Dr. Nolan Fowler started the track and field program at Morehead State in 1953. He also served as the first head coach of the program, serving in that capacity from 1953-57. Dr. Fowler is commonly regarded as one of the “fathers” of track in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Fowler was a history professor at Morehead State from 1943 to 1962. He led the Eagles to conference championships in 1955 and 1956. His success as a track coach was even more profound since there was not a track located on MSU’s campus at the time.

After serving 19 years as a faculty member at Morehead State, Fowler joined the staff at Tennessee Tech. Fowler was also a world class master’s hammer thrower, having competed successfully at the international veteran’s track and field meet from 1983-93. He proved himself consistently as being a top hammer thrower in his age division in the United States. He was a former 10-time world champion and at one point held 30 national and world records.

Fowler passed away on Oct. 6th, 2008 at the age of 94.