Don’t put your next sports event in anyone else’s hands.From professional event planning assistance to complimentary services, the Lubbock Sports team is known for going above and beyond to make each event a success. To receive a free Sports Facility Guide, call 800.692.4035 or log onto LubbockSports.org.

Don’t put your next sports event in anyone else’s hands.From professional event planning assistance to complimentary services, the Lubbock Sports team is known for going above and beyond to make each event a success. To receive a free Sports Facility Guide, call 800.692.4035 or log onto LubbockSports.org.

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4 | MARCH 2013 | Sports Lubbock Monthly

Regulars

6 Lead Off

7 SLM Randoms

8 Opening Shot

10 Life as I See It

11 Quick Shot

22 Run the Race

45 Sports in the Hub

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Staff

PUBLICATIONToby & Christi Brooks....................................PublishersRob Tuttle.........................................Account ExecutiveKristi Hart..............................................................EditorBaron Batch......................................Contributing WriterJosh Dill............................................Contributing WriterJerri Doggett....................................Contributing WriterAlyssa Kitten....................................Contributing WriterGeorgia Reed...................................Contributing WriterRiley Swinford..................................Contributing WriterJoe Szynkowski...............................Contributing Writer

ARTKristen Bednarz........................................PhotographerMichael Dalby...........................................PhotographerDominique Harmon..................................PhotographerBarry Nelson.............................................PhotographerRegina Penney..........................................PhotographerJohn Weast..............................................PhotographerToby Brooks.................................................Art DirectorDonald MacArthur...............................Graphic Designer

Sports Lubbock Monthly is published monthly by Chaplain Publishing, a division of NiTROhype Creative, 3104 CR 7520, Lubbock, Texas, 79423, phone 806.781.8482. Contents may not be reproduced without consent of the copyright owner. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronically or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Sports Lubbock Monthly is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, articles, photographs, or artwork. To submit information, photos, or stories or for advertising inquiries please contact Sports Lubbock Monthly at 806.781.8482, via email at admin@sportslubbock.com, or via the Sports Lubbock website at www.sportslubbock.com.

ON THE COVER: SLM’s Michael Dalby made the trek to Arlington on January 25th to capture this month’s cover athlete, Brandon Taylor, as the Lubbock Outlaws squared off against the North Texas Stampede at Cowboys Stadium. Although the Outlaws fell 40-6, Taylor took the teams’ first kickoff to the house for their only score of the night.

18 | LUBBOCK BASEBALL

BATTER UPArea baseball coach with deep ties opens new baseball academy to help develop and showcase local talent by Jerri Doggett

12 | WOMEN’S HOOPS

IF THESE HALLS COULD TALKThe Schneider family tree produces an impressive haul of hardwood hardware by Josh Dill

MARCH 2013

32 | HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

MANAGING the NEXT LEVELLubbock Cooper senior volleyball manager copes with cancer and becomes an inspiration of success by Georgia Reed

Features

24 | COVER STORY

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAMEFor 31 year-old Levelland native Brandon Taylor, dreams of gridiron glory are stronger than ever by Riley Swinford

38 | HIGH SCHOOL GOLF

(UNDER) PAR for the COURSEFrenship Tiger Jack Vanderburg gains national attention on the way to earning a spot on the Red Raider golf team by Riley Swinford

4 | MARCH 2013 | Sports Lubbock Monthly

6 | MARCH 2013 | Sports Lubbock Monthly

There’s just something I love about springtime. Growing up in the Midwest, it meant putting away your “winter clothes” and bringing out your

“summer clothes.” It meant no longer going to and from school in the dark. It meant no more carrying firewood into the house daily. But most importantly to a sports-crazed adolescent like me, it meant a change in sport seasons unlike any other, with tourney-time basketball in full gear and baseball and softball off and running. But for the uniformed, springtime in Lubbock is a little different.

My first visit to Lubbock occurred on a gorgeous handful of days in September. It was at least ten degrees warmer in the LBK than it was in the area I had just left. I remember thinking how expansive and gorgeous the skies were, and how peaceful and calm it seemed, with just an occasional breeze whispering through the trees. And being on the western edge of the time zone was an added plus I hadn’t considered. It seemed as though the sun shined over an hour longer here than other places I had lived.

I asked about the weather as the conversation flitted to-and-fro during my two-day long interview. “It is usually pretty nice here. Sometimes in the spring we can get some wind and maybe some hail,” my would-be colleagues mentioned. Some hail? I had seen hail once or twice before. Big deal. So it rains down ice the size of pea gravel from time to time? I could handle that.

A few hours later I happened to notice an old Chevy Monza in the parking lot as we were walking to another meeting. Why on earth would someone assault another person’s car over every square inch with a ten-pound sledgehammer? The dents were big enough to put your fist in. I’ve seen cars used in monster truck shows as hapless automotive victims with less carnage to their sheetmetal. “Hail damage,” they said.

Oh. Wait…what? And then there’s the “maybe some wind,” they

mentioned. My first springtime in Lubbock, I had to learn a few things. First, talking on the phone outdoors is a laughable exercise in futility. The wind noise is so bad that I have had people complain

even though my phone was muted. Related to that phenomenon, there’s usually about a 40-decibel drop in noise from the time you get out of your car or leave your house until you get back inside. Apparently, my face seems to think it can somehow squelch the sound when I am out in a typical 806 squall, because my eyes stay scrunched up and my face stays distorted for at least 15

minutes post-exposure.When our daughter played tee-ball

our first spring in Lubbock, she went missing. Thankfully it wasn’t missing in the back of the milk carton sense but rather during a game. A dust storm moved in while her team was on the field and we were just barely able to make out her faint silhouette out in left field among the swirling brownness the rest of the evening.

Lasts spring my good friend Tracy Starkey and I were trying to conduct baseball practice for the coach pitch team we were coaching when a typical South Plains duster rolled in. It certainly was miserable at the time, but we managed to finish out practice with all of the five year-olds in our care unharmed. It must have been hilarious to see them spending more time chasing after their caps than after grounders. I say “must have been” because I couldn’t really make it out through all the dust.

Or how about the time last spring when I was working a JV baseball game as an athletic trainer for LCU? After the plate umpire got so ticked off at the mounting delay that resulted from our pitcher losing his cap after every delivery then subsequently having to chase said cap down in the wind, I tried to help. I pulled out my pre-wrap and physically secured his red and blue Chap lid to his skull. Needless to say, that was a first in my decade-plus career.

