Bucknell Football Adds Three to Coaching Staff
4/3/2013 8:00:00 AM | Football
April 3, 2013
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell head football coach Joe Susan has welcomed John Bowes, Eric Wicks and Matt Applebaum to the Bison coaching staff. Bowes comes to Bucknell after five seasons as a member of the William & Mary staff, while Wicks, an All-Big East performer at West Virginia from 2004 to 2007, spent the last three years as a graduate assistant coach at Pittsburgh. Applebaum was most recently on the University of Miami staff and spent three years working in the Washington Redskins organization.
Bowes will coach the linebackers and special teams at Bucknell, Wicks will mentor the defensive backs and Applebaum will oversee the Bison offensive line.
"We are very fortunate to have completed our staff as we continue spring practice," commented Susan. "The three men who have joined us bring a lot to our staff in terms of experience. They are men of sound character who will fit well into the chemistry of our staff and Bucknell University."
A three-year starter at cornerback and safety at The Catholic University of America, Bowes started his tenure at William & Mary as a defensive assistant and special teams coordinator. He served in that role from 2008 to 2010 before being promoted to defensive backs coach and assistant special teams coordinator, a role he held for two seasons.
Responsible for recruiting areas in Northern Florida, Philadelphia, Delaware and Western Maryland, Bowes helped William & Mary to a 33-26 record and two NCAA appearances over his five-year stint with the Tribe.
A 2006 graduate of Catholic University with a degree in finance, Bowes got his start in coaching at his alma mater in 2006. He then spent a year as a graduate assistant at Clarion.
"John has a lot of experience on the defensive side of the ball and will be a positive addition to our staff," said Susan. "He brings a great deal of expertise in special teams and with the help of the other members of our staff will enable us to take steps in that component of the game. He is an outstanding recruiter and will be a role model and mentor for the young men on our team."
A three-time All-Big East defensive back, Wicks was a three-year starter with the Mountaineers and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks following his playing days at West Virginia. One of the leaders of the Mountaineers' defense, Wicks helped the squad rank seventh nationally in total defense his senior season (2007).
Wicks joined the coaching ranks as a graduate assistant at Pittsburgh in 2010. He spent two years focusing his efforts on video, special teams and outside linebackers. In 2012, he expanded his role and assisted with the linebackers and defensive backs while also having a hand in recruiting.
Wicks earned his bachelor's degree in athletic coaching education from West Virginia in 2007.
"Eric was a very good player at West Virginia and led one of the better defenses in the country," said Susan. "He is knowledgeable about overall secondary play and will work primarily with our cornerbacks. He will impact our players in the development of their fundamental abilities and their growth as young men on our campus."
A two-year starter on the offensive line at Connecticut, Applebaum recently spent two seasons as a grad assistant and offensive quality control coach at Miami. Prior to that post he spent three years in various roles with the Redskins. He started as a pro personnel assistant, moved to college personnel assistant and finally to an offensive coaching assistant in 2010.
Applebaum got his coaching start in the spring of 2008 at Central Connecticut State. He served as the tight end and assistant offensive line coach as well as the program's video coordinator.
Following his collegiate career, Applebaum played one season of professional football with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers in AF2. He played both offensive line and tight end.
A 2007 graduate of Connecticut with a political science degree, Applebaum began his collegiate career on the defensive line. He played there for two years before moving to the offensive side of the line.
"I am excited about Matt joining our staff," commented Susan. "Having experience on both sides of the ball will help him teach our offensive line. He is a very intelligent individual and has a lot of familiarity with a pro-style attack. He will impact our student-athletes both on and off the field."
Bowes, Wicks and Applebaum will join a Bucknell program that returns 16 starters from 2012. The Bison will also have five returning All-Patriot League selections.