SPORTS
STORM CENTER: A story about Three Bars
There’s been plenty of scuttlebutt lately in Nocona about a horse.
But, it’s just not any horse, it happens to be Three Bars, who is buried at Al McNatt’s place located off United States Highway 82.
Attempts to reach McNatt for this column were unsuccessful.
The scuttlebutt was Three Bars was going to be exhumed and moved to Kentucky to rest beside Man o’ War, another legendary horse.
Based on speaking to others in the know, including Nocona city councilor Bob Ferguson, it is highly unlikely Three Bars will be exhumed to Kentucky.
Recently, however, Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum officials have talked about Three Bars, and possibly moving the horse there.
No decision has been made on that matter, either.
It seems like a big deal to make over a horse. But, you see, Three Bars isn’t just any horse.
Three Bars lived a great life. He was born in Kentucky, raced in the American Southwest, died in Oklahoma and is buried here in Montague County, Texas. He traveled better than most people I know.
The remains of the horse were placed in a metal box constructed by a master welder.
Three Bars died on the morning of April 6, 1968, in Sayre, Okla., which is located near Elk City. He passed away from a heart attack, two days shy of being 28 years old.
The horse was foaled on April 8, 1940, sired by Percentage. Myrtle Dee was the dam. Read more of this column in the weekend Bowie News.
Editor’s Note: The Storm Center column is the expressed written views of sports editor Eric Viccaro and not The Bowie News.
Three Bars, a horse who is buried here in Montague County, produced 29 American Quarter Horse Association champions and four supreme champions. Here’s a cover on him from a national magazine dated June 1968. Click on the image itself for the complete reproduction. (Image courtesy Circledhorses.com)
SPORTS
BHS tennis ready to roll into Fall
While school won’t start for another two weeks yet, Bowie tennis coach Dayna Boothe is getting her netters ready to start the 2026 Fall season.
Tryouts began July 21 with nearly 25 players trying out.
Boothe will have a young boys team this year but is excited about their prospects.
“Our boys team is returning with five juniors, a strong sophomore and some promising incoming freshmen,” Boothe said. “It will be a strong building year for our boys team.”
Boothe said the Lady Rabbits will be led by junior state champion in girl’s doubles last Spring Willow Seibert.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
SPORTS
Bellevue gets new girl’s BB coach
The allure of coaching can be too much for some. Shea Diffie is just that type.
Diffie coached girl’s basketball at Slidell for a time. After the school moved up to Class 2A, Diffie quit coaching and took on a traveling salesperson’s position. After putting on what he says was more than 60,000 miles on his truck over the last year, he decided to get back into coaching.
He met with Bellevue’s athletic director, Colby Broussard, and recently became the new girl’s basketball coach. He replaces Larry Tidwell, who moved on to Arlington Baptist University to become their girl’s basketball coach.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
SPORTS
Imotichey takes over as Forestburg VB coach
A positive culture can be tough to install but will reap dividends if done correctly.
Trinadee Imotichey is trying to do just that with her Forestburg Lady Longhorns.
Imotichey, an assistant coach on the 2025 Forestburg volleyball team, was moved into the head coaching position. Last year’s coach, Cori Hayes, took over as football head coach.
Imotichey, in her 2nd year in Forestburg, said she learned a lot from Hayes and is ready to take over.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
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