The Bear Facts » Sports

Cross country takes first

adviser — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:39:08 +0000

The varsity cross country team won first place overall in the Frisco Invitational Meet August 29 when 44 Bears competed in their first non-relay meet of the year.

Varsity Bears ran a 5K course, taking the lead towards the last mile of the race. Junior Becca K. finished in 6^th place, leading the Bears to their cross country win. She was followed in 7^th place by senior Grace M. Sophomore Kennedi H. came in at 13^th place, rounding out the medal winners with junior Allison G. who finished in 19^th place. Junior Emily E. finished at 25^th place, pushing the team to its final overall score of 54 points. The Bears beat out Frisco High School by ten points and Allen High School by 35 points.

Junior varsity competed in a 3200m course against over 200 JV and varsity runners from other schools. JV Bears came in third place overall with 105 points, three points behind second place runners from Allen High School and 32 points behind Plano West in first place overall. Junior Meredith N. led the JV Bears in 7^th place. Freshmen Carly J. and Lauren Y. and juniors Audrey B. and Natalie C. were the next four JV Bears to score for Ursuline.

Next weekend, cross country Bears will travel to Denton to attend the competitive Marcus I Invitational.

Lacrosse: music, the ditch… and sing-a-longs

adviser — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:28:18 +0000

To the untrained spectator, lacrosse appears to be a vicious sport. From the flailing sticks to the intimidating goggles, the mayhem seems, well, almost frightening.

And in fact, the sport may actually be relatively brutal. According to varsity captain Maggie D. ’10, “During lacrosse season, I’m always covered in bruises. And we get clocked in the head sometimes…we call it taking one for the team.”

Stephanie S. ’10 agreed. “Yeah, we compare battle wounds after games,” she said. Emma S. ’10 was even kind enough to show me her multiple bruises.

So what would possess the 23 varsity players and the 24 junior varsity players to partake in such an intense sport? Because somehow, in spite of what outsiders would call “better reasoning,” each member of UA lacrosse seems to have an intense passion for her sport.

Perhaps part of the magic of lacrosse stems from the fact that the team is practically always together. The team has practices Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and often runs or does “wall-ball” on Tuesday and Thursday.

“Our actual season is pretty short, but we practice all throughout the year,” said Maggie. “Before our season starts, every year we go on a retreat, where we talk about what we want for our season.”

The team plays anywhere from one to three games per week and the varsity record so far this season is 8-1.

On game days, the team has lunch together. But members were quick to point out that unlike other sports teams (not to be named, of course), the lacrosse bears try to eat pretty healthy, with pasta dishes a main staple.

Another difference between lacrosse and other sports teams is their league; instead of the TAPPS division, lacrosse competes in TGHSLL, a very long acronym which stands for the Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League. This pits them against other private schools, but also against substantially larger public schools.

Though it is hard to tell from the success of the program, lacrosse hasn’t been around Ursuline for very long. It began as a club team when the sisters of current team members Amanda C., Allison C., and Maggie D. were underclassmen.

It’s common that freshmen go into lacrosse with little to no experience; this was Stephanie S.’s experience.

“Why did I join lacrosse? Well, you know that last scene of Mean Girls where Regina is on the field beating people up? I decided I wanted to be that girl,” she said.

This type of athlete no doubt had a significant influence in the team’s Division II State Championship in 2008, and their current #5 ranking in the state of Texas.

But players will attest that another integral part of their team is their coach, Lori Wales, who has been the head coach of the team for three years.

“Everyone calls her Momma Wales; she brings us snacks every practice,” said Stephanie.

To keep the team updated with practice and game schedules, Coach Wales frequently updates the team’s Twitter page, UrsulineLAX, which has developed into an effective way to spread information to team members.

An element that has not been a part of the team’s success, however, is their practice field, though the correct topographic term may actually be “ditch.”

“Sometimes the ditch floods…” said goalie Emma D. ’10.

“And there are lots of flies down there,” added Emma S.

Still intimidated by the lacrosse team? According to Maggie, every year the team rides a bus down to Texas A&M to play in a tournament. And what happens on the bus ride down? Silence to get the team in the zone? Hard-core rap music to vamp up energy?

