May 2011

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Players will keep the game jersey at theend of season. Cheerleaders will keeptheir uniforms.

www.tri-countytitans.com

Register online or in person atAcademy sports and outdoorsfrom May - June. Check thewebsite for registration dates,locations and times.

Our program services the Schertz, Ciboloand Universal City Communities providingFlag football, Tackle football and Cheer.Our program fosters the development ofyoung athletes while reinforcing self confi-dence, competition and discipline.

Age GroupsFlag Football for 5 - 6 Year olds

Tackle Football for 6 - 11 years oldsCheerleading for 5 - 13 year olds

Save 10% ifRegistered

by May

P U B L i s h e r s& M O r e

PUBLished MOnThLY BY TheSchertz Public Affairs Office

B. E. Bailey director, Public Affairs, Publisher

Chuck McCollough editor

Alexis Souza creative director

Chris Matzenbacher sales director

Mary Spence Business Manager

Linda Ervin Administrative Assistant

Shelby O’Neill copy editor

Brittany Losey Guest editor and senior writer

Mia Lopez cover Photographer

send queries about articles or photographs to schertz Magazine at 1400 schertz Parkway, schertz, Texas 78154.

subscriptions to schertz Magazine are free for each schertz household. subscriptions for residents and businesses outside the city of schertz are

$19.95 annually. call 210-619-1630.

For advertising information: schertz Magazine, 1400 schertz Parkway, schertz, Texas 78154;

call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email [email protected].

news POLicYschertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. news and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. if you would like to submit an item to schertz Tales, email us at [email protected] or call us at (210) 619-1630.

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the city of schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron.

Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the city of schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Tales, whether draft or final is sole property of the city of schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the city of schertz.

Contributing WritersB.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Brittany

Losey, Rick Smith, Julie Cooper, Taylor Tompkins, Gabby Ford, Kayleigh Franklin, Mia Garza, Laura Stella Reyes

PhotographersB.E. Bailey, Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Mike Harris,

Diana Webb, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Gabby Ford, Ashley Telfer, Robert Burton, Hayden Cardy, Zachary

Carter, Steven Rose, Amanda Teekell, Ty Gomez, Mark Bane, Mia Lopez, shutterstock.com

schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs department of the city of schertz.

Our mailing address is 1400 schertz Parkway, schertz, Texas 78154. The official publication of the City of Schertz promotes

city, community, and business activities associated with the city. © city of schertz, Texas.

The editorial office of schertz Magazine is at 1400 schertz Parkway, schertz,

Texas 78154. call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619. website is schertz.com.

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9 Talk of the Townz

16 visionz: news from the chamber of commerce

19 entertainment extraz

25 clemen’s softball

26 Players turned coaches

28 Lady Buffsr

29 clemens soccer

32 Jinks Lights the way

33 steele softball

34 Lady Knights soccer

35 girls of steele Track

39 winning spirit of JP ii girls

41 Megiham simmons

43 sweetheart: nicole elliott

46 government round-Up & calendar

On the cover: The girls are three high school athletes represent-ing their respective sports and schools. From left are: Anastazia Gilman, sophomore track and field athlete from John Paul II high school; danielle schick, senior soccer player from steele high school; and charlotte sassman, senior soccer player from clemens high school. Photo by Mia Lopez, Miss Friendly city on the 2010-2011 schertz sweetheart court.

T H E A W A R D - W I N N I N G M A G A Z I N E

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The girLs OF sPring

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girLs gOT gAMeWood Wouldn’t trade SportS dayS at ClemenS

Lesa wood played sports for clemens in the 1980s and is a better person because of it.

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girL POwer UnLeAshedSCuC Women’S SportS Have GroWn Steadily SinCe tHe ‘70S

Before 1972, public high school sports were for boys, not girls. Boy, how things have changed!

LeArning LiFe LessOns ThrOUgh AThLeTicsmCdoW, Bvya Help KidS GroW

Johnie Mcdow has been mentoring local children on sports fields since 1995.

Mayorhal Baldwin

City CouncilJim Fowler

david scagliolaMichael carpenter

cedric edwards, sr.george Antuna, Jr.

Executive Managementdon Taylor, city Manager

John Bierschwale, Assistant city Manager

david J. harris, Assistant city Manager

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grOwing A sPOrTs PrOgrAMJoHn paul ii Female atHleteS Steppin’ up

schertz’ catholic high school is building strong bodies as well as strong minds.37

Despite a scarcity of rain now, wildflowers are abundant in the Schertz are where they bring beauty to the eyes of the beholders.

Despite a scarcity of rain, wildflow-ers are abundant in the Schertz area.

Photos by Diane Webb.


By Brittany Losey, Guest Editor

Spring has always been my favorite season for many reasons. First of all, spring indicates the return of warm weather. As a native Texan, this is, without a doubt, the most important event of the year. By my August birthday, the warm weather has worn out its welcome, but the gentle sunshine of early May is divine.

My second reason for loving spring is that I adore flowers. To see them blossoming is one of my greatest joys. Whether colorful daisies or elegant roses, they symbolize the diverse and natural beauty all around us.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, spring has always meant one thing to me—softball. Since my first days in little league over a

Spring has sprung!decade ago, I have looked forward to playing around in the red dirt and green grass.

While I am an enthusiast of all sports, I find a special kind of magic in the game of softball. I’m not sure if it is the consistently vociferous parent fan base, the smell of a new leather glove or the feeling of diving into home plate, but something about the sport makes it so much more than just a game.For me, softball was a distraction through the toughest parts of my life, and it also enhanced the good times. Some of my greatest high school memories involved two-hour-plus bus rides with good friends, cheers, inside jokes in the dugout and looking up to see my favorite teachers in the stands.

Even into college, sports have continued to be a major part of my life. In my first two years, I pitched for the Trinity University softball team. The experience of being a college athlete was an irreplaceable one, and it greatly guided the rest of my college career. I am grateful for the many opportunities that the City of Schertz has offered me in my own maturation, including my four years as a Clemens Buffalo, my time as Miss Schertz and my current position of senior writer at Schertz Tales Magazine, which keeps me connected to the community that raised me.

I also have the honor of being Guest Editor of the May issue of Schertz Tales Magazine and its look at female athletes of Schertz, specifically at Clemens, Steele and John

Paul II high schools. High school sports help young women train both their bodies and minds, develop a passion and blossom into their full potential. Each of the three schools offers a unique history to the athletes who represent it. As newer schools, Steele and John Paul II both give athletes the opportunity to create a name for their programs. Clemens, a more established presence, allows its athletes to uphold the Buffalo tradition.

Every year, the Schertz area continues to produce quality athletes who go on to compete in schools around the country. I hope you enjoy our issue that celebrates the Girls of Spring and all that they have accomplished and continue to achieve.

We specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology, working closely with our patients’ primary care physicians to

ensure that every patient’s health care needs are met with the most effective and professional methods available.

All of our physicians are Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and all of them share a commitment to treat our patients with compassion and courtesy. We are also committed to keeping their primary care physicians in-

formed of and involved in their diagnoses and treatment.

Our practice focuses on the examination, diagnosis and treatment of women’s health concerns.

210-653-5501ne-obgyn.com

3 San Antonio LocationsSchertz . Village Drive . Stone Oak

Dear Friend, I want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding, Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first. Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Martin. I’ve seen your ad with that picture of you and the two cute kids.” Well, I’m the guy in the middle. Years ago I was a college baseball player, but I developed a painful neck, shoulder and arm condition. In my case it came on suddenly. The pain in my hands was so intense that I couldn’t raise my arm above my head or even throw a baseball. I was afraid that I would lose my scholarship if it continued. I went to my trainer and medical doctor and was given anti-inflammatories. The problem with those medications is that they just mask the symptoms and in my case did not help. Finally, after steroid injections I decided against it. But, there’s more…A family member of mine convinces me to give their doctor a try. This new doctor did an exam, took some films, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. I got relief, and I could use my arm again. Oh, did I mention that this doctor is a chiropractor. It worked so well that I went to chiropractic school myself. Now for McKenna and Cooper, who are the cute kids in the picture. They get adjusted regularly and are some of

the healthiest kids you will know. Their mom is

also problem-free even with all

the bending and lifting a busy mom of two does. It might seem like a

“A Doctor’s confession to the city of schertz…”small thing, but it makes a big difference to her. It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their neck, arm and shoulder problems. Also they come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, carpal tunnel, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few. Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I have not had a headache in months”- (Mary J.) “Mood and attitude have improved” – (Lisa A.) Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. We get tremendous results. It’s a simple as that! Forty-eight million Americans no longer have health insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits are reduced. That’s where my I come in. I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more people are able to afford the care they need. A whole week of care in my office costs what you could pay for one visit elsewhere. Studies show that people actually pay less for their long-term overall health care expenses if they are seeing a chiropractor. You Benefit from an Amazing Offer- Look, you are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well write one for a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article, you will receive my entire new patient exam for $17. That’s with an evaluation and X-Rays….the whole ball of wax. But, please call right away because this offer expires on May 31, 2011, and I don’t want you to miss out.

