Jacket Backers Athletes of the Month

Each month, the Jacket Backers, Rockwall High School’s Booster Club selects student athletes who are nominated by their coach for Jacket Athlete of the Month.  For the month of February, Christian Weaver, Sarah Standen, William Harbin, Andre DaSilva, Zane Larman, Jada Stull, Liah Collins, Brayden Ortiz, Aedan Hein and Jake Clem were each nominated by their coaches and selected as Jacket Athletes of the Month.

Christian Weaver, Senior Male Swimmer is the first Male Swimmer in over 5 years to qualify for the Texas State Championship.  He's the lone male qualifier from RISD to swim the 200 Individual Medley at the State meet.         “It's great to see him accomplish his goal of making the state meet” shares Coach Partenheimer.

Sarah Standen, a Sophomore Female Water Polo player has been very instrumental in helping with all of the new players to the program.  “She is always willing and able to give her best effort at practice.  Supporting our new players has been the greatest contribution though.  Every day other girls come to her for help and advice to improve their polo skills.  She has been the greatest asset to our team” adds Coach Partenheimer.

William Harbin, Senior Male Water Polo player has been great showing other players how to play the game of Water Polo.  He is a true leader.  “We have a student athlete that will lead our team and next year lead others in the Air Force Academy” explains Coach Partenheimer.

Andre DaSilva, a Senior Tennis Player has recently placed 4th in Varsity Frozen Ball, 5th in the McKinney Varsity Tour and 1st Place in the College Station Tour.  "Andre went undefeated in the Fall season in singles play, this spring he will continue to play singles with hopes of qualifying for the Regional Tournament.  Andre display good character and sportsmanship on the court and off the court" shares Coach Fulkerson.

Zane Larman, a Senior for Boys Gymnastics, competed in the Mark Williams Invitational on 2/6/19 earning 2nd place on Floor, 9th place on Pommel Horse and 1st place on Vault; RHS vs Lakeview on 2/21/19 earning 8th place on Floor, 13th place on Pommel Horse and 3rd place on Vault.  "Zane is always a vital score on his events for our team.  He has helped our team earn their way to a 2nd place ranking in the state.  Zane is also a team Co-Captain as voted on by his peers.  He always brings energy to our workouts.  Thank you for your hard work” says Cameron Sweny, Head Men’s Gymnastics Coach.

Jada Stull, a Senior for the Lady Jacket Basketball Team, was named 1st team All-District for 11-6A.  “Jada was a big offensive and defensive threat in February, helping us capture the 11-6A district championship, win a Bi-District Championship, and have a chance in taking down the defending state champions in the Area round.  She averaged 7.7ppg, 5 rebounds, 3 assist, and 2.3 steals in the month of February.  Jada was a great spark of energy for us this year on the offensive and defensive end.  I loved watching her get a defensive rebound or steal and beat everyone down the court for a layup, that she usually got fouled on for a 3 point play.  She was huge for us with putting ball pressure on the point guard and did a phenomenal job in shutting down their penetrators.  Very proud of Jada and all she accomplished this season” shares Kasie Brewer, Head Girls’ Varsity Basketball Coach.

Liah Collins, a Senior for Girls Track & Field, in week 1, won the 800 meters at the Jacket Classic and also broke her own meet record that she set just last year.  In Week 2, Liah won both the 400 meters and the 200 meters.  In the 200 Liah came from behind to take the win.  "Liah Collins is a top notch track and field athlete.  She has had success ever since she came in as a Freshman back in 2016.  She is a 3 time state qualifier and a major part of the success of the Lady Jackets Track and Field program.     Liah may be one of the most versatile track athletes that I have coached in my career.  There isn't anything that she can't do.  She can run the short races, the long races, and everything in between.  This season should be the biggest of her high school career” exclaims Coach McCrary.

Brayden Ortiz, a Junior for Boys Track & Field in week 1 ran a Personal Best of 4:47.27 in the 1600m starting where he left off in 2018.  Brayden also ran a strong leg on the 4x400 relay just minutes after running the 1600 meter run.  In week 2 Brayden ran a new Personal Best of 4:47.09 in the 1600m.  He also ran on the 4x400 relay shortly after and ran a 3 seconds faster 400 meter split in the relay. "Brayden is a hard worker and a student of the sport of track and field.  He is always doing whatever it takes to get better.  He shows up early for practice and stays after practice always doing that little bit extra to make himself better.  This is going to be a big year for Brayden.  He has PR'ed in a cold meet and then turned around and PR'ed in a very windy meet.  If we get the perfect weather conditions, watch out bigger things will happen.  Brayden is a solid athlete.  You always know what you are going to get from him” adds Coach McCrary.

Aedan Hein, a Senior for Boys Soccer, Scored a critical goal in an important game.  After 6 Starts he has been a Team Leader and exemplar of the Yellow Jacket Student-Athlete.  Aedan gives consistent effort and attendance at practice and games maintaining good grades He constantly seeks to better himself and embodies what it means to be a student-athlete and a Yellow Jacket” shares Coach Williams.

Jake Clem, a Senior for the Men’s Golf Team, coming back to the golf team and has been a valuable asset to the team in the tournaments he has played so far.  He has produced a low number and has helped improve our team tremendously.  His leadership and character are also things that are needed as we attempt to compete against some tough competition in the state of Texas. Jake has played in 3 tournament over the last 3 weeks.  He shot 40-76 in a weather shortened event at RGAC.  He shot 70 at Pinecrest in Longview and at the State Preview he shot scores of 78-76.  “Jake is a tremendous kid with a great work ethic.  He leads by example and is a huge boost for the golf team as he didn't participate in the fall as he was in Cross Country.  His solid performance in the middle of our lineup is going to be such a boost for the Jackets” adds Coach Watkins.

Congratulations to each of these Rockwall High School Athletes!

The Jacket Backer Booster Club is a non-profit association formed to maximize fundraising efforts for Rockwall High School Sports, and other charitable activities that promote the development of good character, high morale, and maximum effort, highest standards of sportsmanship, competitive spirit, pride, and community service.

For more information on how you can support, vote and promote Rockwall High School’s Student Athletes visit the Jacket Backers website at https://www.jacketboosters.com/ and be sure to follow all of our athletes’ accomplishments on Facebook or Twitter @RHSJacketBacker.

It’s a Great Time to be a Jacket Backer!!!