Marshalltown High School has announced the hiring of two new coaches that will be taking over this summer’s Bobcat athletic programs. Jason Bowers has been named head coach of the Bobcat softball program and Allen Mann has been named interim head coach of the Bobcat Baseball squad.

Coach Bowers
Jason Bowers has a long history of coaching softball in the Marshalltown area, specifically working within the East Marshall High School softball program. He has over ten years of head coaching experience, and served as the assistant varsity softball coach and junior varsity head coach at EM, posting a 25-3 record during the 2022 season. In addition, Bowers has been heavily involved in the Laurel Youth Softball Program and specializes in teaching the fundamentals of the game.

“Saying that I am thrilled would be an understatement. I’ve been entrusted to bring passion and excitement into the Bobcat Softball program, and I will work tirelessly at that,” Bowers said. “‘Patience’ probably best describes me as a coach. 

Bowers said his vision for the softball program’s involves engaging not only with student-athletes, but also with MCSD faculty & staff, assistant coaches, and parents. He said his goals are for the team to be respectful and relentless, to have a team-first mentality, and to effectively handle failure and adversity.

As he takes on this new role with the Bobcats, Bowers will continue to work at Emerson Automation Solutions as the Welding Department Manager. In addition, he has served in the United States Navy.

Coach Mann
Allen Mann will take the helm as interim leader of Bobcat Baseball for the 2023 season. The 2009 MHS graduate is in his sixth year as a strength and conditioning teacher and coach at MHS. In addition, he serves as a Bobcat assistant football coach, overseeing the running backs.

Mann’s previous coaching experience includes six years as an assistant baseball coach at MHS under Head Coach Steve Hanson. Prior to that, he was an assistant baseball coach in Johnston, Iowa. 

While a student at MHS, Mann was an outstanding athlete – he was named an All-State football player and was a state qualifier on the 2008 & 2009 Bobcat Baseball teams. He continued his athletic career at Central College, participating on the Dutch baseball team.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to coach a great group of kids, teaching the importance of hard work, intent, community pride, and accountability while playing a sport that I’ve always been passionate about.” Mann said. “I will work to the best of my abilities to help our Bobcat Baseball players develop and have a chance to reach their fullest potential.”

MHS Activities Director Ryan Isgrig said Bowers and Mann will provide high-quality leadership to their respective programs

“The MHS Activities Department is very excited about these two coaches.” Isgrig said. “They both exemplify what Bobcat Pride is about – hard work and dedication, passion for the game, and developing students to be successful on and off the field.”