KFDM COOP

Thomas nabs Leader Male Athlete of the Year Van Wade The Orange Leader When the name Earl Thomas comes to the surface, the casual sports fans will remember the 2007 West Orange-Stark graduate as being one of the best football players ever to come out of Orange County. After all, Thomas will don a University of Texas Longhorn jersey this season. Many remember Thomas’ numbers at WO-S in three years, three seasons in which the Mustangs won 30 out of 35 games and three straight District 21-3A crowns. Many will remember his defensive prowess that accounted for nearly 20 career interceptions and tight man-to-man coverage that garnered him the Willie Ray Smith Defensive Award as a senior. Of course, there were his offensive numbers that led up to 303 carries for 2,022 yards and 26 touchdowns and 66 catches for 1,223 yards and 17 TDs. Then there were those outstanding kickoff and punt returns that allowed him to account for four more TDs that gave him 47 in three years. “Without a doubt, football is my passion,†said Thomas. “I guess I’ll be remembered more for what I did on a football field. I played everything else to keep myself in good shape. My family pushed me to be the best I could be and plus, being involved in school activities can really keep you out of trouble.†Thomas caused trouble for opponents not just on the gridiron, but in three other sports as well. He made the All-District basketball team for three seasons and was Defensive Player of the Year his senior year. The Mustangs made the playoffs all three seasons with Thomas at guard, including a Region III crown and a trip to the Class 3A State Semifinals as a junior in 2006. There were just as many exploits out on the track as Thomas totaled three bronze medals at the 3A State Track Meet, including two his senior year in the long jump and the 400-meter relay. Last, but certainly not least, was his All-District recognition in baseball for three seasons. As a senior, Thomas batted over .400 and led the Mustangs in home runs and steals. Without question, Thomas left his mark on not only the WO-S athletic program but on Orange County sports history as well. With his achievements, Thomas is the 2007 Orange Leader Male Athlete of the Year. “That’s quite an honor and I certainly didn’t do it by myself,†Thomas said. “God has been right by my side the whole way. I’ve been fortunate to be blessed with an outstanding family that was right there by my side from Little League days on up. I had the pleasure of working beside some outstanding teammates that always pushed each other. The coaching staff at WO-S, they were like my second family too.†After getting some late time on the varsity at Little Cypress-Mauriceville as a freshman, Thomas transferred to WO-S for his sophomore season and exploded onto the county sports scene. He made an immediate impact on the football field and the rest is history. “Coach (Dan) Hooks showed confidence in me early and that made me feel great and everyone treated well and I was able to fit right in,†Thomas said. “Coach (Mark) Foreman, he is like a second father to me and is the best secondary coach ever. We had a tremendous run.†The Mustangs got as far as the state semifinals in 2005, falling to eventual state champion Wimberley. “Three district titles in a row, that’s tough to do,†Thomas said. “I can say that I never lost a district game and many people can’t say that. I really thought we had a chance to get a state title the last two years, that’s the only thing that I regret. We had enough talent to get it done. There will always be those games you’d like to play over again but that’s just part of football.†Coach Hooks has seen many outstanding gridders come through the pike but Thomas was definitely one of those rare players. “Earl Thomas is one of those unique individuals that can do it all,†Hooks said. “He rarely had a chance to come off the football field. He played offense, defense and special teams. Sometimes you just wanted to give him the keys to the bus too. He has tremendous stamina. He might come out a play or to here and there and then immediately wanted back into the game.