THE FOLLOWING IS A SCHLARMAN ACADEMY RELEASE
A Danville native and 2009 graduate of Danville High School, Coach Glen Rowell returns to the area to lead the football program at Schlarman Academy. Rowell has deep ties to the community and a passion for developing student-athletes on and off the field.
As a high school student-athlete, Rowell was a standout in football, wrestling, and track & field, earning All-Conference and All-Area honors in each sport. After graduation, he continued his playing career at Joliet Junior College (2009–2011) before transferring to Kentucky Christian University, where he was a three-year starting linebacker. Rowell earned dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration and Biblical Studies, along with a minor in Sports Management, in 2015.
Following college, he pursued professional football opportunities, including tryouts with the NFL and CFL, and later competed in arena football with the Bloomington Edge, Kansas City Phantoms (CIF), and Tri-Town Titans. Over the past decade, Rowell has built a well-rounded coaching and education résumé. Most recently, he served as Defensive Coordinator and OL/DL Coach at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis. He also held roles as Assistant Wrestling Coach at Lawrence Central High School, Special Education Teacher, and Assistant Athletic Director at H.W. Longfellow Middle School.
In the 2025 season, Rowell was Head Coach of the co-ed Track & Field program (Grades 7–12) at Rooted School Indianapolis, where he also served as Athletic Director, Dean of Culture, and PE & Health Teacher.
From 2019 to 2023, Rowell served at Kentucky Wesleyan College (NCAA Division II) as Assistant Football Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, and Assistant Wrestling Coach. While at KWC, he led the defensive line unit, managed recruiting strategies, and enhanced the college’s community engagement efforts.
Rowell began his coaching journey in Danville, IL, with the Ravens and Bears youth football programs. He also spent time coaching at Hoopeston/Schlarman in 2018. From 2015 to 2019, he served as Assistant Wrestling Coach at Danville High School, and in 2019, coached Track & Field at North Ridge Middle School.
Known for his energy, leadership, and dedication to youth development, Coach Rowell believes in using athletics as a tool to instill values such as discipline, accountability, effort, and service. His coaching philosophy is grounded in preparing student-athletes for success on the field and in life.
Coach Rowell is excited to lead the Schlarman Hilltoppers and is committed to building a competitive football program that reflects the pride, tradition, and potential of the Danville community.
