SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Oliver picks Ozarks

Published

11 years ago

07/03/2015

By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@gmail.com

Bowie High School outfielder R.J. Oliver made it official on Wednesday morning, signing to play college baseball at the University of the Ozarks.
Ozarks is a private, four-year university in Clarksville, Ark., with a limited enrollment of less than 600 students. Current Bowie head coach Doug Boxell was the former head men’s basketball coach there.
All Oliver had to do was see the scenery to be impressed.
“I went on my first visit, and it’s such a beautiful college,” Oliver said. “I love mountains, and they are right there. They caught my eye.”
Oliver also looked at North Central Texas and Weatherford Colleges before settling on the University of the Ozarks.
At Ozarks, Oliver reported he plans on enrolling in the environmental science studies program with the career goal of becoming a geologist.
“It’s a good fit for R.J.,” Bowie head baseball coach Ryan Rogers said. “They recruited him heavily. I’m excited for him. He’s worked hard to get to the next level.”
Rogers says Oliver will be an ideal corner outfielder for the NCAA Division III school. Read more in the weekend Bowie News.

Bowie High School’s R.J. Oliver (bottom center) is flanked by teammates and head coach Ryan Rogers during Wednesday’s signing ceremony in the library. Oliver signed with the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)

SPORTS

Norwood new Bowie boys hoop coach

Published

11 hours ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

Landry Norwood has agreed to become the new Head Boys Basketball Coach for Bowie High.

Norwood grew up in Paradise, playing a number of sports for the Panthers during his high school career. With a number of family members still in the area and the position coming open, Norwood applied and was hired.

“I know the tradition up here,” Norwood said. “I was glad (Athletic Director and Head Football) Coach Tyler Price felt he could put his trust in me.”

Bowie’s varsity went 2-10 last year, both wins coming against Vernon. Norwood spent five years as an assistant in Lipan before spending the next four years at Llano, three years as head coach. He said his last two years in Llano were rough after graduation of nine seniors his first year and a 26-7 squad.

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

SPORTS

Nocona softball falls to Archer City

Published

11 hours ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

Nocona came into game two of its Class 2A Division I bi-district series with Archer City looking to rebound from a 17-0 loss in game one.

The Lady Indians took a quick lead but the Lady ‘Cats had too much in the tank and knocked Nocona out of the playoffs courtesy of a 13-3, five-inning victory winning the best of three series, 2-0.

Kylea Wallace reached base on a second baseman’s error. With one out, M’leigha Franklin took a pitch over the wall in left field for a home run, igniting the Lady Indian crowd with a 2-0 lead.

Archer City prevented further damage by retiring the next two hitters. The Lady ‘Cats struck in the bottom of the inning for seven runs.

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

SPORTS

Lady Rabbits win bi-district

Published

11 hours ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

Culture. It’s a beautiful word.

Bowie Softball Coach Griffin Fields has been trying to install a positive, winning culture since taking over the job. For the first time since 2019, the Lady Rabbits qualified for the postseason, facing District 8 top seed Early in the bi-district round.

After beating the Lady ‘Horns 9-8 in game one of the best-of-three series April 23, Early came back and evened the series less than 24 hours later, 15-0. The Lady Rabbits used the aforementioned culture and got out to a quick lead in game three.

Bowie was then forced to come from behind for the second straight night. Kinley Baker, who had the game winning RBI in game one, came through again in game three and broke a 6-all tie with a single to lift the Lady Rabbits to a 9-6 victory in the finale.

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