Carlisle's Creek

The Passing of Les Talley

Posted by Ed Davis

Word was received today about the passing away of Coach Les Talley, who was a coach and educator for many years in the Clear Creek Independent School District.  Coach Talley was beloved by so many and he will be greatly missed.  Many fond memories are held by students, teachers, other educators, family, and parents of the times Coach Talley was involved in the lives of his students and of members of the communities in which he and his family lived and served.  Below is the obituary for Coach Talley.

Obituary for Leslie R. Talley

Leslie R. Talley, 91, of Cost, passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Les was born on December 13, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas, to Leslie Erven and Alva Mae Caraway Talley. Les was a member of the Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Gonzales, where he and his wife, Helen, were founding members.

Les graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1949. Following graduation, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College in San Marcos. He was a member of both the basketball and tennis teams. While at Southwest Texas, he met the love of his life, Helen Thieme, on the tennis court. He graduated in 1953, with a B.S. in Education. In 1957 he continued his education, graduating with a Masters Degree in Administration.

Les and Helen were married on May 25, 1952, in Cuero, Texas. Both were hired to teach in the Clear Creek ISD in September of 1953. In June of 1954, Les, a member of the Army Reserve, was called to active duty in the Korean Conflict. He was assigned to the army base in Kaiserslautern, Germany as a dental assistant. Les and Helen were stationed in Germany until April of 1956. Helen said that “Les’ Germany assignment was certainly a most enjoyable Army Tour of Duty.” Upon discharge, they returned to League City and Clear Creek ISD to continue their careers as educators.

Les thoroughly enjoyed teaching and coaching. In 1963 he was the assistant coach when the Clear Creek High School boys’ basketball team won the 3A State Basketball Championship. In 1965, Les became the principal of Edward H. White Elementary School in El Lago, Texas. He remained there as principal until his retirement in June 1992. His 27 years at Ed White Elementary were probably his most rewarding years spent in education. Les was surrounded by dedicated teachers, cooperative parents, and great students; and they became his school family. Upon retirement the street in front of the school was renamed as “Les Talley Drive” in his honor. Following retirement, Les and Helen settled in Cost, Texas, where they loved spending time on their ranch with family and friends.

Les is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Helen Talley; his three children and their families: Mike Talley and wife, Darla, of Duncanville, Texas; Gary Talley and wife, Joy, of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Nancy Davison and husband, Charles, of Rockwall Texas. He is blessed with 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jack Talley.

Les will be remembered as a kind and generous husband, father, grandpa and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.

The family will receive friends for visitation, from 5 pm to 7 pm on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10 am, at the Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Gonzales, Texas. Interment will follow at the Odd-Fellows Cemetery in Gonzales, Texas. Pallbearers: Mike Talley, Gary Talley, Justin Talley, Peter Davison, Michael Talley and Tim Davison. The funeral service may be viewed live on the Facebook page of Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Gonzales. Memorials may be made to the Abiding Word Lutheran Church or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

The Passing of Peggy Carlise

Posted by Ed Davis

It was a great loss to so very many Wildcat fans when Peggy Carlisle passed away recently.  She and Coach George Carlise were like parents to so many young people who attended Clear Creek High School during their years of service there.  She died peacefully at the age of 94 at her home in Webster.  Private services were held on Wednesday, March 9.  Following is Peggy's obituary which will give you more details of this wonderful lady's life.  May she rest in peace.

Obituary of Peggy Carlisle

Peggy Joyce McMahan Carlisle of Webster, Texas went peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on March 3, 2022 at the age of 94. She was born on February 17, 1928 to Earl and Nubia McMahan. She was raised in Prairie Lea, Texas where she met her future husband George Barber Carlisle.

She attended Southwest Texas State University and The University Of Texas.

She & George married on September 16, 1950 & moved to the Clear Lake area (Webster) in Texas where George began his teaching career and where they raised their three children.

Peggy worked at NASA from 1964-1988, where she gave many years of dedicated service to our nation’s space program during the early stages of its development.

Peggy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, George, her two sons, George Jr. (Buddy) and Billy, and by her twin brother, Ross.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Garrison, her daughter-in-law Jenny Carlisle and former daughters-in-law Kim Rhodes and Shannon Oakes. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Brent (Chandra) and Brandon Garrison (Laura), Wilson, Weston, Wyndon and Kaleigh Carlisle, and Kelsey Carlisle Gross (Zach); as well as her 6 great-grandchildren: J.B., Abigail, Shelby, Adrian, Brendon and Brookleigh.

Peggy was a devoted wife and basketball Mom. She was an avid Houston Astros fan in addition to enjoying cooking, especially baking. She and George shared a wonderfully full life and enjoyed traveling the world prior to his death in 2011.

The family extends its sincere appreciation to Home Helpers caregiver Andrea Mcbryde for her caring support and companionship to Peggy. Thanks also to the compassionate Village Home Health & Hospice nurses who helped her so much.

Peggy will be remembered by the many people whose lives she touched for her warm, generous spirit and loving ways.

Buddy Carlisle Passes Away at Age 70

Posted by Ed Davis

Former basketball standout at Clear Creek and later the extremely successful head coach of the Wildcats from 1976-2006, Buddy Carlisle passed away on Wednesday night, August 25. , 2021. He was 70 years of age.  Buddy was the son of legendary Clear Creek coach George Carlisle and hs wife, Peggy.  George passed away in 2011 after suffering with Alzheimer's for a few years. Buddy's younger brother,  Billy, also a high school basketball coach, passed away suddenly of a heart attack in 2006.  Buddy is survived by his mom Peggy (age 92), his wife of many years Jenny, and his two daughters Kelsey and Kaleigh.

Buddy was enshrined in 2019 in the Clear Creek ISD Athletic Hall of Fame.  The basketball court at Clear Creek High School is named in his honor and it is inside the George Carlisle Field House which is named after his father.  The entire Carlisle family has been held in very high regard in the Clear Creek district and area for many, many years. Buddy will be forever loved and greatly missed by all those who knew him and by those who just knew about him.  He was a gentleman in all respects and a great role model as a player, coach, and family man.  

Funeral and/or memorial services are pending at this time.

Bill Doty Honored

Posted by Dan Jensen

Clear Creek fans recognize Bill Doty as one of the school’s very best all-time basketball players and now he is getting state wide recognition.  He is going to be inducted into the next class of the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame.  He will join Coach George Carlisle and Bennie Lenox in that elite group.

 

He was a three year starter and was a sophomore when Lenox was a senior and Paul Timmins a junior.  He was not needed for scoring early in his career and really blossomed as a senior when he averaged 22.3 points for the season and 24.1 in district play.  His high point game was 44 and he is third in career scoring with 1,721 points and is the leading rebounder.  The three Wildcat teams he played on all went to the state tournament and had a combined 109-10 record.

 

He also had a good career at Rice.  He averaged 18.4 points and nine rebounds his senior year.

Basketball Great, Chuck Trcka, Passes Away

Posted by Ed Davis

Chuck Trcka, a 1958 graduate of Clear Creek High School, was a basketball star for the Wildcats during the late 1950's.  He played under the tutelage of Wildcat legendary coach, George Carlisle.  Chuck was a prolific scorer for the Wildcats and led the team to many victories and district championships during his years at the Creek.  He was the older brother of another basketball star, Paul Trcka, and his sister, Kathleen Trcka Taylor (class of 1960), was also a sports star in her own right.  Chuck passed away on Wednesday, July 29, following about a month long hospital stay.  We will all miss Chuck and greatly appreciate his contributions to the basketball program at CCHS.  Below is Chuck's obituary from the Galveston Daily News.

Obituary

Charles Paul “CHUCK” Trcka, age 79, was called home to Heaven at 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.Chuck was born on May 21, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas. He was a caring husband, father, and grandfather. He was highly involved in his church community.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Charles (Charlie) Paul Trcka, Sr. and Elizabeth Frances (Witte) Trcka. Chuck is survived by Toni, his loving wife of 28 years. He is also survived by four sons and 11 grandchildren: Jeff Trcka – Lindsey & Taylor; Todd & Lisanne Trcka – Jackson, Turner, & Arrington; Greg & Kristine Trcka – Sydney, Colton, Joe, & Jake; Paul & Rikki Fonte – Matthew, Andrew, Josh, & Rylee. Chuck is also survived by his siblings: Kathleen Taylor and husband, Hugh; Don Trcka and wife, Bev; Paul Trcka and wife Cherie; and Randy Trcka and friend, Sara. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Madeline Cascio, and by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses who have cared for Chuck throughout his illness, especially during his last few hospital stays.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Crowder Funeral Home in League City. Visitation will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 10114 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas, on Monday, July 29, 2019, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Wake Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. Rev. John Kappe will serve as the Celebrant. Immediately following the Mass, a luncheon will be held in Madonna Hall. After lunch there will be a procession to Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be Chuck’s brothers: Don Trcka & Randy Trcka; cousin, H.C.Kosler; and nephews, Mark Cascio, Michael Cascio, and Michael Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are Jamie Boullion, David Leak, and Hugh Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Boonie Wilkening Finally in Our Hall of Honor

Posted by Dan Jensen

It took until the fourth class but Boonie Wilkening, one of our all-time great baskeetball players, finally was selected.

 

Boonie was our first great basketball star and led our first two district champions in 1954 and 1955 when the high school was located in Webster.  The jump shot was just coming into basketball when he played and he had one that was unguardable.  He later played on a national champion at Southwest Texas (now Texas State) and his storied coach Milton Jowers claimed his jump shot was the best he had ever seen.

Another Lenox of Wildcat Fame Passes Away

Posted by Ed Davis

First Bennie Lenox left us behind in 2016 and then his brother, Dwayne "Curley" Lenox passed a short while ago in February of 2018.  Now their nephew, Jimmie Dale Lenox, has passed away at the age of 72. He died at his home in Willis on Sunday, January 13, 2019.  His funeral service will in The Chapel at the Conroe Funeral Directors funeral home in Conroe on Thursday, January 17. The address is 1504 N.Thompson Street. Jimmie Dale's obituary from the Galveston Daily News is included below to give you more complete information.

Some things about Jimmie Dale that is not included in the obit that might interest you since he was another of the Lenox family to play a key role in the basket program at Clear Creek High School, joining brothers Bennie and Curley as an all-state basketball player. He was a member of that great 1963 Wildcat team that won the state championship. After graduation from CCHS, Jimmie Dale attended Texas A&M where he played basketball during his freshman year and later attended the University of Texas. 

