Written by Stuart Kantor - TTFCA Executive Director
Few things in sports energize a fan base like knowing one's favorite team or franchise is a dynasty or on the cusp of long-term greatness. TAPPS Track & Field possesses two such girl's teams: Shiner St. Paul and Houston St. Agnes. The Shiner St. Paul girls have captured eight of the last ten 2A TAPPS State championships (including six consecutive), while St. Agnes has won five consecutive 5A-6A TAPPS teams titles.
The true essence of both teams is a simple philosophy: Complete programs win titles. In 2021, Shiner St. Paul scored points in fourteen events, including sweeping all three relays, plus firsts in the 3200, shot put and high jump. St. Agnes, on the other hand, scored points in an amazing sixteen events, including firsts in the 800, 1600, 3200, 100h, 300h, pole vault, discus, and shot put.
"Coaches who let a championship team back off from becoming a dynasty are cowards."
Pat Riley, former NBA player and coach/current President of Miami Heat
Shiner St. Paul outdistanced the runner-up by 98 points, and Houston St. Agnes ran away from the 6A runner-up by 91 points. Both squads displayed dominant DeSoto-esque performances. What will 2022 bring the two most dominant girls' squads in TAPPS? Will their run of team titles continue? Which established stars, like Ashlyn Pesek of Shiner St. Paul and Faith Mitchell / Leah Klenke of Houston St. Agnes will thrive again? Which under-the-radar athletes will make names for themselves and help their historic runs continue? Or will a new team champion arise and commence a new streak of excellence?