Newman University alumnus Alex George ‘17 continues to make a name for himself in the sport of bowling.
George was recently crowned regular singles champion at the USBC Open Championships.
“It was an unbelievable experience to win the 2022 USBC Open Championships Singles Title,” George said. “Winning an Eagle is one of the most prestigious trophies you can win in bowling.”
George, a Wichita native, rolled games of 290, 279 and 279 for an 848 series to take the lead in regular singles, recording strikes on 32 of his 35 deliveries during the set. His score is the sixth highest in tournament history and fourth overall in singles.
“I had the opportunity to get the first two strikes in the 10th frame, game three, to break the all-time singles record at the Open Championships,” George explained. “To do it with some good friends cheering and rooting me on will be something I always remember. Winning at the Open Championships is extremely special and will hopefully help me advance my bowling career.”
That career began back when George was just 2 years old. He bowled throughout his childhood before choosing to attend Newman for college, in part because of its esteemed bowling program.
“My bowling experience at Newman was incredible,” he said. “Winning Midstates my senior year in 2016, making two all-tournament teams my senior year, helping the Newman men make it to Nationals for the first time in six years my senior year, and all the people I met and am still good friends with today.”
Although George’s achievements are aplenty, his Newman bowling experience was also marked by a personal tragedy. Before the start of his senior year, George lost his father — his biggest fan and supporter. The loss hit George hard, but he overcame that season by improving his scoring average by 15 points from his junior season and helping Newman get into that year’s intercollegiate bowling championships.
Since graduating from Newman, George has bowled professionally across the country. He won a PBA Regional Title in 2019 and has also won some smaller amateur tournaments in Kansas and Oklahoma. He’s bowled 300 eleven times in league competitions and four times in professional competitions.
George, who received his bachelor’s degrees in secondary education and biology, also currently substitutes for USD 259.
George credits his time at Newman for helping him achieve a lot of this success.
“My experience at Newman has had a big impact on my career and life,” he said. “I grew a lot as a person while at Newman. Billy Murphy and the coaching staff at Newman pushed me to become a great person and bowler, and I can’t thank them enough for that.”
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