For several years now, Haynes Whaley has participated in the Houston Architect and Engineer’s sporting events, including basketball, softball and bowling. Everyone involved has a great time and a chance to relax and unwind after a day at the office. Employees and significant others fill the rosters and compete against other firms in Houston. Game results are posted in the lunch room and team members banter as they look ahead to next week’s game. Sometimes there’s an opportunity to play for stakes like ”sky hooks” versus “real columns.”

Basketball
Here is a recap of this year’s final basketball game between HWA and Morris Architects as described by the team’s coach, Brian Lawrence: ”With HWA leading the entire game, Morris mounts a comeback. With 10 seconds to go in regulation and HWA leading with the score 46-45, Jessica Albert (HWA) gets fouled and makes both free throws in a high pressure (one-on-one free throw situation) which makes the score 48-45. Anthony Ferguson of Morris Architects then  hits a 3 pointer from the top of the key to tie the game at 48-48, sending the game into overtime.”  HWA players were  steady and skilled and would go on to win the final game, 61-57.  As a team, HWA was 10-13 at the free throw line.

Softball
The coach was available for comment and offered the following information. In the Spring of 2009, HWA was 10 wins and 4 losses and, in the Fall of 2009, the team went to 8 and 6. If the weather continues to improve, the championship playoffs for the Fall League will be held Monday, January 11, 2010 at the Houston Sportsplex on South Main. Games will be played under single elimination until one team is left to claim bragging rights for the 2009 Fall season.

Bowling
Two HWA teams fought long and hard for their position this year. Out of 33 teams, HWA Kingpins came in 14th and HWA Pinheads came in 18th. Twelve weeks of grueling competition flew by as both teams tried to reach the top and lay claim to the 1st place trophy. Maybe next year. Congratulations to Brian L., Jack H., Oscar V., James D., and Briana Lawrence of the Kingpins and to Charles E., Quyen T., Paul R., Stuart B., and Angel Trieu of the Pinheads.