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| Coach Sis Brotzman |
After graduating from TWU in 1957 I was working at Camp Mystic in the Hill Country as a waterfront counselor where Superintendent Murray Garner came and interviewed me for a coaching position at RHHS. I was thrilled to be offered a job in Texas so accepted. I rented an apartment from Miss Maude Johnson – which was near the school and this worked out good for me since I did not have a car. This being my first job and nothing to compare it to, I thought this was a BIG school. When school started, I began working as sponsor of the Pep Squad and cheerleaders....eagerly awaiting time for basketball season to start!
The first week end after school started, I was a dinner guest at Deane and Delores Brotzman's along with other teachers and local folks. This is when I met Lloyd Brotzman. After many dates and courting, we were married December 27, 1958 ~~ opening a new and wonderful chapter in my life.
The 1957-58 basketball season was good but the next season, 1958-59 was even better when we only lost two games and went to Regionals. I quit coaching when we started our family as our son, Curt was born in 1960 and our daughter, Tammerie, was born in 1962. I soon went back to work but this time in Harlingen and again found myself being sponsor of the Pep Squad and cheerleaders. In addition, I formed the first drill team there—the “Cardettes.”
After 10 years, I returned to RHHS and coached the girls basketball team along with my assistant, Connye Busa. My next job was at the Harlingen Country Club teaching tennis and working in the Pro Shop.
Lloyd and I enjoyed traveling and playing golf together....playing in many couples tournaments. Lloyd won many state left-hand tournaments. In doing so, he was sent to several international left-hand tournaments. I played Senior Women's Tennis in Texas and was always in the top three in doubles. During this time, Tammerie took me to Wimbeldon in England and this was a highlight of my tennis days. Since Lloyd's passing May 3, 2007,
I have a lot of great memories of our lives together. We have 4 grandchildren. Curt's son Duncan and daughter Courtney both graduated from RHHS. Duncan is attending college at Texas A&M and is on a team chosen to build a one-man submarine and race it this summer, as an engineering student. Courtney lives in Harlingen and works for Dish Network.
Tammerie has two children—a daughter, Harper (16) who is an honor student at Richardson HS and built a computer site on a 9/11 project. Her son is Chandler (14) who is also an honor student and he plays a clarinet in the band. At this time I am living in Dallas near my daughter, Tammerie but will soon be moving to Bay City to be with my sister. Tammerie has just received her PhD in Theology at SMU and has taken a job in North Carolina where she will be moving. Curt will be headquartered in Wharton, near Bay City.
I hope to see y'all at the next reunion of the class of 1959!!
Tammerie, Curt, and Families,
ReplyDeleteWe were heavy-hearted to hear of Sis's death. There are rare and distinctive people who come into our lives, as a person, teacher, coach, and friend, and they impact our existence, Sis was one those persons. Sis was an extraordinary lady for all seasons. Sincerely,
Richard and Estelle Flores
Former Coach and Teacher at Rio Hondo 1969-1973