“We have a sing-along!” said Maggie.

“Everyone is singing and dancing on the bus. And then we always go to Buppy’s, a BBQ buffet, and we sing and dance there, too.”

Well, at least those sticks and goggles are still intimidating.

Claire U. throws her way to shotput success

adviser — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:04:54 +0000

When junior Claire U. isn’t throwing shot put, she’s probably throwing discus. Or, she could be sprinting in an individual event or on a relay team. Of course, she also could be playing basketball for the Bears or her club team.

It seems there are few athletic feats Claire can’t conquer when she sets her mind to them.

For the past two years, Claire has won the TAPPS state championship in shot put, and regularly wins or places at local meets.

In shot put, the athlete stands in a circle just over 7 feet in diameter and attempts to throw a metal ball (8 lbs in Claire’s case) as far as possible.

But how did Claire initially become involved in this sport?

“I was on the track team in seventh grade, and one day I saw the boys throwing shot put and thought it looked interesting. I picked one up, but then my coach told me to quit fooling around and put it down. But I was pretty stubborn, so I ended up throwing it anyway, and it went pretty far….then my coach put me in the next meet,” she said.

Claire uses the kicking technique when throwing, explaining that a proper balance of strength and technique are fundamental to a thrower’s success.

She also competes in discus (which weighs 2.5 lbs), which she says is similar in most ways to shot put.

“The technique is the same, but the shot put goes less distance because it is heavier,” Claire said.

The field events of Ursuline’s track team are coached by Winston Duke, who also is a coach on the Richardson football team.

“If he wasn’t my coach, I wouldn’t be nearly as good,” said Claire.

The typical spring practice for Claire begins with throwing for the first half, and is then followed by about an hour of running. But sometimes she has practice for her club basketball team the same day, and goes there straight from track practice.

“Yeah, I guess I don’t rest ever,” she said lightly.

She hopes to be successful at first the district meet, and then hopefully at state for her third year. Claire also plans to compete in college, and has begun talking to potential coaches.

Claire’s athletic expertise has also proved valuable in the classroom, particularly in Mrs. Sullivan’s physics class.

“We often use Claire in class as an example, whether for basketball or shot put,” said Mrs. Sullivan. “As we began to discuss torque, she explained the angle her arm came back, then the rotation of the shot put.”

Claire agreed it was a pivotal moment when she realized that what they were learning in class applied to her sport.

“I thought, ‘Wow, I’m using torque, I have momentum and potential energy!’” she said.

Claire would encourage those interested in either shot put or discus to come ready to work.

“Come out with an open mind, and be ready to be dedicated. Have the mentality that you’re going to do your best, and give 100%.”

It seems that Claire has successfully applied this advice to her own life.

