GAMES
RANKINGS
RUN IT BACK: Freeman's Recovery Will Reignite Rosehill Christian To State Contention
DESPITE THEIR RELATIVELY SMALL CLASS-SIZES, IT’S NO SECRET WHO ROSEHILL CHRISTIAN’S “IT-GIRL” IS.
Whether she’s lighting up the scoreboard on the basketball court or re-writing the record books on the track, Mercy Freeman has helped to establish RCS as a brand on the TAPPS-3A scene.
Considering all the success she has seen, it might come as a shock that Freeman nearly never joined track and field.
“In fifth and sixth grade, I actually didn’t have that much of an interest in joining the track team,” she said. “I had just finished with basketball each of those years, so my thought process was, ‘I’m tired of running’. But, Kaleigh (Frazier) kept encouraging me to join, so seventh grade is when I ultimately decided to give it a shot.
“Since Kaleigh did hurdles, I figured I could try some events other than sprints as well. Eventually, I fell in love with jumping and the sport itself, and the work that’s needed to consistently improve yourself.”
It’s a good thing she was ultimately swayed to join, since she’s been the definitive catalyst towards Rosehill Christian’s two state titles over the past three seasons.
But, that’s not the only reason the senior has to appreciate the time she’s put in.
“Having played most sports at Rosehill Christian, I feel like track would be my favorite ‘team vibe’ for lack of a better word,” said Freeman. “Everyone is always super close, and after our meets we all go out to eat – whether it be at Canes, Chick-fil-a or Whataburger. At the end of the day, I feel that we’re more of a family, rather than a team.”
According to head coach David Saye, Freeman contributes 45 points to the family, on average. Given that insane statistic, the Eagles would have handily won the TAPPS-3A State Championship for the third-consecutive time in 2023, had it not been for Freeman suffering a high-ankle sprain in the opening event.
Rest assured, Freeman has been doing her utmost to ensure that Rosehill Christian can flip the script in 2024.
“It was definitely hard to come back from that, especially since I wasn’t able to walk initially,” she said. “I had to start from square one – re-learning how to walk, run and jump – which is crazy to think about the little things we do on a daily basis.
“The biggest thing for me was getting my strength back and having to work extra hard in order to catch up. Because we were supposed to win last year, I think that we’re all more determined than ever to get back to our State Title form.”
They may have their game-face on now, but it should be a safe assessment that Freeman and company will be all smiles in the coming months.
BIG MAN ON CAMPUS: Walker Enters Final Season At Rosehill
MOVING TO A NEW SCHOOL CAN BE A DAUNTING TASK FOR ANYONE. FACTOR IN THE TRANSITION FROM PUBLIC TO PRIVATE SCHOOL, AND THE CHANGE IS AMPLIFIED.
However, after transferring from Klein Cain three years ago, Trey Walker wasted no time in establishing himself as a competitor within Rosehill Christian.
“My time here has honestly been a ride,” he laughed. “That’s the best way I can describe it. I initially came here for football, but the whole experience has been amazing. Coming from a big Class 6A public school to the tight-knit environment here was the best thing for me.
“I feel like I’ve made some life-long friends here and have achieved more things than I likely would have ever gotten in public school. Rosehill has made me a better person as a whole.”
Just as he mentioned, Walker initially came to RCS for the football program. His arm made him a prime candidate to be the Eagles’ starting quarterback, for which the lefty signal-caller earned all-state honors in 2023.
Additionally, that same arm makes him the ace for coach Nathan Utt’s baseball program.
“I think football coming before baseball has always helped to keep my arm in shape,” said Walker. “I wouldn’t say I’m always ‘ahead of the game’, but it almost feels that way in terms of strength when baseball season comes around.
“As the quarterback for the football team, I’ve assumed the leader role. So, I feel more prepared to help wherever I’m needed. It just comes more naturally in the Spring.”
After the Eagles reached the TAPPS postseason a year ago, in which he received all-state recognition, Walker will be relied on to assume that leadership position once again. He will be joined by seniors Cade Whitt and Joseph Hext.
“We’re really young this year,” he said. “I think that the few older, more experienced guys need to help these younger guys out. The current underclassmen on the team are going to be really good – I can see it. But, we just need to make them feel more comfortable and relaxed in order to bring out their potential.”
What the Eagles lack in veteran experience, they make up for in leadership. Trey Walker is an embodiment of that.
All that’s left now is to see how that translates onto the diamond.