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.

If you want, tell me whether “West Press” should be spelled differently (West Rusk/West… etc.) and I’ll tighten the SEO phrasing to match the exact school name used locally.

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 Maddy Williams—Edom product and current LeTourneau University women’s basketball player—to East Texas Sports Now for a conversation about the jump from high school sports to college athletics. Maddy 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. Maddy also shares the differences between high school and college basketball—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 Martinsville 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.

Kyle Owens sits down with Onalaska boys basketball head coach Nick Tyerman for a full East Texas hoops check-in on East Texas Sports Now. Coach Tyerman breaks down what he’s seeing from the Wildcats this season—what’s working, where the team has improved, and the habits that translate to winning basketball when district play heats up.

The conversation hits on game preparation, coaching philosophy, and how Onalaska approaches tough nights on the schedule, including what it takes to respond after big wins and bounce back from adversity. Coach Tyerman also discusses key factors like defensive effort, pace, communication, and how player development shows up in real-game moments.

Kyle and Coach Tyerman wrap with a look ahead at the stretch run—important matchups, the district race, and the mindset needed to make a playoff push in East Texas high school basketball.

Kyle Owens is joined by Erin Thompson—former Cayuga Lady Cat and current UT Tyler track & field standout—on this episode of East Texas Sports Now. Erin recaps her trip to Kansas for the Washburn Open, where she picked up her first win of the season in the 400-meter dash and shares what it felt like to see that time on the board after the race.

The conversation digs into the differences between indoor and outdoor track, including how banked indoor tracks change race strategy, pacing, and adjustments compared to a standard outdoor 400m track. Erin also talks through the early part of her indoor season, how she evaluates progress meet-to-meet, and what she’s focused on as the season moves forward.

From small-town roots to competing at the collegiate level in Tyler, Erin reflects on the transition, the mental side of racing, and what it takes to keep building momentum throughout the year. If you follow East Texas athletes, love track & field, or want a behind-the-scenes look at how a 400 runner prepares and competes, this episode is for you.