As hoopers, fans, and community members flocked to Kendall-Perkins Park on Tuesday night for day two of the Owensboro Dust Bowl, long-time volunteer Byron Owen announced this would be his last year as president. The Owensboro native has played a role in the tournament since its inception in the early 1970s, eventually assuming the role of president in 2014.
Owen reflected on his memories in a farewell letter he shared on Facebook. He reminisced about painting lines on the court, moving tables and benches, picking up trash, serving as an entertaining PA announcer, coaching, and serving on the committee.
As president, Owen transitioned the classic event into the 21st century by adding a social media, website, and email presence. He was also instrumental in securing several new community partners.
“Since I was a teenager at the age of 13, the dream and vision was to bring together people of all races, colors, religions, nationalities, and ages,” Owen said.
During his coaching tenure, Owen guided several teams to a championship from various age groups. While he’s bidding farewell to the role, the memories are engrained in his heart – from organizing a concession stand to watching dozens of future Kentucky Mr. Basketballs and NBA stars take the court.
“I organized a concession stand with my family,” he said. “I would like to thank Betty Peyton, the late Johnnie Ford, Carolyn Robinson, Rachel Riley, J.T. Buck, and LeAndrea Robinson. We were known for my late mother Margaret Owen’s World’s Famous Chess Pies.”
Owen rattled off several Dust Bowl Legends, including five former Mr. Basketballs –Randy Embry, Jerry Thruston, Rex Chapman, Brandon Davenport, and Brandon Stockton. Other greats included Kenny Higgs, Dartez Talbot, Gary Wayne Taylor, Joe Thruston, Rod Drake, Dwight Higgs, Arlando Johnson, Avery Taylor, Marcus Robinson, David Hogg, Orlando Stewart, Scott Johnson, Lance Parr, Timmy Johnson, James McNary, Chuck Taylor, Anthony Leachman, Pervis Ellison, Darryl Griffith, James Douglas, Brian Douglas, Lawrence Chappell, Clarence James, Steve Barker, Rafe Young, and many more.
Like several before him, Owen has created a legacy and left a lasting impression on the community. Look no further than the wealth of comments on Owen’s post to see just what he means to the people involved in the Dust Bowl.
While Owen is passing the torch, he’s confident the tournament has a permanent spot in the Owensboro basketball community.
“I want to thank my family, friends, classmates, supporters, advertisers, fans, players, coaches, officials, staff, vendors, volunteers, and committee and board members,” Owen said. “Only you can make it happen.”
