Aug. 17, 2005
Normal, Ill. -
Normally, a two-mile run in the middle of pre-season double-practice days wouldn't generate too much excitement for a college volleyball team. But the Illinois State University volleyball team is making its conditioning run at 9 a.m. Thursday with a traditional special guest who is one of the team's biggest fans: Dr. Al Bowman, the university president.
For Bowman, an avid and versatile outdoorsman, it's the marriage of two things he truly loves: students and running. For Redbird coach Sharon Dingman, it's an indication of a president truly dedicated to students.
"How many students on any campus can say they went running with their president?" said Dingman. "The players really think this is cool. He started running with us two years ago and we are very honored that he takes the time."
Dingman's admiration for Bowman is based on more than a once-a-year run. The 21-year college coaching veteran believes Bowman's efforts to support student-athletes define the president's personal and professional commitment to students.
"His appreciation and respect for student-athletes and what they mean to the university is tremendous," said Dingman. "I just think he's a really special person who shows his leadership in ways that people can respect and appreciate."
And Dingman's team appreciates the fact that four of Redbird volleyball's biggest fans are almost always among the 2,000 or more fans at Redbird Arena watching Illinois State volleyball.
"It's great to look up in the stands every match and see Al, (his wife) Linda and (daughters) Natalie and Laura cheering for us," said Dingman.
Dingman and the team--and Bowman and the fans--will open the regular season against the Illinois Fighting Illini at 7 p.m., Aug. 26 at Redbird Arena.