Sister act: UA siblings bond through athletics

adviser — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:50:15 +0000

     Sports at the Academy are a family affair. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and cousins always come to the games of their Ursuline athlete. But these sports are turned into an even bigger family affair when sisters share a team. Juliann ’10 and Jana ‘12 J. and Alexis ‘10 and Marissa ‘12 R. play on the UA soccer team. Julia ‘10 and Gracie ‘12 Cartwright are both Jesuit Cheerleaders, and Meredith ‘10 and Maggie ’12 H. play on the UA tennis team.
     According to Juliann, playing on the Ursuline soccer team with her sister has been a very positive experience.
     “I love playing with my sister. I’d always hoped she’d come to Ursuline so we could play together,” she said.
     Juliann and Jana go on runs together and practice with each other at home.
     “Juliann makes me a better soccer player. I love watching her play, and I want to become more like her every time we are on the field together,” said Jana.      Because they play on the same team, the two sisters have become closer than ever before. Both girls refer to the other one as their best friend. “We’ve always been good friends, but now we’re best friends and almost inseparable. Jana says we’re twins and have ‘twin telepathy’ on the field. I know it’s a joke, but I do always notice her most on the field, and I look for her whenever I have the ball,” said Juliann.
     Being able to practice and play together has given the girls the ability to trust each other on the field. “Because we practice together so often, I trust Jana with the ball. I know she won’t mess up or lose it,” said Juliann.
     When the Soccer Bears played in the state championship again this year, it was a very emotional time for the Jeffrey sisters. “When we did our handshake for the last time, I realized that was the last game I would ever be able to play with Juliann. I looked at her and we were both crying,” said Jana. “The whole state weekend was so emotional just because I knew it would be he last time we’d play together. I’m going to miss it so much, but I’m just lucky I had the last two years with her,” said Juliann.
    Alexis and Marissa R. also play side by side on the soccer team. “While being on a team with my sister is difficult, there is nothing more rewarding than standing on the field after winning a state championship with her next to me. This was the only year we were able to play together and I wish we could have had more,” said Alexis ’10. As with Juliann and Jana, Alexis and Marissa have found their experience together as a very constructive one.
     According to Marissa, during the season the two girls spent a great deal of time together. “We [would] wake up for 6:30 AM practice, go to breakfast after practice, head to school, have team lunch together, wait for the bus in the atrium after school, ride the bus together, we have the game, and the long night of homework when we get home,” she said. By the end of the season, the two sisters knew everything about each other.
     Both sets of sisters did confess that they fought with their sister at one time or another because of the sheer amount of time spent together.
     “We fight over whose soccer shorts are whose or who left their stadium jacket at home. If we are late for practice she [Alexis] will sometimes blame me for causing us to be late because I got up late and didn’t get to the car on time,” said Marissa. “Sometimes it will be my fault and other times it will be Alexis’ fault.”
     “Juliann and I tend to fight often, but that only makes us closer,” said Jana, “and in the end we are always smiling.”
     Meredith ’10 and Maggie H. ‘12 are first and foremost sisters, but are also doubles partners on the Ursuline tennis team. Because of tennis, the Hammer sisters have found common ground. “We could be fighting off of the court and then put it aside in order to play our best and hopefully win the match,” said Meredith. “By the time we get off the court we usually forget the reason why we were fighting earlier.”
     One negative aspect of playing tennis with her sister is that Meredith has found it easier to get mad at Maggie for having a bad tennis day than at another person just because she is her sister. “As doubles partners, we depend on one another, but we both have bad days. Unfortunately, because I know my sister will eventually move past it, I show my frustrations more with her than if I would have a partner that I was not related to,” said Meredith.
     But Meredith and Maggie think the positive aspects of playing together outweigh the negative ones. “One reason that I really like having my sister on my team is because I am SUCH a forgetful person. My sister always remembers when the next match is, what to bring, and tells my mom important dates which really helps me out sometimes. Also, I just generally like hanging out with my sister and we get along really well,” said Meredith.
     Maggie also enjoys the time that she gets to spend with Meredith. “It’s really nice having her on the team because I know there’s always someone to talk to,” she said. The girls practice with each other on the weekends, just as Juliann and Jana do. Maggie said, “We can easily practice on the weekends with each other so there’s always someone to play with. Also, we get along really well on the court.”
     Playing together has brought Meredith and Maggie to be closer sisters and friends. “I feel like we get along more now that we are doubles partners, she knows she depends on me and I depend on her,” said Maggie.
     Sisters Julia ’10 and Gracie ’12 C. cheer together on the Jesuit Rangers Cheerleading Squad. The girls spend quality time together carpooling to and from practices and game. “The positives [of cheering with my sister] would be always having a ride to practices and games and some of the negatives are having to see her pretty much 24/7!” said Gracie. The two recognize that a greater support system is present at home because the sisters see each other so much and now know more about each other outside of home.
     “I really like getting to cheer with her [Gracie]- I get to drive her to and from practice, so we spend a lot more time together than we did before which has helped me to get to know her better! Sometimes just a little too much time together, but usually it’s great!” said Julia.
     Sisterhood at the Academy would not be complete without the interaction of real sisters. These memories of playing sports together are memories that the families and sisters will keep close to them forever.

