RELEASED:  Monday, March 24, 2008

NABC To Honor UW-River Falls’ Bowen

Madison, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-River Falls' Rick Bowen will be presented the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Outstanding Service Award at the Division III meeting of this year's NABC Convention in San Antonio, Texas, on April 5.

The award has been presented annually since 1997 and is given to coaches whose actions "inside and outside the lines" of coaching have distinguished them as valuable members of their communities

"The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is delighted and proud that Rick has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to our basketball program and to the growth and development of our students," said Chancellor Don Betz. "Rick is passionate about sports and equally committed to educating the next generation of citizens and leaders. Rick is a valued leader in our University and our community. His enthusiasm for the University's future impacts all those who know him. Rick is a genuine colleague and friend. All of us at UW-River Falls salute him and his lifetime of contributions to sport and education."

Bowen is synonymous with UW-River Falls basketball. He is the winningest coach in UWRF history and, from 1986-2006, directed the Falcons to 265 victories. In 2003-04, Bowen led UWRF to a WIAC Championship and was also named the WIAC Coach of the Year and the NABC West Region Coach of the Year.

Bowen spent three years as the only coach in the WIAC doing double-duty serving as a coach and director of athletics. He also served as an interim athletic director for two years before being named full-time athletic director on April 1, 2006.

Bowen has served on numerous NABC committees and is still active in the sport. He has contributed countless volunteer time and leadership to many River Falls community interests including serving the area chamber of commerce, initiating youth basketball programs, and serving on the local American Legion. He is a combat veteran of Vietnam, serving with the Army Medical Corp as a Combat Medic and receiving a Bronze Star. Bowen and his wife, Sandy, have two sons, Matthew and Mike. Matthew is the head men's basketball coach at Bemidji State University (Minn.) and Mike owns and operates Bowen's Garage in River Falls.

Bowen came to UWRF in 1986 following five years as a University of Wisconsin-Madison assistant men's basketball assistant coach. He previously was an assistant coach at Ball State University (Ind.), working under Coach Steve Yoder at both institutions. Bowen began his career in Indiana teaching government and coaching basketball for 12 years.

Bowen graduated from Indiana University with a BS in physical education in 1966. He served the Hoosiers as a student manager under two time National Champion Branch McCracken. He earned a masters degree from St. Francis College in 1971.

"When I received the call that I was getting this award I was at first shocked, then humbled," said Bowen. "Nothing is more important to me then being recognized by one's peers for having tried to do the right thing in one's profession."

Tom Murphy, longtime head basketball coach at Hamilton (N.Y.) College and currently an assistant basketball coach at Northeastern University (Mass.), will also be honored.

The NABC is extremely pleased to honor these gentlemen who, throughout their careers, have been outstanding coaches, great teachers, and significant leaders in their communities. They have done a terrific job in communicating strategies and techniques to their respective teams, distinguished themselves as wonderful role models to their players and associates, embody the spirit of coaching.