CCSJ Men's Bowling secures Kegel/ISBPA Midwest Collegiate Classic title in epic fashion
Addison, IL – In a come from behind effort, the Calumet College of St. Joseph men's bowling team claimed first-place at the Kegel/ISBPA Midwest Collegiate Classic at Stardust Bowl on Sunday, January 18.
The two-day event that began on the Saturday, January 17 consisted of five qualifying games on Day 1 and 16 baker games on Day 2.
With so many teams competing in the 2026 tournament, CCSJ would bowl in squad B, which is the evening round group of teams. They got off to a great start bowling a score of 1203 in its first game, higher than any other men's varsity teams first game score. By the end of the day Saturday, the Crimson Wave bowled an overall total of 5486, placing them third behind Wisconsin Whitewater and Mount Mercy.
Individually after Day 1, junior Nathaniel Trentler was third overall with an average score of 236.4 in five games played. Junior Mason Doan sat in 4th place individually after Day 1, with an average score of 233.2 and junior Bryant Griffith was in 17th place individually with an average score of 224.8.
Coming into Sunday's 16 baker games, CCSJ was still in squad B and with the two teams ahead of them in the standings in squad A, the Wave had the luxury of knowing what score would be necessary to climb up in the standings.
Observing the competition, Mount Mercy ended Day 2 averaging a score of 205 and Whitewater would pass them in the standings, by averaging a score of 214.
CCSJ would begin bowling at 1:00 p.m. and understanding that there was no matchplay, their final score by the end of the day would determine the tournament champion. In order to win, the Crimson Wave would need to average a score of 217 for the day.
While doing the math after each baker game, it was clear that CCSJ needed a score of 210 going into the final game. Now before the final game, men's head bowling coach Mike Kubacki understood the Wave haven't had any strikes in the first five frames. He called a quick team meeting to strategize and made sure each player made an adjustment to their approach.
On the very first shot of the final five frames, freshman Raymond Cyr threw a strike! Sophomore Donovan Lake followed that momentum swing up with a spare, and the Wave were in great position. Griffith then struck in the 8th, with Doan striking in the 9th and Trentler managed to strike all three in the 10th to secure the victory.
CCSJ finished and won the 2026 Kegel/ISBPA Midwest Collegiate Classic with an overall total score of 8962. Winning by 14 pins for its first team victory of the season, Kubacki said was really remarkable.
"One of the most exciting wins I've been a part of," Kubacki said. "The guys really bowled well from the start, and it was one of the most exciting Tier 1 wins in our program's history. … Knowing what we needed to win and being able to perform when we had to strike or lose, made this a significant moment in our season and program. This same team finished 26th in their first Tier 1 event this season so this is a real testament to the hard work they have put in and how far they have come. Now let's see if they can keep this up for the biggest Tier 1 of the season, the Hoosier Classic."
Nathaniel Trentler along with Mason Doan made the all-tournament team once it was announced. Trentler had the third best individual score, averaging 236.4 per game. Doan averaged 233.2 per game, marking him with the fourth best individual score.
Bryant Griffith finished 17th individually, averaging a score of 224.8 per game. The Wave also had huge contributions from bowlers Alex Linnenbrink, David Gilliam, Donald Simpkins III, Donovan Lake, and Raymond Cyr throughout the two-day event.
Up Next
CCSJ will be back in action next month in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, February 14 to compete in the Hoosier Classic.