Bio

Gary Sowell was a two-sport athlete while at Missouri Valley College, excelling on the football field and with the track and field program. He was a four-time letter winner for the football program, and was a key member of the 1974 NAIA National runner-up football team. He earned all-conference and all-district honors that season. In 1975, Gary again earned all-conference and all-district honors, and was named an honorable mention All-American for his play in helping the Vikings to a second-straight conference title. Additionally, Gary was a four-time letter winner on the track and field team.

Outside of sports, Gary was a Commander of the Sigma Nu fraternity and was active with intramural sports on the Missouri Valley campus. He was a member of the Intra-Fraternity Council and V-Club. Gary graduated with a degree in business administration.

After graduating from Missouri Valley, Gary founded Central States Tile, Inc., in 1989. The company is an importer and distributor of porcelain tile and natural stone from a number of countries including Italy, Mexico and China. Central States Tile has been recognized internationally as a leading distributor of tile and natural stone in North America. Following the success of his first company, Gary started Dimensional Stonework's LLC in 1996. Gary's second company fabricates and installs granite counter tops in homes and businesses. Both companies employ 25 people, and Gary says he is proud to have never been forced to layoff an employee at anytime.

Gary credits Ken Gibler as someone who greatly influenced him while at Missouri Valley. He also acknowledges Bob Thompson, Craig Conklin and Lou Serrone as classmates and teammates that made an impact on him during his college days.