Ron and Jo Ann Bowes make $500,000 gift, Lock Haven names wrestling room in their honor

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Longtime Lock Haven athletics supporters Ron ’66 and Jo Ann Bowes have made a $500,000 gift to the Lock Haven wrestling programs.

In honor of their continued and remarkable generosity, the Lock Haven Department of Athletics has announced that the men’s and women’s wrestling room located in Thomas Fieldhouse will be renamed in honor of Ron and Jo Ann Bowes and their lifelong commitment to Lock Haven athletics and the institution.

They were recognized Friday afternoon at the Clinton Country Club at the conclusion of the wrestling program’s annual golf tournament. The Bowes, with family and friends in attendance, received a standing ovation from the overflow audience in the Haywood’s on the Green second floor ballroom.

The wrestling room where both the men’s and women’s teams train will now be known as The Ron & Jo Ann Bowes Wrestling Room.

“The sport of wrestling has been a source of pride for Lock Haven and the local community since 1939. The success of the Lock Haven wrestling program is important to both the university and the central Pennsylvania area,” said Ron Bowes. “Lock Haven must have the funds to recruit student-athletes who have the talent, character and pride to be successful wrestlers, students and good citizens. Jo Ann and I are proud to be able to contribute to the future success of Lock Haven men’s and women’s wrestling.”

For Ron and Jo Ann, the long-standing support of Lock Haven athletics and The Haven goes far beyond wrestling. The two have supported many Bald Eagle athletic programs over the years. Ron was also instrumental in organizing alumni from the Class of 1966 to support the university’s granite Bald Eagle statute, which was a gift from the class in honor of their 50th reunion.

With this most recent gift, the Bowes’ have exceeded $1.5 million bestowed on Lock Haven.

“Over the past 40 years, Ron and Jo Ann Bowes have exhibited steady generosity through their support of Lock Haven athletics,” said Bashar W. Hanna, Commonwealth University president. “Their support has impacted the lives of countless Lock Haven students and we thank them for their lifelong commitment to making a real difference over multiple decades. This gift represents the Bowes’ passion for Lock Haven’s legendary wrestling program and their belief in the future success of our wrestling teams.”

The Bowes’ unprecedented philanthropic support is a game changer for both the men’s NCAA Division I team and the still young women’s wrestling program that has already burst onto the national scene.

Through the generosity of Ron and Jo Ann, the Bald Eagles have been able to further support the student-athlete experience in Mat-Town U.S.A. and it further strengthens their commitment and belief in head men’s wrestling coach Scott Moore and women’s head coach Matt Lackey.

“The value Ron and Jo Ann add to our campus and wrestling communities goes far beyond their philanthropic support,” said Erik Evans ’88, vice president for advancement. “Ron and Jo Ann are visionary partners who have supported the university’s mission for almost 40 years. We cannot thank them enough for all they have done throughout the years and for their incredible generosity.”

For the men’s program, the rise to national prominence continued last season as the Bald Eagles claimed their second straight Mid-American Conference title. Standout Anthony Noto became Lock Haven’s 44th Division I All-American and first since 2019 after he finished fourth at the NCAA championships.

Noto will enter the 2023-24 season ranked No. 2 in the nation and he’s one of six individuals who is nationally ranked in the preseason polls. As a team, The Haven men will enter the new year ranked No. 25.

“We are thrilled to name the wrestling room after Ron and Jo Ann Bowes,” said Moore. “Their generosity has made it possible through new resources for our program to reach higher levels and compete with the nation’s best. The significance of a named wrestling room speaks volumes to the value and history of our storied program. Ron and Jo Ann have left a lasting legacy at The Haven and I am grateful for their friendship and commitment to excellence here in Mat-Town U.S.A.”

On the women’s side, last year proved to be a banner year and remarkable step forward for a program that debuted in 2019.

The nationally-ranked women’s wrestling team closed the 2022-23 season in style and on the biggest stage, and with three All-Americans after a historic run through the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships (NCWWC). Behind Grace Stem’s fourth-place finish, The Haven women finished 11th at the national championships.

“In recognition of Ron and Jo Ann Bowes’ remarkable commitment and dedication to our institution, the generous donation has not only enriched our legacy, but also fortified the foundation of our wrestling program,” said Lackey.

“I am delighted to celebrate the official naming of the Ron and Jo Ann Bowes Wrestling Room, that is the home and heart of our men’s and women’s wrestling programs,” said Tom Gioglio, director of athletics. “It is fitting to honor and recognize Ron and Jo Ann, who over the years have not only graced Lock Haven with incredible passion, support and commitment, but they personify the spirit of philanthropy while providing inspiration to all of us.”

The rise of both programs on the national stage will no doubt continue in 2023-24 in part with the support of the Bowes family.

The Ron & Jo Ann Bowes Wrestling Room will be officially unveiled when the Lock Haven men’s team hosts George Mason on January 25, 2024.