By the way, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that I have affordable plans. You see I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor. High costs can add up very quickly. Great care at a great fee…Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…I’m a Magna cum Laude graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College and a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to pro athletes that you may know. After practicing for four years in San Antonio I moved my practice to Schertz. I just have a low exam fee to help more people who need care. My Associate, Dr. Kyle Stringer, brings over five years of experience to our practice with the latest in pain-free techniques. My assistant is Melissa, and she is really a great person. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called Schertz Chiropractic and it is at 17323 IH 35 North Ste 106, (we are between 3009 and Schertz Parkway on the 35 South Access Road). Our phone number is 210-646-6000. Call Melissa or me today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you. -Patrick W. Martin, D.C.P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $10.P.S.S. Your time is just as valuable as ours, that’s why we will be with you promptly at your appointment.

Not applicable to Medicare Beneficiaries due to regulations.


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Viva Schertz!!! Viva Fiesta!!!The Schertz Sweethearts led by Miss Schertz Nicole Elliott, added a little Schertz heart to San Antonio’s 10-day Fiesta Celebration. After attending a handful of the 100 official Fiesta activities, their whirlwind week of meeting thousands of attendees culminated April 16 at the Fiesta Flambeau parade. According to Elliott, Fiesta was such fun and all the girls were excit-ed to serve as official representatives of the City of Schertz. VIVA!!!

Stomping Out Cancer the

Wilenchik WayThe Third Annual Wilenchik Walk For Life, held March 5, raised a record $28,473. The event is named for former City Councilman Tony Wilenchik, who lost his fight with cancer. During the March 30 City Council meeting, a large check (and a smaller real one) for that amount was pre-sented to the University of Texas Health Science Center’s Cancer Therapy & Research Center. Shown to the left are Wilenchik’s widow, Valerie, Mayor Hal Baldwin, Sheri Ortiz of CTRC and Assistant City Manager John Bierschwale.

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Visitors view the Schertz EMS ambulance at 2010 EMS Extravaganza

Schertz to Celebrate National EMS Week May 15-21National EMS Week is set for May 15-21, and Schertz EMS will celebrate with everything from a golf tournament to an extravaganza.

On May 15, the Schertz EMS Golf Tournament will be held at Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center at 12900 Mount Olympus in Universal City. The event kicks off with a shotgun start at 1:00 PM. Player fees are $60 per person or $240 for team of 4. Money raised helps fund community outreach programs as well as the Bob-bie Dilworth Scholarship fund. The EMS Week local celebration ends May 21 with a free EMS Extrava-ganza at the Forum at Olympia Parkway parking lot. The event includes a large health and safety fair with participation from area healthcare providers.

Other activities during the EMS Week include:

May 16-May 20:Schertz EMS will visit area elemen-tary schools to tell students about safety and show them EMS ambulances.

May 17:Schertz H-E-B Night Out from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the supermarket. Schertz EMS part-ners with H-E-B to show kids and adults the inside of an ambulance, and EMS personnel will conduct free blood pressure and glucose tests.

May 19:Senior Citizen Day - EMS crews visit the Schertz Area Senior Center and will talk with seniors about fall prevention and medication safety.

May 18-20:A free lunch is provided to EMS crews on each shift to say thanks for a great job. Sponsors for the free lunch are welcome. For more informa-tion, call Schertz EMS at (210) 619-1400.

Schertz Cibolo Lions Club Go Fiesta!


Puppy Power: Schertz Prepares for 10th Annual Doggie Dash!

Dogs and owners participate in 2010 Doggie Dash.

The 2011 Homes for Pets Wilenchik Memorial Doggie Dash at Schertz will be held Saturday, May 14, from 7:00 to 11:00 AM in Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St. The event, which benefits the Schertz Humane Society, includes a 5K Fun Run and a 3K walk, with or without a dog. Participants who run or walk with a dog must have their dog on a leash at all times. Registration for runners is $25. Walker registration is $15, with an event T-shirt guaranteed for the first 400 walkers. There is no charge for walkers not wanting an event T-shirt. For more infor-mation on event times and to register, please visit www.homesforpets.org.

Preserving the Past: Schertz Designates Heritage Neighborhood

On March 26, the first neighborhood established in the Schertz commu-nity 140 years ago, and a 108-year-old building were designated local landmarks by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee. What is com-monly known as “Old

Schertz” received the city’s first ever Heritage Neighbor-hood designation. The area, which is bounded by FM 78 on the north, Zuehl Street on the south, Cibolo Creek on the west and Mill Street on the east, was first settled in 1869. The building in that neighbor-hood that houses Vineyard

Fellowship Church at 201 Church Street was designated a Historic Landmark building. Members of City Council, the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee, Vineyard Fellowship Church, community residents and business owners attended the dedication ceremony.

12 MAY 2011scherTzMAgAzine.cOM

BVYA Ushers in the Boys (And Girls) of Summer Fun

The Buffalo Valley Youth Association celebrated the open-ing of the 2011 Baseball and Softball Season on March 26 at Schertz Ballpark with a carnival and the return of the Open-ing Day Parade. More than 3,000 players, parents, and area residents enjoyed Boar’s Head hot dogs, CiCi’s Pizza, rides, inflatables, face painting, a dunking booth and carnival games.

The first baseball and softball pitches of the season were thrown by Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin, with open-ing remarks made by BVYA President Johnie McDow. With 1,100 registered ball players, BVYA is experienc-ing the biggest season since its inception in 1974.

Get Back on That Bike For National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month, and bicycling in Schertz and San Antonio has grown by leaps and bounds. This year the Metropolitan Transpor-tation Organization (MPO) has planned a full calendar of Walk&Roll events throughout the month of May, including the MPO’s 15th Annual Walk&Roll to Work Rally at Main Plaza at 8:00 AM on Friday, May 20.

The annual event, open to Schertz area residents, highlights healthy and economical alternatives to driving to work alone and fea-tures free refreshments, door prizes and informational exhibits.

VIA Metropolitan Transit will once again provide free bus transportation for cyclists on Walk&Roll to Work Day. For more information visit www.walkandrollSA.com.


Prize is a gift certificate for:

Win a Gift Certificate for a two-night stay at Plantation Suites

& Conference Center in Port Aransas.

1

2Locate the fish pictured below in one AD some-where in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing.

A winner will be chosen May 2011.

BARGAINZFind the “Z” at schertzmagazine.comfor exclusive offerz from our advertisers.

Locate the soccer ball pictured above in one AD somewhere in this issue of Schertz Magazine. Visit schertzmagazine.com and complete the entry form to be entered into this month’s drawing. A winner will be chosen May 2011.

Alamo City Medical Group

Alamo DrafthouseSchlitterbahn830.625.2351

schlitterbahn.com ® 2011 Waterpark Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Save $2 per person! Present this coupon prior to

purchase at any New Braunfels ticket window Sunday

through Friday in June, July or August or any operating

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other offer, discount, special price, prepaid, afternoon,

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“Dig Up a Good Book” at Schertz Library

Summer Reading Club

The Schertz Public Library is offering a great place to “hang out” this summer! On June 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM The “Dig Up a Good Book!” Reading Club Kick-Off for all school age children. Events will be held all summer long at the library, 798 Schertz Parkway. For more information visit schertzlibrary.org or call (210) 619-1700.

