115
Bud Bowen “The Voice of the Green Wave”
One fateful night a local West Point establishment gave birth to a household voice. Bud Bowen, now better known as “The Voice of the Green Wave,” was enjoying fellowship with a true friend, Jack King. It was King’s vision to have West Point football live on the radio airwaves. In this idea, Bowen, known as the “Woo-Hoo Mercy Man” in many parts of town, was the man for the job behind the microphone and was hired to fulfill the role. From the “best seat in the house,” since 1979, Bowen has delivered play-by-play in a colorful manner to the green-and-white faithful for nearly 40 years. Through the blood, the sweat, and the tears of West Point players and coaching staffs, Bowen, who served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, has called the action on the field straight and fair. His dialogue leaves his followers hanging on every word and wanting more Green Wave football. Along with assistance from King, Bowen credits his knowledge and sense of the game to Skippy Taylor. Taylor, Bowen’s best friend, spent numerous hours with Bowen, teaching the long-time radio broadcaster the game. Without his tutelage, Bowen says, he would not have been able to accurately describe the intricacies on the gridiron. Another important driving force for Bowen was Harper Bowen Orman, one of his grandsons. Orman, who was handicapped and now deceased, gave and continues to give Bowen strength to climb up the stairs to his perch on Friday nights. Orman was a constant light during his life on earth, according to Bowen. Influenced by his surroundings, Bowen
electrified his audience using an old catchphrase of Bill Goodridge, a former Ole Miss football radio broadcaster. Having heard Goodridge deliver the phrase during the Rebel football games, Bowen inserted it into his broadcast during an unmemorable game. It caught on like wild fire and remains in his repertoire for big West Point plays. Though Bowen felt guilty for using the quote, Goodridge’s son gave Bowen the blessing to continue using the phrase in a letter. So now, in some neighborhoods of West Point, Bowen is simply known as the “Woo-Hoo Mercy Man.” Not only does Bowen have fond memories of coaches, head and assistants, he also will never forget the players. If you donned the green and white, Bowen has probably read off your name on live air. He loved all West Point football players. Whether they were the superstar Dandy Dozen or the third-stringer who saw field time on mop up duty, the Voice has constantly made sure all on the roster made an impact in his career. Even off the roster, Bowen’s roots in the West Point community have led to a personable touch to the broadcast, giving shout outs and homages to fans at the game and those unable to attend. In retrospect, Bowen has always felt that he has called the game straight and fair. He even said that he has given opponents credit when it was due for giving the Greenies all they could handle. Bowen was born October 26, 1947, in Aberdeen (Miss.) to parents Howard and Doris Bowen. The Voice is married to Betty Jo Bowen. He is father to twins, Rodney and Ronald McKnight, and Brooke Bowen. Along with Orman, his grandchildren are Briggs, Molly, and Neely Claire McKnight, and Caroline Eaves.
Left: Bowen with Coach Skip Taylor. Right: Bowen in the announcer’s booth with Alan Leonard, public address announcer.