We will miss Jimmie Dale and will remember always his great contributions to the Wildcat basketball program.

Obituary of Jimmie Dale Lenox

Funeral Service for Jimmie Dale Lenox of Willis, Texas will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in The Chapel at the Conroe Funeral Directors Funeral Home with Pastor John Gaston officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Mr. Lenox was born on July 22, 1946 in Texas City, Texas, to James Lenox and Inez (Collins) Lenox and passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at his home in Willis. Jimmie was 72 years old.

Jimmie grew up in League City, graduating from Clear Creek High School where he excelled in athletics.

After a longtime career in construction, Jimmie retired as Superintendent at Gamma Construction Company.

He is survived by his dear family: Loving wife of 25 years, Shirley Lenox; brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Lois Lenox; and his two sisters, Nita Hart and Rita Townsend. Jimmie is also survived by nieces, nephews and other caring relatives and friends.

 

Wildcat Great, Paul Blanchard, Has Passed Away

Posted by Dan Jensen and Ed Davis

Paul Blanchard was a Wildcat basketball player in the mid-1950's.  He is especially remembered as a post player on that great 1956 team that won its first 32 games.  His contributions to the team and the school (then Webster High School) will always be remembered and cherished and he will be greatly missed by family and friends everywhere.  He passed away peacefully at his home in Plum, Texas, on December 5, 2018. Below is his official obituary.

Obituary of Paul Blanchard: 

Paul Andrew Blanchard (Doc) passed away quietly at his home in Plum, Texas on December 5, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Morgan Blanchard; three sons and four daughters: oldest son, Paul Andrew Blanchard, Jr. and family reside in Santa Fe, Texas; son, James Scott Blanchard and family reside in Houston, Alaska; youngest son, Pardon Delore (Dink) Blanchard resides in Plum, Texas; daughters are Misty D. Blanchard of La Grange, Texas; Robin Lee Georgens and husband, Matt, of Deltona, Florida; Reta Celestine (Cyndi) Parker of Fort Worth, Texas; youngest daughter, Jill McIntyre and husband, Bill, reside in Graham, Texas. Paul had fourteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Surviving also is his only brother, Robert (Bob) Blanchard and wife, Anita, of La Grange, Texas.

In 1955, before turning eighteen, Paul Andrew Blanchard joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. He retired from military service in August 1975 after serving twenty years. Paul then returned to his childhood home in League City, Texas where he became a journeyman pipefitter working out of Local 211. In 2002, Paul retired and raised cattle in Plum, Texas with wife, Sara, until his passing.

Paul and Sara are members of the First Presbyterian Church in La Grange, Texas and occasionally attended services and music specials in Kirtley, Texas at the Cowboy Church. He was also an “old geezer” and enjoyed socializing, discussing politics and cussing politicians over coffee with his fellow “old geezer’s” at Latte’ on the Square in La Grange. Paul will be missed by friends and family, but our hearts are lightened knowing that he is on his eternal journey. We take comfort in the knowledge that we will see him again when our time is determined by the Almighty.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl, La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

 

The Passing of Wildcat Great Dwayne "Curley" Lenox - Obituary Included

Posted by Dan Jensen

Dwayne “Curley” Lenox, one of three all-state basketball brothers, has died. 

 

He was first team all-state in 1963 when he led Clear Creek to its only state championship.  He averaged 20.7 points for the season and that included 32 in perhaps a career performance in a crucial win at Alvin that forced a playoff for the district championship.  Trailing at halftime, Curley led the comeback with 21 second half points on 9 of 12 shooting from the field.  He totaled 32 points.

 

Then he scored 27 against Alvin at Texas City in a 66-40 rout that propelled the Wildcats into the playoffs.  He averaged 24 points in the four game sweep to the state title.

 

He had made two trips previously to the state tournament.  Clear Creek finished second in his sophomore year and third as a junior.

 

Curley had been ill for some time and unable to attend his induction ceremony last fall for the school’s Hall of Honor.  Older brother Bennie is also deceased.  Only Scooter survives from the great Lenox family.

 

Obituary of Curley is below:

 

Dwayne Leon Lenox, 72, a resident of Georgetown, Texas, passed away on February 10, 2018. Dwayne is survived by his wife, Wanda Lenox; son, Phillip Lenox; daughter, Sherrie Maupin; brother, Joe Lenox; special friend and confidant, Connie Fuller; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father, John F. Lenox; mother, Laura M. Lenox; sister, Winifred Morgan; sister, Faye Lee; brother, James F. Lenox; and brother, Bennie H. Lenox. Dwayne was born the fifth child to John and Laura Lenox on March 2, 1945. Dwayne was raised in League City, Texas, and graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1963. It was here that he met and married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Lunday, and remained by her side for the next 54 years. He was an accomplished athlete, earning All-State on his high school state championship basketball team. Upon graduation from high school, he continued his athletic career on a basketball scholarship at Texas A&M University. He completed his academic and athletic career at Southwest Texas State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education, and shortly thereafter, his Master of Education in Administration. He was a coach, teacher, and administrator for the next 40 years. Dwayne retired as principal of Georgetown High School in 2008. He loved to complete as many honey-do lists around his home as time permitted. His projects included flooring, painting, and landscaping. He had a special affection for woodworking and furniture restoration. Many of the items in his home were either made from scratch or restored by hand. On most days during retirement, you could find Dwayne holding court with his many friends solving the world’s problems over a cup of coffee. His favorite movie genre was the classic western. He enjoyed the simple moral lessons they taught and the childhood experiences with family and friends they recalled. He loved music, with a special affinity for bluegrass and classic 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll. He was a member and deacon of various church organizations; however, his primary affiliation was Assembly of God. The positive impact he had on anyone who met him was rooted in the example he set each day on how to live a life of honor, respect, and quiet dignity. He was always willing to give his time and resources to those who could benefit from his knowledge and experience. Dwayne will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. A private service was held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.LBDA.org.

Wildcat Great, James Davis, Passes Away

Another great Clear Creek basketball star is gone but not forgotten.  James Davis, our first all-state player, has died.  He played on the first two state tournament teams with Webster in 1956 and the new Clear Creek school in 1957.

 

The Wildcats have had many great shooters but he is part of the list that includes such as Bennie and Curley Lenox, Paul Hackett, Paul Trcka and several others.  He had a school record 16 points in one quarter and later scored 38 points in a third place 1957 state tournament win over Bowie.  He scored 1,022 points in his two year career.

 

He and Robert Brown formed an outstanding guard combination for that 1957 team that finished 33-3 and was undefeated in district play.  Both went to Rice on basketball scholarships after playing on Wildcat teams that had a 66-4 two year record.

The Obituary of Bennie Lenox

In Memory of Bennie Lenox

September 24, 1941 - July 16, 2016

 

Bennie Harold Lenox of Bertram, Texas passed away July 16, 2016. Born the fourth child to John Franklin Lenox and Laura Parker Lenox on September 24, 1941 in Madisonville, Texas. Madison County, Texas.

Bennie is survived by his wife, Kathy, brothers Joe "Scooter" Lenox (Berry Lynn); Dwayne "Curly" Lenox (Wanda), children Gayle Loyd (Steve); Laura Sandmann (Rick); Bennie Lenox, Jr. (Debbie), Stepchildren Guerin Spivey; Kristi McCurley (Rick), ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Winifred Morgan and Faye Lee, and brother James Lenox.

Bennie's dad, John, was employed by Humble Pipeline Co. and he moved the family to Webster, Texas and then to League City, Texas where Bennie attended schools. Bennie graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1960. During his three years in high school, Bennie excelled in multiple sports, but his true passion was basketball. Honors accumulated and he was All-State his junior and senior years. His sharpshooting and scoring ability gained him a scholarship to play basketball at Texas A&M University. Bennie's transition from high school to college ball was flawless. Honors and accomplishments continued at A&M plus multiple All-SWC selections, All American, Olympic Trials. The list goes on and on, all so well deserved.

Besides all of his athletic prowess, he excelled academically and was a born leader.

Upon graduation from Texas A&M in 1964 Bennie was employed in the insurance industry after declining to play professionally when he was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets. He coached basketball at the University of Texas for a number of years before going to work in the lumber industry until his retirement.

Bennie was an avid and very talented golfer, loved hunting and enjoying the comaraderie of the deer lease. He could cook anything, but he especially loved the open pit. He was an extremely talented woodworker and could build anything he wanted. However, his legacy is that he was the most loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle any family could ever have.

Visitation will be held Monday July 18, 2016 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet.

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday July 19, 2016 at 10 am at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet, with internment to follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Liberty Hill.

Arrangements were made by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet.

Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com

Bennie Lenox, Wildcat Superstar, Passes Away in Bertram, Texas

Posted By Dan Jensen

 

A giant has fallen.  Bennie Lenox, our all-time best basketball player, died today (July 16) while under hospice care in Bertram, Texas.  Bennie had been ill for some time with various ailments.  This is a sad day and condolences to his fine family.  The Lenox and Carlisle families reign supreme in Clear Creek basketball history.

 

His record 46 point game and career total of 2,357 points have been eclipsed through the years but his record of 1,051 points in his senior year still stands.

 

Again I say, this is a sad day.  His likes may never be seen again.  And, I always considered him a better person than player.  For more information, I refer you to a previous thread on this blog:

 

http://carlislescreek.typepad.com/carlisles_creek/2006/01/anybody_remembe.html

The Return of a 30 Win Season

 

Posted by Dan Jensen

 

Once upon a time, 30 win seasons were common for Clear Creek basketball.  George Carlisle’s teams won 30 or more in seven of his last nine seasons and Bill Krueger’s teams did it five times in seven seasons.

 

There was a long drought until Buddy Carlisle’s team had a 30-4 record in 1999.  But now Wes Bryan has piloted the Wildcats through a  perilous playoff run that only ended in the regional finals.  The miracle wins are over but the 33-4 record is one of our all-time best.

 

The 1960 team led by the great Bennie Lenox had the most wins at 39-3 but it did not produce the thrills and chills of this year’s team.  We can be proud that this team has awakened the echoes of our wonderful past.

CCHS Family and Fans Mourn Loss of 2 Former Coaches

The passing of two former coaches for Clear Creek High School, Paul Gips and Max Blansit,  is a cause for mourning among the family and friends of CCHS. 

Paul Gips died in Dallas on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. He was 93.  He was best known for being the head coach of football for the Wildcats.  Interment was at Forest Park East,21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, 2:00 p.m on Saturday, April 12.

