New Saint Jo Girl’s Basketball Coach Grant Gooch isn’t completely unfamiliar with the area.

“We went to Muenster quite a bit when I was a kid,” Gooch, who will be going into his 20^th year as a coach, said. “We’d load up the cooler from the meat markets. It’s good to be back.”

Gooch worked with Saint Jo Athletic Director CJ Hantz when the pair were in Throckmorton. Gooch comes to town from Menard where he spent three years at the West Texas school.

Gooch says coaching and education kind of come naturally to him.

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

4-D Open Barrel Racing was one of the events that started Jim Bowie Days off on the right foot June 20.

Barrel racing officials said there were more than 200 competitors in the event, which broke up into two events: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The winner in each division received cash and a buckle.

Having the fastest time in the 1D division was Maggie Wright on Tres Leche, with a time of 17.115. Finishing 2^nd was Ella Gordillo aboard Famous Noble in 17.251. In 3^rd place was Jimmie Smith riding Brickk with a time of 17.268.

Lexi Doud aboard Ain’t He Dazzling was 4^th with a time of 17.29. In 5^th place was Torrie Edge on Francy N Famous with a time of 17.364. Janna Brown riding I’m a Billionaire was 6^th in 17.428. Tara Carr was 7^th aboard with a time of 17.454 while Brylee Wall rounded out the top 8 on TKW Hawkins Fame with a time of 17.536.

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

New Saint Jo Boy’s Basketball Coach Terry McLennan said the school’s family atmosphere is what prompted him to join the Panther family.

“This is an opportunity to be an important program but also part of a great community,” McLennan said. “I’ve been looking to get back to a small town environment like the one I grew up in and played ball and this should do that.”

McLennan played basketball in Hubbard outside of Waco. McLennan comes to town after being the assistant girl’s basketball coach in Grand Prairie.

McLennan contends he’s a defensive style of coach but says his team will focus on intensity.

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