A year ago, VYPE was preparing to launch its Austin and San Antonio sites. Now, look at us. We're preparing for our second year of high school coverage in Central and South Texas. I was involved with many of the steps along the way, so it's been awesome to see how far the markets have come in such a short time.
It starts with the support. I remember inviting area football players to the 2018 VYPE Hill Country (yes, that's what the region was called back then) Preseason Photoshoot when the VYPE Austin (@VYPEATX) and VYPE San Antonio (@VYPESATX) Twitter accounts had zero followers. The athletes, as well as their parents, coaches and communities, took a chance on VYPE, and we're forever thankful.
Y'all came out in droves when we hosted the first shoot at Texas State, and have supported us ever since. That's evident in your visits to the VYPE sites, social media accounts and polls, as well as your continued interest in our preseason shoots. In case you haven't been counting, the local combined Twitter follow count has risen to over 4,000 in 14 months, and our five other shoots have produced better and better turnouts.
Some will say that numbers tell part of the story, and that's true. That's why the following was another great sign. Athletes tweeted their excitement when they were invited to this summer's VYPE preseason football and volleyball photoshoot. They, along with their parents, coaches and communities, also tagged us in their behind-the-scenes photoshoot tweets.
That tells me that we've left a positive mark on this part of the state. Lucky for you, more great content is ahead. Our 2019-2020 coverage begins with volleyball and football previews, which will be released daily over the next few weeks.
I am looking forward to watching your athletic best, so push yourself in your classes to stay eligible and play out of your minds when you see my cowboy hat at your sporting events. You may end up as the next VYPE Player of the Game.
Looking forward to the interview,
Thomas Bingham (@Texan8thGen)
VYPE Austin/San Antonio Editor/Reporter