[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 130 (Tuesday, August 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E819-E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MOURNING THE LOSS OF COACH CARL BOWSER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VINCE FONG

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 13, 2024

  Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my deepest condolences 
to the family and friends of Coach Carl Bowser, who passed away last 
month. While Coach Bowser was a pillar of the Bakersfield College 
football program, his legacy extends beyond the field, evident in the 
outpouring of love following his death and the honors proclaimed of 
Coach Bowser's impact on the lives of others. He was a great man, a 
beloved mentor, and a leader who made positive contributions to 
countless individuals.
  Born in Oklahoma, Carl Bowser was first introduced to Bakersfield 
College's football program when he became a team water boy. His passion 
for the sport led him to become a fullback for California Polytechnic 
State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), where he rushed for 620 
yards and seven touchdowns in 1959. Coach Bowser demonstrated early on 
his perseverance in the face of tragedy when he narrowly survived the 
tragic 1960 Cal Poly plane crash, losing 16 of his teammates. Coach 
Bowser would go on later that year to rush for 288 yards and score two 
touchdowns. In 1962, Coach Bowser completed his bachelor's degree at 
Cal Poly in physical education and returned the following year to earn 
his master's degree in education.
  Coach Bowser soon sharpened his passion for coaching football, 
serving as the Head Coach of Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest and 
later as Head Coach at Shafter High School. Joining Bakersfield 
College's program, Coach Bowser served as the Renegades Assistant Coach 
under Head Coach Gerry Collis for 17 years before rising to the Head 
Coach position in 1984.
  Coach Bowser's masterful 83-31-3 career record across 11 seasons will 
certainly be remembered as a golden age of Renegade athletics. Second 
to no other season, was the team's 1988 triumphs, where under Coach 
Bowser's leadership, the Renegades beat the undefeated Fullerton 
College Hornets to secure the 1988 Junior College Football 
Championship. Coach Bowser earned the esteemed title of Conference 
Coach of the Year four times, where his team won six Western State 
Conference titles, and earned seven Potato Bowl appearances before his 
retirement from the program in 1994.

[[Page E820]]

  Coach Bowser was well-known for his rousing halftime and pre-game 
speeches. Yet his strong heart and easy laugh made him beloved by 
everyone who knew him. Under his leadership, the Bakersfield College 
football program thrived, and his influence continues to this day.
  The hundreds of students and athletes he trained will never forget 
how Coach Bowser dedicated his life to fostering excellence on and off 
the field. Aware of the steep climb players face seeking professional 
football careers, Coach Bowser taught personal life discipline which 
would set his players up for success beyond football. His Interest in 
the lives of his players both on and off the field makes this loss 
particularly difficult, serving as a reminder of his unique way of 
leading strongly but with grace and empathy.
  On behalf of the 20th Congressional District, I would like to extend 
my deepest sympathies to Coach Bowser's family, the Bakersfield College 
community, and all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

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