UNOH bowling team takes shape

LIMA — The UNOH first-year bowling program took another major step forward Thursday when the coaching staff and nearly 40 recruits were introduced to the media.

The night began with remarks of the university’s president, Dr. Jeff Jarvis.

“We are very excited about the team and the opportunities that you will have to compete,” Jarvis said. “More important however is the education that you will receive while you are here at the university. We will take care of you as student-athletes. You are now apart our university. We take care of our own.”

Jarvis made mention of an NAIA president’s meeting he had attended in which one of the presidents mentioned how their school had competed against the University of Southern California. It served as his motivation to put UNOH on the same level. That was two years ago, and Thursday’s events were a continuation of that journey.

Along the way Jarvis and Athletic Director Chris Adams recruited an impressive coaching staffs. Todd Book came home from the PBA and Phil Austin and Dave Jeanneret joined as assistants

What followed was last night when 37 of the 40 recruits were presented to the media. It is noteworthy the recruits come from the multi-state area, including one player who rented a car to make the trip from Pennsylvania.

“This team is the first of the teams that will bowl for the university and the three of us are proud to serve as the coaches of this first team,” Book said. “This evening is for the kids, it is their moment. I am just happy to be a part of the program and look forward to the opportunity to work with them.”

In the days leading up to Thursday’s events, the coaching staff has been focused on recruiting bowlers with the skill sets and the character needed to represent the school and, more importantly, their families.

That stance held form Thursday as each of the student-athletes were introduced with references made to each one’s area of study and the high marks of their bowling career. Those careers include more than 20 300 games and a slew of 800 sets.