Newman University bowling coach Billy Murphy talks frequently with the president of the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA), but on one day in April, Murphy was taken by complete surprise when the conversation turned into a notification that he would receive one of the organization’s top awards.
“I was excited, it truly is a great honor,” Murphy said about learning he had won the Gordon Teigen Service Award, collegiate bowling’s most prestigious recognition for service to the sport.
The award highlights a remarkable coaching tenure for Murphy, who is entering his 23rd season as head coach of Newman’s men’s and women’s bowling programs in 2025-26. Under his leadership, the Jets have made 22 consecutive postseason appearances, 24 trips to the Intercollegiate Team Championships (ITC) National Championships and captured 51 tournament titles combined.
Truly a blessing
“It really is a great honor, to be mentioned in the same breath with him is truly a blessing,” Murphy said of Teigen, who was one of the founders of collegiate bowling. “Mr. Tiegan basically started collegiate bowling and really did so in a volunteer capacity. The thought of him starting something from ground zero and now we have over 320 programs in the country is truly amazing.”
Murphy’s impact extends far beyond Newman’s campus. The men’s team has maintained an 80.2% winning percentage over 22 years, while the women’s team has posted a 75.6% winning percentage. Both teams qualified for the ITC Nationals in 2024-25, with first-year students Ashley Soto and Liam Hardman earning spots on the NCBCA All-Rookie Team.
“It is wonderful, but it’s the student-athletes that I am happy for the most,” Murphy said about the national tournament appearances. “This program is about a lot of things, but it’s their hard work and their commitment to their craft that gets us to the national championships.”
Mid-States Championships title trophy to then-President Noreen Carrocci.
Collegiate bowling has evolved
The sport has evolved dramatically since Murphy began coaching in 2002-03.
“On many levels, it is treated so much more like a sport than in the early days,” he said. “Just like most sports, the tech part of our game just keeps advancing, plus the data that we as coaches get to see now is at an entirely different level.”
Billy’s bowling background
Murphy brings extensive credentials to his coaching role. As a player at Wichita State University, he was a three-time All-American and a member of teams that finished as national runner-up three straight seasons. He later competed professionally, winning two world titles at the Brunswick World Team Challenge in 1994 and 1996.
His playing achievements included 29 perfect games and 14 series of 800 or higher, with a personal best of 826. Murphy has been inducted into the Great Plains USBC Hall of Fame, Kansas State Bowling Association Hall of Fame and Newman University Sports Hall of Fame.
Despite his accolades, Murphy remains focused on one thing.
It’s all about the athletes
“What makes me most proud is who our student-athletes are after they leave here and the things that they are out doing in the world, making a positive life for themselves,” Murphy said. “Our student-athletes are why I still do this. It’s just exciting watching them evolve.”
Murphy’s coaching philosophy reflects his background in education.
“I truly love what I do. I say this all the time that I should have probably been a teacher, yet I get to teach the sport that I grew up loving and I’m lucky to get to pass on the things that were taught to me,” he said.
The Gordon Teigen Service Award recognizes Murphy’s service to the sport. He has twice been named NCBCA Coach of the Year — for women’s bowling in 2017-18 and men’s in 2009-10. Under his guidance, three Jets have captured individual national championships.
Murphy was appointed interim athletic director at Newman in January 2025 while continuing as director of bowling, a position he has held since starting the program in 2002-03.
When asked how he hopes to be remembered in collegiate bowling, Murphy’s response reflected his humble approach.
“I don’t really think about those things, I’m just really trying to have a positive impact,” he said. “However, I do think it is truly a great honor due to the fact it is something that is given out by your peers.”
In addition to leading the Jets bowling program, the Hutchinson native and has two children, Taylor and Halee.