So with a few notable exceptions, the weather is still pretty wonderful in the South Plains this time of year. Don’t spend all your time watching March Madness. Grab your bat, glove, and cap and get outside and have some fun. Just be sure to pull that cap down tight. Rumor has it we sometimes “get some wind.”

Spring is in The Wind by TOBY BROOKS LEAD OFF

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In case you haven’t been paying attention, youth sports have changed dramatically over the last few decades. What was once simply a diversion that most kids (and parents) used for fun has somehow mutated into a pseudo-pre-minor league proving ground in which the odds of success seem directly proportional to the amount of money mom and dad are willing to cough up. In a serious case of “Keeping-Up-With-the-

Jonesitis,” we parents have somehow changed “do it for fun” into “do it with every possible advantage so that someday you might get a scholarship.”

But seriously, sometimes less is more. Consider how a sport like youth baseball has changed in the past 20 years or so:

SLM RANDOMS

Little League. Big Difference.

“Travel ball” meant your team played neighboring towns. $20 in gas money for the whole summer

“Travel ball” means your parents drop $5-10k on the summer so that you can play all over the country

Wooden Louisville Slugger bat, Rawlings ball, and Winner’s Choice glove at Wal-Mart: $30

Two piece composite Easton bat and big-leaguer quality Nokona glove with embroidered name, custom fit, home/away batting gloves, all ordered online: $700

Then Now

JAMS OF THE MONTHWe decided to rock this month. Tell us what you’re droppin’ right now at jams@sportslubbock.com

Practice once a week. Unless it rains. Or unless you have something else to do

Practice 3-5 times per week. Unless you’re nearly dead. Must be verified with a signed physician’s note.

T-shirt “jersey” with iron-on numbers: Provided free with “Quickie Mart” advertising dollars: FREE

Tackle twill button-down home & away uniforms: $90 ea.

Team-issued six batting helmets to share. Sharing of various skin diseases also virtually guaranteed: FREE

Three-color batting helmet with custom graphics and player-specific number: $75

Bat bag? What’s a bat bag? FREE Wheeled roller bag with fence clip and enough storage to hide a teammate: $100

Value of irreplaceable childhood memories? PRICELESS (total cost $50)

Value of irreplaceable childhood memories? PRICELESS (total cost $11,055).

Van HalenUnchained

Thousand Foot CrutchMove

BARRY NELSON OPENING SHOT

RAIN DELAYThis cool image of Coronado Mustang Tyler Thorne was shot by Barry Nelson of Captivated Images on a white seamless background. Water is being poured from overhead by Dominique Harmon. Image was retouched in Photoshop.

Tyler was a member of the 2007 Western Little League team that went to the Little League World Series. He has accepted a baseball scholarship to play at Stanford University. Look for a full feature on that Lubbock LLWS team, including Tyler, in next month’s Sports Lubbock Monthly!

10 | MARCH 2013 | Sports Lubbock Monthly

Hi. My name is Baron and I’m addicted to traveling. I’m not sure why or how this urge came about. Maybe it was the countless nights as a child I spent wishing I could be anywhere but where I was. Maybe it is my lack of commitment to one thing or place.

Maybe it is just because traveling is just plain awesome.My goal for this year is simply to travel more. I always hear people say

they want to do it and I was the same way.“Gosh I just need to travel more,” I’d think.Then it hit me. Why not?Now is the time in my life when I can see the world. Not because I’m

young, or because I have the time or money, but because it is NOW. I guess I’m tired of putting things on the back burner and saying that someday I’ll get around to ‘em.

So I’ve decided to travel more. I’ve been looking for cheap flights to places that I’ve never been and just going. It’s pretty awesome, and I’m mad that it took me this long to do this. My goal is to travel each week to a different place for the next five weeks. I’m already two weeks in. I’m currently in San Diego and last week was Denver. South Carolina is around the corner and then a road trip back to Texas, followed by places undecided.

My dream job would be to have a show on the travel channel where I could literally do this all the time. And before some of you say, “Playing in the NFL should be your dream job.” Let me clarify.

Playing in the NFL is one of my dream jobs, but I can’t do it forever. Especially doing what I do. I’m no kicker. And even though I’m living my dream right now, it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have other things that I would love to do and try. Only a complacent crappy individual would think this way. Oh, I also meant to tell you that I’m neither crappy nor complacent. I honestly believe that one day you jive turkeys will turn on the TV and see me on there traveling the globe. But until then, just come to my site!

Live your dreams and don’t put them off.The best time is always the same time, because the time is now.I better head to the pharmacy to get some medicine because I have the

travel bug. Or maybe I’ll just book another trip, instead. That’ll take care of it.

Blessings,

Baron

Baron Batch is a former Red Raider who plays running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to being a world-class athlete, he is a gifted author and artist. He has graciously agreed to share excerpts from his blog for use in Sports Lubbock Monthly. To read more and to see other examples of his work, be sure to visit baronbatch.com.

Travel Addict by BARON BATCH LIFE AS I SEE ITLIFE AS I SEE IT

Live your dreams and don’t put them off. The best time is always the same time, because the time is now.

I WANT TO BE FORMAL, BUT I’M HERE TO PARTYPictured here at his Red Raider and tuxedo t-shirt gear wearing finest is Kye Allen Thomas, son of Aaron & Mallory Thomas. Kye made his debut on January 21 and tipped the scales at 7 lbs., 10 oz. while measuring 21 inches in length. Dad Aaron is a recent graduate of the TTUHSC Masters of Athletic Training Program and mom Mallory is an alum of the Elementary Education program at LCU. Both now work within the Crane ISD. It was unclear at press time as to whether or not dad wore a matching ensemble for the trip home, but it is safe to say Kye rocked it. Photo provided

QUICK SHOT

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WOMEN’S

HOOPS

IF THESEHALLSCOULD

TALKThe Schneider family tree produces an impressive haul of hardwood hardware

JOSH DILL JOHN WEAST

I GOT YOUR BACK, SISTERSisters Haley and Kellyn and mom Jill

Jill Schneider was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. Whether running up and down the court as a player or prowling the sidelines as a coach, she has been extremely successful at every level. Throw in

the fact that she’s a dedicated teacher and has raised three kids of her own, and you will see why Jill Schneider belongs in just about any other kind of hall of fame, too.

