Legendary Katy ISD coach Bubba Fife was honored with the Be Great award on behalf of the district’s partnership with Varsity Brands and BSN Sports. The award honors those who serve with kindness and selflessness. Fife spent 35 years as a coach, including 12 at Taylor, and 10 years as an administrator in Katy ISD before retiring in the summer of 2009. Of his 77 career wins, 48 came at the helm of the Mustangs from 1987-1998. Fife is still involved in the Texas High School Coaches Association and remains a prominent figure around Katy ISD athletics, particularly within his work at district, area, regional and state track and field meets. …

Tompkins girls cross country and track and field coach Amy Pitzel announced April 13 this will be her last season coaching and teaching. Pitzel is in her 16th year and coached at Taylor for eight years, being named the Brooks’ Most Inspiring Coach in 2011, prior to opening the girls cross country and track and field programs at Tompkins in 2013. Pitzel leaves to spend more time and focus on her kids, Mathias and Josie, after turning the Falcons’ programs into regional powers. …

Mayde Creek sophomore defensive back Tay’Shawn Wilson was invited to participate in the ESPN300 Elite Underclassman Combine on April 24 in Houston. The 5-foor-10, 170-pound Wilson had 20 total tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery in nine games for the Rams last season. …

Paetow senior forward Everett Marlatt announced April 17 that he is committing to Florida A&M University. A 6-foot-6 versatile wing, Marlatt was a starter for a Panthers team that made a program-best run to the regional final this season. … 

Tompkins senior Taylor Gage signed April 15 to play softball at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. …

In this week’s Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association state rankings, Katy High is ranked No. 3 and Tompkins is ranked No. 10. The two teams play Friday, April 23, at Tompkins High at 6 p.m. Katy won the first district meeting, 4-3. In the Texas Girls Coaches Association state softball rankings, Katy is No. 20.

(The weekly sports notebook highlights notes and news that occurred in the Katy area within the last week. To submit a news item, email dennis.silva@katytimes.com or message on Twitter @densilva02).