Guyer hires Jowers to lead boys track program

By Reece Waddell Staff Writer [email protected] Denton Record Chronicle

?

For more than three decades, Guyer football coach John Walsh and Kenneth Jowers have been close friends.? The pair graduated from Merkel High in West Texas and went on to play college football together at McMurry. After college in Abilene, the two went their separate ways, but now they?re reunited. {{more: Continue ?}}

Jowers will join Walsh at Guyer as the new boys track and field coach and also will coach wide receivers.

?[Walsh and I] grew up together, went to high school and played college football together,? Jowers said. ?We ran track together in high school and have been lifelong friends. I think it?s a great working environment they have at Guyer and something I want to be a part of.?

Most recently the offensive coordinator at Kennedale, Jowers helped the Class 4A team post a 9-3 record last year. In 2017, Kennedale went 14-2, falling to Carthage in the state title game.
Over the past two seasons, Kennedale?s offense averaged 47.3 points per game.

?I?ve known coach Jowers for over 20 years,? Walsh said. ?There have been some opportunities to get him on staff ? we just haven?t been able to. He?s a good football coach. I remember tagging along in high school while he was at the state track meet. He?ll bring some new expertise to the Wildcats.?

Jowers ran track throughout high school, competing at the state meet in the 800 meters. His personal-best time was a 1:55.

?I?ve been around track pretty much my whole life,? Jowers said.

This spring, Jowers watched Guyer compete at the regional meet, where high jumper Eli Stowers advanced to state. Stowers went on to claim the Class 6A title in the event, clearing 6 feet, 10 inches. He set a school record at the District 5-6A meet when he soared 7-0. Guyer finished fourth at the 5-6A meet.

Jowers said one of his goals is to grow the program and get more athletes to participate in track.
?There are some guys that can really run,? Jowers said. ?I think here recently they?ve been more willing to come out and participate. I think that?s going to be the biggest challenge ? getting more kids involved and get them out there running.

?I?m excited to be a part of this track program. The biggest thing is getting more kids involved in the program. If you can get them out there having fun, they?ll want to be out there.?

REECE WADDELL can be reached at 940-566-6869 and via Twitter at @ReeceWaddell15. Read more @ Denton

Record-Chronicle