†Thomas is currently busting his “backbone†at Texas, getting ready for the first official day of practice Aug. 6. He’s already had a taste of college life, taking some summer courses and working out hard with his Longhorn teammates. “It’s crazy how hard the guys work out up here,†said Thomas. “I’ve never worked so hard in my life. I wasn’t in the weightroom a whole lot in high school because of the other sports I was playing. It was tough at first, but I’m starting to feel pretty good now and I’ve adjusted to college life.†“Earl’s going to be just fine,†Hooks said. “He was such a great athlete in everything and it was fun to watch him do so well in all the other sports. There wasn’t much weight-training after his football seasons here but I understand he looks really good and has built up a lot of strength.†Thomas, who will play in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Football Game Tuesday night, is anxious to get his college career going. He understands that there will be a big difference between playing the likes of Dayton and Hamshire-Fannett to playing titans like Oklahoma and Texas A&M. “Nothing against high school, but these guys up here (Austin) are so huge and so fast,†Thomas said. “It’s a whole new game. If you don’t keep up, then you want play much. They have a routine set up and they make sure you do it. I can’t wait to see what it’s like to play in a Big 12 game, that’s going to be awesome.†Thomas has great memories of the other sports he competed in as well. “In basketball, we had some great runs and great times,†said Thomas. “I think we shocked everybody, including ourselves, when we went to state in 2006. Nobody gave us a chance to go that far but as the season went along and when we won some tough playoff games, we knew we had it in us.†His track days were always pleasant as well and mixed in that sport at the same time with baseball. He was an important leg on both the state-qualifying 400 and 800-meter relays that included Dominique Rhodes, Jacoby Franks and Josh Gloston “Trips to Austin two straight years in the relays were a highlight for me,†Thomas said. “I loved being around those guys so much and we were always kidding around and cutting up. Coach (Toby) Foreman was a super track coach too, always pushing us to be the best.†Though the Mustangs struggled at times on the baseball diamond, Thomas had no regrets. “It’s tough when you don’t win as many games but I loved my teammates and everyone played so hard,†Thomas said. “I grew up loving baseball and it was something I didn’t want to give up.†Thomas may wear burnt orange now but he we always treasure his days in blue and silver. “I could’ve just played football and just went on with it but high school is suppose to be one of the best times of your life so I wanted to everything that I could possibly do,†Thomas said. “I met a lot of great people along the way that has helped guide me and even better, I know I can always go back and those people will still be there for me. There’s nothing like being a part of the Mustang family.†Orange Leader Athletes of the Year Van Wade The Orange Leader Orange Leader Athletes of the Year 1974 Athlete of the Year — Ray Pousson, West Orange Football — James Long, West Orange Basketball — Waymon Sibley, West Orange Baseball — Paul Richardson, West Orange Track — David Guidry, Bridge City 1975 Athlete of the Year — Dale McCall, LC-M Football — Craig Couvillion, Stark Basketball — Donald Mosby, Stark Baseball — Billy Bayliss, Stark Track — Greg Peveto, Stark 1976 Athlete of the Year — Andre Robertson, West Orange Football — Randy Fults, Bridge City Basketball — Bill Grayson, Stark Baseball JE