Mr. Versatility

Multi-sport athlete is also top student at GHS

June 15, 2007

by Chris Helterbrand 

If Grapevine coaches were asked to describe senior-to-be Bryan Houk's athletic ability with a single word, the likely choice would be "versatile."
Houk is a starting outfielder for the GHS varsity baseball team, as well as a receiver for the Mustangs varsity football team, where he also handles some of the squad's kicking duties.
As if that weren't enough, Houk has also been a consistent performer in the classroom, where he maintains a 4.75 GPA, placing him 78th in a class of 525 students.
Needless to say, that will make him an appealing prospect to college recruiters in the coming months, many who will be asking the same question: "Which sport do you want to play in college?"
"I would play both if I could," Houk said. "That would be terrific. If I could make the decision, I'd play both baseball and football somewhere like T.C.U., Rice or Baylor. But if [college coaches] tell me they want me to play one sport and not play another—I would do it."
Houk will have ample opportunity to impress college scouts this summer while playing for the Texas Titans 18 and under select baseball team, which competes as part of the Northeast Tarrant League along with several other clubs comprised of local high school players.
The Texas Titans are scheduled to participate in several prominent showcase events this summer, both locally in Fort Worth and further abroad in destinations such as Mississippi and Florida.
"I'm just hoping to do my best," Houk said. "How you play in front of the scouts will have a lot to do with which schools [recruit me] next year."
Mustangs coach Tim McCune said Houk should have many options available when the time comes to make a final decision.
"He's the type of kid you can win with," McCune said. "He's a big kid, runs well—really just a great physical specimen. But he's also a good student away from the field. He has a tendency to be quiet, be he's very intelligent—just a solid kid."
McCune said Houk has earned some impressive accolades playing baseball at GHS, including his designation as a First Team selection for District 5-5A for 2007, as well as being named the All-District Designated Hitter of the Year.
"Bryan's really improved his two-strike approach," McCune said. "He's done a great job of putting the ball into play—he's also overcome some nagging injuries that have been bothering him."
Houk said he's looking forward to his senior year, but for now, he's focusing his attention on his extensive summer schedule.
Houk has already participated in a baseball camp at T.C.U. earlier this month, and is playing on the GHS 7-on-7 football team.
What limited time is left is spent working with individual trainers, including former Dallas Cowboys kicker Chris Boniol, who has been helping Houk improve his skills.
Houk is excited about the potential athletic opportunities that await him at the collegiate level, but he also understands the importance of securing an education.
"You have to do good in school so you can get a job when sports are over," Houk said. "I would love to play both sports at a major school—but I just want to play somewhere."