Big Head, Bigger Heart
Born turns bobbleheads into lasting symbols of teamwork and leadership
Liv Sewell
Bobbleheads might be caricatures, but there seems to be a whole lot of character resting behind them.
However, not many people can say they have a personalized bobblehead of themselves. The idea inspired Bowen Born on Colorado State’s men’s basketball team, where it developed into something much bigger.
“My dad had received a bobblehead from his work,” Born said. “I saw a picture of it and though about maybe getting one for myself. I had just been wanting to do something for the guys, and originally wanted it to be a little pre-season gift. But we probably started around mid-October. Had to send them pictures, side profiles and pictures of the uniform.”
Born’s original intent was humble—he simply wanted to give a fun, personal gift to his teammates. But he quickly realized pulling off something like this would take a lot more work than just sending a few pictures.
The photos at his disposal and the accuracy he wished to portray with the figurines meant months of preparation, research, and effort. Bowen wasn’t just crafting a simple gift; he was putting together a keepsake which would stand the test of time.
After weeks of waiting, the bobbleheads finally arrived. When Born brought them to practice, they took everyone by surprise, even coach Niko Medved
“Came up to me before we started and said, ‘Hey Coach, do you mind, I’ve got something I want to give to the guys after practice,’” Medved said. “He kind of floated me a sneak peek. But I just (thought), what a great teammate, what a cool idea for him to do that. And it’s amazing how much detail he put into it.”
Detail aside, when it comes to intention, Born showed up in a big way.
The transfer student from Northern Iowa is in his fifth year of eligibility. The 5-foot-11 guard has more than basketball in his past though. While competing as a student-athlete he took on some of the design for the team, making graphics to be shared to the masses.
“In high school, I really liked art,” Born said. “My freshman year at Northern Iowa, I was a graphic design major. I helped our marketing team with game day graphics, final score graphics, preseason and post season awards. I just helped flourish our social media because as a mid-major at Northern Iowa, any promotion for us could be beneficial.”
Now a grad student at CSU, Born was no longer directly responsible for marketing and communications, but his creative spirit remained intact.
I think he’s trying to embrace his time here and everyone else’s time here. Once again, it shows the kind of person Bowen is.Kyle Jorgensen
He made sure each bobblehead was carefully designed to match the player it represented, right down to the smallest accessories including hairstyles, eye colors, and even the smallest touches like earrings and knee pads.
“Everybody has some pictures from either playing or headshot photos,” Born said. “Had to send the photos and it took them a little while. I wanted to have one done first so that way I knew it would be a quality product. My dad helped me out organizing pictures and getting everybody’s names.
“Certain guys wear undershirts; some guys have kneepads and others have earrings. So, the company was able to do pretty much everything. Everything from the hair color to the eye color and the accessories that the guy’s wear. It was fully unique to each player.”
The project became an investment into the memories of his teammates.
And, as intended, freshman Kyle Jorgensen, plans to keep it as a memento for the years he is set to spend at CSU.
“It’s pretty special,” Jorgensen said. “I’m probably going to carry that for a while, especially since I’m planning on being here for a while, so I’m excited to have it. I think he’s trying to embrace his time here and everyone else’s time here. Once again, it shows the kind of person Bowen is.”
The kind of person he is shows up in more ways than one.
The gesture spoke volumes not just about Bowen’s creativity, but about his character. While he may not have been putting up huge points on the scoreboard — tallying 15 assists and averaging 5.6 points in his first five games — Bowen’s ability to facilitate and lift up his teammates on the court was paramount.
“It’s really cool to receive the gift, but I think what’s a bigger gift is the example,” Medved said. “When you’re a young guy and you’re trying to learn what it’s like, I think we’ve had a great culture here. Even with Bowen being a new guy. I think getting the bobbleheads is one thing, but the gift of understanding what it’s like to be a great teammate and give something back, I think that’s an example these young guys learn through Bowen.”
With five freshmen and a big shift with long-time veterans graduating last year like Isaiah Stevens and Joe Palmer, any type of leader is appreciated; even from someone who is somewhat silent in his contributions.
As disconnected as bobbleheads seem to be from DI basketball, the dots continue to line up with the gift representing more than meets the eye. After all, college athletics, for many, is the last chance to play sports at such a high level.
“I knew I wanted to do something nice for them,” Born said. “The bobbleheads are just a great way for the guys to remember their time here. You know, mine, I’m going to keep forever. It’s just a physical item and your college years are pretty special, and CSU has been really special to me. So, to have something like a bobblehead to help memorialize it, is something that is super cool.”
They have evolved into more than a quirky keepsake. Born took the opportunity to prove no matter where players come from or how much playing time they see throughout the season, they are all important, all valued.
It has become a symbol of leadership, of giving back to others, and of taking pride in being part of something bigger than yourself. A multifaceted gift from a player who turned leadership into an art form -- literally.
Support Colorado State Athletics: Tickets | Ram Club | Green And Gold Guard