Rick Bowden, assistant executive director of the Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA) from 1993 to 2011, was posthumously selected as the recipient of the KSHSAA Governor’s Award.

The Governor’s Award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contributions to secondary education in the state of Kansas.

During Bowden’s time with the KSHSAA, he served as the administrator for football, wrestling, baseball, softball and track and field. He was also in charge of the annual classification of schools and worked with KSHSAA registered officials. Bowden also served as the liaison to the Kansas Coaches Association, the Officials Policy Review Committee and the Wrestling Weight Management Committee.

Bowden also held leadership positions with the NFHS such as a member of the Football Rules Committee, Football Editorial Committee, Softball Rules Committee and Track and Field Rules Committee, and vice chairman of the Football Equipment Subcommittee. He was also the recipient of the NFHS Citation for his contributions to state high school activities programs.

Before becoming a KSHSAA staff member, Bowden served in the Kansas House of Representatives for eight years. He was also a teacher and cross country and track and field coach for 19 years in the Goddard and Wichita school districts. He was also a KSHSAA official in football, basketball and wrestling.

KSHSAA Executive Director Gary Musselman described Bowden as dedicating his life to serving the needs of Kansas students and schools.

“He was tireless in his efforts to provide the public education system for the youth of our state, regardless of the circumstances,” Musselman said. “He was a friend and advocate to all.”