Brownwood High School soccer teams were honored with a pizza party and end of season awards and had the chance to say goodbye to their coach, J.B. Gibbs who will be moving to California this summer. A surprise baby shower was also thrown for the coach and his wife who are expecting their first child at the end of May.
Both varsity teams had great seasons, both clinched the District 34-4A title for BHS. The boys had an undefeated 10-0 season in district and the girls’ varsity went on to win Bi-District and Area, then competed in the Region III-4A sectional playoff round, beat by just one goal. The lady lions had a 16-6-1 record for the season.
Pictured above is the BHS girls’ varsity team.
Top awards were given along with certificates to each player.
Boys’ varsity player Tim Murphy (above center) was awarded the “Fighting Heart” award and was described as a selfless player by Coach Gibbs.
“This award is being given to a guy who is the most selfless player. He’d been a starter for the past three years and knew we had a need and he said, ‘Coach, I’ll do it,’” said Gibbs.
MVP for the varsity boys was awarded to the leader of the team, Michael Westerman (pictured above right).
“He’s been the best leader I have ever had because he always does everything right and gets the guys to listen,” said Gibbs.
Girls’ varsity player Jayme Martinez (above right) was awarded the “Lion Pride” award for overcoming injury and giving her all to the team during the last few games she could play.
“She’s a girl that didn’t quit, she was hurt a lot. In fact, she had to miss all but the last 4 to 5 games. It would have been easy, her senior year, to say, ‘I’m done, I might get hurt worse,’ but she kept working and coming to practice,” said Gibbs. “When she did get to play, she helped us a lot. I can only imagine what it would have been like if we’d had her all year.”
MVP for the varsity girls was awarded to Alex Bernal (pictured above right) who Coach Gibbs stated was “not only a very good player, but like Michael, does all the right things, and has a great attitude when she shows up every day.
Of the teams, Gibbs stated that he thought they had a great year and that he really enjoyed his time at Brownwood High School as their coach.
“You guys did an awesome job. I’m very thankful to have had these three years and you guys,” said Gibbs. “I’ll never forget you.”
Gibbs gave the varsity boys’ team encouragement to be proud even though their season ended at the district level.
“It didn’t end the way we wanted but when it’s one game, anything can happen. This season was incredible. It was so much fun to work with you guys,” stated Gibbs. I learned a lot from you and thank you for working hard. Even though it stings a little bit, you guys will always be remembered as ‘that team in 2013 that went undefeated.”’
In regard to the baby shower, the Gibbs were very appreciative for the surprise.
“We can tell we are very loved,” said Gibbs. “We appreciate the support we have been given by the community these three years.”
The Gibbs will move to California this summer and will be greatly missed by these and other Brownwood High School teams, students at East Elementary where Mrs. Gibbs teaches and the many friends they have made in the area over the past three years.
Pictured above is the BHS varsity boys’ team with coaches J.B. Gibbs and Scott Swanzy.
Below are more photos of the event.
Above: Boys’ junior varsity team.
A group hug for the coach.
2013 Championship trophies
Coach and Mrs. Gibbs
