In a matter of just a few short years, the Iowa Central bowling program has transformed itself into a perennial contender on the national scene.
The Triton women are coming off a national championship with the men earning runner-up honors. The year before, it was the Iowa Central men hoisting the NJCAA trophy at the end of the season.
Now, the task for Gregg Haden is to continue the drive and keep building the program pin by pin and strike by strike.
"Practice with a purpose," Haden said, of one of the keys to the success at Iowa Central on the lanes. "Following our code of conduct and holding each individual accountable for their actions. It's not about putting the right bowlers in the right spots, but by doing those things within our program, success will follow."
Returning for the Triton women include Allison Christenson, Madison Ross and Hannah Walden. Ross is a graduate of Charles City. Haden also has newcomers such as Fort Dodge Senior High state champion Leah Sanck, Sara Byers, Korrissa Johnson, Cassadey Lee, Olivia Nolte, Samantha Wangen and Ashly Wiegand to work with.
On the men's side, Kamrin Chizek and Ray Wiegand from Marshalltown are joined by Nathaniel Hansen in terms of bowlers with experience. Braedon Gehrke, Justin Graves, Jordan Pelant, Derek Rucker, Mason Stokes and Marcus Yamada are key newcomers.
"We are always looking for coachable kids with a passion for the sport and the willingness to learn," Haden said. "The support of our institution, the support of Family Bowling Center and my outstanding assistant coach, Haley Hall, have helped us build the program to such a high level.
"Also the willingness of those in which we recruit to buy into what we do as a program."
Iowa Central opens the year at the Clarke Crusader in Dubuque January 23-24. A handful of events will lead to April where the NJCAA National Championships take place in Buffalo.
-By Dana Becker
IOWA CENTRAL BOWLING
Schedule
Jan. 23-24 - Clarke Crusader in Dubuque.
Feb. 6-7 - Mid States Championships in Wichita, Kan.; Feb. 27 - Kohawk Invitational in Cedar Rapids.
March 20-21 - Leatherneck Classic in Davenport; March 27-28 - Five Seasons Classic in Cedar Rapids.
April 7-9 - NJCAA National Championships in Buffalo; Feb. 16-18 - USBC Collegiate Sectionals.
May 2-8 - USBC ITS and ITC.