LISA BOWES IS A TRUE TRAILBLAZER
By: Stephen Lylyk, RP Show Intern
Lisa Bowes, a veteran sports broadcaster, is a trailblazer who broke into a male dominated industry.
During a February appearance on Hebsy Sports with host Mark Hebscher, this is how Bowes describes the moment she realized her true career passion.
“I started to volunteer at TSN. I used to drive into Toronto every weekend to volunteer in the tape room. One day I saw Mark Jones (Current ESPN Pundit) in the newsroom, and thought ‘that’s where I want to be.’”
Opportunity struck for Bowes, as TSN gave her what would be the beginning of her broadcasting journey.
“I started as a writer at TSN before I went on the air,” Bowes said during her Thursday appearance on the Rod Pedersen Show at Calgary’s Grey Eagle Resort & Casino. “We were responsible for writing the highlights for the commentators. We made $50 as shift, but we were so happy because we were in that environment, it really did set the foundation for my career to come as a reporter.”
Looking to take the next step in her career Bowes began the process, which ultimately led her to Winnipeg Manitoba.
“As I was writing for TSN, I’d been trying to find a job. Peter Young, (then with TSN Winnipeg) was interested in my tape, saw my potential. He knew I’d be a visual change from Rod (former TSN analyst Rod Black), which at that time was something unique for the world of Sports media.”
To audition for the role, Bowes was given a chance to prove her ability as a hockey reporter.
“My audition,” explained Bowes, “was actually covering a Jets game day. I was at the skate, I had to file a pregame report, go to the game, cover the game. That was my audition to get that job, and I was happy cause that’s what you need to do, you need to have merit.”
Bowes would get the role, and it was during her time in Winnipeg where she developed a connection with the city.
“I was there during the Teemu Seelane years (1992-96),” said Bowes. “I was there, I saw the whole leaving process, and felt for that community. The Jets were the soul of that community, and I’m so happy to see the Canada Life Centre today. Winnipeg is one of my homes!”
Following her time in Winnipeg Bowes would travel to Calgary. It was in Calgary where she witnessed some of sports most notable figures, such as Football legends, Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia, as well as Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing, Jarome Iginla.
Through all her interactions Bowes favourite interview was for a TSN Sunday segment with Stu Hart founder of stampede wrestling.
“To get into that inner circle,” said Bowes, “and to be in the dungeon, what an incredible experience! People always ask, who was your favorite person to talk to, and I remember Stu Hart.”
In 2000, Bowes would make Broadcasting history, becoming the official play-by-play voice of the National Women’s hockey League.
“I feel very blessed, and lucky to have had that experience,” said Bowes reflecting on that milestone.
While covering women’s hockey during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, Bowes made a realization which took her on the next chapter of her journey.
“I didn’t see many books out there encouraging our kids to try different types of sports,” said Bowes.
Bowes would begin creating the book series ‘Lucy Tries’. This process was aggravating as she explained in an April Article with the Prince George Citizen.
“It took me seven years,” said Bowes, “ and14 rejections on my very first book, but I’m pleased to tell you we’ll come out with Book 6, next spring.”
The ‘Lucy Tries’ series, as Bowes explains is based on, “Lucy’s Journey. She’s inspiring kids to be active, try sports and persevere. There is a lot of purpose to the text, and artwork. We built it on reinforcing healthy principles for child development, and what we know our kids need to stay in sports.”
While promoting her books, Bowes often uses a quote which embodies the message she’s trying to send.
“If kids can see it, they can be it.”
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily at 12 pm ET on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio)
