PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley University is mourning the passing of one of its basketball icons.
The university announced on Sunday that former men’s basketball coach and player Joe Stowell passed away. Stowell was 99.
As a player, Stowell helped lead the Braves to the 1950 Missouri Valley Conference title, as well as appearances in the title games of the NCAA and NIT tournaments.
He later served as a coach. As head coach from 1965-1978, Stowell won 197 games, good for second all-time in wins and seasons coached. Stowell’s 1968 team led the country in field goal percentage at .524.
Stowell also served as head coach of the women’s basketball team from 1981-1983. His 1982 women’s team led the nation in scoring at 87.9 points per game.
After Stowell’s coaching career ended, he transitioned into various roles that included assistant athletic director and as radio analyst on WMBD Radio from 1985-2010. Bradley University estimates Stowell was connected to more than 1,500 Braves games in 63 years of service.
Outside of Peoria, Stowell coached basketball clinics in 16 countries, and served as an assistant coach for the Egyptian National Team, which competed at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Stowell was honored by the Missouri Valley Conference with the Paul Morrison Award in 2019.
In a statement, Bradley Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Reynolds says Joe Stowell was Bradley basketball.
“For more than 70 years, he gave his heart, time, and talent to this University. As a player, coach, administrator, broadcaster, and global ambassador for the game, Joe embodied everything it means to be a Brave. His impact spans generations, and his influence will continue to shape our program and our community for years to come,” Reynolds said.
Bradley University President James Shadid also penned a tribute to Stowell, who says he was “honored” to be Stowell’s friend.
“For so many Bradley students, Coach Stowell was that mentor. He built more than teams; he built confidence, discipline, and character. His legacy lives on in the students he impacted, the lives of the players he coached, the colleagues he inspired, and the global reach he helped establish for Bradley University,” Shadid said.
Shadid also spoke with WMBD’s “Greg and Dan Show” Monday morning about Stowell’s legacy.
“He was just an unbelievable guy. Unbelievable guy and an unbelievable family. He was devoted to Bradley and devoted to his family. I talked to his son Jim over the last few months, and over the course of the last few days. He took care of him. Just a great, great person,” Shadid said.
After Sunday’s 70-60 win on the road at Southern Illinois, Bradley Men’s Basketball Coach Brian Wardle shared his memories of Stowell.
“He’s a legend, an unbelievable winner for Bradley and advocate for Bradley University. And, he will obviously be missed, but I had some great conversations with him, especially in my early years here. It’s just very sad, but my thoughts and prayers are with his family. What a legend, and what a life he lived, a lot to be proud of there for his family and Bradley,” Wardle said.
