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Vincennes University

Trailblazer Bowlers Finish Third at NJCAA Nationals, Martin Wins Singles Title

Trailblazer Bowlers Finish Third at NJCAA Nationals, Martin Wins Singles Title
Results
March 7, 2026

LANSING, Mich. — The Vincennes University Men's Bowling team delivered a strong performance on the NJCAA national stage March 6–7, afetr a more than ten-year hiatus, finishing third overall at the NJCAA National Championship at Royal Scot Golf & Bowl. The Trailblazers compiled 13,438 total pins across the two-day event, highlighted by an Individual National Championship performance from sophomore Colton Martin.

Day One – Friday

The opening day featured singles and doubles competition, followed by the first block of the five-person team event. VU was led by sophomore Colton Martin, who captured the NJCAA Singles National Championship with a three-game total of 738, including games of 226, 267, and 245.

Head Coach Paul LeMond, now in his fourth season leading the Trailblazers, said Martin's performance set the tone early in the tournament. "We battled in doubles and then Colton really opened things up in singles," LeMond said. "He rolled the ball fantastic and earned the national title. Seeing him become an NJCAA Champion was a great moment for our program."

Several Trailblazers also posted solid individual finishes. Freshman Nickolas Hubbard placed 20th in singles with a 621 series, while freshman Vincent Murrey finished 43rd with 581. Sophomore Tad Harvey added 565, sophomore Ryan Webber recorded 556, sophomore Zane Anderson totaled 505, sophomore Carter Martin finished with 495, and freshman Taylor Jones added 428.

In doubles play, the pair of Anderson and Jones finished with 1,174 to place 15th. Harvey and Colton Martin combined for 1,172 to place 16th, while Carter Martin and Murrey also posted 1,172 to finish 18th. The duo of Webber and Hubbard rounded out the doubles scoring with a 19th place finish and 1,168 pins.

The Trailblazers remained near the top of the standings throughout the opening day and carried that momentum into the final day of team competition.

Day Two – Saturday

VU returned Saturday for the remaining five-person team games and Baker competition. The Trailblazers posted 2,757 pins in the opening three-game team block and 2,858 in the second block, totaling 5,615 pins in the traditional team format.

Webber led the team effort with 1,150 pins across six games, highlighted by strong performances throughout both blocks. Colton Martin followed with 1,132 pins, while Hubbard added 926 and Harvey contributed 914. Murrey added 741 pins, Anderson finished with 426 pins, and Carter Martin chipped in 326.

In Baker play, Vincennes posted games of 205, 277, and 222 in the opening block for 704 pins, followed by 231, 162, and 192 for 585 in the second block, and 178, 213, and 168 in the final block for 559, finishing with 1,848 Baker pins.

The combined effort gave the Trailblazers 13,438 total pins, securing third place overall behind Rock Valley College (13,910 pins) and Iowa Western Community College (13,560 pins).

LeMond said the team's competitiveness throughout the tournament reflected the group's resilience and growth. "We battled all weekend," LeMond said. "Every time it looked like we might falter, the guys stayed focused and kept competing. I'm really proud of the way they handled themselves on the national stage."

Colton Martin's performance across all events also earned him NJCAA All-American honors, finishing eighth overall in the All-Events standings with 2,462 pins.

LeMond said the national championship experience will benefit the Trailblazers as they continue postseason play. "This was a great experience for both our freshmen and sophomores," LeMond said. "Competing at this level teaches you a lot about managing pressure and making adjustments. Our guys will learn from it, and that will help us moving forward."

VU enters their final stretch of postseason play and will next travel to Smyrna Bowling Center in Smyrna, Tennessee, March 14–15 for the USBC Sectional Qualifier, where the Trailblazers will look to qualify for the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships.

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