The Bradley University community is mourning the death of a basketball legend with the passing of former men’s basketball coach Joseph “Joe” Stowell.
He died on Saturday at the age of 99. Bradley flags will be flown at half staff on campus for three days in his honor.
Stowell’s connection to the Peoria institution spanned over 70 years. He also wore the hats of player, administrator, broadcaster and global ambassador. During that time, he touched the lives of countless Bradley students and staff and the program itself.
He served as the ninth head coach of the men’s basketball team from 1965 to 1978 and led the Braves to 197 victories in his 13 seasons. He later coached both high school athletes and the Bradley’s women’s basketball team, and served as the radio analyst for the men's team from 1985 to 2010.
Chris Reynolds, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, said Stowell was directly connected with more than 1,500 Bradley basketball games.
“As head coach of the men's basketball program from 1965 to 1978, Stowell compiled a 197-147 record, finishing second in program history in wins and seasons coached. His 1968 team led the nation in field goal percentage at .524,” said Reynolds.
“He later guided the Bradley women's basketball program from 1981 to 1983, helping transition the team into NCAA Division I while leading the nation in scoring in 1982 at 87.9 points per game. He is believed to be the only coach to lead both a men's and women's team to the top of a major national statistical category.”
Bradley University President James Shadid said he was honored to call Stowell a friend.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Coach Stowell’s family, former players, friends, and all who were touched by his life,” he said. “Bradley University is better because Joe Stowell chose to dedicate so much of his life to this institution. We are grateful, and we will remember him with pride.”
Bradley described Stowell as a living bridge between generations of Bradley Basketball, a steward of its history and a champion of its future.