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Best of ‘08
  
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By WAYNE RHYMES
2008 will be remembered for these the top ten sports stories, in which records were broken and history was made. Some of the articles selected for the top 10 sports stories of ‘08 were merely about triumphs while some were about dealing with adversity, such as Hurricane Ike.
Locally, there were more highs than lows in District 3A sports this year. The youths demonstrated passion and determination and created memories for years to come. The following are the top 10 sports stories, in the opinion of the editorial staff at the Advocate:
1. “Tarkington Cross Country headed to state," Nov. 12, 2008
The Longhorn Cross Country Team competed at the Region III Cross Country meet that consisted of the top 21 teams in the 3-A district.
The Longhorns were victorious as they finished third behind Lufkin-Hudson and Lorena. The Longhorns also had seven individual runners qualify to compete in state. This accomplishment was huge as this was the program’s first year to have the boys team go to state. Coach Andy Rice and the Tarkington Cross Country Team finished 12th in the State.
2. “Cleveland football team district champs," Nov. 26, 2008
Cleveland High School Football Team made history under Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Ricky Tullos as they breezed through their regular season crushing all opponents while making history by going 10-0.
The Indians not only had the entire community excited about winning, but for half of their games they did so by shutting out opponents, leaving them scoreless on the board.
The Indians advanced to the playoffs and lost in the second round against Rockdale that ended their season as they finished 10-1 for the year.
3. “Tarkington Volleyball Team wins district," Oct. 29, 2008
Coach Denise Johnson and the Lady Longhorns Volleyball Team do it again by becoming district champs. The Lady Longhorns started the season rocky by losing games in their non-district play, then the start of district play they began to face more obstacles as they lose Miranda Wright with an injury along with Lauren Myers and their kill leader Kourtney Chorman.
Although they appeared to be devastating losses for the Lady Longhorns, the girls didn’t give up as they pulled together under the strong leadership of their senior class and rolled over all district opponents and ending their season undefeated in district.
The Lady Longhorns’ stellar season was ended in the first round of the playoffs.
4. “Coldspring Football Team advances to playoffs," Nov. 19, 2008
The Trojan Football Team was superb in their season. With a tough non-district schedule, they still found ways to win.
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Bryan Barbay led his Trojans to the first round of the playoffs, but fell short to third-ranked in the state West Orange Stark, 36-8.
The Trojans were with the top teams all season as they crushed opponents with their speed and strength offensively and defensively.
5. “Cleveland Volleyball Team wins district game," Sept. 17, 2008
The Lady Indians Volleyball Team’s first district game against the Lady Trojans of Coldspring was a game to remember, going the distance to five games and ending with a victory for the Lady Indians.
This win was major for the Lady Indians and their rebuilding volleyball program. New Coach Susan Pittman made one goal for her team and it was to win a district game. Surprisingly the Lady Indians wanted this goal out the way as soon as possible, which they did in the start of their district play. Although the Lady Indians didn’t win another game, this night was theirs.
6. “Tarkington Football Team winning first game," Sept. 3, 2008
The Longhorns Football Team hasn’t had much success in the win column in the past as they lost all their games in 2007, but this season proved that hard work, dedication and believing in your team pays off.
The Longhorns’ mind frame was set from last season — that they will win games and put Coach Walter Fortune’s program on the map.
The Longhorns, led by their massive senior class, were determined to leave a mark in 2008 and they did so by winning a game and ending a losing streak.
The Longhorns started their season off with a win over Huntington 26-20. Although the Longhorns only won one more game, which came in district, they made other teams aware that they were to be taken seriously.
7. “Shepherd Volleyball Team ends season big," Nov. 5, 2008
The Lady Pirates Volleyball Team ended its season on top against the rival Lady Trojans of Coldspring. With a win, they tied their meeting 1 to 1 until next year.
The Lady Pirates, under Vilma Trevino, played their hearts out in front of their family and friends on senior night. The game went all the way to the wire by having to play five matches.
8. “Shepherd Athletic Director Shane Hanks resigns," Dec. 24, 2008
Shepherd High School Athletic Director Shane Hanks resigned after having a rough two years being in charge of the football program.
Hanks finished this season with his Pirates not winning a single game.
The Shepherd ISD board of trustees accepted Hanks resignation on Dec. 15, 2008.
Hanks commented and said, “I just want to be successful anywhere. That’s all.” Hanks resignation became effective Dec. 31, 2008.
9. “Shepherd gym destroyed by Hurricane Ike," Oct. 1, 2008
Hurricane Ike was a catastrophe to many people and it affected everyone in some shape or form.
Ike devastated Shepherd athletes who were involved in volleyball and basketball as it destroyed the roof of the gym. It blew off roof parts, which resulted in leaks that turned into water damage to the hardwood floors.
Although this seems minor to some people, it killed the spirit of the Lady Pirates volleyball season, forcing them to practice and play all home games away.
Currently the gym has not been repaired yet, but is being worked on by crews. Until repairs are complete, the teams continue to practice and play at Shepherd Middle School.
10. “Coach James Elmore returns to lead the Lady Trojans basketball program," Nov. 19, 2008
The Lady Trojans Basketball Team was blessed to get Coach James Elmore out of retirement.
Elmore coached the Lady Trojans for 28 years that led to six playoff appearances before retiring.
Coach Elmore said,” I wouldn’t have come back if I thought I couldn’t give anything for these kids.”
