Interim President Al Bowman joined members of the Illinois State University volleyball team in a conditioning run early Wednesday morning. An avid runner who enjoys associating with students, Bowman accepted an invitation extended last week by Redbird head coach Sharon Dingman to join her team.
"I really enjoy doing things like this," said Bowman during his pre-run stretch. "Our athletics program is important to the university and our volleyball student-athletes do a great job of representing our university."
Redbird junior setter Kelly Rikli knew of Bowman's affection for running.
"We hope you'll take it easy on us," said Rikli. Bowman smiled and shook his head, but still completed the run with the first group of players.
The group of 12 student-athletes and one president toured the neighborhoods west of the Illinois State campus and returned to Redbird Arena after a two-mile effort. The temperature was unseasonably cool, but the early morning sun was burning off a humid haze during the run.
The Redbirds open their 2003 season against Illinois at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 in Redbird Arena as part of the Barker GMC Classic.
