Former Warden wrestling coach Rick Bowers inducted into hall of fame

PUYALLUP — Rick Bowers, former head wrestling coach for Warden High School, was recently inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

The 2017 class includes Bowers, state legislator Richard Muri of Steilacoom; Jace Malek of West Valley (Spokane); James Ball of Curtis; Kip Herren of Auburn; Paul Jackson of Mercer Island; Tom Sewell of Inglemoor; Gaylord Strand of Yelm; Rich Tschirgi of the Inland Empire Wrestling Officials Association Donald Walley of Sedro Woolley; and Dick Wooding of Highline College and Sumner.

Bowers served as head wresting coach for 33 years, winning 32 undefeated league championships, 21 district championships and nine state championships.

Bowers wrestled at Bellingham High School under hall of fame coach George Yonlick and moved to Warden in 1976 upon graduation from Western Washington University.

In 2009, Bowers was inducted into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony is March 19 at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia.

—Staff report