When Deerfield-Windsor School opened its doors in 1966, their first headmaster was a man named Graham Lowe. During his tenure, Graham would coach baseball, basketball (both boys and girls), tennis, and track, and in 1970, he would also serve as the institution’s first football coach. His contributions to the school generate a list so long that, in 2014, it was announced that Deerfield’s 8,800 square-foot Family Health and Fitness Center would be named after him.
The list continues in regards to the Lowe family at Deerfield. Graham’s wife, Betty, served as the Upper School’s counselor, and she also taught math and science. Their son, Allen, has brought state championships to the school as head coach of both the football and the track and field teams.
Over the last 50 years, there have been a total of 15 members of the Lowe family gracing the halls of Deerfield-Windsor Academy. And the latest to grace the stage is Tyler Lowe, the middle child of head football coach, Allen Lowe. Entering his senior season, Tyler is primed and ready to keep the family name strong.
“I’m extremely proud to be a Lowe,” Tyler says. “I come from a long line of success and I take serious pride in that. My grandparents (Graham and Betty) were here when the school opened, and we’ve had family here ever since. It’s something that I take to heart, and I give it my all every time I walk through these halls and every time I’m on that field.”
Tyler is suiting up for his final year as a Knight, and, at quarterback, he is ready to lead his team to the top of the mountain. This fall is his second season as a starter under center, and he is more than ready for the challenge ahead.
“We’re winners because we never give up,” he says. “We always play hard, and we always play for each other. This football team is like a family.”
During his time at the school, the football team has compiled a record of 30-10 (including playoffs). The team has seen at least the semifinals of the playoffs every year since 2007. They have won a total of six postseason games since 2012-13 school year, but none are more memorable to Tyler than the game on November 30, 2012. On that night, Deerfield would claim the GISA Class AAA State Championship in a 27-19 victory over Heritage School (Newnan, Ga.).
“It was such a memorable moment,” he says. “This team works so hard, and to see that kind of success early in my time a Deerfield has really motivated me because now I know how far this team is capable of going.”
Football is a big part of the Lowe heritage; both Tyler’s father (Allen) and his older brother (Tanner, 2012 Deerfield-Windsor graduate) saw their fair share of time on the gridiron. And, when the head coach is your father, one would expect the pressure to mount to succeed. But in the case of the Lowe family, it tends to be the complete opposite.
“My dad was a running back, but he did play quarterback as well,” he says. “Most of the time, we keep football separate from home life. But we do have talks sometimes. Talking with him really helps to open my eyes to things that I may not know or may not be seeing on the field. I never feel ‘under pressure’ when it comes to playing for my dad. He pushes me, but he pushes everyone. I don’t get any sort of special treatment. At the end of the day, I’m a competitor, and he brings that out of me just like the rest of my teammates.”
While his time at Deerfield is nearing an end, it is far from the final chapter for Tyler in regards to his education. He has aspirations to attend college, and although he has not made a final decision as of yet, he would like to remain in the southeastern United States.
“I love SEC football,” Tyler says with a laugh. “I’m not sure where I’ll end up, but I’ll be applying to Georgia, Auburn…I have to stay around SEC football.”
While his career plans are uncertain at this point, Tyler has one viable option in mind. And, given his lineage, the option could very well lead him to success.
“I’m not quite sure what I want to do for a living just yet,” he says. “But one thing that I could see myself doing is coaching. I could see myself on my dad’s coaching staff. Or, possibly, I could see myself coaching against him. Like I said, I’m a competitor,” he says with a smile.
More About Tyler
Favorite Team: Auburn University
Favorite Athlete: Peyton Manning
Favorite Subject: Math
Pregame Ritual: “I don’t have a set meal or snack before my games. I’ll usually sit around and listen to music, and occasionally I’ll watch game film. I’ll listen to classic rock, like AC/DC or the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But before every game, one thing that the team always does is pray. For ourselves, the opponent, everyone. Prayer is the one thing we won’t go without.”
South Georgia/September 2015
Tyler Lowe
Deerfield-Windsor School
Albany, Georgia
Tyler Lowe: Continuing the Legacy
By James Washington
Photography by Lindsi Jones
