Sports

Bowers signs with VCSU

By Tyler Ohmann

02/14/2012

Bottineau High School senior Matt Bowers recently signed a letter of intent to play football at Valley City State University (VCSU) next fall.

The BHS fullback helped the Braves to a 8-2 record and entry into the playoffs this past fall.

“I was trying to decide whether to walk on somewhere or signing with them, and I feel like signing with them is the right choice right now,” Bowers said of his decision on VCSU.

As one of the Braves main backs this past season he accumulated 748 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, and had a 5.6 yards per carry average. He also caught five balls for 72 yards and a touchdown.

His success had VCSU Head Coach Dennis McCulloch hot on his tail to recruit him following the season.
“We identified Matt early in the recruiting process as a young man who fits the type of player we want,” McCulloch stated. “He likes the physicality of the game and is a tough minded player. We believe he has the work ethic to develop into a very good college football player.”

Bowers said he is excited, but knows that the game will be a bit different at a higher level.

“It’s going to be a lot faster pace I think, and I’m just excited. I’m looking forward to it,” Bowers said. “There will be new challenges, a new place, (I’ll) get to meet new people. It should be fun.”

McCullough stated that the Vikings are pleased to have Bowers on their squad as well.

“We are very excited about Matt coming to VCSU,” McCulloch stated.

At VCSU Bowers will also get a chance to play with a former teammate in Vikings defensive back Jake Thurston who is a  BHS graduate.

“I played with him my freshman year I think, and I liked playing with him,” Bowers said. “He’s a good athlete and likes to get after it.”

VCSU is a  Division I member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and in the Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC)
In 2011 the Vikings went 9-2 and were a perfect 6-0 to take the DAC crown.

The Vikings lost to 2010 NAIA defending champion Carroll College in the first round of the playoffs.
Bowers is currently undecided as to what he’ll be studying at VCSU.

“I’m going in to just do my generals first, and I’ll decide after that,” Bowers said.