Photo provided by Mendoza
The future of Waller football is in good hands.
After struggling in Year One, coach Marcus Mendoza is ready to prove the doubters wrong this upcoming Fall.
What makes Mendoza such a unique figure is the fact that he was recruited out of Spring Woods High -- a relatively unknown as a recruiting hub -- and ultimately rose to play at the Big-10 school Nebraska (2008-2011).
He’s shown by example that hard work can pay dividends, no matter where you play, which is exactly what he stresses to his players.
“Right now, kids are seeing other athletes at the big schools in Texas getting more attention and they think that’s what they need to do in order to get those offers," he said. "But, I remind them how I went to a smaller school. I bought into what my coaches were saying, and I was focused on what I needed to do. That’s what I promote to them. I tell them ‘If you have the talent, and we keep building on this program, you will get found’.”
Mendoza (34-years-old) was an assistant coach at Aldine Davis and Cypress Ranch before becoming the offensive coordinator at Waller. He's a whiz in the film room, but has always considered himself an educator first.
After starting the school’s EcoFair program and being named the 2020-21 Waller ISD Teacher of the Year for his performance as an economics teacher, he earned the position of the Bulldogs' head football coach last May.
“Something that I’ve been told is the fact that some of the best coaches are equally great teachers in the school building,” Mendoza said. “So, in the classroom, I just learned those qualities of what it takes to be a great teacher and ended up just falling in love with the classroom as well. That has helped me with my management and football coaching skills.”
And what is Mendoza’s coaching philosophy?
“I’m definitely an offensive-minded guy,” he said. “Offense is my baby, that’s what I love doing. I love breaking down film and implementing new ways to manipulate or outsmart a defense depending on fronts, coverages and things like that. A big part of what I do is delegation, specifically with my assistant head coach Johnny Golden and my OC Ryland Bailey.”
In addition to his football experience and his accolades as an educator, Mendoza has a unique ability to connect with his team.
“I’ve learned from the coaches who I've worked for and my high school coach, who were all super old-school," he said. “They helped me to understand the discipline that needs to be implemented into a program. But then I also think being at this age (34) right now, really allows me to communicate well with the kids and understand the dynamic of what they’re going through and what they hope to achieve.”
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THE FOSTER HIGH GOLF PROGRAM HAS EXCELLED IN RECENT YEARS. MOST RECENTLY, THE GIRLS AND BOYS TEAMS WERE REGIONAL QUALIFIERS IN 2022.
One of the standouts for Foster is Brooke Helmcamp, who has become a vital piece on the roster. VYPE chatted up the senior Falcon before she hit the links. This is VYPE’s PAR 5…
VYPE: What got you into golf?
HELMCAMP: My cousin played golf when she was in high school. As a freshman, I didn’t have a sport. She got me into it and the rest is history.
VYPE: What do you like most about the sport?
HELMCAMP: I like how golf teaches you mentally how to maintain your positivity through your struggles. Even if you have a bad go at a hole, that shouldn’t keep you from having a good round. There’s always a reset.
VYPE: What has been the biggest accomplishment throughout your career?
HELMCAMP: I had a hole in-one at one of our tournaments. That was definitely the most exciting moment I’ve experienced playing golf.
VYPE: As one of four seniors on this year’s team, how do you feel about taking a leadership role?
HELMCAMP: I’m excited to get to know the girls better and teach them things that I didn’t know during my early years. I want to help them take that step ahead of time, rather than figure it out for themselves like I did.
VYPE: What legacy do you want to leave in your final year of Foster golf?
HELMCAMP: Individually, I want to shoot a personal best. As a whole, I want to have an impact on the underclassmen. Hopefully, I can help them improve so the team can maintain its success next year and beyond.
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Kingwood High School boys team dominated the Region 2 Gymnastics Championships, which were held in Bryan, Texas.
Kingwood finished the optionals portion of the meet with 156.2 points, followed by Bryan Rudder High in second with 138.5 points. Round Rock High School finished third with 134.8 points.
Kingwood will represent the Region at the State Meet April 28 and 29 in College Station.
Kingwood Coach Justin James was named Coach of the Year.
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