At AHS Coaching Excellence is Handed from One Generation to the Next: Coach James Bowman New Head Basketball Coach

In  press announcement released by Alamogordo Public Schools, it was announced that the "Alamogordo Public Schools Department of Athletics is proud to announce the promotion of James Bowman to Head Coach of the Tiger Basketball Team. 

Coach Bowman has proven himself as a dedicated leader and seasoned coach. Bowman brings over six years of coaching experience within the Tiger basketball program, along with a lifelong passion for the game and a deep connection to the Alamogordo community.

Coach Bowman will be following the legacy of a select and very few minority senior level coaches to rise to a senior leadership position in Alamogordo Public Schools 113 year history. Coach Bowman will be building upon the legacy of excellence and the shoulders of Coach Bob Sepulveda who led Track and Field and as PE Department Head from 60s to the 90s  and whom the Tiger Track and Field is named.  He follows Athletic Director and Coach Lawrence E. Johnson who assisted in coaching basketball, was as an assistant to track and field Coach Bob Sepulveda and and then become the first African American in APS history to rise to Athletic Director. Johnson's legacy is honored by the renaming of the Tiger Pit sports complex at Alamogordo High School in his memory as the Lawrence E Johnson Tiger Pit. And, more recently on the legacy of Johnnie L Walker who served as Athletic Director during the turbulent pandemic years and who is now an inspirational leader of New Covenant Church in Alamogordo. 

Bowman began his tenure at Alamogordo High School in November 2018 as the Head Assistant Coach. Since then, he has played a vital role in the development and success of the C-Team, Junior Varsity, and Varsity squads. His deep knowledge of the game, commitment to player development, and steadfast support of the program’s vision have earned him the respect of players, families, and fellow coaches alike.

As the Assistant Head Coach, Coach Bowman made it his mission to ensure the program operated smoothly at every level and that the program had the support needed for success.

A natural-born leader, Bowman’s basketball journey began as a young boy dreaming of playing for the Tigers. He went on to have a standout playing career at Alamogordo High School, where he also served as team captain.

Alamogordo High School Director of Athletics, Alan Edmonson, shared his support: “For the past two seasons, I’ve had the opportunity to observe Coach Bowman closely. He is passionate, cares deeply about our student-athletes, and—most importantly—bleeds black and gold. Coach Bowman has been a cornerstone of our basketball program. His leadership, dedication, and love for the game make him the ideal choice to guide our varsity team. We’re excited for the next chapter of Tiger basketball under his direction.”

Coach Bowman states that “Being the new Head AHS Basketball Coach means everything to me! It means I have the opportunity to try and change lives on the court, in the classroom, and within my community! It means helping my student-athletes work hard to achieve both their academic and athletic goals! For me, this position is about the kids in the program and the future Tigers that attend the games in the Tiger Pit! My goal is to help them realize their potential in all of the things that they do, and always to remember their time being an Alamogordo Tiger athlete!”

“As the head coach for the Alamogordo Tigers, this community can expect a dedication that will be unmatched by any other coach in the state! My program will be tough, disciplined, and committed to competing with class each and every season! We will represent our community and our school with pride and strive to make the student body, the faculty, our family, and friends proud to be Tigers!”

Coach Bob Sepulveda at age 89 was a guest speaker for a middle school sporting celebration earlier this week. We mentioned that Mr. Bowman was selected as the new head basketball Coach, and Sepulveda said, "Congratulations to Coach Bowman, Alamogordo has a history of developing great athletes and the students deserve a dedicated passionate and caring leader. I wish Coach Bowman the best and look to see great success from his teams both academically and athletically."

At AlamogordoTownNews.com we often write of the past successes of Alamogordo High and we are eagerly anticipating righting of future successes under Coach Bowman's leadership and him developing a legacy to make our community proud. 

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