(Story courtesy of the Southwestern University website)
GEORGETOWN, Texas – Bill Bowman, former assistant coach and 12 year club coach, was announced as the head men's lacrosse coach by Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Glada Munt Wednesday.
Bowman has been instrumental in starting the varsity lacrosse program at Southwestern and is no stranger to the sidelines as he coached the immensely successful club team. During his tenure as the head coach of the club team Bowman amassed a record of 93—75 including a perfect 31-0 conference record spanning five seasons that culminated in five Lone Star Alliance Division II Championships. Each year the Pirates were invited to the National Tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals in 2008. SU was ranked in the top 15 nationally since 2005 and closed out their final season of club stats ranked #9 in the nation.
"I am honored to be given the opportunity to work with so many great people at Southwestern," Bowman said. "The student experience is of paramount importance in everything that is done here, and getting the chance to work with so many amazing young men on a daily basis in their formative years is an honor."
"I am delighted that Southwestern Athletics will be able to keep Coach Bowman associated with our men's lacrosse program and feel that he has definitely earned the opportunity to take over the reins of the program as the Head Coach. Coach Bowman is committed to the high standards that we have in place for both the academic and athletic opportunities that our University provides. I am confident that our men's lacrosse program will continue to grow into a championship caliber program under his leadership!"
Bowman has ample experience directing the complete student-athlete. Under Bowman's tutelage in the club there were 14 All-Americans, 54 LSA All-Conference selections in addition to coaching the league MVP in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 as well as Offensive Player-of-the-Year in 2005, 2007 and 2008 and Defensive Player-of-the-Year in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009. For all of his hard work Bowman was named as Coach-of-the-Year twice, 2005 and 2008. He has vast experience in player development as only six players during his time with the club program have had prior experience.
"As a graduate," says Bowman, "Southwestern is a place my entire family holds in the highest regard. I love the university, the quality of education, and the unique atmosphere which allows our students to excel in a setting that is conducive to achieving the highest standards both in the classroom and on the field. I look forward to recruiting outstanding young men that fit within the fabric of Southwestern, and continuing to build a lacrosse program that not only is national in scope, but that molds young men into well-rounded members of society."
Bowman was named as interim head coach in December 2011 and guided the Pirates to their most successful season to date, finishing fifth in the conference with a 5-4 record, 5-11 overall.