Schertz Area Senior Center Mural Honors City’s Settlers

Schertz artist Mary LaGrone Jackson shows Mayor Hal Bald-win a mural she painted on a wall at the Schertz Area Senior Center at 608 Schertz Parkway. Jackson named the mural “European Schertz” and said it shows her vision of a village where Schertz settlers lived before coming to this area.


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Casino Fun and Games Sponsored by Schertz

Cibolo Lions ClubPokers chips were stacking and the Roulette wheel was spinning April 8 during the Second Annual Schertz Cibolo Lions Club’s Noche de Fiesta fundraiser at the Schertz Civic Center. A good crowd, including at least one young poker player, had a good time. Proceeds from the event benefit Schertz youth and senior pro-grams. Find out more about the Schertz Cibolo Lions at (210) 710-6558 or (210) 332-2255.

Welcome DeVoir Fitness To FM 78 Area

DeVoir Fitness is located in the Lone Oak Plaza Center,

Suite 1, 1208 FM 78 near the in-tersection with FM 3009.

Described as a “friendly and fun fitness studio that provides healthy solutions,” Devoir Fitness offers:

*Free Healthy and Happy Educational Classes*Free Zumbatomic for kids 4-12

*Free Hip Hop Cardio for teens 13-17*Massage Therapy Discounts

*Military, College Students and Teachers DiscountsFor more information call (210) 658 3488 or email

the business at [email protected].

Daylily Society Holding 2011 Show on May 14

The San Antonio Daylily So-ciety 2011 Show and Daylily Sale will be held Saturday May 14 at the Antique Rose Emporium, 7561 E. Evans Road. The sale starts at 10:00 AM and runs until the daylilies sell out. The show runs from 1:00-4:30 PM.

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Schertz Council Supports National

Library Week City Council passed a resolution April 12 supporting National Library Week (April 10-16) in Schertz. From left are April Toman, Youth Services Librarian; Melissa Uhlhorn, Library Manager; Mayor Hal Baldwin; Gail Douglas, Library Director; and Lizzi Blase, Adult Services Librarian.

36th Annual JubileeJuly 1-4, 2011Pickrell Park

Registration, Parade and Event Information

at Schertz.com

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Are you a young and up-coming professional be-tween the ages of 21-39? Then hYPer (Helping Young Professional Entrepreneurs Resource) might be for you! hYPer exists to build a network in which young professional entrepreneurs in Schertz and surrounding cities can come together for mutual support, exchange resources and combine ef-forts for community service.The group meets bi-monthly. Call the Chamber Office for details on the next meeting. RSVP required to attend. Free to Schertz Chamber Members; $15 for non-members. Come attend your first meeting for free!

Contact us at (210) 566-9000 or e-mail at [email protected] or visit our website at schertzchamber.org.

Schertz Chamber Luncheon

Thanks to Schertz City Man-ager Don Taylor, Selma City Administrator Ken Roberts and Cibolo EDC Director Mark Luft, who spoke at our March Luncheon about this year’s developments within their cities. SCUCISD Board Member Gary Inmon briefly spoke on how the budget cuts will affect the school district. We also proudly welcomed Cal-Tex, Hanson Brick, HV Consulting, Interstate All-Batteries, The Old Law Firm, PC, and Eye Care Centers of America to the Schertz Chamber of Commerce! We are excited to have you in our Chamber! Photo courtesy of Straughan Photography.

Get your taste buds ready for

“Tailgating at The Taste” Sponsored by Schertz HEB

July 28 at the Schertz Civic Center from

5:00 PM - 8:00 PMFORE!

SCOC Golf Classic October 21 at Olympia Hills.

Sponsorships Available. Call the SCOC/Visitor

Center for more details!

Schertz Shoot-out

Sponsored by SWBCWant to meet dozens of businesses in one

evening, but think you don’t have the time?

Make plans to attend our Schertz Shoot-out on Thursday, May 19, from 5:30 PM – 7 PM.Free to SCOC Members/non-members $10. Light refreshments will be provided. Bring PLENTY of Business Cards because you will need them!



SAVE THE DATES!Mark your calendars and plan ahead to participate in:

Schertz Shoot-out: May 19 at the Schertz Civic Center, 5:30- 7:00 PM

The Taste: July 28 at the Schertz Civic Center; 5:00-8:00 PM

Golf Classic: October 21, 2011 at Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center

After-Hours Mixer

Join us on Thursday, May 2, at The

Vineyards Restaurant on 27315 FM

3009 in Garden Ridge from 5:30

PM - 7:00 PM. Great food, fun, door

prizes and more! Must be present

to win Chamber ca$h drawing.

for “Bad Thursday!”

May Luncheon: Tuesday, May 17th

Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PMLocation: Schertz Civ-ic Center, 1400 Schertz Pkwy. Bldg. 5, SchertzCost: $15 Schertz Chamber Members/ $25 Non-MembersRSVP by Tuesday, May 10Help us honor the winner of the 2011 Steve Simonson Com-munity Service Award.

Contact us at (210) 566-9000 or e-mail at [email protected] or visit our website at schertzchamber.org.

VisionzDoes your business need resources, networking, advocacy and growth?

Join the Schertz Chamber of Commerce!We are the first point of contact for marketing to visitors and residents within the community. Through our Chamber website, monthly luncheons, mix-ers and educational courses, we strive to provide for all your business needs. Stop by our office at 1730 Schertz Parkway and pick up an application today!Schertz Chamber of Commerce – Helping your business “build a better tomorrow.”

Entertainmentz Extraz: Live Music & Gotta Go-To Placez

entertainmentz & eatz

SCHERTZ

Hannah’s CountrySteak House 1901 weil road, Marion(830) 420-3755

Kurt ReeceMay 21; 7:00 PMNo Cover

Houlligan’s 13920 n. ih-35, Live Oak(210) 654-4444

Papa WoodMay 27; 10:00 PM$5 Cover

The Hangin’ Tree 18424 2nd street, Bracken(210) 651-5812www.hangintree.com

Cactus CountryMay 13; 8:00 PM$7 Cover

Encanto Grill6032 FM 3009 , schertz(210) 276-0066www.encantogrill.com

2 Grand BlackMay 20; 8:00 PMNo Cover

Billy D’s Club 1805 Pat Booker rd, Universal city(210) 566-0559

Bobby G & the DriveMay 21; 9:00 PMNo Cover

Bluebonnet Palace17360 Lookout road , selma(210) 651-6702www.bluebonnetpalace.com

Gary Glenn & the 20X BandMay 7; 8:00 PMNo Cover

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Do you have a favorite spot that isn’t listed?

Send an e-mail Send to [email protected] and

let us know about it.

It could make the next edition of “GotTa Go-to Places”!

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In the 1970s, you couldn’t easily catch a game of any women’s sports in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City area. But in the past 40 years, many organi-zations, community groups and schools have made great strides to provide young women with the same opportunity as their male counterparts to gain valuable life-skills while being physically active and playing a sport they love. Robert Lehnhoff, the athletic director for both Byron P. Steele II and Samuel Clemens High Schools, knows exactly what athletics can do for both young men and women and has been a leader in helping to give young women equitable resources and access to athletics.

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SCUC Women’s Sports

Have Grown Steadily Since the ‘70s

This evolution has happened nationwide over the past four decades, assisted by the enactment of the Title IX of the Education Act of 1972, a law stat-ing that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from partici-pation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimina-tion under any education pro-gram or activ-ity receiving

Federal financial assistance....”

Although the original law gave no specific verbiage for high

school and collegiate athletics, the law became a focal point for many high schools and colleges to ensure they are Title IX-compliant and provide equal resources and opportunities to both men and women wishing to participate in sports.

Lehnhoff has been around for the evolution of women’s sports in the area, describing that women’s basketball was first popular as a half-court game, women’s soccer was only known as a co-ed sport shared with men, and, in the instance of swimming, only a few females were initially interested in the sport. “Girls didn’t play organized sports,” said Lehnhoff about young women in the 1970s, when he was a teacher at Corbett Junior High before moving in 1975 to Clem-ens High, where he taught government and coached basketball and baseball.

