Arda Bowser (1979) - Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame

Arda Bowser

Induction:
1979
Class:
1923

An original Bucknell Athletics Hall-of-Famer, Arda Bowser is often cited by those who remember his playing days as one of the great kickers in Bucknell football history. Bowser, who was also a terrific halfback and a solid defensive halfback and linebacker, kicked the ball left-footed and boomed one through against Gettysburg from 53 yards out. The leading scorer in the East in 1920, Bowser scored eight touchdowns and two field goals in the first four games that season, and he finished the campaign with 102 of Bucknell's 247 points. He made both All-Pennsylvania and All-East teams in 1920 and 1921, and after the latter season, was picked to Grantland Rice's All-America squad while also earning Honorable Mention plaudits on the Walter Camp All-America Team. A three-year letterman, Bowser captained the 1921 Bucknell team. He was unable to play for Bucknell as a senior because he had transferred to the school in his freshman year, so he played professional football that year for two different teams. On Saturdays, he ran for the Frankfort Yellow Jackets, forerunners of today's Philadelphia Eagles. After the game, he hopped a train to Canton, Ohio, to play for that city's Bulldogs. On Thanksgiving weekend, Bowser played four games in four days.
(Bucknell Hall of Fame Class of 1979)