Triple Threat: UIL Tradition Starts More than 40 Years Ago
By Sue Jane Mayes, Borden County HS | Thursday, June 05, 2014 9:39 AM
When science teacher Mickey McMeans drove to Austin in 1966 with Borden County High School’s first-ever academic state qualifier, he could not have imagined the tradition he was starting.
In the 70s and 80s business teacher Netta Jarrett coached multiple state champions in 1-A typing and shorthand.
Speech teachers Darrin Ard and Sue Jane Mayes would be the next generation of coaches, carpooling many students the 350-mile distance from Gail to Austin. Between them, they coached two speech championship teams and numerous extemp, interp, and debate gold medalists. Champions in spelling, ready writing, journalism and social studies were also added.
But McMeans’s did more than jumpstart a school tradition. His favorite contribution to Borden County’s UIL legacy is a bit more personal.
McMeans is “Granddad” to three current Borden County students who bear the same name, the same competitive drive and—ironically—almost the same birthday.
Zach, Mallory, and Mollie McMeans are seniors this year, and they do share the same birthday with each other. Most triplets do.
The three have participated in UIL events since their elementary days. While Zach and Mollie have always had a fondness for the speaking events, Mallory has taken the writing path.
And all three have qualified for state in multiple events, multiple times.
Cumulatively, the McMeans have accounted for 10 team state-qualifying trips and six individual berths in the past three years.
While Mallory has continued to use her writing talents in journalism events, she has also advanced to state as team member and individual qualifier in Current Issues and Events.
Mollie’s 4’11” frame disguises her tenacity, as she has tackled study intensive contests such as Social Studies and CX debate. With Zach as her partner, she has advanced to the State CX tournament her sophomore and junior year, making it to the quarterfinal round in 2013. This year Mollie also brought home a gold medal from State for CX Debate.
Starting with his freshman year, Zach has been in Austin for every state academic meet since 2011: CX all three years and the State Literary Meet all three years. The fact that he has done so in four different events (Persuasive Speaking, Current Issues and Events, Social Studies, and CX debate) highlights the magnitude of his impact on Borden County’s UIL program. This year Zach brought home three gold medals from the State Meet for Congress, CX Debate and Persuasive Speaking.
Editor’s Note: Mickey McMeans served as Borden County’s high school principal from 1968-2002, retiring after a 44-year career with the school district. His son Bart, a 1981 BHS graduate, is the current school principal