Thomas W. Dowling is a native of Springfield, Kentucky. He lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. Dowling graduated from Georgetown College in 1962 where he participated in both football and track. During his college career, he won the KIAC championship in shot put and was co-captain of the Georgetown Tigers football team.
Following college, Dowling made an immediate impression in the coaching world at Newport Public High School as assistant football coach and head track coach. His winning ways lead the Newport track team to victories in the North Kentucky Conference and at district championships. In 1964, Dowling became the head football coach at Glen Este High School in Cincinnati, Ohio while also coaching track and wrestling. At Glen Este, Dowling's teams won two conference football championships, he was named football Coach of the Year twice, won a conference track championship and was named track Coach of the Year. Dowling became an assistant football coach at Georgetown College in 1970. In 1973, Dowling was named head coach of Georgetown football. Liberty University football program called on Dowling in 1977, and he led them to successful NAIA and later NCAA, Division II status. While at Liberty he was named National Small College Coach of the Year and NAIA District 29 Coach of the Year.
In 1983 when Cumberland reinstated football, Dowling was named the head football coach. The Indians won two conference championships, including an undefeated 10-0 regular season in 1988, and participated in the NAIA National Football Championship playoffs under his leadership. Dowling was named NAIA District 32 Coach of the Year in 1988, Mid South Conference Coach of the Year in 1987, 1988 and 1995, and received the Big Dipper Sports Award. He retired from Cumberland ranking 9th in total wins among NAIA active football coaches.
Following his retirement from coaching, Dowling was named the first Commissioner of the Mid-South Conference. He oversaw the Mid-South development that has become the premier conference among NAIA representatives. As a result of his commitment and contributions to football, the Mid-South Conference Football Championship trophy is named in his honor.
Dowling and his wife of 50 years, the former Mary Ann Garnett, currently reside in Corbin. During his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, reading and doing volunteer work.
