Central Michigan University Athletics
Fowler Takes Lead Role in School Matters Program
11/10/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Chris Fowler, as the popular sports colloquialism goes, is an individual who "gets it."
That means the junior guard has an understanding of the steps necessary in order to achieve success and that he possesses the will to follow them. One key part of that proper pathway is an emphasis on the value of an education.
It is with that outlook that Fowler has pledged to pay lessons forward to area school children as leadership chair of the Central Michigan Basketball School Matters program.
"Chris is a natural leader, on and off the court," said CMU head coach Keno Davis. "And he places a high priority on academics and his education. It is the combination of those traits that makes him an excellent fit to head up our School Matters efforts. The program is in capable hands with Chris at the forefront."
At the heart of the fledgling and ever-evolving program is the straightforward message of stay in school. But School Matters encompasses much more than that. It aims to instill a love of knowledge and spark a curiosity inside the minds of kids. It encourages them to be a good friend, classmate and citizen. The program also includes a strong anti-bullying element. And, naturally, it informs on the benefits of being physically active.
Since its inception, Fowler and his teammates have visited several local schools to speak to and interact with children of all ages and their efforts have been well received and impactful. The ultimate goal is to expand School Matters to include involvement from other Central Michigan student-athletes as well as the general student population.
"School is vitally important," said Fowler. "For me, there is no basketball without school. Even at the highest level, those people who go to college, continue on with their degrees and do well in school, do well in basketball. It just translates. If you do well in school, it will transfer onto the court. Hard work inside the classroom translates into hard work outside the classroom."
Fowler's belief in the importance of academics is founded in a message received from an early age.
"Academics is something that my parents always stressed," Fowler said. "If homework wasn't done, basketball wasn't being played. School is a challenge but my father and mother always told me that sometimes in order to get want you want, you have to push through those challenges."
It's no surprise then that Fowler has excelled in the classroom at Central Michigan. An aspiring actor with dreams beyond the hardwood stage, he has compiled a 3.39 cumulative grade point average in pursuit of a Theatre major. He earned Academic All-MAC recognition and was an Academic All-American nominee last year and has been honored on the Dean's List.
With the amount of success Fowler has experienced at CMU and the spotlight that is shone on him at the forefront of the School Matters program, it is only natural that he be envisioned as a mentor. It is a role he takes to heart.
"It's humbling and it's definitely a blessing that I have had the privilege to serve as a mentor to younger kids," said Fowler. "I am happy to serve that way and hopefully make a difference. It motivates me to keep working hard because not only would I be letting myself down, but I would be letting down the people that look up to me."
Fowler has also made a difference on the court, both as a player and a leader, in his two-plus seasons at Central Michigan. A team captain both as a freshman and sophomore, he has started every game of his collegiate career, 62 in total, reliably running the Chippewas' offense from his point guard position. The 2014 Second Team NABC All-District selection, is already ranked seventh in program history in assists and will break the all-time record by the end of his junior season at his current pace. He is also the only CMU player to ever average more than five assists per game in back-to-back seasons. Fowler is poised to break onto the steals and points record list this year. His 60 steals last season were the most by a Chippewa since 1978-79 and he led the team and ranked third in the MAC with a 17.4 points per game scoring average.
"When you look at Chris Fowler, you are looking at the complete individual," said Davis. "He is obviously an essential part of what we do on the basketball court, but, with his attention to detail, his work ethic and his ability to strive to be great, he also makes an impact is so many other important ways. He is an excellent ambassador for and representative of this team, the School Matters program, the CMU athletic department, the University and the Mount Pleasant community."
