College Bowling What you should expect as a bowler and for your parents too!
Collegiate Bowling Facts Over 3,500 student athletes Currently more than 200 schools have certified programs. There are 80 tournaments held every year Sanctioned through USBC Collegiate Programs can be either NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA or Club
NJCAA sanctioned programs Typically referred to as Junior Colleges Bowlers have 2 years of eligibility at their school May not participate in Open tournaments during the bowling season Season is defined as last Friday in September and ends with the USBC Collegiate Tournament Limited to a total of 12 tournaments Teams can compete in USBC Intercollegiate postseason events and NJCAA Championships
NCAA sanctioned programs Currently women s only programs May not participate in Open tournaments during the bowling season Teams have a maximum of 32 competition days for the season Student-Athletes and coaches may not engage in athletic events together in the off season Teams can bowl in USBC Intercollegiate postseason and NCAA Championships
NAIA sanctioned programs Typically smaller, private colleges and universities Currently termed an emerging sport. Possibly moving to varsity level. Bowlers can currently bowl in Open Competitions during season. This may change with the move to varsity. Teams can participate in USBC Intercollegiate postseason and NAIA Championships.
Club sanctioned programs Teams are same as any other club at the school. Many are student run No restrictions on number of competition days for a season No restrictions on Open Competitions during the season Can be coached or non coached Teams can compete in USBC Intercollegiate postseason and Club Championships
Eligibility Must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA Must be full time student (12 credits per semester for undergrad and 6 for grad) Satisfactory progression of 24 credits per year Transfer students Exception to transfer rule Penalties for student and team
Collegiate Competitions Tier I vs. Tier II Conference Competition Typical weekend schedule Bowling formats: Standard games, Baker, mix of both
What you as the athlete should expect!
What the student athlete should expect Long days...really long days Physical and mental exhaustion Not bowling as much as you would like Having a second family.your team Struggling Learning to balance your life Level of commitment you have not experienced before
What college coaches look for in an athlete Being coachable Keeping an open mind Sport experience Bowlers with team first mentality Bowlers that, guess what.can make SINGLE PINS!!!!!!
What you as the parent should expect
What parents can expect Very long days Extremely crowded centers, and loud.make that very loud. Oh and possibly rather warm too! Please, please, please, please watch how much you bring in Ladders Food/Beverage Booster Clubs No Coaching during events If you have something to tell a coach, please do so after the event ends. Some coaches are 100% volunteering their time
Where can you find what schools have bowling programs? Bowl.com Collegebowling.com Junior Gold expo Turbo Collegiate Expo Bowling Combine at the ITRC High School State Talking to teammates who may have moved on to college bowling
Other very important factors to consider Scholarship vs. Lower Tuition, which one equals a better overall value? You MUST pick a school that has your program first. Bowling should come second. Startclass.com this is a great reference tool that allows you to compare tuition costs
Just remember no matter what you decide College bowling is one of the greatest experiences you will ever have. You will get out of it what you put it, so get involved! You will see things, go places you never have before. If you have any questions, please ask! We are here to help you have the best time of your life.