The unspoken glory of off-campus sports

adviser — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:49:05 +0000

Ursuline is home to hundreds of athletes: basket-bears, soccer bears, swimming and diving bears, and even golfing bears. Each week Bear Faithful gives updates on our teams’ performances in their various games, matches, and tournaments.

What often goes unnoticed is the hard work of the off-campus athletes. They devote just as much time and energy to their extra-curricular activities, but are seldom recognized for their achievements.

Lisa M. ’12, a dancer for Power House Competitive Drill Company, has danced for 13 years and considers it her passion.

“I cannot remember what exactly made me start dancing, but watching different dance competitions and events made me want to pursue some sort of career in dancing, then it became my passion,” said Lisa.

She practices with her company once a week for two hours and then attends mandatory dance classes at least three times a week.

In addition to dance, Lisa participates in Jesuit cheerleading, which practices twice a week.

Although her time consuming dance and cheer schedule becomes overwhelming at times, Lisa explains, “[Cheer] is just another way to branch out and stay in shape and healthy! And I love it!”

Lauren C. ’11 also juggles an off-campus sport with an Ursuline sport. She plays Ursuline lacrosse four days a week and still finds time to ride her horse, Miss Prisse, twice a week.

“I have a lot of fun doing [Lacrosse] too, but there isn’t always a lot of free time in my schedule with both sports,” said Lauren.

Lauren has been horseback riding since she was six-years old. She took lessons when she was younger and now competes in horse shows about once a month.

Sometimes she finds it difficult to fit in her horse shows with her lacrosse games, because shows can last anywhere between a couple of hours to a couple of days.

“The best part is flying over the jumps during cross country. It’s also a lot of fun spending time with my horse. She’s like a really big dog I get to take care of,” said Lauren.

Kelsey N. ’10 shows her pride by participating in competitive cheerleading for the PRIDE All-Star team.

Kelsey has been cheering for PRIDE since she was a sophomore. She and her team practice three times during the week for about two hours and three hours on Sundays.

“We have 8 competitions each season,” said Kelsey. The first competition takes place in early November and the last at the end of February.

During competition season, the team practices at least five times during the week, adding more practices if they need it. The actual competitions usually last all day Saturday and Sunday.

“All of the hard work really pays off in the end,” said Kelsey. “My coaches are hilarious, the girls at the gym are so sweet, and the competitions are a blast!”

Ursuline softball team hits off its new season

adviser — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:42:47 +0000

As a new year rolls in, so does another softball season, and, of course, new coaches. Coach Kelly Archer has been coaching girls’ fastpitch softball for 10 years and is the 3rd softball coach at UA in the last four years. He has served as the league coordinator, skills camp coordinator/instructor, and pitching clinic coordinator for Plano Sports Authority. He also is the organizational director for Texas Pride Fastpitch Softball, a competitive fastpitch organization with teams from 8U to 18U, and he is the head coach of Texas Pride 18U. In addition, Coach Archer owns Extra Innings, a baseball and softball training facility in Plano, where he provides private instruction for fastpitch hitting and pitching, to about 60 players.

Coach Archer is excited to get the season going.

“I expect the Bears to be among one of the best teams in TAPPS this season. With six seniors, we have a lot of experienced players from a 2009 district champion team. Although, not having a home field for a second season along with an odd start to the season due to rainy/snowy weather, this team shows a focus and determination that I believe will lead to success on the field,” he said.

Back in the day, Coach Archer was a former 27-5A All-District & All-City football quarterback and baseball pitcher at Madison High School in San Antonio. Following high school, he pitched for 1 season in the Spanish-American Baseball League before accepting a scholarship to play quarterback at Div. II Eastern New Mexico University. Coach Archer also played men’s league “B”, “A,” and Major League USSSA softball for 15 years.

Another new addition to the coaching staff is Coach Shawn Gallimore, head coach of the JV softball team. Coach Gallimore has been coaching girls’ fastpitch softball for 10 years also. He started coaching in 2000 in the Allen Recreational Softball Program, and then in 2004, he formed AXE Sports Association, Inc., a non-profit youth sports organization geared towards the “select” level of fastpitch softball. He also manages seven youth softball teams and is the head coach for the 18U AXE Gallimore team.

