Bowman Takes The Helm Of Grain Valley Boys Wrestling

​by John Unrein

     The Grain Valley Boys Wrestling team split their home Tri Meet Match on Tuesday, December 10th against Raytown South and Oak Park. The Eagles dropped their first dual against Oak Park by a score of 45-33 before coming back to defeat Raytown South in their second dual by a 60-6 margin.
     Overseeing the action is first year Boys Wrestling Head Coach Jeff Bowman. Preparing rosters, making sure things get mopped, and delegating the assembly of mats are just a few of the logistical items that come with hosting a meet.
     Bowman has prepared for this opportunity through his background in starting his educational and coaching career at Blue Springs South. Doug Black was his mentor and Bowman attributes him taking him under his wing when he was a young assistant coach. Bowman credits learning a lot of great wrestling technique due to the leadership and talented wrestlers he worked with at Blue Springs South.
     Bowman’s career continued upon his arrival to Grain Valley where he credits former Eagles Wrestling Coaches Jesse Whitson and James Evans with supporting his continued growth in the sport. Bowman is joined this season with longtime suburban area wrestling coach Matt Cox as one of his assistants.
     With any wrestling program comes changes with someone new at the helm. Bowman reflected on what the transition has been like for him.
     “Things are both hectic and relaxed in a positive way. I am laid back and relaxed with my personality. I also have responsibilities that need to get done that can make things hectic at times. The kids miss Coach Whitson. We talk about our legacy as a program due to that as well as how we prepare and bring intensity to continue that legacy. I’m excited with what the future holds for all of us,” Bowman said.
     “I enjoy that wrestling is one on one competition. You get to truly test yourself by seeing who the better wrestler is in this sport. There’s no way to hide in these contests. It’s a celebration if you win. If you lose, you have to look at yourself and how you can improve to get better.”
     The allure of coaching to Bowman is the desire to help people reach their goals while working to build a positive rapport with young men (as well as young women with the addition of the girls wrestling program). Happiness through watching student athletes grow is another element of why Bowman is in his current profession.
     There are several wrestlers Bowman has been impressed with regarding their leadership and ability at the outset of the season.
     “Drake Tipton, Trent Starr, Jayden Jacobson, Drew Azcona, and Hunter Newsom are a few guys that have put forth a lot of effort so far to go along with their ability. However, wrestling is a team sport and it takes a lot to get this thing going. I’m proud of our team,” Bowman said.
     “This season I want to see strong young men, who encourage one another and show what’s needed to get past boundaries that prohibit growth. As far as we can get towards state and having as many wrestlers get to state is also at the forefront.”
     The Eagles Boys Wrestling Team will next be in action on December 13th-14th at the Helias Catholic Tournament as well as December 17th with their next Tri Meet at home.
    
 

Jeff Bowman begins his first year as head coach of the GVHS Boys Wrestling team.
 
     “I enjoy that wrestling is one on one competition. You get to truly test yourself by seeing who the better wrestler is in this sport. There’s no way to hide in these contests. It’s a celebration if you win. If you lose, you have to look at yourself and how you can improve to get better.”
 
Photo credit: Valley News staff
 

Grain Valley wrestler Jordon Jarman works to gain control of his opponent from
Oak Park.
Photo credit: Valley News staff