Men's Bowling Brings Home First Red Banner, National Title in School History

LANSING, Mich. - The Mustang men's bowling team delivered a historic performance at the NAIA Championships, clinching the school's first red banner and NAIA national title in history, defeating reigning NAIA champion Marian in three games.

The Mustangs made their first ever trip to the NAIA national championships count, dominating their way through the field while not dropping a matchup, going a perfect 4-0. In the final Mega Match format, the Mustangs dropped the first game in the best of three. 

The first game began with traditional singles, with Marian holding the early advantage, winning game one by a pinfall of 1056 to 1027. Blake Walsh would lead the team in game one by bowling a 232, followed by Keaton Ostrowski and Jacob Bockstie at 207 and 201 respectively.

Game two is where the Mustangs picked up the much needed momentum, defeating the Knights, 1095-988. The Mustangs would post scores of 238, 233, and 223 secure the point, evening up the matchup at one game a piece.

The championship mentality of Mustang bowling kicked into high gear in the final game as both teams headed to Baker matchplay in a best-of-seven series, where the Mustangs would secure a 4-1 victory, earning the decisive second point.

After the tournament, Andru Blaney and Blake Walsh earned All-Tournament team, with Walsh earning the NAIA Tournament MVP.

"For the guys, I'd say that they're a super talented and young group, and it's been a joy to watch them figure out team bowling together," said men's bowling head coach Cassidy Courey. "They have been extremely resilient and driven to become one of the top programs in the country, and they got to showcase their skillsets this past week. They have a unique willingness to keep working to find solutions to weaknesses. Seeing the guys want to compete for each other and then win together was one of the most rewarding moments I've experienced."

The Mustangs will next gear up for another title run, this time at the USBC ITC Finals, taking place in Green Bay in April.