Men’s Bowling closes 2022 at Collegiate Shoot-Out

LAS VEGAS (December 22, 2022) – The Milligan University men's bowling team concluded the 2022 calendar year at the Collegiate Shoot-Out in Las Vegas on Wednesday. The Buffs tied for 29th at the 49-team Tier 1 event.

"During the first day of qualifying, we just couldn't get everyone scoring at the same time and labored in the middle of the pack," said head coach Brian Rickert. "We couldn't execute on our target consistently and missed too many spares to put many good games together."

After six rounds of individual games, the Buffs were 34th in the team standings. After 16 baker games on day two Milligan's pin total was 8,513 to tie with Wartburg for a top-30 team finish.

"We were a little disappointed to sit 34th out of 49 teams but finished in good spirits and planned to come out on day two with a better effort," said Rickert. "On day two, we managed to climb five spots in the standings and throw a couple big games."

In a tournament that featured nearly 400 collegiate bowlers, the Buffs had two top-100 individuals. Jackson McRae was Milligan's top individual with 1,138 pins (189.7 average) to finish 91st. McRae exceeded 180 pins in five of six games and notched a high of 224.

Cooper Brackins continued his successful Vegas trip with another top-100 showing. Brackins was 98th and led Milligan's JV with 1,128 pins (188 average).

Jameson Whaley followed in 105th with 1,117 pins (186.2) with a 232 in his final game of individual play. Cameron Shockey (127th, 1,076 pins), Tristan Crawford (128th, 1,075 pins) and Caleb McDonald (131st, 1,070 pins) each averaged between 178 and 180 pins.

In the eight-team JV event, Milligan notched a fourth-place finish with 7,908 pins.

"Cooper Brackins had a phenomenal run during these two tournaments and his energy was infectious," said Rickert. "He's definitely providing a spark to our young team."

Buffs' bowling resumes its schedule at the Southeastern Shootout on Jan. 14-15.