Lancaster, West Orange Track — Gary Worster, Bridge City 1977 Athlete of the Year — Dudley Kraus, Orangefield Football — Jeff Fruge, Orangefield Basketball — Randy Martell, West Orange Baseball — Kim Bryant, Bridge City Track — Patrice Roberts, Stark 1978 Athlete of the Year — David Jones, Bridge City Football — Tony January, WO-S Basketball — Acy Duhon, Bridge City Baseball — Harlan Robertson, WO-S Track — Greg Hill, WO-S 1979 Athlete of the Year — Bryan Ward, Bridge City Football — Jimmy Jones, Vidor Basketball — Greg Marshall, WO-S Baseball — Pat Meeks, Bridge City Track — Greg Hill, WO-S 1980 Athlete of the Year — Keith Little, Orangefield Football — Kerry Franks, WO-S Basketball — David Ess, Bridge City Baseball — Patt Meeks, Bridge City Track — Mark Kelly, Bridge City and Bradley Peveto, Orangefield 1981 Athlete of the Year — Louis Moore, WO-S Football — Lawrence Hardin, WO-S Basketball — Wendell Martin, Bridge City Baseball — Wade Phillips, WO-S Track — Bradley Peveto, Orangefield 1982 Athlete of the Year — Cazzy Francis, LC-M Football — Tommy Peevey, Orangefield Basketball — Walt Montet, Bridge City Baseball — Mike Perkins, LC-M Track — Larnell Thomas, WO-S 1983 Athlete of the Year — Home Rhodes, LC-M Football — Tim Hagler, Vidor Basketball — Connally Brown, WO-S Baseball — Greg Choate, LC-M Track — Aaron Hollier, Bridge City 1984 Athlete of the Year — Harold Green, WO-S Football — Homer Rhodes, LC-M Basketball — Anna Cooper, LC-M Baseball — Tony Dallas, WO-S Track — Derek Anderson, LC-M 1985 Athlete of the Year — Johnny White, Orangefield Football — Harvey Granger, Orangefield Basketball — Bonnie Henson, WO-S Baseball — Shon Shelton, WO-S Track — Andrew Hollier, Bridge City 1986 Athlete of the Year — Roderick Robertson, WO-S Football — Mark LeBlanc, Bridge City Basketball — Michael Chavis, WO-S Baseball — Mike Stewart, LC-M Track — Troy Guilbeaux, LC-M 1987 Athlete of the Year — Troy Guilbeaux, LC-M Football — Jeff Knox, WO-S Basketball — Tonya Dove, WO-S Baseball — Brian Daniels, LC-M Track — Brian Cleveland, WO-S 1988 Athlete of the Year — Kevin Smith, WO-S Football — Quinton Tezeno, WO-S Basketball — Gary Scott, WO-S Baseball — Thad Chaddrick, Bridge City Track — Krista Vicknair, Bridge City 1989 Athlete of the Year — Jeff Granger, Orangefield Football — Terrance Brown, WO-S Basketball — Travesa Gant, WO-S Baseball — Bruce Aven, WO-S Track — Wayne Guidry, Orangefield 1990 Athletes of the Year — Jeff Granger, Orangefield and Sondra Ancelot, Orangefield Football — Ron Hasley, WO-S Basketball — Travesa Gant, WO-S Baseball — Bo Mires, Bridge City Track — Wayne Guidry, Orangefield 1991 Athlete of the Year — Laney Menard, Bridge City Football — Tim Allen, WO-S Basketball — Kelly Colburn, LC-M Baseball — Kelly Free, WO-S Track — Wayne Guidry, Orangefield and JoJo Harris, Orangefield 1992 Athlete of the Year — Kerry Bennett, WO-S Football — Frank Carpenter, Bridge City Basketball — Shandi Brister, Orangefield Baseball — Steve Martin, Bridge City Track — Wayne Guidry, Orangefield 1993 Athlete of the Year — Bob Buxton, Deweyville Football — Frank Turner, WO-S Basketball — Candie Holt, Orangefield Baseball — Frankie Tays, LC-M Track — Meshell Richard, WO-S 1994 Athlete of the Year — Kendall Cleveland, WO-S Football — Warring Vital, WO-S Basketball — Nicole Daniels, Orangefield Baseball — Stephen Gilbert, Deweyville Track — Jacob Davis, Orangefield 1995 Athletes of the Year — Becca Mathews, Bridge City and Ramona Papillion, WO-S Football — Buster Ascol, LC-M and Josh Tims, WO-S Basketball — Jessica Callahan, Deweyville Baseball — Kevin Kirby, Orangefield Track — Jacob Davis, Orangefield 1996 Athletes of the Year — Eric Anderson, WO-S and Charlie Nichols, LC-M Football — T.J. Locks, WO-S Basketball — B.J. Evans, LC-M and Tiffany Rogers, WO-S Baseball — John Patterson, WO-S Track — Brandy Spencer, WO-S 1997 Athlete of the Year — Norris McGhee, WO-S