BY GEBRAI SPILLER
They say everything in Texas is bigger. That’s especially true when it comes to basketball, and even more so in San Antonio, as it is the home of the Spurs. Such a pro-sports environment is good for athletes because it makes them more competitive and gives them the mindset they need to go out and win. In turn, this type of attitude and enthusiasm attracts scouts. And players like Amber Ramirez attract the attention of the right people. This month, Ramirez was named to the McDonald’s All-American Team. She is one of 25 select players who will compete in the 15th annual girls’ game in Chicago in March. “I’m honored and blessed to be here,” Ramirez said. “My parents are excited for me.” Becoming an All-American came on the heels of Ramirez receiving a full ride scholarship to Texas Christian University. Usually tuition is about $53,000 a year, so needless to say, this scholarship will make a big impact on Ramirez. Ramirez’s journey started even before she stepped onto the Wagner courts where she, along with her team, has made it undefeated to the finals each year. In the stands, her biggest fan has always been cheering her on for every game. “My dad is my motivation,” Ramirez said. “He is the one who introduced me to the game when I was younger, and he always pushes me to be more and to do more.” On the pro side of the game, Ramirez’s favorite player and role model is Russell Westbrook Jr of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “The reason why I play the way I do is because I play similarly to my favorite player Russell Westbrook,” Ramirez said. “He is very competitive and a great athlete, and that’s what I try to be.” Ramirez hopes to play for the WNBA. If that does not work, she plans on being a college basketball coach. Whatever she does, it will undoubtedly attract attention. BY KAMAAL MCINTYRE AND GEBRAI SPILLER
January 22 was a cold night with an almost full moon -- but it was lit. The Thunderbirds’ varsity soccer team was getting ready to tussle with the mighty Falcons of Stevens High School. “I was a bit nervous before because they have a reputation of beating all of their opponents, and because of our experiences before,” team captain Nolan Ehrbar, senior, said. “I did feel mentally prepared.” Ehrbar was ready to kick the Falcons out of Thunderbird airspace. With their game faces on, Wagner came out strong, but despite their confidence and willingness to win, the game closed at 3-0, Falcons. Still, Ehrbar believes that a game isn’t valuable only if you win. “I feel like we played a very good game against a very good team. We did improve from our last game,” Ehrbar said. “We had better possession, we were communicating effectively, but we really didn’t get many shots in.” But while they lost the game against Stevens, the team scored a victory Feb. 2 over the Judson Rockets, 2-0. “It was amazing beating Judson because they’re a good team. There’s nothing better than knowing we beat our rivals,” Ehrbar said. “We were really energetic, full of excitement and just had a will to win.” The team faces off against Smithson Valley today in an away game. |
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February 2016
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