FIGHT NIGHT

Pro wrestling is coming to Academy High School — home of the Bumblebees — on Feb. 25, and the senior-class fundraiser promises to be more fun than a figure-four leg-lock. 

GET READY TO KICK IT

The Temple Coyotes FC will begin the process of setting its roster this month as the 2023 National Premier Soccer League season fast approaches. The new year will bring several changes and additions to the club, including a new Under-19 team and possibly a new name.

YEAR OF THE FISH

2022 was a prime fishing year on Lake Belton. Just ask Bob Maindelle, owner and operator of Holding the Line Fishing Guide Service. “It was definitely a good year,” Maindelle said today. “Last year, I made 171 fishing trips and my guests caught a grand total of 18,643 fish. Every one was released back into the lake. Holding the Line maintains a strong catch-and-release ethic — we release 100 percent of the fish we catch so we have plenty for the future.”

Bell County outdoors

Tight hay supplies and high winter feed prices are challenging Texas cattle producers’ ability to get as many cows as possible through winter in good condition. The 2022 drought and subsequent poor hay production resulted in stressed hay supplies going into winter, according to AgriLife Extension specialists. Check the Bell County Outdoors page for the latest fishing and birdwatching reports.

Academy hires new football coach

Academy Independent School District has announced Mark Mullins as the next Head Football Coach of the Bumblebees. Mullins has 25 years of coaching experience and served as Academy’s Offensive Coordinator this past season. Mullins was the Assistant Head Football Coach at Gatesville High School, where they were Bi-District Finalists (2020, 2021).

No Limits Monster Truck & Thrill Show

The thunder rolls into The Expo on Jan. 13-14 for the annual return of the No Limits Monster Truck & Thrill Show. The action starts at 7:30 p.m. both nights.

MARLIN WAS SPRING TRAINING MECCA

Hot mineral springs attracted hotels, bath houses and Major League Baseball to Marlin from 1904 to 1918. The New York Giants trained there for 11 years. Marlin is located about 38 miles northeast of Temple.