Robert Lehnhoff, SCUC Athletic Director

(Continued on page 22)

Have Grown Steadily Since the ‘70scont’d

from

page 21


Robert Lehnhoff, SCUC Athletic Director in 70’s

SCUC Women’s Sports


Jim Bergner is the men’s and women’s golf coach at Cle-mens. He attended Clemens High School around the time Title IX started taking effect and remembers a time when he had to share the gym and other facilities with women. “At that age, I was not into wanting the girls to take up our practice and having to share,” he said. “We had only one gym and that shortened our practices.” During the 1974-1975 school year, young women did participate in basketball though. That year, the Cle-mens women’s basketball team went to the state finals. It wasn’t until a decade later in 1986 when the next push for women’s athletics took place at Clemens. Interest in women’s soccer flared, but without enough interest to field an entire team, a co-ed team was formed. By 1997, enough players assembled to form a junior varsity women’s soccer team. With a men’s soccer team already in place, the women had access to a field for practice, which made it that much easier for them to assemble a team and compete. But for women’s softball in the mid-1990s, it wasn’t that easy. Although a baseball diamond is similar to a soft-ball field, softball has shorter distances than baseball from home plate to the pitcher’s mound, between the bases and to the outfield fences, meaning that a separate field would need to be constructed. This was a challenge for Lehnhoff, who wanted to provide an equal opportu-nity for young women to play softball at Clemens but didn’t have the financial resources to build a field. He was suc-cessful at providing equitable funding for both baseball and softball for equipment

Have Grown Steadily Since the ‘70s

and locker rooms though. With a plan in place to con-struct a softball field through a bond initiative, the reality of a field was a few years away. The team practiced at nearby Pickrell Park, but after a com-plaint was filed with the Office of Civil Rights that claimed the team wasn’t getting trans-portation from school to the field, the school provided bus transportation for the athletes. Two years later, in 1999, the Office of Civil Rights re-ceived another complaint. This time, they paid a visit to see firsthand what Lehnhoff and Clemens were doing to provide equitable resources for women’s softball. With the field still a couple of years away, the school invested money into Pickrell Park to upgrade the facility the softball team was using. The Office of Civil Rights closed the case shortly thereafter. Lehnhoff said he wants to continue to see the athletic program grow at SCUCISD, and that there has been some interest in women’s wrestling and lacrosse, but that it’s hard to add sports and programs in a time when school bud-gets are being slashed. And although cheerleading and dance teams often practice as much as the organized sports teams and are at most of the athletic competitions cheering the teams to victory, neither of those squads is officially rec-ognized as a sport by the UIL.

Currently, there are nine sports sponsored by SCUCISD for women. Unlike college-level athletics in which classes are offered throughout the day and throughout the week, high schools have a set schedule they must stick to, making it difficult to schedule time for two teams that share facilities, such as the swim-

ming, tennis, soccer, cross country, basketball and track and field teams. Securing equitable facility use, resources and money for men’s and women’s sports continues to be a daunting task for athletic administrators and coaches. It takes a very orga-nized and focused team and a dedicated leader to make this happen equitably. And that’s who Robert Lehnhoff is and continues to be. Lehnhoff notes that numerous studies have shown that ath-letes have a lower dropout rate and a lower absenteeism rate.

“It is really important to have excellent coaches for women’s sports,” said Lehnhoff. “We have been able to hire many of those who have excelled in our programs and some of them in college sports. We have always valued our ex-students who were good students on our campus when they attended

our schools. It serves as a great resource when you know these ladies from their times as athletes. They were inspir-ing to others on their high school teams and have come back to serve in the com-munity that they love.” Amy Strickland, one such former student, is the cur-rent swim coach at Clemens High School and has seen an increase in the availability of and interest in women’s sports. “There are definitely more sports available in both high school and in club women’s athletics today,” said Strick-land. “I see women’s athletics continuing to advance. I feel we will see more professional women’s sports, and, hopeful-ly, more income and sponsor-ships being offered to women in professional athletics.”

©w

ikip

edia


Title XV of the Education Amend-

ments of 1972 is a United States

law, enacted on June 23, 1972,

that amended Title IX of the Civil

Rights Act of 1964. In 2002 it was

renamed the Patsy T. Mink Equal

Opportunity in Education Act,

in honor of its principal author Congresswoman Mink, but

is most commonly known simply

as Title IX. The law states that:“No person in the United States

shall, on the basis of sex,

be excluded from participa-

tion in, be denied the benefits

of, or be subjected to discrimi-

nation under any education

program or activity receiving

Federal financial assistance...”

—United States

Code Section 20

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Brooke Edwards slides into second base against Lockhart

Move over baseball, Clemens has a new favorite pastime: softball. This year, the Lady Buffs softball team hit the field harder than ever before, starting their season in January and playing their last game April 21 against Lehman.

Headed by Coach Lauren Zim-mermann along with assistant coaches Melissa Jurica and Jimmie Jo Conn, the softball team kicked off what promised to be one of its hardest sea-sons in memory. “Well, we’re in one of the toughest districts in the state,” Zimmermann said. “We play Smithson Valley and Champion, who have both been state champions. So we have some pretty tough com-petitors, but we can win it.”

She has been running play-ers through various drills to eliminate errors, one of the most important elements in softball. “We’ve been work-ing on lots of error-eliminating drills because you can have two evenly matched teams, and it comes down to mak-ing plays and eliminating errors,” Zimmermann said.

The players also realize how important no or low error play is to winning, especially dur-ing the end of the season.

“Cutting down errors is re-ally important,” said sopho-more Sierra Abbott. “It not only improves our game play, but also the team with

the most errors is likely the one that’s going to lose.”

The players have felt these errors impact their game play, whether through a close loss or a victory. “We’ve had our ups and downs throughout the season, but we’ve pushed though and tried to keep the intensity up,” said Samantha Moore, also a sophomore.

However, the players have learned various lessons throughout the difficult sea-son. “I’ve learned that hard work on your own time and in practice really pays off in the end,” Abbott said.

Players also learn that team-

work is important in a sport like softball. “I’ve learned we have to stay together as a team and encourage one another through the ups and downs,” Moore said.

Zimmermann also of-fered parting advice for the players to take away from the season. “I’d tell my girls to stick with it,” the coach emphasized. “It’s not always going to be easy or the most fun thing, but through those hard times, it’s worth it because they can do it.”

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Clemens Softballers Fine Tune Play in

Tough Season


Players Turned

Coaches

Keep Spirit Alive

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Until about five years ago, Cle-mens High School was the only high school in the Schertz area. Because of this, most of the ar-ea’s history of women’s sports belongs to Clemens. Today, the coaches of the Clemens girls athletic department offer a range of unique perspec-

Clemens Athletic Coordinator Greg Ferrara

tives, including several former Clemens student-athletes who can share both their expertise and their roots with another generation of female athletes.

“We have several coaches who are ex-players and I like that,” said Clemens Athletic

Coordinator Greg Ferrara. “ I think they add a little bit more to the program because of the pride they have from playing here. It’s not just a job be-cause they have a lot of ties to the community and they want to see Clemens do the best that they can,” he said.

Coaches Lauren Zimmermann and Delayna Ashley are two third-year Clemens coaches who bring their experiences as multi-sport former Clem-ens student-athletes to their current work. Coach Ashley balanced academics with soc-cer, volleyball and cheerleading

in high school and currently serves as head coach of the girls’ soccer team at Clemens.

“Being a student-athlete has prepared me for my col-lege experience and career by teaching determination, dedication and commitment as well as character,” Ashley said.In her three years coaching at Clemens, she has kept the val-ues she learned as a student-athlete alive in the young wom-en that she currently coaches.

“The varsity soccer program has a group of young ladies who are extremely classy and outwork others,” Ash-ley said. “They have a tre-mendous amount of heart and dedication and put that toward everything they do.

Coach Zimmermann, a recent graduate of Schreiner Uni-versity and current varsity softball coach, offers a similar perspective. As a three-year varsity player at Clemens and a catcher at Schreiner, Zim-mermann brings not only years of experiences, but a passion for the game.

“It’s a part of me,” she said. “I wanted to bring the love of the game to young girls.” Zim-mermann has always known she wanted to be a coach, but she didn’t necessarily real-ize the major ways in which it differs from being a player.