Max Mullenix Blansit, 81, passed away with his family at his side on Aug. 2, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Frankie Y. Cohagan Blansit, and daughter, Lisa A. Blansit.  Max was an educator and coach (football, track and cross country) for Clear Creek High School in past days.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, Aug. 5th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Crowder Funeral Home - Webster. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6th at Crowder Funeral Home - Webster. Interment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.

5 Most Memorable CCHS Basketball Plays: 1953-70

Posted by Ed Davis

 

Lynn Davis sent an email to some of us in which he said: “Name the top five most memorable basketball plays in Wildcat basketball history from 1953-70.  I will say at this time:

1) The James Collins shot in the semifinals at state to send us to the title game.

2) The Buddy Carlisle steal and free throws to beat Ball High in our gym.

What are your thoughts?”

So, let's let Lynn know what we think are the most memorable plays during that span of time.  Do you agree with his two choices?  Can you add more or even come up with some different plays altogether?  This is your chance to let the world know.

The Loss of Pat Jensen

We received word today from Dan Jensen that his younger brother, Pat - a former Wildcat basketball player in the 50"s and who also played basketball for Sam Houston State University- passed away today from complications due to cancer.  We are all saddened by this loss and offer our condolences and prayers to all the Jensen family.  We will certainly miss Pat and will forever keep him in our memories.

Dan sent along the following obituary:

Patrick Earl Jensen, 74, died February 20, 2013 in Kingwood, TX. He was born May 30, 1938 in Lexington, TX, the son of H.C. and Vivian Jensen. Pat graduated from Webster High School (Clear Creek), Sam Houston State University, and retired from Chevron USA. He is survived by wife Rosella of Kingwood, TX, daughter, Tammy Schultz of Fort Worth, TX, Grandson, Scott Schultz of Houston, TX, Granddaughter, Jillian Schultz of Fort Worth, TX, and son Todd Jensen of Elgin, TX, brother Dan Jensen of Claremore, OK. There will be no funeral service. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Memorial Service for Coach Carlisle

Posted by Ed Davis

At the memorial service for Coach George B. Carlisle - held on May 30,2011 at the George B. Carlisle Field House on the campus of Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas - it did not take long to realize that Coach Carlisle was more than just a legendary basketball coach during his long career.  It was evident to us all that he was also a legendary as a family patriarch and as an educator.  And it was also evident that this man touched and influenced the lives of thousands of people during his lifetime. 

As we came into the fieldhouse foyer, we were greeted by an array of items of memorabilia of the life and times of Coach Carlisle and his family artfully arranged on several display tables.  These gave further evidence of the wonderful, productive, and influential life of this giant of a man.

The memorial service itself was led by Pastor Jason Skaer and long-time colleague and friend of Coach Carlisle, Ralph Parr.  They both shared stories and memories of Coach (the name by which many of us knew him) that made the audience laugh and cry.  Beautiful music was provided by a select choir of young people from Clear Creek High School and also by two of Coach's grandchildren, Kelsey and Weston Carlisle.  Another grandson, Wilson Carlisle, gave a reading of Psalm 23. 

Needless to say, it was a great occasion to honor a great man.  I was glad to be there as a part of it. 

There was a tremendous amount of personal memorabilia from the life of Coach and his family available for vieiwing in the foyer of the field house.

 Pastor Jason Skaer delivers a message of hope to the many who attended the service.

Coach's son, Buddy, tells a favorite story about his dad.  The court on which Buddy is standing has been named the Buddy Carlisle Court in honor of his many successful years of coaching the CCHS Wildcats basketball team.

 

Two very talented grandkids, Kelsey and Weston Carlisle, sing a song  entitled "You Raise Me Up" in tribute to Coach Carlisle.

Peggy and I share a moment after the service.  What a wonderful lady she is!

Benny Lenox, Charles Milligan, Hugh Taylor, and Ed Davis at the memorial service.  Hard to believe it has been 50 plus years since we played together on the Wildcat basketball team under Coach Carlisle.

 

The Passing of a Legend - Coach George B. Carlisle

Posted by Ed Davis

We are all saddened by the passing of our legenday and beloved Coach Carlisle.  Coach departed this world on Sunday, May 22, 2011. His obituary can be found below.  In the obituary will be found details about the private burial services for Coach and a memorial service for him on Monday, May 30, at 11:00 AM at the George B. Carlisle Field House on the campus of CCHS in League City, Texas.

Coach Carlisle was friend and mentor to a vast number of people and he will be dearly missed by all.  His wife, Peggy, said the he is now in a better place after suffering from Alzheimer's for the past few years.  She was excited to think about his reunion with their son, Billy, who passed away unexpectedly a couple of years ago. 

This blog was created to honor the accomplishments of Coach Carlisle as the head basketball coach at both Webster High School and Clear Creek High School in League City.  Those who knew him or knew of him will fondly remember those accomplishments that meant so much to so many. 

Here is the obituary: 

GEORGE BARBER CARLISLE, born November 3, 1928, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2011.

George dedicated his life to education and spent most of his career serving in Clear Creek ISD. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1949, coached at Webster High school
for a year and then served from 1951-1953 in the US Army. George returned after his tour of duty and was the head basketball coach at Webster which became Clear Creek High School where he coached successfully until 1962.

George left CCISD to coach basketball at Rice University and returned to the district to serve as the first principal of Seabrook Intermediate. He then opened up Clear Lake High School as principal from 1972-1979. George continued to serve Clear Creek ISD as the Deputy Superintendent of Business and, finally, served two terms on the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees.

George is survived by his wife of 60 years, Peggy McMahan Carlisle, daughter, Vicki Garrison and her husband, Bob, his son, George B. Carlisle, Jr. (Buddy) and his wife, Jenny, and his daughter-in-law, Shannon Carlisle. George has seven grandchildren: Brent, Brandon, Kelsey, Wilson, Weston, Wyndon and Kaleigh, and five great-grandchildren: JB, Shelby, Adrian, Abigail, and Brendon. George is preceded in death by his youngest son, Billy Glyn Carlisle.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Monday, May 30, 2011 at the George B. Carlisle Field House located on the campus of Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas.  A private burial will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2011. For those desiring, donations in George's memory may be made to the Clear Creek Education Foundation c/o Buddy Carlisle 2210 Golden Sails Drive League City, Texas 77573.

 

We love you, Coach, and look forward to our reunion with you in the future.

Let's Repeat That Game!

Posted by Dan Jensen

I recently saw something on TV about arrangements being made to repeat a game of the past between two teams.  I think it was on the high school level but don't know any details at all about it.  That got me to thinking about some Clear Creek games that I would have wanted to see repeated.  I think the TV folks were talking about a game of just a few years ago.  My games would be impossible to repeat because of the ages now of the players involved.

 

I will list some mighty big disappointing defeats below, in order, and am glad that some actually were repeated in that season.

 

1.  1956 Phillips 84-81 in the first round game of the state tournament.  We made our first trip to Austin undefeated in 32 games and lost a heartbreaker that still stings after almost 54 years.  I recall Orland Sims of the Austin American describing it "a game that appeared to be verging on the impossible."  It was the state record in all classes for total points scored for several years.  I sure would have liked to play that one again.

 

2. 1960 Linden-Kildare 61-51, again the opening round of the state tournament.  We went to Austin worrying about tall and talented Belton and felt mighty good when it was beaten in the game right before ours.  Linden-Kildare put a lot of pressure on our guards since sophomore Bill Doty was not a scoring threat at that time.  Bennie Lenox, the state's best player regardless of classification, made only 2 of 17 field goals and fouled out with just nine points.  That would never, never happen in a repeat.

 

3. 1963 Deer Park 44-43.  This stinger came in the opening game of district play in Henry Bauerschlag's first year as head coach and broke a seven year district winning streak and some think that Chuck Stamper's last second shot actually was on time.  But the game was played in Deer Park.  We did repeat that game in the second round and we won easily at home.  And that team went on to win a state championship.

 

4. 1966 San Antonio John Marshall in the state tournament and I don't remember the score.  Maybe Paul Hackett does.  I do recall that we were on the verge of winning when we had the ball stolen twice for layups in the waning moments and we lost in overtime.  Being close to a state title is a rare occasion.  This was Bill Krueger's first Clear Creek team.

 

5. 1954 Alvin 56-51.  We had won our first 28 games before stumbling on the road.  (We didn't lose big games at home in those days.)  Happily, we did get a repeat--actually two--on this.  They were playoff games for our first district championship and we won, 61-45 and 53-51.

 

Some others, in no particular order:

1959 Devine 41-38.  This was in the regional finals at Victoria and prevented a fourth straight trip to the state tournament.  We did get a repeat the very next year and Bennie Lenox led us to a very easy rout.

 

1960 Madisonville 49-40.  A break in our district schedule.  We had won an earlier game, 52-38 at home and took a 32-1 record on the road.  Madisonville had a pitiful excuse for a gym and the game was more pitiful.

 

1968 Conroe.  Had a 35-0 season ruined in bi-district.  Scooter Lenox will have to give some details on this disappointment.  We had won a close game earlier in the year and I fully expected to win.

 

I hope that some of our old players and fans will add their selections and thoughts.  And, it doesn't have to be just basketball.  In 1964 we played Deer Park on our field for a district championship.  Joe McKinney had a great game but we lost, I believe, by 34-28.  I would like to repeat a 1957 regional baseball game against San Antonio Northside.  I would pitch junior Chuck Trcka instead of senior Gary Brizendine.  Both were fine pitchers but Trcka was throwing better late in the year--and it was his turn.

 

Have at it guys--and girls.

2009/10 Wildcats Off to a Great Start

Posted by Dan Jensen

Last year's basketball team that finished dead last in district play and lost to Dickinson on the road and AT HOME was an embarrassment to many of the former players and long time followers that remembered the wonderful tradition that had been built over the years but was now gone with the wind and hiding in the tall grass.

 

Well, give Coach Chris Romine and the current Wildcats some credit this year.  The challenges of district play began last Tuesday and the team record entering district competition was 15-3, after winning third place in the Alvin tournament.  I am in no way comparing this squad to the glory teams of yesteryear but their  record through 18 games is as good or better than some of them from this sampling:

 

1956 18-0 (3rd, state)

1957 17-1 (3rd, state)

1958 15-3 (3rd, state)

1959 9-9 (regional finals)

1960 17-1 (3rd, state)

1961 17-1 (2nd, state)

1962 14-4 (3rd, state)

1963 13-5 (State Champion)

1964 13-5 (2nd, state)

Our State Championship Trophy Shines Again!

