Hall of Fame Inductee - Julie Bower-Anderson

It is said that success is the result of hard work and perseverance. Julie Bower-Anderson is an example of success. She adapted to the water at the age of 13 and in a very short time developed into one of the best swimmers in Quincy's history. She was a member of Sheridan's Water Polo team that placed third in the 1972 National Championships and she set many records while swimming for the powerful Sheridan Swim team in the early 1970's, some of which stood for over 2 decades. In 1975 Quincy High School formed its first swim team, and Julie Bower-Anderson was named as captain. In her junior year she qualified in 5 events in the first IHSA State Swim meet. She duplicated that feat again her senior year. Bower-Anderson earned varsity letters in 1975 and 1976, All-State Honors both years, was twice named as District Champion and River Valley Conference Swimmer of the Year. In 1976, her senior season, she and was chosen as the teams Most Valuable Swimmer. In addition, the Society of Academic Achievement and the National Honor Society recognized her for her work in the classroom. Bower-Anderson's record in the 100-yard butterfly while at Quincy High stood for 23 years, the longest in school history. Attending Southeast Missouri State University on a full scholarship Bower-Anderson continued her excellence in the pool and in the classroom. She earned varsity letters all four years, qualified for Division II Nationals four years in five different events, was voted MAIAW Swimmer of the Year in 1978 and again in 1980, and was named as KGMO's Athlete of the Year those same years. In all, Bower-Anderson was a Conference Champion a total of 16 times, finishing undefeated in the 100 yard butterfly, 200 yard butterfly and 400 individual medley in conference competition. She left Southeast Missouri State holding 7 MAIAW records. Julie Bower-Anderson and her family reside in Quincy, Illinois.