BEEPER KRAUS

Age: 28

High School and year graduated: Pine Tree High School, Class of 2000

College attended, field of study and year graduated: Stephen F. Austin State University Class of 2004, studied kinesiology.

Family life: Married to Amanda Green Kraus of Pine Tree Class of 2000 and we have an amazing 4-month-old son, Kingston

Current job/profession: Spring Hill ISD where I teach Intermediate and Middle School P.E., as well as coach Jr. High football, JV basketball and varsity golf.

Why you remember him: Played on Pine Tree's Region III state semifinalist basketball team with 29-4 record as a junior. Pirates won district and bi-district championships. Was a second-team all-district selection. Also played on 1999-2000 team that compiled a 24-6 record and was district runner-up, bi-district champs, reached Region III Regional semifinals. Was first-team all-district, first-team All-East Texas and honorable mention All-State as well as Pine Tree's Most Valuable Player as a senior. Averaged 12 points, three steals, four assists and seven rebounds a game.

TWO-MINUTE DRILL

Q: Did you play other sports while growing up or at Pine Tree?

A: Yes, I played soccer until I was 12 years old and then concentrated on basketball and baseball. I also played baseball at Pine Tree.

Q: When did you realize you could be a good player, and who helped you the most develop your game?

A: My parents and both brothers pushed me to work hard and get better at everything I did. I grew a passion for basketball by playing with my two older brothers all the time.

Q: Why did you decide not to play basketball in college at LeTournaeu University, Kilgore College or walk-on at SFA?

A: Not playing college basketball is one of my biggest regrets. I guess I wasn't ready to commit fully into the hours needed to play at the collegiate level. If I could do it again, I would have definitely played at SFA.

Q: What was the most enjoyable part of playing for coach Rick Flanagan and coach Bob Friday at Pine Tree?

A: I would say the most enjoyable thing about playing for both coaches is the knowledge of the game they had and the effort they put into making us better.

Q: Did you play on the team that went to the regional finals in Austin?

A: Yes, I was a junior on that team. It was a fun team but a disappointing loss.

Q: You worked in the oil field business between teaching at Pine Tree and Spring Hill, what was that like?

A: I coached at Pine Tree my first year out of school and then left to go work for family as a sales representative in the oil field. That was a great career and interesting all the time. I missed coaching and the passion I have for basketball and working with kids, so now I am back in the teaching and coaching field at Spring Hill.

Q: What led you to become a coach and a teacher?

A: My mom taught all of my life, and I guess you could say she led me to teaching, but my whole family led me to basketball and sports in general by always supporting me.

Q: How have you liked being at Spring Hill so far?

A: Spring Hill is a great place. The staff and community are amazing, and I am excited about being a part of the community.

Q: Are you looking forward to the basketball season?

A: Basketball season can't come soon enough. I think we have a great basketball staff, and I am looking forward to working with them as well as the athletes to hopefully help the program!

Q: What plans do you have for the future?

A: My plans for the future are to be a great husband and dad, and eventually become a head basketball coach someday.