Posted by Dan Jensen

In Curley Lenox's recent story on the 1963 state championship year, he spoke of the 25th reunion of that great event and the dismay he and his teammates had regarding the state ot the trophy.

 

    He said, "...the silver had changed to a rustic brown, the writing was almost unreadable, and they did not know if it could cleaned up enough to be presentable. I, along with some of the teammates I talked to, were very upset that our state championship trophy was put in a place to corrode and not be taken care of as it should have been. We weren’t talking about a third place trophy for a junior varsity track meet. This is a state championship trophy. In our minds, it should have been the center piece of the best trophy case in the school. It wouldn’t hurt to have a light shine directly on it twenty-four hours a day. What disrespect the leadership of the school showed. It makes me wonder where it might be “hidden,” today. If I had known in 1963 that our trophy would be treated like it was, the entire team would have rebelled against turning it over to the school in the first place."

 

    The anger was entirely justified and, even before Curley's piece, some of us were discussing this tragedy after 21 more years had passed.  Retired coach Buddy Carlisle did some work on rearranging the trophies and noted the horrible condition of our sterling trophy.  He took it to a local orthodontist named Lynn Davis.  Now Dr. Davis aligns teeth and restoring a shine to a trophy was not in his training.  But Dr. Davis is a deep thinker and after seeking expert help to no avail, he decided to try something called Brasso.  Hallelujah!  Our state championship trophy shines again!  You can even read the lettering.

 

    Some have accused Ralph Parr and Lynn Davis of being gone with the wind and hiding in the tall grass.  That is only half true.

Who Got What?? Scholarship Offers to Wildcat Greats!!!!

Posted by Dan Jensen

I am in an e-mail group that includes former Clear Creek athletes.  Some respond infrequently but several have had interesting contributions.  Some of those are Paul Hackett, Lynn Davis, Buddy Carlisle, Scooter Lenox, Terry Mathis and Joe Adams.

I knew that Terry went to Sam Houston but, until recently, I never knew that he also had an offer from Southwest Texas out of Paris Junior College.  I knew that Paul Hackett transferred from Rice to Southwest Texas for basketball but never knew that he had a couple of football offers too.

 

A lot of our guys played a college sport and I know the schools but what other scholarship offers did they have?  I hope we have several former athletes that will share this interesting information with us.

 

Note from Ed Davis:  To get you guys started, let me share with you what Paul Hackett sent along on this topic.  Paul says:

 

I will start...
 
Football:  Naval Academy
              Washington University in St Louis
 
Basketball:  TCU
                  Rice...signed with them
 
Baseball:  Coach Tommy Davis told me years later that there was interest,   however, I signed early with Rice and that pretty well negated any further contact.

Now it is your turn, guys!!!!  Add your comments below.

 

 

Welcome to Carlisle's Creek Weblog

Wildcat Great, Boone Wilkening, Passes Away

One of the first great stars of the George Carlisle era of Webster/Clear Creek High School basketball passed away on May 3, 2010.  Many remember that soft, left-handed jump shot that propelled the Wildcats to many victories and two district championships for the team Boonie played on in the early to mid-1950's.  Below is the obituary for Boonie that appeared in the Brenham newspaper.

 

You can also read more about Boonie and his passing in a comment written by Dan Jensen on the thread entitled Who Has Departed From Us?   To access that comment, click here.  Once on the thread, scroll to the last comment to see what Dan has written.  You can also go to Dan's comment directly by looking over in the right sidebar under Recent Comments and click on Dan's comment that is posted on the thread.

 

We will miss you greatly, Boonie.

Here is the obituary:

Franklin Boone Wilkening, 72, went to meet our Lord on Monday, May 3, 2010 with his family at his side, encircling him with love and prayers and sharing stories about their loved one.

Boone was born June 25, 1937 in Monahans, Texas. He was the son of Murry and Hazel Wilkening. He graduated from Webster High School, Webster, Texas. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos with a Bachelor’s degree. While at SWT, he was an All American basketball player and shooting guard on their 1960 NAIA National Championship winning team.

He was an accomplished high school basketball coach, entrepreneur, and award winning salesman.  A loving, outgoing, Christian man, Boone never met a stranger. He took care of his mother and enjoyed working the ranch in Burton, Texas. An avid hunter and fisherman, no one ever caught a fish bigger than his.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Murry E. and Hazel Wilkening. Surviving him are his loving wife, Barbara, along with children, Becky Wilkening Paddock and husband Bill of Riverton, WY, Michael Boone Wilkening and wife AnnMarie of McDade, Texas, and Laura Wilkening Eubanks and husband, Kim of McKinney, Texas. His grandchildren are Laura Crowley and husband Charlie, Mary Ann Wilkening, Cameron Eubanks, Weston Eubanks and Taylor Eubanks. His great grandchildren are Caleb and Ava Crowley, Becky Bohanan and Robert Simmons. His sister, Virginia Wilkening McCune and husband Jim of Burton, Texas, and Ronald E. Wilkening and wife Sharon of Alvin, Texas and many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

A Visit with "The Coach" - Report from Ed Davis

My son, Matt, and I are in Houston this weekend (March 26-28) to watch my Baylor Bears in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Championship basketball tournament.  How great it was to see the Bears beat St. Mary's last night and advance to the Elite 8 game on Sunday against number-one seed Duke.  Sic 'em, Bears!

 

But, perhaps the greatest moment of my weekend was a chance to visit with Coach Carlisle at his permanent residence at the Regency Center across from our old Webster High School building.  Buddy knew that I was going to be in town for the tourney and invited me to join him and Coach at lunchtime on Saturday, our off day before the Sunday game.  I jumped at the chance and it was a fantastic experience for me.

 

Buddy had warned me that Coach does not remember people even though he often acts like he does.  Buddy was correct.  Coach was eating his lunch with Buddy's help and looked at me the whole time like he was trying hard to remember.  He looked great but never said a word.  Buddy and I visited about the Baylor game (Buddy was at the St. Mary's game as well) and we talked about Peggy as well.

 

When we got ready to leave, Buddy took coach's hand and put it in mine so he could shake hands with me as a good-bye gesture.  I have got to tell you that Coach still has a very strong grip.  It was a very emotional moment for me as Coach looked me directly in the eye.  I felt like his inner mind really did remember me even if his outer mind appeared not to.  That is my feeling and I am sticking to it! 

 

My prayers continue to be raised up for Coach Carlisle and all the Carlisle family.  I hope you will join me in that.

Coach Bobby Proctor Has Passed Away

Former Clear Creek ISD coach, Bobby Proctor, passed away at a nursing home in Logview, Texas, at the age of 81.  Coach Proctor was a well-known and loved coach and mentor to many Clear Creek athletes back in the 1950's and 1960's before moving on to teach, coach, and serve in several administrative positions (including Superintendent of Schools) in White Oak, Texas.  He will be missed by many people all over this great state and beyond and we send our condolences and a wish for peace to all of his family.

 

Funeral services for Coach Proctor will be held at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Longview on Sunday, March 7, at 2 P.M.  To read his obituary, you can click here to go to the Lakeview Funeral Home site.  While there you can sign a guest book in his honor and leave a message for his family.

 

If you wish to leave some thoughts about Coach Proctor on this blog, go to the post that includes some thoughts he wrote for us a while back and add your comments there.  The post is entitled Bobby Proctor Remembers.  You can access this post by going to the index over in the right side-bar of this blog or you can just click here to take you to the post.

 

Dan Jensen's New Post as of 2/6/10- A Compelling Addition to the Blog

Dan Jensen has written a new and very compelling post entitled Let's Repeat That Game!  In this post, Dan describes some very close losses over the years of Wildcat basketball and wishes that we could replay those games with different outcomes. To check out this great post, click here.  Then add your comments below the post - maybe you can think of another close loss or give us your thoughts on the games Dan has talked about. 

What's Happening with the 2009/10 Wildcat Roundball Team? 

Check out the new post below about the current Wildcat squad.  How are they doing in their 3rd year under coach Chris Romine?  Inquiring minds will really want to know!  Just click here to read Dan's report.

Read about a Great Reclamation Project on the State Championship Trophy

You can get things done when you send in the right men to do the job!  And Buddy Carlisle and Lynn Davis proved to be the right men in restoring the 1963 state championship trophy to the lustre that it deserves.  Read about this project in Dan Jensen's new post entitled The State Championship Trophy Shines Again!  Click here to go to this great post.  Thanks, Lynn and Buddy!!!!

You Just Have to Read Curley Lenox's Comments on the 1963 State Championship Year!!!

Dwayne "Curley" Lenox was one of the star players on the only CCHS boys' basketball team to win the coveted state championship.  In his comment to Dan Jensen's post, which is entitled "Our Championship Year", Curley has written a tremendous narrative, in great detail, about that year and it touches on many topics like the coaches, the individual games, the practices, the interaction between coaches and players, the feelings and emotions and many more.  You just cannot fail to read this somewhat long but vastly entertaining article.  To go to the post, just click here.  Then simply scroll down until you get to Curley's comment.  However, I would suggest you read all the comments leading up to that particular one.  You will not be disappointed.

Update on Coach George Carlisle as of 8-26-09

Peggy Carlisle has sent us some new information about the situation with Coach Carlisle and how he is faring these days.  Here is what Peggy has reported:

George is about the same.  He is definitely more at peace with most things at the Regency Village Nursing Home that we moved him to in April.  He does not walk anymore, and is beyond rehab, because he does not take instructions.  Possibly he does not comprehend what is being said to him. 

 

He does move around in his wheelchair some, and he has bruises on his arms and legs to prove it.  He seems to bump into furniture a lot.  He still eats well, although he does not do that too well by himself.  I try to be there for his lunch and evening meal to feed him.  He weighs about 175, and I think he looks good. 

 

He sleeps quite a bit.  Sometimes it is probably from the medication that he gets to keep him calm, but sometimes it can be from not having a good night's sleep.  I surely know what that is like.  Ha!! 

 

I still say "Hey Babe" when I walk in the room, and he still seems glad to see me.  A part of me feels like we still have that special connection we will always have, and so I really look forward to seeing him every day.  I talk to him a lot just like he knows what I'm talking about.  Of course I only tell him the good and newsey things.  I talk about things we see together on TV.  He has a new flat screen and it is on most of the time with sports.  So that's the same. Ha! 