Football — Logan Moore, Deweyville Basketball — Jason Throop, LC-M Baseball — Beau Hale, LC-M Track — Brandy Spencer, WO-S 1998 Athlete of the Year — Roy Locks, WO-S Football — Charles Sias, WO-S Basketball — Leanne Stark, LC-M Baseball — Jeremy Green, LC-M Track — Jonathan Henley, Orangefield 1999 Athletes of the Year — Eric Eshbach, Orangefield and April Belk, Bridge City Football — Beaux Daville, Orangefield Basketball — Marcus Campbell, LC-M Baseball — Billy Burrow, LC-M Track — Kim Riley, LC-M 2000 Athletes of the Year — Gayron Allen, WO-S and Kacey Worthy, Orangefield Football — Dane Savoie, Orangefield Basketball — Marcus Campbell, LC-M and LaToya Lewis, LC-M Volleyball — Erin Dillow, Bridge City Baseball — Josey Kelley, LC-M Softball — Laura Gremilion, Bridge City Track — Sharonda Renfro, WO-S Soccer — Derek Knapp, LC-M Tennis — David Duplechin, Orangefield Golf — Michael Arnaud, WO-S 2001 Athletes of the Year — Ben King Bridge City and Melanie Hamerly, LC-M Football — Jermaine Hope, WO-S Volleyball — Jessica Johnson, Bridge City Basketball — Anthony Acosta, Bridge City and Labarbara Locks, WO-S Baseball — Chad Barbre, WO-S Softball — Laura Gremillion, Bridge City Soccer — Cody Davis, LC-M Track — Donald Paul, WO-S Tennis — Brandon Odom and Joseph Hannon, WO-S Golf — Katie Harrison, LC-M 2002 Athletes of the Year — Jamey Knight, Bridge City and Nikki McCall, Deweyville Football — Luke Wolfford, Bridge City Volleyball — Stephanie Hyatt, LC-M Basketball — Joey Byerly, WO-S and Layne Riddick, Vidor Soccer — Matt Day, LC-M Track — Brandon Johnson, WO-S Baseball — Luther Sanders, Bridge City Softball — Maranda Hester, Deweyville Tennis — Justin Boynton, LC-M Golf — Hunter Cooper, Community Christian 2003 Athletes of the Year — Jamey Knight, Bridge City and Kimmie Bayliss, LC-M Football — Matt Peebles, Bridge City Volleyball — Jayme Powell, LC-M Basketball — Joey Byerly, WO-S and Geneva Spears, WO-S Soccer — Kristen Lanning, LC-M Track — Brandon Johnson, WO-S Baseball — Derek Blacksher, Bridge City Softball — Heather Bobbitt, Vidor Tennis — Bobby Seals and Jacob Moore, WO-S Golf — Hunter Cooper, Community Christian 2004 Athletes of the Year — Zane Williams, Deweyville and Brittany James, WO-S Football — John Modica, Orangefield Volleyball — Erica Sibley, LC-M Boys basketball — Austin Farias, Orangefield Girls basketball — Kirby Myers, Orangefield Soccer — Jonathan Davis, LC-M Track — Michael Gauthier, Bridge City Baseball — Shon Landry, LC-M Softball — Cody Trahan, LC-M Tennis — Michael Moore and Daniel Marshall, WO-S Golf — Hunter Cooper, Community Christian 2005 Athletes of the Year — Cody Sparks, Bridge City and Brittany James, WO-S Football — Kenneth Beasley, WO-S Volleyball — Erica Sibley, LC-M Boys basketball — Chris Barnes, LC-M Girls basketball — Kirby Myers, Orangefield Soccer — Kayla Williams, LC-M Track — Aaron Brannen, Bridge City Baseball — Kevin Angelle, Bridge City Softball — Meagan Godwin, Bridge City Tennis — Kody Duplechin, Bridge City Golf — Hunter Cooper, Community Christian 2006 Athletes of the Year — Cody Sparks, Bridge City and Brittany James, WO-S Football — Kenneth BEasley, WO-S Volleyball — Andie Myers, Bridge City Boys basketball —Seth Harley, LC-M Girls basketball — Brittney Scott, WO-S Soccer — James Medley, Vidor Track — Aaron Brannen, Bridge City Baseball — Kevin Angelle, Bridge City Softball — Cody Trahan, LC-M Tennis — Kody Duplechin, Bridge City Golf — Ryan Prejean, LC-M 2007 Athletes of the Year — Earl Thomas, WO-S, Christina Jaques, Bridge City Football — Justin Williams, Deweyville Volleyball — Julie Mason, LC-M Boys basketball — Richard Netherly, WO-S Girls basketball — Brittney Scott, WO-S Soccer — Kayla Williams, LC-M Track — Drew Bean, LC-M Baseball — Johnny Dishon, Bridge City Softball — Shandi Conner, Bridge City Tennis — Devin Armstrong and Shanita Maceda, Bridge City Golf — Natalie McLane, Orangefield

