Cedar Park: Timberwolf Night in America
7:30 p.m., Maggiore's
TNIA Crew: Brad Cone, Josh Willard, QA – Nathan Nunez
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Cedar Park: Timberwolf Night in America
7:30 p.m., Maggiore's
TNIA Crew: Brad Cone, Josh Willard, QA – Nathan Nunez
VYPE caught up with The Kinkaid School Girls Cross Country Coach Cheryl Mitchell at the VYPE Kinkaid Fall 2023 Media Day, discussing the season and more!
Check out the interview below!
TWCA's Salem Armstrong-Behe
EVERY CAMPUS HAS ITS SHINING STAR.
Senior Salem Armstrong-Behe seamlessly embodies that role with style.
The first thing that piques one’s attention is the uniqueness of her name.
“I was born in October, and my Dad has always been a Halloween freak,” she laughed. “My name was initially going to be Scarlet, but it didn’t give off the Halloween vibe. Eventually, my parents landed on ‘Salem’ from the Salem Witch Trials.”
Given the fact that she is a leading figure on both the Warriors cheerleading and volleyball teams, Armstrong- Behe is a difficult figure to miss on the school grounds.
Despite the commitment of doubling up in athletics, she still manages to thrive.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I love staying active, especially now that I’m a senior and have a leadership position,” said Armstrong-Behe. “I’ve been here since the second grade, so it’s been such a great experience to be with girls who I’ve grown up with. We grew together, learned together and competed together. I kind of just wanted to get as much of that as possible.”
It’s that same connection that has made Armstrong- Behe the person she is today.
“Being here (TWCA) for essentially my entire education, I have built friendships that I would never have had otherwise,” she said. “It’s also shaped me into the woman I am today, particularly through Christianity and knowing my faith better. This experience, the friends and the community has allowed me to progress in so many ways.”
While she emphasized the love she feels towards volleyball, Armstrong-Behe’s true passion lies where it all began for her.
2023-24 The Woodlands Christian Academy CheerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“My Mom was a cheerleader for the University of Tennessee, so I’ve always wanted to follow in her footsteps,” Armstrong-Behe said. “I grew up in competitive cheerleading and dance. It always came naturally to me. I just love everything about the sport, getting to perform in front of people. I’m a very girly- girl, so getting ready for games is always fun to me.
“But, I think the skill required for it can be overlooked at times. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, because we’re not just out there yelling at people. There are stunts, tumbling, coordination and choreography involved throughout. Doing that in college would be tremendous.”
Whether she’s on the court or on the field in the future, count on this star to keep shining.
Iowa Colony on cusp of something special
Ray Garza is an Alvin ISD lifer.
He has been tasked with leading the Iowa Colony Pioneers, the district’s newest school.
In just its second year of varsity play, the Pioneers are 4-0 as they head into Class 12-4A-DI play which is filled with long-time power programs.
“This is my home,” he said. “This is my community. My mom still lives in the house I was raised in and it’s an honor to lead Iowa Colony. I’ve been able to stay in one place and raise my own family, while having been a part of the district’s winning tradition.”
Garza played at Alvin High and tried his hand in college football at Blinn. He would graduate from Texas A&M and did his student teaching in Alvin. He was on coach Kirk Martin’s first staff at Manvel High School and was a part of the winning culture of “Hoka Hey”. He was the defensive line coach when the Mavs reached the State Finals in 2011.
He would follow Brad Butler to Alvin ISD’s next new school – Shadow Creek. The Sharks played for a State Title in 2018, the first year it truly played a varsity schedule. Shadow Creek would go on to win State in 2019.
“I’ve been a part of some big games around here,” he said. “And I’ve had some tremendous mentors.”
Garza was a no-brainer to open Iowa Colony. The Pioneers took their lumps last season, going 2-8 on the season. They played a varsity schedule with freshmen and sophomores but were extremely competitive.
“We are building a family culture here,” he said. “We are much-improved because we have simply had our kids for another year of development. From the offseason boot camp and summer work outs, we have come together as a family. It runs throughout the school because so many of our kids play multiple sports. Our kids are seeing their hard work pay off as we evolve as a program.”
Running the offense is sophomore Cam Renfro, a dual-threat QB with over 800 yards of total offense and 15 scores. He is joined in the backfield with RB Eric Mosely III, who has burst onto the scene. The receiving room is loaded with four WRs with over 100 yards. Jacody Miles, the 2022 District Newcomer of the Year, is dynamic with the ball in his hands either running, receiving or returning.
Antoine Martin, Jr. is a speedster with length to stretch the defense, while freshman Carson White and junior Landy White are also primary targets. The line is led by center Tyson Windham.
“We have some pretty special receivers for Cam to throw to,” he said. “He is understanding the offense really well with another year of experience. Mosely has run really well and Windham diagnoses things up on the line. Our defense is making plays with some very talented kids who work really hard.”
Chris Johnson is the star at defensive end at 6-foot-3. He has an offer from Baylor.
“When your best player is your best leader, that goes a long way,” Garza said. “He keeps everyone on track.”
Bruce Robinson, Henry Kalu, Haydon Caston and Treshaun O’Neal lead a fast and physical linebacking corps, while Jeremy Gardner patrols the secondary.
“We are off to a great start, but we are in a very competitive district,” Garza said. “There are some great programs with a lot of tradition and great coaches. We will be tested every Friday in a playoff atmosphere. You want that pressure to make a playoff spot. It makes you focus one week at a time.”
Absolutely "on brand" as Garza builds his colony.
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