Dillon Bowers was a big reason why the boys track and field team at Pacific High School has enjoyed success over the last couple of seasons.
A sprinter and long jumper for the Indians, Bowers’ versatility led to big points for Pacific in track and field competition.
Bowers will continue his track and field career on the next level after recently signing a letter of intent with Maryville University in St. Louis.
Maryville is an NCAA Division II school that competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
“Maryville is a small, beautiful campus. It’s very personable. That’s what I really like about it,” Bowers said. “Competing in college track has always been a goal of mine. I’m excited about it.”
Bowers said his most successful event at Pacific was the long jump. His personal best distance was 20-10.
“I’m going to continue to work at it. I need to get faster and stronger,” Bowers said. “I’d like to get to 21 or 22 feet by the time I get to Maryville.”
Bowers also competed in the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the 800-meter relay for the Indians.
The 800-meter relay team (Bowers, Jeffrey Hinkle, Kyle Burgess and Alex Gentry) captured all-state honors at the MSHSAA Class 3 track and field championships, finishing in sixth place with a time of 1:31.3. They posted a time of 1:30.97 in the preliminaries to qualify for the finals.
His best times were 11.4 in the 100-meter dash and 22.93 in the 200-meter dash.
“Dillon competed hard and had a successful track career at Pacific,” said Pacific track coach Jim Rutherford. “He’s been a good kid and very consistent performer for us.”
Rutherford said Bowers has improved in all of his events.
“Dillon is very good in the long jump, but he’s gotten strong in the 200-meter dash as well,” Rutherford said. “He’s done what he’s needed to do to compete. He should have a successful track and field career at Maryville.”
Dillon plans to major in criminal justice at Maryville. He is the son of Mike and Beth Bowers.
