John Bowers new head coach

By Dean Wong

In their search for a new football coach, the Ballard Beavers have dipped into the collegiate ranks to hire John Bowers who brings 27 years of experience to the program.

Bowers, 50, is leaving his position as recruiting coordinator and secondary coach with the Western Washington University Vikings to take over the Beaver team.

"I'm very excited to get started," said Bowers, who will no longer have to make the long commute to Bellingham.

His coaching experience includes leading the defensive backs, defensive ends and special teams for the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division 1-A Bowling Green State University Falcons. With the Falcons, he helped develop six Mid-American Conference All-Stars and two freshmen All-American quarterbacks.

He has had coaching stints at Eastern Michigan University, Kent State University, Eastern Illinois University and was a graduate assistant at James Madison University, among other stops in his career.

Bowers received letters in football and baseball at James Madison in 1979 and was the football team's offensive Most Valuable Player in 1978.

Bowers takes over a team which made the 4A, 32-school state tournament in 2007. Edmonds Woodway, 24-6, eliminated the Beaver in the first round.

Bowers plans on meeting his players for the first time this week and is getting to know the current assistant coaches. He has a couple of coaches in mind to add to his staff.

"I will come up with the best group of guys," Bowers said.

Bowers envisions a "fast and furious" pace on offense.

"I believe in creating problems for the defense. There will be no huddle offenses and we will make (play) calls at the line," he said.

Stopping the other team will be a priority.

"The defense will fly around and take pride in it," said Bowers.

Special teams are a big part of his game plan. Last year Mitch Wall was a consistent threat as the kicker. He kicked 18 extra points and five field goals. Several were over forty yards long.

"That is another weapon," said Bowers who likes the use of on-side kicks.

He is familiar with the KingCo Conference, as the linebackers' coach at Bothell High in 1006.

"I have recruited in this area. I have looked at the kids and know all the coaches and their schemes," said Bowers.

"There are a lot of good programs in this conference. I have an understanding of what it takes," said Bowers.

Bower received a surprise when he accepted the Ballard job. He did not realize the Seattle School District was building a multi-purpose synthetic turf field at the school. Work begins in late spring.

"Their facility. That was a great surprise. You need a great place to practice," said Bowers.

Spring football practices start at the end of May. Bowers has not decided what football camps the Beavers will attend this summer.

Bowers' wife Joanne is the head coach of the University of Washington's women's gymnastics team.

The Beaver's former coach Alex Barashkoff resigned this year to spend more time with his family.

Dean Wong may be reached at deanw@robinsonnews.com