Coach Bowden kicks off WTLW campaign

LIMA — Trying to pin down an 82-year-old man has not been an easy job, but the folks with the WTLW TV-44 Transforming Lives Capital Campaign did it in signing Coach Bobby Bowden as the speaker for their kick-off campaign banquet on Thursday.

“Our community is very privileged to have Coach Bowden come and speak to us. In looking at his schedule, I can't believe how busy this 82-year-old man is with speaking engagements,” said Jennifer Beck, director of marketing for WTLW.

Indeed, tickets to hear the second most winning coach in seven decades of football history are selling well. And along with Bowden's background, it could be the common causes he shares with WTLW that is bringing out the crowds.

The sports connection is obvious.

“A couple of years ago, we launched WOSN, an all-sports network, sort of an ESPN for west central Ohio,” Beck said.

Money from the campaign being kicked-off by Bowden will go towards replacement of WTLW's master control and convert the station to high definition broadcasting, which will also mean an upgrade of WOSN.

Secondly, Bowden is a proponent of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which the local station houses the district office.

And lastly, “Bowden is a Christian. He's an exciting speaker and this is a great opportunity for the public to hear a legend speak,” Beck said.