Skip To Main Content

Western Michigan University Athletics

Former Bronco Assistant Coach Bill Rowekamp Passes Away

football
Ashley Blanchard, WMU Photographer

Football | September 19, 2019

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Bill Rowekamp, a 17-year member of the Western Michigan football coaching staff, passed away on Thursday, September 12 at the age of 89.

Rowekamp served as an assistant coach for the Broncos from 1957-74. He helped Western Michigan to a cumulative record of 86-82-5 with a 1966 Mid-American Conference championship along with the first bowl appearance in Bronco history, a 28-12 setback in the December 9, 1961, Aviation Bowl.

Rowekamp earned All-America honors as a halfback in 1952 while playing for Missouri. He took part in the East-West and Hula Bowl games before his graduation in 1954. He played three total seasons for Edmonton in the Canadian League and served in the Army for two years as a first lieutenant.
 
#LetsRide
 
 
Print Friendly Version