Mark Kramer
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Articles by Mark Kramer
Time for tip-off for Lee College basketball
By By Mark Kramer | The Baytown Sun While football is still in full swing, Lee College basketball is right around the corner. With five key returning lettermen and a freshman class with a lot of height and talent, the Lee College Navigators are ready to make a deep run in Region 14 and possibly a berth in the National Junior College Athletic Association's National Tournament. Mark Kramer is a Sports Writer at The Baytown Sun
Bulldogs take bite out of Rangers
The La Porte Bulldogs are well known for their running game. Friday, it was quarterback Josh Wells and his receivers, however, that stole the show in their 55-13 victory over the Baytown Sterling Rangers inside Stallworth Stadium. Wells completed 14 passes out of 15 attempts and threw for a season-high 275 yards with five touchdowns.
Jayden Gallow turns heads at national AAU event
When Jayden Gallow sets his sights on a goal, he approaches it in a full sprint. Gallow, a freshman at Barbers Hill High School, has become quite a success earning several national, regional, statewide and local honors at various track competitions. This past summer, Gallow put his talent display on a national stage at the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa. He was one of the top six competitors in the 13-14 age division selected to participate in the event.
Crunch time, playoffs await
By By Mark Kramer | The Baytown Sun This week should be just as unpredictable as last week and features battles of unbeatens, title contenders, playoff pretenders and teams just praying for a win. The action starts Thursday. The early slate is a pair of games -- East Chambers vs Anahuac and Galena Park vs Baytown Lee -- and the games kickoff at 7 p.m. Mark Kramer is a Sports Writer at The Baytown Sun
La Porte stuns No. 4 Port Arthur Memorial
After trailing going into the fourth quarter, La Porte exploded on a massive scoring spree and ran away with a stunning 51-27 victory over No. 4 state-ranked Port Arthur Memorial on Friday night inside Bulldog Stadium. La Porte now has sole possession of first place in District 9-5A-D1 with a 4-0 record and is 4-2 overall while Port Arthur is now 4-1 in district play and 6-1 on the season. kA 4=2DDlQAbQm“x 76=E =:<6 @FC <:5D 92G6 4@>6 2 =@?8 H2J D:?46 E96 368:??:?8 @7 E96 D62D@?
Cougars run past Kingwood in 37-29 win
The Crosby Cougars looked like a team hungry for a playoff spot in District 17-6A as they knocked off Kingwood 37-29 Thursday night at Turner Stadium. Crosby’s victory currently places the Cougars in the fourth spot in their district at 2-2, as North Shore, Summer Creek and CE King are all tied up for the first-place spot at 3-0. The Cougars have their postseason destiny in their hands as they face Summer Creek, Atascocita and Humble as their next three opponents.
Deer Park takes spark out of Chargers
With last year’s defeat to Clear Springs still fresh on the minds of Deer Park football players, they came into Friday’s game with a score to settle at Abshier Stadium. The Deer did just that, as a strong fourth quarter put the Chargers away for good in a 38-21 victory. kAms66C !2C<’D 5676?D:G6 =:?6>2? |:4926= q6?2G:56D =:E 2 DA2C< 62C=J :? E96 82>6 2D 96 C64@G6C65 2 7F>3=6 3J r=62C $AC:?8D "q z265J?
BH offense runs wild, routs Clear Brook
Barbers Hill put on an offensive showcase Thursday night inside Columbia Challenger Stadium as the Eagles scored at-will in a lopsided 72-11 victory over the Clear Brook Wolverines. The Eagles compiled 485 yards from scrimmage –– the bulk of those yards came from the passing game with 177 yards rushing. Leading the way was quarterback Luke Babin. The senior completed 11 of 14 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns.
Alzheimer’s – Fighting the fight
It’s that time again. The Bayland Park trails will be filled with hundreds of walkers in purple Saturday at the Alzheimer’s Association 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Baytown. It marks the 28th year Baytonians have raised money to support research efforts to combat the disease. kA 4=2DDlQA`Qm%96 6G6?E[ :ED A2CE:4:A2?ED 2?5 E96 5@?@CD[ >62?
