Most coaches at any level, especially at the high school ranks, take more pride in the relationships they’ve built and lives they’ve positively influenced than the wins and championships they’ve accumulated. While Rich Bowen certainly had a stellar coaching resume based on his accomplishments on the field, his impact off the field will be his greatest legacy.

Bowen, 60, passed away on Tuesday after a battle with cancer. The longtime football coach had numerous stints throughout the WPIAL, including serving at the helm of Hempfield Area for nearly a decade. Even as recently as this season, Bowen continued to teach the game and impact lives, as he served as an assistant at Greensburg Salem.

“No greater mentor, leader, or friend than Coach Bowen,” said Golden Lions head coach Ty George, who played for Bowen with the Spartans and then coached with him at Greensburg Salem the past two years.

“The football community is saddened by his loss,” George continued. “He was such an inspiration to many and helped so many people in his lifetime. We know he will be deeply missed by many. Our deepest sympathies and prayers with his family.”

Long before he became a decorated coach, Bowen was one of the most accomplished high school football players in the country. He was a Parade All-American during his time on the gridiron at Serra Catholic, winning a WPIAL title in 1981.

He continued his athletic career initially at the University of Pittsburgh, and then transferred to Youngstown State University.

After his playing career wrapped up, Bowen’s coaching career took him back to his alma mater, where he led the Eagles for two stints, including guiding them to another WPIAL crown in 2007. He also had tenures at Yough (2001-04) and Elizabeth Forward (1994-99), and was an assistant coach at Waynesburg University before joining the Spartans for the 2012 campaign.

During Bowen’s stint at Hempfield Area, Nick Keefer served on the staff, working his way up through the ranks. Keefer, who is now in his second year at the helm of the Spartans, recognized the impact that Bowen had in his career ascension.

“I owe so much to Rich. He taught me not only so much about running a no-huddle spread offense, but also how to run a program the right way and how to treat kids,” said Keefer, who called Bowen a great man. “Everyone loved to play for him, and his lessons he taught me and his players will stay with us for a lifetime.”

After nine years leading Hempfield Area, Bowen joined Norwin as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator. Both of his sons, Sean and Aaron, previously played for the Knights.

“It was great to have the opportunity to coach with him, as well as against him,” said former Norwin coach Dave Brozeski, who welcomed Bowen to the Knights after they had engaged in years of rivalry matchups. “Rich had a great mind for football. He was a great resource, and it was just awesome to have that opportunity.

“He was a class act guy, and in my opinion, was taken from this Earth a little too soon. Definitely a great man,” Brozeski added.

Similarly, Penn-Trafford’s John Ruane guided his Warriors against Bowen’s Spartans, and he recognizes the legacy of the longtime coach extends far beyond the playing field.

“I am very sad to hear about Rich. He was so respected among coaches because he exuded class and always did the right things,” Ruane detailed. “He was always a good guy to talk to and was genuine. We never had anything but respect for him and his teams. We are thinking of his family and the thousands of players he has impacted over his career.

“This is a sad day for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed,” Ruane stated.

Bowen impacted countless others in his various roles, including stints as athletic director at Yough, EF, and Serra Catholic. Carlow Director of Athletics Lou Zadecky viewed Bowen as a father-figure in his career, which includes experience as both a coach and an administrator.

"Rich was an amazing person, coach, and athletic director to be around. He gave me my first shot at coaching and subbing at Elizabeth Forward, and then Yough, which eventually turned into a long career of teaching, coaching, and athletic directing,” he detailed.

“I will forever be grateful to Rich and will always remember his amazing spirit as a mentor, coach, and a great friend,” Zadecky added.

Bowen’s older son, Sean, is currently coaching football in Ohio, while his younger son, Aaron, is an offensive lineman at Mercyhurst University. He is also survived by his wife, Denise, and daughter, Brittany.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by William Snyder Funeral Home in Irwin.