About CollegiateMore than 2,700 student-athletes on 180 college and university intercollegiate bowling teams compete in over 80 certified tournaments each year, and nearly 100 colleges and universities across the country offer bowling scholarships.Collegiate bowling has grown in popularity and prestige under College Bowling USA and more recently with the formation of the USBC Collegiate program, bowling’s national intercollegiate governing body.Those programs include men’s and women’s teams at the club, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) levels and women’s varsity teams with the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA)."One appealing aspect of college bowling is that our sport brings together all levels of student-athletes to compete within one umbrella organization known as USBC Collegiate," said USBC Collegiate Manager Gary Brown. "The NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA and club teams are all part of USBC Collegiate membership."USBC Collegiate oversees and conducts the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships and the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships. The country’s top 64 men’s and top 48 women’s collegiate teams compete in regional events for the right to advance to the annual ITC, a nationally-televised tournament. Individual championships are crowned at the annual ISC. USBC Collegiate also works with the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association to determine All-American and Academic All-American recognition, Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors.USBC Collegiate also maintains the eligibility and integrity of club and varsity bowling by certifying and regulating the sport at the collegiate level, and initiates bowling programs that develop athletic and leadership skills that expose college bowlers to a variety of experience.The USBC Collegiate program is funded by the United States Bowling Congress and is located at USBC Headquarters in Arlington, Texas. The NCAA, NJCAA and NAIA recognize USBC Collegiate as the sport’s national intercollegiate governing body, the largest organized body for collegiate bowling.College bowling: more than just a sportCollege bowling is a rewarding experience that teaches essential skills you can use the rest of your life. As a USBC Collegiate member, you will learn how to communicate effectively with teammates and work as an individual for the larger goals of the team. You’ll build long-lasting friendships and networks that can help you achieve long-term career goals. Collegiate bowling can even be a stepping-stone to the professional ranks, as many of today’s top stars on the Lumber Liquidators Professional Bowlers Association Tour include former collegiate bowlers such as Chris Barnes, Rhino Page, Kelly Kulick, Bill O’Neill, Mike Machuga, Chris Loschetter and Sean Rash as well as current Team USA standouts Lynda Barnes, Diandra Asbaty, Shannon Pluhowsky and Stefanie Nation."The USBC Collegiate program is dedicated to providing collegiate bowling opportunities to enhance students’ academic, athletic and personal development by assisting colleges and universities in implementing bowling programs to ensure pride and enjoyment in the sport," Brown said. "Student-athletes can participate in bowling the rest of their lives as bowling has no age or gender barriers."As part of that lifetime sport idea, collegiate competition helps high school bowlers make the transition into the adult ranks as USBC members, furthering their lifelong commitment to the sport. USBC Collegiate and its member schools provide great visibility for the sport by showcasing the best collegiate athletes throughout the nation.Future of collegiate bowlingYou’ll find some of our sport’s future stars among today’s collegiate bowlers. Most will graduate with degrees and go on to be leaders and innovators in many different occupations. Many of those student-athletes aspire to bowl at the professional level, yet for every professional or world-class amateur bowler who rose through the college ranks, there is a doctor, a lawyer, a veterinarian, an accountant or a computer technician who applied lessons learned in college bowling to success in life away from the lanes.History of College BowlingAccording to an article in the 1947 issue of BOWLING by Paul Gould, the first collegiate bowling competition was held April 8, 1916, almost eight months before the Women’s International Bowling Congress was formed.Gould’s article was generated by a letter he received from Cornell University’s Victor Klee, which stated that bowling was recognized as an intercollegiate sport at Yale as far back as 1916. Bill Wyer of Yale organized the first collegiate bowling tournament held in New Haven, Conn., on April 8, 1916. Besides varsity teams from Yale and Lehigh, teams from the Cornell University Interfraternity league, Syracuse University, Stevens Institute Bowling Associations and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute competed. These colleges became the first charter members of the Intercollegiate Bowling Association, and immediately began planning the second event for 1917 in which competition would expand by at least 11 teams.Apparently World War I undermined that first attempt at organized collegiate bowling, as no mention of college bowling appears in any national bowling publications until the early 1940s, when several collegiate tournaments were conducted in the East and Midwest. By the the 1966-67 season, the American Bowling Congress and Women’s International Bowling Congress had their own college bowling programs. ABC and WIBC soon merged their growing programs to form the ABC and WIBC Collegiate Division during the 1977-78 season, installing a Collegiate Division Manager to oversee its operations. Membership peaked during the 1980-81 season as 153 colleges had intercollegiate programs with more than 19,000 individual members.When the Young American Bowling Alliance was formed in 1982, it formed the YABA Collegiate Division to incorporate college bowling into its youth division. When college bowling suffered some deterioration over the next several years, YABA implemented the Campus Program to revitalize college bowling, focusing on the recreational side of