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. BY KAMAAL MCINTYRE
Last year the Lady T-Birds had an outstanding season, taking the team to the state competition level. As a result, the team came into this year’s new season pre-ranked number one by high school sports site Max Preps. Many would think this was good, but every good thing has its downfall. “Being number one makes us work harder, because everyone is out to get us,” senior Amber Ramirez said. However, for the T-Birds, having a target on your back might not be as bad as it seems. “Even though everyone is out to get us and has put a great big target on our backs, it turns good because we gain lots of experience,” junior Kiana Williams said. According to Williams, last year the girls were most successful because of their bond and ability to work like a team. One major link in that bond was point guard Amber Ramirez. “It’s Amber’s last year playing for Wagner,” sophomore Daeja Bell said. “She’s been on Varsity since she was a Freshman. She’s had lots of impact on the team.” Ramirez is extremely sad to leave, but she is also excited to be a part of her new team. On November 20, Ramirez signed on to play basketball for Texas Christian University. “It saddens me that I have to leave, but me going to TCU is good because it starts a new chapter in my life,” Ramirez said. Ramirez’s years of experience as point guard should get her ready to play at the college level because she knows more of what’s expected of her and won’t have many, if any, regrets. Now, the rest of her team has joined her in that goal: no regrets. “Every year we have a team slogan,” Bell said. “And this year since it’s Amber’s last year, she called our slogan, which is ‘Come and Take It!’” With all the other teams out to get them, the slogan makes sense. “Last year when they played it wasn’t as serious, but now, this year, all of these teams are being so much more serious,” Bell said. “There’s this attitude, like ‘We don’t like ya’ll because you went to state.’ So I guess if they want it they got to come and take it.” BY ARRION ELLIS
On Thursday Nov. 12 senior guard Amber Ramirez signed to her dream school, Texas Christian University. And if you were wondering, Wagner's female basketball team is back on the court, and we are still in good shape from the looks of the first game. Ranked first in the state pre-season, in their first non-conference game against the Brennan Bears our Lady T-Birds didn't give up the lead the entire game. As for our star guards, Ramirez and junior Kiana Williams, it looked like they were playing in a scrimmage instead of their first regular season game -- they made it look that easy. .Our Lady T-Birds really dominated those Bears, closing out the game 55-45. The T-Birds play away at Madison today at 7 pm. BY ARRION ELLIS
If you didn’t agree with my last story, this story might change your opinion, and help you realize that Wagner is doing great things. On Wednesday, October 21, senior RB Jemaree Yelton was awarded the ESPN San Antonio Player of the Week award by former Dallas Cowboys player Dat Nyugen. Yelton won the award based on his performance in the week 8 game against the Canyon Cougars, where he gained 347 yards and scored 7 touchdowns, giving the T-Birds a double overtime win 63-57. This is the same award Wagner won a year ago when last year's RB Eric Tilghmen won it, but this year it has even more value because Yelton has broken Tilghman’s rushing records.in every game he has played so far this year, leading his team in yards and touch downs. When we spoke about the award, at the end of the ESPN ceremony, he was almost speechless."This is a one-in-a-lifetime experience," Yelton said. "I just want to thank the offensive side of the ball, but most of all, the O-line." Yelton added that he hopes to perform on the college level as well as he did in high school, but as of right now he has to focus and prepare for the upcoming crucial game against Steele that will determine the T-Birds playoff spot. BY ARRION ELLIS If last week’s game against the Marshall Rams wasn’t a confidence booster, then what was it? An eye-opener? A wake-up call, maybe? It was definitely a victory, because the T-Birds demolished the rams 72-35, stripping them of their pride and steam rolling star running back Jemaree Yelton into the best night of his high school career so far. Yelton now has 10 carries, 309 yards, 5 touchdowns -- and if that wasn't enough, he was nominated for the Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week award. That's amazing on its own, but that wasn't all. The entire T-Bird team offense was recognized this week by KENS 5 Sports, a recognition that was capped with a KENS 5 morning pep rally today. To top it off, coach Charles Bruce was selected to coach the local eastern All-Star Game, to be held in the Alamodome January 9. It's safe to say that Wagner is on the map. The T-Birds face off against the New Braunfels Unicorns tonight. BY ARRION ELLIS A new season of football has arrived for the T-Birds, and there are some gaps in the line as some of the team’s most familiar faces have moved on to college. Eric Tilghman won’t be lining up in the backfield, Torien Brooks won’t be leading the offensive line, and Jacorey Walker won’t be protecting our secondary from the opposing team. So who’s taking their places? Well, according to senior quarterback Jordan Batson and senior centerback Desmond Weston, it won’t be hard to turn things around with some good help. Like the help, for example, of senior Jemaree Yelton, starting running back who’s leading the team in touchdowns, as well as up-and-coming players like junior Antwoine Ware, junior Tyrese Audu, sophomore Kishaun Fisher, and junior Trevonte Lott, who keep impressing people every week with their play on the field. “As quarterback, I had to realize that this is our team now,” Batson said. “So we have to improve, and realize that it’s our job to get the job done, and not focus on who’s missing.” Both Batson and Weston agree that the team has to keep their confidence as they play and not rely on someone else to get the job done. As a leader on the defense side of the ball, Weston said,“It’s my responsibility to take Walker’s spot and get the secondary back where it needs to be.” The T-Birds are currently 0-3, and will play the Marshall Rams at Rutledge Stadium tonight. Wagner defeated the Rams in last year’s matchup. BY KANAEE JACKSON
Senior Giovanni Collins has made dozens of shots during basketball games, and shaky hands have never been a problem. But on April 15, sitting in front of his family and friends, his nerves took over. "I couldn't have been more excited," Collins said. "My hand was shaking like crazy. I could barely hold the pen." But he still managed to sign. On Wednesday, Wagner held a special ceremony for the signing of five seniors to their future schools. Dessiere Johnson committed to play basketball for Pittsburgh State University, Julie Mata signed to wrestle for Missouri Valley College, Courtney Rhodes signed with West Texas A&M University for bowling, Giovanni Collins joined Coastal Bend College's basketball team, and volleyball player Kiauna Clark signed with East Texas Baptist University. Coach Melanie Scaramozi spoke on behalf of Clark, who she coached in volleyball this year. "She worked hard for what she has gotten," Scaramozi said. "I'm so proud of her." BY ARRION ELLIS
An off season is the time period where a sport isn't being played anymore. With that being said, an off season can be different for each athlete. According to juniors Albert Gomez and Daniel Chavez, off season is where the team or the individual athlete trains to be better prepared for the following season. Therefore, off season can be harder than the regular season. For instance, athletes have to go 100% everyday, shoot for perfect performance, adjust to their roles on the team, build chemistry. Or, depending on the season, they may be going in with a mindset of redemption. That can be a lot on one tray -- while still having to compete for a starting position on the team. Off season is important; it sets up the tone for next season, and if you don't give it your all, it hurts you most. It will bother the coaches, sure, but they will still end up doing their jobs. They give you the system: it's your choice to run with it or not, because when it's playing time, you're on the field -- not them. |
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February 2016
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