Myles Matz, Jack Cronin, Jerry Allen, Rafael Barba and Michael Hood
The Lake Highlands Exchange Club hosted its annual Wildcat kick off Thursday night at Back Country Bar-B-Q with special guest, new Lake Highlands High School Principal Frank Miller, on hand to press the flesh and meet community members.
“I’m back where I always wanted to be,” Miller told the crowd. “This is a dream for me.”
Exchange Club member, Dallas City Councilman and 1968 LHHS Bell Boy Jerry Allen introduced this year’s Bell Boys, Myles Matz, Jack Cronin, Rafael Barba and Michael Hood, and presented them with megaphones – their traditional gift from the Exchange Club.
“I can’t tell you how blessed I am to make it to this position, being a Bell Boy,” said Matz. “The first time I met Mr. Allen, he told me about how, even to this day, he still puts his hand on the bell and all the memories, all the emotions that he had back in the day coming flooding back. I just hope I can make a few memories that I can enjoy 51 years later when I come back.”
“The first time we met Mr. Allen, he said ‘This is big time, baby,’” recalled Cronin, to roars of laughter from members, who recognized Allen’s signature style. “We are all just really excited to be a part of this organization that’s 51 years old. It means a lot that we got elected and we’re happy to be a part.”
Scott Smith, voted last year’s Coach of the Year by his peer coaches in RISD, reported on the state of Wildcat athletics for 2014-15 – his ninth at LHHS.
“It’s going to be an exciting year,” said Smith. “Our newly created district is going to look a little different with the addition of Mesquite, North Mesquite and Highland Park.”
“Volleyball coach Corey Williams is back,” he added, “and the LH Invitational cross country meet will bring 1000 kids to Lake Highlands to kick the school year off.”
Smith introduced two of his player captains, Sam Iheke and Jamarice Preston. “We expect big things, not just in the classroom, but in the community, from these young men.”
“We’ve been working very hard. We’re very optimistic,” said Iheke. “We really expect a favorable season.”
Added Preston, ever-the-salesman, “We want to thank you guys for supporting us, and we hope you’ll all buy Wildcat cards.”
Assistant coach Russell Urbantke was up next, describing the enthusiasm of the team and the coaches with so many players signing up to participate.
“This is the biggest class I’ve ever had. We’re super-excited.”
Tonight/Friday, the Wildcat community hosts Picture Night from 5-7 p.m., with the football team, cheerleaders and Bell Boys on the field at the Boneyard taking photos and mixing & mingling with friends and fans. The Kona Ice food truck will be on site, the Clawset will be set up to sell Wildcat gear, and $10 Wildcat Cards will be on sale, which give buyers discounts with vendors like Back Country Bar-B-Q, Gecko Hardware, Picasso’s and The Store (new vendors this year include Chicken Express, Quesa-D-Ya’s and White Rock Coffee).
Coach Smith also invited the community to come out and see the football team play a scrimmage against McKinney Boyd on their home turf at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 22. The official season begins the following Friday with a home game against Plano East.
When asked his plan for a successful season, particularly for offensive strategy, Coach Smith replied, “Take what the defense gives us, and be as balanced as we can be.”
When asked his early prediction?
“District Champs 2014.”
