In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, we visit with former Kilgore Bulldog and current Arkansas Little Rock track standout Matthew Tyeskie about his inspiring comeback from a torn Achilles. After missing last outdoor season with a major injury, Tyeskie shares what the recovery process was really like, the mental toughness it took to return, and how it felt to come back stronger than ever.

Matthew also talks about breaking records in the 60-meter hurdles, his journey through Kilgore track and field, and the deep pride he carries for Kilgore and East Texas every time he competes. From rehab and resilience to hometown support and Texas track culture, this episode highlights the story behind one of East Texas’ top athletes.

In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, we sit down with former Rains Wildcat and current Pittsburg State baseball standout Eric Bacon as he talks about his breakout season at the plate and the path that led him to Division II baseball. Bacon reflects on his time at Coffeyville Community College, the maturity and growth that came with JUCO ball, and how that experience helped shape him into the player he is today.

Eric also shares what made Pittsburg State the right fit, how his baseball journey began back in Emory and Rains High School, and why support from his family, church, and East Texas community still means so much. He also discusses his admiration for Mike Trout, the lessons passed down from his dad, and what it means to represent his hometown while succeeding at the next level.

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In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, we catch up with Sam Flores, former Lufkin Panther and current Purdue Boilermakers baseball standout, to talk about his huge first season in the Big Ten. Flores breaks down his breakout year at Purdue, the transfer journey from Kansas State, and how his time at McLennan Community College helped shape him into the player he is today.

Sam also reflects on the challenges of limited playing time, staying grounded in his faith, and the pride he feels representing Lufkin, Texas at the Division 1 level. He shares memories from Lufkin baseball, the impact of the city’s Little League culture, and why community support from back home still means so much.

The episode also includes discussion on Ace Reese’s MLB Draft stock and a breakdown of the Texas Rangers’ new City Connect uniforms.

In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, we sit down with former Como-Pickton standout and current Northwestern State Lady Demon Madison Buster as she reflects on one of the best stretches of her softball career. Buster talks about earning Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week honors, throwing complete games and shutouts, and helping lead Northwestern State during a big late-season run.

She also opens up about what it meant to defeat her former team, Louisiana Tech, competing against fellow East Texas pitchers from SFA, and how transferring to Northwestern State helped her rediscover her confidence, happiness, and love for the game. From her high school mindset to her college breakout, this conversation covers the journey behind one of the region’s top softball stories.

Plus, the episode wraps with a discussion on MLB’s new Automatic Ball-Strike System (ABS) and what “Robo Umps” could mean for the future of baseball.

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.