sports spotlight: charlie bowerman

By Mike Tupa

Bartlesville Area Sports Report

CHARLIE BOWERMAN

When Charles Leo Bowerman entered the world in December 1939 he had no way of knowing his destiny would await him less than 10 hours away in Bartlesville.

A native Hoosier of Indiana (Alamo), Bowerman was born to play basketball. This unstoppable dynamo starred at Wabash (Ill.) College, busting out with a 63-point game (25 field goals) in the 1960-61 season (still a team record). He finished with 1,408 career points.

Bowerman made his most two important decisions prior to leaving Wabash — marrying childhood sweetheart Coralea Weir and deciding to play corporate team basketball for Phillips 66. The New York Knicks drafted Bowerman in the fifth round in 1961, but Bowerman opted to play for the Phillips 66ers and the promise of a career job.

He eventually rose to an executive vice-president level and a member of Phillips Board of Directors prior to his 1999 retirement.

Bowerman utilized his considerable talents to bless many people and the community.

He accepted the offer to serve with Debbie Mueggenborg as co-chairmen, a very demanding job, for the Bartlesville American Legion World Series Committee for both 2003 and 2007. He also helped launch the Bartlesville Sports Commission on its successful voyage.

Bowerman and Coralea also were integral parts of the success of the Bartlesville Community Foundation. Bowerman also served on numerous other committees to benefit the lives of individuals and the community.

He also became known for keeping the Phillips 66ers brotherhood (and their wives) alive by hosting multiple team reunions.

Charlie Bowerman

Charlie and Corky Bowerman