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From Staff Reports
Cline commits to Niagara
Plano West alum T.J. Cline has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his basketball career at Niagara University.
Cline takes the latest step in a hardwood tenure that netted the forward District 8-5A Offensive Player of the Year honors last season.
Despite being just his first year on varsity with the Wolves, Cline averaged a 16.8 points, 7.7 rebounds -- both team-highs -- 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals as a senior, helping lead West to a 26-9 record for second place in the district.
JPII names new hoops coach
John Paul II has hired Mike Martin to take over as head coach of the girls basketball team.
Martin comes on board with the Lady Cardinals after a four-year stint coaching Vista Ridge in the TAPPS 4A ranks. During that time, Martin led the Rangers to two consecutive regional finals appearances on seasons of 32-6 and 34-3.
Currently with 794 career wins, Martin has two state championships, four regional finals nods and 18 district title to his ledger, plus a 63-game winning streak that spanned three seasons.
Martin takes over for former head coach Katie Hensle, who left John Paul to take over as an assistant coach at Texas Tech.
Final Wildcat football camp
Plano Senior's third and final football camp of the summer in mere days away.
After hosting a pair of camps throughout June, the Wildcats are offering one last chance for those interested on July 9-13. The camp will be held from 9 a.m.-noon each day and are available for $90 per person with a $4 add-on for non-Plano residents.
The camps, open to both boys and girls entering fourth through ninth grades, will focus on learning the Wildcats plays and traditions from the coaches themselves.
Those attending should wear cleats or tennis shoes, old clothes and bring water.
Registration is at: planoparks.org or: 972-941-7278. For more info, contact Plano head coach Jaydon McCullough at: 469-752-9500 or: Jaydon.McCullough@pisd.edu.
Michael Johnson track camp
Those interested in improving their speed can do so under the tutelage of one of the world's best.
Four-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Michael Johnson will be conducting a summer track camp from July 16-19. The camp will be held at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in McKinney from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for the price of $349.
Aspiring runners can be learn the techniques behind top-end speed and sprint mechanics from the world-renowned sprinter, as well as improvements in power, stability, stamina and acceleration.
Johnson's camp won't simply be limited to sprinters though, with middle distance and distance runners also addressed during the four days.
Space is limited, and those interested can enroll by calling: 469-424-6572.
Internet exclusive content
For more stories on the sports community, including web exclusives, video previews and wrap-ups, go to: starlocalnews.com. This is the site for in-depth coverage, immediate scores, videos, game stories and a football score ticker for those that can't wait for the print edition.
And check out Kevin Hageland's blog at: scntx.com/sports/sports_blogs/blogosaurus.
Plano-East alumni football game
Football season may be on hiatus, but the Plano Senior-Plano East rivalry will continue at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 from Clark Stadium.
Set up by FootballLegendsofTexas.com, the Wildcats and Panthers will hold an alumni game.
Both schools are still looking for alumni that can participate as part of the cheerleaders, dance team, band or game itself. The player rosters are about half full with practices starting last week.
The organizer is attempting to recreate all facets of a high school game, down to the referees, announcers and custom made jerseys.
For more information on the game, go to: FootballLegendsofTexas.com.
Lady Wildcats Hoops Camps
It wouldn't be summer without the Plano Senior girls basketball clinics and the Lady Wildcats two more remaining.
The July 23-26 youth scrimmage clinic will run from 1-6 p.m. each day at Plano. It is open to players entering fifth through ninth grade at a price of $120. The July 23-27 youth fundamentals camp runs 9 a.m.-noon each day at Vines High School. It is for kindergarten though fifth grade and costs $90.
There is a $4 fee for non-Plano residents.
For more information, contact Lady Wildcats head coach Lynn Meger at: 214-563-3181 or: lynn.meger@pisd.edu.
Swing Fore Yellow
Swing Fore Yellow, one of the pillars in the 4 Yellow Foundation's contributions to LIVESTRONG in the global fight against cancer, is coming to town.
A staple in Plano native Lance Armstrong's organization since 2009, the golf tournament will be held Sept. 23-24 at Gleneagles Country Club.
The festivities commence with a cocktail party Sept. 23 at III Forks Restaurant that will include live and silent auctions. The tournament will be held the following day and includes a round of golf as well as a continental breakfast and buffet luncheon.
The proceeds go to benefit the LIVESTRONG Foundation and Heroes for Children.
Kern, Miles in TGCA All-Star Game
Plano East senior Holly Kern and Plano Senior senior Kristen Miles have been selected for the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Softball Game.
The game is for top seniors across the state.
Kern and Miles will play for the East team in the Class 5A-4A contest, which is set for 7 p.m. July 10 from the Workman Complex in Arlington.
Plano No. 2 soccer city in U.S.
Plano has been named the No. 2 best soccer city in the country by Livability.com.
To determine criteria for the list, Livability.com editors followed the lead of US Youth Soccer.
Plano, the only Texas city in the top 10, finished behind Overland, Kan.
