Rockwall, TX (June 16, 2024) – Each year mid-June, fathers everywhere are showered with love and appreciation for the tremendous roles they commit to their families and young people to whom they are father-figures. What many may not know is that Father’s Day got its original start at the Spokane, Washington YMCA in 1910.
Today, the YMCA continues the tradition of recognizing Fathers for standing up, nurturing, instructing, challenging, and encouraging youth. YMCA branches across the nation name a “Father of the Year” who models and supports their mission to build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. Once again, the Rockwall YMCA was faced with a difficult decision of naming their “Father of the Year” as a dozen strong family leaders were nominated with passionate and moving stories of commitment and positive influence.
JER Chilton YMCA at Rockwall is excited to announce Tony Bowles, the 2024 Father of the Year!
Tony, known to many as the Head Soccer Coach at Rockwall High School and Special Teams Coach for the varsity football team, is known to his wife, Kelsey, and sons Truett and Kyler as “the leading man in the lives of their sons”.
Kelsey describes the passion with which her husband tackles parenting, mentoring, and coaching noting that Tony remembers the impact a coach made on his life early on. Tony coaches multiple JER Chilton YMCA youth teams each year – flag football and soccer – in addition to his commitment to the high school. When nominating Tony, his wife wrote, “With tireless dedication, he imparts valuable lessons on sportsmanship, teamwork, and the importance of giving their best effort on and off the field. His presence is a source of excitement and guidance, fostering a sense of growth and unity among the players while creating an environment where each child feels valued and supported.”
Coaching so many teams is a challenge and commitment and sacrifice of time, however her husband’s greatest achievement “lies in fatherhood, as he stands as a shining example of love, leadership, and unwavering commitment… but he truly exemplifies the true essence of what it means to be a hero”.
Harold Young, District Executive Director, said, “We are honored to recognize such an outstanding Father in our community. This annual event is one of our greatest celebrations as we receive numerous nominations reminding us that not only do Fathers play a significant role in our families but also in this wonderful community.”
There is little doubt that Tony Bowles is an example of fatherhood that stands out in his family, while he also imparts qualities of fatherhood on many young people and athletes in the Rockwall community. With Kelsey saying it best, “Through his mentorship, he offers more than just technical expertise; he provides a beacon of stability, a pillar of strength, and an example of a godly man”.
Congratulations Tony Bowles, 2024 JER Chilton YMCA Father of the Year!
Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Courtesy photos.