Written by Scott D. Riley, former player, assistant coach, and friend.

Archie touched the lives of so many people. He had a personality that made people want to be around him. He loved all sports, but tennis was his favorite past time. But, it isn't tennis that Archie is remembered for the most, it is his role as head football coach at Bosse High School. From 1961 to 1983, he coached with an intensity that carried over to his coaching staff, as well as his players. He believed that through hard work, everyone could be a better player; but through loving discipline, everyone could be a better person. For many of his players, he was like a father. He would do almost anything for "his boys."

Owen attended Reitz High School, where he played for Coach Herman Byers' first undefeated team. He earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors as an offensive guard at Evansville College, where he played from 1946 to 1950. He was elected to the UE Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986. Coach Owen was an assistant coach, along with the late Don Watson and Ed Wessel, under Morris Riley when North High School opened in 1958. He was also the head wrestling coach at North from 1958 to 1960. In 1960, he coached the team that won the City Championship. I was fortunate to have been one of his wrestlers for the 3 years before he left North, and as a reserve football player.

Owen's Bosse teams won two Southern Indiana Athletic Conference titles and compiled a 111-99-13 record in his 23 years as head coach. His teams also won or shared in eight City titles. I had the great pleasure of coaching with him from 1969 to his retirement in 1983. He was a great teacher, coach, and friend.

Our hearts go out to his wife, Louise, and children, Mike, Martha, Leanne, and Susie. Their loss is shared by all who knew him. May our hearts be filled with his kindness and love, may his friendship and love always serve as an example to us.