It’s that time of year again. As students return to campus, the Shawnee State University men’s and women’s bowling teams also return to the lanes. SSU’s bowlers look to start the season off strong the first weekend of October at the first Ohio Bowling Conference (OBC) tournament of the season in the Columbus Square Bowling Palace.
Head coach Bryan Sturgill shared insights on the goals of the team this year, stating, “Our goals pretty much stay the same year to year. The number one is to go try and win the Ohio Bowling Conference. Number two, qualify for the USBC (United States Bowling Congress) sectionals. Number three, win an event during the season. Number four, which should probably be number one, just compete and work hard during the entire season and enjoy the season and our teammates.”
The men’s team finished 54th in the national rankings last year, while the women’s finished 46th, earning both teams a trip to their respective USBC sectional tournaments. Assistant coach Jani Sturgill won the SSU Female Assistant Coach of the Year Award as well.
Bryan Sturgill went on to say he is “most excited to see the growth from the men’s team. Being a young team and seeing how we finished last year off, it makes it exciting to see what they can do with a year of college experience under their belts.”
As for the women’s team, he is “excited to see how our two freshmen come in and help us this year.”
Both teams get together and practice three times a week in preparation for each tournament throughout the season. In addition to participating in the OBC tournaments, the Bears will travel to tournaments in surrounding states such as Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Indiana.
“We have a great group of bowlers on both teams, and they have been working hard,” Bryan Sturgill said. “As a coach, that is all we can ask for. The results will come, but, most importantly, we will have fun this season and see where it takes us. We are looking forward to this season as there are some questions that need answered and opportunities that are coming. and we are excited to see how we handle them. ”
Bryan Sturgill and the SSU bowling teams look forward to having a strong and consistent season beginning at the OBC on Oct. 5 in Columbus, Ohio.