bowling and cultivating greater awareness of bowling on college campuses. More intercollegiate programs emerged and membership peaked again during the 1990-91 season with 209 college programs and more than 3,000 individual members. During the 1991-92 season, Campus Programs peaked on their own as 71 colleges hosted programs with more than 26,000 individual members.By 1993, any college that wished to have an intercollegiate program was also required to have a Campus Program. While Campus Programs doubled as a result, overall individual membership began to fall, causing an erosion of Program funds that threatened the YABA Collegiate Division’s stability.Due to lack of resources, the Campus Program was phased out during the 1994-95 season and the YABA assumed overall management of college bowling under general tournaments and events. At the same time, however, a major boost for college bowling occurred in 1994 when the National Collegiate Athletic Association recognized women’s bowling as an emerging sport to help settle federal gender equity issues in college sports, initiating the formation of an industry joint oversight committee that operated college bowling using joint funding from ABC, WIBC and YABA. Thus, during the 1995-96 season, the Intercollegiate Bowling Program was formed. Seeking to align bowling with other college sports and NCAA regulations, The committee expanded to include representatives from organizations like the National Junior College Athletic Association and Association of College Unions International.During the 1997-98 season, the Intercollegiate Bowing Program adopted a new look and name—College Bowling USA—to highlight college bowlers as an influential and growing group that serve as an indispensable part of a bowler’s progression from youth to adult ranks. ABC and WIBC enacted legislation to administer College Bowling USA and its championship tournaments, effective by the 1998-99 season, providing an "official" home for college bowling and a true industry commitment with the advent of a new Director of Collegiate Bowling position and an ABC/WIBC-appointed Collegiate Committee to assist in program development.By the 2003-04 school year, the NCAA approved women’s bowling as an NCAA championship sport, as the number of women’s collegiate programs exceeded the required 40 for championship sport status. The first NCAA Women’s Bowling National Collegiate Championship was held April 8-10, 2004 at Emerald Bowl in Houston, Texas, with the University of Nebraska taking home the inaugural title.With the formation of the United States Bowling Congress on Jan. 1, 2005, College Bowling USA became the USBC Collegiate program.USBC Collegiate maintains the eligibility and integrity of intercollegiate bowling while providing certification and regulation of varsity bowling at the collegiate level. USBC Collegiate also provides assistance and leadership in implementing bowling programs, securing the opportunity for student-athletes to compete in the sport and achieve athletic and academic excellence.Read More
The Road to El PasoWebber International University
Ryan Dobie
StaffGary BrownUSBC Collegiate ManagerBrown oversees all aspects of the USBC Collegiate program, including the growth of collegiate bowling nationwide at all levels—the NCAA, NJCAA and NAIA. He also oversees the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships and the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships.Previously, Brown worked as associate director of USBC High School & Collegiate and as a USBC senior rules counselor, positions in which Brown developed, grew and enhanced varsity bowling opportunities at the high school and collegiate levels. Additionally, Brown drafted rules for high school and collegiate bowling and served as a marketing and event manager at USBC Headquarters.Brown graduated from Indiana University, where he was a four-year member of the men's bowling team. He earned a bachelor's degree in Sport Marketing and Management and a master's degree in Sport Marketing and Athletic Administration.Elizabeth BrentsUSBC Collegiate CoordinatorBrents oversees the USBC Collegiate program’s daily operations, which include handling membership, eligibility, rules, budgeting and awards. She serves as Tournament Office Director for the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships and USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships and works closely with the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association regarding collegiate polls and postseason competition and awards.Brents graduated from Newman University, where she was a four-year member of the bowling team and a three-time academic All-American. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in business.Read More
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USBC Intercollegiate Singles SectionalsPrior to the 2003-04 season, USBC Collegiate (formerly know as College Bowling USA), along with the support of ABC and WIBC, announced the creation of the Intercollegiate Singles Championships (formerly the Collegiate Singles Championships) to be held at the completion of the collegiate bowling season. The event replaced the Association of College Unions International Men’s and Women’s National Championships and features the top 16 male and top 16 female collegiate bowlers in the country competing for national singles titles.Beginning with the 2003-04 season, qualifying for the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships takes place as a side event at the Team Championships’ sectional qualifying tournaments. Bowlers at each of the four sectional events bowl six games of singles competition, with the top four men and top four women advancing to the national event. Competition at the national level includes eight games of qualifying to determine seeding, followed by best-of-five bracket-style match play.Download Entry Form
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Online ISC Sectionals RegistrationRead More
