddle also offer coaching sessions for U8 during the week as part of our community outreach program.
“Our relationship with KYSC is one of the major cornerstones of AHFC’s success. Anytime we can give back to the recreational program and help promote the game of soccer we are thrilled to help,†says Player Development Director Dylan Glad.
AHFC is holding open tryouts to the public the week of December 6-9, and details can be found at albionhurricanes.org. All youth soccer players are encouraged to attend. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Cinco Ranch boys varsity golf team won first place recently at the Taylor High School Fall Classic. The golf tournament took place at River Ridge Gold Club in Sealy. Eleven boys teams, seven girls teams and 10 individual players competed in the tournament. In addition, team member Scott Newell took home the first place individual medal for his 74-75, 149 total. Mayde Creek’s Nick Pierce took second place with a 151 and Ben Steinle of Fort Bend Travis took third with a 152. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Texas News
Posted November 23, 2010
Congratulations to the 10U Katy Force, who took second place in a one-day tournament in Sugar Land this past weekend. The team was undefeated in five straight games, beating out SK Impact to make it to championship game against Gulf Coast Explosion. The girls battled against Gulf Coast Explosion, went into two ITB (overtime)Â innings, and lost 7-6, but they still earned second place rankings. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Congratulations to the Cinco Ranch Junior High 8A volleyball team, who was named district champions!
Front: Coach Anabell Pinedo, Karli Hamilton, Hannah Guthrie, Emma Taylor
Middle: Emilie Floyed, Laura Walling, Brittany Nollkamper, Miranda Maldanado
Back: Jessica Dorey, Alix Hubley, Makayla Randle
Congratulations to the James E. Taylor High School varsity girls golf team, who placed first at the Fall Golf Classic held this past weekend at River Ridge Golf Course. Pictured from left are: Coach Joe Gibbons, Amy Hoffmaster, Danielle Poe, Kristen Purser, Erin Hagemeier, Courtney Moro and Coach Cindy Lloyd.
September 7, 2010 – Brookshire, Texas – Dave Campbell’s Texas Football is proud to announce that the Brookshire Royal High School Falcons football team has been named the Army Strong Team of the Week for Division 3A.
The Falcons were chosen for this honor because of their teamwork, dedication, discipline, personal courage and integrity, values shared by U.S. Army Soldiers. Â
“Brookshire Royal knocked off powerhouse Giddings with a dramatic 60-yard touchdown run by star RB Brandon Williams in the closing minutes that secured a 34-31 victory,†said Adam Hochfelder, general manager of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. “Williams, who has committed to OU, rushed for 259 yards on 18 carries. Royal also beat Giddings in the 2009 state playoffs.â€
The award will be presented to the team at a time to be determined later this week by a representative of the U.S. Army.
“The U.S. Army is recognizing the student-athletes at Brookshire High School for demonstrating qualities similar to those exhibited by its Soldiers. Student-athletes and Soldiers share similar values, but more importantly they must be mentally, emotionally and physically strong,” said CPT John Harrell. “We expect to see some of these young men competing at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, the college level, or maybe even professionally in the future.”
For more information on the Army Strong Team of the Week program, please visit www.Texasfootball.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
September 7, 2010 – Katy, TX – The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy is pleased to announce its most recent class of Tiger Cub graduates, new first degree black belt students and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next level during the August rank exam.
Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 1 “Probationary†Black Belt: Maberly Acevedo, Jay Furman, Georgia Neal, Jack O’Neill, Luke Schaefer, Michael Schaefer. Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 2 “Decided†Black Belt: Tyler Harrington, Will Martin, Brennon McLeod.Â
Congratulations to the following students for earning their Second Degree Black Belts: Madison Brost, Ryan Brost, Nathan Furman, Ian Junatas, Noah Key, Daniel Trujillo, Ethan Vargas.  The following students have earned their Third Degree Black Belts: Garrett Clancy, Vivian Thomas.Â
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy also welcomes these dedicated students who passed instructor testing requirements during their exam to become Instructors: Level 2 Instructors Christina Jones, Michael Komplin, Patrick Whitehead; and Level 1 Instructors Joshua Boyce, Jean-Marc Boyce, Justen Dorrance, Alex Harris, William Luke, Ryan Tough.Â
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy recognizes the following students for graduation from its Tiger Cub preschool program into the junior program:Â Edward Benim, Robert Marbach, Emma Skertich, Giselle Uselton. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
September 1, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Yesterday, August 31, 2010, Amobi Okoye sent the Administrator of his foundation to surprise Katy High Senior, Nick Narcisse with tickets to the Texans game being played this Thursday September 2.  Okoye is hoping to encourage Narcisse through his recovery, future success and getting back on the field. Narcisse who was a Defensive End and starter for KHS last year exhibited outstanding talent and skills only to be slowed down by a battle with a rare strain of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Narcisse is in recovery and hoping to be playing with the KHS Tigers this football season. Along with watching the game; Okoye will visit with Narcisse and his father after the game.Â
Okoye’s heart is with children and young adults. He believes they have a right to a bright future. So much in fact, that he has made it his plight. He started the Amobi Okoye Foundation in 2008 to provide hope to kids and communities. Okoye has mentored thousands in the USA and abroad, provided food to over 6,000 people, taken four containers of educational materials and a team of doctors to Nigeria. He is also working with the President of Nigeria to build a college preparatory school in the nation.
