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TOUGHNESS OVER TALENT: Banks remains humble following recognition
It’s no secret that Fort Bend Marshall Track & Field is one of the top-tier programs in the state, which was evidenced by their recent UIL championship, this past Spring.
2022-23 FB Marhsall Track & Field Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
With that logic, wouldn’t it make sense that the Buffs would have one of the best coaches around?
Coach Lloyd Banks was recently recognized by his peers in the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association (TTFCA) as the Class 5A Coach of the Year.
Despite getting the recognition, Banks remained modest in his response.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“At the end of the day, we all have a hand in it,” said Banks. “I truly believe that I have one of the best coaching staffs in the nation, and I have a great group of kids to work with. So, I can’t take all of the credit. I put it all in their lap, because nothing moves without them.
“I’ll say it all the time, ‘I run my mouth, and they just run.’ When we’re successful, the guy who manages it gets the love, but I know better. We all have a hand in it, when it comes to developing our kids. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with having so many successful athletes.”
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
Given how competitive the atmosphere is in the world of Texas high school T&F, how has Banks been able to maximize the potential of his athletes to a championship-caliber team?
“You’ll never be able to bank on your talent level every year because we’re in Texas -- it’s going to be difficult because everybody is talented,” he said. “The one thing I hang my hat on is that I have a tough group of kids.
“They’re resilient and dependable. When the lights come on, I know they won’t fold because we emphasize toughness over talent. I tell them having that mental 'will to win' weighs more than talent when it comes to winning a championship. They’ve bought into that, and they’ve been able to separate themselves that way.”
Of course, practicing day in and day out can weigh on a young student-athlete, which is something that Banks recognizes as a coach and an influencer.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“We keep it light -- we don’t take ourselves too seriously as far as practice goes,” Banks said. “We’ll be playing music, enjoying ourselves, laughing with each other. We have a good rapport with each other and that goes further than track.
“Coaching track is easy, but what’s important is that we develop better young men and women for the community and society. They lock in when they need to be, but I feel that joking, fun atmosphere is what helps to build relationships and make this program distinct.”
It’s no wonder that his athletes put so much faith in Banks. Expect that trend to continue as the Buffs gear up for another school year.
THE PLAYMAKERS: Wrapping up the Spring powered by UTMB Health
The south Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it their all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from the previous week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week.
Gabbie Roundtree, Pearland Softball
Roundtree celebrates her game-tying 3-run HR with her teammates
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks (Hendricks Rockography)
In the bottom of the seventh inning of the Class 6A Regional Finals, Pearland was down 5-8 against Deer Park.
With their hopes of reaching the State Tourney hanging in the balance, pinch-hitter Gabbie Roundtree (Sr. OF) came in the clutch with a 3-run homer to tie the game. Soon after, the Lady Oilers would emerge victorious by a score of 9-8 to punch their ticket to Austin.
Brandon Schirck, Friendswood Track & Field
Friendswood's Brandon Schrick (Left) & Albert Archundia (Right)
Photo acquired via Twitter: @FWoodBoysTrack
Friendswood’s Brandon Schirck had a remarkable showing throughout his team’s Spring campaign. The junior Mustang further evidenced this by taking gold in the Shot Put at the UIL Regional Meet, followed by a second-place finish (59-09.75) at the State Meet. With another year left in his career, expect him to improve upon those stats in 2024.
Albert Archundia, Friendswood Track & Field
Similarly to Schirck, senior Albert Archundia led another outstanding year on Friendswood’s Track & Field team. After finishing second at Regionals, Archundia took bronze at State in the Shot Put event (58-10.00), to cap off an exceptional high school career.
Kristyn Whitlock, Pearland Softball
Whitlock rounds the bases after hitting a solo-homer against Deer Park
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks (Hendricks Rockography)
Pearland’s senior infielder Kristyn Whitlock played an instrumental role in the Lady Oilers’ victory in the Region III Final. The SHSU-signee had a solo homer in the contest, on top of three RBIs--one of which was the walk-off sac-fly to send her team to the State Semifinals. Whitlock will undoubtedly be a key figure in Pearland’s push for a title this weekend.
Friendswood Girls Golf
Photo acquired via Twitter: @FwoodGolf
After winning yet another district championship, the Mustangs Girls Golf team would go on to place third at Regionals--earning them a spot in the UIL State Tournament at Legacy Hills Golf Club in Georgetown. Friendswood ultimately finished ninth-overall against some tough competition, with a composite score of 674, which has set the standard for the young program.