Author Archives: Lynette
Vipers kick off season vs. storied Odessa Permian
Vandegrift Vipers head coach Drew Sanders and the coaching staff celebrates after a touchdown during the Class 5A, Division I regional semifinal playoff game at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio on Friday, November 27, 2015.
VHS Football Preview
Odessa Permian at Vandegrift
Monroe Stadium
Friday, Aug. 26 – 7 p.m.
By SCOTT W. COLEMAN, Four Points News
It isn’t often one gets to face off against a true legend, but that’s exactly what lies ahead for Vandegrift coach Drew Sanders and the Vipers this Friday.
The Permian Panthers helped the nation and world learn the significance here in Texas of high school football. Through his 1990 book “Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream,” Buzz Bissinger introduced millions to the Permian Panthers, telling the story of the Panther’s 1988 season that ended in a 5A state semifinals loss to Dallas Carter. Permian won the 5A title the following year and followed it up with another in 1991; those would be the last titles for the six-time state champions and twice national champion Panthers.
For most of the last two decades, the Panthers have been a revolving door of coaches, including the short-lived return of Gary Gaines — the national champion coach made famous in Bissinger’s book. Still, the success of the 80s and 90s teams haven’t been repeated.
Current head coach Blake Feldt, who arrived to the sidelines in 2013, is a former head coach at Hays High School in Buda. Though Feldt never faced Vandegrift in his time at Hays, he is no doubt familiar with the Vipers and their rather more recent rise to statewide recognition.
VHS volleyball begins 6A competition
Vandegrift Vipers junior outside hitter Simone Priebe (11) in action during a high school volleyball game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Cedar Park Timberwolves at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas on August 13, 2016.
By SCOTT W. COLEMAN, Four Points News
Coming off the most successful season in program history, expectations couldn’t be higher for the Viper volleyball team. Finishing 40-10 overall (more wins than the program’s first four years combined) with a regional tournament loss to eventual state champion Dripping Springs last year capped off a meteoric rise of the Vandegrift program in recent years that has garnered statewide attention.
Losing several seniors — including all-state setter Lexi Lopez, who is now at Texas A&M — is just one of the challenges coach Kelly McCarter Skidmore’s team faces this season. With the growth of Vandegrift’s enrollment, the Vipers will move away from competing with perennial state power Dripping Springs and instead will face 6A competition with longtime powers Lake Travis and Westlake.
“We return several starters off a team that posted 40 wins and advanced to the regional finals, but moving up to this Class 6A district will be challenging,” Skidmore told the Four Points News last week.
VHS March-A-Thon raises thousands
The Vandegrift marching band and Vision Dance Co. hosted their annual March-A-Thon parade on Saturday through the streets of Steiner Ranch, raising nearly $42,000 as of Monday, according to its fundraising website.
More than 300 students in band and dance participated in a route surrounding John Simpson Park. They played a variety of music, built community spirit, and raised funds for the award winning organization for the new school year.
Four Points teen, VHS dancer diagnosed with brain cancer
The Nuessner family of Four Points: (left to right) Madison, Jennifer, Scot, Lauren, and, in front, Ridge.
By KIM ESTES, Four Points News
Incoming Vandegrift senior and member of the Legacies dance team, Madison Nuessner was diagnosed with brain cancer in July. Madison has been walking through the biggest challenge she’s ever faced with her parents, Scot and Jennifer Nuessner, by her side.
“Everyone has been very supportive and loving through all of this,” said Madison, 17, of the diagnosis.
“I have found myself wanting to spend more time with my parents, they love me so much … but my friends have all been amazing support as well. Everyone has been just so good to me. The nurse at Dell Children’s said I set a record for the most visitors in one room! I am very blessed to have loving friends and family,” she added.