 

I really encourage anyone who would like to visit him to do so, as most of the time, he really seems to enjoy company.  We have a nice reception area, or lobby I guess, and if I know ahead of time, I usually take him out front to visit with anyone.  However, people come to visit him in his room, too.  It is always interesting to watch him when he sees an old friend.  Usually you can tell if he gets a connection.

 

Thanks so much to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.  Believe me, they are felt and appreciated.

Peggy is certainly the most positive person I know and our prayers and thoughts should continue to go out to her, Coach, and the entire Carlisle clan.

 Check Out the Post on Scholarship Offers - New as of 8/10/09

Many of the Clear Creek star athletes received scholarship offers from colleges and universities in Texas and around the nation.  Dan Jensen has developed a new post in which he invites former Wildcat players to tell all of us what scholarship offers came as a result of their stellar play at CCHS.  Paul Hackett shares his and we are awaiting others.  To go to this post, simply click here.

New Post on Book About Jowers

Dan Jensen has posted a new article on the blog concerning a book that has been published about the highly successful Southwest Texas basketball coach, Milton Jowers. The book includes stories about some of our CCHS Wildcat colleagues. Click here to read this great new post.

Table of Contents for Blog Posts

This blog is now over 4 years old and many people have contributed great articles and comments.  In order for you to get to those posts that may interest you the most, a Table of Contents has been created and can be found in the left sidebar.  Simply scroll down through the list and click on those posts which may be of interest to you. 

Of course, once you have read a post, we would like for you to add your comments.  If you used the Table of Contents to get to the post, you will see the comments that others have already added.  At the end of the comments section, you will find a place for adding your own comments.  Just type in your name (no need to fill in the URL or e-mail categories) and then type in your comment.  When finished, just click on the word Post found below the comment box.  Your comment is now on the blog.

To return to the main blog area, you can scroll back to the top of any page and click on the word Main found there.  Or you can scroll to the top of either the left or right sidebar and click on anything of interest found there.

We hope you enjoy your visit to this blog.  Read on down in this introductory post for information on recent posts, instructions for finding your way around the blog, and other interesting "stuff" related to Clear Creek sports, personalities, and many other areas.

About This Weblog

Posted by Edward Davis, Class of 1959 - Site Manager

This weblog is for Clear Creek Independent School District basketball fans, former basketball players, former coaches, faculty, and friends of the Wildcats everywhere. This includes the Wildcats of Webster High School and as well as those of Clear Creek High School. It is the hope of those who have helped to create this site that many will contribute stories, memories, highlights, questions, statistics, discussion topics, photos, and much more to make this an exciting and inviting place to visit in order to relive some of those "good old days" that we fondly remember. We sincerely hope that all will visit the site often.

This site has also been created in large part to pay tribute to some of the special basketball coaches from the district, especially the legendary coach, George Carlisle, for whom this weblog site is named. Hopefully, many former players, fans, and friends will take time to share some special thoughts and memories of these former coaches. Besides Coach Carlisle, special coaches we should all remember include such as Henry Bauerschlag, Bobby Proctor, Les Talley, and Bill Krueger, just to name a few. We know there are stories out there about these great coaches just waiting to be told.

Special thanks go out to Dan Jensen (Class of 53) who has been the spark that got this whole venture started in the first place. He has poked, cajoled, begged, pleaded, laid guilt upon, and perpetrated numerous other acts in an attempt to get former Wildcat basketball players from the days of yesterday to put some things in writing so that all their stories and memories can be documented and can become part of a living history for all of us to enjoy. Dan is the common thread among us all.

So, let's go Wildcats! Take the plunge and let's hear what you have to say. Send us some photos, tell us some stories, comment on what you see and read, make us laugh, make us cry. Take a tour of this site. See what is here. Enjoy the opportunity. The Wildcat faithful everywhere are waiting to hear just from you!

Site Navigation Tips

• To read main posts, simply scroll down through the main page.
• To read or make comments, go to the bottom of each post and click on the "comments" button.  At the end of the last comment, you can add your own comment by inserting your name (no need to type in email or url addresses) and then typing your comment.  When finished typing, click on the "Post" button under the comment box.
• To return to the main weblog page, use the back arrow of your browser bar or scroll back up to top of current page being viewed and click on the tag entitled "Main."
• To view information about Coach Carlisle, click on the "About" tag on the right-hand sidebar.
• To view photo albums, click on the title of each album found in the right-hand sidebar.  Click on individual thumbnails in each album to view larger picture and information about the photo.

Book on Jowers Includes Our Guys

Posted by Dan Jensen

 

Buddy Carlisle has told me of a recently published book on Milton Jowers, the Southwest Texas coaching legend.  I just received the book and found it interesting.

 

Coach George Carlisle played for Jowers and the book mentions several other names that would be familiar to us as well.  Les Talley, Joddie Witte, Boonie Wilkening, and Chuck Trcka all played for Jowers and Curley Lenox is also mentioned.  Henry Bauerschlag also played for Jowers but is not mentioned.

 

I will share some of the portions of the book in the days to come.

Reunion of 1959 Wildcat Tri-Captains

Posted by Ed Davis

On the weekend of April 24-26, the Class of 1959 of Clear Creek High School celebrated its 50th reunion with a variety of events down in the Clear Creek area.  42 different grads from that class along with spouses and friends had a great time renewing acquaintances, making new friends, sharing memories, swapping tall tales, enjoying great food, and generally having a grand old time.

Among those in attendance were the Wildcat basketball tri-captains and I thought you might enjoy seeing a recent picture of these guys (which included yours truly) and compare it to one from the '59 yearbook.   Time does fly by and it is important to keep relationships going and it was great for me to see these guys once again along with a lot of other good friends on that weekend.

The 1959 version looked like this:

 

Here is the current version (left to right - Hugh Taylor, Charles Milligan, Edward Davis):

Latest Update on Wildcat-ex Ray Kraemer

Posted by Ed Davis

Our good friend in Nevada, Patrick Hosier, has sent the following information concerning Ray Kraemer, a former CCHS Wildcat basketball star who is now playing for the University of Nevada:

This information was during the 08/09 basketball season:

I haven't been updating the Ray Kraemer info because he's not seeing much playing time. Nevada is very young. We start 2 freshman, 2 sophomores and 1 senior. Ray is a junior this year, but he's a bit of a tweener as was discussed last year. He's 6'4, 200lb and in excellent shape. But he lacks lateral quickness and doesn't handle the ball well enough to play the SG position, and he's playing behind a couple of very good small forwards that are both 6'6 and over 210lb.

Ray's a good 3 point shooter, an outstanding free throw shooter (21-22 on the season) and a good rebounder, but opposing guards are too quick and opposing SFs are too big so it's his defense that limits his minutes IMHO. When Nevada plays zone he gets playing time, but the team only plays zone when there is foul trouble or the defense is getting abused by our opponent, so it doesn't happen often.

Ray's averaging 9.5 minutes, 3 pts, 1.6 rebounds and a very good 1.3 points per shot.  I don't expect Ray's status to change much next year as we lose one SG but have signed the nations #14 ranked SG from a HS in Seattle. Both of the SFs that play in front of Ray are also back next year. Still, I'll check in on occasion to let you know how he does.

This account was after the 08/09 season had ended:

It was a disappointing year for Ray Kraemer. He just didn't have the quickness and ball handling necessary for SG and he's a little small to play the SF. Nevada's SF's were 6'6 and 6'7 and both very good. The SG's were a senior and the starter from the previous year so there was no real opportunity for playing time.

The Pack is heading to Europe in a week for a 4 game trip through Spain and Italy and Ray gets to go on the trip but he won't get to play.

I'll try to throw you an update next season when we see what our new coach (he's been a Nevada assistant for 10 years) does with Ray. With the recent attrition within the program he might see more playing time next season. He'll be a senior so it's his last opportunity.

With Ray it all comes down to defense. If his lateral quickness is better he'll get a lot of minutes. But last year he fouled too often when guarding quick players and got abused by taller players. It's weird because he's fast, strong and jumps very well, he just doesn't have quickness. And he's a phenomenal shooter.

 

Thanks Patrick for your info and we will look forward to hearing more from you when the 09/10 basketball season rolls around.

The Warren Chapman Story

Posted by Dan Jensen

Anyone remember someone named Warren Chapman?  Y'all are probably too young to be eyewitnesses but you may have heard some of the story.  Some of the story is all that I have but it was intriguing in its day.

We had just finished the 1962 season by winning third place (again) at the state tournament. South San Antonio beat us for the title in 1961 but this time the two teams played for third.  Someone got the script for the two years mixed up.

 

Bill Doty was a senior and the big gun on that 34-5 team.  I remember him and Bobby Rule talking in the dressing room afterwards about how they had done about as well as they could do that year and better than many had thought they would.

 

A short while after the team returned home, I heard a story that was hard to believe.  A sophomore with a NASA father had moved into the district.  He was about the same size as Doty and I was being told he was about as good.  Wait a minute, folks.  Bill Doty averaged 22 points per game and was all-state.  About as good as Doty, they persisted.  His name was Warren Chapman, transferring from Virginia, and didn't our future prospects look bright!  Unbelievable!

 

But, there was problem.  A big problem.  Transfers are ineligible for a year.  Not so now is it?  I don't recall when that policy changed but it was not 1963.  Coach Carlisle had me make copies of clippings for the year with emphasis on the good junior varsity team.  That was back in the horse and buggy Xerox days but I got it done.  Woe is us.  Chapman thought he had a better future in Virginia and went back.

 

We won the state championship the next year, you remember, and did not need the big guy for that although we would have had a better record than 26-6.  That was Henry Bauerschlag's first year as head coach since Coach Carlisle took an assistant's job in basketball and football at Rice.

 

The next year, when Chapman was a senior, we lost to tall Graham, 60-50 in the state finals.  A big post player, all-state H. C. Lochner led all scorers with 26.  Don't try to tell me that Chapman would not have neutralized him and we would have had a second straight state title.  Jimmie Dale Lenox was a senior that year and scored 21 against Graham.  Would we have had two all-staters on that team?  Probably.  But we had to wait for Scooter Lenox and Richard Huhn for that rare feat to occur four years later.

 

Coach Carlisle recruited Chapman to play for Rice, got him a summer job but Chapman went to Duke in the fall.  I think he had a decent career there but don't know the details.  I just know it was a sad story about what might have been.

Arthur Landiault Passes Away

Posted by Dan Jensen

Franklin McKinney has phoned me with the sad news that Arthur Landriault has died of cancer.  This is a shock to me since I did not know until a couple of days ago that he was even sick.