“I think that with Coach Shawn’s help, our team will be strong and it’ll be fun!” said JV captain, Caroline K. ’12.

Coach Gallimore has high expectations for the JV. “My biggest expectation is for our athletes to grow in their skill level, knowledge and love of the game. I want all of our players to be able to look back and say they had a fun and rewarding season! I am so excited to be here at Ursuline Academy helping build a great softball program!” he said.

This year is assistant varisty Coach Gertie Johnson’s second year at UA. She has been coaching fastpitch softball for two years and is looking forward teaching the girls.

“Softball is a great sport for anyone who likes the idea of teamwork and individual spotlight at the same time. Our team this year is starting to look good and I can’t wait to see what the season holds for us,” she said.

Coach Johnson is looking most forward to all the district games and is expecting both JV and Varsity to have great chemistry and a very successful season.

Not only does the coaching staff have high expectations for this year’s softball season, but so do several of the players.

“Though the program has been through several dramatic changes, I expect the team to do just as well and even better than we did last year! I smell a state championship a’cookin!” said varsity captain, Michelle M. ’10.

Unfortunately, the team has to travel to Josey Ranch in Carrollton everyday to practice, but hopefully the UA field will be finished and ready by the end of the season. “I would love to have our field back before the season is over. Not only is it much more convenient, but it is a part of our tradition,” said Erin S. ’10.

This year the Softball Bears have a booked schedule. They are playing more teams from all over the metroplex. “Some of the earlier games against Parish Episcopal, Mabank, W.T. White, and Princeton were cancelled because of all the crazy weather we had the last couple of weeks,” said Briana L. ’10. “But we have plenty more to come!”

“Even though the weather isn’t cooperating, this season of softball is going to be just like last year! With our amazing dives in the outfield to line drive hits in the infield, we get to that ball in time for the out even if we have to get down and dirty. Watch out Nolan!” said Cait M. ’11.

According to the players, the teams that will be their biggest competition will be against Nolan and Bishop Lynch. “I am anxious to experience the traditional rivalry games against Ft. Worth Nolan and Bishop Lynch. I am also anxious for the San Marcos tournament game against Plano East Senior High, which will likely be one of the highest ranked UIL 5A teams in the state this year. Oh, and of course, can’t wait for May 16th…..State Championship Game!” said Coach Archer.

This year is full of anticipation and hopefully, the team’s hard work will pay off.

Rangerettes and Color Guard Successful at Competitions

adviser — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:51:41 +0000

On February 13, the Jesuit Rangerettes received the Winners Circle Cup in the MA Dance and Auxiliary Competition held at Grapevine High School. This award qualifies the drill team for the national competition later this spring. This is the first time the team has qualified for nationals since 2004. The Rangerettes also won several other prizes at competition, including the Team Super Sweepstakes Award, the Team Choreography and Technique Awards, the Officers’ Super Sweepstakes Award, the Officers’ Award for Choreography in Modern, Lyrical and Jazz, and the Officers’ Technique Award.

The Jesuit-Ursuline Color Guard also competed at the competition, earning a Superior rating and winning Best in Class and a special choreography award. Although the Color Guard has performed at Jesuit football games for several years, this is the first time the team has ever appeared in a winter competition.

“We had a great season, and I hope the tradition of winter guard continues in the years to come,” said captain Sarah Y. ’10.

An exclusive look into the minds of three UA coaches

adviser — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:13:34 +0000

Between the daily practices and weekend matchups, athletes find themselves spending a lot of time with their coaches.

The job is no doubt difficult, perhaps especially dealing with the overbooked schedules of Ursuline girls, but ask most athletes, and they will have only positive things to say about their coaches.

But what do the coaches themselves have to say? What drew them to this rather unique environment, and perhaps more importantly, what keeps them here?

We interviewed three dedicated Ursuline coaches — Coach Rieff, Coach McAllister, and Coach Wales, to hear their opinions on questions such as these.

How long have you been coaching at Ursuline?