Patriots, Rangers clash for Baytown Cup - Week 5 Pigskin Preview
Week 5 of the football season was a learning experience for many of the local teams. Some learned how to overcome adversity while others found that the path to the postseason will be a long one. Barbers Hill and Deer Park had easy wins in District 18-6A, but the real tests will come over the next few weeks.
Deer Park pounds Clear Lake in 62-7 rout
Deer Park’s offense was hitting on all cylinders Friday night as they stormed past Clear Lake in 62-7 victory in District 18-6A action at Clyde Abshier Stadium. On the evening, the Deer piled up 507 yards total offense with 337 yards in the passing game and 107 on the ground. The team is among the top five in the district with 2,258 yards total offense. kA 4=2DDlQA`QmkDA2? 4=2DDlQD`Qm“(6 A=2J65 H6==[” s66C !2C< w625 r@249 pFDE:? u=J?? D2:5] “}@H[ H6 2C6 724:?8 2 E@F89 E62> :?
Houston Texans drama…again
Being a Houston Texans fan is not for the faint of heart and the last two Sundays have certainly tried my patience. Will the third regular season game of the year at Indianapolis be the charm for Houston this week? Only time will tell. kAm%96 >2:? :DDF6 :D E96 @776?D:G6 =:?6] ~? >@DE A=2JD[ BF2CE6C324< ry $EC@F5 :D CF??:?8 7@C 9:D =:76 2?5 :7 96 4@>A=6E6D 2 A2DD[ :E D66>D =:<6 2 H@?56C @7 >28:4] p? 2C8F>6?E 42?
Hill College outlasts Lee College in five sets
Lee College’s volleyball team took Hill College down to the wire but fell short 3-2 in five sets inside the Sports Arena in a non-conference matchup Thursday. The Navigators took the opening set 25-23, but Hill came back to win in the second set 25-23 and third set before Lee took a 10-point victory in the fourth set in 25-15 win. Hill did not waste any time putting Lee away in the final set 15-7 to take the match. kAm“%96 8:C=D 2C6 8@:?8 :?E@ E96 D64@?5 92=7 @7 4@?76C6?46 9F?8CJ E@ 62C? 2 DA@E :?
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‘Dogs celebrate homecoming win over GCM
La Porte’s football team had much to celebrate on Homecoming Night as it shocked Goose Creek Memorial in a wild 52-33 win over the Patriots in the Friday night matchup at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs are now 2-0 in district and will travel to Beaumont West Brook Friday for a 7 p.m. matchup, while GCM (1-1), will host undefeated Port Arthur Memorial at 7 p.m. Thursday inside Stallworth Stadium. kA 4=2DDlQA`QmkDA2? 4=2DDlQD`Qm{2 !@CE6 CF??:?8 324<D $62? $:>@? 2?5 z256 s:6F5@??6 C2?
Navigators notch 1st Region 14 win over Trinity Valley
The Lee College volleyball team and their home crowd had reason to celebrate as the Navigators landed their first Region 14 conference win over Trinity Valley in four sets at the Lee College Arena on Thursday. Lee, did not have an easy start they as the Navigators to three of the top teams in the Region 14 that included Tyler 3-0, Panola 2-0 and Trinity Valley. The Navigators have an opportunity to gain some ground as they travel to Brenham on Tuesday to face last-place Blinn who is 0-4.
Lee College falls to Tyler JC in home opener
Tyler Junior College Apaches defeated Lee College in four sets inside the Lee College Arena Thursday. The teams were evenly matched and the competition fierce as the Navigators took the first set 26-24, but Tyler won the next three sets by very narrow margins (25-23, 26-24, 25-20) for the victory. kAm%J=6C ?@H DE2?5D 2E@A #68:@? `c H:E9 2 a\_ 4@?76C6?46 C64@C5 2?5 :D h\e @? E96 D62D@?] %96 }2G:82E@CD 72== E@ _\a :? 4@?76C6?46 27E6C E96J @A6?65 E96 D62D@? H:E9 2 =@DD @?
