Bowens resigns as Phantoms coach

FLORENCE — Two weeks ago, Tavares Bowens was given a Gatorade bath by his players after his Florence Phantoms after routing Wyoming for the American Indoor Football Association championship.

On Friday, Bowens and the Phantoms parted ways. The 2008 AIFA coach of the year resigned from the team, citing personal and professional differences between him and Phantoms management.

“I am not convinced the organization, namely (Florence owner Barbara Spigner), is capable financially of negotiating a salary commensurate of my background and experience,” Bowens said in a statement released Friday. “As the head coach of the Florence Phantoms, I, along with my coaching staff and vice president of operations, Bennie King, worked tirelessly to create a winning culture here in the city of Florence.

“This city has shown quality support for the 2008 AIFA Champions and I wish them all the best.”

In addition to winning the AIFA title, Bowens guided the team to a 13-4 record, an Eastern Division championship and an Eastern Conference title.

“This is a business that is determined by championships,” King said. “Coach (Bowens) did everything he had to do, and he led a franchise that was dismal to a championship. We wish him well in his endeavors.

“I needed a coach two weeks before the season started, and he was there for me. I expect him to be somewhere doing great things in the future.”

Bowens said he loved living and working in Florence, but the nature of the business forced him to move on.

“Unfortunately, this is a business decision, and it is in the best interest that I move toward available opportunities that will appreciate a winning coach who gave his all to the team and his community,” he said. “I appreciate all of the proud supporters of this football team and will surely miss the fan interaction at the Civic Center.”