Jaques garners Leader Female Athlete of the Year Gabe Pruett The Orange Leader BRIDGE CITY — Bridge City graduate Christina Jaques was a special athlete to watch perform. Starting in volleyball and ending on the softball field, the 2007 Orange Leader Female Athlete of the Year never stopped. In fact, she is still going strong these days. Jaques never quit playing after graduating and can be seen around the Bridge City facilities and camps still working on her game and preparing to make the transition to Lamar State College-Port Arthur where she will be a part of the softball squad. The list of honors and accomplishments from this past season for Jaques are as long as they come. “I am so glad I had the teammates I had through the years,†Jaques said. “Lauren and Jenna (Angelle) were right there with me in every sport. I have some great memories now after leaving that I will keep.†Jaques’ volleyball coach and possibly biggest fan Becca Matthews said the Bridge City standout was one of the most talented players she has ever coached. “I am different from most coaches because most of them say she has an attitude problem,†Matthews said. “She is one of the greatest athletes I have ever met. She cannot stand to mess up. No matter what honor she gets, it is not enough. I have never coached a kid with so much talent. I really don’t understand why more college coaches were not beating down her door.†Jaques’ sports year always started with volleyball and it seemed to always start out with a bang. In her senior year, Jaques pounded out 16.8 kills a match, 4.1 blocks, 17.2 digs and 2.3 aces. She was named the team MVP and the Orange Leader Offensive Player of the Year. She was named the best middle on her team in 2005 along with making the All-Orange Leader Team. She was first team All-District 21-3A this past year and was Best Middle in 2005. In 2004 she made honorable mention. For all that she accomplished in volleyball, one of the top highlights of her season she said was working with first-year Bridge City Coach Matthews. “We had a great new coach,†Jaques said. “We had a good team and everything worked out great. I was just happy Coach Matthews came for my senior year. She taught me a lot and my ability got a lot better in volleyball. I am glad at least my last year was her first year. “We had a strong team We fell a little short. It was a shock when we did lost so early in the playoffs.†After the Lady Cardinals were ousted by the Liberty Lady Panthers in the bi-district round Jaques took her act to the basketball court. The success did not fade away either. She poured in 34 points twice in the season coming in the Baytown Tournament and again against Hamshire-Fannett. She also knocked in 28 points in the Deweyville Tournament. Jaques averaged about 13 points a game through the tough District 21-3A schedule and also pulled in 5.4 rebounds a game with 1.7 assists and four steals. “I really thought we had the potential to do something this year,†Jaques said. “21-3A is such a tough district. We really were a lot better than in the past. We just fell short. Silsbee and Kirbyville coming into the district didn’t help us at all. We held our ground though. I am glad I had Coach Scales all four years.†Then came Spring time for Jaques and she stepped her game up even a little more, which is hard to believe. Jaques took on two sports in the Spring, taking up field events for Coach Karen Bozman while also hitting the softball diamond for Coach Sophie Mount. Jaques excelled in three events in the field events and went to the Regional Meet held in Humble. She placed first in district in the high jump, triple jump and long jump breaking school records in each event. She won the district meet with a high jump of 5 feet, 2 inches won the triple jump with a leap of 35 feet, 8 inches and the long jump with a jump of 17 feet, 4 inches. She was the high point girl at the District 21-3A meet. At the regional meet she placed third in both the high jump and long jump missing the state tournament by one place. She placed fifth in the triple jump. She was named Lady Cardinal Track & Field MVP. “Coach Bozman really helped me a lot in track,†Jaques said. “She always helped a lot when I missed a week or had to hurry and get back for a softball game. She was a great coach and a great person. The track year was not bad since it was my first time doing it all. It made me wish I had done it more through high school.†While taking on the track world Jaques was also busy batting .614 on the softball diamond. She was named the Offensive Player of the Year on both the All-District 21-3A team and the All-Orange Leader Softball Team. She slugged two homers and scored 21 runs. Then maybe the most impressive part of the season was the fact she did not strike out a single time in the district race. This year saw Jaques play a few positions other than catcher. She was moved to center field and first base when the time called for it. “I did whatever I had to to help the team,†Jaques said. “The team worked together so well. We were strong both physically and mentally and everyone did their part. Once again in the playoffs we just came up short. We had the team but we just did not do what we needed to do that weekend.†Bridge City lost in the area round to Bellville in a three-game series. “The one good thing was we never lost a district game in my four years,†Jaques said. “It was great to be a part of that streak. Coach Mount is a great coach so I know the softball team next year will keep things going.†So for all her accomplishments and long runs through the seasons Matthews knows some people’s perception of Jaques was harsh and undeserved. “If you don’t know her, she is a player you love to hate,†Matthews said. “People can’t stand to play against her but love to play on her team. I always told her that if people dogged her or got on her it meant she is a great player. It means you have their attention. She wanted them to talk about her because it fired her up.†Jaques is just happy she had the opportunity to play all the sports she did in high school and getting the chance to meet so many people along the way. “Now I will go to Lamar PA and take what I learned in Bridge City and try to help a new program,†Jaques said. “I hope I make the best of my time there. I will always watch Bridge City and hope nothing but the best for them. I hope for so much good for them this next year.â€