Deer Park pounds La Porte in Border Battle
Behind the play of an explosive offense and a stingy defense, the Deer Park Deer dominated the Border Battle against longtime rival La Porte in a 41-17 victory at Abshier Stadium Friday night. With the win, the Deer are now 2-0 overall while La Porte fell to 0-2. Both teams will begin district play this week as Deer Park travels to Kingwood to kick off District 18-6A/Region 3 action, while La Porte heads to Galveston Ball for its league opener for District 9-5A/Division 1.
Navs volleyball begins conference on the road
NJCAA Region 14 women’s volleyball begins conference play this week and the Lee College Navigators are geared up to make their mark this season. Lee College has started out strong with a 7-3 overall record and are competing in the Odessa College Tournament this weekend. The team is looking to put past seasons behind it and overcome some historical obstacles. kAm%96 }2G:82E@CD 42? C6HC:E6 E96:C 9:DE@CJ DE2CE:?8 %F6D52J H96?
State No. 8 Bulldogs fall at home to upstart Chargers
With La Porte entering Friday’s game as the No. 8 team in the state and Fort Bend Crawford being a Class 4A state semifinalist last season, the stage was set for an epic battle–– but it never came. Crawford racked up 519 total yards in its Class 5A debut and capitalized on the La Porte mistakes on both sides of the ball to run away with a 51-24 victory inside Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs defense held Crawford’s offense on its first possession of the game and forced a punt.
Lee fire did not dampen Ganders spirits
The Lee-Sterling game has memories for many, but the 1987 edition of “The Game” was a bit different. In April 1987, a major fire destroyed the main building of the Lee campus and heavily damaged other campus buildings. The decision by the district was made for the Lee students to move to Sterling campus for the fall and spring semester, which meant my Class of 1988 would be attending the first part of our senior year at the shared campus. We went to classes from Noon-6 p.m. five days a week.
This Stuffed Apples in Brûlée Pastry Recipe Will Wow Guests
With summertime coming to a close, we say goodbye to barbecues and summer treats that kept us cool all season. Now that fall is in the air, Trader Joe’s has released its iconic fall items, and Starbucks’ signature pumpkin spice latte is back for the year. The release of these seasonal delicacies marks the official time to bake and eat all the fall goodies our hearts’ desire and soak in the fall scenery throughout the county.
Lady Patriots open district with 3-set sweep
The Goose Creek Memorial volleyball team made quick work of Port Arthur Memorial Tuesday night, sweeping the Lady Titans in three sets, 25-12, 25-9, 25-10 inside the Competition Gym to open the District 19-5A season. “This was a good win for us,” GCM Head Coach Alicia Nava said.
Navs volleyball jumps out to hot start at LC tourney
Navigators volleyball players celebrate a win during the Lee College Classic. As the Lee College volleyball team tipped off their season this past weekend – a fitting phrase came to mind. There’s no place like home. The Navigators hosted the Lee College Classic Thursday, Friday and Saturday and made a statement on their home court winning three out of four games in the pool play event.
Lee College volleyball looks to turn tables in 2026
The Lee College volleyball team is heading into the 2026 season with their eyes set on being the surprise team of NJCAA Region 14. With several key returning players and after signing a strong recruiting class, the team can achieve its lofty goal. Last year, the Navigators showed promise posting a 20-19 overall record but lost some close games in conference play to perennial powers Trinity Valley, Blinn, Tyler and Panola College, to finish 5-10 against league opponents.
Never a dull moment in the Gander Field House
Sports have always been a part of my life. In my younger years, my cousins and I lived it. Many of those memories were in a special place called the Field House –– the Gander Field House, that is. My uncle was Ron Kramer, head football coach of the Robert E. Lee Ganders from 1968 to 1985. He was promoted to Athletic Director for Goose Creek CISD, a position he served in until his retirement in 1992. As many know, we lost him to Alzheimer’s Disease in 2005. kA 4=2DDlQA`Qm}@H 2E E9:D A@:?E :?
