Kilgore College prepares for post-season tournament
By LESTER MURRAY news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

DAVID CASTLES

Things are changing with the Kilgore College Basketball team and David Castles, athletic director at KC, was at the Lions Club on Thursday to talk about them.

Castles said he will retire on August 31. "I am also vice president of student development," said Castles. "It has not been decided yet if both jobs will remain with just one person or be separated."

Castles said in the 2008/2009 season, Region 14 - the conference in which KC plays - will add two new teams to the lineup. "Bossier Parish and Lamar/Port Arthur will be the two new teams," said Castles. "There will be a north and south zone. Kilgore will be in the north zone."

Kilgore will play Tyler, Bossier Parish, Paris, Panola, Trinity Valley and Navarro Colleges in their zone, said Castles.

Under the new alignment, 12 men's teams and 8 women's teams will make the playoffs, said Castles.

This year's Region XIV Conference Tournament will be played March 8 through the 12 at Kilgore College in Master's Gym. Castles said tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. A session pass is $8 for adults and $5 for kids under 12 , an all tournament pass is $30.

(left to right) Teacher of the Month Kay Grimes with Students of the Month Robert Shook and Whitney Brown.

Castles said the NJCAA is looking to go back to a neutral site to hold the tournament next year.

"It is unfortunate this year that with KC hosting the tournament, KC did not qualify, but we hope to get a good draw from teams like Tyler," said Castles. "You're going to see some great basketball at his tournament, So no matter where you're from, this is going to be a great tournament."

Also at the Lions on Thursday, the Lions honored the Kilgore High School Students and Teacher of the Month.

KHS Assistant Principal Tim Banks stood in for Principal and Lion Bobby Wheeley as he presented teacher Kay Grimes, chemistry teacher as Teacher of the Month and Whitney Brown and Robert Shook as Students of the Month. Grimes received a gift from the Lions and Brown and Shook received a plaque.

In other Lion news, on March 29 the annual East Texas Lions Barbecue will be held at Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview. Lion Carroll French said tickets are $5 each and all proceeds will go towards the Texas Lions Camp for kids. The dinner is from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Food will be provided by Roland Lindsey and Bodacious Bar-B-Que, Made Rite Company and Cace's Seafood and Steak House. For more information call (903) 758-5058.