Shelby County Today

July 16, 2015 (Album) - Center ISD coaches gathered at the Center High School Library to give parents the opportunity to meet with the new staff before the beginning of the new school year.

The informal event was held on the morning of Thursday, July 16, 2015 with new Athletic Director Barry Bowman and several members of his new coaching staff, with coaches from all over the district, as well as Superintendent James Hockenberry and other school staff.

Bowman gave a little history of his career for Shelby County Today. He was the head coach and athletic director at Daingerfield High School from 2008-2010; head coach and athletic director at Paris High School for a couple of years until his father became ill and he moved to Longview to care for him. During that time he has been the assistant head coach and assistance athletic director at Pine Tree High School for the past two years.

"The thing that I'm excited about is that from the time we got here as far as implementing some changes and things that we believe in, the kids have been really receptive. Our summer workouts, we've had great participation from boys and girls."

Working with 150 students, three days a week has kept the coaching staff busy during the summer. Bowman says he is blessed to have a group of youthful coaches that are full of energy and enthusiasm. He is really proud of the staff he has been able to put in place and he says they are "really good classroom teachers."

"It's not just about the athletic program it's everything, it's the academic part it's all of it. I think today is an indication that Center ISD and the community of Center is a winner, they won today with the people that we've been able to put in place. That's what I'm excited about. Whether we win two games or we win 12 games, at the end of the day it's about did we make a difference for kids."

July 16, 2015 - Tenaha ISD annouces the time for all students wishing to participate in any sport to get their physical. The sports physicals will take place on Monday, August 3rd, 2015 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

July 11, 2015 - The Center Riders 12U All Stars baseball team will compete this weekend at the Dixie Youth Baseball State Tournament. They will make their debut in the tournament with a 1:30pm game time on Saturday, at the Center Youth Baseball Park, Center, Texas. Their hard work, commitment, and dedication will represent Center proudly.

July 8, 2015 - The LSU Shreveport Pilots baseball team have added four more quality recruits to their 2015-16 roster after a successful recruiting trip to East Texas. The LSUS baseball coaches, Al Cantwell and Brent Lavallee, have been working hard in the off season to beef up their roster and they struck gold in adding four players from East Texas with the signing of Chantz Holland, Justin Danzer, Zak Hambright, and Jacob Mitchell.

Jacob Mitchell - RHP - Center HS - Center, TX –6’3 – 185 - FR
Mitchell enjoyed an incredibly successful career at Center HS which was capped when he was named the 4A District MVP for Region 3. The Pilots are looking forward to him to continue that success in Shreveport. His senior year saw Jacob go 10-1 with a 1.18 ERA while leading his team to the Regional Semi-finals. Jacob joins fellow freshman, Brandt McNease and Zak Hambright, as young arms that could fight for a lot of innings. Mitchell sports three pitches and is incredibly smart on the mound. "Jacob is like having a coach out there on the mound. He is always thinking one or two pitches ahead, fields his position well, and attacks hitters. As a coach, we could not ask for more. With his frame and his commitment to the weight room, this young man could see some very big innings for the Pilots during his career. He will be a fun one to watch and cheer for."

Chantz Holland - RHP - Tyler JC - Palestine, TX - RHP – 6’1 – 180 - JR
Holland is an incredible athlete who is expected to be in the starting rotation for the Pilots in 2016. He has an electric arm with a plus breaking ball to go along with an above average fastball. Coming off a year spent in relief at TJC, he helped the Apaches win their second consecutive National Championship. "Chantz brings us front of the rotation stuff, has the makeup, and the experience to help the Pilots have a successful season. It's always a plus when you have a transfer who has won a World Series come and join your team and help us mature some of the younger guys."

Justin Danzer - C - Tatum HS - Tatum, TX –6’0 - 180 - FR
Danzer may be one of the most advanced freshman catchers that the Pilots coaches have seen while on the recruiting trail. A two-time District MVP (2014 & 2015), he showcases a plus arm, soft hands, and has the ability to hit at the college level. Danzer’s athleticism and instincts are off the charts and the Pilots coaches are looking for him to compete for a starting spot right away. “We look forward to see how he handles the jump from High school to college. Justin is incredibly talented and he is hungry to prove that he is ready to compete at the highest level. He will be a very fun player to watch for the next four years."

Zak Hambright - LHP - Tatum HS – Tatum, TX – 6’3 – 180 - FR
Hambright has an incredibly high ceiling and he will be a fun athlete to watch as he matures and continues to get stronger. This southpaw possesses a great Curveball to go along with his Fastball that has very good life, especially when it is down in the zone. "With some added strength, as well as becoming a "pitcher-only", we will see Zak flourish as a Pilot. The coaching staff is very excited about this young man."