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FAT BOY’S PIZZA Player of the Month: Hardeman adding onto legacy at Bush
Generational talents come few and far between in contemporary times.
However, for Fort Bend Bush’s Amariya Hardeman, that’s brought to an even deeper level.
As a junior, she’s taken a starring role in the Bush track program, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
“My big take on competing at Bush is that I know I’m actually able to surpass my limits,” she said. “I’ve always been afraid that if I try to do that, then I might fail or become discouraged. But, realizing how far I can actually go while training in this program has really changed my perspective.”
Lorin Cook (VYPE)
Just how far has she gone, while competing with Bush?
In her freshman year alone, Hardeman was a part of the 4x100 Relay team that took gold in the 2022 State Meet.
Fast forward to this year, and she recently set a school record in the 100m dash (11.51 sec.) at the Texas Relays in March, prior to just recently placing first in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100 relay events at the District 20-6A meet.
Given the mental-aspect of the sport that she’s continually embraced in order to succeed, one has to wonder what compels her to do so.
“In terms of what motivates me, it begins with myself and knowing that the work I put in won’t go to waste,” said Hardeman. “Of course, an even bigger role is played by my family, my teammates, and my friends. They’re obviously important to me and help to keep me inspired to pursue a scholarship in track, or maybe even go pro one day.”
The stars of 2023-24 Bush Girls Track & FieldLorin Cook (VYPE)
It’s no surprise that she sees her family as a motivator.
After all, her grandfather – Don Hardeman – was an NFL running back for the Houston Oilers and Baltimore Colts.
Additionally, her father – Cedric Hardeman – played at the University of Houston prior to becoming the current head football coach at Conroe, and her older brother, Chris, played football at Oklahoma State.
“It kind of makes me feel like I have someone to relate to when it comes to being a young athlete,” she said. “If I ever have any mental problems or I’m dealing with issues, I know I can always turn to my dad, mom, and brother. They’ve always been very supportive and have allowed me to make my own decisions, while also putting in their own advice because they want what’s best for me.”
The junior Bronco still has another left in her high school career, however, she now prepares for another run to Austin with her teammates.
Lorin Cook (VYPE)
But, where might we see Hardeman in the next few years?
“Obviously, I want to run track in college, but what I really want to become is a sports psychologist,” Hardeman said. “I have friends who are athletes that deal with mental health, including myself. I really want to enter that field in order to help the upcoming generation of athletes know how to navigate the athletic world, when it comes to mental blockage in their sport.”
As mentioned earlier, Hardeman has embraced the mental aspect of the sport she’s become so accomplished in.
It’s only natural that she wants to pass down that experience to others, just as her family did for her.
Magnolia West hires new Defensive Coordinator: Garcia brings collegiate experience to Mustangs
Second-year head coach Blake Joseph injected new energy into his staff recently with the hire of Joaquin Garcia, who makes the move over from Conroe. Garcia will serve as Defensive Coordinator for the Mustangs and brings a wealth of experience.
From the collegiate ranks, Garcia served under coaches Tony Levine and Tom Herman at the University of Houston (2012-2016) and Willie Simmons at Prairie View A&M (2017).
A graduate of Katy High School, Garcia was part of three state titles with Big Red, as a player in 1997 and two as an assistant coach in 2007 and 2008.
"It's exciting," said Garcia. "I'm glad to be a part of what's going on here, we have some good things going on. They were young last year, but we have some guys coming back and certainly, we have to create some depth and focus and work with the younger guys."
Garcia will be joining a fairly new staff with Joseph taking over last year at Mag West. Garcia was also part of Cedric Hardeman's initial staff with the Conroe Tigers back in 2017.
Helping form a new culture and player development will be levers and pistons for building the defensive machine.
"Statistically we're going to talk in our meetings about what is takes statistically to win football games," said Garcia. "The formula for winning 'explosives', winning the kicking game, the red zone, third down, playing great defense and making the offense be a part of the defense with field position."
The Mustangs return three All-District players in Luke McCaffety (2021, DL, 1st Team), Hayden Jansky (2022, DE, 1st Team), and Brady Dygert (2021, OLB, 2nd Team. They are scheduled to begin their season on Friday, August 28 at Brenham.