Bill Cowan was an All Area and honorable mention All American in 1969 and 1971. He pitched on two NAIA World Series teams in 1969 and 1970 and missed going to three straight World Series when the Hornets were eliminated in the 1971 regional final. His statistical mark on the program record book is significant. His 121.0 innings pitched and 168 strikeouts in 1971 and 342 strikeouts in his career still stand as Emporia State records over 50 years following his graduation. At the time of his induction he is still in the Hornet top five for single season and career games started, single season and career wins, and career innings pitched. The Reading, Kan. native signed with the Kansas City Royals in 1971 and pitched for one year. After baseball he had a long career in teaching, coaching, and athletic administration that included coaching football, basketball, and baseball at Olpe and Belle Plaine, Kan.