Coquella “Coke” Bowker joined the THPA in 1977 and became a member of the Arlington Iron Benders Horseshoe Club in Arlington. Coke first qualified as a class A pitcher in 1978 and remained in that class until 2004; in other words Coke was a class A pitcher for 26 consecutive years. He was a Texas State Champion 15 times - 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2001,& 2002. Coke also holds the all-time record for the highest ringer percentage in a Men’s Texas State Championship Tournament (71.5% set in 1983); an average that has yet to be matched. He was also a Texas State Championship Runner-up 5 times. Coke’s pitching success also extended beyond the state level. He was a World Men’s Class B champion twice and a World Men's Class C champion once. His highest game was pitched in a sanctioned league in which Coke threw a jaw dropping 96% (48 ringers out of 50 shoes). He appropriately nicknamed himself "Mister Flingaringa". He was inducted into the THPA Hall of Fame in 1985. Despite his age Coke continued to pitch from the 40ft mark, refusing to move up to 30ft. He was always willing to help out any pitcher that needed him, no matter what their age or percentage was. If you ever threw a bad game and just couldn’t figure out what you were doing wrong, Coke was always the man to talk to. Coke will always be remembered as a devoted pitcher, a mentor, a great friend, and an overall champion of the game. The THPA has truly lost its greatest champion; he will be sorely missed among all of us.