Unmasked: Texas 1A Fan

The Texas 1A Fan team takes for granted that you all know who we are and why we do what we do. For new and seasoned fans alike, we thought we'd offer an introduction and let you know the answers to these burning questions!

How
In November 2015, Texas 1A Fan shot out into the 1A Texas world like a canon. There was no fanfare, only a mindset that 1A kids deserved coverage and accolades like all the other classifications in Texas. The goal was and continues to be to cover as many 1A events and activities as possible and to report all that information via social media and a website in a clear and transparent way. We do this so EVERYONE has the opportunity to witness our 1A kids in action and applaud their incredible efforts. We also like to engage fans along the way!

Why
We started as one person and steadily gained team members who shared the feeling of loving all things 1A. We have a passion for 1A kids, schools, and communities. Why? Because we are all from 1A schools. We all either participated in everything in our 1A schools or have kids who attended 1A schools and experienced the joy of being able to try everything offered. We are 1A community members, and we love our 1A Alma Maters.

So why spread the love to all 1A communities? It needed to be done and what better way to show our love for all things 1A?

Our small communities are like family. We all know each other and most of everyone's extended family - whether it be the cousin who comes to visit a week in the summer or the grandparents who drive hundreds of miles to see a classmate play basketball. It's the grandmother of a student who everyone calls Mee Maw because she IS everyone's Mee Maw, no matter if she's related by blood or not. It's a special relationship between communities. The town 20 miles up the road and all its townspeople. Everyone knows everyone. We see each other at the store and at school activities. We all make special bonds. The kids make friendships that sometimes last an entire lifetime!

We are part of that family. The family of 1A communities. We live it. And it's important for the world to know how very special our communities are to us and our kids.

Who
The Texas 1A Fan Team now consists of seven awesome individuals. We all have full-time jobs doing different things. One works at a university. One is a technology guru at a company. Another works in uniform on the highway. We have a big equipment operator. Another works for the government. We all do different things from 8:00-5:00 every weekday, but we all share one passion. Some ask us, "How much money do you make covering 1A?" We don't get paid in money, but then again, we don't value money in relation to our passion.

We value the moments, good and not so good, we experience when bringing you all 1A sports and activities. We relish the proud moments, the excited fans, the player hugging the coach, the kid that makes it to the finals in debate for the first time, the band that earns all ONES for the first time in seven years. Our payment comes by capturing these moments for 1A fans. We put great value on all of these moments. We feel proud right along with you. We feel heartbroken right along with you. We smile big, but we also shed more than a few tears. We share in these moments and hope we capture the memories in a respectful way for you, your family, and your community.

Some schools do not have dedicated photographers or broadcasters. Some kids only have pictures they themselves take or that appear in the yearbook. And that is why all our photos are always free. We are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to capture and share these moments with all of you. There really is nothing else we'd rather be doing!

We do get lots of questions. People are curious and rightly so. We hope this clears it up a little. And as always, we like to stay in the background. The 1A kids, schools, and communities are in the spotlight. We will continue to shine that spotlight big and bright.

Because 1A is truly the very best

Texas 1A Fan Team
Bobbie Brown, Jayton
Stephen Reynolds, Hamlin (lives in Jayton)
Johnna Reynolds, Jayton
Dency McClure Newcastle (lives in Paint Rock)
Michael McClure, Paint Rock
Leman Saunders, Blackwell
Jason Henderson, McLean