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Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Athletic DNA
Western Arkansas, AR
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By: Will Flowers
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Photo(s) By: Will Flowers
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Springdale Har-Ber's Bowen Brothers Bred for Sports Stardom.
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In between the soccer and baseball moments, the boys have found time to also play football and basketball. Aaron had a standout season during the Wildcats’ run to the state football finals, and JT got the opportunity to play up as a sophomore on the team. But this story isn't solely about the boys’ dedication to sports, but rather to each other.
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"Play Ball." The famous one-liner sends chills down the spines of baseball fanatics young and old. All across Northwest Arkansas the sound can now be heard as teams focus on league play, but there is one place where it rings louder than all others — a place with so many diamonds that even Marilyn Monroe would be envious: the Tyson Complex. However, more important than the numerous fields are the players who have grown up playing there. Each field signifies a stage of the player's maturity in the game of baseball. It's a place that Har-Ber Wildcat baseball brothers Aaron and JT Bowen know too well, but it's one last place where they get to play together.
"Baseball has always been number one to me," said Aaron. "It's a blast to play, and we [Aaron and JT] have grown up playing this game together."
Baseball may be number one to the Bowen brothers, but this "home" team is a family full of athletes; it's in their DNA. Kim Bowen, mother of the two, played every sport in high school from basketball to judo (in which she earned her black belt and a spot on the 1988 Olympic team). Brad, the boys’ father, also received several accolades on the football and baseball fields, including the opportunity to play at the next level. And as for the two boys, they live and breathe sports.
"At 4 they were put in soccer, spring and fall," said mom Kim. "At 5, t-ball followed by baseball in the USSSA, where both Aaron and JT played in Omaha at the World Series."
In between the soccer and baseball moments, the boys have found time to also play football and basketball. Aaron had a standout season during the Wildcats’ run to the state football finals, and JT got the opportunity to play up as a sophomore on the team. But this story isn't solely about the boys’ dedication to sports, but rather to each other.
Aaron and JT may play the farthest two positions on the baseball field (Aaron at centerfield and JT at catcher), but when they are not playing ball, you will likely find the two huddled together while soaking up America's pastime.
"I love the little things about the game of baseball," commented Aaron. "It's really what separates the pros from the other guys."
Being brothers and growing up watching each other play gives both Aaron and JT a sort of advantage. Through observing one another play, they realize and share little things about each other that may help them play better.
"I learn stuff from my brother that you normally wouldn't think an older guy would learn from a younger one," said Aaron. "Minor things that he does when he is hitting the ball that makes me a better player."
"I watch my brother’s footwork and how he throws when we are catching balls in warm-ups, and it helps me get better," added the younger Bowen, JT.
Aaron has the opportunity to play at the next level once out of high school, and this will be one time that JT will have to sit out and wait his turn.
"I practiced really hard to get the opportunity to play up in football and be on the sidelines with him," said JT. And when asked how he feels about this being his and Aaron’s last year to play high school baseball together, JT replied, “It pumps me up to try and make his last year his best in high school."
Both brothers have a goal to win a state championship together as brothers and as a team — because that bond is what they believe is key to success in sports.
"A regular teammate bond is pretty strong, but your teammate and your brother is double that, and it's even better," said JT.
As one Bowen concludes his baseball tenure on the Tyson Complex diamonds, the other Bowen — brother, teammate and friend — will be right behind to see him through it.
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A collection of this month's best action photos.
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