Editors looked for small to mid-size cities with the best soccer programs and facilities. Plano fits the bill with numerous US Youth Soccer National Championships, alums who have captured NCAA Titles and more UIL State Soccer Championships than any other city in the state.
Those accolades come from years of work as more than 11,000 children participate in youth soccer in Plano with 25 percent of the city's hotel stays coming because of youth soccer events.
State VB moving to Garland
The UIL Volleyball State Championships are moving to the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland.
The tournament had been at Strahan Coliseum in San Marcos since 2000.
"The Culwell Center is a first-class venue and we believe it will serve as a tremendous host," said Dr. Mark Cousins, UIL athletic director. "We look forward to working closely with Garland ISD in creating a great experience for the schools, fans and students involved."
The state tourney is set for Nov. 15-17.
"UIL championship events make memories that last a lifetime," said Dr. Curtis Culwell, Garland ISD Superintendent. "Garland ISD is privileged to host this premiere championship event."
Plano West is the lone Plano ISD team to ever advance to state, doing so in 2007.
Americans add a new face
In an attempt to vary its roster for the upcoming season, the Allen Americans signed right winger Bradley Gallant on Friday.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder spent the last four years with St Thomas University. His best season came in 2011-12 as Gallant amassed 16 points in 26 games. Prior to that, Gallant spent three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior League (two with Cape Breton and one with Prince Edward Island).
"Brad is a hard-nosed hockey player," said Steve Martinson, Americans head coach. "I saw him in camp with Syracuse a few years back while I was coaching in Elmira. He's a tough kid, much like his brother Brett, who played several games at the American Hockey League level."
Gallant is the fifth player Allen has signed, joining Nino Musitelli, Jarret Lukin, Jason Deitsch and Tyler Ludwig.
Lady Wolves compete at Trials
The biggest meet in the swimming careers of Plano West alums Maureen McLaine and Meagan Hairston has come and gone.
This past weekend, the two former Lady Wolves and current Texas A&M swimmers took to the waters of Omaha, Neb. for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
With only eight spots up for grabs in the finals of each race, McLaine was narrowly denied a spot in her third and final race at the Trials after placing 16th in the 800-meter freestyle with an 8:40.80. McLaine was 4.21 seconds behind Danielle Valley, the race's eighth qualifier.
McLaine was joined in Omaha by her teammate Hairston, who made her Trials debut by competing in the 100 backstroke. Like McLaine, she too fell shy of an Olympic bid by placing 94th overall with a 1:04.25.
Plano West alum T.J. Cline has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his basketball career at Niagara University.
Cline takes the latest step in a hardwood tenure that netted the forward District 8-5A Offensive Player of the Year honors last season.
Despite being just his first year on varsity with the Wolves, Cline averaged a 16.8 points, 7.7 rebounds -- both team-highs -- 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals as a senior, helping lead West to a 26-9 record for second place in the district.
JPII names new hoops coach
John Paul II has hired Mike Martin to take over as head coach of the girls basketball team.
Martin comes on board with the Lady Cardinals after a four-year stint coaching Vista Ridge in the TAPPS 4A ranks. During that time, Martin led the Rangers to two consecutive regional finals appearances on seasons of 32-6 and 34-3.
Currently with 794 career wins, Martin has two state championships, four regional finals nods and 18 district title to his ledger, plus a 63-game winning streak that spanned three seasons.
Martin takes over for former head coach Katie Hensle, who left John Paul to take over as an assistant coach at Texas Tech.
Final Wildcat football camp
Plano Senior's third and final football camp of the summer in mere days away.
After hosting a pair of camps throughout June, the Wildcats are offering one last chance for those interested on July 9-13. The camp will be held from 9 a.m.-noon each day and are available for $90 per person with a $4 add-on for non-Plano residents.
The camps, open to both boys and girls entering fourth through ninth grades, will focus on learning the Wildcats plays and traditions from the coaches themselves.
Those attending should wear cleats or tennis shoes, old clothes and bring water.
Registration is at: planoparks.org or: 972-941-7278. For more info, contact Plano head coach Jaydon McCullough at: 469-752-9500 or: Jaydon.McCullough@pisd.edu.
Michael Johnson track camp
Those interested in improving their speed can do so under the tutelage of one of the world's best.
Four-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Michael Johnson will be conducting a summer track camp from July 16-19. The camp will be held at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in McKinney from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for the price of $349.
Aspiring runners can be learn the techniques behind top-end speed and sprint mechanics from the world-renowned sprinter, as well as improvements in power, stability, stamina and acceleration.
Johnson's camp won't simply be limited to sprinters though, with middle distance and distance runners also addressed during the four days.
Space is limited, and those interested can enroll by calling: 469-424-6572.
Internet exclusive content
For more stories on the sports community, including web exclusives, video previews and wrap-ups, go to: starlocalnews.com. This is the site for in-depth coverage, immediate scores, videos, game stories and a football score ticker for those that can't wait for the print edition.
