Three things in life are certain: death, taxes and the positive impact Newman’s Bowling Coach Billy Murphy has on his players’ lives.
Murphy jump-started Newman’s bowling program in 2002-03 and has been in charge of the successful program ever since. During his first month after being named head coach, Murphy built a team of 17 student-athletes, a high number for such a short time. For these recruits, their collegiate bowling journey was just beginning.
Now, about 20 years later, two children of three original members of Murphy’s first recruiting class started their first year bowling under Murphy at Newman, just as their parents once did.
“The students I originally recruited weren’t 18- and 19-year-olds. The players were more mature and I believe had full-time jobs,” Murphy said. “For them, it wasn’t just coming to school and bowling. They were already living life and being adults when I recruited them. Their great work ethic is what made it all work.”
Krystal Royer and Justin Crumley were two of those hard-working students who joined Murphy’s first team. They both transferred from Wichita State University and knew Murphy through his pro shop located at the former Northrock Lanes (now called Bowlero Northrock). The two met through the bowling program and later married and started a family. Paighton Crumley, their oldest daughter, is a freshman on the bowling team this year.
Since Paighton started bowling at the age of 12, she knew she might follow in her parents’ footsteps.
“My dad actually helps coach the boys teams sometimes, so it’s always been in the back of my mind that I would go here,” Paighton said.
“I got my MBA (Master of Business Administration) and my undergraduate degree from Newman,” Justin said. “And we’ve been a part of the Newman community ever since.”
The Crumleys also host events for Newman’s bowling teams and attend the surrounding tournaments.
Paighton isn’t the only legacy bowler on the women’s team. She is joined by Allie Gentry, a Wichita native whose father, Justin Gentry, bowled for Murphy’s same ’02-’03 team.
Justin was very excited when his daughter chose to bowl at Newman University.
“It means a great deal to me,” he said. “I treasure the time and experiences I had while at Newman and I hope her experience is every bit as good as mine, if not better.”
Justin knew his daughter was in good hands with his previous coach at the helm.
“Billy was patient, he let us fail when we needed to and would then make it a teaching moment,” he said. “He taught us how to be mentally stronger and enjoy every minute of the experience because it’s over so quickly. He’s a friend, a mentor, and someone I respect.”
Today, Murphy can see the parents’ effect on both legacy bowlers.
“Paighton and Allie are such driven people much like their parents, but in different areas,” Murphy said. “Paighton started her own cupcake business and does so many things outside of school and bowling. And Allie is going through the difficult nursing program while bowling, which takes up a lot of time.”
Neither the Crumleys nor Gentrys pushed their kids to come to Newman, according to Murphy. But, history has a funny way of repeating itself.
During Krystal and Justin’s last year at Newman, they had Paighton. While Justin was bowling in the national championship match, Paighton was an infant with Krystal in the crowd.
“It is pretty darn cool that that young person is in our program now,” Murphy said.
In his 22 seasons as head coach, Murphy has led the Jets to 19 straight postseasons. He consistently recruits new students year after year, even establishing a pipeline for athletes from Hawaii.
Several former players have also returned to assist with coaching efforts, proving the community Murphy builds throughout his teams leaves an indelible mark on them.
“It’s been a good career,” Murphy said. “I didn’t build this thing alone. It was a combination of our vision but also our student-athletes carrying out that vision.”
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