The Amobi Okoye Foundation is a 501 (c)(3)non-profit organization. You may learn
more by visiting the website www.amobiokoyefoundation.org. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
August, 30 2010 – Katy, Texas –  Dave Campbell’s Texas Football is proud to announce that the Katy Tigers football team has been named the Army Strong Team of the Week for Division 5A.
The Katy Tigers were chosen for this honor because of their teamwork, dedication, discipline, personal courage and integrity, values shared by U.S. Army Soldiers. Â
“The Tigers, ranked No. 3 in Class 5A, opened the season with a dominating performance against cross town rival Galena Park North Shore, 44-6. Katy’s defense put on an impressive performance, holding No. 9 North Shore to 186 yards while forcing three turnovers,†said Adam Hochfelder, general manager of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. “ Katy’s Donovonn Young led the offense with 103 rushing yards on 21 carries.â€
The award will be presented to the team at a time to be determined later this week by a representative of the U.S. Army.
“The U.S. Army is recognizing the student-athletes at Katy High School for demonstrating qualities similar to those exhibited by its Soldiers. Student-athletes and Soldiers share similar values, but more importantly they must be mentally, emotionally and physically strong,” said CPT John Harrell. “We expect to see some of these young men competing at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, the college level, or maybe even professionally in the future.”
For more information on the Army Strong Team of the Week program, please visit www.Texasfootball.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
August 20, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The Katy Sting is the 2010 South Zone, Mustang 9, Regional Champions. They clinched Regional Championship, July 13, 2010 with a 23:9 win over Conroe. The team was awarded medals, championship shirts and a banner which will hang in the Katy Pony Baseball Concession Stand.
The represented the Coast Region in the State Tournament held in North Richland Hills, Texas July 23 – July 26, 2010., Katy Sting came in 4th place in their bracket. Town and Country from Tampa, Florida (East Region) won the Championship. They were awarded medals and a second banner which is hanging at El Jarrito Mexican Restaurant, on Highland Knolls. El Jarrito has been a generous sponsor of the team. The team party was held there where all of the kids signed and presented the banner to the owner Gil Leon. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Katy Sting Manager: MacGregor Main
Assistant Coaches: Â Rick Ruff, Kenneth Guidry, Rick Aventurado and David Zarco
Katy Sting Players:Gregory Main, Harry Main, Isaac Ruff, Kyle Guidry, Joseph Aventurado, Gabe Zarco, Caleb Robinson, Alejandro Alvarez, Evan Orosco, Landen “Goose†Baird, Jordan Clark, and Hayden Meredith.
August 12, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The Longhorns, from Katy, Texas, won the 2010 Houston 5A Baseball Champion of Champions Tournament which included teams from all the Houston and surrounding areas. The Longhorns is a 16 U Select Team made up of players from the Katy and Houston area. Way to guys on a great season! Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Pictured are:(kneeling) Colton Asheim, Ryne Birk, Spencer Evans, Beau Graeter, Garrett Robert (standing) Brayson Longman, Kacy Clemens, Miles Wright, Jon Duplantier, Cole Angelle, Ryan Capel, Quinn Atwood. (not pictured) Joey Waid (back row)Coaches: Jon-Al Duplantier, Roger Clemens, Trent Angelle, Mike Capel, Brent Graeter
July 26, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The Katy Thunder, a 9U select baseball team, came in 2nd place in the Mid-South Select Nations National Championship in Spring, TX. During the week of July 11th, the Thunder went 11-3, winning 8 games in a row to make it to the championship game! To begin the championship week, the Thunder took home 1st place in the “Around the Horn†competition. The Thunder have only been together since January 2010, and look forward to many more successful tournaments. www.katythunder.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
July 1, 2010- Katy, Texas
A 2008 graduate of Taylor High School, Taylor Featherston made Katy proud with his performance in the College World Series. Featherston, an infielder for TCU, helped lead TCU to victory in its first CWS, making history for the Horned Frogs. Also on TCU’s outstanding team is a 2009 Katy High School graduate, Jarred Fancher. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 1 “Probationary†Black Belt: Joshua Boyce, Demetrius Brooks, Joey Fullinwider, William Longridge, Kirsten Madina, Celine Maranon, Will Martin, Natasha Tamula, Illiana Torres-Soto, Ryan Tough, Maggie Weeks, Michael Weeks, Patrick Whitehead. Congratulations to these students who have earned their First Degree Level 2 “Decided†Black Belt: Tyler Blonder, Kavya Chandran, Thomas DeOcampo, Magnus Dhelie, Anna Beth Duncan, Matthew Duzant, Brooke Finkelstein, Melissa Furman, Skylar Galicia, Christina Jones, Brian Madina, Efren Munoz, Nicholas Munoz, James Nicholson, Sohum Purao, Alberto Rios, Madison Schenk, Collin Taylor, Katie Walz, Catherine Weldon.Â
