Collegiate bowling is making a comeback in the Pacific Northwest as new teams from Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Washington (UW) launch programs with an ambitious start to their seasons. Both schools’ newly formed bowling clubs aim to bring competitive bowling back to the region and build a strong community of student bowlers. Each club is led by enthusiastic student leaders, experienced coaches, and community support through fundraising campaigns.

At Oregon State University, students Jacob Berger and Colby Spear are spearheading efforts to build a competitive bowling team from the ground up. Berger, also the head mechanic at MU Lanes and Games on the OSU campus, shared his excitement for the new program and encouraged the community to help support the team’s growth.

"I'm excited to officially announce Oregon State University's Bowling Team," Berger said. "A lot has been happening over the past few weeks: I've had to learn how to use Facebook again, our GoFundMe has been growing, our member base has kept expanding, and we are prepping for some tournaments in mid-late January in California. We also officially have a coach, Chris Burnett! Colby Spear and I have thus far been leading the team, and we are thrilled to have an awesome coach like Chris continue to help grow the program with his technical and strategic knowledge."

The new team practices regularly at MU Lanes and Games, with a goal to make a name for themselves on the collegiate bowling scene. To support their efforts, OSU’s bowling club has set up a GoFundMe page with a target of $5,000. These funds will be essential to cover travel, tournament fees, equipment, and team uniforms. Berger encouraged anyone interested to check out the team’s GoFundMe page, as well as to contact him directly at bergejac@oregonstate.edu for more information on how to join or support the team.

Meanwhile, the University of Washington’s Husky Bowling Club has already kicked off its season, led by head coach Joseph Kraszewski. The Huskies recently competed in their first collegiate tournaments at the SLOtown Showdown I and II, hosted by Cal Poly at Rancho Bowl in Santa Maria, CA. The team drove 18 hours to the event and finished 8th place in both tournaments, showcasing a promising start for a brand-new program.

During the first day of competition, the Huskies faced challenges with nerves, travel fatigue, and stiff competition, placing 10th in the first game among varsity programs. They fought their way up to 7th before the final round, where they ultimately placed 8th. On the second day, the Huskies reached as high as 6th place but ended the day once again in 8th. Notable individual performances included Senior Vinson Liu, who finished 20th and 21st on the individual leaderboard across both days, and Junior Skyler Broussard, who came close to All-Tournament honors with 15th and 16th place finishes.

"This trip was a great success," said Coach Kraszewski. "Coming to Santa Maria and competing in this competition is the culmination of the work, time, and effort that this team has spent to get to this moment. For a brand new collegiate program populated with new bowlers and a new coach, this performance was a great success. I couldn’t be prouder of this group of kids."

Looking ahead, the Huskies will compete in two back-to-back Tier 1 events in Las Vegas from December 18-21, marking the next milestone in their season.

Both OSU and UW have launched GoFundMe campaigns with a $5,000 goal to support travel, equipment, and other team expenses. UW’s Husky Bowling Club emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive bowling community, inviting bowlers of all skill levels to join and help build the club’s legacy.

As Northwest collegiate bowling takes off, OSU and UW’s clubs are driven by student passion and community support, with hopes to establish a lasting impact on the sport in the region. For those interested in supporting these teams, donations can be made through their GoFundMe pages, helping them achieve their goals and compete at a national level.