The Hawks men’s bowling team competed in the prestigious Mid-States Championships in Wichita October 19-20, a Tier One event that holds significant importance for the program. 

Tier One status means this tournament offers more points for rankings. This makes it a crucial competition as the team looks to climb higher on the national stage.

For the inaugural team that began in the fall of 2021, this year’s Mid-States marks a bittersweet milestone. 

It will be the last Tier One event in Wichita for the original members, who have been with the program since its creation. 

The Hawks’ men’s bowling team started with just four recruits and one walk-on but has since grown into a program with over 15 men dedicated to keeping the team competitive and evolving.

One of the key players from the original squad is senior Caden Witt, who has been instrumental in laying the foundation for the team’s future. 

“In the four years here, I wanted to try and accomplish or make a good foundation for players incoming and players after me, to try and give them something to enjoy and progress in the sport of bowling,” Witt said.

Witt’s leadership has been critical in helping to shape the program’s growth, which now includes both varsity and junior varsity squads. 

The team’s expansion has allowed upperclassmen to take on mentorship roles, guiding younger players and ensuring the Hawks’ success both on and off the lanes.

One person who has taken a unique role within the program is Parker Lymenstull, the team’s student manager. 

Lymenstull, who has been with the team for two to three years, transitioned from being a player to a key part of the team’s support system. 

As the student manager, he provides vital assistance to the athletes, helping them navigate their way to major events like the sectionals. 

“Being a student manager now means a lot to me because it allows me to still be able to help the guys on the team that I have known for the past two to three years on their way to sectionals,” Lymenstull said. “That just means a lot, to be a part of the whole process and help the guys succeed.”

The Hawks have not only expanded in numbers but also in their sense of unity and leadership. 

The upperclassmen, including Witt and Lymenstull, have worked closely with the team’s new coach, becoming role models for their teammates and easing the transition for both the coach and recruits.

While this tournament may mark the final Wichita event for the inaugural players, the foundation they’ve built ensures that the Hawks’ men’s bowling team will continue to thrive long after they’ve bowled their last frames.