Coach Rieff (Swimming and Diving): I am in my third year here.

Coach McAllister (Crew): Since the Fall of 2004 – five years, but I started coaching in the early 90’s and have taught more than 500 people how to row in my career so far.

Coach Wales (Lacrosse): This is my fifth year to coach lacrosse at UA

What are the best parts of coaching at Ursuline?

Coach Rieff: Seeing the girls improve throughout the season.

Coach McAllister: The best part about coaching at Ursuline is seeing the girls master the art of rowing because they start from square one. Crew is unusual in that respect – just about no one joins the crew team with any experience at all, and within a few short months they are able to compete successfully with top crews in the nation. I am so proud of each rower on the team because I remember her first day on the water, before she even knew how to get into a boat, let alone row it.

Coach Wales: The best part about coaching lacrosse is definitely the players (past & present)— & their wonderfully supportive parents!!!! … And when a past player tells me that lacrosse was the best part of their high school experience.

What is the most difficult part of coaching all the girls?

Coach Rieff: Juggling all their schedules

Coach McAllister: Waking up at 5:00 AM; racing against Austin Rowing Club (our key rival in this part of the U.S.). We are David to their Goliath, but we are starting to give them a run for their money.

Coach Wales: having to cut players from the teams at tryouts…absolutely the worst!!

Why did you start coaching?

Coach Rieff: I love swimming and felt I had something to give back to the sport. Plus, when I first started coaching it was my summer job – coaching a summer league team.

Coach McAllister: I was a coxswain (person who steers the boat and coaches the rowers) at the University of Pennsylvania for four years and loved it. I thought that I had a pretty good mastery of rowing and that I could help people tap into their potential as rowers.

Coach Wales: I started coaching simply as a favor to former coach John Boyle who started the program here at UA. I loved the game and he needed an assistant.

How do you keep the players passionate about the sport?

Coach Rieff: Try to keep it fun and entertaining and trying to encourage them especially during the tough sets and tough times during the year.

Coach McAllister: It’s difficult in rowing because there are so many hours of training. I just keep the focus on success through daily excellence. Every stroke is another step toward getting faster than the competition. Rowing requires a lot of faith because there are so few minutes of competition to express your excellence.

Coach Wales: We mix in a lot of fun with a lot of hard work. You definitely have to be ready to sing if you want to play lax!

When do you have the most fun coaching?

Coach Rieff: When they are working hard, improving, and enjoying what they are doing. Swim meets are the best!

Coach McAllister: Seeing a great race in which our crews are involved – even if it’s a tough battle for 6^th place. I usually ride my bike (like most coaches) along the race course during spring sprint racing, so I can see the race unfold. Seeing our crews show their toughness and skill is really fun for me. Medals are rare in the sport, but our crews have been fortunate enough to win a fair number of them over the past few years.

Coach Wales: I have the most fun when we are competing in a game and the results of all the girls’ hard work in practice shows…and, of course, when we won the state championship!

Mr. Lupe Villalobos: ‘He’s our number one fan’

adviser — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:04:26 +0000

In spite of the chilling winds and bitter cold, one Ursuline fan sits in the bleachers, determined to cheer on the soccer team. Lupe, a member of Ursuline’s facilities department, shows his spirit for the Bears at almost every athletic event at home and away.

“I like to see what kind of teams we have every year,” Lupe said. “I want to support the girls in their sports.”

Lupe is very dedicated. He tries his best to attend every game, even away games, no matter what kind of weather there is that day.

“I remember for our second round playoff game last year for softball we played on a Saturday morning at Parish Episcopal, and as they were calling our names to come out on to the field the first face I saw was Lupe’s. He was standing along the fence with the dads cheering his heart out for us,” said Katie S. ’10.

Most of the time Lupe can be seen around school wearing his UA Bears spirit wear.

“I always see him wearing his ‘Bear Faithful’ shirt at school,” said Briana L. ’10. Also during the cold winter months, he never fails to wear his Soccer Bears winter coat.

“I love to watch soccer and just watch the athletes play. It doesn’t matter if they win or lose, but it makes me feel good when they make a really good play!” said Lupe.

