Muskingum bowlers make more history

NEW CONCORD — Muskingum junior Evan Thro has a mantra for every time his team takes to the lanes — "Chase that feeling of when you need to strike when it matters."

Those words are why the Muskingum bowling program has become one of the best in the country.

More: Muskingum U men roll their way to first national title

The women captured the 2024 Collegiate Club National Championship earlier this month, while the men, who won the club national title last season, reached the program's first Intercollegiate Team Championship, the top college tournament, and finished fifth out of 16 teams in the tournament.

Coach Doug Smith, who started the program 12 years ago, praised the women for making their own history after finishing fourth in the club national tournament last season.

"On paper, we knew our girls could be there," Smith said. "They put the work in, and the upperclassmen accepted the freshmen, building good camaraderie. It took 12 years to win that prize, but our girls did it."

The men also made history, becoming the first 16th seed to beat a No. 1 seed in the 50-year history of the ITC tournament. They beat Webber International 4-0 in the opening round.

A strong team mentality headlines a reason for the men's success, coach David Jones said.

"We're facing all-star teams, especially with the transfer portal. We had to build ours up, and we're a team of nobodies in comparison," Jones said. "I will take a team with chemistry and character over talent. Our guys checked their egos at the door, and they did this together."

Drive, experience behind title run for Muskingum women

Experience aided a return trip to the national club tournament, senior Kaylee Hauck said. She was one of five members back, as juniors Hailey Yingst and Kelsey Wilson and sophomores Lillian Matteson and Elizabeth Springsteen also returned. Freshman Tayler Clark was the newcomer to the lineup.

Watching the men claim the national title was also a driving force.

"We didn't want to be in the boys' shadow anymore. We wanted to make a name for ourselves," Hauck said. "We knew each other's games and equipment and made suggestions to each other, while also bringing Tayler along. This group didn't have any drama or problems either. We wanted that trophy, and we worked hard to get it."

Muskingum opened the tournament with a bye before beating Grand Canyon University and Alma. The Muskies then eliminated Purdue, which had beaten top seed Coe College and a higher-ranked University of Wisconsin squad, to advance to the ninth round. Ohio State won the first game, but the Muskies rebounded to beat OSU and claim the title.

Hauck finished on the All-Tournament Team and received the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. She was also tabbed a 2024 First Team All-American, while Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, and Wilson made Second Team All-America.

Camaraderie kept the Muskies focused on their goals, remarked Smith. He credited the upperclassmen for accepting the freshmen and working together.

Wanting the best for each other was crucial to the team's rise, added Wilson. She noted even in the final match with Ohio State, both teams were encouraging each other.

"I have friends on Ohio State, and it's a friendly rivalry. We both wanted to win, but also rooted for each other since we had a common goal," Wilson said. "Our team is close, and we carried that momentum from last year. Tayler was a great asset, and this was our best season in my three years here."

Being accepted helped Clark with the move to the college level. She didn't change her personality or game, but was willing to accept help and follow the example of the upperclassmen.

"These girls have been together for awhile so I tried to be myself and perfectly blended in," she said. "It was nerve-wracking, at first, but Kaylee and the others gave me advice. We helped each other and worked well together. We stayed positive and motivated each other. We wanted to have the best outcome possible."

Ending her career with the trophy is something Hauck will remember. She also hopes her example is one that influences the program moving forward.

"I had to acclimate to the team my freshman year, and it took time to build up our reputation," she said. "Since my first day, I worked hard and wanted others to look up to me. I hope that I've done that for this group."

The Muskies ended the season in the best way possible, but Wilson said they will be prepared for another run next season.

"We have the drive, and we want to make an impact on the team," Wilson said. "We have big shoes to fill with Kaylee graduating. It will start with leadership and making sure we don't give up, no matter the situation."

Muskingum men make history again

It has been a distinguished career for senior Ethan McDonald, who already received his Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) card. He recalled the amazing run of last season and how well this season started, but he wasn't sure the Muskies would reach the ITC.

After the team finished second in the ITC sectional, McDonald knew the Muskies had a chance to have another special ending.

"I've enjoyed my four years here, but I wasn't sure I'd get to experience ITC with the team. We started to realize early on we were one of the best teams out there," he said. "We put our minds together because we wanted it."

McDonald was one of several members back from the national title squad. Seniors Andrew Amore and Logan Karl, junior Evan Thro and sophomores Kenny Haslip and Brody Wildenmann also returned, while freshman Jacob Willard was a key addition.

The Muskies qualified and finished as the 16th seed before bracket play. Even though it set up a match against top seed Webber International, Jones felt his team could spring the upset.

"Despite their talent, I thought we could beat them. I felt that we had to do it in five games and couldn't let it go longer," Jones said about the best-of-seven series format. "We got off to a fast start, beat them and carried that high into the second round."

Muskingum swept Webber 4-0 to become the first 16-seed in the 50-year tournament history to beat a No. 1 seed. The Muskies then won 4.5-2.5 over eighth seed Calumet, which had beaten Muskingum in the sectional tournament.

Unfortunately, Muskingum's momentum ended with a loss to fourth-ranked Wichita State then Webber beat the Muskies in a rematch in the loser's bracket, leading to the fifth-place finish.

Along with the team's accomplishments, Thro competed in the Intercollegiate Singles Championships (ISC), which is reserved for the top 24 individuals in the country. He was ranked 15th entering the event before losing in the first round to Kai Evans, 584-567.

Thro was only the second Muskie to nationally qualify for the ISC and was named First Team CTBCA All-American. He also received Honorable Mention NCBCA All-American accolades.

It was a team effort to follow up last year's incredible national title run with more history, Thro said.

"I was told when I was younger, 'If you aren't having fun, why are you doing it?'" Thro said. "We had a great end to our season last year, and our goal this season was to have a good season and get back to the postseason. We had good performances throughout this year up to the sectional qualifier.

"There was a learning curve for the freshmen, but we built respect for each other. We really enjoyed our time together. It helped us stay relaxed and kept the pressure off. I believe that's why we did so well again."

Being part of history is something McDonald will cherish. While he will forgo his fifth year of eligibility to compete professionally, he will continue to root on his Muskie teammates.

"It speaks of how much the coaches have grown this program," he said. "I'm excited to see what our program can keep doing."

bhannahs@gannett.com; X: @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: History Made Again: Muskingum women claim national title