2008 Woodie Awards
Team Ranked #2 in Nation
Michael McCrae
Issue date: 12/20/06 Section: Sports
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There's a little known fact about William Paterson University, something that may shock many students and faculty members. Did you know the WPU bowling team is currently ranked second in the nation? Then again, did you even know this school had a bowling team?
If you associate bowling with your 10th birthday party, or with trying to grip the ball with greasy fingers from too much pizza at your local lanes, then it's time you learned the truth; bowling is an exciting sport that takes a great amount of skill and determination. And no, a prerequisite of playing for the team isn't being bald, fat and 40 years old.
Team president Greg Hatzisavvas feels the experience of attending a tournament will change any novice bowling fan's opinion in a heartbeat. He urges people to come see for themselves.
"If someone were to attend a bowling event, he or she would be surprised to see the amount of excitement there is," he said. "There is constant interaction between the bowlers and coaches. Toward the end of a close game, the matches become very intense between the two teams."
The team's high ranking amongst all schools that offer college bowling nationwide is its highest since 1994. The team captured the National Title in 1992.
The Pioneers bowling team members require physical skill and stamina, due to the long format of many college tournaments. Keys to success for each team member include accuracy, consistency and the ability to read lanes and spare shooting skills.
The majority of the team's budget is funded by the Student Government Association; however, it is up to the team to raise the rest of the money needed to compete in its tournaments. The team raises money through club dues, fundraisers and tournament winnings.
For each bowler, practice definitely makes perfect.
"As with any sport, the only way to get better is through practice," Hatzisavvas said. "By keeping a positive attitude and making spares they will always be in the hunt."
If you associate bowling with your 10th birthday party, or with trying to grip the ball with greasy fingers from too much pizza at your local lanes, then it's time you learned the truth; bowling is an exciting sport that takes a great amount of skill and determination. And no, a prerequisite of playing for the team isn't being bald, fat and 40 years old.
Team president Greg Hatzisavvas feels the experience of attending a tournament will change any novice bowling fan's opinion in a heartbeat. He urges people to come see for themselves.
"If someone were to attend a bowling event, he or she would be surprised to see the amount of excitement there is," he said. "There is constant interaction between the bowlers and coaches. Toward the end of a close game, the matches become very intense between the two teams."
The team's high ranking amongst all schools that offer college bowling nationwide is its highest since 1994. The team captured the National Title in 1992.
The Pioneers bowling team members require physical skill and stamina, due to the long format of many college tournaments. Keys to success for each team member include accuracy, consistency and the ability to read lanes and spare shooting skills.
The majority of the team's budget is funded by the Student Government Association; however, it is up to the team to raise the rest of the money needed to compete in its tournaments. The team raises money through club dues, fundraisers and tournament winnings.
For each bowler, practice definitely makes perfect.
"As with any sport, the only way to get better is through practice," Hatzisavvas said. "By keeping a positive attitude and making spares they will always be in the hunt."
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