The Willow Glen Resident

Photograph courtesy of Bellarmine College Preparatory

Award-Winning Teacher: Willow Glen resident Michael Lowney, right, teaches Bellarmine students chemistry and biology. He has also been an integral part of the school's much-touted football program. On Nov. 13, Bellarmine's athletic director, Leo Ruth, handed him the school's Athletic Hall of Fame award.

Longtime teacher wins school's athletic award

Bellarmine taps Lowney for his dedication, service

By Cecily Barnes

After teaching chemistry, biology and football at Bellarmine College Preparatory for the last 28 years, Willow Glen resident Michael Lowney has been honored by the school and his name inscribed in their Athletic Hall of Fame. He was not honored for one specific action, but rather for all his years and hard work on the football team.

"It's been 28 straight years of commitment and dedication to the Bellarmine football program," said Michael Janda, Bellarmine's head football coach. "He has been such a man of outstanding integrity, touching the lives of athletes by his values and commitment."

Lowney's football career began at his high school in Butte, Mont., a small town where football was of great importance, especially to his family. After high school Lowney took a hiatus from football to serve in the U.S. Navy and go to college. He then returned to football, this time as a coach in Montana. When Lowney first moved to California, he taught at Borrell Middle School in San Mateo and then ended up at Bellarmine in 1970.

Lowney says he has stuck with Bellarmine because of the school's strong community and excellent educational programs. Although he is not an alumni himself, all four of his sons played football and graduated from the school.

"It's been a great place," Lowney said, "a great place to teach, great faculty and great kids."

Lowney was head coach of the junior varsity football team for many years, as well as assistant coach for the varsity team. Currently, he oversees the weight room and assists head coach Michael Janda.

"He assists me during the football games by being in the press box and on the phones," Janda said. "He helps me see things and observe things. He's my eyes in the sky because it's hard to see on the field level."

Lowney's colleagues can't say enough about his excellent teaching, camaraderie and commitment to football.

"Mike is being recognized for his complete dedication to the football program throughout these years," Janda said. "He's always been completely supportive of the coaches and the players."

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