Yea pretty close on the numbers. If this passes for 5A then the next relignment it would be voted on for the smaller classes as well.

The part i have Highlighted is the part we've discussed about the new district relignments that the UIL wants to do to help even the enrollments out. Looks like if this passes it will be for 5A only the first 2 years. The smaller classifcations are the ones who really need this to happen.

UIL, coaches to discuss two critical topics By Will Wright The Herald-Zeitung Published July 28, 2007 The Texas High School Coaches Association’s annual convention begins this weekend with two critical issues up for discussion with University Interscholastic League officials. The first is the new anabolic steroid testing bill, which was signed into law at the end of the last legislative session and is scheduled to become operational for the 2007-08 school year. The second is the UIL proposal to realign Class 5A football schools into two separate divisions in the next biennial realignment. The UIL wants to gauge reaction from the THSCA’s 16,000 coaches this week. Smithson Valley coach Larry Hill, the THSCA’s president, deemed both as being the top want-to-know-more topics for coaches as they head into next week’s convention in Fort Worth. The steroid testing program is the big one — simply because a lot of coaches don’t have a clue what’s going to happen when their kids start reporting for workouts in a few weeks. UIL officials on Monday and Tuesday will address several concerns, ranging from how the UIL will implement the procedures, which company will administer the testing — all the way down to the roles individual schools and districts will play. “It’s very vague and up in the air right now,†Hill said. “The UIL really has some tough calls to make because the legislature just dumped it into their lap. It’s a mess, it really is, and no one, me included, has any idea of how it’s going to be done. We’re starting practice in a few weeks and I have no clue. “Who is going to be doing it? Am I going to do it? How are the names of the kids going to be selected? What about a positive test — do we decide what to do about it or are you? What if their parents dispute (the result)? What if they get a lawyer? Does the kid play while all of this is worked out or do we suspend him? What are we going to do about false-positives? Who makes all of these calls?†Hill personally thinks testing should be delayed until these questions are worked out. “We’re not afraid of testing, but I’d like to see the nuts and bolts laid out before we just show up and have a mess over something that was largely done as a ceremonial (measure),†he said. “Can they get it together that fast? They haven’t yet.†New Braunfels is the only area school to have a testing program, which randomly submits students in extra-curricular activities to test for “recreational†drugs and anabolic steroids. New Braunfels coach Chuck Caniford said none of his student-athletes tested positive for steroids under the first year of the Unicorns’ program, which in part is funded by a state grant. But Caniford has questions, such as how his program will mesh with the state’s. “I’ve heard that if you already have a steroid testing program, then a kid that’s already been tested by us will work with the state’s testing company to get that documentation,†he said. “But that’s hearsay, and I’m anxious to see how the UIL plans to implement testing in regards to schools that already have a testing program.†Caniford isn’t against testing, but has questions about the state’s methods. “I think it’s a good thing, because we already do it. The issue I have is that they’ve just kind of thrown it together,†he said. “I’m sympathetic to the UIL, which has a pretty daunting task to do it within the time they’ve been given. But (lawmakers) haven’t given them the opportunity to do it right.†Canyon coach Les Davis, whose district doesn’t have a testing program, is taking a wait-and-see attitude. “It seems like they are still evaluating it and I’m anxious to hear what they say,†Davis said. “We need to get some direction on it. We need to hear more on the process and the procedures. But we’ll do whatever they tell us to do.†Davis isn’t sure if all can be spelled out by the time his players begin reporting for two-a-days or even by the Cougars’ first game on Aug. 31. “That still remains to be seen,†he said. “That’s for bigger powers than me to decide.â€

