On the Field and In the Ranks: Honoring Coach Arnold Fowler, a Lexington Veteran

Here at Davidson Local, Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it is a solemn reminder to pause and reflect on the profound sacrifices made by those who have worn our nation's uniform. A veteran, at their core, is someone who has served on full-time active duty in the Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. While this service primarily encompasses the military, it can also include certain components like the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under specific circumstances. For all who have stepped forward, who have dedicated their youth, their strength, and their futures to the defense of our country, we extend our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude.

But the story of service isn’t just about distant deployments or historical battles. Often, the discipline forged in the military returns home, quietly shaping the next generation right here in Davidson County. This Veterans Day, we want to shine a light on one of our own: Arnold Fowler, of Lexington Senior High School, Class of 1994.

Fowler (7) pictured here with the Lexington yellow Jackets in team photo

On the gridiron for the Yellow Jackets, Fowler was simply a tank. He was a player who didn't just participate; he consumed space and always played with his pads; a punishing force whose sheer physicality left an indelible mark on every down. Years after his time on the field, I had the privilege of being coached by Fowler in middle school, alongside the successful Dr. Horton, and the late coach Chris Deal. It was there that the full impact of his military experience became apparent.

Coach Fowler was different—very different. He possessed an intensity and unique character that commanded attention the moment he opened his mouth. His coaching methods weren't about coddling; they were about instilling the kind of resolve you need when facing adversity, whether on the 50-yard line or out in the world. He had a way of getting your attention when it mattered most, often through grueling acts of character like bear crawls, the core-burning agony of six inches, and the infamous, back-breaking drill I hated the most: "he's up he sees me I'm down."

The moral of his discipline was so distinct that when you finally got home at night, all you did was itch from the grass and the sweat of true effort. He was nothing to play with, and his standards were absolute. I knew this from the first day I heard him lead us in military chants, demanding volume and effort: "One, two, three, you sound a little weak!" It was clear then that nothing was ever going to get past him. He was going to find out, one way or another, who truly wanted to be on that field and who was just wasting his time. That relentless scrutiny, however brutal it felt at the time, left its mark on us as young men.

Over time, I've noticed that some coaches lack the kind of dynamic personality that truly inspires, but Fowler possessed an energy you could feel. You could hear the non-negotiable demand in his voice every single time he spoke. The hard lessons—the bear crawls and the burpees—were his way of teaching us that quitting was never an option and that toughness wasn't something you're born with, but something you earn.

Arnold Fowler pictured with wife Nanyamka Reid- Fowler and family on graduation day.

Coach Fowler, I don't think I could thank you enough for showing this hardheaded kid how to face adversity before crossing the street to the Senior High. I always knew you were a real man of your word, a quality that is still evidenced today by the tremendous collegiate career of your stepson, Daniel Reid-Bennett. Daniel's success as a tough defensive back for the Elon Phoenix, a player known for his relentless physicality and nose for the football, is a testament to the strong foundation and discipline you helped build at home and on the field.

Now that I'm an adult, coach, I just want to say I appreciate you. Your military service made you a veteran of this country, but your service to this community made you a veteran of life's most valuable lessons.

Happy Veterans Day to you, Coach Arnold Fowler. We salute you.