Fowler named AFCA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - State University defensive coordinator Cary Fowler has been selected the Division II Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.

Fowler, who completed his fifth season at Midwestern State as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, joins Notre Dame offensive coordinator Michael Haywood, Illinois State linebackers coach Galen Scott, Kean (N.J.) defensive coordinator Dan Garrett and Dana (Neb.) defensive coordinator Allen Friesen as AFCA Assistant Coaches of the Year.

"It's a great honor," said Fowler. á "I'm humbled to be selected for this award. á There are a lot of outstanding assistant coaches in the country."

The award, first presented in 1997, was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.

Fowler's involvement with the community has been commendable. á He has directed the "Read Across America" program at Burgess Elementary, coordinated the Friday reading program at Crockett Elementary and developed a mentor and reading program at Houston Elementary. á He also performed voluntary rehab for a Multiple Sclerosis patient weekly while working with an athlete in Special Olympics.

Fowler's also served as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and has served as a guest speaker at YMCA events as well.

On the field, Fowler has directed one of the top defenses in the Lone Star Conference over the last three years and helped MSU to its first NCAA Division II playoff berth in 2004.

The criteria for the award is not limited to on-field coaching ability and the success of the team and players that the assistant coach has worked with. á Service to the community through charitable work and other volunteer activities, participation in AFCA activities and event, participation in other professional organizations and impact on student-athletes are all taken into account in the selection process.

"He's very deserving of the honor," stated MSU head football coach Bill Maskill. á "We're real proud of what he's doing and how he's done it. á He's great with kids and likes to be involved with the community."

The award will be presented on January 9, 2006, at the Kickoff Luncheon of the AFCA Convention in Dallas. á In addition to a plaque, Fowler will receive an educational stipend to the convention.

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