Josh Dowdy New Athletic Director, Basketball Coach at Advance

Josh Dowdy has traded in his Puxico orange and black for the same colors at his new positions at Advance High School. Only the Puxico Indian logo will need to be replaced with Advance's Hornet.

Dowdy served as an assistant under Chad Allen at Puxico in 2006 and was part of the Indians' district championship that season. He replaced Allen last year and directed the Indians to a 16-10 record and a second-place district finish in his first full year as a head coach.

This year Dowdy will be taking over at Advance for the departed Joe Shoemaker, who left to take a similar position at Oran High School, his almamater.

"I am so excited about my new position," Dowdy said. "There is an active elementary program already in place and the parents are involved throughout the program. I've had a chance to meet with most of the high school guys through open gyms, shoot-outs and summer school.

"The kids are already working hard to improve their game," he added. "If we decide to get physically stronger in the off season, I'm confident we can make some noise next year."

After graduating from Dexter High School in 1993, Dowdy strayed from his original plans to teach and coach after graduating from Murray State University. The personable 33-year-old instead went into pharmaceutical sales where he was very successful for seven years, but not fully satisfied.

"After talking with by family and close friends of mine in education for a couple of years, I decided to do what I had originally set out to do in college...to teach and coach," Dowdy stated. "I am so glad that I made the decision because I absolutely love what I am doing.

"I have always loved sports and what can be learned through sports," he continued. "I am grateful that Alana (his wife) has been supportive of my decision, because coaching basketball definitely takes a toll on a family, especially having two young children (Ellie age 3 and Ben age 2)."

Advance and Puxico are both members of the Stoddard County Activities Association (SCAA) Conference and they will both compete in Class 2, District 3, along with Bloomfield and Richland.

"This year I decided to pursue an opportunity at Advance that became available when coach Shoemaker went to Oran," he noted. "I enjoyed my stint at Puxico and met so many good people, especially within the school system. I will miss many of those kids."

Alana, a graduate of University of Missouri Rolla, is also in education as a social studies teacher.

In addition to his duties as athletic director and varsity basketball coach, Dowdy will also be in charge of the junior high basketball program and will teach physical education-weight training at the high school level, grades 7-12.