The Bowie News staff would like to introduce our readers to Brian Smith, the new Bowie News sports editor.
Smith began his duties this past week following the departure of Jordan Neal who spent eight years covering sports for the newspaper.
Smith is a veteran journalist in the business with 39 years covering news and all levels of sports. He comes to The Bowie News from the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette where since July 2014 he covered sports of three county schools, plus covering a city council and three school boards.
“The Bowie News is extremely fortunate to have Brian joining the staff. Being able to find a 30-year sports veteran is a rare find these days. I am excited to see what I know Brian will bring to the table,” said Publisher Michael Winter.
He was a staff writer for two years with the Weatherford Democrat covering sports and business news, and staff writer at the Daily News in Henderson. Smith also has worked at the Fort Hood Sentinel, Taylor Daily Press and the Orange County Register in California covering news, sports and other topics.
The 59-year-old carries a bachelor of science degree from Central Michigan University where he graduated in 1988. He remembers clearly when his career path began.
“It was a seventh grade career day at my school in suburban Detroit. A journalist came to speak and I was the only one really listening. It got me hook, line and sinker,” laughs Smith.
During college he covered lots of subjects for the newspaper, but during his senior year they were shorthanded in sports, so when the editor asked him to pitch in, he went to his first field hockey game. It was the beginning of a love affair with sports journalism.
“Someone asks what keeps me young and I have said it is the kids, their interest and their involvement keeps me enthusiastic,” he said.
The new sports editor and his wife Heather live in Weatherford where they have made their home for 13 years.
Married 22 years, Heather has been an educational diagnostician for the Arlington Independent School District the past 13 years and also is a former classroom teacher.
Smith has already jumped into getting ready for fall sports as the new school year starts visiting football and volleyball camps. When you see him on the sidelines say hello, email him at bnewssports@gmail.com or call him at 872-2247.