 

Franklin and I agree that Arthur was a good guy.  He made an impact for us in both football and basketball but those skills faded long ago.  He remained a good guy.  Franklin lived close to Arthur in League City and they did things together growing up.

 

His grandson, Jason Phillips, just finished his career at TCU as an outstanding linebacker and surely is headed for the pros.  Too bad that Arthur will not be able to enjoy that.

This and That and Other Great Stuff

Posted by Ed Davis

A previous post in this blog was entitled A Place for Idle Chatter and was designed so that anyone could comment on any topic they wished.  It was first published in June of 2006 and over the past two years plus has garnered a numerous amount of comments on a wide variety of subjects.  In fact, it has gotten so many comments that it has gotten sort of unwieldy to move around in.  So, acting upon a suggestion by our own Dan Jensen, I decided to create a new thread for more "idle chatter" so that we can start fresh with new comments and move on from there. 

So, if you have anything you want to say on anything under the sun, this is the place to do that.  Add your comments below by clicking on the "comments" button at this end of this post, type in your name in the space provided for that (no need to type in email or URL info), and then type in your comment.  When you have finished with your comment, scroll down to the bottom and click on the button entitled "Post" and your comment will be published instantaneously on the blog.

By the way, I did not remove the A Place for Idle Chatter post so you can still read through the rich comments that have been posted there over the years.

But now, get to posting those comments.  We know you have a lot to say and we want to hear it!!!

Our Mount Rushmore

Posted by Dan Jensen

Bob Costas recently interviewed Willie Mays and Hank Aaron and commented that if baseball had a Mount Rushmore they would be on it.  That got me to thinking.  If Clear Creek had a Mount Rushmore, who do you think should be on it?

George Carlisle and Bennie Lenox for sure.  I guess baseball player Jay Buhner, who had a good major league career, should be on it although my cousin Terrry Mathis was a mighty fine shortstop for our Wildcats.  Perhaps the fourth would be...

 

Well, I'm not sure.  A couple of football players are running through my mind and there are plenty of other good candidates for our Mount Rushmore.  Y'all help me out. 

Wildcat Basketball, Version 08/09

Posted by Ed Davis

It won't be long before the new season for CCHS Wildcat basketball is in full swing and the arena at the George Carlisle Fieldhouse will be rocking and rolling as fans fill the stands. 

                          

What lies in store for this year's version of the 'Cats?  Who should we be looking at for team leadership, scoring, rebounding, etc?  What do you think of our coaching staff?  What does the district look like this year? 

Your thoughts and opinions are important and we hope you will chime in now and often in the future.  You will surely stir up thoughts in ol' Dan Jensen's head so it will be worth it to take time to give us your comments on the post. 

Blog veterans know how to add comments.  If you are new to the blog, just scroll down to the bottom of this post and click on the word Comments.  When the comment screen appears, put in your name (no email or URL needed or even wanted), type your comment in the box area, and then click the button entitled Post.  Your comments will then appear in the blog beneath the post.

So let's get to it!!!!  Go, Wildcats!!!!

08-09 WILDCAT BOYS' BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

To check out the 08-09 Wildcat boys' basketball schedule, just click on the word schedule

Hurricane Ike - Effects and Impressions

Posted by Ed Davis

Hurricane Ike slammed into the Texas coast in the early hours of Saturday, September 13.  It caused widespread flooding and damage all along the upper Texas coast.  Hit especially hard were areas around the Clear Creek and Clear Lake areas including places like Kemah, Seabrook, the NASA area, and surrounding communities and locations. 

Those of you who either still live in the Clear Creek area or who still have family there are encouraged to visit the blog and make a comment using the Comment tab below to let us know how you fared during the storm, what you saw as the storm approached and made landfall, and what are the effects you are seeing around the area.  If you have pictures you can share, you can send them to me at the following blog email address:  [email protected] .  I will insert them into the blog for all of us to view.

So, please let us hear from you soon!!!!!

Great Photo of Coach & Peggy with Grandsons

Submitted by Lynn Davis

Thanks to Lynn Davis for sending along this really great recent photo of Coach and Peggy Carlisle along  with three grandsons.  These red-headed boys are Billy's sons and are named Wilson, Weston, and Wyndon.  Thanks for sending this photo for all of us to enjoy.

 

Remembrance of Times Past or "When Did I Get So Old?"

Posted by Ed Davis

I remember growing up among “older people” like my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, and others and thinking that the aging process would never claim me as one of its victims.  Well, that process sought me out and found me even as I tried diligently and often to play a game of hide and seek with it.  When I have gone to reunions over the past decade, both family-oriented or school-related, I found myself wondering who all these “old” people were that seemed to know me so well.  And, then when I looked in the mirror I discovered that what I think I look like when viewed from the inside-out is not what people are seeing when they view me just from the outside.  Sad, but true that I now, too, am one of those “old” guys.

 

But, I have decided to accept the aging process and make the best of it.  I now go to the reunions with a new vigor, looking for old friends or just casual acquaintances, wanting to make connections once again to bridge that long span between the past and present. The realization is always with me that we may not have all that many chances these days to gather together and walk down that famous “memory lane.”

 

This blog has dedicated itself over the past few years to a walk down the particular part of memory lane related to the athletic endeavors of many who were coaches, players, fans, or persons involved in a myriad of other ways in both Webster and Clear Creek High Schools.  Many of the people who have contributed to this blog or who have been mentioned in various ways in some of the posts, comments, or photo albums have had a chance to get together personally at the annual Webster/Clear Creek High School reunion event.

 

I thought I would share with you some photos from the last two reunions, held in 2007 and 2008.  The featured classes at these reunions were the Clear Creek High School classes of 1957 and 1958.  Some people you might recognize immediately while some will take a little doing to see that person as we used to know him/her.  And, I am sure that ol’ Dan Jensen and even brother Pat will comment that I sure am in a lot of the photos.  Well, my wife, Karla, was the photographer and, of course, I am always her favorite subject so there is not a lot of choice about that.

 

So, enjoy the photos and feel free to make comments – you will find a place for doing that at the end of this post.  If you have been to any of  the reunions and would like to share your own photos, send them to me at [email protected]  You can click on the photos and see a larger view of them if you wish.

 

  Pictured here are some greats from CCHS basketball annals and they were nice enough to allow me in the picture.  Shown are from left to right – me, Coach George Carlisle, James Davis, William Frost, and Robert Brown.

Class of ’59 pals (from left to right) Mike Hoepfner, Jim Pell, Dick Baker, Hugh Taylor, and Ed Davis

Joining me is a rather somber Jim Pell (center) and Norma Ewers Sloan from the class of ’59.

Sharing a moment from the past along with me is Connie Davis Fuller (girls’s basketball star from the class of’59) and Robert Brown (boys’ basketball great from the class of ’57)

Enjoying talking about the past are Neal Watkins, Jim Pell, and me – all of the ’59 class

Sharing some moments at one of the reunions are (on the right side front to back) me, Peggy Carlisle, and Coach.  On the left side (from front to back) are John McInhenny (husband of Pat Nevins – class of ’59), Janice McDaniel Brown (class of ’59 and wife of Robert Brown – ’57), and Norma Ewers (’59).

A group shot of the Class of ’58.  Some notables that would be familiar to regular readers of this blog would be Coach Carlisle in the green shirt on the far left, Sherrill “Bo” Fredericks (top row on the far left), and Bob Pell (4^th from the right on the second row).

There are always some faculty members who come to the reunions.  I was glad to see one of my favorites – Edwin Mabry, a longtime band director at Webster and CCHS.

I just had to include this photo of me with Ralph Parr (unknown class).  He is on the left, of course.  I share this just to let Dan know that old Ralph is still alive and kicking – Dan has often claimed he must have met his demise since he can never get any response from him by email or on the blog.

Vehicles We Have Known and Loved

Posted by Ed Davis

Not too long ago, I was driving down a street in Dallas and a restored 1957 Chevy rolled up beside me.  Wow, did that bring back memories – mostly regret that I never did own one of those classic autos when they were new.  It set me to thinking about some of the cars I did manage to own and drive in my early years of high school and a little beyond.

Pretty girls in high school vied to capture the hearts of the high school lads back in the '50’s as they still do today. But the competition was fierce back then since many of us had a running “love affair” with our cars – or a longing for the ones we did not or could not have. And I plead guilty to this strange romance. I was one of those who received a driver’s license at the tender age of 14. Since we lived quite a distance from my school and I was involved in a number of activities, my parents decided to buy me a car at the end of my 9th grade year. I was the proud owner of a 1955 Chevrolet in the summer of ’56. However, it was the sedan version of this classic car, was a 6-cylinder and single tailpipe variety, and was a not-so-cool chocolate brown color. But it was mine and I drove it proudly for a couple of years.

In my junior year, my dad decided to buy himself a truck and trade in their 1955 Mercury coupe – a hardtop convertible with a V-8 engine complete with dual tailpipes. I convinced him to let me have the Merc and trade in the Chevy instead. Fortunately, he agreed and I now had a much cooler ride for the rest of my high school days. However, the car was chartreuse (remember that color?) and white which was quite unacceptable. So, I saved up some money and modified the ride: removed the hood ornament and all  other chrome fixtures on the hood and trunk and “leaded” it in; replaced the stock mufflers with glass-packs; lowered the rear end; and then had the whole car painted a gleaming black. You’ll have to imagine how it looked when transformed.

After that, college came and I was introduced to the world outside of League City and my high school. Then marriage brought its own decisions about cars as we struggled to make ends meet for a number of years. My wife of 46 years, Karla, will comment on the role a car played in our courtship when I turn the keyboard to her later in this post.

There were a few more memorable vehicles when Karla and I pulled up roots for a couple of years and moved to Benghazi, Libya (North Africa) in 1965 to teach school. Our first car was a very interesting Fiat 500 that was extremely small and only had a 2-cylinder engine. But it did have a roll-back roof liner and got great gas mileage – and it was cheap as well. We affectionately called it our ‘sardine can’. Here you see my brother, sister-in-law, and Karla viewing the Mediterranean sights through the roof opening.  By the way, many of you reading this may remember my brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Tula Davis, since they taught for a few years in the Clear Creek school district.

Later, we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to purchase an older model Triumph TR-3 convertible (pictured outside our school building in Benghazi) with overdrive, racing shift, and a very powerful engine. We should have shipped this one back to the U.S. but could not afford it at the time.