USBC Intercollegiate Team SectionalsEach spring, college bowling teams compete in regional qualifying tournaments known as "sectionals" for a chance to hoist the Kerm Helmer Cup at the renowned Intercollegiate Championships in April.The USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships (formerly the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships), first contested in 1975, is the pinnacle event of the college bowling season. The ITC brings together the top 16 men’s and top 16 women’s teams in the country to compete for national titles.For a school to participate in the ITC, it must compete in certified college tournaments and conferences throughout the season. By either winning a conference or being one of the top-ranked teams in the country, schools advance to postseason sectional qualifying events. The top four men’s teams and top four women’s teams from each sectional tournament earn berths into the ITC.Read More
USBC Intercollegiate Team ChampionshipsFirst contested in 1975, the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships is the pinnacle event of the college bowling season.The ITC brings together the top 16 men’s and top 16 women’s teams in the country to compete for national titles. For a school to participate in the ITC, it must compete in certified college tournaments and conferences throughout the season. By either winning a conference or being one of the top-ranked teams in the country, schools advance to postseason sectional qualifying events. The top four men’s teams and top four women’s teams from each sectional tournament earn berths into the ITC.
USBC Intercollegiate Singles ChampionshipsThe USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships, first contested in 2003, features the top 16 male and top 16 female collegiate bowlers in the country competing for national singles titles. Held annually in May, the event replaced the Association of College Unions International National Championships as the premier individual college bowling championship.| 2009 | 2010 |
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NJCAANational Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)The National Junior College Athletic Association is the governing body of intercollegiate athletics for two-year colleges. Its programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a diverse group of student-athletes who come from both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds and whose purposes in selecting a junior college may be as varied as their backgrounds. Men’s and women’s bowling programs within the NJCAA member schools have been functioning since the 1970s. This level of competition is exclusive to two-year junior and community colleges, with logical progression for many of these athletes to four-year institutions.The NJCAA also hosts its own separate national championships each year. Most, if not all, NJCAA guidelines are conducive to current USBC Collegiate guidelines. However, there may be various NCAA eligibility issues, which need to be addressed for female student-athletes looking to transfer at some time from a two-year program to a four-year institution. Initial questions may need to be researched through the normal NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse process, USBC Collegiate’s Varsity Bowling Guide, Varsity Player and Coaches’ Guide or through a prospective four-year academic institution.For more information on njcaa Women’s bowling click here. -
Women's Bowling
Indiana University WomenThe Women’s Team Focus is on Indiana University. The Hoosiers are a young team still learning the ropes, but they are looking to become more and more competitive as the season progresses. The squad, led by coach Nick Horishny, has its sights set on reaching sectionals and trying to make its first Intercollegiate Team Championships appearance since 1997.University: Indiana University
Wright State WomenThe Women’s Team Focus is on the Wright State Raiders as they look to make back-to-back appearances at the Intercollegiate Team Championships. The Raiders are poised to become a force on the collegiate scene as was proven by their early season victory at the American Heartland Intercollegiate Bowling Conference I in Beavercreek, Ohio.University:
Wright State
North Dakota State MixedMembers:
Zack Wilhelmi, Emily Peterson, Adam Laskey, Wes Stockwell, Eric Parvey, Devin Walter, Jake Tschida, Joe Matlock, Tim RudeCoach:
John LaskeyThose who doubt that bowling is a sport may want to speak with Coach John Laskey’s North Dakota State Mixed Team. After spending much of the 2008-2009 season lost in the middle of the pack at tournaments throughout the country, the Bison seemed to be finally realizing their potential with a solid run at the Backhaul Hoosier Classic, but again found themselves in the middle of the pack after the anchor bowler suffered a sprained ankle. Nonetheless, the team awakened just in time to make an improbable appearance at the USBC Intercollegiate Championships this year and see their own Eric Parvey, who finished the 2007-2008 league season with a 227 average, make the All-Tournament Team.Coach Laskey credits the team’s superior conditioning for its ability to overcome the sort of injuries you expect to encounter in sports like basketball or hockey. "Each of the bowlers put in many extra hours, either conditioning or bowling practice—similar to what is required from athletes in other college sports," Laskey says. With a season of obstacles behind them and a proven ability to overcome adversity, Laskey looks to the upcoming season as a chance to prove that this year’s ITC appearance was no fluke. "Now that the team has had the experience of attending the ITC, we are very motivated to show that it was not luck that got us there," Laskey says. "We plan to work harder and continue the success we achieved this last year."Read More
Chris BardolThe Men’s Collegiate Spotlight is currently featuring Robert Morris University of Illinois junior Chris Bardol. A two-time National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association All-American and the 2007-08 NCBCA Rookie of the Year, Bardol is poised to lead a very talented Eagles team into the Intercollegiate Team Championships. After making its first ITC appearance last season, RMU started off their 2009-10 campaign with a victory at the Midwest Collegiate Championships in Wauwatosa, Wis. Prior to the season, Bardol earned a spot on Junior Team USA after finishing fourth at the USBC Junior Gold Championships held in Indianapolis.