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Playing DaysWhen Jill Schneider works on her resume, her

references include a jaw-dropping list of notable and respected basketball coaches. However, she swears if it weren’t for one man, she wouldn’t be as successful as she is today.

“I played for Sue Gunter, Dean Weese, Pat Summitt and coached with Jody Conradt. All of those coaches are in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame,” Schneider said. “But the coach that taught me the game was Bill Clemmons.”

Clemmons took over as the head basketball coach at Phillips High School in the fall of 1973 when Schneider was a sophomore. Despite inheriting a team that went 5-25 the previous year, he expected his team to win.

“I remember him as a coach telling us that he was going to the state tournament with or without us,” Schneider said.

And he was right. As a junior, Schneider’s team went to the state semi-finals. The next year, they won the whole thing.

Schneider was a prolific scorer throughout her playing career. She once scored 81 points in a single game, a stat she downplays a bit.

“About 40 of those points were free throws,” Schneider said. “We played 6-man basketball, so not only did I get to shoot free throws when they fouled me, but I got to shoot when any of my defensive players got fouled on the other end.”

Schneider’s impressive play was not overlooked. She was recruited to Wayland Baptist University by coaching legend Dean Weese. At Wayland, she was an All-American for three years and led the Flying Queens to an 88-20 record.

Schneider was selected to the USA Women’s Basketball National Team in 1979 and won gold at the FIBA World Championships that summer.

While Schneider was playing internationally that summer, she learned that Coach Weese was leaving Wayland to coach in the now-defunct Womens Professional Basketball League. Coach Summitt, who was an assistant coach on Schneider’s national team, was quick to offer Schneider a spot on her Tennessee squad. In her final year of collegiate eligibility, Schneider helped lead the Lady Vols to a 33-5 record and a berth in the national championship game.

Schneider is one of only a few athletes to be selected as one of the nation’s top 10 players at two different universities. Despite only playing at Tennessee for one year, she was inducted into the Lady Vol Hall of Fame in 2008.

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WOMEN’S

HOOPS

Following her stellar collegiate career, Schneider was selected as the co-captain of the 1980 Olympic team. Disappointingly, she would never get to play in the Olympic Games because of the USA’s boycott of the Moscow Olympics. However, this wouldn’t be the last time that USA Basketball came calling.

The Logical Next StepWith her playing days behind her, Schneider

decided to turn her love of basketball into a career. She spent another year in Knoxville as a graduate assistant under Coach Summitt.

In 1981, Schneider accepted an assistant coach position at the University of Texas under another legendary coach, Jody Conradt.

“I actually really enjoyed being an assistant,” said Schneider. “I enjoyed the recruiting end of it. I enjoyed the travel. I enjoyed meeting the people and the challenge of trying to lure the kids.”

After an undefeated national championship season in 1986, Schneider and her then-husband Bill decided that they were ready to start a family. Understanding that the life of an NCAA assistant basketball coach was not going to allow her to raise a family the way she hoped, Schneider accepted the head coaching position at Borger High School.

After 12 years at Borger where her teams made multiple playoff appearances, including an appearance in the 1994 State Semifinals, Schneider was offered the head coaching position at Monterey.

At Monterey, Coach Schneider would do what she considers the greatest thing in her career: coach her own daughters.

Schneider: The Next Generation

When your mom is a basketball coach, you find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time at the gym. Schneider’s daughters, Haley and Kellyn, didn’t seem to mind too much.

“Her basketball camps were like our daycare,” Haley said. “I think the camps started at kindergarten-age kids, but we were up there as preschoolers running around and participating.”

Schneider recalls a time when she thought Kellyn might be too little to be in the gym.

“I think Kellyn was 3 or 4 and she could barely do the ball-handling drills because her legs weren’t long enough.”

Despite her profession and love for the game of basketball, Schneider always encouraged her kids to follow their true passion, even if it led them to other sports.

FAMILY MATTERSThe Schneiders unwind at home with Jill’s parents and Haley & Kellyn’s grandparents Gene & Becky Rankin

I AIN’T SKURRED A’ YOUHaley faces off against Baylor’s Brittany Griner at a recent Big 12 matchup at United Spirit Arena

BRANDISHING FIREARMSThe Sisters Schneider flash their guns up with Lady Raiders coach Kristy Curry at a recent media event

THE NON-TWIN TOWERSAt a media-guide-listed 6’5” a piece, the Schneider sisters provide the Lady Raiders with size and depth off the bench

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WOMEN’S

HOOPS

“She made us try volleyball and track in junior high. Even when we were little, we did things like gymnastics,” Haley said. “None of them really appealed to me as much as basketball.”

Kellyn, on the other hand, enjoyed branching out from basketball, playing volleyball and high-jumping in high school. Schnieder’s oldest offspring, son Ryan, excelled as a swimmer.

When it came time to decide whether she was going to coach her girls, Schneider did what any smart coach does: she sought advice from other coaches who had done it.

“I had some coaches tell me ‘Don’t do it. It’s the worst thing I ever did.’”

Ultimately, it was the advice of former LISD Athletic Director Greg Sherwood that pushed her towards coaching.

But having your mom as a coach can have its drawbacks.

“Most people don’t have to go home with their coach after they lose or something.” Haley said.

Luckily, that situation didn’t happen too often.“We had a lot of success while I coached them,” said

Schneider. “There weren’t a whole lot of losses, so it wasn’t an issue very often.”

It’s safe to say that the mom/coach – daughter/player dynamic was a positive one. When asked, all three women said the same thing: “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

And you can’t argue with the results. In addition to several winning seasons for the Lady Plainsman,

both Haley and Kellyn have taken their skills to the next level as part of the Lady Raider basketball team. Schneider is extremely proud of how her daughters have adapted to a different role on their new team.

“They are good teammates. They are very supportive. When they get an opportunity to play, they play hard,” Schneider said. “When they don’t, they cheer hard.”

An Unexpected OfferRecently, USA Basketball did come calling

again. This time, they weren’t after Schneider’s playing skills, but her coaching skills.

