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Passing the test: TU quarterback, wife hold onto faith

Rachel and Jacob Bower, outside the locker room of the Case Center at the University of Tulsa last week, say their faith helped them deal with health troubles earlier this year. MICHAEL WYKE / Tulsa World

 
By ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Published: 7/27/2009  2:26 AM
Last Modified: 7/31/2009  3:09 PM

 THE WORDS "for better or worse, in sickness or in health" ring true for Tulsa quarterback Jacob Bower.

The tight family unit of Jacob and Rachel Bower has been challenged already this year. Jacob Bower underwent an emergency appendectomy last month, and Rachel Bower had a second miscarriage.

Most families could have been shattered. But this married couple keeps plunging forward.

"I think if someone has a strong enough faith, adversity can make them stronger," Bower said. "Rachel and I have had a lot of adversity in our short marriage. But a lot of people go through it.

"It's hard, but it's made us stronger and brought us closer together. We rely on each other more."

Support isn't just for the home, but also on the football field.

Bower is preparing for a run at Tulsa's vacant starting quarterback job. When fall camp begins in 10 days, he'll pursue the job with G.J. Kinne and Shavodrick Beaver.

Talking to the Bowers, you would think they had been married for years. Instead, it has been barely two years since they wed after a courtship that could be measured by weeks. They met in August 2007 at Bakersfield College and married on Nov. 1 of that year.

"We have a great relationship," said Jacob Bower, 24. "We're best friends. Whenever I'm frustrated with football or school, I vent and confide in her.

"It's awesome to have her here, especially with the ups and downs of being a quarterback."

His summer workouts were slowed by an appendix scare when a stomachache proved not to be an ulcer.

Rachel Bower, after consulting with a friend who is a doctor, convinced Jacob to go to the hospital.

"She probably saved my life," Bower said. "I'm stubborn and wasn't going to go to the hospital. She said, 'Jacob, you're going.' "

The timing couldn't have been better. He's already healed and ready to fling the football around.

It also was a second test for the Bowers.

Earlier this year, Rachel Bower suffered her second miscarriage. For a couple that can't wait to be parents, it was disappointing.

But the pair is dependent on their faith.

"Our Father has a plan for us," said Rachel Bower, 21. "That's what we have to hold on to, that's what gives us hope.

"We have each other also. At the end of the day, what doesn't break us makes us stronger."

The Bower household is almost a refuge for his teammates. When players visit, they can count on a family atmosphere and a home-cooked meal.

"We always have food in the house, and the door's open for everyone all the time," Jacob Bower said.

Football season is swiftly approaching. Bower will work for a vacant spot for the second straight season.

He's ready for the competition with Kinne and Beaver.

"I love those guys and have a good friendship with them," he said. "I hope they do the best they can.

"I just have to focus on what I can do and trust in my abilities."Jacob Bower appeared in all 14 games last season. He completed 11-of-15 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown.



The QB candidates

This is the first in a three-part series looking at the quarterback candidates who are trying to replace David Johnson. Bower will compete with G.J. Kinne and Shavodrick Beaver for the job.

BOWER NUMBERS

Jacob Bower appeared in all 14 games last season. He completed 11-of-15 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown.

Eric Bailey 581-8391
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com
By ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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9 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Report Comment
tulsaGuy, (7/27/2009 5:51:28 AM)
Rachel and Jacod, you guys are awesome. Good job getting married. So many of your peers are just shacking up which rarely ends well. Marriage is hard, but is certainly the right thing to do.
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GoldenDriller1, Out of State (7/27/2009 8:09:48 AM)
Good story about good people.
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ORUTerry, (7/27/2009 8:48:51 AM)
They both sound matured and grounded.... thanks for an inspiring and positive story about an athlete doing the right things.
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Lance-a-lot, Tulsa (7/27/2009 9:49:58 AM)
This young couple is the true definition of strength of character. Best of luck to you both, and God bless.
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M_Sizzle, Tulsa (7/27/2009 12:47:21 PM)
Nice work Eric Bailey...good to see a story about two good people who put their faith in God.

Striking couple.
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imahick, tulsa (7/27/2009 1:16:23 PM)
great story about some good kids!
great story too eric!!
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paleface, Ponca City (7/27/2009 8:44:43 PM)
I love reading a story like this instead of killing and robberys..Very nice looking couple and hope they go a long ways in their young life.
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Bullhead, Nicut (7/28/2009 12:43:48 AM)
Hang in there Bowers. We need more stories like this one. God bless you and may you prosper and grow ever closer to God and each other.
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Ignatz, Broken Bow (8/3/2009 6:02:38 PM)
Bad things still quite often happen to good people and vice versa.
 

 
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