Schenectady Christian School is very fortunate to have Chad Bowman as its gym teacher and boys’ varsity basketball coach.
Coach Bowman was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt. When he was 10, his father was involved in starting a Christian school, and he moved with his family to Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks.
Growing up in the mountains, Bowman enjoyed playing any sport in season, such as soccer, baseball and basketball. Basketball was his first love. He played for Mountainside Christian Academy in high school. They played public schools in season and went on to win a Christian school state tournament, finished the season with a record of 24-1. He was pleased with his success in school and has many fond memories of the “close-knit” friendships he made.
Coach Bowman started his college years at a private school in California and finished them in Potsdam, a state college in upstate New York. He felt both experiences were good for him.
Bowman came to Schenectady Christian School 15 years ago. The former head master, Bill Stevens, was looking for a teacher and basketball coach. He found Chad Bowman. Coach described the early years of basketball in Schenectady Christian as “Not that good.” He has worked hard and has committed himself to building a strong program.
I asked coach for a few highlights over the years at Schenectady Christian School. He recalls some great memories as a coach on the court.
“Going to the first league championships in 2000 — that was with Kory Collins and Jordan Kulbako. The first time qualifying to go to the Glens Falls Civic Center. We upset Hoosick Falls at Hudson Valley [Community College] in overtime and, of coarse, last year, winning the section title against a great Stillwater team. That was a special night. We went on to the state Final Four. That was with Matt McCarty, Jake [his son] and Brian Bishop.”
With all the wonderful accomplishments that Coach Bowman has had so far in his career, he says his family is his greatest and most meaningful. He also has a very supportive wife, Greta, and three children, Jake, Dillon and Olivia. He is also very proud of the kids that have gone on through the program at Schenectady Christian School and go on to become Christian men that contribute to society. “As coaches, we want to do more than create great basketball players — we want to develop young men and that is what is very rewarding.”
When asked about the most difficult part of coaching, Mr. Bowman replies, “It is a very demanding job.” He works hard at it seven days a week and again credits his wife for the strong support she gives him. What he enjoys most is the relationships between the players and the bond they have with each other.
Coach Bowman has been an inspiration to so many people. He passes on what he received from his father, who taught him so much about the game of basketball. He clearly looks up to his dad and says he has had the most influence on him and his life.
Looking ahead, where will coach be in 10 years? “That’s a great question,” he says “Hopefully, I’ll be at Schenectady Christian School, we’ll have a strong program with students and athletes having a great experiences, getting their education and playing basketball. I’ll be happy with that.”
Ben Wager is a seventh-grader at Schenectady Christian School in Scotia.
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