The Interceptor's career began here

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

Kenny Rowland was a three-year varsity letterman in football and track. In 1992 he set a record of 141 interceptions and 37 tackles at Poplar Bluff High School. Kenny was selected as the 1993 All State Defensive Back.

Kenny had excellent role models. His older brother Steve Rowland, was also lettered in football and track. In 1987, Steve set the record of 46 feet, 2 inches in the triple jump. He was the captain of the University of Mississippi tack team. Steve participated in the NCAA Decathlon and was ranked in the top 10 in the Nations Decathlon. He was even invited to try out for the 1996 Olympic team. Steve was inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

However, both brothers agree that the real athlete of the family was their big sister Beth Rowland. She earned 11 varsity letters in cross country, track, basketball and volleyball. Beth graduated Poplar Bluff High School in 1984.

Kenny earned an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. While there, he again lettered in football and track. In 1998, Kenny was the captain of the Army football team. In one game he made several interceptions, one in which he ran 79 yards to a touchdown. That earned him the title Defensive Player of the Week in Conference USA football.

Kenny made 18 tackles in one game against Navy. His team beat Navy three times. He led the Army team with eight pass interceptions and 102 tackles. That was the best record for Army in the previous 10 years. Kenny was ranked as the 13th best player in the nation. He was elected as the 1998 First Team Defensive Back of the All-Conference USA Team. Kenny went on to play in the 1998 All Star College Gridiron Classic Game.

Kenny graduated from West Point in 1999 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant, earning a bachelors of science degree in economics. Capt. Rowland later earned a masters degree in business administration from Cameron University. He was inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

Kenny’s West Point football helmet, jersey and Hall of Fame plaque are on display in the Poplar Bluff Museum.

The museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.