“It was a quick shift,” Zimmer-mann said. “It’s a completely different mindset, and I’m still learning what it takes to be a good coach. You have to know all of your players, whereas when you‘re a player, you only need to know yourself.”

In her shift from player to coach, Zimmermann has watched the Clemens softball program evolve immensely since she first started playing in high school. The program

underwent major expansion when a new complex was built in the mid-1990s. De-spite such changes, however, Zimmermann believes that the core elements that make Clemens softball distinct still remain very much alive.

“Parent involvement, community-that’s all still there,” Zimmermann said.

Gary Fletcher, another third-year Clemens coach, shares his own unique view of women’s sports. After coaching foot-ball and track for 25 years, Fletcher came to Clemens to coach boys and girls cross country as well as girls track.

In his three years at Clemens, Fletcher has helped expand the girls’ program immensely. He has tripled his number of runners in that amount of time and has produced several high-quality athletes including senior Taylor Johnson, who signed with the University of Incarnate Word earlier this year.

Fletcher’s experience with male athletes has significantly contributed to his current philosophy on coaching young women. “Athletes are athletes; runners are run-ners,” he said. “We push them just like the boys.”

The growing range of coaches and athletes at Clemens keeps the girls’ program alive and thriving. While the fields and faces that represent the teams may continue to change, the values at the heart of these sports will always survive.



Lady Buffs Track Team

Working Hard

Lady Buff Lizzy Hyatt jumps hurtles.

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Clemens girls track coach Gary Fletcher has confidence in his athletes. “We are well on our way to district, and we made a few changes,” Coach Fletcher said. “I think we’ll do really well. We have a chance to get quite a few to regionals.”

The girls have competed all sea-son to prepare for and focus on the district meet in late April.

Discus and shotput thrower Ariana Trevino, a senior, enjoyed the opportu-nity to show off her skills. Trevino threw her personal best at an invitational meet on her home field with a 31-foot, 4-inch shotput and a discus throw of 97 feet.

“I feel that I have a lot of things to ac-complish and overcome,” Trevino said. “Hopefully I can keep a steady mindset and work to the best of my ability.”

Other seniors, like relay runner Sarah Fox, remain hopeful about their bit-tersweet last chance at a district win.

“Going to district is going to be excit-ing,” she said. “I hope we do well. It’s kind of sad though because I am go-ing to miss my girls and singing Brit-ney Spears on the long bus rides.”

Younger girls, like freshmen Faith White, look forward to the chance to shine in lieu of the seniors. “I’m happy because I know that I’ve worked my butt off this year to throw far enough for varsity next year and do amazing,” White said.

Coach Fletcher’s favorite advice to his athletes applies on and off the field. “You have to try to get better every time you go out there,” he said.


While the Lady Buffs soccer team made it to playoffs, their favorite game of the season wasn’t the hard-fought loss to Alamo Heights in the first round.

The girls of the Clemens soccer team have come to a consensus: The game on Senior Night against Canyon topped their season. That win was monumental because it marked the first time the team had won against Canyon. The victory not only pro-pelled the girls into the playoffs but also brought them closer as a team.

“We played with so much heart that you could feel it around the field,” Senait Gordon said.

Gordon’s teammates agree. “Everyone just played

amazingly, and I felt that all of our hard work as a team finally paid off,” Skylar Bluebird said.

Although the Lady Buffs lost the playoff game against Alamo Heights, the team felt that they had proved to themselves their work over the season was not in vain.

“The playoffs were a great way to prove to everyone how hard we worked, and even without the win, it showed all of our hard effort,” Sarah Kretsinger said.

While the team grew into their game and maturity together, indi-viduals felt they improved within themselves and their positions.

“I felt like this season I just improved so much as a player and just grew so much closer to my team,” Bluebird said. “My biggest challenge this year was being able to get our defense to click and us being able to work together.”

The team’s bonding on and off the field helped them play as a more unified front. The girls, whose team dinners and outings strengthened their bond, feel as if they are never far from family when their team is around, according to senior Taylor Belcher.

“They are more then just my teammates; they are my fam-ily,” Belcher said. “We protect each other, and we love each other. I would do anything for them.”

As one of two captains, Belcher helped lead the team through their victories and losses, but all teammates feel the effort put forth from their team was exemplary. “I felt that we as a team tried our hardest, and that’s all you can ask for,” Bluebird said.

Clemens Soccer Girls

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Taylor Belcher goes for a header.

Have Shining Season


JINKS: Lady Knights Light The Way

for Female Athletes

mug shot com-ing of Stteele Athletic Direc-tor Mike Jinks

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Byron P. Steele II High School has been open for only five years, but that doesn’t mean women’s athletics hasn’t made a large impression in the community. In fact, the high school graduated two students last year who made large impressions nationally. Meighan Simmons now plays basketball for the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers and was tabbed Freshman of the Year by the Southeastern Conference (SEC). McKen-zie Adams finished her first season of volleyball at the University of Virginia, where

she was named Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Freshman of the Year.“It’s been a phenomenal ex-perience the last few years,” Steele’s Athletic Coordinator Mike Jinks said about the growth of women’s athletics. Jinks said that women’s athletics counts for more than wins and losses, and that it instills life-skills into young women. “It teaches character, leadership, and how to understand that if you commit to something good in yourself,” he said. “It’s a powerful thing.”

He also believes that athlet-ics allows young women to learn how to respond to adversity. “More times than not in athletic endeavors, you’ll have to deal with loss and failure,” Jinks said. “It teaches that it’s okay to fail. The key is how to respond and get up the next day.” Currently, Steele offers nine UIL-sanctioned sports for women to participate in: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swim-ming, tennis, track and volleyball. There are also multiple other athletic extra-

curricular activities, includ-ing cheerleading, and club sports such as wrestling. As far as wrestling becom-ing an official sport at Steele, Jinks said that with budget cuts looming, it’s hard to justify adding a sport. But he did confirm that he would not add wrestling unless both a men’s and women’s team could be formed. Perhaps that shows the ultimate spirit of fairness for the growth of women’s athletics.

Steele Athletic Coordinator

Mike Jinks



As Steele softball girls push through this season, they want to prove they represent the ever-changing view of women in the world of sports. Some of the pressures of being an athlete include the expectation to be a role model, as well keeping a good academic record for the no-pass, no-play rule, not to mention the competitive aspects to receive scholar-ships for their college careers.

For senior catcher Natalia Covarrubias, being able to work hard to uphold those standards as well as representing the softball program, school and her team members, is an honor.

She believes that hard work, persistence and patience count among athletic traits and good qualities for a female to have.

“Being an athlete builds up your maturity level and helps you to work with all types of people, including the stub-born ones,” Covarrubias said.

Although softball is an impor-tant aspect of her life, it does not come before her educa-tion and starting her own life. The sport remains a fun way for her to meet new friends, where the girls are hardwork-ing, sweet and fun to be around, Covarrubias noted.

“My advice to future athletes is to work hard, keep your compo-sure and keep striving for what you want,” Covarrubias said. “Don’t listen to what anyone says; do what you need to do.” Senior pitcher Megan Lee bal-ances volleyball, softball, school work and a social life. Managing such a schedule has taught her about time management, hard work and dedication, which she will apply to her everyday life.

“I’ve played softball all my life, and it’s helped me make a lot of new friends that I wouldn’t have normally met,” Lee said. “We all have such a good

time together. It’s given me a lot of good memories.”

Junior outfielder Natalie Zarza-bal feels that the recognition of women in sports remains less than ideal, with women always coming second to the men. She thinks a boost in the amount of support from the community will inspire the girls to perform even harder.

“I feel that girls don’t have as much fame, glory or sup-port,” Zarzabal said. “Girls work as hard as everyone else does; we put in as much effort and time as anyone.”

Steele Softball Girls Play Hard To Win

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Since the school’s opening, the Steele Lady Knights’ soccer program worked under the same coaching staff and played against many of the same teams. This year, the girls have had a chance to embrace their versatility by adapt-ing to such changes as a new coach-ing staff and district play with a sense of camaraderie and persistence.

