Finishing Up with This Year's Class of the 2018 Texas High School Football Hall of Fame

Just finished up with this year's class of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame.  I had some challenges this year, more than any other.  Two of the inductees are deceased, which meant I wouldn't be photographing them.  Fortunately, my work ethic paid off with extensive research and time, and I persevered and completed the assignment. These 9 gentlemen are worthy of this honor. The talents ranged from book authors, collegiate and professional athletes, NFL greats, Coaching Legends, University Football Coaches, to prominent business men in their communities.  I have a history with two of the inductees.  First, Kliff Kingsbury, the head football coach at Texas Tech.  I coached against him as a player when I coached at Alamo Heights HS back in the mid to late 1990s.  His team beat mine on a last second, botched fake punt.  He then went on to Texas Tech University to break all the passing records, some of which still stand today.  I played some ball at Tech, so we swapped stories about some of the same coaching staff members.  The second inductee with a past history is Coach Phil Danaher.  I coached against his 1996 Calallen team (also with Alamo Heights) in a playoff game.  Of course his team won.  The coolest thing about Coach Danaher, is that he is the winningest High School football coach in Texas High School Football history.  Wow!!! I mean he surpassed Gordon Wood, and G. A. Moore.  Now that's a feat.  Anyway, I always look forward to doing this job because I'm a football fan, and I played the game for 13 years. I'm looking forward to the ceremony on May 5, 2018 in Waco.  The odd thing about this is, my wife is too, and she's not even a sports fan.  It's probably because she loves to go to the Fixer Upper/Chip and Joanna Gaines Magnolia Market. Looking forward to next year's class being announced in the Fall.

Congratulations to these fine gentlemen.....

From the 1950's and before - Bobby Cavazos - Kingsville HS

1960's - Brad Dusek - Temple HS

1970's - Ken Washington - Port Arthur Lincoln HS

1980's - Tommy Jeter - Deer Park HS (Houston)

1990's - Kliff Kingsbury - New Braunfels HS

2000's - Jonathan Gray - Aledo HS

The Two Coaches are:

Bob Shelton - Hays HS

Phil Danaher - Calallen HS

And the Contributor to the Game - Bruce Hardy - Texas Stadium Manager

The Polish Hammer and Tres Imposter - Crossfit SA - San Antonio Photographer

Had the privilege of photographing two crossfit athletes earlier this week.  Ryba is 6'2" former collegiate athlete, who is put together like an action figure.  She told us she's auditioning for the next Wonder Woman movie as an Amazon (just kidding).  I don't think she'd have any problem playing the role.  Her nickname is the Polish Hammer.  Omar is one of the trainers at Alamo City Crossfit (Ryba is one as well).  Every time I looked at him, I saw either Adam Sandler, Jason Biggs, and at certain angles, Manu Ginobili, but of course in better shape (Tres Imposter).  I'll tell you what, both of them are incredibly fit.  We did the session at Alamo City Crossfit, and let me tell you, it was 100 degrees inside the gym (I'm not kidding).  My equipment was hot to touch.   It was 104 degrees outside, so we embraced the 4 degrees of coolness inside (not).  Anyway, Ryba and Omar displayed their physical prowess by demonstrating some of the crossfit moves.  I was impressed.  I can see why their bodyfat % is so low. The more I learn about the crossfit craze, the more I understand how fast you can get results.  It's hard work and the exercises are intense, but with dedication and perseverance the results speak for themselves.  We got some great images, and I think I know who I'll call on if I ever need two models for a fitness campaign.  Thanks again Ryba and Omar, the images and the time spent with you are greatly appreciated.

#alamo city crossfit  #steve slate #crossfit #commercial photography #Ryba #Omar #Athletes #Polish Hammer

Ryba using the rings for a muscle up.  One of my favorites from the session.

Natural light - Ryba with a kettlebell.

Omar with a power clean.