And check out Kevin Hageland's blog at: scntx.com/sports/sports_blogs/blogosaurus.
Plano-East alumni football game
Football season may be on hiatus, but the Plano Senior-Plano East rivalry will continue at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 from Clark Stadium.
Set up by FootballLegendsofTexas.com, the Wildcats and Panthers will hold an alumni game.
Both schools are still looking for alumni that can participate as part of the cheerleaders, dance team, band or game itself. The player rosters are about half full with practices starting last week.
The organizer is attempting to recreate all facets of a high school game, down to the referees, announcers and custom made jerseys.
For more information on the game, go to: FootballLegendsofTexas.com.
Lady Wildcats Hoops Camps
It wouldn't be summer without the Plano Senior girls basketball clinics and the Lady Wildcats two more remaining.
The July 23-26 youth scrimmage clinic will run from 1-6 p.m. each day at Plano. It is open to players entering fifth through ninth grade at a price of $120. The July 23-27 youth fundamentals camp runs 9 a.m.-noon each day at Vines High School. It is for kindergarten though fifth grade and costs $90.
There is a $4 fee for non-Plano residents.
For more information, contact Lady Wildcats head coach Lynn Meger at: 214-563-3181 or: lynn.meger@pisd.edu.
Swing Fore Yellow
Swing Fore Yellow, one of the pillars in the 4 Yellow Foundation's contributions to LIVESTRONG in the global fight against cancer, is coming to town.
A staple in Plano native Lance Armstrong's organization since 2009, the golf tournament will be held Sept. 23-24 at Gleneagles Country Club.
The festivities commence with a cocktail party Sept. 23 at III Forks Restaurant that will include live and silent auctions. The tournament will be held the following day and includes a round of golf as well as a continental breakfast and buffet luncheon.
The proceeds go to benefit the LIVESTRONG Foundation and Heroes for Children.
Kern, Miles in TGCA All-Star Game
Plano East senior Holly Kern and Plano Senior senior Kristen Miles have been selected for the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Softball Game.
The game is for top seniors across the state.
Kern and Miles will play for the East team in the Class 5A-4A contest, which is set for 7 p.m. July 10 from the Workman Complex in Arlington.
Plano No. 2 soccer city in U.S.
Plano has been named the No. 2 best soccer city in the country by Livability.com.
To determine criteria for the list, Livability.com editors followed the lead of US Youth Soccer.
Plano, the only Texas city in the top 10, finished behind Overland, Kan.
Editors looked for small to mid-size cities with the best soccer programs and facilities. Plano fits the bill with numerous US Youth Soccer National Championships, alums who have captured NCAA Titles and more UIL State Soccer Championships than any other city in the state.
Those accolades come from years of work as more than 11,000 children participate in youth soccer in Plano with 25 percent of the city's hotel stays coming because of youth soccer events.
State VB moving to Garland
The UIL Volleyball State Championships are moving to the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland.
The tournament had been at Strahan Coliseum in San Marcos since 2000.
"The Culwell Center is a first-class venue and we believe it will serve as a tremendous host," said Dr. Mark Cousins, UIL athletic director. "We look forward to working closely with Garland ISD in creating a great experience for the schools, fans and students involved."
The state tourney is set for Nov. 15-17.
"UIL championship events make memories that last a lifetime," said Dr. Curtis Culwell, Garland ISD Superintendent. "Garland ISD is privileged to host this premiere championship event."
Plano West is the lone Plano ISD team to ever advance to state, doing so in 2007.
Americans add a new face
In an attempt to vary its roster for the upcoming season, the Allen Americans signed right winger Bradley Gallant on Friday.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder spent the last four years with St Thomas University. His best season came in 2011-12 as Gallant amassed 16 points in 26 games. Prior to that, Gallant spent three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior League (two with Cape Breton and one with Prince Edward Island).
"Brad is a hard-nosed hockey player," said Steve Martinson, Americans head coach. "I saw him in camp with Syracuse a few years back while I was coaching in Elmira. He's a tough kid, much like his brother Brett, who played several games at the American Hockey League level."
Gallant is the fifth player Allen has signed, joining Nino Musitelli, Jarret Lukin, Jason Deitsch and Tyler Ludwig.
Lady Wolves compete at Trials
The biggest meet in the swimming careers of Plano West alums Maureen McLaine and Meagan Hairston has come and gone.
This past weekend, the two former Lady Wolves and current Texas A&M swimmers took to the waters of Omaha, Neb. for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
With only eight spots up for grabs in the finals of each race, McLaine was narrowly denied a spot in her third and final race at the Trials after placing 16th in the 800-meter freestyle with an 8:40.80. McLaine was 4.21 seconds behind Danielle Valley, the race's eighth qualifier.
McLaine was joined in Omaha by her teammate Hairston, who made her Trials debut by competing in the 100 backstroke. Like McLaine, she too fell shy of an Olympic bid by placing 94th overall with a 1:04.25.
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