Milligan Bowling adds 11 newcomers for 2022-23 season

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (August 17, 2022) – Milligan's varsity bowling programs welcomes 11 newcomers to the Buffs' men's and women's bowling rosters for the upcoming season. The 2022-23 campaign will mark the second year of men's bowling and the first-ever women's bowling team in Milligan University history.

"We had a fantastic group of young men to start this program last year and couldn't have recruited a finer group of young men and women to add to what we started," said head coach Brian Rickert. "Our incoming class has a combined GPA of 4.3, we have Jr Team USA members, Pepsi Champions, Storm US JR National Champions along with All-District, All-City and All-State award winners. We've also added a full-time assistant coach in Amanda Murray who brings a ton of experience and passion for not only the sport, but for helping mold our young men and women. Both teams this year have the chance to compete in the postseason and be extremely competitive."

Jackson McRae | Lebanon, TN

McRae was one of five high school boy's bowlers nationally to be recognized as Dexter High School All-American. Academically, McRae finished first in his class at Lebanon High School with a 4.466 grade point average. He was named Mr. Bowler Tennessee as a senior and took first in the USBC Tennessee Youth Pepsi Championship. A two-time high school team MVP, McRae also was a Governors School invitee for Emerging Technologies.

Why Milligan: "I decided to come to Milligan for the academic/bowling opportunities but also the wonderful atmosphere created by the faculty and students.

Cooper Baldwin | Mt. Juliet, TN

In his prep career, Baldwin was a two-time All-District selection in bowling and earned the Tennessee Scholar Award with a 4.375 grade point average. He graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors from Green Hill High School.

Why Milligan: "I decided to come to Milligan because of the strong Christian values, the competitive bowling program, and a great Business program"

Xander Stephens | Flowery Branch, GA

Stephens achieved a top-five class ranking with a 4.432 GPA at West Hall High School. As a senior, Stephens was a Junior Gold qualifier and as a band member, collected All-State and the John Phillips Sousa Band Award.

Why Milligan: "I hadn't wanted to go away to school until I heard about Milligan, and I felt that it was a calling for me to go and grow in my faith."

Aiden Bailey | Summerville, SC

Bailey continues the theme of academic excellence in the Buffs' incoming class. He was the valedictorian with a 4.866 GPA at Baptist Hill High School and has already earned an associates degree from Trident Tech. He took gold in the South Carolina state tournament and has two career 300 games.

Why Milligan: "I decided to attend Milligan University because when I walked onto campus it felt like home and I know the collection of fellow bowlers will become a family (also orange and black are great colors)."

Cameron Shockey | Lonaconing, MD

As a senior, Shockey won the Maryland Pepsi Championships, was named the Maryland Youth Star of Tomorrow and finished 102nd in the u18 Junior Gold Championships. The Mountain Ridge High School Product was a member of the National Honors Society and graduate with a 4.41 GPA.

Why Milligan: "Milligan had a beautiful campus which reminded me of home."

Caleb McDonald | Senoia, GA

McDonald was a multi-sport athlete, drama club member and 4.0 student at East Coweta High School. He was a Junior Gold qualifier as a senior in 2022.

Why Milligan: "I chose to come to Milligan because I can see myself becoming a better person and a better bowler during my time there."

Elizabeth Coutta | Smyrna, TN

Coutta was the 2022 Miss Tennessee Bowler of the Year and the state's Mid-State Bowler of the Year. A Junior Team USA member, Coutta posted a pair of top-five national finishes at the Junior Gold Championships and captured the Youth Open Championship in 2019. She graduated from Smyrna High School with a 3.83 GPA.

Why Milligan: "I decided to come to Milligan because it was a great friendly environment and I loved the coach and the view of the mountains."

Emily Cheesman | Hemet, CA

Cheesman is Milligan's first-ever recruit from California. She finished 10th at the PBA junior national and had a top-50 showing at the Junior Gold Championships in 2021. Cheesman was honored as the Mojave Girl's Bowler of the Year in 2021 and was a multi-year San Diego Bowler of the Year and all-star honoree.

Why Milligan: "I choose Milligan because I loved what it stood for and the people I would be around! Go buffs let's have a great year!"

Sydney Swiercz | Lakemoor, IL

Swiercz is the first transfer in program history as she joins Milligan's first-ever women's bowling team after spending two years at Lincoln College. While a Lynx, she competed in nearly 50 collegiate games and was a two-time Dean's List honoree. Swiercz is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Why Milligan: "I didn't expect to be at Milligan this year to tell you the truth, but I guess life has a funny way on putting us on a path that we were meant to take. When my college announced it was closing, I was forced to find a new school. As soon as I met Coach Rickert and when I heard him tell me how he really believed in his bowling program, saw the beauty of the campus and how the faculty was passionate about the school – I knew it was the school for me. I can't wait to be a part of the new bowling program here at Milligan and continue my studies. I'm excited to see this team grow and succeed and become a bowling family. Without family and faith, you are nothing. Let the journey begin!"

Laci MacQuisten | Temperance, MI

MacQuisten graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.237 GPA from Bedford High School. She entered the school's Academic Hall of Fame and earned the Presidents' Education Award. In addition, she served on student council, was inducted into eh National Honor Society and was a member of the Student Prevention Leadership Team. As a competitor for the Mules, MacQuisten was a two-time All-Conference selection and a state qualifier.

Why Milligan: "I chose to come to Milligan University because of the programs they offer and the amazing people both on the team and on campus."

Taylor Davis | Stafford, VA

Davis bowled on the first-place U20 squad at the Storm US National Championships and finished second in the singles events. She claimed multiple Pepsi Championships (Japan, Germany, Virginia). Academically, she graduated with a 4.0 and finished first in her junior ROTC class at Colonial Forge High School.

Why Milligan: "I chose Milligan because the values of the university closely align with the way I was raised along with giving me the opportunity to play the sport I love while pursuing my dream career in nursing."