By Aimable Rutayisire, Sports Editor
Newman’s men’s and women’s bowling teams both came in second place over the weekend at the Mid-States Championship, one of the oldest tournaments in collegiate bowling.
Coach Billy Murphy said the strong performance reflects the experienced and balanced roster he has put together. The team is a deep group, and everyone is growing.
“We’ve got a lot of elder statesmen who know what it takes,” Murphy said. “All the things that they have learned over the years, they’re applying.”
Murphy praised the team’s depth, saying that any one player could step up and help the team. The men’s team features key players such as junior Liam Hardman, freshman Daryus Alo and senior Zach Smullen.
Hardman was a member of last year’s National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association’s All-Rookie team, Murphy said.
“Daryus has gotten off to a strong start this year, and Zach Smullen has been a reliable four-year starter,” he said.
The men’s team defeated Baker University in the semifinal round but lost in the finals to Quincy University.
The women defeated Oklahoma Christian University in the tournament’s semifinal round, but Sam Houston State University defeated the Jets in the finals.
Senior bowler Kassidy Miller said the women’s team started off well and then faced a setback on Sunday morning.
“As Sunday went on, we came together and fought as one to get to the championship round,” Miller said.
Murphy said that the teams were built to compete.
”The culture of the team is built on character as much as on competition,” Murphy said. “...When we recruit, we talk about being good humans first,” Murphy said.
Murphy said the team is trying to build a culture where it can compete for a national championship and give every student-athlete a great experience.
“I love the teaching part and watching our young people grow,” Murphy said. “It’s what makes this so rewarding.”
Both teams will next turn their focus to the Jayhawk Classic, which happens Saturday and Sunday in Lawrence.
PHOTO: Dannicka McGrath, Photo Editor
