Gil Bowman distinguished himself as an outstanding coach in a couple of different sports as well as a great German teacher during his 41-year career at Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville. Born in Stuart, Virginia, and a graduate of East Carolina, Bowman built Terry Sanford into both a women’s basketball power and a tennis power during his coaching tenure.   His women’s varsity basketball record during his years with that sport was 463-278, with three trips to the NCHSA state championship game.  He also coached cross country and assisted with football for several years.  He also developed tremendous programs in tennis, with a record at one point in men’s tennis of an amazing 532-40 and a mark of 339-36 in women’s tennis. He coached numerous state champions in both singles and doubles and at one point his women’s team earned four consecutive dual team state championships. He has been inducted the Fayetteville Sports Club Hall of Fame and earned the Homer Thompson Eight Who Make A Difference Award for sportsmanship from the NCHSAA in 2001. He also helped to found the Fayetteville Area Tennis Association.