Paul Bowker, a nationally recognized writer who has covered multiple World Series and an Olympic Games, joined The News this week as its new sports editor.

He is a native of Massachusetts, a journalist with more than 35 years experience and a former Iowa resident when he was deputy sports editor of The Gazette in Cedar Rapids in the late 1990s.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to return to the Hawkeye state,” Bowker said. “It has been far too long since I have enjoyed the beauty of Iowa and tasted the corn that you just can’t find anywhere else in the world. For me, it really is the field of dreams.

“I look forward to watching high school athletics here again, and getting to know the athletic directors, coaches and athletes as they pursue excellence in their respective sports.”

Bowker’s assignments have included serving as sports editor at The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, and Kalamazoo Gazette in Michigan; deputy sports editor at The Gazette and Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, Florida; and managing editor at several papers. He is a Past President of Associated Press Sports Editor and a former sports correspondent for the AP.

His stories and sports sections have won national APSE and regional awards, ranging from college basketball and NBA to high school coverage.

“I am excited for Paul to join the staff here at The News,” News Editor James Jennings said. “I look forward to working with him to bring his experience to our staff.”

He is the author of 15 children’s sports books on topics ranging from the Kansas City Royals to girls’ lacrosse.

In addition to his writing, Bowker is involved in youth sports as a U.S.-certified soccer referee and coach.

Bowker, 65, is a U.S. Army veteran, having served with the First Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kansas.

He attended school at Cape Cod Community College in Massachusetts and the University of Kansas.