Ben Cleveland

Ben Cleveland was best known for his work with athletes, having served as head football coach from 1960-78, head baseball coach from 1968-83, head track coach from 1960-67, head tennis coach in the 1960s, and assistant basketball coach from 1960-75. However, Cleveland also made an impact on students. He was instructor and chairman of the Industrial Technology Department for many years. He was chosen as Teacher of the Year at Cowley for the 1986-87 academic year, and retired in 1994. He was a member of Lions Club International for 40 years, served on the Arkansas City Camp Fire Board, and was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church. Ben died Jan. 15, 2002 at age 69. The following year, the Ben Cleveland Wellness Center was named in his honor.