Schneider recently finished a two-year stint as a developmental coach for the organization. She is still flabbergasted as to how she was chosen for the position.

“They just told me that a committee had selected me,” Schneider said. “They never would tell me how my name got brought up. I don’t even know who is really on the committee.”

She coached her 16 and under team to a perfect 5-0 record and a gold medal at the FIBA Americas U16 Championships in 2011. The next year, her 17 and under team cruised to another gold medal with an 8-0 record.

For her stellar coaching efforts, Coach Schneider was named USA Basketball’s Developmental Coach of the Year twice. She has also been asked to be a USA Basketball Committee member for the next four years, where she will have a hand in selecting future USA Basketball players.

Better Than TrophiesCoach Schneider talks about her many accolades

with humble appreciation, but it becomes apparent that the thing she is the most proud of in this world are her three children.

“They are funny and silly. They all have a great sense of humor,” Schneider said. “I’m just as proud as I can be of them.”

One thing that she is extremely proud of is the relationship her kids have with each other.

“When I get them together, I just sit there and look at them and think of how they are going to have each other forever,” Schneider said. Josh Dill is a regular contributor to Sports Lubbock Monthly. He may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com

“Most people don’t have to go home with their coach

after they lose or something.”

-Haley Schneider

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LUBBOCK

BASEBALL

BATTER UP!Area baseball coach with deep ties opens

new baseball academy to help develop and showcase local talent

JERRI DOGGETT

Wisconsin native Trent Petrie has centered his entire career around baseball. When he realized that Lubbock was in need of a baseball academy, he was more than willing to take on the challenge.

Petrie grew up in Wisconsin, but moved to Texas for college. He attended Hillsboro Jr. College in Hillsboro, Texas, where he played baseball for two years. He then transferred to Texas Tech and played under Larry Hays before finishing his college baseball career at Lubbock Christian University with Larry’s son Derron Hays as head coach. After completing his Masters degree, Petrie went on to coach baseball at Wayland, Hillsboro, Clarendon, OSU, and UNM. In September 2011, Petrie came back to Lubbock to coach at Tech with Larry Hays for four years. Since Petrie left Tech, he continued to teach private lessons and lead baseball camps. In August 2012, he started the Lubbock Baseball Academy (LBA).

According to Petrie, youth baseball has become progressively more competitive. There is outstanding youth baseball in Lubbock, which is evident in many high school programs, but team exposure remains somewhat limited. Not only has the level of competiveness changed, but also instruction and equipment. Many parents are opting for private instruction now, unlike when Petrie was a youth. Parents used to be the sole coaches, but now there are private lessons for nearly every position. For example, a student may have a pitching coach, a catching coach, and a hitting coach.

Equipment and safety have improved in the last decade. Youth baseball has set regulations to protect young arms through the implementation of pitch counts and limiting overuse. Because of these new regulations, overuse injury rate has been drastically decreased. An arm should be more developed before trying to teach a child to throw a curve ball (usually around age fourteen), as the pitch involves a different motion and can cause injury if mechanics are not taught properly.

SUH-WING BATTAS...Lubbock Baseball Academy athletes representing all area school districts have quickly discovered the value of the dedicated and skilled staff at the new LBA facility.

LARRY MARTINEZ

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BASEBALL

When looking for a private coach, Petrie suggested looking not only at a coach’s resume, but also the character of the potential coach. A parent should look for someone with character qualities that they hope to develop in their own kids as well as a coach that will demonstrate a passion for baseball. Petrie stated, “I coach each child as if I were coaching my own son.”

Petrie also noted some common mistakes that parents make with their children. “Too much pressure is put on the child, so in turn, that creates doubt and low self-esteem for the child.” Parents should encourage children to play to have fun and not feel any added pressure from mom or dad. The ideal baseball parent would be one who supports the child as well as the coach.

If the right coaches are in place, parents will respect him/her. Oftentimes parents will place goals and expectations on a child that may be unattainable, such as playing baseball in college. If a child honestly wants to play college ball, they will have many opportunities. Football at Div 1 level has 85 full scholarships, but baseball at the same level only offers 11. The reality is that your future college scholar may be able to play college ball, but parents are still going to have to pay. The opportunity to play is there, but scholarships often are not.

Petrie suggested that when considering longevity, parents should put their grade school children in a variety of sports in addition to baseball. Multiple sports help teach a youth how to compete.

Like any sport, the likelihood of kids experiencing burnout is evident. Playing multiple sports helps alleviate this.

The Lubbock Baseball Academy (LBA) has many goals for students, such as providing an opportunity to play select league in Lubbock. Previously, select league players have always had to play in organizations outside the city. LBA will provide the opportunity for boys to play with other boys from all different high schools. Players will be able to travel around Texas as well as other states and compete in tournaments. LBA has teamed with Don Patty, which will allow the teams to play in premier baseball tournaments.

Petrie also has a close relationship to many college and pro scouts. “If I see a student that I think has an exceptional talent, I can quickly make a call and ask a scout to come and witness.”

If you would like more information regarding the Lubbock Baseball Academy, please contact lubbockbaseballacademy@yahoo.com. LBA will offer select baseball opportunities for boys ages 13-17, along with private lessons, camps, group and team lessons.

After meeting with Trent Petrie, there is no question that his heart is not only geared towards baseball, but also at helping boys gain a confidence and love for baseball.

Jerri Doggett is a freelance author for Sports Lubbock Monthly. She may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com.

FIVE-TOOL ATHLETES UNDER CONSTRUCTIONUnder the watchful eye of Petrie and his staff, LBA athletes train to field, throw, hit for average, hit for power, and run to become the best, most well-rounded players possible.

“I coach each child as if I were coaching my own son.”

-Lubbock Baseball Academy founder Trent Petrie

22 | MARCH 2013 | Sports Lubbock Monthly

Sometime during the summer of my freshman year in high school, I became aware that sports is a big deal in our

culture. Before that time sports had been a hobby. Something I did to pass the time. In fact, winning had little to do with why I played. Instead, it was really about the Little Debby snack and orange soda that I would get at the end of the game.

Something shifted when I got into high school. Suddenly we were practicing and being held accountable, traveling to games, and working hard in the classroom so that we could suit up on Friday nights. Suddenly I was a basketball player, a role model, a leader, and a part of something bigger than myself. The game consumed me. It was the first thing I thought about when I woke up and the last thing I thought about before I went to bed. This became my religion. God was used as a genie to grant me a good game, and I would throw up the occasional “to God be the glory” when I was interviewed by the paper.

