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Kent State football strength coach dismissed for lack of proper qualification

Related Topics: June 13, Bowsher

Kent State fired Ross Bowsher on Monday, the strength coach who oversaw the football practice on June 13 when incoming freshman lineman Tyler Heintz died, according to a press release.

The press release stated the university conducted an internal review, which showed the workouts were "in accordance with national protocols," but discovered Bowsher provided false information about his certification.

Bowsher not being certified would be a violation of NCAA bylaw 11.5, which states that a strength coach "must maintain current certification through a nationally accredited strength and conditioning certification program.”

Eric Mansfield, a spokesperson of the university, released the following statement:

"The safety and well-being of our student-athletes is paramount at Kent State University, and we have continued to assess and review all policies and circumstances relative to the June 13 summer football workout that occurred prior to the death of Tyler Heintz.