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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.
HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE: Montgomery Left Her Mark On Rosehill Christian
CHARITY MONTGOMERY MADE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT UPON HER ARRIVAL AT ROSEHILL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL.
Since transferring to RCS two years ago, it’s been a win-win for both Montgomery and the Class 3A TAPPS power.
“I was first drawn to Rosehill Christian when my sister had a track meet here,” she said. “Coach (Steve) Krantz’s wife handed us the tickets and she asked me about my interests. When I told her I played basketball, she referred me to her husband, Coach Krantz... the athletic director and girls basketball coach.
“I think it was the interest that they both showed in me that really made me decide to transfer over here, and I’m glad I did.”
Two State Tournament appearances later, Montgomery talked about her career on the hardwood.
“I started playing basketball when I was six years old,” Montgomery said. “I ran in cross country and played soccer for a little while, but at the end of the day, this is the path I chose. The whole experience appeals to me – the competition, the aggressiveness and the teammates. That’s what makes this game my go-to.”
According to Montgomery, she modeled her game after former UConn and Minnesota Lynx star Maya Moore, who she has had the opportunity to watch in person on multiple occasions.
Her style of play would earn her all-state honors the past two seasons as her game grew under the direction of Coach Krantz.
However, there’s much more to the senior guard than meets the eye.
“I’m really into music, which led me to being a musician on the side,” she said. “I used to play the saxophone and the drums a lot. I haven’t really had as much time to play anymore, but I’ll do it for fun every once in a while.
“If I had to pinpoint one of my favorite artists, it would probably be SZA. I listened to her new album constantly when it was released.”
Her favorite memories with her teammates... her extended family?
“The team meals after games were so much fun. Especially if we went to McDonald’s,” she laughed. “My go-to is a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Making a run to State two years in a row was something I will never forget. We became a sisterhood.”
For Coach Krantz and the RCS community, it will be a tough good-bye when Montgomery walks out of the gym for the last time.
She left a legacy.