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ONE BLOCK AT A TIME: Klein Collins' Bell-Morris A Big Piece To Tigers' Championship Puzzle
KLEIN COLLINS SOFTBALL DOMINATED DISTRICT PLAY IN 2023 AND ADVANCED TO THE THIRD ROUND OF THEPOSTSEASON. BUT THAT ISN’T THAT FAR-FETCHED, SEEING THAT THE TIGERS HAVE REACHED THE STATE FINALS AS EARLY AS 2012 AND 2019.
They have that look again heading into 2024 with the likes of Texas State signee Savannah Carter and Northwestern State signee Ary Garcia leading a talented senior class.
However, junior Za’Riya Bell-Morris will continue to build her high school resume after a breakout season last year. She could be the key to the Tigers’ run for Red and Charline McCombs Field and the State Tournament.
“I like positivity,” Bell Morris said. “We have that in this team… a good vibe. We have great pitching, defense and we are an explosive team on offense. We lost to Langham Creek in the third-round last year, but I think we have the pieces in place to make it all the way to State.”
Speaking of pieces, when Bell-Morris isn’t running down softballs in the outfield or punishing pitchers in the batter’s box, she is settling into her favorite hobby.
“It sounds crazy, but I love building Legos,” she laughed. “If I got one Christmas gift, I would want a Lego set. I just built a Bonsai Tree of Legos. It is beautiful! I don’t know, with all it takes to be a student-athlete, it helps me breathe, focus and lock in to connecting blocks. It’s how I take time for myself.”
Bell-Morris had a big sophomore season at the plate and patrolled the outfield for Klein Collins and in summer ball. Her abilities have drawn the attention of college scouts and her phone is starting to ring.
“In recruiting, colleges take pitchers and catchers first, then middle infielders she explained. “Then outfielders who can hit, and that is me. I have taken a few visits and I’ve found that I want to go Division I, but not too big of a DI. I’m looking for a smaller school and when I step on the campus, I’m like ‘wow’. A fun program with a nice environment.”
In the meantime, however, the superstar athlete enjoys being a kid. “I love anime, listening to ‘Lil Boosie and dancing,” she laughed. “I’m in the outfield just dancing away between outs and especially during my walk out song.”
And, of course, building Legos.
MAKING A SPLASH: Klein's Erwin beats to own drum
WHEN A NICKNAME FITS, IT JUST STICKS.
Quint “QT” Erwin loves the story.
“One of my closest friends is named Quinn and I am Quint,” he said. “Coach Svoboda would call out ‘Quinn’ and we would both turn and head his way. It was super confusing and annoying for all of us. Coach made the decision that he would be Quinn and I would be QT.”
It has stuck ever since.
“I know when you run it together it sounds like cutie,” he laughs. “I get that all the time. It’s a conversation starter, for sure.”
Erwin enters his junior season as one of leaders of the Bearkat swim and dive team, specializing in the 200 butterfly and 50 freestyle.
“What really kept me inspired happened during my freshman year,” he said. “Every season, Coach Svoboda pulls up one swimmer from the junior varsity to swim in the varsity district meet. He picked me. That has really kept me going. It gave me so much confidence.”
Two years later, he has lofty goals entering the 2024 season.
“I’m looking at getting to State,” he said. “I also want to go back to the Junior Nationals and eventually swim in college.”
Erwin found himself in the pool.
“I tried all the sports growing up,” he said. “I just found my clique with swim. I love being with my friends and I also like getting up early to practice. It makes me feel like I’ve done something during the day.”
What does he listen to before a big race?
“This sounds weird, but I listen to country music ballads,” he said. “Something like Jimmy Buffett or Kenny Chesney. My heart rate is super high during a meet, I need something to calm me down.”
Outside of the pool, Erwin is the outdoorsy-type.
“I love to fish, bike, hike and water ski,” he said. “I love the beach or biking the trails of Colorado. I could see myself travelling to state parks across the country when I’m older and being a part-time park ranger. I’m also dabbling into art a little bit.”
His uniqueness doesn’t stop there.
“I’m big into reading about history,” he said. “My favorite subjects are Henry Ford and Alexander Hamilton. They are really fascinating.”
QT Erwin beats to his own drum, which is unique in the world of high school where everyone is trying to just fit in. That sets him apart as he swims upstream in pursuit of his goals.