Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2010 | Page 19

history of outstanding coaches that have led their
teams to successful campaigns and state championships. Robert Bowie is part of that history. Though
better remembered as Thornton’s Headmaster from
1956 through 1971, Bowie also left his mark on TA
through his work patrolling the sidelines as a football
coach.
Bob began his career in Connecticut before coming
to Thornton in 1930. The young coach molded many
teams, including the state championship team of 1931.
That team had a record of 8-0-1, including a victory
over previously unbeaten Cony High, which gave it a
clear claim to the title. 1932 was supposed to be a rebuilding year with the return of only one running back,
but Bowie led his crew to another undefeated season
and staked its claim to another championship. The
1933 team, though not state champs, finished a respectable 7-2.
In Bob’s final year as the TA football coach, the
1934 team went undefeated. That year the team outscored its opponents 176-6 including a victory over
Biddeford by a score of 31-6. The Maroon and Gold
defeated South Portland in a playoff game to claim
another state championship. Overall, Bob amassed a
record of 31-11-3.
Bob left Thornton after the 1934 season and
worked as a teacher and coach at Portland High School.
He also coached baseball in Tarrytown, New York. In
1949, he returned to TA as submaster while coaching
cross-country and track. He became headmaster in
1953 and gave up coaching while he lead Thornton for
eighteen years. He remained a staunch supporter of
TA athletics.
Art Leveris, Class of 1992
Art Leveris was a powerhouse fullback during his
three years playing football at Thornton Academy.
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