Men’s Bowling closes regular season at Tier 1 Hoosier Classic

INDIANAPOLIS (February 19, 2023) – The Milligan University men's bowling team finished 44th out of 78 schools at the prestigious Tier 1 Hoosier Classic over the weekend.

The Buffs knocked down 5,607 pins across six individual team games and cleared 2,756 pins in 15 baker games. Milligan's total of 8,363 pins ranked 47th out of the 78-team field.

"This was the first time our men have had a chance to compete at the Hoosier Classic against close to 80 of the top schools in all of collegiate bowling," said head coach Brian Rickert. "We came out of the gate very strong with a couple excellent games and had a brief moment in the top 10. However, in game three we struggled with finding a consistent line to the pocket and missed way too many spares. We were able to pick it back up again in game four and five but were too far behind the top teams to make a run."

In a field of over 500 bowlers, Jackson McRae led Milligan with a 76th-place individual finish with 1,221 pins (203.5 average). He bowled four games with 200 pins or more with a high of 235.

"This was Jackson McRae's best tournament of the season and I'm pleased for him to have the success he did this weekend," said Rickert. "He's going to be a big part of how we finish in the next few weeks."

Caleb McDonald followed in 125th with 1,146 pins (191 average) with a high of 253 in the opening game. Tristan Crawford finished 150th with 1,121 pins (186.83 average) with a high of 226.

In 15 baker games, Milligan eclipsed 200 three times with high games of 224, 209 and 200.

"Overall, this was a great experience and I'm pleased with a finish in the middle of the pack," said Rickert. "It'll be valuable as we enter the post-season next weekend."

The Buffs are set to compete at the SSAC Bowling Championships next weekend.