SPORTS
STORM CENTER: Give that ride hell, Bowie
This is the only time a sports editor can get away with saying the word “hell” in a column.
That’s because the Hotter ‘N Hell bicycle ride takes place beginning on Friday in Wichita Falls and all throughout the surrounding areas.
This ride has built up a reputation as being one of the best bicycling events in the United States.
“It’s a ride that should be on everyone’s bucket list,” said Ben “Chip” Filer, executive director of the Hotter ‘N Hell.
This is an incredible community gathering with roughly 12,000 bicyclists and 4,000 volunteers.
In addition to the Hotter N’ Hell endurance ride, there also is a USA Cycling race which draws an additional 600-750 licensed racers. They use a different course, and it’s just as competitive.
Bowie’s Rusty Morgan will spend the weekend at the event, and he’ll be one of the many people loading on carbohydrates at the spaghetti dinner.
It’s been reported hundreds of pounds of pasta are simmered for dinner, which takes place inside the Multi-Purpose Events Center (MPEC).
“It’s a lot of it,” Morgan said. “You want to eat a good meal and get a good night sleep.”
Some competitors prefer going to hotels for sleep. Others bring campers and rest under the stars in tents. Some stay with host families, and others drive up the day of the ride. Read more 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.
Here’s what about 12,000 bicyclists look like going off the start line on Scott Street in Wichita Falls for the Hotter ‘N Hell 100 bicycle ride. This is considered one of the best events of its kind in the United States. Click on the image itself for the complete photo. (Courtesy photo from Hotter ‘N Hell website)
In its first match since last year’s state semifinal appearance, Saint Jo hosted Bryson Aug. 11 and took a 25-13, 25-12, 25-21 win over the Cowgirls.
The Lady Panthers lost some talent to graduation but have five seniors ready to have a successful season. Savannah Hil, one of the five, got Saint Jo rolling offensively with a four-point serving string, including a pair of aces. Abby Carter’s kill and Kamron Skidmore’s block helped put the Lady Panthers up 5-2 in game one.
Hadleigh Moore added a four-point string of her own to extend the lead to 10-3. Tatum Morman’s pair, helped by a Hill kill, gave Saint Jo a 14-5 lead. Bryson got within five before a Hill 3-pointer, with help by a Carter kill, put the lead back at 18-10.
After an Olivia Johnson kill broke serve, Jordyn O’Neal served up the final five points, with Johnson providing a kill to move things along.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
Despite being the smallest school in the Brock varsity classic volleyball tournament, the Lady Indians finished 4th out of the eight teams there.
After losing to the host team in its first pool play match Aug. 14 18-25, 14-25 and also to Class 3A Wall 12-25, 8-25, Nocona rebounded to close out pool play with a 20-25, 25-23, 25-20 win over Christoval. Sy Parker had 16 kills and 7 blocks in the three matches. Raylea Bowles had 12 kills, 17 digs and served up three aces. Maddyn Bowles had seven kills and 14 digs while Paige Davis had seven kills and 15 digs. Baylee Thomas added 11 digs.
From the setter spot, Kasi Castro had 20 assists, served up five aces and contributed 14 digs. Leah Meekins added 18 assists and six digs during the three matches.
To open Saturday’s bracket play, the Lady Indians posted a 25-18, 18-25, 26-24, 25-19 win over Fort Worth Christian. Castro staked Nocona to a 2-0 lead in game one. Kills by Parker set up pairs of points from Raylea Bowles and Leah Meekins helped Nocona negate an early deficit and take a 10-9 lead.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
County football teams had their first scrimmage of the season Aug. 14 with mixed results.
Forestburg hosted Azle Christian and Victory Christian. Under a new system with new head coach Cori Hayes, the Longhorns looked pretty good in the coach’s eye.
“The first team looked good,” Hayes explained. “Overall we need to work on our pace and blocking assignments and blocking assignments. Overall we looked good for the new regime.”
Forestburg hits the road to scrimmage Newcastle Aug. 21.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
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