The Newman University Men’s Bowling Team won the MidStates Championship at Northrock Lanes in Wichita during the weekend of Oct. 8-9. It was the first time ever for the Newman team to win the tournament, beating all the powerhouse programs, including Wichita State University.
“Everyone got all emotional and started crying because (this is) the first time that Newman ever won! I was just excited that I got to be a part of it,” exclaimed Ralston Terasol who, as a freshman student, didn’t play in the tournament but was there to support the team.
The winning team surprised President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. with the tournament trophy on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Carrocci was excited for the team, telling them, “That’s really great, congratulations. Make us proud. You always do.”
The MidState Championship Tournament has been held for 57 years and is the oldest ongoing college tournament. With 21 colleges and 45 teams competing, Newman rolled to the top eight beating Central Oklahoma 3-0, West Texas 3-1, and finally taking the crown from WSU with a score of 3-0.
“We feel great about the win, and anytime you can win at home makes it even a little bit more special,” said Bowling Coach Billy Murphy.
When some of the players of the winning team were asked how they felt about their victory, they were eager to reply. Sophomore Jake Provenzano said, “It’s pretty awesome! It’s the first time in Newman history, so I feel very proud of us, and all the guys did very well.”
“I am very grateful and very blessed for it,” said Junior Ramirez, who is a senior on the team. He says that having it be his senior year and “finally being able to win the tournament with the team that we have is a pretty amazing feeling.”
Murphy said winning this tournaments shows that “the team’s chemistry is very good right now” and that the team “has a little hunger.”
The men’s bowling team missed going to nationals last year by only 33 pins, which left the team wanting to “prove something by playing at a higher level,” Murphy said. He plans “on getting better each day” and the team’s main goal is “to get to the National Championship, and if winning comes along with that, that would be great!”
After the trophy returns from the engraver, Newman will have the privilege of keeping it until next year’s tournament.
