Well-known to central Illinois sports fans for his fine coaching records at Jacksonville Routt and Greenfield High Schools. Bowman served as president in 1990-91 of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association. In 1991 he guided the Greenfield Tigers to the Class 2A title game. As a player, Bowman never missed a start in four seasons with the Blueboys. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1969, earned all-conference honors in 1971 and 1972, and served as team co-captain his senior season.