Bowers Set to Return to Taylor as Interim Track and Field Coach
UPLAND, Ind. – Taylor University Athletics Director, Kyle Gould, announced on Wednesday that former TU head track and field coach, Ted Bowers, would return as an interim coach for the program during the 2017-2018 year.
“There is nobody more connected to the tradition and history of success in our track and field program than Ted Bowers,” stated Gould. “We are blessed that he is available and willing to lead our program during this time of transition. I know that he will have a great impact on the lives of our student-athletes and in our athletics department, and I am excited to have him back with us this year.”
Bowers retired from Taylor in the spring of 2013, following the conclusion of his 11th season at the helm of the Trojan track and field programs. Bowers also spent nine years as the head men’s cross country coach at TU and served in various roles with Taylor Athletics from 1988 through 2013.
“It is an honor to once again be a part of the TU athletics department,” said Bowers. “I look forward to working with the track and field teams and pursuing the talents they have been blessed with.”
During his previous time atop the TU track and field program, Bowers guided the Trojans to multiple NAIA Individual National Championships, 56 NAIA All-American honors and 27 new school records. The TU men’s squad placed sixth under Bowers’ watch at NAIA Outdoor Nationals in 2003 and won three-straight league titles in 2003, 2004 and 2005, with the TU women claiming the league crown in 2013.
The awards rolled in for Bowers throughout his tenure in Upland, with a pair of NAIA Regional Coach-of-the-Year honors, two Indiana Intercollegiate Coach-of-the-Year nods and a trio of Crossroads League (MCC) Coach-of-the-Year awards.
Along with his coaching duties at Taylor, Bowers was also involved as an event referee at the NAIA National Championships and served a two-year stint as the head referee at the event. Bowers also spent eight years on the NAIA track and field coaches’ cabinet and filled the role of president of that cabinet from 2010 through 2012.
Since his retirement from Taylor, Bowers has continued his work as an event referee for various track and field events over the past three years.
Bowers, a 1973 TU graduate, will guide the Taylor track programs throughout the 2017-2018 indoor and outdoor seasons, while a national search takes place to find the next full-time coach of Taylor track.
Bowers and the Trojans are set to open their indoor campaign on December 9, with a 1:00 pm meet at Indiana Tech.