03/22/2024
As the 2023-24 bowling season comes to an end, I would like to reflect on my first season as Head Bowling Coach for Lourdes University. First and foremost, I want to recognize the hard work of my team through numerous practices each week, multiple tournaments and travel, as well as their participation in fundraising events throughout the season. I also want to share that they worked hard academically with many of them being recognized by the University, NAIA, and NCBCA for their efforts.
When I joined the University last summer, we did not have a full men’s team. Several new students stepped up to the plate and joined the team. They worked hard over the season and grew so much. They improved with each practice and tournament. My goal next season is to recruit several new men for the team and to continue to help them improve and make an impact.
Now to the women! What can I say? They rocked it! They placed in the top five in seven tournaments, placing 4th at the WHAC Championships. The team qualified for the 2024 Intercollegiate Sectionals in Allen Park, Michigan. They placed 10th in their division. They continued to improve all season and it showed! My goal next season is to recruit additional women for the team and to continue to advance in standings.
I would also like to recognize the seniors from this year – Ethan Achten, Abby Arnes, DJ Barton, Sarah Chilvers, Allie Hahn, Aaron Lenz, and Taylor McBride. I am sad to see them go, but so proud of their accomplishments. They have achieved their academic pursuits and are moving on to make a difference in the world in the areas of nursing, criminal justice, communications and more. I am also happy that many of them will be staying in the area as they have already lined up jobs for their future.
I would also like to acknowledge my Assistant Bowling Coach, Nic Riley. As a former Lourdes athlete, his experience and knowledge of the university has been a tremendous help. I appreciate all the time he has spent this season working on the office systems, assisting with travel and working with the students.
Another group of individuals (the unsung heroes) I would like to recognize are the families of the team who attended tournaments near and far and who volunteered their time cheering on the teams, bringing food and snacks to the tournaments, making dinner reservations, and keeping me caffeinated with Diet Coke! I would not have made it through the season without them. Thank you so much!
This first season was a great learning experience, and the team taught me more than you could ever know. They taught me patience, to value the contributions of each player, and that everything needs to be in writing. They also worked hard to improve my dancing skills and cheerleading abilities!! But the single most important thing they taught me was that we can change the culture and become not only a team, but a family!
Looking forward to the next bowling season, I am in the middle of the recruitment process traveling to area high schools and tournaments to attract the best and brightest student bowlers. I have already secured three new bowlers for the men’s team and one new bowler for the women’s team. I will continue to recruit over the next few months.
I am looking forward to another exciting and rewarding bowling season! Go Gray Wolves!!
Coach Keith