Name: Chris Bardol
Age: 21
Year in school: Junior
Hometown: Brockport, N.Y.
Marital/dating status: Single
High certified game: 300
High certified series: 822
Best collegiate tournament finish: 1st (twice) - 2008 Nittany Lion Kegler, 2009 Hoosier Classic
Bowling ball weight: 15
Favorite brand of bowling balls: I don't have a particular favorite. I use whatever fills the gaps I have.
Favorite bowling ball of all time: Gamebreaker, Toxic
ONE all-time best collegiate bowling memory
In only the second year of our school’s men’s program, we proved a lot of doubters wrong by finishing second in the Chattanooga sectional and qualifying for ITCs.
TWO biggest keys to collegiate bowling success
1. Communication is a must! Talk to your teammates about what they think is happening, and watch the teams (or individuals) who are bowling well.
2. Practice and determination
THREE things you bring with you to every tournament
1. Warm-ups (Mandatory for travel)
2. Equipment
3. Uniforms
FOUR collegiate bowlers you most respect and/or admire
1. Josh Blanchard
2. Brent Bowers
3. Derek Hartnell
4. Larry Brande
FIVE bowlers (past or present) that would make up your fantasy Baker team
1. Dan MacLelland
2. Josh Blanchard
3. Doug Kent
4. Bryan O'Keefe
5. Myself
SIX bowling balls you’d bring to ITCs or ISCs
1. Hammer Black Widow
2. Hammer Hot Sauce
3. Roto Grip Nomad Pearl
4. Roto Grip Cell Pearl
5. Storm Furious
6. Columbia White Dot
SEVEN deadly sins of collegiate bowling – what should collegiate bowlers avoid doing at all costs either on or off the lanes?
1. Arguing with a coaching decision
2. Bowling scared
3. Giving up
4. Not trusting yourself/teammates
5. Not following your GPS when you’re driving around
6. Worrying how other teams are doing instead of just focusing on your team
7. Folding like tacos
EIGHT of my favorite songs are
1. Lose Yourself - Eminem
2. Mockingbird - Eminem
3. Time of Your Life - Green Day
4. Don't Stop Believin’ - Journey
5. No Boundaries - Kris Allen
6. Over and Over - Nelly
7. Heart of a Champion - Nelly
8. Home - Daughtry
NINE of my favorite snack foods are
1. Bananas
2. Grapes
3. Scooby snacks
4. Mama Z's cookies
5. Goldfish
6. Popcorn
7. Rice Krispies
8. Pretzels
9. Oreos
TEN minutes before a big match, I can be found (doing what?)
I’m taping my fingers and high-fiving our girls’ team for good luck.
ELEVEN strikes in a row still makes me a little nervous (True or false)
True. You know that there is a large crowd of people watching, and you don’t want to let them down. The feeling never gets old but gets slightly easier to deal with each time.
TWELVE years from now, I hope to be ...
I hope to be bowling competitively and representing Team USA in international competition.
Stephanie MeltonThe Women’s Collegiate Spotlight is currently featuring Bellarmine University sophomore Stephanie Melton. She was a part of the 2008-09 Striking Knights team that advanced to its second consecutive Intercollegiate Team Championships appearance. Melton and company have started off the 2009-10 season on a strong note, recording three top-10 finishes. She is majoring in nursing and psychology.Name
: Stephanie Melton
Jeremy DixsonThe Men’s Collegiate Spotlight is currently featuring Saginaw Valley State University junior Jeremy Dixson. The Cardinals are looking to make it back to the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships finals, where they placed second to Wichita State last season. Dixson and company have shown that they are primed for a repeat performance by notching four top-five finishes so far this season, including a victory at their season-opening event at the American Heartland Intercollegiate Bowling Conference I in Beavercreek, Ohio. Dixson placed eighth individually at the AHIBC I, averaging over 208 for the event.Name:
Jeremy Dixson