This week’s Bowie’s Best Athlete of the Week is Justin Crye. Justin is a 29 year old athlete from New Boston, a graduate of New Boston High School and 15 year veteran of the special olympics team. He participates in the 100 meter dash, the shot put and the 4 by 100 meter relay during the spring track and field season and is on the Special Olympics softball team 1 in the fall. When he is not competing as a member of Bowie’s Best, Justin plays for the Challenger League baseball team. He also loves playing video games, doing things with his family and being a dog-father to his pup Addie. Justin’s family says he has a huge heart, is always willing to help anyone who needs it and never meets a stranger. Justin says he loves competing in the Special Olympics with his friends and making new friends at each competition. He adds that his favorite part is that he feels accepted by everyone when he is at the games. Justin calls the lasting friendships he has made as a part of Bowie’s Best his “Special Friends” and considers them like family.

Local high school football action began in earnest this past week with teams holding early year scrimmages. The Lions of New Boston took to the field for their first scrimmage of the season against Hughes Springs, and the Hooks Hornets started their march back to the state playoffs with a scrimmage on the road in Atlanta.

2023 Pioneer Days Rodeo photos by Susan Lindsey

This week’s Bowie’s Best Athlete of the Week is Karima Valentine. Valentine is a 23-year-old athlete from New Boston and graduate of New Boston High School. She is an 8-year veteran of the Special Olympics track and field events. Her family describes Valentine as “a bright light in our family that shines, shines, shines!” through her bright smile and willing attitude. She prepares for the events each year by getting her hair and nails done with the brightest and boldest colors to express her vibrant personality. And she loves attending to see all her old friends from previous years and getting the chance to meet new friends. When she’s not competing with her team, she loves bowling, dancing, softball and cheer. The young lady is also a Christian who says she can do all things through Christ who strengthens her.

The James Bowie Pirates finished the 20222023 with much success. The Pirates boasted playoff appearances in softball, volleyball, basketball and football with a historic 10-win season on the gridiron and had multiple regional qualifiers on the track. James Bowie looks to continue that success in the 20232024 school year under the leadership of Chance Blackburn as athletic director.

This week’s Bowie’s Best Athlete of the Week is Reice Wynn. The nine-year-old student at DeKalb Elementary is the youngest participant on the special olympics team. Because of COVID and personal illness the previous two years, the 2023 track and field games was his inaugural year on the team. His events are the 50 meter dash and the softball throw. In his free time, Reice enjoys swimming and playing games on his Nintendo Switch. His favorites are Minecraft and all Super Mario games. He also loves spending time with his friends and cousins.