Bill Fowler (1992) - Hall of Fame

Bill Fowler

Induction:
1992
Class:
1975

One of the finest swimmers in UNI history, Bill Fowler is considered the man who turned the Northern Iowa swimming program around. Fowler was a star swimmer at Cedar Rapids Kennedy, where in 1971, he placed first in both the 200 and 400 yard freestyle in the state meet.

As a UNI freshman, Fowler lost only three races and never lost another race the rest of his career. A six-time all-American from Cedar Rapids, he qualified for the NCAA meet four times. He recorded his highest finish as a freshman, finishing third in the 1650 freestyle in 1972. With that finish, he became UNI's first all-American. He was named the North Central Conference's outstanding swimmer three years. When he completed his eligibility, Fowler held eight school records. In 1972, Fowler placed first and set pool, school and conference records in the 200, 500, 800 and 1650 yard freestyle. At the NCAA Division II meet, he set school records in both the 500 and 1650 freestyle where he finished 12th and third, respectively.

1973 brought many more first-place for Fowler, including the 200, 500 and 1650 freestyle, 400 medley relay and 800 free relay. He once again set pool, school and conference records in the 1650 freestyle. At the NCAA meet held the same year, he finished seventh in the 1650 freestyle. At the NCC swim meet in 1974, first-place was once again a common finish for Fowler. He finished first in the 500 freestyle and 400 yard free relay and set conference records in the 200 and 1650 freestyle and the 800 yard free relay.

The NCAA Division II meet brought a 10th-place finish in the 1650 freestyle. The last year of his career, 1975, was identical to 1974 except for the addition of a first-place finish in the 400 medley relay. 1975 was also the most successful year for him at the NCAA Division Meet. He finished fourth in the 500 freestyle, seventh in the 1650 freestyle and sixth in the 800 freestyle. Fowler was named co-winner of the James Witham Award, along with Dan Johnson, as a senior. Fowler was also credited with being the first Iowa high school graduate to break 10:00 in the 1,000 freestyle.