Bowling coaching staff undergoes restructure; Michael Hall joins as Assistant Bowling Coach

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (May 20, 2024) – Milligan University Director of Athletics, Christian Pope is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Hall to the Buffalo staff as the Assistant Bowling Coach.

"After three years of remarkable growth, and our desire to propel Milligan University Bowling to be a perennial top-5 program, we have made the decision to evolve our coaching structure to ensure continued success and enhance our student-athletes' experience," said Head Bowling Coach Brian Rickert.

Both the Milligan men's and women's teams placed in fifth at the NAIA National Championship Tournaments. In addition, Nate Trentler was named the NAIA Men's Bowling Rooking of the Year and an NAIA All-America Second Team honoree with Bryant Griffith making the NAIA All-America Third Team.

Hall comes to Milligan with 10 years of collegiate coaching experience and 30-plus years of experience in the sport of bowling, having bowled 25 perfect 300 games and an 846 high series. He has coached and started new bowling programs at three other NAIA institutions, serving at Cornerstone University (Mich.) from 2013-15, Spring Arbor University (Mich.) from 2015-18, and Midway University (Ky.) from 2018-24.

"I couldn't be more thrilled with the addition of Coach Michael Hall to our staff," Rickert noted. "I've known Coach Hall for nearly a decade, and he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the table. His expertise is going to be a game-changer for us, no doubt about it. What I love most though, is Coach Hall's alignment with our core values. He's all about J.O.Y. – Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last and with his leadership, I'm confident our athletes will not only excel on the lanes but also grow into outstanding individuals. I'm looking forward to working together and achieving great things for Milligan University Bowling."

During his time at Midway, Hall saw the program collect seven Tier 2 Tournament wins and produce two Mid-South Conference Rookies of the Year and one NAIA Men's Bowling All-American. This past season, the Midway women's team was ranked in the NAIA Top 10 and earned a berth to the NAIA National Championships.

"I am grateful for the opportunity God has given to me," Hall said. "To lead our youth is a great responsibility, and to whom much has been given, much is required. I'm ready!

"I am excited to start this new chapter of my career as a Buffalo," he continued. "Coach Rickert and I share a lot of the same philosophies, but we are also individuals with unique experiences and ideas. Together, we will do bufftastic things!"

Hall also has his United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Bronze Level Coaching Certification.

The Milligan men's and women's teams finished the 2023-24 season placing fifth at the NAIA National Championships, and Griffith represented the Buffaloes at the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Competition.