VU bowling makes big splash with signing of Cayden Russell

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University bowling coach Paul LeMond hit big on his first signing as head coach of the Trailblazers in Noblesville native Cayden Russell.

Cayden is a right hand, two-handed bowler and is the son of 2003 NJCAA All-American, member of the VU 2003 NJCAA National Championship team and current PBA Tour pro Ronnie Russell and 2003 NJCAA All-American and 2003 NJCAA Women's Individual National Champion Michelle Russell.

"I am really excited to have Cayden joining our team next season," VU Bowling Coach Paul LeMond said. "He will always be my first signee and I couldn't think of a better kid for it. I've known Cayden and have bowled with him since he was about 10 years old. Cayden is one of the Top 20 high school bowlers in the country and he is a strong start to the type of bowling team I am looking to build for next season."

Cayden didn't begin to seriously pursue bowling until the age of 14, but in the four short years cine he has committed to the sport and has earned many achievements.

Russell was the Middle School Regional Champion in 2019 after winning 2-TKO championships and one second-place finish.

That same year, Russell also bowled his first 300 game at the age of 14.

With little opportunities to compete his freshman year of high school, Russell still managed to find success, winning the Indiana High School Bowling Sectional Championship in his conference and had a strong showing at the Indiana High School State Finals.

Cayden then took advantage of every event available to him in 2021 and built up quite a resume including winning the 2021 Indiana High School State Championship with his team, 2021 Storm Youth Team Challenge Champion and Indiana/Kentucky All-Star and Team Champion, collecting both High Series and Game for both Team and Singles.

Russell was also the runner-up at the 2021 Indiana Youth State Masters, placed seventh at the Indiana Youth State Open and 16th place at the 2021 Junior Gold tournament out of a field of 1,100 bowlers.

Last season Cayden continued to challenge himself by entering new events and programs which led to him being named to the 2022 Indianapolis All-City Team and an Indiana/Kentucky All-Star.

Russell was also named a Northwest Indiana Junior Tournament Players Association (NWIJTPA) All-Star and won the Adult/Youth Tournament Championship alongside his father Ronnie.

Russell also competed with his father as a contestant in the 2022 PBA chosen Royal Family Tournament which aired on Fox Sports.

Russell won his second Indiana State Youth Masters Championship in 2022 and was an Indiana High School All-State Champion, as well as being a Lake Michigan Cup Member and Champion that year.

To date, Russell has 22 300 games under his belt, including countless 800 series. Russell will be finishing his senior high school season this spring at Noblesville High School where his mother Michelle is the head coach.

Russell said he looks forward to the adventure ahead with Coach LeMond and is excited to be a member of the Vincennes University Trailblazer bowling program.

The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to welcome Cayden Russell to the 2023 recruiting class and wish him well as he finishes his senior year of high school.