Alumni Tournament Raises Bucks for Bowland

(PATTONSBURG, Mo.) The third annual Pattonsburg Alumni Basketball Tournament was held Saturday at Pattonsburg High School. This year's version raised money for longtime coach Jeff Bowland, who is receiving treatment for neuroendocrine cancer.

The event raised over 10 thousand dollars to assist Bowland with medical expenses. He has served as a coach, teacher, and athletic director at Pattonsburg for 30 years.

"He's always been involved," former player Mike Lawson said. "This year, it's even more special because we know we're doing it for him. It's a specific purpose for all of us. We played for him and want to show him that we care."

"It's a really great cause. He's been my coach my whole life," Valerie Cornett said. "He's been involved in every sport that I've ever been in."

"Everyone enjoys his company," Nathan Woodward said. "He taught us everything we know about any game. He coached us for everything for a long time."