Addison, IL- Men's Bowling put together a strong two day event just outside of Chicago in the Kegel ISBPA Midwest Collegiate Classic. The event was categorized as a Tier I event, with 75 schools from across the country competing in the tournament. The Men's team had a strong showing, particularly on the team game portion of the event where they were 13th in the field afterwards. Ultimately, they slipped a few spots in Bakers but held on to a top 20 finish. The event will definitely improve RMU's rankings in the national rankings, found on collegebowling.com

During the team game portion, the Colonials hovered around the 200 average mark much of the afternoon. Despite a 917 out of the gate in Game 1, they followed it up with a stellar back four games. They hit their highest series of the day in Game 2 with a 1041. Consistency was the key in the final 3 games, with the team hovering just under 1000 pins a game. RMU threw a 999, 987, and a 995 in the final three to place themselves 13th after the 1st day, less than 70 pins from the Top 10. 

Freshman Antonio Willar was RMU's best bowler during the team game set, posting a 1046 series over the 5 games. He averaged a 209.2 over his 5 games, and finished 39th overall in a 490 bowler field. RMU had two other bowlers average over a 200 on the day, sophomores Jonathan Kleer and Josh Marks. Kleer's 1009 series (201.8 average) and Marks' 1002 (200.4 average) also helped push the Colonials to a strong finish. 

RMU's other two starters also bowled all 5 games and had strong days. Junior Brendan Flanagan threw a 946 series over his 5 games, averaging a 189.2 per game. Freshman Mike Barvinchak was RMU's final starter, and his 187.2 average led to a 936 series. 

In the Baker games, the team competed well but lost some ground in a very tight field. The team totaled 3698 pins in the 20 baker games, and as a team averaged roughly a 185 per game. The team wrapped up in 19th.

The Bowling team doesn't get much a rest, as they're in action next week. The team is competing at home for the first time in years, as they host the third and fourth AHIBC Conference Tournaments at the AMF in Mt. Lebanon, PA. The Colonials will undoubtedly have an advantage bowling at their home lanes in the event. Action both days begin at 9am.

Alexander Gagnon '21
Club Sport Information Director