During that time, I gave no thought to the role faith played in sports, nor what lessons the Lord was teaching me as I practiced or played, whether we won or suffered heartbreaking defeats. Sadly, I failed to realize that sports is not the goal, but rather is a conduit to see and enjoy the grace of God. Through the discipline required to be an athlete, sports teaches lessons that nothing else can teach.

Michael Jordan was my childhood hero. I wanted to emulate him in everything, from baggy shorts to my tongue hanging out of my mouth. But his greatest tribute, and what made him so good and transcendent, was his discipline. He was the first guy in the

gym, the last guy out of the gym, and he challenged his teammates to not settle of being good enough, but to strive for excellence.

For Michael Jordon, it ended there. But thankfully the apostle Paul understood the role of sports and discipline. First Corinthians 9:24-27 tell us, “So run that you may obtain it [the prize]. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.…I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

To Paul, the life of a Christian was about discipline. Kent Hughes, in his book Disciplines of a Godly Man, calls this “spiritual sweat.” The believer is called to pursue Christ with the same passion and fervent devotion as an athlete. There is no greater thing that we can pursue than become like Christ, to bear His image in a world where faith and religion have been twisted into a collage of cliché quotes and failed actions.

So today whether you are a player, a coach, or a fan, be reminded that sports have been given to us to illustrate our pursuit of Jesus. With the discipline of an athlete, strive to be more like Him, shine for His glory, lift His name high and give Him the glory.

Brandon is a former basketball player, coach at Trinity Christian High School, and current pastor at Fellowship Church Lubbock (www.fellowshiplubbock.com). He lives in Lubbock, Texas with his wife Annie and son Calvin. He is a huge Red Raider and Michigan Wolverine fan, probably more then he should be. His passion is for the Gospel to go forth and change people. He may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com.

RUN THE RACE by BRANDON GILBERT

Discipline of the Athlete

So today whether you are a player, a coach, or a fan, be reminded that sports have been given to us to illustrate our pursuit of Jesus. With the discipline of an athlete, strive to be more like Him, shine for His glory, lift His name high and give Him the glory.

THE GILBERTSBrandon and his wife Annie

Support the businesses that support us! Tell them you saw them in SLM!

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FOR LOVE OF THE GAME

For 31 year-old Levelland native Brandon Taylor, dreams of gridiron glory are stronger than ever

RILEY SWINFORD MICHAEL DALBY

Football isn’t just a game, job, or pastime for the West Texas Outlaws’ Brandon Taylor. Football is his life.

Taylor, who is in his 11th season with the semi-professional team in Lubbock, didn’t start playing

football until his senior year in high school. Now, 13 years later, he can’t stop.

“The only thing I live for is playing football,” he said. “It is my everything in life. I didn’t play until my senior year in high school, so I always told myself that I’m going to play until I can’t play anymore.”

At 31 years-old, the Levelland, Texas native shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

Taylor lines up virtually anywhere on the field. He has played every position on the field except for center at some point in his career and currently plays corner, safety, punter, kicker, field goal holder, wide receiver and punt and kickoff return specialist for the Outlaws and doesn’t miss a beat.

After 11 seasons and over 200 games, Taylor has racked up over 50 career interceptions and 15 kickoff, punt and interception returns in his career.

At one point, the former Levelland Lobo was named to four-straight all-star teams for the Outlaws, who currently play in the Professional American Football League. Taylor also led the Outlaws to consecutive playoff appearances from 2001 to 2010.

“I eat, sleep and breathe football,” he said. “I always tell my teammates that I would rather die on the field playing than to die any other way. I truly live to play football.”

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SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMONDAlthough his career has been spent primarily in Lubbock, Taylor relishes the chance to play on the grandest of stages. He takes a moment here to soak in the experience of playing in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington

GEAR OF MANY COLORSAfter 11 seasons of semi-pro and professional football, Taylor has played with his share of different teams. Here he poses with his impressive collection of game-worn jerseys

Taylor’s RiseTaylor’s rise to the professional ranks

wasn’t an easy one, though. After not picking up the game until his

last year in high school, Taylor didn’t have the opportunity to play in college.

Itching to keep playing, Taylor played flag football until the Outlaws formed in 2001. It was then that Taylor met the Outlaws’ longtime owner, Sammy Canales. Except for a few brief periods where Taylor pursued a career in arena football, Canales and Taylor have been together for all of the Outlaws’ history.

“Brandon is one of the most athletic people I have ever met,” Canales said. “His work ethic drives me nuts. He’s out there at practice before everybody is. He’s always doing something. He is the fan favorite every year.”

Taylor’s DriveTaylor’s work ethic carriers beyond the

football field, too. In addition to the daily grind of

professional football — which includes practice twice a week and games on the weekends — Taylor works two other jobs as well. He loads trucks at UPS from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. every morning and then

heads to Ovations Food Services at Texas Tech from 9:30 a.m. to 5

p.m. “When he’s not working, he’s at

practice,” Canales said. “When he’s not at practice, he’s working out on his own and working his two jobs. I don’t know how he does it.”

UNLIKELY PROAlthough he has probably played more downs of football as a professional than nearly any other gridder in Lubbock history, Taylor played just one season of high school football at Levelland.

“I always tell my teammates that I would rather die on the field playing than to die any other way. I truly live to play football.”

-Lubbock Outlaw Brandon Taylor

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WANTED MANOpposing teams get sick of Taylor pretty quickly. Not only is he a mainstay for the Outlaws’ offensive and defensive secondaries, but he is also a reliable weapon on special teams, too.

Taylor said his dream to play professional football is what keeps him going.

“The Outlaws have given me the opportunity to live my dream of playing football,” he said. “It was a dream of mine to play professional ball but I was always told that I’m too small and not fast enough. I also tore my ACL partially in an accident at practice in 2007. Honestly, as long as I’m playing it doesn’t matter what level or what it takes. Just as long as I play.”

Taylor also said his work schedule has helped him learn lessons on and off the football field. He said his jobs have made him more disciplined and work harder.

“It makes me feel like more of man to handle my jobs that I have,” he said. “I have to make sure to fit my workouts in during weeks so that I’m just not any average player, but a great player. It also balances me out as person. It helps me with discipline. Knowing my coaches and teammates count on me to be there practice after practice and game after game, year after year…I don’t want let anybody down, especially myself.”

Taylor manages extra time in his busy schedule for the fans as well. Canales said Taylor is great with the fans and takes pictures and signs autographs with kids whenever he has the opportunity.

“He’s a lovable person and a person you can get along with,” he said. “He’s just an amazing individual overall and I respect him.”

Taylor’s DreamCanales hopes Taylor can someday teach these values to

future Outlaw players. The owner said he has spoken with Taylor about coaching once he hangs up the cleats for the last time.

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WORK HARD, PLAY HARD, PRAY HARDTaylor says the difference between an average player and a great player is discipline, which he has learned to sharpen over a decade of working multiple jobs while still training and playing in pursuit of his football dreams.

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“When he’s not working, he’s at practice. When he’s not at practice, he’s working out on his own and working his two jobs. I don’t know how he does it.”

-Lubbock Outlaws owner Sammy Canales

“He told me, ‘I have to teach these guys everything I know in order to get them successful for the future,’” Canales said. “He said, ‘I want to teach these guys. I want this to grow. I want to be a coach.’ I told him I’d love to have him as one of my coaches.”

Until that day comes, Taylor said he is going to leave everything he has left on the field. He opened the 2013 season with a bang when he returned the opening kickoff of the Outlaws’ exhibition with the North Texas Stampede at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington for a touchdown.

“Most importantly, I’d like give all thanks to Sammy Canales for providing football for us, otherwise I wouldn’t know where I’d be today without him,” Taylor said. “I would like to give a big thanks to coaches Charles Gonzalez, Shannon Cross, Tim Bailey and Charles Luster. These men have been here since the beginning. They are the reason why I’m here today.”

And chances are, as long as there’s breath in his lungs and blood coursing through his veins, Brandon Taylor is ready to play.

Riley Swinford is a contributing writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. He may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com.

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HIGH SCHOOL

SPORTS

MANAGING theNEXT LEVEL

GEORGIA REED KRISTIN BEDNARZ

Lubbock Cooper senior volleyball manager copes with cancer and becomes an inspiration of success

New Paths

On October twelfth, less than two weeks after her diagnosis of leukemia, senior Kelsey Odom was crowned Homecoming Queen at Cooper High School.

In a strapless champagne-colored dress with her medical port discreetly covered, Odom glowed. The casual observer would never guess that her life had just been set on a new course only a few days before.

Odom, athletic, determined and vivacious, had run track for years, cheered and had been a manager for the varsity volleyball team for three years.

Despite her full schedule, Odom hadn’t been feeling well for quite some time.

“This past summer I had off and on fevers,” Odom said. Odom had grown accustomed to runny noses and feeling worn down.Two weeks before being admitted to the hospital, Odom ran a fever

every day. “I had been nauseated,” Odom said. “I was at work and I was so tired

I was tripping over myself and I kept falling asleep while standing.” Odom thought she was just tired from school but was in for a big

shock.

ALL HAIL THE QUEENLess than two weeks after being diagnosed with leukemia, Cooper varsity volleyball manager Kelsey Odom (inset, far right) was crowned 2013 LCHS Homecoming Queen

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Shocking Results

On Monday, October 1st, Kelsey finally went in and got her blood tested.

The next day while sitting in English class first period she was surprised to see her mentor and family friend, Melanie Offutt at the door.

Offutt, whose friend is a Physician’s Assistant at a local pediatrician’s office, had helped plan Kelsey’s blood test.

Offutt said, “I went into English and said I need Kelsey. I just held her hand and tried not to cry because I had this sense that it had to be serious.”

Kelsey asked Mrs. Offut what was wrong and Offutt shared that her results were back, and they, “weren’t good.” Offutt said, “I was just prayerful. I knew God had a big plan....but It was more of a what are you doing here Lord?”

Mrs. Offutt, a behavioral interventionist at Cooper High School and the mother of Kelsey’s boyfriend, Nathan Offutt, drove Kelsey to meet her parents at the doctor’s office.

Offutt prayed with Kelsey before going in to the office.

Kelsey recalled, “She was just saying for God to get me through this new journey he put me on and I was like, ‘What new journey?’”

Across town, Kelsey’s mother Keila Dillard had just arrived at work when she also received the call from the doctor’s office.

“I hadn’t even put my purse down,” Keila recalls.

The doctor told Keila and her husband to come immediately to the doctor’s office to hear the results of the blood work.

Then she heard the news. Cancer.Keila sobbed softly as she recalled the

call, “Cancer was the very last thing that I thought she would say. It shoots right through your heart...”

Keila and her husband quickly met Kelsey at the doctor’s office, and listened to the results of the blood test.

Kelsey still had no idea how serious her illness was.

“Then they said the word leukemia,” Kelsey said, “my brain just shut out.”

They told Kelsey to go home and pack her bags and that she would be having a bone marrow surgery the following morning.

Team RallyAs Kelsey prepared for her hospital

visit, her three best friends Payton Hurst, Kendra Hill and Keelie Nelson, all seniors on the volleyball team, were hearing the news back at Cooper High School.

Nelson said, “It was a total shock. I didn’t want to accept it.”

“We were devastated,” Hurst said, “we just thought she had the flu.”

The girls’ volleyball coach, Courtney Pesterfield, took them to the hospital.

Hill said, “I remember walking through the hospital doors and she was in her normal clothes and looked like normal Kelsey.”

Hill said, “We all broke down and hugged her. She kept saying, ‘Guys I’m going to be fine. God’s going to get me through this.’”

“Cancer was the very last thing that I thought she would say. It shoots right through your heart...”

-Keila Dillard, mother of Lubbock Cooper

senior Kelsey Odom

KEEPING SPIRITS UPIn addition to serving as manager for the volleyball team, the LCHS senior as also served on the cheerleading squad as well as the track team.

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HIGH SCHOOL

SPORTS

Game Time and the Playing with Purpose

Hill said, “We had a game on the day she was diagnosed and that was a big district game that we needed to go to.”

Hurst said, “We didn’t want to play but Kelsey told us that she wanted us to...We played that game for her.”

The girls went back and played an emotional and powerful game against Shallowater, coming out on top.

Pesterfield said, “We dedicated the rest of our season to her and I honestly think that was how we were able to focus on getting to the next level, which had been the teams’ motto and goal.”

Coach Pesterfield said that her team played with more purpose than she had ever seen and advanced to regionals for the first time. This was all around one of the team’s best seasons ever.

Pesterfield said, “It not only affected our team but it was infectious through the school...in our classrooms there was a lot less complaining because they wanted to make sure [Kelsey] understood that we were all praying for her and we all wanted for her to be well.”

Best Birthday EverThat Saturday, October 6, Kelsey Odom’s

best friends threw her a surprise party. She celebrated her 18th birthday in the hospital surrounded by people that love her.

Hurst said, “It was always her dream to have a three layer cake and so we got one. She cried when she saw [it].”

“I remember blowing out my candles,” recalled Odom. “I don’t know why but at that moment I just realized how happy I was.”

She said, “Usually you wish when you blow out your candles and I remember just thanking God for where I was.”

“People kept saying I’m so sorry that this is what you have to be doing on your birthday,” Kelsey said, “and I was just like you know what? This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

Chronic Mylogenous Leukemia

By the time the celebration took place, Kelsey already had her full diagnosis of Chronic Mylogenous Leukemia (CML) which is treatable but not curable and is less life-threatening than the other forms of leukemia..

Her mother explained, “CML even five years ago was often fatal but it has come a long way.”

The family is hopeful for a cure some day in the future.

The day she was admitted Kelsey’s white blood cell count was 252,000. Normally, Kelsey explained, a person should have 4,000 -8,000. The doctors believed that Kelsey may have had the leukemia for as long as two years.

Kelsey now has to take an oral chemo pill every night for the rest of her life.

She said, “I’m really fortunate for the cancer I do have. Before this I felt invincible,” she remembered.

“My life has has taken a new path and one that I’m glad to be on. You see life in a different perspective and you’re just happy to be alive each day. I don’t think most high schoolers think about that.”

Pesterfield described this as when faith and life intersect and each person has to decide how they want to live. “Kelsey has decided to live a happy life.”

“My life has has taken a new path and one that I’m glad to be on. You see life in a different perspective and you’re just happy to be alive each day. I don’t think most high schoolers think about that.”

-Lubbock Cooper senior Kelsey Odom

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Outlook for the FutureKelsey does remain calm and positive, noting

the unexpected blessings of leukemia.When Make-a-Wish visited Odom in the hospital

she was certain that she wanted to use her wish to help cover the cost of going to Abilene Christian University.

“The cancer in itself has brought me closer to my family,” she added.

Also there is the benefit that some girls in her school are preparing a benefit through the ABC Pro Rodeo in January for her.

“I think they felt that God was calling them to do this,” said Odom. “I remember praying every night since February for the money to go to ACU and ...especially with the [medical] bills. I feel like they’re going to be taken care of and I feel like this benefit is going to help a lot with that.”

Growth and FaithWhen friends and family speak of Kelsey the

words, strong faithful, kind, genuine and determined are repeated a lot.

Hill said, “Kelsey is definitely the most faithful person I’ve ever met.”

Kelsey’s mother agrees. “From the very first day she said, ‘I know I may die but I’m glad that it’s me because so many good things will come from it.’”

Dillard said, “I couldn’t be more proud of how she’s handled it.”

Even Kelsey admits that she wouldn’t have always responded in such a positive way to such devastating news.

“My faith this year has been growing a lot,” she said.

“She’s come along way from where she was her freshman year,” Pesterfield explained. “This summer she went on a mission trip to Los Angeles with her church Monterrey Church of Christ....she came back a different person.. earnestly seeking the Lord in everything that she did.”

At the homecoming celebration, less than two weeks after her diagnosis, Kelsey shared how Melanie Offutt and her family had inspired her and helped set her heart on a new path.

Offutt said, “I don’t think I’ve done anything but remind her that she’s loved by the Lord. That needs to be her most important focus regardless of what her path looks like.”

Offutt said she’s thankful to be able to watch God at work.

Odom added, “They [the Offutts] showed me His love in what they do and that I can be the hands and feet of Jesus....that I am worthy of speaking to other people about Him.”

“We’ve seen such true faith journey with her that we believe was in preparation for that diagnosis,” Offutt said.

Kelsey has learned a lot in the last year and a half and especially in the last few months. “You can’t plan out your life,” she said. “God has a bigger and a better plan.”

Kelsey is peaceful and certain, “He does everything at the right time.”

Georgia Reed is a freelance author for Sports Lubbock Monthly. She may be contacted at admin@sportslubbock.com.

HIGH SCHOOL

SPORTS

“You can’t plan out your life. God has a bigger and a better plan.”

-Lubbock Cooper senior

Kelsey Odom

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(UNDER) PARfor the

COURSE RILEY SWINFORD

REGINA PENNEY

Frenship Tiger Jack Vanderburg gains national attention on the way to earning a spot on the

Red Raider golf team

HIGH SCHOOL

GOLF

Jack Vanderburg’s parents put a golf club in his hands while he was still wearing diapers. This fall, Vanderburg will be swinging a golf club while wearing the red and black of Texas Tech University.

Vanderburg, an 18-year-old senior at Frenship High School, has committed to golf for the Red Raiders once his outstanding high school golf career wraps up this spring. Vanderburg chose the nationally ranked program after receiving interest from schools across the country. He will be a fifth-generation Red Raider.

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“It was fun to receive interest from other schools, but Texas Tech is where I have always wanted to go,” the Lubbock native said. “I am tremendously thankful for the opportunity.”

Vanderburg, the son of Troy and Rhonda Vanderburg, has certainly earned the opportunity.

As the state’s No. 2-ranked golfer in Class 4A, Vanderburg has led Frenship’s golf team to three-straight appearances in the state golf tournament. He has picked up all-state honors the past two seasons after finishing 10th as an individual in the 2012 state golf tournament and ninth in 2011. Frenship has qualified for the state golf tournament every year since Vanderburg was a freshman. He will have one more chance to win a state title this spring. The

school tournaments will start in mid-February and end in May. The district rounds will be in Plainview, Lubbock, and San Angelo, with Abilene hosting the regional tournament and Austin hosting the state tournament.

“I would really like to win a title as an individual and for us as a team to win it all,” he said.

Roger Reding, who has been Vanderburg’s coach since he was in the seventh grade, likes his golfer’s chances of achieving big things this season.

“Jack has a real passion for the game,” he said. “He has a great mental approach for the game. He is a pleasure to coach, dependable, always on time, loves to practice and is always in a good mood with a smile on his face.”

Vanderburg’s resume also includes top finishes at national amateur golf tournaments. This past summer, he qualified for the United States Junior Amateur after placing third in a 36-hole qualifying tournament in Lewisville, Texas.

HIGH SCHOOL

GOLF

“It was fun to receive interest from other schools, but Texas Tech is where I have always wanted to go. I am tremendously thankful for the opportunity.”

-Frenship golfer Jack Vanderburg

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Then at the U.S. Junior Amateur Tournament in Stratham, New Hampshire, Vanderburg competed in a field of 156 players from all over the world. The field was cut to the top 64 after the first two days, but Vanderburg did not make the cut.

“Playing in the U.S. Jr. Amateur is my biggest accomplishment,” he said. “It was a tremendous honor. The playing conditions when I qualified were hot, windy and miserable. The wind was blowing and the temperature was 104 degrees. It was very satisfying to be able to play well in those conditions and to qualify against such a strong field.

“It was certainly an unbelievable experience and I hope to compete in that type of venue many, many more times.”

If all goes as planned, he will. After his career at Texas Tech is complete, Vanderburg hopes to become a professional golfer.

“That is my dream and what I am working toward,” he said. “My dad has always taken me to play and I used to go stay with my grandparents in the summer and play everyday. I started competing in tournaments when I was nine or ten. I guess I realized I could be pretty good because I got second place in my very first tournament.”

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HIGH SCHOOL

GOLF

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While Vanderburg’s goals may seem high to some, the 6-foot-2 golfer said he is willing to work until he reaches them. After playing football, basketball and baseball, Vanderburg decided to concentrate only on golf and it has been his focus ever since.

“I practice almost every day either with my Frenship High School team or by myself,” he said. “I really enjoy practicing by myself. It is easy to stay motivated when you love what you’re doing. Motivation has never been a problem when it comes to golf.”

Jack’s father, Troy, agreed. He said his son is a very hard-working competitor.

“Golf is something that I have never had to make him do,” he said. “I’ve had to make him do things like homework and clean his room. I’ve never had to make him practice golf.”

Reding echoed Troy’s remarks. “There’s no doubt his best golf is ahead of

him,” he said. “He will do great things at Texas Tech and make all us proud that he is a Tiger. He has a great personality, good sense of humor, and loves the outdoors, loves to hunt and fish. He is well-rounded, it’s not just golf for him.”

Troy, the executive vice president and chief operations officer for Peoples Bank, said he is very proud of what his son has been able to accomplish.

“I am extremely proud of Jack,” he said. “I am the most proud of Jack because he is genuinely a good person. He has a great sense of humor and is an all around good kid. He has his own car wash business and does have many interests outside of golf. He loves to be outside and to hunt and fish. He is the type of person that is successful at whatever he sets his mind to.”

Riley Swinford is a freelance author for Sports Lubbock Monthly. He may be contacted at admin@sportslubbock.com.

HIGH SCHOOL

GOLF

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by ALYSSA KITTEN SPORTS IN THE HUB

Every year Lubbock Sports brings in a variety of sporting events and tournaments to the “Hub City,” including everything from youth events to Olympic-based competitions. One of the main areas of concentration for the Lubbock Sports Sales Team is junior college tournaments. Lubbock has

made a mark on junior colleges, or as the industry calls them, “JuCo,”and remains a top choice of tournament play because of the wide variety of facilities.

One of the bigger events to hit Lubbock every year is the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I (DI), Region V Basketball Championships. This year’s championships will take place from Wednesday, March 6 to Saturday, March 9 at Lubbock Christian University’s Rip Griffin Center. This includes both men’s and women’s teams from Region V, which consists of Texas and New Mexico.

Over the course of four days, 16 teams, eight men’s and eight women’s teams, will play for the Region V Championships in hopes of advancing to the NJCAA Men’s and Women’s DI Basketball National Championships held from March 18 to March 23 in Kansas. In fact, during the last six years, four Region V teams have won the National Championships and six Region V teams have played in the National Championships. Winners include South Plains College, who won twice, Howard College and Midland College.

“This tournament is a huge event for Region V junior colleges,” Josh Dill, sales manager for Lubbock Sports, said. “During the championships, the Lubbock Sports team usually hosts around 50 coaches representing four-year colleges from across the nation. These coaches attend specifically to scout athletes during the tournament.”

The Lubbock Sports Team ensures organizations, such as NJCAA, have help for registration, marketing efforts, event planning and much more.

“We have enjoyed partnering with Lubbock Sports,” John Green, NJCAA Director of Region V, said. “The hospitality and attention to details make for an incredible event whether basketball, baseball, softball or volleyball. The facilities at Lubbock Christian University and Texas Tech are second to none.”

This particular tournament brings in an estimated 3,200 room nights each year as well as around $1 million in economic impact to Lubbock.

Aside from the Region V Basketball Championships, the NJCAA has awarded additional events to Lubbock Sports including the Men’s and Women’s Half Marathon Championships, the Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships, the Men’s Golf Championships and the Region V West Volleyball Championships.

For more information about the upcoming Region V Basketball Championships, visit www.njcaaregion5.com. If you can’t attend the games, be sure to catch the action live, online where all games will be broadcasted by Panhandle Sports Broadcasting at www.psblive.com.

If you would like to learn more about what Lubbock Sports can do for you, please call 806.747.5232. To find up-to-date information about events, attractions and dining and shopping options, visit www.visitlubbock.org.

Alyssa Kitten currently serves as Communications Coordinator of Lubbock Sports. She may be reached at alyssa@visitlubbock.org.

“We have enjoyed partnering with Lubbock Sports. The hospitality and attention to details make for an incredible event whether basketball, baseball, softball or volleyball. The facilities at Lubbock Christian University and Texas Tech are second to none.”

-John Green, NJCAA Region V Director

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of our nation’s impenetrable shield.

If you have what it takes to make it.

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