With his winning experience and genuine caring and believing attitude, he will change the frame of the Coldspring Girls Basketball Program. Currently, the Lady Trojans are one of the district’s most feared teams to play against.
Locally, there were more highs than lows in District 3A sports this year. The youths demonstrated passion and determination and created memories for years to come. The following are the top 10 sports stories, in the opinion of the editorial staff at the Advocate:
1. “Tarkington Cross Country headed to state," Nov. 12, 2008
The Longhorn Cross Country Team competed at the Region III Cross Country meet that consisted of the top 21 teams in the 3-A district.
The Longhorns were victorious as they finished third behind Lufkin-Hudson and Lorena. The Longhorns also had seven individual runners qualify to compete in state. This accomplishment was huge as this was the program’s first year to have the boys team go to state. Coach Andy Rice and the Tarkington Cross Country Team finished 12th in the State.
2. “Cleveland football team district champs," Nov. 26, 2008
Cleveland High School Football Team made history under Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Ricky Tullos as they breezed through their regular season crushing all opponents while making history by going 10-0.
The Indians not only had the entire community excited about winning, but for half of their games they did so by shutting out opponents, leaving them scoreless on the board.
The Indians advanced to the playoffs and lost in the second round against Rockdale that ended their season as they finished 10-1 for the year.
3. “Tarkington Volleyball Team wins district," Oct. 29, 2008
Coach Denise Johnson and the Lady Longhorns Volleyball Team do it again by becoming district champs. The Lady Longhorns started the season rocky by losing games in their non-district play, then the start of district play they began to face more obstacles as they lose Miranda Wright with an injury along with Lauren Myers and their kill leader Kourtney Chorman.
Although they appeared to be devastating losses for the Lady Longhorns, the girls didn’t give up as they pulled together under the strong leadership of their senior class and rolled over all district opponents and ending their season undefeated in district.
The Lady Longhorns’ stellar season was ended in the first round of the playoffs.
4. “Coldspring Football Team advances to playoffs," Nov. 19, 2008
The Trojan Football Team was superb in their season. With a tough non-district schedule, they still found ways to win.
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Bryan Barbay led his Trojans to the first round of the playoffs, but fell short to third-ranked in the state West Orange Stark, 36-8.
The Trojans were with the top teams all season as they crushed opponents with their speed and strength offensively and defensively.
5. “Cleveland Volleyball Team wins district game," Sept. 17, 2008
The Lady Indians Volleyball Team’s first district game against the Lady Trojans of Coldspring was a game to remember, going the distance to five games and ending with a victory for the Lady Indians.
This win was major for the Lady Indians and their rebuilding volleyball program. New Coach Susan Pittman made one goal for her team and it was to win a district game. Surprisingly the Lady Indians wanted this goal out the way as soon as possible, which they did in the start of their district play. Although the Lady Indians didn’t win another game, this night was theirs.
6. “Tarkington Football Team winning first game," Sept. 3, 2008
The Longhorns Football Team hasn’t had much success in the win column in the past as they lost all their games in 2007, but this season proved that hard work, dedication and believing in your team pays off.
The Longhorns’ mind frame was set from last season — that they will win games and put Coach Walter Fortune’s program on the map.
The Longhorns, led by their massive senior class, were determined to leave a mark in 2008 and they did so by winning a game and ending a losing streak.
The Longhorns started their season off with a win over Huntington 26-20. Although the Longhorns only won one more game, which came in district, they made other teams aware that they were to be taken seriously.
7. “Shepherd Volleyball Team ends season big," Nov. 5, 2008
The Lady Pirates Volleyball Team ended its season on top against the rival Lady Trojans of Coldspring. With a win, they tied their meeting 1 to 1 until next year.
The Lady Pirates, under Vilma Trevino, played their hearts out in front of their family and friends on senior night. The game went all the way to the wire by having to play five matches.
8. “Shepherd Athletic Director Shane Hanks resigns," Dec. 24, 2008
Shepherd High School Athletic Director Shane Hanks resigned after having a rough two years being in charge of the football program.
Hanks finished this season with his Pirates not winning a single game.
The Shepherd ISD board of trustees accepted Hanks resignation on Dec. 15, 2008.
Hanks commented and said, “I just want to be successful anywhere. That’s all.” Hanks resignation became effective Dec. 31, 2008.
9. “Shepherd gym destroyed by Hurricane Ike," Oct. 1, 2008
Hurricane Ike was a catastrophe to many people and it affected everyone in some shape or form.
Ike devastated Shepherd athletes who were involved in volleyball and basketball as it destroyed the roof of the gym. It blew off roof parts, which resulted in leaks that turned into water damage to the hardwood floors.
Although this seems minor to some people, it killed the spirit of the Lady Pirates volleyball season, forcing them to practice and play all home games away.
Currently the gym has not been repaired yet, but is being worked on by crews. Until repairs are complete, the teams continue to practice and play at Shepherd Middle School.
10. “Coach James Elmore returns to lead the Lady Trojans basketball program," Nov. 19, 2008
The Lady Trojans Basketball Team was blessed to get Coach James Elmore out of retirement.
Elmore coached the Lady Trojans for 28 years that led to six playoff appearances before retiring.
Coach Elmore said,” I wouldn’t have come back if I thought I couldn’t give anything for these kids.”
With his winning experience and genuine caring and believing attitude, he will change the frame of the Coldspring Girls Basketball Program. Currently, the Lady Trojans are one of the district’s most feared teams to play against.
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