Trailblazers Finish Runner-Up at Wright State Raider Classic
BEAVERCREEK, Ohio — The Vincennes University Men's Bowling team turned in one of its best performances of the season over the weekend, finishing second overall at the Wright State Raider Classic, held November 8–9 at Beaver-VU Bowl.
Saturday – Traditional Play
VU opened the event with an outstanding day of traditional play on Saturday, totaling 4,279 pins across four games to sit second overall after Day One in a competitive 21-team field. The Trailblazers posted game scores of 1,154, 1,031, 1,052, and 1,042, averaging an impressive 1,069 per game and finishing the day just behind tournament leader University of Northwestern Ohio (4,433).
Junior Nick Gregg led the way individually with a 922 four-game series (230.5 average) that included high games of 268, 236, and 228, finishing third overall in singles and earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Junior Dakota Waskom followed closely with a 905 series (226.3 average) and placed seventh, while freshman Cadyn Coddington added an 809 total (202.3 average). Freshman Nick Hubbard contributed a 577 series, junior Dylan Lewis totaled 364, and sophomore Colton Martin came in to fire a 267 game that helped the Trailblazers maintain momentum through the final stretch.
Fourth-year Head Coach Paul LeMond praised his team's hot start and balance throughout the rotation. "We got off to a great start," LeMond said. "It was exciting to get out front early for a change. The guys were lined up, throwing great shots, and the energy was there all day. We just stayed focused on one shot at a time and executed."
Sunday – Baker Play and Finals
VU carried that momentum into Sunday's Baker competition, averaging 220 across 16 games to finish first in qualifying with a total of 7,801 pins, advancing to tournament play as the top seed. The Trailblazers posted Baker highs of 278, 249, and 246, closing the block strong and building confidence heading into the elimination rounds. "We came out smoking just like we did the first day," LeMond said. "The guys made great adjustments, used the right equipment, and everyone contributed. It was a total team effort."
In the semifinal round, the four remaining teams — Vincennes University, Marian University, University of Northwestern Ohio, and The Ohio State University — bowled simultaneously across four Baker games to determine the top two advancing to the championship. The Trailblazers led the way with a 937 total on games of 257, 219, 213, and 248, followed by Marian University (881), Ohio State (864), and University of Northwestern Ohio (859).
In the championship round, VU and Marian went head-to-head in a two-game Baker series to decide the title. The Trailblazers rolled games of 201 and 235 for a 436 total, but narrowly fell as Marian claimed the championship with scores of 249 and 214 (463 total).
Despite the close finish, LeMond said he was proud of his team's poise and performance under pressure. "We bowled well all day," he said. "To finish second in a field like this says a lot about where we're at. We're communicating better, making moves faster, and it's showing in our scores. We just have to keep building on it."
With another strong showing under their belt, the Trailblazers now look to carry their momentum into the next stop on the schedule. "We're rolling well," LeMond added. "The guys are learning how to trust each other and work through transitions. We're going to keep working on spare shooting and staying mentally sharp."
The Trailblazers return to action November 15–16 at the Boilermaker Classic/Boilermaker Baker Shootout at Mike Aulby's Arrowhead Bowl in Lafayette, Indiana.
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:
- X (formerly Twitter): @VUTrailblazers
- Facebook: Vincennes University Athletics
- Instagram: @VincennesUTrailblazers
- Youtube (live & on demand content): BlazerVision
- Website: https://govutrailblazers.com