Then there was the Land Rover that was a necessary vehicle type for excursions out into the Sahara Desert. It was extremely hot, no shade anywhere, and water was scarce. Even though this was the only road into the Sahara in Libya, we rarely saw another vehicle or human being. We managed to take turns sitting in the shade of the Land Rover and a friend and I kept fiddling around with the engine until we got it going again late in the day. It was scary and I guess it was fortunate that we escaped what could have been an unpleasant situation.

We have probably owned far too many cars since then, but these were the ones that produced some really great memories.

Now for some comments from Karla:  “When Ed asked me for our first date at Baylor in 1961, I was excited in part because, at the time he asked me, he was driving a baby blue and white 1959 Ford convertible - a VERY classy car to the mostly “vehicle-less” girls at Baylor. Of course, that was not the only reason I was excited to have a date with Ed and it’s a good thing, because when he arrived at the dorm to pick me up he had traded that baby blue ’59 Ford convertible in for a maroon Pontiac Tempest. [Ed notes – the first one with the engine turned sideways.] No matter – I loved him for who he was, not for the car he drove!!!

How about the VEHICLES YOU HAVE KNOWN AND LOVED? Let’s hear about the VARIOUS VINTAGE VEHICLES that have filled your life and your memories with wonder and joy. Do you have a photo? Send it to me by e-mail attachment at [email protected] and I will post it here. And please, add your comments below.

Honoring Chester Davis

Posted by Dan Jensen

In the thread about the naming of the football stadium, I kiddingly remarked that orthodontist Lynn Davis should have put up big bucks for the naming rights.

Well, the name of Davis has been attached to a League City sports venue but it is Lynn's father who has been honored.

Below are a couple of e-mails to the city council from someone named Pat Hallisey:

I saw on your agenda for tomorrow evening an item to name the Sportsplex in honor of Chester L. Davis. I would like to offer my support of this effort.

The SportsPlex might not have ever happened if it had not been for Chester Davis. He dreamed of ball fields for the young people of this community and with other Council Members put the item to the voters in 1991 and 93.

Chester spent more time on the City Council than anyone in the history of this town. 18 years total, in two separate times ranging from the late 60s and early 70s and the late 80s and early 90s.

He went out and found the deal on the land the Sportsplex sits and imposed on his friendship with G. I. Butler to get a good deal on 50 ac of prime I-45 real estate.

He came to the County in the early 90s and had the County Parks Board draw the first set of drawings for the future sportplex. He was on the Council in 1995 and pushed and insisted on the bonds being sold two years after the 93 election authorizing the use of the Sales Tax for the SportsPlex.

The stories and contributions of Chester Davis to this Community are so numerous to recount all of them in one email.

Chester was the quiet mover and shaker in League City for a long time. He traveled at his own expense, all over the Country trying to create different types of economic development projects for League City.

His want and desires to make League Park user friendly with the Saturday concerts in the park that still go on today.

No one is more deserving of this than Chester Davis. I ask you please to remember those that built this Community as an inspiration to those that follow. We still appreciate those that serve and should not forget them.

I just wanted you to have the benefit of a few things that make Chester Davis deserving of this recognition.

Respectfully,

Pat Hallisey

Then, his response after the vote:

Mayor and Council,

I want to thank you for your vote this evening in naming the Chester L. Davis Sportsplex. I know that many of you did not know Chester or were active during the years leading up to the Sportplex. I can assure you that you have preserved a spot in the history of this Community for a very deserving individual.

I recognize that even those that did not vote in the affirmative were not really voting no to Chester’s contributions. I do want to make myself available to each of you, to put you in touch with people who will affirm the right decision was made this evening, if you desire it.

It is my belief and prayer that some young person will look at the sign “Chester L. Davis Sportsplex” and ask who was Chester Davis? I hope they will be inspired to give to this community as Chester did.

Updates, Comments, the 07/08 Roundball Season

Posted by Dan Jensen

Hey, the basketball season is off and running and the blog is being left behind.  Our area correspondents--namely Hugh Taylor, Arthur Landriault and THE CARLISLE FAMILY--are letting us down.

I have gotten some information from maxpreps.com that shows we won our first four then lost to Houston Jones, 60-59 and Dallas Hillcrest, 57-55 over the weekend.  Peggy Carlisle told me earlier that Buddy is now associated with maxpreps so he ought to be giving this blog some good information--maybe even better than he did last year--and that was plumb loverly.

Why hasn't he this year?  I guess you will have to ask his mother. 

Renaming the Football Stadium

Posted by Dan Jensen

The football stadium was recently been renamed. It had previously been District Stadium since all the high schools in the district used it as a home field. It is now Veterans Memorial Stadium.

What do y'all think of the name? Well, it had quite a dinky name and I guess it is a popular choice these days in honor of our fallen warriors but I never really cared for such. Memorial Stadium at the University of Texas was renamed to Darrell K. Royal-Memorial Stadium. Just call it Darrell Royal Stadium in honor of the school's greatest coach. Clear Creek long ago named its gymnasium George Carlisle Field House and that is certainly appropriate.

Naming rights are the thing now. Corporations give a lot of money and in return for the good advertising. Individuals give generously to a college project and it is named after them.

Why didn't someone do that at Clear Creek? Who, you ask? Dub Kelly reportedly made millions in the building business after his baseball coaching days and Jay Buhner had big contracts totaling about $37 million playing major league baseball. Did board member Ralph Parr think to solicit them? Any other board member? Doubtful.

Hey, how about Lynn Davis? Another big money man who probably loves Clear Creek sports more that the two above. Lynn Davis Stadium. Now that does have quite a good ring, doesn't it? I think I will have Ralph Parr contact him.

New Wildcat Coach - Who Is He?

Posted by Ed Davis

A new basketball coach has been hired for the Wildcats.  He is from Georgetown and not much is known about him.  I am sure Dan Jensen will add his comments to this thread and let us know what he knows. But, if anyone else out there has information on this new guy, then certainly chime in and let us all know.

Need Info on Former Wildcat Ray Kraemer

Posted by Ed Davis

An alum of the University of Nevada at Reno recently emailed me asking for information on Ray Kraemer, a CCHS graduate and a recent signee for their basketball program.  I will admit that I had nothing to share with the alum, Pat, but thought I might put this question out to readers of this blog.  So, if you can help Pat out, please add what you can in the comments below. 

Both Dan Jensen and I have referred Pat to Buddy Carlisle, who would have coached Ray.  Hopefully, that will result in some info as well.

I have also invited Pat to keep us informed of Ray's progress in the University of Nevada-Reno program as the season begins and progresses this year.

Email Address for Input to Blog

Posted by Ed Davis

Those of us who are faithful readers and/or posters on this blog know that there are more people out there who have some interesting things to share with the rest of us.  In order to facilitate the processing of original material (something other than commenting on stuff already on the blog), a new email address has been set up that will provide an opportunity for sending along content that can be developed into a post or thread for all of us to enjoy.  That email address is:  [email protected]

Of course, those who have my home email or Dan Jensen's can also send material to us at those addresses.  But, this new central email site may make it a little easier for some.  In any case, we hope you are enjoying this blog and that you will consider writing some material for it soon.  And, please keep on adding your comments to those things you find of interest that are already posted.

Your Best Game Ever???

Posted by Dan Jensen

I think it would be great reading for our old warhorses to tell us what they thought their best game ever was.  It may be an obvious choice or the question may cause you to put on the old thinking cap, roll back the years, and stroll through the dusty old archives of your mind.

Don't worry about shining the spotlight on yourself.  If you played for us, you are a special person and we want to hear about your most special game.  It's too bad that too many have stopped checking the blog, so I will be sending out e-mails about this thread and hope to get a good response.

You guys helped build a basketball program that is very special and it is something that not many schools have.  I would like to share a recent example of the value of tradition.  A Class A Oklahoma team that has won several state championships did not have a vintage team this year but did reach last week's state tournament.  It fell behind, 20-0, to start the game.  I have never heard of such.  But, lo and behold, the team fought back and won the game in the last four seconds!  One of the players commented after the game, "There's just something about that name on the front of our jerseys."

Rewarding Mediocrity?

Posted by Dan Jensen

Our guys are stumbling to the finish line in basketball, wondering if they will get a third or fourth place ticket to the playoffs.  Anybody excited?  Not me.  Not at all.  I remember too well the days of yore and the thrill of beating back all opponents in district play and standing alone as the playoffs began.  To the victor went ALL of the spoils.

Why do we reward such mediocrity?  Finances?  It's usually one game and out for those kind of stragglers, so does that really help the coffers all that much? I do wonder about such things.

Are trophies given to any other than the district champion?  I surely hope not.  Now, wouldn't a trophy for third or fourth place district finish look plumb loverly sitting next to our state championship trophy!

Despite Clear Creek winning back to back district championships and finsihing undefeated last year, the new coach did not inherit a warm bed as he had no returning starters.  I cannot tell from this distance whether he has done a good job or not, but I know he has nothing but a .500 team and such mediocrity should not be rewarded with a playoff spot.

I hope that all who are reading this blog will share your opinions, too.

Golden Boys or Sore Thumbs

Posted by Dan Jensen

    It's basketball season again and we need to get the blog cranked up.  I fear though that just a pitiful few are still with us.  But, I want to author a new thread.

    I think we all remember that great 1959 team that battled all the way to the regional finals before losing.  Others would say, yeah I remember the team with all the losses that stuck out like a sore thumb in the record book among all the state tournament teams.

     Regardless of which description fits--probably neither--I want to mention a couple of seniors from that club and toss out some bouquets because they were two of our better bloggers last season.  They are Edward Davis and Hugh Taylor. 

    Their jump shots have long ago vanished, tone and tint.  Their memory is one of wondrous beauty, watered by victories over Deer Park and Dickinson, and coaxed and caressed by the smiles of Bennie Lenox as they passed the basketball to him.  While apologizing to General Douglas MacArthur, I want to remind the bloggers that Ed and Hugh were more than just faces in the team photo.

    Hugh averaged nine points that year and Ed followed with eight.  No much by today's standards but not bad on a team that averaged only 54.  Hugh, playing the post, shot 47 percent from the field and Ed, a guard, averaged 40 percent, only a shade below the all-state Lenox.  From the foul line, Ed shot 74 percent and Hugh 67 percent.

    Hugh scored seven and Ed six in the 41-38 regional final loss to Devine.  Their total was the same as Lenox, who had an off game, shooting only one for nine in the second half from the floor.

    In the first regional game, an easy win over Northside San Antonio, Hugh did not miss a shot and totaled nine points.  Ed had 16 as Lenox had 31 and hit ten straight field goals at one stretch.

