By Blake Chadwick
Wichita Northwest junior wrestler Phillip Bowers has become one of the city’s most respected and well-rounded athletes.
Competing at 165 pounds, Bowers returns this season with championship expectations and the work ethic to back them up.
“My biggest strength, far and away, is wrestling on top,” Bowers said. “Last year, I earned most of my important points with the double chicken wing, and it got me through city, regionals, and state.”
Eight years in the sport have shaped his calm, opportunistic style. His match mindset is simple: stay loose, stay patient, and attack when the moment comes.
“When I wrestle, I try not to overthink,” Bowers said. “When I focus too much on predicting the match, I make mistakes. In practice, I focus on my form and help others when I see them mess up.”
His goals this season are clear.
“My personal goal is to become a state champion,” Bowers said. “For my team, I want at least five to six qualifiers and three placers.”
Bowers is unsure about wrestling in college, as the schools he’s considering don’t sponsor the sport, but he plans to attend Wichita State and major in computer science. For now, his primary focus is on leading within the Northwest wrestling room.
“This year I’m aiming to lead by lifting up my teammates when they’re down and helping them learn what they need to learn.”
