LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Lakeland University men's and women's bowling teams participated in their first tournament in over a year at the Boilermaker Classic hosted by Purdue University at Mike Aulby's Arrowhead Lanes.

The Muskies met many of their goals, per head coach Mike Stubler. The women's team was comprised of only one member that has competed before, Dana Hanson (Jr.-Dodgeville, Wis.).  The balance of the team-Rachel Freeman (So.-Algonquin, Ill.), Amelia McLarty (Fr.-Port Washington, Wis.), Carlie Morrow (So.-Menasha, Wis.) and Allie Smith-and are rookies bowling in competition for the first time.

The tournament started the first day with individuals bowling five standard games each over a grueling seven-hour match. Although all scores did not meet individual goals, most had games that bested their personal high. In all, total series scores were better than expected for a team that had little to no experience. Morrow topped the score for the ladies with a 181 game and a 796 series and placed 28th overall out of 73 bowlers.

The second day was comprised of 16 baker-style team games. This is where the team shares each game by each bowler bowling two out of the 10 frames in the game. Stubler said that as the day before, not all personal goals were met, but a team standard was established that is higher than expected. This standard will be used to springboard the team into the future.

The Boilermaker Classic was the first competition for the Muskies men's team. Although beginners at the collegiate level, this team is far from beginners on the lanes. The team is comprised of four Wisconsin high schools state team champions-Chase Heling (So.-Plymouth, Wis.), Levi Kesler (So.-Plymouth, Wis.), Rory Stubler (So.-Oostburg, Wis.) and Logan Weigel (Fr.-Sheboygan, Wis.). Tyler Berg (So.-West Bend, Wis.) was the lone beginner and competed in his first bowling contest ever and bowled very well.

New to this format, the team was tested and some struggled to meet personal goals. Throughout the five standard game match the team averaged 179 per game placing them in 10th place. Heling led the team with a 268 high game and a five-game series of 1011. Rory Stubler was not far behind with a 982 series. Honorable mention according to Mike Stubler must go to Berg, our first-year bowler who finished the day with a staggering 221 game.

The second day baker games saw the team struggle with lane conditions. Although each member had their time of success, they just could not get it to happen at the same time. A high game of 236 and an average of 180 for the day fell short of the goal and kept them in the 10th spot for the tournament. The experience has certainly set them to better prepare for future tournaments.