    Ed and Hugh had good Clear Creek careers and I'm sure they remember their careers fondly, tone and tint.

Our Alums in Pro Baseball

Posted by Dan Jensen

Steven White, in the Yankee chain, and Mark McCormick, a Cardinal farmhand, are the only Clear Creek baseball players currently in pro baseball to my knowledge. 

Baseball America is a publication that does a great job on minor league prospects, among other things, and is currently evaluating prospects in each organization.  Following is part of a question and answer chat room session on the Yankees and our Steven White. 

Steven is of great interest to me for several reasons.  One, his grandfather is the late Paul White, a good personal friend of mine and he also pitched for Baylor, (as did McCormick) a team that I have always followed.  He has had some ups and downs in his pro career and will likely return to the AAA level this year with the Yankees. 

Here is the comment regarding Steven:

Q:	Benny Blanco from Tha Bronx asks: What is wrong with Steven White? A couple of years ago I was expecting Kevin Brown II (Kevin Brown careerwise, not with Yanks). He seemed to dominate AA with his sinker, but AAA ate him up. Does he still possess the potential to be a dominant pitcher in the Majors?
A:	John Manuel: Well, you just were off, Steven White never had a Kevin Brown sinker. He does pitch off his fastball, but it's not a Brown sinker, Yankees Brown or Marlins Brown or any Kevin Brown. I don't believe he ever profiled as a dominant pitcher. His curveball's always been average at best, he lost some feel for a change over the years, and he pitches off his fastball a lot, so he was going to be as good as his fastball command could take him. It sounds like that is still Steven White. Now, I thought he'd be able to do it, but guys like that are probably No. 3 starters at best. There's no plus secondary pitch.

Nolan Ryan, Red Murff . . . and Dub Kelly

Posted by Dan Jensen

     For some time, I have been wanting to get The Scout, a book about Red Murff, who long lived in Texas City and is now retired in Brenham.  He scouted and signed many good players, most notably Alvin's Nolan Ryan.  I got the book last week and have begin reading it and found his discovery of Ryan most interesting for several reasons.    

    On a particular Saturday, he watched a tournament in Galveston, then headed for Houston for some more scouting.  He says, "As I was driving I suddenly remembered thjat I had seen something in the newspaper about another tournament being played at Clear Creek High School.  I have no idea what made me remember that tournament, and likewise I have no idea what possessed me to stop there.

     "I guess I figured I should drop by Clear Creek to let the coach, Dub Kelly, know that professional baseball people appreciated his efforts in staging the tournament.  In my mind Texas baseball coaches have always played second fiddle to football.  The folks at Clear Creek had brought Dub in from the Dallas area to build a baseball program, and he spent eight hard years doing just that, despite the prolblems he had with the football coach.  Dub ultimately lost out to the football people and was forced to move on, but I liked his style and his ability to develop young players.  Men like Dub Kelly have done a tremendous job instructing and nurturing some great talent, many of whom have gone on to star in the major leagues. 

     "As I settled into my seat, the Alvin coach was making a pitching change, and up to the mound walked a gangly, awkward-looking six-foot kid who could not have weighed mlre than 150 pounds.  There was nothing remarkable about this youngster at all.  Nothing made him stand out from the crowd.  Nothing unusual that would have provided the least hint that what I was about to witness was, not a one-in-a-thousand, not even a one-in-a-million, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

     "The young pitcher wound up and fired.  I could not believe what I had just seen.  His one pitch sent my mind spinning, my pulse racing.  That fast ball of his was unbelievable.  It was the fastest I'd ever seen anywhere.  Major leagues, minor leagues, anywhere.

     "Besides my professional experience and having played with the likes of Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette, the night before I had seen the two fastest pitchers in the National League at that time,  Jim Maloney of the Cincinnati Reds and Dick Farrell of the Houston Astros.  Both of those men were big and strong.  Nolan Ryan, as a junior in high school, was faster by far than both of those fully mature major-league pitchers!"

A Place for Idle Chatter

Posted by Ed Davis

One of our recent guests, Alex Kalinowski, said he thought it might be a good idea to have a thread for nothing more than just idle chatter among the readers of this blog.  Obviously, he has not read all the things Dan Jensen has written or he would see that ol' Dan is the king of idle chatter not to mention often inane verbosity.  Someone may need to translate those words for Alex since he noted in one comment that he was not too good at the old English language.  Did you not have Mrs. Bouton, Alex?

Anyway, I agree that such a thread may have value and so here it is.  When you want to say something that is not related to any of the threads you find in this blog, then just hack away on the computer and add your comments below.  You will find a lot of interested folk out there who are just waiting to hear what you have to say - any subject that is fit for such a family-oriented weblog like this.  There are censors at work here, you know!  So, let's hear what is on that idle mind of yours, folks.  Especially the old warhorses who are so old that their minds are probably pretty idle by now.  We know their computer skills are idle because we hear so little from any of them.

Get to writing now!!!!!!!!!!

Our Best Sports Year Ever?

Posted by Dan Jensen

    On another thread, Terry Mathis wonders if his senior season did not produce the best overall sports year ever for Clear Creek.  I think he may very well be right but let's discuss various possibilities.

    He is thinking of just football, basketball and baseball and I think most, maybe all, of us would agree that those are the big three but you may toss in any other sport too if it strengthens your case.

    Terry's senior year was 1966-67 and he was a starter on the basketball and baseball teams.  The football team won district for the first time ever but was bounced from the playoffs by Bridge City and Steve Worster.  The basketball team was 27-4 and finished third in the state tournament.  The baseball team won district and bi-district but lost to Beaumont Forest Park in the regionals.  I don't know the record.  Maybe Terry does.

    The very next year, pitcher Scooter Lenox and catcher Lynn Davis were co-MVP in the district and their baseball team was 16-4 and beaten two straight in bi-district by El Campo.  The basketball team, with Scooter and Richard Huhn as all-staters, won its first 35 games before losing to Conroe in the playoffs.  I don't recall what kind of record the football team had that season after its district championship the year before.

    The 1991 baseball team won a state championship but the basketball team was only 15-18 and the football team likely had a losing record too.  That state title was plumb loverly but the entire sports year was not.

    Our old warhorses have a candidate, the 1956-57 year.  The football team did not win district but it may have been second.  Tom Goodman was a very good lineman and William Frost a good running back.  The basketball team finished 33-3 and third in the state.  The baseball team won our first district championship in that sport and also won bi-district before losing.  Anyone remember the won-loss record?

    Are there are other school years that should be considered?  Let the discussion begin.

Our Baseball Champions in Days of Yore

Posted by Dan Jensen

     This year's baseball team, despite a late season slump that cost it a district championship, is now battling its way through the playoffs. 

     I recall that, in days of yore, we were in the playoffs under a system that included only district champions and, although we had good teams, did not advance far.  I need help from the rest of you for some details. 

     The first baseball district winner was in 1957.  We beat a good West Columbia team in bid-district but then lost to Northside San Antonio.  I recall the starting lineup of that veteran, competitive team very well.  Gary Brizendine and Chuck Trcka were good pitchers throwing to catcher Tom Goodman and they switched to first base when not on the mound.  Bobo Fredericks was at second, Stanley Magee the shortstop with Robert Brown at third.  William Frost, James Davis and Buddy Witte were the outfielders from left to right.  All were seniors with the exception of juniors Trcka, Fredericks, and Witte. 

     Terry Mathis will have to confirm this but I believe the next champ was in 1967.  I do not remember the bi-district champion but we lost to a Beaumont team at the next level.  I remember that Terry and Robbie Copeland gave us strength up the middle and that junior Scooter Lenox was a very good pitcher but need Terry, or someone, to help me with the rest. 

     Jim Mallory, the current coach, came to Clear Creek for the 1978 baseball season and we won a plumb loverly state championship in 1991.  He has coached other champions, too, but I will have to defer to others for the details on those also.  Too bad that Lynn Davis can't type.

Attention: Old Warhorses

Posted by Dan Jensen 

     Our old war horses from those glory days of old are the core of the blog but I am beginng to wonder how many are still with us.  Some of those who posted earlier have gone into a long hibernation.

     Would you guys do us a favor?  Just respond to this thread to let us know that you are still around and reading.  You could tell us how often you read (we already know how often you post), if the current baseball talk bores you, what ideas you may have for us to improve the site, etc.  Just any old thing.

     Just sign in on this thread.  Please.

Playoff Baseball and Pitching Matchups

Posted by Dan Jensen

     Although our old basketball warhorses have shown no interest in Clear Creek baseball, I'm gonna share a Little League story from days of yore.  Fairly long and probably more than boring for the warhorses, who were too old to be in this story.

     I thought of this tale when I heard that Clear Creek's Jim Mallory wanted a one game playoff against Houston Westside rather than a best two of three.  The reason is that Westside beat them last year and, with pretty much the same lineup, is better this year too.  Mallory has a good pitcher back after an injury and thought he had a better chance of winning a single game with him rather than take his chances against a deeper Westside rotation. 

     Now, my story from those thrilling Little League days of yesteryear.  I was assisting Keith Mathis with the Cubs and we were getting ready for our playoffs.  It was against the Pirates and the league's best pitcher, Paul Hackett.  He had beaten us two times in the first half and another two times in the second half.  But, the Pirates did not have pitching depth and lost to other teams.

     We had Kenneth Brown and Terry Mathis as two good pitchers and Tom McMillian as a capable third starter.  None of the three was a match for Hackett.  That had already been proven.  I thought that we should pretty much concede the game against Hackett and matchup our number one against their number two and our number two against their number three--with the latter duel particularly favoring us.  That would be Terry Mathis vs. Kent Rindy.  Rindy was a good athlete and later was a starter for our state tournament basketball team but he was erratic as a pitcher.

     So, we put the plan into action.  Lo and behold, McMillian pitched the game of his life and shutout Hackett and the Pirates!  Hey, give us that championship trophy right now!  But, hold on!  That Wayne Derrick outpitched our Brown and the series is tied.  But, not to worry.  Terry can beat Kent.  But Terry couldn't beat the rain and a too wet field. 

     We are in big trouble now.  The final game is now moved to a new week and Hackett is eligible to pitch again.  Woe is us!  That brilliant strategy is down the drain. 

     But the tale has a semi-happy ending.  I don't recall the reason now.  Maybe the all-star playoffs were too close or something but it was decided to just declare the Cubs and Pirates co-champions.

     I still think my strategy was brilliant.  I just didn't check with the weather man.