Central Michigan University Athletics
Tony Bowne Profile
2/24/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 24, 2005
By Mike Boseak
Sports Information Assistant
Senior guard Tony Bowne already has a job lined up when his days on the court are over, and it has nothing to do with basketball.
The Hastings native, who graduated with an accounting degree from Central Michigan University last December, started his pursuit of a master's degree in business administration this semester. He will have to cut his pursuit short for now, however, because he has accepted a job with Pulte Homes starting in May, working in their sales and marketing departments.
For now, Bowne has unfinished business on the court, as his final season wearing maroon and gold nears its end. He has experienced both ups and downs in his time here at CMU -- from the 2002-2003 team which made the second round of the NCAA tournament to last season's 6-24 campaign.
The secret to building a winning team? Bowne believes it is chemistry.
"We had an unbelievably talented team in 2001-2002 with David Webber, Chris Kaman, Chad Pleiness, Whitney Robinson, Mike Manciel and Gerrit Brigitha, but we couldn't win any games because we had no chemistry and we didn't come together as a team. You have to be willing to sacrifice everything for one another in order to become a championship team," he said.
No matter how this season ends, Bowne is satisfied with the way things played out in his time as a Chippewa.
"I wouldn't ask for anything more. I got to play on the team that set the CMU record for wins in a season, and I've learned a lot that I'm sure will help me in the working world," Bowne said. "I've also made a lot of friends over the years, and those are what will really stick with me after I leave."
Bowne, often challenged for being undersized and overmatched in the talent department, has always found a way to get the job done. His hustle on both ends of the court is infectious to his teammates, which is what he prides himself on.
"Sometimes you might have a rough night shooting, but you can always give your best effort, especially in rebounding," he said.
Defense is another area that Bowne feels is vital to the game.
Bowne has also enjoyed his role as the team's vocal leader.
"I'd probably still let people know how I feel even if I wasn't the leader, but it's something I welcome," he said.
While there are still a few more chapters to be written, Bowne's favorite memory on the court is playing against Duke University in the NCAA Tournament. Off the court, Bowne will always cherish the memories made on long bus rides and road trips.
"Those are what really stick with you in the long run. The stupid stuff that can happen on long road trips and just hanging out with the guys," Bowne said.
