It only took two years for former Houston Astros All-Star Craig Biggio to reach the pinnacle as a high school baseball coach.
The second-year coach notched his first TAPPS Class 5A state championship by guiding St. Thomas (Houston) to a 7-5 victory over Houston Christian. 
Craig Biggio
Photo courtesy of St. Thomas High
Biggio told MaxPreps, "Our kids played well. I’m proud of them. We peaked at the right time."
And peak they did, because the Eagles had played Houston Christian three times earlier this year and lost all three games. Two of them were one-run affairs (4-3 and 3-2), however.
"Two of them could have gone either way," Biggio pointed out. "Every game was an intense game. Both teams are very similar. We had contributions from everybody and it was a well-executed game."
Biggio’s sons were among those making contributions to the big victory. Conor, a junior second baseman, was hit by a pitch, drew a walk and hit a single. Cavan, a freshman DH who also played first, third and the outfield, had a double and one walk.
For the year, Conor batted .351 with five triples. He also drove in 26 runs and stole 20 bases in 23 attempts. Cavan, who batted .377 with five home runs, "really solidified my lineup (with his versatility)," coach Biggio said. "The thing that really impressed me most was that he had 20 walks and only five strikeouts."
Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane was an interested spectator at the championship game. He stopped by afterward to congratulate the team and invite them all to a future Astros game. The Eagles’ final record of 25-13 is impressive from the standpoint of their schedule, one of the toughest in the state, which included the likes of national powerhouses Bellaire, Kingwood and The Woodlands.
"We had a hellacious schedule," assistant coach/athletic director Mike Netzel said. "And it’s not going to change. It hardened us. By the time we got down to the states, if made a huge difference.
"These kids are so challenged academically every day that they’re tired. It’s tough to balance (academics and athletics)."
Senior pitcher/center fielder Patrick Hicks won three playoff games on the mound and earned team MVP honors. The 6-foot, 185-pounder also batted .421 with eight home runs and drove in 45 runs. He will sign with Division I Dallas Baptist this week. The future is bright, indeed.
"We lose some offense, but will pick up some arms," Biggio said. "We have a great freshman class coming in (next fall). After next year, we’re going to be really strong. Our expectations are (always) to win the state championship. Our ultimate goal is to put kids in college."
