James Bowers
Coach/Contributor ⋅ Class of 1985
Bloomington
Jim originated from Penn Hill High School in Pennsylvania. He began his collegiate career at Penn State, which was interrupted by service in the Navy. Upon returning he enrolled at Illinois State University, where he learned his basic in Wrestling.
He began his Coaching career at Bloomington High School and remained the wrestling coach for 29 years. He is still on the staff, but has retired from active wrestling coaching.
His dual meet record is 309 wins, 53 losses and 6 ties; his teams have won 8 Big, 8 conference titles; 14 Regionals and 4 Sectionals.
He has had 42 State Qualifiers, with 12 being place-winners, including his own son.
Jim has also officiated, spending some 15 years in the endeavor, mostly at the college level.
Jim has also served as a member of the State Wrestling Advisory Board.
Although his interests were with wrestling, Jim coached the varsity football team for 3 years and the Golf team for 11 years. His golf team won State Titles back to back in 1964 and 1965.