HUNTINGTON, W.

Tuesday, February 26, 2002

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Bobby Bowden is coming to Marshall, but without his Florida State Seminoles football team.

Bowden, the successful head coach of the Seminoles the past 26 years, will be the guest speaker Thursday, March 21, at Marshall University for an event sponsored by the MU’s Campus Crusade for Christ and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The event will be free to the public and begin at 8 p.m. at the Cam Henderson Center.

"We’re really excited about Coach Bowden coming," Marshall’s Campus Crusade for Christ staff member David Lootens said.

Bowden, 72, is currently tied with legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant as the second-winningest coach in college football history. Lootens said Bowden will talk about leadership and the importance of a strong work ethic, integrity, and faith.

"We’ve been dreaming about Bobby Bowden coming in for about four years. He’ll have an incredible impact on the campus and community," said Lootens.

Bowden will sign copies of his book "The Bowden Way" from 7-to-8 p.m. Books are $20.

Bowden is 250-59-4 at FSU and 323-91-4 overall. He coach Samford from 1959-62 and West Virginia from 1970-75.

Bowden’s son Tommy is the Clemson head coach. Son Terry, former coach at Auburn, is an ABC studio anyalist.

Bowden is married to the former Julia Ann Estock.