University of Toledo Athletics

Harvey Bowles was the wrestling coach at the University of Toledo for from 1975-94. He led the Rockets to a Mid-American Conference title in the 1982-83 season and was named MAC Coach of the Year. That MAC Championship team featured four of the 23 individual champions who won MAC titles under Bowles’ leadership. On the national scene, Bowles mentored four All-Americans during his career: Myron Shapiro (1975), Brad Smith (1976), Chuck Biggert (1979) and John Potts (1986).  Bowles wrestled at UT from 1959-61 before a back injury ended his career. He was actively involved in the World Cup of Wrestling championships that were held in Toledo in the 1970’s and 80’s. Prior to coaching at Toledo, Bowles won two national titles and two state AAU titles, and also coached a YMCA team to a national championship. He also served as a collegiate wrestling official. Bowles, a graduate of Toledo Whitmer High School,  earned a degree in business administration from UT in 1963.