Bulldog Stadium honored in Texas Football poll
La Porte ISD’s Bulldog Stadium was named one of the top two facilities in the state this week as voters weighed in during a month-long Texas High School Football Stadium Showdown fan poll. When the smoke cleared after the final vote Tuesday, The Home of Bulldogs Football finished second in the voting, while West Rusk ISD’s Bruce Bradshaw Stadium was named the state’s stadium showdown champion. kAm{2 !@CE6 2?5 (6DE #FD< 72465 DE:77 4@>A6E:E:@?
Which Texans team is going to show up?
The main question people will be asking about the Houston Texans going into this season is –– which Texans team is going to show up? The team that can dismantle the Kansas City Chiefs, or the error-prone, lackluster team that was manhandled by the New England Patriots. kA 4=2DDlQA`Qmp=E9@F89 E96J H6?E `a\d E@ H:? E96 pur $@FE9[ E96J =@DE :? E96 r@?76C6?46 r92>A:@?D9:A 82>6 2?5 72?D 2C6 86EE:?8 2?EDJ]k^Am kA 4=2DDlQA`Qmp?J@?6 H9@ 92D 366?
Architects share proposed look for events center, library
Representatives from Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture (BRS) presented a proposed renderings of the ExxonMobil Baytown Events Center and the new Sterling Municipal Library during the Baytown City Council workshop session Thursday. The center, a planned 150,000–200,000 square-foot sports and entertainment venue, will be located near the intersection of Decker Drive and Market Street.
Baytown Council to peak at next fiscal year’s budget
The Baytown City Council has several items on the agenda for their regularly scheduled Thursday meeting, including a presentation regarding architectural services for the ExxonMobil Baytown Events Center. During council’s 5:30 p.m. workshop session, representatives from Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture will give a presentation and answer questions regarding the ExxonMobil Baytown Event Center (EMBEC).
La Porte alumni, Buffalo Bills star linebacker Terrel Bernard holds youth football clinic
By Mark Kramer Baytown Sun Correspondent kA 4=2DDlQAbQmqF772=@ q:==D DE2C =:?6324<6C %6CC6= q6C?2C5 42>6 9@>6 E@ {2 !@CE6 =2DE H66< 2== 7@C 2 8@@5 42FD6]k^Am kA 4=2DDlQAbQm%96 a_`f 8C25F2E6 2?5 DE2?5@FE 5676?D:G6 A=2J6C 2E {2 !@CE6 w:89 $49@@= 2?5 q2J=@C &?:G6CD:EJ C6EFC?65 E@ 9:D 9@>6E@H? E@ 9@DE 9:D *@FE9 u@@E32== r=:?:4 @? $2EFC52J]k^Am kA 4=2DDlQAbQm|@C6 E92? `a_ J@FE9 C2?8:?8 7C@> 286D 7:G6 E9C@F89 `b A2CE:4:A2E65 :?
La Porte named No. 8 in preseason poll
The preseason high school football rankings are out and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has La Porte ranked No. 8 in the state. The Bulldogs will be in for quite a test, however, as they face some new and tougher competition in the nine-team District 9-5A-Division I this season. Port Arthur Memorial, ranked No. 9, will be a challenge for La Porte as the Titans host the Bulldogs in Week 4 of the season. La Porte Head Football Coach Kevin Berneathy said his group is ready for the challenge. kAm“x?
Baytown's sixth annual Juneteenth celebration
It was an evening of celebration, good music and good times as more than 10,000 people attended Baytown’s sixth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday at Bicentennial Park. Baytown Mayor Charles Johnson took the stage to welcome the crowd to the city’s Juneteenth festivities.
La Porte announces All-District softball, baseball honors
La Porte shortstop Kynlee Arechiga was named the District 20-5A MVP for her outstanding play this season. The La Porte High School girls softball and boys baseball teams capped a successful season as several players received District 20-5A All-District honors. Softball Selections Kallie Walker, right, was named Defensive Player of the Year by the District 20-5A coaches.