Man i tell you one thing they have some HUGE Offensive Lineman. They just left channel 6 recording for the Sunday Night sports show and Geez!!

:P

Nederland vs. LaMarque

Biologists asked to help identify by J.F. Knebel, Record Outdoor Writer Wednesday, July 25, 2007 8:06 AM CDT A strange hairless, fanged creature with a protruding stomach and hind legs longer than its fore legs was run over and killed on Buenger Road off Hwy 183 five miles from Cuero Saturday, July 14 in front of the ranch of Steve and Phylis Canion. Hairless animal This hairless canine-looking animal was killed on a county road between Yorktown and Cuero recently creating flurry of questions and speculations here and around the state. (Photo by Phylis Canion) Mrs. Canion, who discovered and took pictures of the creature, said this was the weirdest and ugliest creature she had ever seen; and she should know, having been to Africa twice on safari. In fact she is so convinced that it has scientific value that she kept half of it in her freezer and is inviting Texas A&M and the Texas Parks & Wildlife to come and take DNA samples to determine its genus. Though she had caught glimpses of it during the past few months, until now she had never seen it up close. It measures 40 inches in length with an estimated weight of 30 lbs. What makes the situation even more unusual is that a similar creature was found run over near Five Mile Creek also on that Saturday between 7 and 8 a.m., and another found Tuesday morning near the San Antonio highway bridge over the Guadalupe River. This makes Canion, who has lost eight kittens and 24 chickens over the past several months, believe all the heavy rain and high water has caused these creatures to move to higher ground. Local game warden Michael Hoffmann and TP&W biologist Ryan Schoeneberg admit they have seen nothing like the Cuero creature but believe it to be either a mangy disfigured coyote or some form of hybrid dog that could have crossed with a coyote. They point to the 2004 "Elmendorf Creature" found near San Antonio that turned out to be a coyote with demodectic or sarcoptic mange as well as two others discovered in the same area in 2006 by a local zoologist. Reggie Lagow, a Coleman, rancher, on Tuesday, September 17, trapped a creature described as a mixture between a hairless dog, rat, and kangaroo; but before John Adolfic of Lost World Museum could make an identification, Texas Parks & Wildlife, who received the creature, threw it out in the Thursday trash. Phylis Canion is determined not to let that happen to the "Cuero creature". The biology department at Texas A&M wants to obtain tissue samples for DNA testing and KENS 5 TV from San Antonio wants to send a crew down to film the carcass and interview Mrs. Canion when the results become known. As questions continue to pour in and speculation grows, some are wondering if the three "Cuero creatures" could possibly be the legendary "Chupacabra" living and breeding in DeWitt County. Only time and testing will tell. Chupacabra First reported in Puerto Rico in 1990, the legendary Chupacabra (Spanish for goat sucker) is now attributed to killing and mutilating livestock and domestic animals with cases reported in most of South American countries, Mexico, and even the United States and Russia. All kills have one thing in common. Each had their bodies bled dry through a series of small circular incisions. While the descriptions vary, the most common one is that of a hairless dog-like creature with a panther-like nose, large fangs, and the ability to hop like a kangaroo. Most mainstream scientists discount the belief of a unique creature and attribute the killings to wild dogs or mutations of other creatures like coyotes or wolves.