The Ursuline athletes definitely take notice of how often he comes to be the Bears’ cheerleader.

“Lupe comes to our games more often then some of our parents. When he can’t make the game, he always has a smile and encouraging word to pass along in the hallway,” said Michelle M. ’10. “He’s our number one fan. His attendance is sincerely valued, something I am afraid we don’t tell him often enough.”

Through Lupe’s dedication to Ursuline Academy’s athletics, many friendships have been created. He is well known by everybody in the school.

“Lupe is always encouraging! I think it is so thoughtful of him to make it to so many of the athletic games!” said Megan T. ’10. “When I see him in the hall, he always asks how we did at our last game. If we lost, he’s always positive and says ‘you’ll get them next time!’”

The Ursuline volleyball team wanted to thank Lupe for all his support this year by giving him a special gift at the end of the season.

“We all agreed that he was one of our most dedicated fans, so we wanted to give him something to show our appreciation!”said Abby K.‘10.

They invited him to their end of year banquet and presented him with a monogrammed Ursuline bleacher seat and a big thank you. “Lupe was always our number one fan. We all thought he should be recognized for being so supportive,” said Maddie R. ‘10.

Lupe sets an example that we as students can learn from. He shows us how to support each other as a community. The student body is grateful for his spirit at the games and can’t wait to see him at more this year! Go Bears!

Ursuline football fanatics defy gender stereotypes

adviser — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:01:27 +0000

Picture the ultimate football fan. What do you see?

Probably a twenty-something male, with a few days worth of stubble, painted head-to-toe in his team’s colors, hurling insults at the opposing team’s fans.

Or maybe you see a middle-aged man, sitting on the couch, beer in hand, watching game after game after game.

Chances are, you did not picture a teenaged girl.

But the truth is, there are plenty of high school girls who are also knowledgeable, devoted football fans.

Esha E. ’10 is one such fan.

Each weekend, Esha watches the Dallas Cowboys game and every good matchup from start to finish and catches bits and pieces of the other games that are on TV. But she only really started getting into football this year.

“My heightened interest in football was really just a combination of Mr. Schneider’s Cowboy points — he gives extra credit points when the Cowboys win — and Miles Austin,” she said.

Waiting to see if she would receive extra credit points on her next AP Psychology test, Esha began watching the Cowboys games and then got hooked.

Miles Austin secured her interest because “he’s just so exciting to watch. I mean, in the Kansas City game, he scored two touchdowns and had 250 yards. I was never a huge Romo fan, which is why I wasn’t a die-hard Cowboys’ fan before. But now there are players I like watching,” she said.

And it doesn’t hurt that Miles Austin is cute.

Katy E. ’10 agrees that football players’ looks are at least part of the reason why she watches professional football — at least one game per weekend.

“Looks — are they a distraction? Yes,” she said.

Marti W. ’10 watches football every weekend and gets very into the games. She even calls Katy E. occasionally on Sunday nights to discuss the day’s football results.

But even Marti has been known to scream at the television screen, “Yes, we knocked him down! Stay down. Stay down. Wait you are cute, get up!”

Girls do not just get into football because of the excitement and the cute guys in tight pants.

“I also like football because it is so strategic,” said Esha. “You have to adjust your team each week to beat the other team. Like against Minnesota, Dallas’ offensive line needed to hold in order to win. They didn’t, so we lost.”

And when her team lost in the second round of the playoffs, Esha went into mourning, donning black sweatpants and a somber gray top.

“Actually,” she said, “I just couldn’t wear my Cowboys jersey after they lost, so I put on the first shirt I could find and my black sweatpants are very comfortable.”

After another disappointing loss for a Texas football team this year — the University of Texas Longhorns’ 37-21 loss to the University of Alabama Crimson tide, Ursuline girls discussed the game in detail the next day at school.

“My lunch table must have spent twenty minutes talking about and analyzing that game,” said Katy E.

So is it unusual for girls to not only like football, but to follow it?

“Not in Texas,” said Courtney S. ’10.