SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Bowie’s Bentley signs on with Vernon JC

Published

11 years ago

02/14/2015

By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

Two years ago, Bowie High School senior Coby Bentley suffered a devastating ankle injury during a junior varsity basketball game against Henrietta.
Fast forward to Wednesday afternoon, gathering around family and friends, as Bentley signed to play baseball with Vernon Junior College.
“It’s a blessing,” Bentley said. “I’ve worked hard to gain all that muscle that I lost. It’s amazing this has happened, and that I’ve bounced back that quick.”
Bentley becomes the second Jackrabbit to sign with a college program this season, joining future Oklahoma Wesleyan University player Cooper Cantwell.
“It’s very exciting (for our program),” Bowie head baseball coach Ryan Rogers said. “It’s a testament to the hard work the boys are putting in. They are seeing the benefits.”
Bentley is a versatile performer for the Jackrabbits, who are coming off a 16-14 season under now second-year head coach Rogers. Bowie finished third overall in the district, and was eliminated in the bi-district round against Cisco.
“I think Coby’s very athletic,” said Vernon JC head baseball coach Kevin Lallmann. “He’s got a very good arm, and he can run. I think he can do a couple of different things for us.”
Lallmann said Bentley will figure in as both a pitcher and infielder at the next level, two areas Coby certainly feels comfortable with. Read more in the weekend Bowie News.

(From left) Bowie High School baseball coach Ryan Rogers, pitcher/infielder Coby Bentley and Bowie High School principal and Bentley’s former youth coach Kelly Shackelford attended Bentley’s signing ceremony with Vernon Junior College on Wednesday at BHS. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)

SPORTS

McLennan to coach Saint Jo boys

Published

5 days ago

06/19/2026

bowienews

New Saint Jo Boy’s Basketball Coach Terry McLennan said the school’s family atmosphere is what prompted him to join the Panther family.

“This is an opportunity to be an important program but also part of a great community,” McLennan said. “I’ve been looking to get back to a small town environment like the one I grew up in and played ball and this should do that.”

McLennan played basketball in Hubbard outside of Waco. McLennan comes to town after being the assistant girl’s basketball coach in Grand Prairie.

McLennan contends he’s a defensive style of coach but says his team will focus on intensity.

For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.

SPORTS

McLennan to coach Saint Jo boys

Published

6 days ago

06/18/2026

bowienews

New Saint Jo Boy’s Basketball Coach Terry McLennan said the school’s family atmosphere is what prompted him to join the Panther family.

McLennan played basketball in Hubbard outside of Waco. McLennan comes to town after being the assistant girl’s basketball coach in Grand Prairie.

McLennan contends he’s a defensive style of coach but says his team will focus on intensity.

For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.

SPORTS

Botard new BHS girls BB coach

Published

6 days ago

06/18/2026

bowienews

After some coaching time in East Texas, Bret Botard will be the new girl’s basketball coach at Bowie.

Botard said it’s a chance to work with Bowie Athletic Director Tyler Price once again. Price was Botard’s assistant when he coached at Nocona.

“I wanted to get back into the area,” Botard said. “It’s a good community.”

Botard graduated high school in 1995 from Del Valle High School, outside Austin, and went to Texas Tech. He started his coaching career in Lubbock followed by returning to his alma mater where he was an assistant for his high school coach.

For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.