SPORTS
Saint Jo athletic director retiring at end of the year
After an illustrious 30-year journey in education and coaching, Saint Jo Athletic Director and head football Coach Mark Stevens is preparing to bid farewell as he enters retirement at the conclusion of the 2024 school year.
For the past five years, Coach Stevens has seamlessly worn the dual hats of athletic director and head coach at Saint Jo ISD, leaving an enduring impact on the district.
During his tenure as the head football coach, Coach Stevens steered the Panthers to a remarkable 44-15 record and an impressive streak of five consecutive playoff appearances. His leadership culminated in three district championships, three bi-district championships, and a notable achievement in 2019 when his football team reached the regional quarterfinals.
As the regional director for the Texas Six Man Coaches Association from 2021 to 2023, Coach Stevens further solidified his presence in the coaching community. In 2022, he had the honor of coaching the Division 1 East All-Star Team in the Texas Six-Man Coaches Association all-star game.
In his role as athletic director, Stevens orchestrated a highly successful total sports program at Saint Jo. In the 2022-2023 school year, every boys’ and girls’ sports program under his oversight advanced to the postseason, reflecting his commitment to excellence.
Beyond the football field, Stevens has lent his coaching expertise to baseball, junior high basketball and track. He has also been a dedicated educator, teaching high school math and elementary PE.
Prior to his time at Saint Jo, Stevens spent seven years as the offensive/defensive coordinator in Muenster, amassing an impressive record of 83-11. His accomplishments include serving as the offensive coordinator for the 2017 2A Division 2 State Champions and the 2015 2A Division 2 State semifinalists.
Stevens embarked on his coaching journey in Goliad, TX, and has made significant contributions in Karnes City, Taft, Van Vleck, Louise and Era.
Now, as he approaches retirement, Stevens looks forward to dedicating more time to his family, especially his grandson Grayson Mark. His legacy of excellence and dedication will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those he has coached and mentored throughout his remarkable career.
To read the full story, pick up a copy of the mid-week edition of the Bowie News.
Bowie softball had a historic season, where the squad made the postseason for the first time since 2019 and knocked a top seed from the playoffs, come to an end April 29.
No-4 ranked Tuscola Jim Ned got out to a quick start and took an 11-1, five inning win in the area round of the Class 3A Division I playoffs. Bowie had its season end at 19-15.
With a large crowd at Weatherford High rooting them on, Bowie took the field looking to knock out another top seed, as they did with Early last week.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
Bowie will have two track athletes at the State track and field meet May 14 with top two finishes at the Region 1-3A track meet at Abilene Christian University May 1-2.
Tyler Richey finished 2nd in the pole vault with a 15’ leap. Richey was also 9th in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.39. Sophomore Braden Willett was 3rd in the 1,600-meters with a school record best of time of 4:21.93. Willett was 4th in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 9:29.71.
Several other Rabbits and Lady Rabbits competed at the regional meet. The 800-meter relay foursome of Colton Dosch, Richey, Finn Riddle and Jaxon White finished 6th with a time of 1:30.24 while the 1,600-meter relay team of Dosch, Judah Livsey, Riddle and Blaine Leonard finished 8th with a time of 3:30.76.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
Saint Jo’s boys and girls track teams took top honors at the Region III-A track meet at Hewitt Midway High School May 1-2 and will send several athletes to the state track and field meet May 16 in Austin.
The boys were led by Damon Byrd who won both the long jump with a 22’9 ¾” leap and triple jump with a 45’ 10 ½”. Byrd also won the 100-meter dash with a time of 1.03 and was a member of the victorious 800-meter relay along with Trent Gaston, Barrett Johnson and Lee Yeley with a time of 1:30.80.
Yeley won the high jump with a 6’ leap. Byrd, Yeley, Dominic Luna and Gaston combined for a 2nd-place finish in the 1,600-meter relay with a time 3:32.81. Gaston was 2nd in the 110-meter hurdles with a tie of 16.09. Johnson was 2nd in the 400-meter dash in 50.75, Ayden Giambruno was 6th in the 3200-meter run in 11:05.24 with Yeley 8th in the 200-meters with a time of 25.61.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
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