Rudy Bowman signs with Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College cross country & track team

The REPORTER

Hamilton Heights senior Rudy Bowman has signed a letter of intent to run cross country and track for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), just outside of Terre Haute, Ind., this fall. SMWC is a member of the United States College Athletic Association (USCAA) and an NAIA athletic institution. He is the son of Kelley Cain and Jacob Bowman.

Bowman chose SMWC because it is a faith-based community, offers a strong academic program in his field of interest, and has a large, peaceful campus for a small school. During his visit, he found the cross country coach to be inviting and caring toward his runners. He also said the students and athletes were welcoming and made him feel included right away. Bowman plans to earn a degree in kinesiology and become a physical therapist.

Bowman is active inside and outside the classroom earning recognition and accolades as a runner. He ran varsity all four years of high school, received the Most Valuable Runner Award for cross country, Mental Attitude Award and Most Valuable Runner Award for track. He placed 20th at the Noblesville Sectionals, 39th at the Shelbyville Regional, 152nd at the 2024 IHSAA State Championship, ran consistently under 17:00 for the 5K with a personal record of 16:15, All State Competition Class 3A. He participated in the indoor state track meet all four years, has a mile personal record of 4:34 and 800 personal record of 2:02.

Bowman is a four-year member of Hamilton Heights Student Government, Hamilton Heights Chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA), and Huskies for the Cross. He is also a member of Cicero Christian Church and its youth group.

His passion for the sport began his freshman year. Since that time, Bowman invested time in the summer and winter to train for the upcoming seasons.

“I have learned grit and patience with my sport,” he said. “I have trained hard in-season to achieve my goals, listened to my body when it hurt and needed a break to avoid injury. I eat healthy to gain the nutrients and energy needed for my running career.”

Bowman credits his papa, Tom Jarvis, as being the biggest influence as a runner.

“He has taught me valuable lessons to strengthen my running skills like mental toughness, grit, and attitude,” said Bowman, who believes none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “I would also like to thank my high school coaches, Bill Trachtman and Bill Bowen. They have taught me many things about not only running as a sport but also the family and friendships of the sport. They have been a big part of the person I am today.”

“Rudy has been a dedicated distance runner for the track program for four years,” Boys & Girls Track Team Coach Todd Jones said. “Rudy has become the leader of the distance running group.”

“Rudy had a fantastic senior year in cross country,” Hamilton Heights Boys Cross Country Coach Bill Trachtman said. “He was our team MVP and qualified for the IHSAA State Cross Country Meet. He worked hard each and every day and always had a positive attitude. He was a true leader on our team!”

“Rudy is a prime example that hard work pays off,” Hamilton Heights Athletic Director Kurt Ogden said. “He really attacked his off-season plan for improvement the past few years and now he’s rewarded with the opportunity to continue his passion of cross country and track at the next level.  We wish him the best at Saint Mary of the Woods.”