Bowling finds success early in program history

Building a team from the ground up is no easy task, let alone being successful in the first few years of existence. Bringing in athletes that fit the mission and values of the university can take multiple seasons, and creating the right culture to build a highly competitive team does not happen overnight.

But Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Bowling Michael Hall and the SAU bowling programs have made remarkable progress in just two years. The momentum began last fall when the men’s team captured its first-ever tournament championship at the Adrian College Open. A freshman, Dylan Bentley (Belleville, Michigan), led the way for the team, finishing in first place — also a first for the program — out of 77 bowlers. The women’s team would finish in second place at the same tournament.

The following weekend, SAU hosted its inaugural event — the WHAC Jamboree #2. Hundreds of parents and fans packed Airport Lanes in Jackson to see both teams post their highest finishes to date in a conference tournament.

The men’s program claimed its second tournament win in January, finishing first out of 17 teams at Muskingum University’s Muskie Mash. Meanwhile, the women closed out the season earning a third place finish at the WHAC Championship with freshman Kaylee Collier (Jackson, Michigan) earning All-Conference honors, becoming the first Cougar to receive an all-conference award.

“I am elated with the growth of our program,” says Hall. “Aside from the bowling, the development of faith and character in our student athletes has been significant. Through our team’s extracurricular activities and community involvement over the last two years, I have watched these young adults grow in their faith and closer to God. I’m humbled that my passion for bowling has been an instrument for God to use, and I am amazed with what he has done with our program!”