|
Cy-Fair baseball coach Woody Champagne got his 500th career win Tuesday when the Bobcats routed Strake Jesuit 10-0 in five innings in a District 17-5A game.
After racking up six runs in the bottom of the second, it looked like Champagne was on his way to the milestone.
He got it, as well as the district championship.
“You think about 500 wins and it’s amazing,” he said. “It’s a great honor.”
After James Green crossed the plate in the fifth inning for the win, the Bobcats rushed Champagne and drenched him, as is traditional.
Champagne began his career 34 years ago coaching at Eisenhowerm where he got his first win. Six years later he moved to Cy-Fair and brought home the school's first state title last year.
“My concern has always been the kids,” Champagne said. “I knew that 500 would come along somewhere down the road. But I think everyone is forgetting right now that we won the district championship.”
The Bobcats scored in all but one inning. Robbie Grossman led the game off for Cy-Fair with a hit up the middle. He then stole second, third and home on a passed ball for an early 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the second, the Bobcats batted through their entire line up, scoring six runs. Landon Lee started the rally with a walk off homerun. Three singles and three doubles followed for the big lead.
Cy-Fair managed to squeeze two more runs across the plate for the big win.
“When the kids start believing in what you’re doing, it makes it a whole lot easier,” Champagne said. “We are swinging the bat extremely well right now. With Tommy (Collier) on the mound, we have a chance of winning every ball game. We’re just playing really well right now and this is a good time of year to do it.”
The team and fans celebrated with Champagne and his family for his special moment. Players from Champagne’s early Cy-Fair coaching days came out to congratulate their old coach, including former Astros pitcher Woody Williams. Williams played at Cy-Fair under Champagne from 1981-84.
“Woody surprised me,” Champagne said. “It’s good to have him out here and have him back. He’s a very special person and it means a lot to me.”
Cy-Fair had a lot to celebrate Tuesday night, but Champagne gives all the credit to the kids.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have some awards and all this is great,” he said.
“But it’s all about the kids. They are the ones out there playing. So it’s fun to celebrate with them what you have accomplished.”
Please check back Wednesday for the Photo Connect where you can purchase photos of Tuesday night's game and Woody Champagne's celebration.
|