Congratulations to the following students for earning their Second Degree Black Belts: Osama Ehimwenma, Jacob Gries, Meshach Jassal, Norma Komplin, Arnav Mohanty, Adam Mojtahed, Reese Needham, Jacob Roopchand, Natalie Russo, Wyatt Taylor, Victoria Vargas.  The following students have earned their Third Degree Black Belts: Nicholas Bean, Alex Harris, Gabriella Mills, Roberta Mills.Â
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy also welcomes these dedicated students who passed instructor testing requirements during the spring exam to become Instructors: Level 2 Instructor Arya Muralidharan and Level 1 Instructors Tyler Blonder, Nicholas Saenz, Demetrius Brooks, Kevin Quentin.Â
Katy YMCA’s Highflyers Team sweeps competition
May, 3, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The Katy Family YMCA’s Highflyers Jump Rope team, led by coaches Dave Cazares and Tammy Aleman, competed in the Jump Rope Regional competition on April 23. Out of the 26 members competing, 25 qualified for the National Competition in various events. The team swept nearly every category capturing first, second and third place. The Highflyers youngest Double Dutch team received the highest score overall out of all the teams participating.Â
In June, the Highflyers will compete at the Jump Rope Nationals to be held in Galveston, Texas and expect to take home several National Titles. The Katy Family YMCA will host a Jump Rope summer specialty camp August 9th-12th from 9am-11am for ages 6-17.  Learn single rope freestyle and speed, Chinese Wheel, Double Dutch, Group Routines and Long Rope skills. Interested in learning more? Please view the team’s website at www.highflyersjumpropeteam.com or www.ymcahouston.org/katy or contact the coach at 281-599-9654. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
April 13, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Cinco Ranch boys varsity took the District 17-5A Championship shooting rounds of 315-296 for a 28 stroke victory and total score of 611. Cinco shot an impressive 71, 75, 75, 75 & 76 on the final day distancing itself from second place Katy and Katy Taylor. Katy and Katy Taylor both shot a 639 to tie for second. Katy won second place in an exciting 10 man playoff. Mayde Creek shot 647, Seven Lakes shot 651, and the Cinco Ranch B-Team shot 659 to stay in the mix. Cinco Ranch was led by Junior Jake Leatherwood who won the individual first place medal with a 73-76. Senior Kyle Westmoreland shot the low round of the tournament with a 71 to finish in 4th place. Senior Micah Hill shot 79-75 for 6th place, Sophomore Dylan Reynolds shot 81-75 for 8th place, and Junior Scott Newell shot 83-75 to tie Senior Jake Hartill 78-80 for 11th place. The Cougar Boys advance now to the Regional Tournament at Eagle Point GC on April 21-22. The Cougars are coming off of their big win at the Region Preview there on March 26-27 and will try to duplicate that victory when it counts towards the State Championship in Austin on May 13-14th. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
April 8, 2010 – Katy, Texas – This clinic is to help students who are interested in dance and dance team, gain confidence and provide them the opportunity and enjoyment of working with the Stars. This clinic is sure to be the highlight of their summer. It is open to any girl or boy interested in dance or dance team between the ages of 4-18.Â
The clinic will take place Monday June 21st- Friday 25th, 2010 from 8:00 am- 12:00 pm daily at the Cinco Ranch Cougar Stars Dance Gym. Tuition: $125 for clinic and t-shirt. A light snack will be provided.Â
Students will be divided by school grade and will learn age appropriate routines from the 2010-2011 Cougar Stars. All participants should come in shorts, shirts, leotard, and tights, or anything comfortable to move in. Please wear tennis shoes or jazz shoes. Clinic participants will perform routines in a special showing for the parents 11:15 am on Friday, June 25th.
Registration: 7:00 am-12:00 pm or pre-registration through the mail. Check must accompany registration form and should be made payable to CRHS DTBC. Mail registration forms to: Cougar Stars Dance Clinic Attn: Lindsey Dresner, 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Katy, TX 77494. Registration forms can be found at www.crhscougarstars.com.  If you have any questions, contact Lindsey Dresner at LindseyMDresner@katyisd.org.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.