Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Vincennes University

VU to Semis at Hammer Golden Eagle Invite

VU to Semis at Hammer Golden Eagle Invite
September 28, 2025

ROCKFORD, Ill. — The Vincennes University men's bowling team opened its 2025–26 campaign with a strong showing at the Hammer Golden Eagle Invite, finishing sixth overall in a 28-team field that featured some of the nation's top programs.

Saturday — Traditional Play

The Trailblazers rolled team scores of 1050, 976, 1130, 1029, and 869 across five traditional games on Saturday, giving them a 5,054 pinfall and placing them sixth after the opening day. Individually, VU was led by Ryan Webber (214 average, 1070 series; high 246), Dakota Waskom (205 average, 1029 series; team-high 278), and Nick Gregg (203 average, 1018 series; high 213). Colton Martin added a 214 average across three games with a high of 258, Nick Hubbard contributed a 191 average over two games highlighted by a 221, Cadyn Coddington posted a 194 high (187 average), Dylan Lewis recorded a 186, and Eli Fromm chipped in a 193 (175 average).

Head coach Paul LeMond said the early momentum helped the team settle in. "We got off to a good start and were able to get several guys lined up early. Ryan, Dakota, and Nick really stepped up for us this weekend, and as a team we battled through the ups and downs," LeMond said. "When we clicked as a group, the big scores were there. It was a total team effort."

Sunday — Baker Games and Bracket Play

On Sunday, the Trailblazers returned to the lanes for 16 Baker games and strung together a steady block, averaging just under 200 per game for a 3,176 total pinfall. After an opening 203, the Blazers added games of 246, 214, and 213 among their best, with nearly every bowler contributing at different points in the rotation. That effort placed Vincennes seventh overall with 8189 pins following Baker play, which was enough to qualify for the championship bracket.

LeMond credited the group's chemistry and balance during the Baker block. "We were consistent all day in Bakers, averaging right around 200 for the block, which kept us in position for bracket play," he said. "The guys communicated well, talked about what they were seeing, and helped each other get lined up. That was huge for us moving forward."

In bracket competition, the Trailblazers knocked off No. 2 seed and reigning USBC national champion Wisconsin–Whitewater, two games to one. VU took the opener 227–167, dropped the second 167–204, then secured the upset with a decisive 220–205 win in the rubber game. In the semifinals, Vincennes battled Rock Valley in another best-of-three, falling just short in a 2–1 decision. The Blazers dropped the opener 211–299, bounced back with a 226–204 win, and were edged in the deciding game 167–220.

LeMond emphasized the importance of the experience. "We showed we can compete with anybody, knocking off a national champion in Whitewater," he said. "Our depth really showed this weekend—we're eight to ten guys deep and very versatile. This was a great start for us to build from."

The Trailblazers now turn their attention to the Midwest Collegiate Championship, one of the premier Tier I events of the season, set for October 4–5 at Imperial Lanes in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Join the Journey

As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Men's Bowling squad all year long through a number of ways: