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Memorable year for the Cardinals
By Jacob Truchard, Sports Writer
Columbus Independent School District Athletic Director Brent Mascheck is happy to say that 2007-08 is a year to remember for the Columbus High School Athletic program.
“I am so proud of the kids,” Mascheck said. “We have really had an exciting year.”
From the pride the Cardinal football players portrayed competing in the newly renovated Memorial Stadium and winning a district championship, the Lady Cards advancing to state in volleyball, to the athletic program hosting a number of track meets on a brand new eight-lane track, this was what Mascheck referred to as a year that will stand out in menory.
He spoke highly of the senior class and what a positive influence and impact they have given to Columbus Athletics.
“I can’t say enough about the seniors this year and the leadership they provided,” Mascheck said. “A tradition we have here is to build up what we have accomplished this school year and go on forward. Our goal is to be competitive in every sport.”
He said he is proud of the graduating seniors who have earned the chance to compete in sports at the college level including Manny Leyendecker, who will be playing football at Blinn College in Brenham; Curtis Carter, who will join the Prairie View A&M football team; Elise Huskey, who will play volleyball at the University of Texas at San Antonio; Kayla Kana, who will be competing in pole vault at Stephen F. Austin University; Stewart Beaird, who will be a member of the golf team at Sam Houston State University; and Barrett Richter, who will be competing in baseball at Wharton County Junior College.
“Not only is it great to see these athletes play sports at the college level, but I am even more excited that they are continuing their education,” Mascheck said.
Of all the accomplishments of this year’s athletic program, Mascheck said he is first and foremost proud of having so many athletes making the academic all-district and academic all-state teams.
“Academics are the most important thing here at school and athletics help teach students discipline and teamwork,” Mascheck said. “It teaches them things they will take with them the rest of their lives and how to be competitive and competing in athletics also teaches kids how to deal with failures along with winning.”
He said that he couldn’t be more proud of the coaching staff this year and the hard work they have put forth in all of the sports.
“I can’t say enough for the coaches we have on this staff,” Mascheck said. “They are doing it for the right reason, for the betterment of the kids. They are out to motivate the students when they compete and have the best interest of the kids in their hearts.”
Mascheck began mentioning this year’s athletic accomplishments by expressing his pride in the Columbus Lady Cards’ varsity volleyball team’s berth in the state volleyball tournament, which was the first time Columbus volleyball ever made it to that level. The team was guided by head coach Rhonda Magness.
“The excitement the volleyball team brought to the community was outstanding,” Mascheck said.
He continued by saying how great of a year it was for the varsity Cardinal football team, who went on to win a district championship for the first time since 1998. They were the first varsity Cardinal football team to earn a playoff berth since 2002, losing to the Caldwell Hornets in a close game in bi-district action.
“They weren’t the most talented, but I will always remember this group for their will to win,” Mascheck said. “They always had a desire to compete and it was a great team to coach.”
Mascheck added that he was proud of Coach Randy McIver’s outstanding job of coaching the power lifting teams and guiding three athletes from the boys’ varsity team, Moses Martinez, Curtis Scott and Zach Divin to state competition.
Mascheck commended Coach Robert Russell’s coaching accomplishments with the varsity Cardinal golf teams.
It was great to see the boys win district and to see the boys and girls qualify for regionals,” Mascheck said.
He added that he was overwhelmed with pride by seeing support the community gave the athletic program this year.
“I have received compliments from many other school athletic programs about how our community is so supportive of the athletes,” Mascheck said.
He said the brand new track, the renovated Memorial Stadium, along with the gym in the Marley Giddens Center gives Columbus the opportunity to host a large number of playoff games as well as give the Cardinal and Lady Card athletes a boost of pride to give it their all in competition.
“The facilities are a plus for our athletes and the community,” Mascheck said. “The kids have pride in what we have here and many fans travel to see the sporting events hosted here and also helps our economy. It is a win/win situation.”
He also pointed out that the coaches and athletes are excited about the district realignment for 2008-09.
Columbus teams will now face La Grange, Smithville, Giddings, Bellville along with current rival Sealy.
“It will be exciting to see old Columbus rivalries reborn with La Grange and Bellville back in district competition,” Mascheck said. “Also, the travel will be cut down tremendously.”
Mascheck concluded that with how successful 2007-08 was for Columbus Athletics, he looks forward to “Cardinal Pride” continuing in great stride beginning this fall.
“We have a hard working group of Columbus athletes ready to work on in summer sports leagues and summer conditioning programs to better themselves,” Mascheck said. “The high number of kids participating last year is one of the reasons why we have had such a great year. We look forward to having even more athletes participating this summer to work towards a great 2008-09.”
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