Kylie Neel catches up with Van native Holden Myers to talk about his latest run at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the biggest stages in the sport. In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Holden shares what it’s like competing at RodeoHouston, from the massive crowd and electric atmosphere to the pressure that comes with performing in the same venue where the Houston Texans play.

Holden reflects on why Houston has quickly become one of his favorite rodeos, especially after strong performances there over the last two years. He talks about the size of the event, the excitement of competing in front of so many fans, and the financial stakes that make it one of the biggest opportunities of the year for rodeo athletes.

The conversation also dives into steer wrestling, the challenge of staying sharp on a stage that big, and how a strong Houston showing can build momentum for the rest of the season. If you follow East Texas rodeo, love RodeoHouston, or want insight from a local athlete competing on a major stage, this episode is worth the listen.

Former Martins Mill Lady Mustang and Texas Woman’s University basketball standout Jada Celsur joins Kyle Owens on East Texas Sports Now to break down her career. 

The episode covers the numbers behind her career—four straight LSC championships, three straight tournament titles, a South Central Regional championship, a national runner-up finish, and her place across the TWU record book in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. But beyond the stats, Jada talks about what mattered most to her during the recruiting process and why the family atmosphere at TWU helped shape her college experience.

Kyle and Jada also discuss her journey from East Texas high school basketball at Martins Mill to the college level, the culture behind sustained winning, and the relationships that made the biggest impact throughout her career. If you follow East Texas girls basketball, college hoops, or love hearing from athletes who built a legacy, this episode is a must-listen.

Kyle Owens sits down with Bullard Panthers baseball head coach Chad Sherman to talk about the growth of Bullard baseball and the challenges of leading a hometown program on East Texas Sports Now. Sherman reflects on his journey from Bullard High School graduate to head coach and explains how his background as a college baseball coach has shaped his approach at the high school level.

The episode covers the adjustments that come with coaching in a school setting—from classroom responsibilities to practice rules and the day-to-day demands of building a program. Sherman also talks about district competition, preparing his team for stronger opponents, and why experience against good teams matters when the stakes rise later in the season.

It’s a strong look inside East Texas high school baseball, player development, coaching philosophy, and what the Panthers need to do to keep progressing. If you follow Bullard baseball or East Texas district races, this episode is worth the listen.

In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Kyle Owens talks East Texas high school softball Mineola Softball coach Taelor Cheshire after a huge 4–3 district win over Grand Saline. It was the kind of game every softball fan loves—tight, physical, emotional, and decided by clutch defense in the final moments, including a game-ending double play.

The episode highlights this team’s strong 4–0 start in district play and why this group has become such a tough out. From relentless work ethic to the value of travel ball experience, the conversation covers what’s fueling the team’s success and how those offseason reps are showing up in big in-game moments. Kyle also touches on the talent on the roster, including players committed to competing at the college softball level.

This episode covers district softball intensity, late-inning pressure, defensive execution, key hitters, pitching challenges, and what it takes to keep winning in East Texas. If you follow East Texas softball, district races, and teams making serious noise this season, this is a great listen.

Kyle Owens welcomes a special guest to East Texas Sports Now: WWE NXT Champion Joe Hendry. Joe joins the show to talk all things professional wrestling. What it takes to perform at the highest level, what makes NXT such a unique brand, and why the in-ring style is as demanding and physical as any sport.

The conversation opens with Vengeance Day, where Joe defended the NXT Championship in a hard-hitting match against Ricky Saints. Joe breaks down the atmosphere of the event, how physical that bout was, and what it means to walk out still holding the title. Kyle also jumps into the fan experience. Joe’s “say his name and he appears” momentum, the energy of NXT crowds, and why live wrestling is something you have to see in person if you get the chance.

From there, Joe discusses the grind behind the scenes: staying ready, staying healthy, and delivering a wild show from start to finish. If you’re a WWE fan, follow NXT every week, or want a look at the mindset of a champion, this episode is for you.

Kyle Owens sits down with Union Grove girls basketball head coach JB Littlejohn after a milestone moment: career win number 500. Coach Littlejohn reflects on what that achievement means, how it hit him after the final buzzer, and why his focus stays centered on the players and the program, not the personal stat line.

The episode breaks down Union Grove’s 75–43 win over West Press, along with what Coach Littlejohn values most in his team’s approach, effort, consistency, and building a culture that lasts. He shares appreciation for the Union Grove community, the school district support, and the athletes he’s had the chance to coach over the years.

From career perspective to day-to-day coaching standards, this conversation is packed with lessons on leadership, longevity, and what it takes to keep winning in East Texas high school girls basketball.

If you’re a fan, a coach, or a player looking for motivation and insight, this one delivers.

Kyle Owens welcomes Rains Lady Cats girls basketball head coach Colton Smith to East Texas Sports Now after a statement season in East Texas high school hoops. In his first year leading the Lady Cats, Coach Smith’s squad has surged to a 33–4 record—and he recaps the journey, the growth, and the daily standards that built a winning culture.

The conversation centers on Rains’ big playoff win over Mineola (49–42) and what it took to close out a high-pressure game to advance to the regional finals. Coach Smith shares how the team stays locked in, what “doing the right thing every day” looks like inside their program, and the competitive habits they emphasize to keep stacking wins.

Kyle and Coach Smith also talk postseason preparation—handling the moment, staying composed, and focusing on the details that matter when the competition gets tougher. If you’re following East Texas girls basketball, the playoff bracket, or you love hearing how coaches build belief and consistency, this episode is a must-listen.

Kyle Owens is joined by Gary Bobcats head coach Jimmy Wallace on East Texas Sports Now to talk East Texas high school basketball, the district grind, and what it takes to win late in the season. Coach Wallace breaks down how the Bobcats prepare week-to-week, what he looks for in key matchups, and how teams manage momentum when the schedule tightens up.

They discuss game-planning, fundamentals, and the coaching decisions that matter most, especially in high-pressure district games. The conversation also previews upcoming competition, including Beckville, and what fans should watch for as postseason time approaches.

It’s a fast, informative listen for anyone following the Bobcats and East Texas hoops.

Kyle Owens welcomes Madi Williams, Edom's athlete and current LeTourneau University women’s track runner to East Texas Sports Now for a conversation about the jump from high school sports to college athletics. Madi talks about her roots in East Texas, what shaped her as a player, and what it’s really like competing at the next level.

The episode covers recruiting and development, daily training, and the mindset required to perform consistently. Madi also shares the differences between high school and college athletics speed, physicality, preparation, and expectations, and what she wishes younger athletes knew before making the leap.

If you love East Texas sports stories and “next level” journeys, this one delivers.

In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Kyle Owens is joined by Martin's Mill boys basketball coach Greg Jenkins to talk Mustangs basketball and the bigger East Texas high school hoops landscape. Coach Jenkins recaps how the season has unfolded so far, what his team has learned, and how the Mustangs are building consistency as the games get bigger.

They dive into district battles, the intensity of rivalry-style matchups, and the adjustments coaches make from game to game—especially on defense. Coach Jenkins shares what he emphasizes in practice, how leadership and effort set the tone, and what separates teams during the playoff push.

It’s a coach’s-eye view of winning basketball in East Texas, with plenty of insight for players, parents, and fans.