SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL FISHING: Bowie poised for state bass meet
By ERIC VICCARO
[email protected]
When the Texas High School Bass Association had its first state tournament four years ago, it contained six schools and 20 two-person teams.
Now the THSBA is on the verge of splitting into six divisions.
But, before then, the organization will have its state tournament from May 20-21 at Lake Ray Roberts in Sanger.
“It’s been overwhelming and exciting,” said tournament director Matt Tolnay, who joined the THSBA three years ago. “We have had an average growth of 35 percent each season, and we are adding two new divisions next year.”
Tolnay remarked he wishes the association was going when he was in high school at Bonham, and this fishing league gives students a chance to excel in a yet another sport.
Bowie has experienced an incredible dose of success this season, which included the Gold-Burg pair of Blake Allen and Will Hamilton claiming first place at the Lake Texoma Tournament this winter.
Allen and Hamilton fish with Bowie jerseys on.
“It’s been rewarding for me to see them improve on their skills,” said Weldon Duff, who serves as Allen’s and Hamilton’s boat captain.
Competing in high school fishing has helped turn what’s seen as a weekend hobby into a passion where the boys are constantly honing their craft.
“Rusty Edwards has been instrumental in Jared’s life,” said Toni Stone, the Bowie Bass Club coordinator. “The knowledge and experience Jared has gained the past two years has been invaluable.”
Toni Stone reported her son, Jared Stone, would like to join the fishing team at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, where he will major in criminal justice. Read more in the May 17 Bowie News.
Bowie’s Hadley Morgan and Lane Hopson have been mainstays since the fishing team began more than three years ago. Both Morgan and Hopson will attempt to put their experience to good use at the Texas High School Bass Association state tournament this weekend at Lake Ray Roberts in Sanger. (Courtesy photo by Toni Stone)
Nocona got its new press box into place this week at Jack Crane Stadium. The old press box, which was in place for more than 60 years, was taken out in early June and moved to Indian Valley Raceway. The new press box was by the Southern Bleacher Company out of Graham. Athletic Director Black Crutsinger said they looked at a lot of press boxes and decided they liked the one at Lindsay High School and went with that model. Sean Hutson operated the crane from the Hurd Crane Service that put the press box up for Nocona.
Sunset native Cason Richey (right) and his team roping partner Beldon Cox from Weatherford repeated as the International Finals Youth Rodeo champions last weekend at Shawnee, OK. Richey and Cox won the previous year and were able to complete the repeat by catching three steers in a combined time of 16.6 seconds. Richey is expected to compete attend Texas Tech University this fall and compete on the rodeo team.
The Chisholm Trail Youth Rodeo had its awards ceremony this week, giving out plaques and buckles to the top competitors throughout the summer season.
There were four age categories with five events to compete in for the young athletes.
Along with the best results in each event, at the end the overall best cowboy and cowgirl in each age division was awarded as well.
The lead line division, in which an adult helps the young competitors, saw Rylee Stewart win the first in poles, barrel racing and mystery event on her way to win top cowgirl.
Hattie Snow got the fastest time in the flags event and Lany Shupak got the fastest goat time. Riggin Bishop got named the top cowboy in the division.
In the eight-and-under division, Whitley Goins won the top cowgirl and Trell Carpenter won top cowboy. Goins got the fastest times in barrel racing, flags and mystery event. Carpenter got the fastest time in poles and goats.
In the 9-12 age division, Sage Keck won the top cowgirl while Chisum Carpenter won the top cowboy. Keck got the fastest times in four of the five divisions. Only Layna Taylor getting the fastest goat time prevented her from winning in a clean sweep.
In the 13-18 age division, Tess Egenbacher won the top overall cowgirl award.
Kiley McCracken won both the barrel racing and flags event. Emma Strahan won the poles and mystery event. Hadlee Bryan won the goats event.
There was no top overall cowboy in the age division.
To see the times for the winners of each event in all four age categories along with pictures of all of the top cowboys and cowgirls, pick up a copy of the weekend edition of the Bowie News.
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