Time goes fast…Don’t Blink
As I was writing the story about the passing of my good friend and Lee Head Boys Basketball Coach Jim Ledbetter this week, many memories of my high school sports days came back as clear as day in my mind. Basically, if you were in any of sort of athletics at that time of the mid 80s, every one of the coaches knew you. In my case, there was no getting around it when your uncle was the head football coach and eventually the district’s athletic director.
Ledbetter remembered as ‘one of a kind’
Longtime Baytown Lee Head Boys Basketball Coach Jim Ledbetter, who led the Ganders for two decades, passed away May 20. He was 83. Ledbetter arrived at Baytown Lee during the 1981-82 school year after coaching basketball and baseball in his home state of Michigan. According to several former players, his coaching style was much like the late North Carolina State coach Jim Valvano, whose team defeated the University of Houston for the NCAA National Championship in 1983.
Eagles Veen to lead Livingston volleyball
One of the area’s winningest high school volleyball coaches will be on a different sideline when play begins in August. Barbers Hill Head Volleyball Coach Casey Veen was named the new leader of the Livingston High School program. Before the news of her hiring, her husband Ben Veen was announced as the high school’s new assistant principal. kAmr@249 '66? D92C65 E96 2??@F?46>6?E :? 2 u2463@@< A@DE =2E6 =2DE H66<]k^Am kAm“%96C6 4@>6 E:>6D :? =:76 H96?
BH bats explode in Game 2 regionals at La Porte
After the La Porte softball team defeated Barbers Hill in extra innings on the Eagles home turf Thursday, the Lady Bulldogs had high hopes heading into the second game of the Class 5A Division 1 Regional Finals. However, Barbers Hill put on an offensive display in a lopsided 15-3 victory at La Porte High School Friday night. The Eagles had 16 hits and took advantage of four La Porte errors that translated into runs during the win and avenged their opening game loss to the Bulldogs.
23 La Porte student-athletes sign on dotted line
It has been a banner year for La Porte High School athletics this school year with several playoff runs and individual honors. Now, there is even more reason to celebrate. kAmpE 2 DA64:2= 46C6>@?J :?D:56 E96 qF==5@8 r6?EC6 @? E96 {2 !@CE6 w:89 $49@@= 42>AFD C646?E=J[ ab DEF56?E\2E9=6E6D[ H9@ 92G6 H@C? E96 @C2?86 2?5 H9:E6[ D:8?65 E96:C =6EE6CD @7 :?E6?E E@ 4@?E:?F6 E96:C 2E9=6E:4 2?5 24256>:4 42C66CD]k^Am kAm!2C6?ED[ 7C:6?5D 2?5 @E96CD 2EE6?565 E96 6G6?E :? DFAA@CE @7 E9@D6 H9@ D:8?65 @?
Sylvan Beach Festival brings in crowds
La Porte’s Sylvan Beach Festival has been a tradition for 70 years and certainly did not disappoint. More than 20,000 people attended the traditional end of April event that was held at Sylvan Beach Park that overlooks Galveston Bay. According to the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce, the festival has become one of the region’s most popular events. kA 4=2DDlQA`QmkDA2?
La Porte rallies after rain delay, defeats Sterling
A four-hour rain delay in the sixth inning of Game 2 of the Bi-District Round against Sterling was not enough to stand in the way of La Porte advancing to the next round of the Class 5A-D1 baseball playoffs Thursday night at Ronnie Kluch Field. Once the rain stopped and play resumed, the Bulldogs tied the game in the seventh, then took a 4-1 lead in the eighth, to sweep the series 2-0. The Bulldogs won the first game of the series in La Porte Wednesday, 10-2.
Jags select La Porte, Aggie standout in NFL draft
Another alumnus of the La Porte Bulldogs football team has joined elite company as Texas A&M defensive tackle Albert Regis was selected in the third round by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the National Football League draft on Thursday. Regis, a 2021 La Porte graduate and Bulldogs standout, joins fellow alumni, current Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard, and former Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shawn Rodgers.
La Porte bats fuel bi-district series sweep
The La Porte softball team put on a dominating offensive display and swept Sterling by the 10-run rule in both games of the Bi-District playoff series last Friday and Saturday at Lee High School. La Porte had 12-hit performances in both games as they cruised past Sterling 17-2 in the first game and 10-0 in Saturday’s finale. kAm“(6 92G6 366? @? 2 C@== 2E E96 A=2E6 2?5 @FC A:E49:?8 A6C7@C>2?46D 92G6 366?