Senior forward Lauren Durnford has played soccer since she was six years old; she credits her love of running to her passion for the game. Competing all four years, during which the districts have progressively grown more competitive,

challenged her to work harder and want to better her team. Being part of a

team experience has taught her to work toward a common goal and

place others before herself.

“With the help of her team-mates, she has learned to

take pride in how the team plays. “One of the great-

est highlights for this year has been playing

these tougher teams and winning those

games that mean so much

more,” Durn-ford said.

Lady Knights Soccer Team Kicks The Competition

Hayden Cardy moves the ball for Steele

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Senior sweeper Danielle Shick has had 13 years of practice playing a variety of sports. “I like the physical contact of the sport; I love the bruises, I’m always really proud of them,” Shick said. “Soccer is a way to make friends, let out frustration, and it can turn your bad day around.”

Team bonding proves to be the key for chemistry on the field, according to senior midfielder Alexa Cheatle. In the past, the team has bonded by participat-ing in community service projects, which help not only the team, but the members of the community.

“When our team is bonded we have more chemistry out on the field, which makes us play harder for each other,” Cheatle said. She believes strongly in the character traits being an athlete instills in an individual including discipline, teamwork and the drive to be better. She feels the accomplish-ments of the team reflect back on the school because of the program, coaches and opportu-nities it has given to the girls.


Girls of Steele Track Team Blaze Trail

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Football, track, baseball and basketball used to be domi-nated by men. However, the girls of the Steele High School track team spend hours training before and after school to per-fect their skills to rise to the top and prove they can compete. Senior hurdler Alyssa McLean has run track for six years and also participated in vol-leyball and karate when she was younger. Being an avid athlete has helped her be-come a better person, sister, friend and student because it required her to be the best she could in everything she did.

Due to her hard work as an athlete, McLean said one

of her biggest accomplish-ments was earning her partial academic and partial ath-letic scholarship to Lipscomb University in Tennessee for this fall. “Girls have to prove themselves more,” McLean said. “Girls track doesn’t get the respect we deserve. We work as hard as the boys, if not harder. Boys naturally get more attention than girls when it comes to sports. People are more likely to watch the NBA than the WNBA. I think that needs to change.”

Senior pole vaulter Alexan-dra Sweeney has learned to persevere. Despite her involvement and interest in school, she has man-

aged her time to train most of her senior year just for pole vaulting this spring.

“One thing I’ve learned is that you always have to keep working and keep trying,” Sweeney said. “Being an athlete makes you want to achieve more and do better in your classes. One of my biggest accomplishments from working so hard is being academic all-district every year and being a regional qualifier for cross country last year.”

Working for a goal counts among the lessons sophomore distance runner Taylor Glasz has learned from being an all-around athlete. Glasz runs

several events, including the mile, two-mile and 300-meter hurdle, has played softball since she was five years old and currently is a member of the softball team at Steele.

“Out of all the sports I do, track is my favorite,” Glasz said. “I like running; it comes natu-rally to me. But at the same time, it hurts because of shin splints. Being an athlete puts more pressure on you. More is expected of you, and it builds more character. I think it makes me a stronger person overall.”

Pictured above (L-R):1) Taylor Galsz, 800 meter runner 2) Alexandra Sweeney, Pole vaulter3) Alyssa McLean, Hurdler


John Paul II Catholic High School in Schertz has scored high marks with its latest crop of female athletes. They’re smart, strong and ready to make names for themselves as some of the most well-rounded student athletes in the tri-county area.

“In a private school, it’s always important to know that you’re only going to get where you want to get if students step up,” said John Paul II Athletic Director Mark Diaz. “Our girls have re-ally done that, and we’re proud of them.”

John Paul II opened its doors in fall 2009 with a freshman class of just more than 30. Now in its second year, the student population has doubled to an almost even split of males and females. While it makes for an ideal learning en-vironment, those small numbers can sometimes make it difficult to form solid sports teams.

“Right now, we’re the underdogs, but we’re like everyone else – we want to win,” Diaz said. Of the 60 students, only a handful do not participate in athletics. In fact, the majority of students par-ticipate in two or more sports each year. When numbers cannot be met, co-ed teams form.

For instance, during the 2009-2010 season, girls had the option of playing on the boys basketball team. Anastazia Gilman signed up for the team, as well as the volleyball, track and swimming teams.

John Paul II Female Athletes

Steppin’ Up

(continued on page 38)

Symantha Sandee shoots basket for JP II

Shot-putter Anastazia Gillman


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“The boys didn’t look down on us,” Gilman said. “They really tried to help us get on their level and stay at that level.” She said her male teammates helped her learn to outskill her op-ponents, rather than rely on aggressiveness, a lesson she carried over this year as a sopho-more on the school’s first girls basketball team.

The girls team started off with just six play-ers, and they ended their first season at 2-13. A rough start, but the number that mattered most was two. It was the number of new play-ers that joined the team mid-season. This fall, the school welcomes its third freshman class. The girls are optimistic that new energy mixed with experienced players will change those stats.

According to Diaz, the school counts on their students to set the tone for future classes. Krystal Moczygemba and Mary Grace Ga-gnon have done just that as the only two fe-males on this year’s baseball team.

“We all knew we needed to work togeth-er to complete a team,” said Gagnon.”We want to play, and they need us, too.” On the team, the girls play integral parts and don’t sit in the dugout watching the boys play.

This summer, Diaz has organized a softball camp to draw interest from new and current students who might want to play on the school’s inau-gural team next season. The JP II All-Star Soft-ball Camp, which will be held June 27-29, will feature All-American pitcher Taryne Mowatt.

“It’s an opportunity to show the community how serious our students and we are about wanting to have a great athletic program,” said Diaz.

For more information about the school and camp, call 830-643-0802 or visit www.johnpaul2chs.org.

John Paul II Female Athletes

Steppin’ Up cont’d

from

page 37

Mary Grace Gagnon throwing to home.



The athletes of John Paul II Catholic High School face a number of chal-lenges. Ask any of them if it really mat-ters, and they’ll say the challenges only make them better players.

“Our baseball field is really hilly and has so many rocks, but now that makes us ready for any type of field,” said fresh-man Krystal Moczygemba, who currently plays on the boys team while waiting for next season’s first-ever softball team.

John Paul’s classes take place in a con-verted wing of the old Comal Elemen-tary, with only limited practice fields and gymnasium space. While school officials await construction of newer facilities, coaches and students rely on positive thinking to make it work.

“Our students understand that they’re pioneers who are starting a tradition,” said John Paul II Athletic Director Mark Diaz. “They understand they have to sacrifice to do that. It says a lot about them.”

Freshman Symantha Sandee loves basketball. She believes the gym’s sweltering heat during the summer helped her build her endurance.

“We we play teams who are used to their air-conditioned gyms, and we see them get tired and we last longer,” Sandee said. “We can handle the heat.”

Planning and construction of the of-ficial high school is underway. The campus will be on the corner of Friesen-hahn Road and FM 482, just a half-mile west of I-35 in northwestern Schertz.

Diaz said students are the founda-tion of the athletic program. He wants his female and male athletes to have the best. “They deserve nothing less,” he said. “My job is to provide a posi-tive environment for all our athletes.”

The winning spirit of JP II Girls

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Megiham Simmons: Shining Steele Grad

Meighan Simmons plays for perhaps the best coach in the history of women’s bas-ketball as a member of a team that earned a No.1 seed in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. And, she recently garnered an all-conference honor as a college freshman. Last year, Simmons graduated from Steele High School, where she set the career scoring record in San Antonio with 3,406 points and received the distinction of 2010 McDonald’s High School All-American. Simmons currently attends and plays for the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers and was awarded Newcomer of the Year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Although her major remains undecided, she can be sure of one thing: her next stop is the WNBA. She described playing in the WNBA as her “ultimate goal in life,” but still, Simmons has taken what she learned in high school and applied it to college and, hopefully, her future life as a professional athlete. When asked what she learned in high school as a female athlete, she answered, “Mak-ing the right decisions off the court and being a student-athlete, with the student part coming first. I learned about being an asset to everyone around you, lead-ing by example and holding yourself ac-countable for the mistakes you made.” As for her first year in college, Simmons said she has been learning about life de-cisions, people and being positive. For Simmons, and many other athletes, it’s not all about wins and losses, but what life skills athletics instills in young men and women, which can’t neces-sarily be taught in a classroom. “In the classroom, you think about being orga-nized and managing your time, especially with work,” she said. “With basketball, you learn about being a leader and being encouraging.” Simmons finished her freshman year at Tennessee by leading the team in scoring (13.7 points per game) and assists (2.8 per game). Tennessee earned a No.1 seed in this year’s NCAA Women’s Basketball Cham-pionship Tournament but was ousted by No. 2 seed Notre Dame in the Elite Eight.

