Men’s Bowling posts top-25 finish at Tier 1 Columbia 300 Hoosier Classic

INDIANAPOLIS (February 11, 2024) – The Milligan University men's bowling team finished 24th of 78 teams at the Tier 1 Columbia 300 Hoosier Classic in Indianapolis over the weekend.

The Hoosier Classic is the largest tournament of the season for Milligan and marked the end of the regular season for the Buffs. Milligan finished ahead of NAIA No. 4 Pikeville and No. 6 Tennessee Wesleyan.

"The Hoosier tests the best teams in the nation and is designed to make teams execute," said head coach Brian Rickert. "It definitely exposed some of our weaknesses – which is perfect as we go into the postseason."

The tournament format included six team games, 15 baker games and bracket play for the top eight teams. The Buffs sat 18th in the standings after clearing 5,987 pins in six individual games on Saturday.

Nate Trentler finished 90th with 1,206 (201.0 average) pins in six games. Aiden Bailey averaged 205.8 pins in five games with three efforts over 200 pins, including a 254 in the opener.

"We elevated Aiden Bailey to our varsity squad recently and boy has he brought us burst of energy," said Rickert. "We couldn't be prouder of the work he has put in and how he motivates the group."

Alex Evans averaged 204.2 pins and Joshua Collins averaged 203.8 pins in five games apiece. Both had two games over 200 pins.

The Buffs knocked down 2,544 pins (169.6 average) in baker play. Both of Milligan's 200-plus baker games came in the final four bakers games.

"When we found some momentum we 'shot ourselves in the foot' with poor execution," said Rickert. "We know we are better than our results showed and are looking forward to putting in the hard work to compete for a national championship berth in a few weeks."

The Buffs head to the Southern States Athletic Conference Championships in two weeks.