Spring Branch ISD Featured News

There is not a season of the year that Eric Astorga is not giving his all to playing on a team or one kind or another.

This eighth-grader from Spring Oaks Middle School (SOMS) has played wide receiver, running back, line backer and safety on the school’s football team. Currently, he is the starting point guard on the basketball team. On the horizon, Eric plans to play soccer, track and cross country.

At SOMS, one teacher coaches all of these sports: Myron Crawford. He appreciates the willingness of Astorga to learn more and grow in each sport he endeavors. “As a person, Eric is very mature, as a student he is very intelligent, and as an athlete he is very coachable and eager to learn more.,” said Crawford.

This young athlete gives much credit and thanks to the coaches who have invested time in his sports skills over the years, starting when he was five years old and playing with the Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA).

“All in all, I have been very lucky to have some really amazing coaches in my life,” said Astorga.  “I have trained with, and have had amazing mentorships with, the following coaches: Coach Yolanda Morrow with Houston Parks & Recreation Summer Enrichment Program, Coach S. Turner, Coach Kenneth and Coach Butch (D1S), Coach B. Brown (Hogg Middle School) and now Coach Crawford (SOMS), with his constant reminder that ‘Everything starts in the classroom.’ 

“All my coaches in one way or another have built up my skills and confidence and have been such a positive influence in my life. Thank you!”

When asked which part of being on a team he finds most enjoyable, Astorga said, “I enjoy watching all my teammates progress through the season, building on their skills.”

Academics first

Coach Crawford is thankful when his academic advice is taken to heart, as it is in Astorga. “All my athletes know I stress academics first because you have to pass to play,” said Crawford.  “Honestly, coaches love smart athletes because they don’t have to wonder about them academically.”

Astorga echoes his coach’s sentiments, and offers these suggestions to younger students following in his wake on what it takes to become a top athlete: “The advice I have for younger players is to first focus on school, then sports and secondly, be devoted, committed, and put in the work.”

Eric’s mother, Erica Puga, is pleased with her son’s personal and athletic growth achieved through participation in sports. “I am most proud of Eric as an athlete to see his determination and dedication in whatever sport he plays,” she said. “As a son, it makes me proud to hear the excitement in his voice of whatever plays or drills he has accomplished, to notice the hard work he puts into training or to see his determination. It has been amazing to see him mature over the years.” 

An athlete of character

Throughout his athletic and academic journey, Astorga has developed a range of character traits. Skills like time management, leadership, teamwork, and discipline are being refined as he evolves into a top athlete with strong character.

His mother sees these qualities as important preparations for life now and in the future. “It builds self-confidence and teaches him to be on any team,” she noted. “It takes hard work and a team-player attitude.”

In SBISD, there are many ways coaches, teachers, administrators and staff work collectively to build Core Characteristics in our students. There are six main characteristics identified as essential for students’ future success, and which provide guidance for their work and dedication to developing young men and women of character, ready to take on the world. 

“All the Core Characteristics fit Eric, but if I had to choose a few, they would be, Academically Prepared, Persistent & Adaptable, and Communicator & Collaborator,” said Crawford.

Next year, Astorga will move on to Spring Woods High School. His dream is to play on a varsity team with his brother, who will be a senior.

#SBISDProud