SPORTS
STORM CENTER: Giving bonds a pass
The sports editor knows our current economy isn’t completely sound.
However, several weeks ago, Nocona Independent School District voters turned out at the polls and defeated a proposed $15.1-million school bond.
On the May 7 election night scoreboard, there were 426 votes for passage and 552 votes against.
Overall, 978 votes were cast, and voter participation was affected by the fact the election took place on a Saturday.
On that same day, Nocona High School had prom – so, in my opinion, the election wasn’t first and foremost on the voters mind like it should have been.
It was the first time in 38 years Nocona had the opportunity to vote on a bond, which funded construction of Nocona Middle School.
The present Nocona High School was built in 1952, and the building has outlived its shelf life – especially when considering safety.
Superintendent Vickie Gearheart was encouraged, even though voters essentially sacked the school district for a loss.
“I am extremely encouraged to know that 426 people saw the need for a new high school and agreed it was worth the extra expense to pay for it,” she said, in a May 11 story written by Bowie News staff reporter Dani Blackburn.
The “Our Kids, Our Future” political action committee, which spearheaded a campaign to get the bond issue carried remains steadfast.
“We are going to continue until we get the bond proposal approved,” said the “Our Kids, Our Future” Facebook page.
The group has indicated it would like to try again either this November or possibly in May 2017. In my humble opinion, the bond election should take place next May. However, it should NOT take place on a Saturday. Read more from this column in the July 16 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 the floor plan for the proposed high school in Nocona, which would be located on land near the former Nocona Boot Company not far from United States Highway 82. Nocona would like to pass a bond to build a new high school, which would be the first new construction since the 1970s. (High school floor plan by CADCO Architects, Abilene)
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
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.
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.
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