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 March; Sydney Gober, Sam Bean, Mary Beth Hamilton, Beau Wimpee, Nathaniel Butler, Alix Keatts, Wyatt Logan, Olivia Cade, AJ Claggett, Jalen Cook, Margot Little, and Thad Pennington were each nominated by their coaches and selected as Jacket Athletes of the Month.

Sydney Gober a Junior for Girls Soccer has not missed a minute of play over the last month. She has moved to more than 3 different positions on the field during any given game. She is an inspirational leader on the field.  “Sydney is one of the backbones of this team; she works hard and does whatever her team asks of her.  She has, in any given game, played in 3 different positions on the field, and she always does it with a smile on her face.  She is tough as nails and wants nothing more than her team to be successful. Syd is recognized by opponents' coaches frequently; mostly asking when she is going to graduate, but more specifically because of her play and drive during a game.  She is a leader by example because she expects to perform at a high level at all times for her teammates. Whether it is scoring goals, assisting, or making defensive plays, Syd is always involved. Sydney Gober is one of the most influential and inspirational players I have had in my time at Rockwall. No matter what is asked of her from forward, outside or center mid, she is able and willing to do whatever her team’s needs. Her fire and passion for the game have only grown over the last three years, and we are proud to have her as a Lady Jacket” shares Coach Garcia.

Sam Bean a Senior for Lady Jacket Softball in the course of 12 games, Sam has been a great battery behind the plate and helping our pitchers overcome some game adversity.  She has also lead the team in batting average with a .607 and slugging percentage of .821. She is second on the team with 8 RBI's.

“She is always has a dependable attitude regardless of the outcome of a game, an at bat or a bad play.  She is a great worker and uplifts everyone around her.  Sam is always has a dependable attitude regardless of the outcome of a game, an at bat or a bad play.  She is a great worker and uplifts everyone around her.  Sam is an amazing battery behind the plate, a great leader and role model for our team.  She has made great physical contributions on our team with her consistency at the plate especially with runners in scoring position but her best contribution is the incredible attitude, work ethic and resilience that she shows daily in practice and games” states Coach Acosta.

Mary Beth Hamilton is a Sophomore for Lady Jacket Water Polo.  “During our last tournament at Southlake Carroll, Mary Beth was our second leading scorer for the tournament.  She plays with a lot of heart and desire.  She'll do whatever is needed from her to make our team successful.  She's great to have around.  Mary Beth can and will play any position.  Our team is better because of her” explains, Coach Partenheimer.

Beau Wimpee a Senior Baseball player for the Jackets.   Beau has been the leading hitter on the baseball team for the 1st month of the season.  He has a .404 batting average and leads the team in hits (23), doubles (4), triples (2), runs scored (21) and stolen bases (13).  Beau has signed to played baseball at TCU next year. "Beau Wimpee has been the leading hitter on the baseball team for the 1st month of our season.  He is our leadoff hitter and team leader on the field and in the dugout.  He sets the tone for everything we do” exclaims Coach Rose.

Nathaniel Butler a Senior for Men’s Water Polo was the leading scorer at the Southlake Carroll tournament.  “He's bringing along our younger players to play at a higher level with his guidance.  His love for water polo is bigger can't be duplicated.” Adds, Coach Partenheimer.

Alix Keatts a Sophomore for Boys Soccer scored 10 goals in the last month (17 on the season). This includes a Hat trick in the game against Mesquite and a brace in the game against Lee.  Alix has excelled this season on the field and has lead the JV team through a great season.  “Alix is a tremendous leader and player and has a bright future as a Jacket soccer player.” Says, Coach Williams.

Wyatt Logan a Senior and Male Gymnast during the Rockwall vs Trinity finished in 2nd place on Pommel Horse.  In the Battle for the Rock he finished in 3rd place on Pommel Horse.  “Wyatt has a tremendous work ethic.  Every day, he comes to practice ready to go, and pushes his teammates to get better.  He scores for our team every meet he competes.  He is very important to our team score on Pommel Horse.  Congratulations to Wyatt for a well-deserved award!” states, Coach Sweny.  

 

Olivia Cade a Sophomore for Female Track and Field has been averaging 40 pts. per track meet.  Olivia competes in the (Pole Vault, High Jump, 100 M. Hurdles, 4x200 relay, 300 m. Hurdles, and the 4x400 Relay).  Also since Mar. 8 Olivia has pretty much broken all of her previous PR's each time she has stepped out to compete.  Olivia is getting ready to compete at Texas Relays in the 100 & 300 M. Hurdles on Mar. 29.  “Olivia to track is like having a versatile QB in Football.  She can do just about any event that you put her into and be very competitive and successful at it.  She is also a top scorer for the Lady Jackets Track and Field Team each week.  Athletes like Olivia do not come around very often.  She is the complete package of both being a great kid and a great athlete.  She reminds me of a female version of Clark Kent.  Looks like your average everyday teenager, but once she puts on her track uniform she turns into Super Girl.” Shares Coach McCrary.

AJ Claggett a Senior for Female Track and Field has continued to get better each and every week as an athlete.  A.J. Competes in the shot put, pole vault, 4x100 Relay, 100 & 300 m. hurdles.  Each week she has set new PR's.  Her biggest was at this past weeks Rockin R Relays where she bettered her pole vault PR by a whole foot.  “A.J. is a leader of our track and field program.  Not as much vocally, but just by her actions.  She only knows how to work hard in everything she does.  She doesn't take time off and she doesn't even know when she is supposed to be tired.  She is an inspiration and encourager for many on the team.  AJ should be the poster child for JFND.  She is a walking billboard for our school moto.  With AJ you always know what you will be getting when she comes to practice and goes to a meet, which is always her best.  AJ will be graduating soon and she will be one that I will say I will truly miss” adds Coach McCrary.

Jalen Cook a Junior for Track and Field has improved as a track athlete each week that he has stepped out onto the track.  Jalen runs (4x200 relay, 400, 200, & the lead off leg for the boys 4x400 relay).  Jalen has been a solid rock for the Yellow Jackets for the month of March.  “Not only in meets, but he has went to a whole new level in practices.  His confidence is high right now and he could make a push for himself and his team mates into the post season.  Jalen runs the lead off leg on which ever relay he runs.  The reason is because I know what I am going to receive from him.  He works hard to set up his other team mates for a good position.  If the month of April is anything like March was, Jalen may be competing for at least another 4 - 6 weeks.  I have seen Jalen grow and mature a ton this season and it is carrying over to his track and field performances.  He works hard for him and his team mates.  He is very unselfish person” explains Coach McCrary.

Margot Little a Junior for Female Swimming set a new School Record holder in the 100 Breaststroke, state qualifier in the 200 Medley Relay and 100 Breaststroke.  “Her commitment to swimming is amazing.  There are not many times in which I would kick a swimmer out of practice because they are sick.  I've had to do it multiple times.  This was a great year, but she's going to do amazing things next year as a senior” shares Coach Partenheimer.    

  

Thad Pennington a Junior for Male swimming set a personal best in the 1000 Freestyle and 1650 Freestyle at his last meet.  “Even during our break, Thad wanted to keep swimming.  He didn't want to rest and take time off.  Thad is a true distance swimmer.  He'll swim miles and miles in practice and then want to do even more.  It's great having him on our team” adds Coach Partenheimer.

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!!!