Megiham Simmons: Shining Steele Grad

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Nicole Elliott

MAY evenTs

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5 (210) 619-1600

5: Sweetheart Court Coronation

17:

Chamber Luncheon


Nicole ElliottMiss Schertz

Hey, y’all! I am Nicole Elliott and your Miss Schertz 2010-2011. My life as a senior at Sam-uel Clemens High School is filled with early morning swim practice, marching band practice, football games, IB classes and hanging out with my friends.

I am a four-year veteran of the Clemens swim team and the Mighty Buffalo Band. Being involved in these activities has meant the world to me, and I can’t imagine going through high school without them.

The International Baccalaureate Program is not just the ad-vanced curriculum I am in, but also my second family. My IB family is the group of friends I hang out with when I don’t want to do my homework, feel like eating BG’s tacos or want to go to a concert. Yes, we are the nerds of the nerds, but we also love every second of it.

When I’m not busy running around the school, I love to read, eat Reese’s and pet my cat, Halley Berry. After school, I work at the New Braunfels YMCA teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding. On Sundays, you will find me at Northern Hills United Methodist Church with my family.

This past summer, after 20 weeks of intense study, I was asked to attend NASA’s High School Aerospace Scholars Program for a week of study and presentations investigat-ing human exploration of Mars. I was accepted to attend the CEO-Consider Every Option event sponsored by the Wom-en in Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Austin. The Honors College at Texas Tech University also invited me to attend their Honors College exhibition in Lub-bock during which they showcase their honors academic program.

When not dealing with academics, I got to work on my tan as a YMCA lifeguard and swim instructor at the Schertz Public Pools. I love to swim and consequently love teaching kids how to swim as well.

I will be attending Texas Tech University this fall majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Humanities, both offered through the Texas Tech Honors College. After my undergraduate work, I plan on proceeding by getting a law degree to become a patent lawyer in the chemical engineer-ing industry.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our great city as Miss Schertz 2010-2011. Everyone connected with the Sweet-heart Court has been so wonderful. It has been a blast going to all of the fabulous events, wearing a fabulous crown and eating really fabulous food. I cannot tell you what a joy it has been to represent Schertz this past year, except to say it was fabulous!

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m i s s s c h e r t z 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1


Many successful adults have pointed to high school sports as a place they learned dis-cipline, team work and how to handle pressure. A shin-ing example is Lesa Wood, a planner in the city’s Develop-ment Services Department.

“Participating in athletics has had an extremely positive influence on my life and my development as a person,” said Wood, who played at Clemens High School under her maiden name of Lesa Har-kins in the early 1980s. “Play-ing sports reinforced things that my parents taught me.”

According to Wood, the lessons she learned from her experience in sports at Clemens included re-spect for herself and others, sportsmanship, teamwork,

Wood Wouldn’t Trade Sports Days At Clemens

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leadership, discipline, adapt-ing to stressful situations, responsibility, communica-tion skills, never quitting and increased confidence.

Wood said she doesn’t consider herself and her teammates as pioneer female athletes when they played for Clemens High School in the 1980s, but they were among the first generation of girls to play sports at a public high school following enactment of the federal Title IX law that mandated equal opportunity in public schools that accepted federal funds. Title IX became law in 1972.

“Women have more oppor-tunity today through sports and other fields than they did years ago and that is a positive thing,” Wood said.

She smiled when looking through her high school an-nuals and talking about her years as a Lady Buff (short for Buffalo) playing volleyball and basketball. “Athletics was fun for me,” she said. “I enjoyed the mental and physi-cal aspects of playing sports as well as the friendships I gained throughout the years.

“Also, my parents are Roy and Shirleen Harkins, and my mom played softball and my dad basketball so there is a tradition of sports in our family,” Wood said.

The 1985 Clemens gradu-ate played basketball as a freshman and volleyball her freshman, sophomore and ju-nior years. “Softball was not a sport offered at Clemens while I was there, so I played soft-

ball as an outside-of-school activity, and I loved it,” she said in her office at the City of Schertz Municipal Complex.

“I would have liked to have played softball at Clem-ens and seen if I was good enough to play in college,” she said as she glanced once again at a yearbook and the photos of her and her fellow Lady Buffs rep-resenting Clemens. “But I have no regrets about that. The lessons I learned from playing sports at Clemens stayed with me. Learning to handle pressure, like we did during a game, is a skill that I use every day at work.”


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MCDOW BVYA Help Kids Grow

McDow at Schertz Ballpark

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Johnie McDow has been part of the Buf-falo Valley Youth Association (BVYA) since 1995. His oldest son, Nicholas, who was five years old at the time, is now a teacher and assistant coach at Steele High School.

“I’ve always looked at it as a hobby, something I do in my spare time,” said McDow, BVYA presi-dent. His fulltime job is as a purchasing manager for an electrical contractor. “Contrary to popu-lar belief - BVYA is my second full-time job.”

This is a volunteer position for the 58-year-old McDow. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, he is out at the ballpark behind the Schertz Municipal Complex as parents arrive to do their volun-teer service on the fields. McDow said when he looks in the stands now he sees grandpar-ents who were young parents in BVYA. “I enjoy the kids and the camaraderie of the parents.”

A native of Dilley, McDow has four chil-dren ranging in age from 23 to 33 as well as grandchildren. When he became president in 1996 there were about 250 kids playing baseball and softball. This spring he esti-mates 1,100 kids will play on 23 fields.

“We have never lost focus,” he said. “We are a community-driven recreational league.”

Communication is both crucial and challeng-ing he says. Workshops and clinics for coaches include dealing with parents and kids. “We’ve always been fortunate that parents give their time,” McDow said. He also stressed that with-out volunteer coaches there are no teams.

Another big difference for BVYA is the growth in girls’ sports. There was no girls’ volleyball in 1996. Last year, 150 girls signed up. There are also 21 girls’ softball teams. The cheerleading squads, a division of Pop Warner, have gone to nationals two years running, McDow noted.

As a kid, McDow played baseball, football, and ran track. These days you might find him on the field as a T-ball umpire. He urges parents to get the kids out of the house and get involved in activities. McDow says he has seen kids who have been part of BVYA go on to play in college or have success-ful careers in the military. “Don’t limit your kids to just one sport – it will help them grow,” he said.

For more information visit www.bvya.com.


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YMcA honors schertz as a

“strong community”

The City of Schertz recently received the honor of the Strong Community Award from the YMCA of Greater San Antonio for its work in establishing and supporting the Schertz Family YMCA. “Schertz has worked closely with the YMCA of Greater San Antonio to bring a branch to its area,” said Jill Tram-mell, YMCA of Greater San Antonio Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. “The city built a state-of-the art rec-reation center building and chose the YMCA to manage this venture and offi-cially opened the doors of the Y branch on March 29, 2010,” Trammell said in his speech. “This exceptional part-nership between the City of Schertz, Mayor Hal Baldwin and City Council, City Manager Don Taylor and city staff has truly made a difference in the Schertz community with this first-class YMCA health and wellness facility.”

national Telecommunicator

week celebrated April 10-16

schertz election

cancelled

The May City Council election has been can-celled after no one filed to challenge incumbent council members Michael Carpenter, Cedric Edwards Sr. and George Antuna.

Among those attending the YMCA event from Schertz were, from left, City Council members David Scagliola, David Carpenter, Mayor Hal Baldwin (holding the award) and council members Cedric Edwards Sr. and Jim Fowler.

