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KRISTI'S KREW: Amarantos' reflect on cancer journey as football season begins

Joshua Koch
Aug 25, 2021

HOUSTON - Through an open door at the end of a hallway, Kristi Amarantos started her what would be an 11-step walk. Midway through she placed her hands together in front of her and then came to a stop. Reaching out with her right hand she grabbed the white braided rope attached to the bell and gave it one ring.

That moment was the signal that her 7-week and 33 radiation treatment sessions to fight the NUT carcinoma (NMC) cancer discovered in her neck in early June were complete.

As the resonating sound of the bell echoed, she dropped her face into her open palms, turned around and embraced her husband of 25 years, Spiro, with her sons Carter and Cooper and mother clapping as they surrounded her.

"When I went over to ring the bell, I was already losing it before I got to the bell," Kristi said. "As soon as I rang the bell, I distinctly remember Spiro rubbing my back. When I turned to him, he was already crying and then it just made me break down."

While doing all of this, Kristi was wearing, what she now deems her lucky hat -- a black Galena Park Yellowjackets ball cap. The school where her - Class of 1990 and Colonel of the Drill Team - and Spiro - Class of 1990 and Football Captain - met, fell in love over 30 years ago and now where he is the head football coach.

"When I put on a cap, it's a GP cap," Kristi, who confirmed she was indeed wearing the hat during our phone interview, said with a laugh. "So many people noticed that was the cap I was wearing that day. It was so fitting. I wouldn't have worn any other hat that day. I think when you have cancer, you become superstitious. You hold on to everything that could give you hope.

"That was just my lucky hat. I wear it all the time."

Spiro added: "It was gratifying and emotional for her and us. It was super emotional. She's a tough bird. She's a Yellowjacket at heart. Growing up on the Eastside, she's got a little Eastside toughness in her. It was something special."

A week later, Kristi was back at the bell, ringing to signal the end of her chemotherapy treatment. As we talked on August 20, iut was a week from that day she was starting to feel more herself, following months that included an emergency surgery and aggressive cancer treatment.

"Today is the first day I can tell that I'm turning the corner and feeling better," Kristi said.

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THE PLAYMAKERS: Leaving Them Speechless // Powered by UTMB Health

Matthew Ogle
10 Sep, 2025

Shadow Creek Sr. S Carter Stewart (Utah-commit)

Jamey Wright (VYPE)

The South Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it there all in their respective fields of play.

Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from this past week who stole the headlines.

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On My Whistle Podcast | TXHSFB Week 2 Recap, New VYPE Houston Rankings

Matt Malatesta
Jackson DiPasquale
09 Sep, 2025

VYPE’s Matt Malatesta and Jackson DiPasquale are back to review and preview the Houston high school football scene as we roll into Week 3, and the storylines are already heating up.

The College Park Cavaliers have made headlines by climbing into the Top 10 after a hot start, proving they’re ready to hang with the area’s elite. Meanwhile, Klein Collins surged up the rankings thanks to a statement win over Willis, showing off their physical defense and depth. Their district-mates at Klein High are also grabbing attention, averaging over 60 points per game in their first two contests — an offensive explosion that has fans buzzing.

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STUDENT OF THE GAME: How Experience and Drive are Elevating Mendenhall, Alief Elsik

Matthew Ogle
09 Sep, 2025

Alief Elsik's Kaden Mendenhall

Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)

Before the lights come on and the stands begin to fill at Crump Stadium, Kaden Mendenhall has already done the work.

Hours before practice, long after the last whistle, and throughout an offseason built on intention—Elsik’s senior quarterback has been preparing not just for games, but for a season that could define his legacy.

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TRENDING
VYPE Coaches Corner: FBCA Football Coach Ben Hoffmeier; 2025 Preview

VYPE Coaches Corner: FBCA Football Coach Ben Hoffmeier; 2025 Preview

7PM - Football: Anderson vs. College Station

7PM - Football: Anderson vs. College Station

5PM - Football: Liberty Hill vs. El Paso Eastlake

5PM - Football: Liberty Hill vs. El Paso Eastlake

7PM - Football: Cedar Park vs. Huntsville

7PM - Football: Cedar Park vs. Huntsville

6:45PM - Football: Randle vs. Travis

6:45PM - Football: Randle vs. Travis

GAMES

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 9/12/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 9/12/25

6:45PM - Football: Randle vs. Travis

6:45PM - Football: Randle vs. Travis

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 9/11/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 9/11/25

7PM - Football: Vista Ridge vs. Round Rock

7PM - Football: Vista Ridge vs. Round Rock

7PM - Football: Second Baptist vs. ESD

7PM - Football: Second Baptist vs. ESD

VYPE Live Lineup - Tuesday 9/9/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Tuesday 9/9/25

VYPE Central Texas Game of the Week Preview: Anderson vs. College Station

VYPE Central Texas Game of the Week Preview: Anderson vs. College Station

6:45PM - Football: Terry vs. Willowridge

6:45PM - Football: Terry vs. Willowridge

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5:45PM - Volleyball: Lamar Consolidated vs. Terry

7PM - Football: Southwestern vs. Puget Sound

7PM - Football: Southwestern vs. Puget Sound

7PM - Football: Montgomery vs. Elgin

7PM - Football: Montgomery vs. Elgin

7PM - Football: Lake Creek vs. Strake Jesuit

7PM - Football: Lake Creek vs. Strake Jesuit

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7PM - Football: Byron Nelson vs. Southlake Carroll

7PM - Football: Anderson vs. College Station

7PM - Football: Anderson vs. College Station

7PM - Football: Bastrop vs. Prestonwood Christian

7PM - Football: Bastrop vs. Prestonwood Christian

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7PM - Football: McNeil vs. Westwood

7PM - Football: Cedar Ridge vs. Hutto

7PM - Football: Cedar Ridge vs. Hutto

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7PM - Football: Manor New Tech vs. Akins

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 9/5/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 9/5/25

7PM - Football: East View vs. Belton

7PM - Football: East View vs. Belton

Join the #VYPETEAM

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WELCOME TO VYPE INSIDER

VYPE Houston Friday Night Lights Scoreboard (9.3.21): Atascocita ends Allen's 122-game home winning streak, Full Scoreboard

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