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The Collegiate Club Bowling season is set to begin in January after being delayed in September due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.
The Wright State University (WSU) bowling team is remaining optimistic about the upcoming season through these unprecedented circumstances.
“We have always been a team that deals with the situations and adapts to whatever is thrown at us. I have asked the players to stay positive and hope for the best, but that we will adjust to any changes,” said Head Coach Jeff Fleck.
Additional year of eligibility
The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) granted an additional year of eligibility to all student-athletes competing during the 2020-21 Collegiate season.
“With things changing daily across the country, we feel this decision provides the flexibility for the best possible student-athlete experience,” said International Bowling Campus Youth Development Managing Director Gary Brown.
This allows student-athletes to receive an extra year of eligibility regardless of if they compete in the season. This allows for flexibility if the season were to get cut short or cancelled.
“The extra year of eligibility I personally think is one of the best things USBC could have done for the collegiate sport this season,” said senior bowler Jonathan Ciero.
History of the WSU bowling team
Fleck is in his 15th season as head coach of the club bowling team and has a multitude of different accolades under him.
The women’s team won the Club National’s in 2015, along with six national qualifiers dating back to 2009. The men’s team was third in the Club National’s in 2014 and has had two national qualifiers since 2011.
“I have enjoyed each and every moment. The many victories and accomplishments of the bowlers over the years has been amazing. I feel in a small part that I have contributed to their success as both a bowler and a person,” said Fleck.
Excitement surrounding the season
Collegiate sports are experiencing issues due to the coronavirus, and the health and safety of the student-athletes is at the forefront of how the USBC will proceed with the season.
The season could potentially be in jeopardy if the situation continues to worsen, but as of now they are moving forward with the January start date, and players are happy about the decision.
“I am super excited for this upcoming season and I am excited to experience what college bowling is all about. We have an amazing team program so I know we can do great things,” said freshman bowler Alexandra Drsek.
The bowling team was originally informed in August that the season would be delayed. After the USBC approved the Jan. 1 start date, the bowling team was eager to get the season underway.
“I personally am beyond excited to get the season going again and compete. I think we can have a solid team that builds into one of the best club teams out there,” said Ciero.
