Cedric Hardeman was hired as the head football coach at Conroe. Vype
Originally appeared on Vype.com.
The Boogie is back in Conroe.
Alief Taylor assistant coach Cedric Hardeman brings his football pedigree and college coaching Rolodex to the Tiger Den as the new head coach at Conroe.
Hardeman has served as the defensive coordinator and special teams and recruiting coordinator for the Lions over the past seven years.
“Being from Houston, everyone has heard about the history of Conroe football,” Hardeman said. “But during the interview process, the legends made here are amazing. We want to bring it back.”
His father Don Hardeman played for the Houston Oilers and his son Cedric was a DI signee a few years back to Oklahoma State. The new coach played his college ball at the University of Houston back in the day.
“There is great potential around here along with resources and a fan base,” he said. “I’ve seen what dynasties look like playing against Katy, Manvel and the North Shore’s while at Alief Taylor over the years. We are going to change the perception here.”
Hardeman’s college coaching contacts run deep. He has developed and helped dozens of stars from Alief Taylor live out their DI dreams with his ability to develop relationships on the college level.
“Sure it’s an added benefit I bring,” he said. “But we have to build this thing from the bottom up and get these athletes winning games. The recruiting will come.”
Hardeman brings a progressive approach, which is much-needed at Conroe. He understands marketing, the power of social media and the importance of 7-on-7.
“The social media aspect is powerful,” he said. “It’s the perception of you and your program. If you don’t understand it or utilize it, you will be behind. Same with 7-on-7. It’s great for getting more eyes on your kids and developing them as well.”
As far as the football field goes, Hardeman will bring a mix of what he’s learned over the decades of playing and coaching.
“We are going to see what the talent is like, but the schemes we’ve used at Alief Taylor can be done here. We want to make it exciting to play for Conroe and draw athletes.”
For now, he’s busy building a coaching staff before getting the offseason underway.
“We are ready to start our own tradition,” he said.
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There’s a sign outside of McDonald’s that keeps track of the millions and millions of hamburgers they’ve sold.
There could be a sign outside Minute Maid Park that keeps track of the millions and millions of dollars Alex Bregman is losing by having the worst season of his career in his contract year.
Maybe instead of appearing in H-E-B commercials he could sign an endorsement deal with Rice Krispies and be part of Snap, Crackle and Pop Out.
Tuesday night, Bregman went 0-4 against the Yankees and his batting average dropped below .200 into Martin Maldonado territory.
Bregman entered this season claiming to be in the best shape of his life and promising big things for 2024.
“My body feels in incredible shape,” Bregman said at the start of spring training. “Swing feels better than ever. And looking forward to a great, healthy season. And I expect to have the best season I’ve ever had.”
And remember when Astros general manager Dana Brown assured fans, don’t worry, we’re going to offer Bregman a contract to stay with the Astros?
“Look, we love Alex, we’d love to have him here. As far as a timeline, we just don’t have it, but we will at some point make him an offer. We know how good he is and how good he’s been for this franchise. It would be tough to look out at third base and not see that elite defense. And so at some point we’ll circle back and have those conversations,” Brown said.
Godot will show up before the Astros put a contract on the table for Bregman. (For those who didn’t read Waiting for Godot in English Lit 101 … Godot never appears in the book.)
With the season nearly a quarter over, Bregman is batting .195. He’s been hitting at the top of the order the entire year, either in the No. 2 spot or cleanup. His power outage would make the Texas grid system look good: 6 runs, 11 RBI and one home run.
Stop saying “Bregman always has a slow start.” Start ended a couple of weeks ago. And stop saying “He will snap out of it.” In his last 10 games, Bregman’s average has dwindled from .216 to .195.
Bregman’s hitting woes actually are part of a five-year trend. In 2019 he had his best season, hitting .296 and smacking 41 home runs.
Since then:
2020: .242 and 6 home runs (Covid season).
2021: .270 and 12 home runs.
2022: .259 and 23 home runs.
2023: .262 and 25 home runs.
If Bregman’s struggles continue, this will be his fifth below-average season in a row. Back in spring training, there was talk of him getting a super long-term deal worth $200 million-plus when he hits free agency at the end of this season.
Chances of that happening: none. As things stand now, Bregman has a better chance of becoming Jerry Seinfeld’s latex salesman.