GAMES
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RANKINGS
Mason Strolberg (11), Brooke Sample, and Noah Zamora (22) sitting in the dugout.
VYPE U: Hargrave High School’s Bat Girl Brooke
At Hargrave, Brooke's mother is an assistant tennis coach and the girls athletic coordinator and her father coaches baseball and football. Brooke was often at Falcon sporting events anyways, so it was a great transition once she became the bat girl. She took on the role because she loves baseball and being around her dad and the team.
It went well for both the players and the Sample family when Brooke became the bat girl. The Sample parents spent a lot of time around Hargrave athletics before, as their jobs require long hours away from home, so it has made it easier on them to have the kids around more often. The players love having Brooke around too.
Hagen Pike, Luke Thomas, and Mason Strolberg, three of the athletes Brooke has gotten to know best, shared about their unique friendships with Hargrave's number one fan. In just a short conversation, it's not hard to sense the magnitude of the impact Brooke has made on their programs.
Though her main role is the bat girl, Brooke supports various sports at Hargrave. At football and volleyball games, Brooke's strategy is simple. She "cheer[s] loud."
Brooke Sample and Hagen Pike posing at a volleyball match. From Brandy Sample
Pike, a senior volleyball player, says the team is constantly uplifted by Brooke's presence. They hear her chants at volleyball games and, "always say, 'Did you hear the cheer Brooke started?'" Pike believes that Brooke is "a great leader" and that she has "so much heart," inspiring Pike to "be the best [she] can be." Pike wishes that every fan at the volleyball games would have "as much enthusiasm and heart" as Brooke.
Brooke Sample and Luke Thomas posing at a football game. From Brandy Sample
Thomas, a junior football player, says that everyone on the team "welcomes Brooke in a loving and caring way each and every time [they] see her." Brooke is at every game cheering the Falcons on from the stands. On her influence on the team, Thomas commented that Brooke "[spreads] positivity each time [they] see her." She takes pictures with the players after games and is always there to truly "show [the players] how much she enjoys seeing [them] play."
Mason Strolberg (11), Brooke Sample, and Noah Zamora (22) sitting in the dugout. From Brandy Sample
When Brooke became the bat girl, the team welcomed her with open arms. Many of the kids already knew her from her previous presence at the games. Senior baseball player Mason Strolberg said that the team welcomed Brooke initially as they realized she, "is a character and will always bring happiness even in the saddest moments."
During the games, she likes to retrieve the bats, hang out in the dugout with the boys, and, of course, run out and cheer when one of them hits a home run. She even brings the team treats on her birthday and takes pictures with them after games.
Strolberg has known Brooke for over four years, and they have a unique relationship. Strolberg sometimes brings Brooke tacos and attends her own games. He supports Brooke to show that, "[he] cares about her as much as she cares about [the baseball team]."
All three of the athletes echoed similar sentiments about Brooke's effect on their teams. Her positivity makes a tremendous impact on Falcon athletics. The players make an effort to be positive role models by setting good examples in their words and actions around Brooke. To have younger kids look up to them is a great feeling for them, and Pike says the support of Brooke and other kids makes the volleyball team "play even harder," never "want[ing] to let them down."
Brooke's mother, Brandy Sample, says seeing Brooke get involved has been "kind of amazing," especially seeing how "sweet and kind" the kids are around Brooke.
Brooke has made a huge difference within the Hargrave High School athletics programs, and she continues to support the Falcons. As Brooke approaches her fourth season as bat girl, it is clear that her positive attitude and unmatched spirit have transformed Hargrave athletics with a lasting impact.
In Strolberg's words, Brooke is "the best bat girl there is no doubt about it!"
VYPE Helmet Stickers: Week 2 (September 3-5)
Caleb Shannon - Huffman
told that boy to move pic.twitter.com/IqJ2Gp1SAj
— Caleb shannon (@caleb_shannon3) September 6, 2020
Huffman moved to 2-0 on the 2020 season with an impressive 20-14 road victory over Needville on Friday night. A key to that was the bruising running of Caleb Shannon out of the backfield. Shannon rushed for 112 yards on 16 carries, averaging seven yards a tote, and also had one reception for 27 yards. Shannon also had this monster truck stick move in the video above! A VYPE Helmet Sticker is definitely in order for Huffman's Caleb Shannon.
Paul Woodard - Brazosport
In an absolutely impressive performance, Brazosport's offense was on fire in a 50-7 victory over Sweeny last weekend. A big piece to that was running back Paul Woodard. The junior rumbled for 169 yards and three scores on 29 carries. Woodard averaged 5.8 yards per carry to help carry the Exporters to victory. For his performance, he definitely deserves a VYPE Helmet Sticker.
Trae Deck - Tarkington
Tarkington has started off the season in the win column. The Longhorns defeated La Marque 14-7 this past weekend. A key part to the win was quarterback Trae Deck. At the end, Deck finished 11 of 22 for 108 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His performance earns him a VYPE Helmet Sticker.
Jordan Woodard - Columbia
The Columbia Roughnecks bounced back from a season-opening loss against Smithville this past weekend with a dominating 52-7 victory over Wharton. A big player in that was Jordan Woodard. The junior rushed for 183 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries, averaging 11.4 yards per tote. A big reason the Roughnecks pulled off the win was thanks in big part to Woodard's running. Add a VYPE Helmet Sticker to his resume for the 2020 season.