The Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce welcomed the athletic directors from Cleveland ISD and Tarkington ISD during its Aug. 6 luncheon, giving community members an opportunity to hear about the direction of both districts’ athletic programs as the new school year approaches.
Tarkington ISD Athletic Director Jake Howard, who is entering his first year leading the Longhorns, introduced himself by reflecting on his roots in Cleveland. A graduate of Cleveland High School, Howard said returning to the area feels like coming home.
“Cleveland holds a special place in my heart,” Howard said. “I see people that are the reason that I have gotten into this profession.”
Although he now leads Tarkington athletics, Howard said he still carries pride in his alma mater.
“I am a Tarkington Longhorn now, but I am still an Indian at heart,” he said.
Howard said his coaching philosophy centers on providing positive experiences for every student athlete.
“I’m thrilled to be the new leader of these Tarkington Longhorns. I believe that every kid out here deserves positive experiences, and my goal is to ensure everybody at our high school and our middle school and all our schools get that, and we pour into it. That’s how I believe in coaching. That’s why I got into this.”
Howard’s coaching career includes stops at Willis High School, Klein High School and Cleveland High School.
“This has been the starting point and hopefully the ending point,” he said. “There’s no reason to leave.”
Howard unveiled the philosophy that will guide Tarkington athletics moving forward: “One Herd, One Heart.”
He said one of his goals is to recreate the community support he remembers from his own high school days.
“When you say, ‘What was so great about high school?’ I’ll tell you what was so great. When we were at the games on Friday night, everybody was at the games on Friday night. And when it wasn’t football season, everybody was at the basketball gym on Friday night. And when it wasn’t there, then we were at baseball. We supported each other.”
Howard said he wants Tarkington athletics to become one large family where students support one another regardless of the sport.
“We are going to have a full focus about doing right by kids, all in, all together, and it’s one big family,” he said.
Although he now works in Tarkington, Howard noted that he still considers himself part of the Cleveland community.
“I get it, you know, I’m down the road, but last check, when I write my checks, it says Cleveland, Texas on there. We’re all part of Cleveland.”
Howard thanked those attending for welcoming him back home.
“I do appreciate all the support that I receive here, and I’m happy to be back home. It really tugs at my heart seeing some of the faces I do see here today.”
Cleveland ISD Athletic Director Bryan Ricci also addressed the audience, expressing pride in the growth of the district’s athletic facilities and programs.
“I am so proud of our athletic facilities at Cleveland ISD,” Ricci said. “It’s not the same school that we went to.”
He highlighted improvements to the district’s basketball gymnasium, baseball and softball fields, tennis complex, and other facilities, crediting the community, school administration, and current and former school board members for supporting those investments.
“Our kids deserve nice things,” he said.
Ricci emphasized that the true purpose of athletics extends beyond wins and losses.
“Athletics are about kids leaving Cleveland ISD in better shape and better prepared to be successful in the world,” he said. “Winning and losing, that’s great. That is success, but that’s short term. We’re trying to create long-term success.”
He said the district’s athletic department is focused on developing students who become successful citizens, spouses, employers, employees, and leaders.
Ricci outlined the pillars of Cleveland ISD athletics, including academic excellence, commitment from students, coaches, parents and the community, love and discipline, community involvement, player development, communication, partnerships and increasing student participation.
“They’re student-athletes,” he said. “We’re going to really push for our student-athletes to be successful in the classroom.”
Ricci also stressed the importance of accountability.
“You’ve got to love your kids,” he said. “The kids have to love coming to be a part of your program. But the discipline part is important. You’ve got to hold kids accountable. If you don’t, you’re doing them a disservice.”
Community involvement remains another priority for the district, with athletic teams participating in youth nights, sports camps, and community events.
Ricci also introduced several new coaches joining Cleveland ISD, including new volleyball coach Coach Powell, cross country coach and assistant softball coach Coach Pizarro, head baseball coach Coach Garcia, and strength and conditioning coordinator Coach Spencer.
Ricci said adding a dedicated strength and conditioning coordinator will allow head coaches to focus on coaching while ensuring athletes receive year-round, professionally designed workout programs.
“It’s going to be a phenomenal benefit,” he said.
Ricci concluded by encouraging residents to purchase season football tickets and support Cleveland ISD athletics throughout the year.
Their speeches concluded with Cleveland Mayor Danny Lee presenting official proclamations recognizing both Howard and Ricci for their leadership and contributions to student athletics.