For former Fowler High School athletes the weight room at Fowler High School brings back memories doesn’t it? Late evenings following practice, everyone crowding in to take turns waiting for the equipment. Sharing the space with the wrestling team and trying to coordinate the schedules of up to three different sports? Fun, right?
Now imagine stepping into a facility several times bigger with enough equipment to accommodate up to three times as many athletes? Or…imagine being a wrestler and not having to practice around the basketball team?

That is the dream of High School Principal, Russell Bates, FHS Class of 1987 and Athletic Director, Lewis Flores, FHS Class of 1978.

Bates and Flores were both athletes during their high school years and recall the hassles of the dual-purpose room. Now in positions of administration they are observing current athletes dealing with the same inconveniences. Despite being a contributing factor to 31 state championships and the scene of essential team-building skills and lifelong friendships, it is believed improvement of the current accommodations would be extremely beneficial. In addition, the weight training classes offered to all students could be enhanced.

The plan is to construct a free-standing weight training building south of the baseball field and east of the football field. By including public restrooms accessible from the inside and outside, the need for convenient facilities for football, track and baseball fans would also be addressed.

“The goal of our high school weight training classes is to promote life long fitness. With the new facility we can provide a more positive experience for not only athletes...but all of our students,” comments Bates.

While the advantages of the project are obvious funding it could be an obstacle. Bates believes this is an excellent opportunity for Fowler High School alumni to support a program that has so positively impacted the lives of countless students. Fowler athletic accomplishments are a great source of pride within the community and have helped propel the area to statewide notoriety.  Bates’ goal is to raise $150,000 through alumni, community and corporate donations and to complete the project without any burden on taxpayers. Money from outside sources such as Daniels Fund is also being pursued.
All donations are tax deductible and donors will be recognized on a wall of thanks inside the new facility.  Donations of $2500 or more will be permanently recognized with their company logo on the outside of the building.

Former students are encouraged to spread the word to alumni who may no longer be in
the area, and to consider corporate sponsorships from employers that may be willing to donate on behalf of employees who once attended Fowler. Bates and Flores can be contacted for more information and have literature available further explaining the project.  Both offer email for convenient communication; russell.bates@fowler.k12.co.us or lewis.flores@fowler.k12.co.us

This Saturday at Missouri Day a tent will be set up in the park to accept donations, and brochures will be available at the All School Reunion in the Fowler High School gym.