> Yup.

Your right!!! That's in the top 2!! >

Yup.

He was -1 after 15 holes i believe.

Yes that Chicken is good. ;D

Holding away from the play. >

Vidor has a Buffet in their pressbox. Some of the smaller schools have great food as well.

Is he a SR?

He never quits.

Where is the ole Stunner?

After battling a groin injury, Lamar ex Clay Hensley is back with Padres That occurred when former Lamar University pitcher Clay Hensley stepped out of the third-base dugout before Thursday night's game. "I didn't think he was back," Gilligan said of Hensley, whose appearance that night was his first with San Diego since being sidelined by a groin injury in May. Hensley lost a spot in the Pa-dres' starting rotation partially because of the injury but said Friday a return to the major leagues was pleasing enough. "Now that I'm healthy, I'm just happy to be back and ready to contribute in some aspect," said Hensley, a right-hander whose return was delayed with a right biceps injury while re-habbing with Triple-A Portland. A blister on Hensley's pitch-ing hand limited his effective-ness through six starts at the beginning of the season. He was 1-3 with a 7.62 earned run aver-age when the groin injury sent him to the disabled list. Hensley was called up Wednesday and pitched three scoreless innings Thursday in relief of David Wells. He al-lowed one hit and two walks and struck out one. "It was encouraging to see the movement on the fastball," San Diego manager Bud Black said. "He looks as though he's throw-ing free and easy." Black said Hensley will re-main in the bullpen but could get a chance to start again. Black said starter Chris Young will miss a turn in the rotation Sunday because of an oblique injury but said Hensley was "more than likely not" going to take Young's turn. Hensley is a four-pitch pitcher whose mechanics were revamped during his one season with Lamar. Gilligan said Hensley's delivery was rebuilt to allow for a longer and smoother arm action. "He (Gilligan) is the one who kind of turned me into a pitcher," said Hensley, an out-fielder who pitched occasionally at Pearland High School and Alvin Community College. Hensley, 27, transferred to Lamar for the 2002 season. He set a school record for strikeouts in a season with 127 and a game with 17. Gilligan noted Hensley's ninth-inning appear-ance the Southland Conference Tournament championship game against Northwestern State as his most memorable. "He got the first two outs and the next batter was the best hitter in the league," Gilligan said. "On the first pitch, he made him look so bad I put my clipboard down and said, 'I'm going to sit back and enjoy these last two strikes.' That's how dominant he was." Selected in the eighth round of the 2002 draft by San Fran-cisco, Hensley was traded the next season to San Diego. He said he never missed a start because of injury until this season, his sixth as a profes-sional. Hensley was 11-12 with a 3.71 ERA last season, his first full season with the Padres. He made five playoff appearances in 2005 and 2006. Although not with the big-league club for most of the sea-son, Hensley said he has soaked up the experience of playing alongside 340-game winner Greg Maddux, today's starter against Roy Oswalt. "For guys like me, you just try to soak that up and take full advantage of the knowledge the guy has," Hensley said. "It's great being around these guys again."

Stros Lose game 2. [Hidden Content]

Bonds homers, moves within one of Aaron's record SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds hit his 754th career home run Friday night, moving within one of tying Hank Aaron's record. Bonds sent a 2-1 pitch from Rick Vanden Hurk over the wall in left-center in the first inning against the Florida Marlins, giving the Giants a 2-1 lead on his 20th homer of the season. The 43-year-old Bonds connected off his 444th pitcher - the first hailing from the Netherlands. Bonds had gone homerless in five games he played and 18 at-bats since he connected twice against the Chicago Cubs on July 19 at Wrigley Field. Bonds had been 3-for-18 since his previous homer. A ``Road to History'' tribute played on the main center-field scoreboard with a greeting from Michael Jordan. Bonds reached 20 home runs for the 19th time in his 22-year career.

That's what he said. He'll be on the channel 6 sports xtra Sunday night at 10:20.

:o