Marcus Owens ’91-’92 & ‘93-’94 Men’s Basketball

Marcus Owens attended Iowa Lakes Community College from 1991-1992 & then 1993-1994, he will be going into the Hall of Fame for Men’s Basketball.

Marcus attended Iowa Lakes because of his recruitment by Bob Grems to play basketball.  Marcus chose Iowa Lakes because of the opportunity and platform it gave him for educational enhancement but also to play the sport that he loved.

Marcus found great success as a Laker.  The only student athlete in Iowa Lakes history to play in two national tournaments (finished 2^nd in 1992 and then 4^th in 1994) Marcus left Iowa Lakes having appeared in more career games (74) and having appeared in most games won (60).  He is the schools 3^rd all-time leading career scorer with 1,372 points and 8^th all time leading career rebounder with 525 rebounds.  Marcus averaged 19 points per game for his career.  Marcus was awarded both first team all-region and region 11 all-tournament team both seasons.

Coach Bob Grems had this to say about Marcus, “Marcus was a great player at Iowa Lakes. He was undersized and a matchup nightmare for teams.  Marcus helped guide Iowa Lakes to two national tournaments. Marcus grew a great deal during his time at Iowa Lakes. He progressed not only on the basketball floor but also as an individual.  He was one of the most competitive kids that I had the opportunity to coach.”

Some of Marcus’s fondest memories at Iowa Lakes included the two national tournament appearances, numerous friendships made at Iowa Lakes, the numerous life lessons he learned while attending school and the hot summer air including the beautiful smells associated with rural Iowa that teammate Darin Moeller assured him were the smell of money.

Marcus appreciated Iowa Lakes and the friendliness of the campus.  Memories included the lunch ladies who “Filled my tray on Tator Tot casserole day and Carol Ayres – music instructor – who assisted Marcus in his electric taste of music.  Community members who had an impact on Marcus included John & Carolyn Walz, Darryl and Sue Madison, and Chuck and Sue Tostenson.  Coach Bob Grems had the biggest impact on him while at Iowa Lakes.  Coach challenged Marcus to get better every day and believed in him.

Upon graduation from Iowa Lakes, Marcus attended the University of Hawaii – Hilo, an NCAA Division 2 school on a full-ride basketball scholarship.  Marcus was a two time all-conference selection and led the team in scoring.  Upon graduation from Hawaii – Hilo, Marcus was invited to NBA camps and summer leagues.  Currently Marcus is a Senior Business Development Executive for Ecolab.

Marcus would like to thank his entire family for all the support they have given him including Coach Grems and his wife Jean.  They are considered family by Marcus.  Marcus also added that Iowa Lakes and Estherville are great places for any student athlete wanting to learn and grow into becoming a productive citizen.

Congratulations Marcus Owens on being inducted into the Iowa Lakes Hall of Fame.