Aubrey Independent School District’s athletic department hosted their annual Meet the Chaps event to kick off the fall sports season Aug. 22.
The Chaparral fans packed the stands at Chaparral Memorial Stadium as the Aubrey ISD middle school and high school athletes, marching band, cheerleaders and Chaparettes Dance Team were introduced in front of the home crowd.
“It's always a great community event and a great way to start off the school year for all of our organizations,” Keith Ivy, Aubrey athletic director and head football coach, said. “Football, volleyball, cross country and then, of course, our band, cheer and dance team, and we even had our youth sports association come in with their teams, so it's really cool for the parents, the community, the fans, and most importantly, our kids. They love it, and they come back every year, and eventually they grow up, and they want to be out here on the field in a uniform.”
The event honored every level of Aubrey ISD athletic teams for the upcoming fall season, including football, volleyball, cross country, cheerleading, marching band and dance team, as they passed through the program’s inflatable Chapar- ral.
The Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association also had multiple teams that were introduced at the event, showcasing the next generation of Chaparral student athletes.
“Being part of the Meet the Chaps event is such an honor for our association each year,” AAYSA president Cindy McCraw said. “It’s a true reminder of why we do what we do, bringing kids, families, coaches and volunteers together through sports and community. Seeing our young athletes recognized in front of their hometown is so meaningful, and we’re grateful for everyone who makes youth sports possible.”
Longtime Aubrey coach and current defensive coordinator Dana Bloedel, who started his coaching career with the program in 1982 and who was introduced as “Aubrey’s legendary coach” as he approached the microphone, spoke on behalf of the athletic department.
“My first job for seven years was here, and now I've been fortunate to come back, so it's a real humbling experience to be able to be honored like that,” he said.
Bloedel made sure to end the event on a high note, leading the crowd with a chant to fire up the Chaparral spirit and said the event is still exciting after all these years.
“It’s special,” he said. “Seeing the crowds swaying back and forth and doing the chants with the boys and me, it just shows how much they're behind us and how much school spirit we have.”
Senior offensive lineman Elliott Kinney, who joined Bloedel in getting the crowd fired up, shared his appreciation for the outpouring he’s seen from the fans at the event during his time in a Chaps uniform.
“It felt great to help get the crowd going,” he said. “We have a smaller home section, so some years they would overflow and topple over to our away stands because we have so many people that support us, but our community, they always show out for every single sport.”
Ivy made sure to express thanks to the parents and fans on behalf of the Aubrey athletic department.
“We certainly appreciate everything that they do to support and back all of our programs,” he said. “It’s grown stronger every year, and we couldn't be more thankful.”
The Chaparrettes Dance Team performs in front of Aubrey’s inflatable Chaparral during the Meet the Chaps kickoff event. Martin Edwards/The Post-Signal
