SPORTS
Saint Jo athletic director retiring at end of the year
After an illustrious 30-year journey in education and coaching, Saint Jo Athletic Director and head football Coach Mark Stevens is preparing to bid farewell as he enters retirement at the conclusion of the 2024 school year.
For the past five years, Coach Stevens has seamlessly worn the dual hats of athletic director and head coach at Saint Jo ISD, leaving an enduring impact on the district.
During his tenure as the head football coach, Coach Stevens steered the Panthers to a remarkable 44-15 record and an impressive streak of five consecutive playoff appearances. His leadership culminated in three district championships, three bi-district championships, and a notable achievement in 2019 when his football team reached the regional quarterfinals.
As the regional director for the Texas Six Man Coaches Association from 2021 to 2023, Coach Stevens further solidified his presence in the coaching community. In 2022, he had the honor of coaching the Division 1 East All-Star Team in the Texas Six-Man Coaches Association all-star game.
In his role as athletic director, Stevens orchestrated a highly successful total sports program at Saint Jo. In the 2022-2023 school year, every boys’ and girls’ sports program under his oversight advanced to the postseason, reflecting his commitment to excellence.
Beyond the football field, Stevens has lent his coaching expertise to baseball, junior high basketball and track. He has also been a dedicated educator, teaching high school math and elementary PE.
Prior to his time at Saint Jo, Stevens spent seven years as the offensive/defensive coordinator in Muenster, amassing an impressive record of 83-11. His accomplishments include serving as the offensive coordinator for the 2017 2A Division 2 State Champions and the 2015 2A Division 2 State semifinalists.
Stevens embarked on his coaching journey in Goliad, TX, and has made significant contributions in Karnes City, Taft, Van Vleck, Louise and Era.
Now, as he approaches retirement, Stevens looks forward to dedicating more time to his family, especially his grandson Grayson Mark. His legacy of excellence and dedication will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those he has coached and mentored throughout his remarkable career.
To read the full story, pick up a copy of the mid-week edition of the Bowie News.
Bowie, playing on a short rest, held with host Jacksboro for most of the volleyball match Oct. 1, but the Tigerettes pulled away late and defeated the Lady Rabbits 3-1 (26-24, 12-25, 25-14, 22-25).
The match was scheduled for Oct. 2 but was moved. Both teams are now 2-2 in District 6-3A.
Jacksboro got out to a quick lead in game one before Olivia Stewart’s kill and a three-point Olivia Richey serving run put the visitors up 8-7. Junior Abby Reneau broke things open with a six-point string to give Bowie a 15-8 cushion and force Jacksboro into a timeout.
The Tigerettes came back and took an 18-16 lead. KP Rutherford’s kill broke the serve and allowed Molly Enlow to tie the game at 18.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
Gold-Burg Football Coach Austin Norman called his Bears’ 35-32 loss to host Perrin a “barn burner”.
It most definitely was as Gold-Burg, now 1-5 for the year gave the 5-1 Pirates everything they wanted for four quarters. Gold-Burg scored on the last play of the first half on a Peyton Epperson run with the two point conversion cutting the deficit to 20-16.
The Bears were their own worst enemy to open the third quarter with face mask and offside penalties moving the Pirates downfield setting up a first-and-goal at the Bear three. Defense by Epperson, Keelyn Case and Barrett Allen and a pair of Perrin penalties helped stop the drive and force a turnover on downs.
Gold-Burg was slapped with an intentional grounding penalty on the first play, giving Perrin a safety and extending the Pirate lead to 22-16. Defense by Epperson and JoJuan Grace after a first down run closed out the third quarter.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
Nocona and Prairie Valley cross country teams took part in the Prairie Valley Invitational Sept. 20 while Bowie varsity runners competed in the Lubbock Invitational.
Lubbock
Leading the Rabbits was Kellen Rater who finished 10th among 162 runners with a time of 17:24.50. Finishing behind Rater was Shawn Willett with a time of 19:33.20. Hayden Sutton ran a 20:27.10 followed by Taven Melton in 20:39.20, Coleman Holloway in 20:53.80 and Jaxon Castro with a time of 21:31.60.
Laney Segura led the Lady Rabbits with a time of 14:41.30. She was followed by Kylee Waldrep in 15:56.80, Bella Lozano in 16:04.80, Angeles Alvarez with a time of 16:15.40, AnDee Miller in 16:23.70 and Isabella Caswell in 16:51 flat.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
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