Clear Springs builds a winning tradition

Photo by Kim Christensen

When the first freshmen and sophomore students walked through the brand new double doors of Clear Springs High School in August 2007, they probably weren't thinking about traditions.
The school didn't even field a varsity football team that first year.
But when the Clear Springs Chargers football team won the District 24-5A Championship Nov. 5 with a win over Dickinson, head coach Clint Hartman knew the players were making more than memories.
This is the first win for this school, and nobody and can take that away from these kids," Hartman said. They don't have tradition to fall back on, but I think we're building one right now."
And the building continues this week at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, when the Chargers take on Pasadena Memorial in the second round of the playoffs at The Rig in Pearland. Clear Springs won its first-ever playoff game Saturday night over Elkins.
This is a historic time for them to be district champs," said Alma Block, lead secretary of the college and career center at the school. The first graduating class is the first to create such a tradition it's a very nice way to start."
Block said the school's staff is proud of the team and coaching staff and the way they exceeded expectations. But making the playoffs didn't surprise the players or the 14-member coaching team.
Alex Torrez's 16-year-old son Braden plays receiver and entered Clear Springs as a freshman.
This is a special group of boys," said Alex Torrez. Not only are they talented athletically, they developed strong bonds with each other that allow them to play at a higher level."
He said Hartman and his staff announced their intention to win the state championship early on.
The kids believed in that, they believe in the coaches and they believe in each other," Torrez said.
P.J. Miller, father of 18-year-old senior and team quarterback, Phillip Miller, says that while he's astounded and excited" about making the playoffs, he's also watched his son set goals and then work to achieve them.
He also credits the exceptional coaching staff for acting as mentors.
There is no better coaching staff at any high school," Miller said.
Social studies teacher Tom Lambert calls support from the student body impressive" with numerous student groups rallying for the team.
I am very proud of this group of seniors as they have emerged as leaders on and off the field," Lambert said. These student-athletes are a good reflection of our coaching staff who also emphasizes maximum effort in the classroom."
Winning scores and district titles aside, Hartman said the team's contributions reach beyond school walls.
I think that starting off being successful is important to our community because we are building community support, and I'm happy to be part of it," he said.