The VYPE Media team traveled out to Second Baptist School earlier this year for the SBS 2020 Winter Media Day.
The athletes were socially-distant and masked-up as VYPE captured images of the top basketball, soccer, and swimming stars.
Check out some of our favorite pics below!
Senior 3B Rowdy Sowers' 2021 TAPPS State Championship ring
From 2019 through 2021, Lutheran South Academy became the “hunted”, winning three consecutive titles. Last Spring, it appeared that they were on the verge of claiming their fourth in a row before falling to the eventual 2022 State Champions Second Baptist School in the Semis.
This season, they are the “hunters".
With a new group of players -- led by seniors Rowdy Sowers and Blaine Birkelbach -- LSA will aim to flip the script.
LSA's Rowdy Sowers
“We’re used to always having a target on our backs,” said Sowers. “It’s kind of different this year with us having to chase somebody. At the same time, it’s the same standards we’ve always had in the past. We know what we need to do to get back on top.”
Considering he’s a senior, Sowers will be expected to set the tempo for the young LSA team, which features several talented underclassmen, including two University of Texas commits -- Marcus Cantu and Victor Coronado.
“In the past, our seniors have really established a great culture and that’s something that we seniors want to do for this group,” Sowers said. “I hope to keep building on that culture, not just in baseball, but helping these underclassmen to be better people, better men and better followers of Christ.”
Birkelbach will also be making his senior debut this Spring. After transferring from Pearland, Birkelbach’s junior season saw him have a breakout year for the Pioneers, leading to him earning first-team, all-district/all-state honors in 2022. The change of pace at LSA has allowed him to become a key player on this championship-caliber team.
LSA's Blaine Birkelbach
“I’ve definitely noticed a different culture here [LSA], especially with the coaching and the bonds between the players, ” said Birkelbach. “Everybody just knows everybody here, so it’s been a fun journey with the tight-knit community that exists at LSA. You play a game one night, then you come back and everybody is picking you up, saying ‘good job’ or ‘tough loss’. They’re all just there to kind of pat you on the back, which I love.”
Birkelbach will be playing baseball at Alvin Community College following this final season.
“I hope to carry over the grit and the work ethic,” he said. “I’ve always been one to never stop working, regardless of my ups and downs. One thing that I’ve learned here that’s helped me out a lot, is that ‘it’s not all about you’. Every success and failure is owned by you and your brothers, your teammates and your coaches. No matter what, that ability to thrive, as a team is irreplaceable.”
The TAPPS baseball regular season is finally underway. It will only be a matter of months before LSA has the potential to carry out its goal of taking back the title.Second Baptist's Emily Rogers
The Eagles’ game-changing senior Emily Rogers has been a key factor in establishing the team’s precedent of greatness.
Rogers was instrumental in the Second Baptist School’s 2021 TAPPS State Championship win. Following last season, in which she earned all-state and all-tournament team honors en route to ushering the team to a Regional Finals appearance, she is determined to help bring the title back to SBS.
“This season, I expect our team to be in the top three of our district (TAPPS D2-District 5),” said Rogers. “I’m looking forward to making another run for the state title. Some of my favorite memories are from our 2021 season when we won it all. Chasing after the championship is a thrilling experience and allows our team to grow on and off the field.”
Ever since her breakout sophomore year, Rogers has become one of the primary leaders on this talented Eagles’ roster. Embodying that role is something she takes to heart.
“Being a leader on the team is special to me because I get to share my knowledge with my teammates and help them grow as previous players did before me,” she said. “With many new players this year, I have the opportunity to be a role model to them and help them have fun and gain confidence.”
Considering the accolades and experience Rogers has gained over the years, it’s no surprise that she’s received numerous offers to play in college. Subsequently, the SBS senior has decided to continue playing softball at the Colorado School of Mines.
“I was looking for a high academic school where I could study engineering and play softball,” Rogers said. “Mines was a perfect fit for me.”
As she continues to leave her legacy, Rogers looks back on her last four years with fondness.
“From my freshman year to now, I have grown as a player physically and mentally,” she said. “Through challenges and successes, playing for Second Baptist School has taught me several life lessons from my coaches and teammates. My experience as an Eagle has me well-prepared for the future.”
Rogers will intend to add to her fond memories before she moves on to Mines over the coming months. Therefore, the Eagles will be that much more determined as they pursue another state championship, this Spring.
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