Exciting changes happening for CCSJ Bowling; Kubacki named Director of Bowling Operations

WHITING, Ind. – The Calumet College of St. Joseph Department of Athletics is excited to announce some structural changes to our bowling programs which we believe will enhance the student-athlete experience for both the men's and women's programs. Moving forward, both programs will run under one umbrella with Mike Kubacki serving in the role of Director of Bowling Operations. This will allow for more consistency within the programs.

Kubacki, a 2020 Indiana State USBC Hall of Fame inductee, has been at the helm of the men's program since 2006 and will remain the head coach of the men's team. During his tenure, he has put CCSJ Men's Bowling on the map as a national powerhouse. The Crimson Wave has made 13 straight USBC ITC post-season appearances, the longest current streak of any men's program in the nation. This spring marked the 10-year anniversary of the 2010 USBC National Runner-Up finish.

When asked how he envisions the new structure to work, Kubacki said, "As Calumet College Bowling moves forward the men's and women's teams will be practicing in the same facilities with staggered times. This will help us in the moments of scheduling conflicts from the variety of things that happen in a college season. It will also help us grow our partnerships with our practice facilities Olympia Lanes and Lynwood Bowl. At times, the teams will practice and compete alongside of each other so that they can learn from each other. We believe the women's team can benefit from learning how to generate some of the power that the men create, while the men's team can benefit from seeing the precision in the fundamentals of the women's team. Most importantly this will enhance our culture of 'one school and one team'."

Coach Kubacki has assembled a staff that will not only drive the athletes to be better on the lanes, but also stronger academically and help guide them through life. While there will be many familiar faces among the staff, Kubacki is excited to announce the addition of legendary bowling coach Dale Lehman as the new head coach for the women's team.

"Dale Lehman is already one of the most successful college bowling coaches of all time. Dale will bring his knowledge and expertise to help build our women's program into a national power. He will be a significant influence in coaching the women's team and mentoring his assistant, Alice Krucek. The addition of a coach like Dale will also help grow our partnerships with our practice facilities, Olympia Lanes and Lynwood Bowl, and our sponsors, Storm Bowling and Genesis."

Lehman brings over 18 years of collegiate coaching experience to the Calumet bowling program. The eight-time NCBCA Coach of the Year finalist led his programs to seven national team titles and three individual titles. During his time at Robert Morris University – Illinois, he coached 23 NCBCA and 29 NAIA All-Americans, had three athletes named NCBCA/NAIA Rookie of the Year and two Players of the Year and 15 Junior Team USA members. In 2013, he was named the NAIA Coach of the Year.

"I look forward to joining the great coaching staff at Calumet College as I take over the women's program. I plan on meeting with each young lady to work on their physical game, then melding them all together to become a strong team. I hope to take my collegiate coaching experience and combine it with Mike Kubacki's experience and Calumet's excellent coaching staff to become one of the top coaching staffs in the country. Lastly we will work together to transform two separate programs to becoming one that will be a national contender," stated Lehman.

Longtime assistant coaches, Sammy and Alice Krucek, will continue to serve as assistant coaches for their respective teams. Both Sammy and Alice had successful collegiate careers at CCSJ and each brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the programs. Jake Hayes and Kevin Mikalouski will also serve as assistant coaches for both teams.

"I couldn't be more excited about what this coaching staff offers to our current teams and future recruits with two veteran head coaches with over 15 years of experience each who have both achieved a significant level of success. In addition we have four assistant coaches that bring a wealth of knowledge – two are expert staff ball drillers, two with 14 years around Calumet College bowling, one who is a pattern developer for our practices and the NWIJTPA Youth Tour, one is left handed , one is female , three are alumni and graduated as Academic All-Americans, two are computer experts, one has a psychology degree – we have a lot of bases covered to help give our athletes as much resources to succeed as any program around. However, most importantly our whole staff shares a passion for our young men and women to have a great student-athlete experience."

To learn more about the academic and athletic opportunities at Calumet College of St. Joseph, visit www.ccsj.edu or www.ccsjathletics.com.