It is where, for the past seven years, Karen – who also coaches basketball – and Bryan have game planned together leading the Cardinals’ cross country and track and field programs.
The husband and wife, who have been married for 36 years, are living their best life together.
“It’s a blessing, I like it. It gives us time together to do similar things,” Bryan said. “It’s been neat to share and do those same things together.”
Karen added: “We have grown stronger in our marriage, grown stronger spiritually. We have both been a part of a coaches outreach Bible study in the mornings too.”
Working at the same school and coaching the same sport has made some intricacies of the job easier. Holding meetings. Working out logistics and plans for workouts or meets. All much simpler when the one you’re doing it with lives in the same household.
Then they split the other coaching duties pretty evenly.
“I drive the bus,” Karen said with a laugh.
Bryan remarked back: “I’m the shopper. Also, the workouts, stay on the kids and that’s how it works. Good teamwork.”
The most entertaining part of their job on a daily basis is seeing what the athletes will call them. Since they are both Coach Bozman and their son Russell, who is on the football coaching staff, is also Coach Bozman – the kids have had to get creative.
So, they have come up with “Baby Bozman” for Russell, “Daddy Bozman” for Bryan and “Momma Bozman” for Karen.
“They really get a kick out of having both of us,” Karen said.
Outside of the dilemma of what to call them, Bryan and Karen are exceptional coaches.
“I love watching this lady coach,” Bryan said. “She’s so smart and so talented. So, it’s been good to learn from her and be a part of the program with her.”
They have enjoyed coaching together and for them, seeing their impact on the student-athletes translate into success on the cross-country course, track or basketball court makes for the most rewarding moments of the year.
“Just being able to share in the experiences of taking a kid to State,” Karen said. “Seeing them excel in their athletic abilities and grow and mature into the young person that they become doing athletics.”
Bryan added: “We like those light-bulb moments when it clicks, and they finally get it and they are seeing those improvements. You can just see their confidence grow before your eyes.”
