The White Oak Ladyneck powerlifting team achieved remarkable success at the Spring Hill meet over the weekend, with standout performances from athletes Morgan Gee and Alyssa Spurger. Competing in their respective weight classes, Gee dominated the 123-pound division with a total lift of 725 pounds across three attempts, while Spurger secured victory in the 148-pound division.
In addition to the victories by Gee and Spurger, the team showcased further talent. Maddyson Tryon-Brace finished third in the 123-pound category, Lilly Cutler took second in the 148-pound division, and Camryn Baldwin placed fifth in the 165-pound division. Emma Starnes and Macy Cruz both competed in the 181-pound category, finishing second and fourth, respectively. Aubri Ferguson captured third place in the 220-pound division, with Arianna Alban and Abigail Blalock also contributing to the team’s overall success.
Brady Davis Appointed Head Football Coach at TJC
In a significant development for Tyler Junior College (TJC), Brady Davis has been appointed as the new head football coach, as confirmed by TJC Athletic Director Doug Wren. Davis, who previously served as the offensive coordinator, steps into the role following the departure of Coach Tanner Jacobson, who has taken a position as associate head coach and special teams coordinator at Weber State University.
Davis joined the TJC football staff five years ago, initially working with quarterbacks and tight ends under Coach Thomas Rocco before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022. His coaching tenure has seen the development of numerous All-Americans and promising Division I athletes, including quarterback General Booty, who previously played at Oklahoma, and Tre Guerra, a 2025 second-team NJCAA All-American quarterback now committed to Coastal Carolina.
A native of Columbus, Mississippi, Davis was an accomplished high school quarterback, earning the MHSAA 6A Offensive Player of the Year award during his senior year at Starkville High School. He played collegiate football at the University of Memphis and Illinois State University, where he achieved a starting record of 14-6 and was recognized with several player awards.
Upcoming Events and Honors in East Texas
The Wood Hollow Senior Scramble saw a competitive finish, with the team of Richard Wilson, Roy Groggins, Steven Hall, and Steve Dickerson leading the field at 11-under. David Bickel, David Weaver, Bill Jirka, and Don Martin finished in second place at 8-under. The tournament featured 20 players across four teams, with notable performances by Dick Wilson, who was closest to the hole on No. 9, and Groggins, who won the money hole at No. 13.
In another competitive setting, the fishing season kicked off on Saturday at Lake O’ the Pines, with 42 teams participating. A total of 138 fish were weighed, all released back into the lake. The first place was awarded to River Lee and Cody Ross for their catch weighing 23.18 pounds. Upcoming tournaments include events at Martin Creek Lake on February 21, Brandy Branch on March 21, and additional dates at Lake O’ the Pines in April and May.
The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest is set for 1 p.m. on February 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Gymnasium in Longview. The event invites boys and girls aged 9-14 to participate free of charge, with no pre-registration required.
Additionally, the East Texas Coaches Association (ETCA) will honor several individuals during the 2026 Hall of Honor Banquet. Among the honorees are coaches Todd Quick and Steve Gaddis, along with players Jason Peters and LaMichael James. The banquet will take place at 6 p.m. on February 21 at the Holiday Inn North – Infinity Event Center in Longview, celebrating those who have made significant contributions to the sport of football in East Texas.