Dispatchers Janet Tumlinson, left, Jenifer Walls at work in the Schertz Police Department

national Telecommunicator

week celebrated April 10-16

The City of Schertz took time April 10 through 16 to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their telecommunicators (dis-patchers) during National Telecommunicator Week.

city Pushes Year-round water wise Use

Schertz encourages good stewardship of the city’s water resource and promotes year-round water conservation.

Year-round outdoor sprin-kler watering is prohibited from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. A handheld hose or other handheld watering device or a drip irrigation system can be used at any time. Allowing water to run off into a non-pervious ditch (where water cannot soak into the

sign Up for the schertz citizens Police Academy

The Schertz Police Depart-ment’s Citizens Police Acad-emy is a 12-week course available to interested residents and/or business members in the Schertz community. The program is designed to give awareness and informa-tion about the role of law enforcement and to increase the rapport between citi-zens and police officers.

The Citizens Police Academy does not give the students any police officer certifications or qualifications. The Academy is for educational purposes only.

The Citizens Police Academy consists of classroom instruc-tion and hands-on learning. Some of the topics in the acad-emy include department com-mand structure, operations, simulated firearms training, use of force, laws, city ordinances, traffic stops, criminal investiga-tions and communications. The

student will also have the op-portunity to participate in role-playing scenarios during class.

Persons interested in the Schertz Citizens Police Academy must be at least 18 years of age and complete the application process. A back-ground check is done on all applicants at no charge. There is no fee for the class, and it will be limited to 30 students.

The classes will be held every Thursday starting Aug. 18 and continue until Nov. 3. Classes will be from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The deadline for applica-tions will be Thursday, Aug. 4, at 5:00 PM. For more informa-tion, call (210) 619-1253.


ground) or failing to repair a controllable leak is prohibited. A re-use water system is exempt from the wa-ter conservation plan. Customers using water from private water wells must comply with all requirements of the city water conserva-tion plan. All persons are urged not to waste water.View the Schertz Water Con-servation Plan at schetz.com.

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GET UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT:

schertzmagazine.com48 MAY 2011

scherTzMAgAzine.cOM

Established in 1960, Na-tional Public Works Week (NPWW) is a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works.

NPWW calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. The week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often-unsung heroes of our society, the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.

Schertz firefighter Mack Melancon, left, walks with a New Braunfels fire-fighter through smoky wildland in North Texas.

Schertz Firefighters go Long way to Battle Blaze

When the wildfires raged in North Texas, Schertz Fire Res-cue answered the call. As part of the Alamo Wildland Strike Team, Schertz firefighters were deployed to the area around Abilene. The Alamo Strike Team 3, as it was designated by the Texas Forest Service upon its arrival at the incident command post for the 103,000-acre fire, consisted of resources from Helotes, Bulverde, San Antonio, New Braunfels and Schertz.

The Alamo regional team was formed to meet the growing concern over the wildland fire situation. A total of four such strike teams from all parts of the state worked this fire alongside the Texas Forest Service and local assets.

As part of the team, Schertz firefighters Mack Melancon and Carl Berghofer worked 16-hour days, occasionally catching a brief sleep on the floor of an

area civic center. Then it was back to work. Conditions were harsh. Fuel for the apparatus was miles away. Water resup-ply to fight the fire was miles away. And many times the only way left to operate was to liter-ally fight fire with fire, perform-ing what the forest service calls back-burning, a danger-ous operation. Many nights they were on hand, crews with nothing but the tools in their hands to create firebreaks to try to stop or redirect the fire.

In the end, the Alamo team surpassed all expectations and earned accolades from the Forest Service, a tough group to impress when it comes to wildland firefight-ing. This type of experience is rarely available and cannot be duplicated in any training environment. Lessons learned from these deployments make our firefighters better and our fire department even stronger.

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Public works week May 15-21Public Works: Serving you and your community

The Public Works Department is responsible for develop-ment and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure. This includes design and con-struction of public streets

(including sidewalks, street and traffic signs and pave-ment markings), the water system (including produc-tion, treatment, storage and distribution) and the sewer

and storm drain systems (including collection, pumping and treatment of sewage). The Fleet Division is respon-sible for maintenance and repair of the City’s fleet. Public Works also provides engineer-ing review and inspection of public improvements for new development projects and for public capital improvement and replacement projects. This year’s poster is an artistic rendition of the theme “Public Works: Serving You and Your Community” by illustrator Murray Kimber.


The inaugural Hal Baldwin Public Service Scholarship Golf Tourna-ment held April 8 raised $14,000 toward the scholarship program. More than 250 volunteers worked to put on the event and 138 golfers played at the Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center in Universal City. The $1,000 annual scholarship was established to encourage high school seniors (public, private, or home-schooled) who are residents of Schertz to consider public service as a ca-reer path. The scholarship winner will be announced in late May.

For more information about the scholarship, visit Schertz.com.

honoring Public service by raising scholarship Funds

for the Future

Watch for Schertz Magazine’s

“Salute to Civilian Workers.”

From Rosie the Riveter to the thousands of civilian workers at

Randolph AFB, Fort Sam Houston and Lackland AFB, the spirit of

service shines.


***Meeting locations may change, for up-to-date information visit schertz.com***

MONDAy, 2Library Advisory Board, 7:00 PM—Library

TUESDAy, 3City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

THURSDAy, 5Transportation Safety Advisory Commission, 5:30 PM- Council Chambers

MONDAy, 9Buffalo Valley Youth Association, 6:00 PM – 401 Oak St


WEDNESDAy, 11Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

THURSDAy, 12Economic Development Corporation, 6:00 PM-Council Chambers


MONDAy, 23Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM – Bob Andrews Room

Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM – Council Chambers

WEDNESDAy, 25Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

MONDAy, 30MEMORIAL DAY -- CITY OFFICES CLOSED

CITy DATES to KNoW

Schertz Begins Construction of Joint

Bexar/Schertz Waterline to Hillbrook

The City of Schertz began construction today of a joint Bexar County / City of Schertz waterline to the Hillbrook subdivision, just east of the Schertz City Limits off of FM 1518 and Schaefer Road in Northeast Bexar County. Upon completion of the project, Hillbrook residents will have access to the Schertz water system serviced by the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation.

In the summer of 2009, the Hillbrook neigh-borhood’s ground water source ran dry because of the persistent drought. The 25 families living outside of Schertz in an unin-corporated area of Bexar County were not part of Schertz’ water system and were to far from existing waterlines to immediately resolve the challenge. The City of Schertz and Bexar County ultimately reached an agreement in May of 2010 to extend Schertz water lines to the area so that residents had the oppor-tunity to connect to Schertz’ water system.

The $220,000 water main extension project is funded with federal Community Development Block Grant funds overseen by the Bexar County Department of Community Resources. The project is expected to serve 40 people.

“Construction is expected to take ap-proximately four to six weeks though temporary service will be provided within weeks,” explained Schertz Pub-lic Works Director Sam Willoughby.

This is the fourth major joint project between Bexar County and the City of Schertz. Just down the road from Hillbrook, both enti-ties opened the 175-acre Crescent Bend Nature Park in 2009 and completed a high water detection system along the Cibolo Creek. The City of Schertz, Bexar County, and the City of San Antonio also partnered on the regional Computer Aided Dispatch System with BexarMet/911 in 2010.

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iMPOrTAnT scherTzPhOne nUMBersCity of Schertz Elected Officials

Mayor: Hal Baldwin 210-658-6466

Council Members:Michael Carpenter (210) 619-1045Cedric Edwards, Sr. (210) 566-4540Jim Fowler (210) 658-1442David Scagliola (830) 606-1130George Antuna, Jr. (210) 467-7914

City Departments:City of Schertz (210) 619-1000Animal Control (210) 619-1550Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100City Manager (210) 619-1000City Secretary (210) 619-1030Civic Center (210) 619-1600Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000Economic Development (210) 619-1070EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300Human Resources (210) 619-1150Information Technology (210) 619-1180Inspections (210) 619-1750Marshal Services (210) 619-1666Municipal Court (210) 619-1500Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200Public Affairs (210) 619-1630Public Library (210) 619-1700Public Works (210) 619-1800Records (210) 619-1030Website schertz.com

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CITy OF SCHERTZOFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY - SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154

1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY.SCHERTZ.TEXAS.78154

SCHERTZPUBLIC AFFAIRS

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