Community comes together at Relay for Life event
It was a celebration filled with a sea of purple as those who have conquered cancer proudly took their Survivors Lap to kick off the Bay Area Relay for Life at Barbers Hill High School last Friday. A variety of events were held during the evening in an effort to help the American Cancer Society through a variety of various events and community building efforts.
Winning the cancer battle
This time of year is very special to me because it marks my 15th year of being a cancer survivor. Every April, I participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, thus the timing of this column. It is an opportunity to spread awareness of the disease and celebrate those who have won the battle, those who are fighting the fight and remember those we’ve lost. kA 4=2DDlQA`QmkDA2? 4=2DDlQD`Qmx’G6 366? H2?E:?8 E@ E6== >J DE@CJ 7@C 2 H9:=6] x H2D EH@ >@?E9D D9J @7 >J c`DE 3:CE952J H96?
La Porte pounds Angleton to clinch 20-5A title
The La Porte girls softball team has been dominant on offense all season long. Now, they are celebrating their hard work as District 20-5A Champions. In a game that saw the No. 13 state-ranked Lady Bulldogs explode for 17 hits, La Porte cruised by Angleton in a 14-5 victory on the road on Friday to claim their first district title since 2015. With the win, La Porte rose to 10-1 in district and 19-3 overall and will close out league play at 6:30 p.m. Friday when they travel to Galveston Ball.
Sterling routs Lee, earns playoff spot
Going into Thursday’s game against long-time rival Lee, Sterling Rangers Head Coach Dustan Greer had a strong message after his team’s one-run 8th inning win on Tuesday night. Leave no doubt. kAmxE H2D 2 >6DD286 E92E 9:D A=2J6CD E@@< E@ 962CE 2D E96 $E6C=:?8’D 32ED 42>6 2=:G6 AFEE:?8 `b CF?D @? E96 D4@C63@2C5 :? E96 D64@?5 2?5 E9:C5 :??:?8D 2D E96 #2?86CD 4CF:D65 E@ 2 `d\a G:4E@CJ @G6C E96 v2?56CD 2E v2CJ w6CC:?8E@? u:6=5]k^Am kAm“x’G6 E@=5 @FC E62> E92E H96? E92E H96?
Sterling slips by Lee in 8 innings, 2-1
In a game with playoff implications, the Sterling Rangers came away with a 2-1 extra innings victory Tuesday night over crosstown rival Baytown Lee at Ronnie Kluch Field. With two Sterling runners on base in the bottom of the eighth inning and Baytown Lee relief pitcher freshman Adrian Gonzalez on the mound, Joel Salazar ripped a line drive to right field to score Joseph Franco for the winning run and give the Rangers their second straight victory. kAm$E6C=:?8 :D :? 7F== 4@?EC@= @7 7@FCE9 A=246 :?
Strong performance at state for girls powerlifters
Baytown area girls high school powerlifting teams flexed their muscles and even brought home some medals from the Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association State Championships in Edinburg last weekend. Girls from Baytown Lee, Baytown Sterling, Crosby and La Porte competed at the annual event, with several individuals receiving recognition for their efforts. kAm{2 !@CE6 4@>A6E65 :? E96 r=2DD dp\s` tBF:AA65 5:G:D:@? 7@C E96 E9:C5 4@?D64FE:G6 J62C 2E E96 DE2E6 >66E 2?5 925 :ED 36DE D9@H:?8 :?
BH girls blank La Porte in playoff win
Goals from some of its top performers backed by strong defensive play, led the Barbers Hill girls soccer team to a 3-0 shutout of La Porte Thursday night in the Bi-District round of the Region 3-5A-D1 soccer playoffs inside Bulldog Stadium. On paper, Barbers Hill was a heavy favorite. The District 19-5A champs posted a 12-1-1 mark in the district season and had won 12 of their last 13 games.
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