Today@Sam Article

Bowling Coach To Head To Italy For World Deaf Championship

Aug. 17, 2015
SHSU Media Contact: Paul Ridings

Sam Houston State University's Brad Hagen is headed to Europe as one of the coaches of Team USA for the World Deaf Bowling Championships Aug. 20-30 in Bologna, Italy.

Hagen, who directs the Bearkats women’s bowling program, and Lindy Decker-Heilman, of Pennsylvania, have been selected to coach the squad by the USA Deaf Sports Federation.

“This is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career,” Hagen said.

In his five seasons at the helm of the SHSU bowling program, Hagen has directed the Bearkats to the 2014 NCAA championship, two NCAA Final Four appearances and four trips to the NCAA Elite Eight.

The competition in Italy will follow the standard World Tenpin Bowling Association guidelines and will host competitions in singles, doubles, trios, team, masters, and mixed doubles. Team USA will participate in all events, except mixed doubles.

More that 25 countries will be represented in Italy. The opening ceremonies will be Wednesday evening, with competition officially kicking off Thursday morning. 

“This is an amazing opportunity to help out some great athletes at an outstanding event,” Hagen said. “We will be competing against some of the world’s finest bowlers. It is an honor to help our country succeed at the highest level and be able to give back to our sport. This experience is truly going to be a memorable.”

Members of the USA women’s team are April Brown (California), Sharon DiTondo (New York), Sarah Gagliano (Missouri), Jennifer Kutcka (Indiana), Jerilyn Keller (Texas), and Carol Nemecek (Illinois).

Competing for the USA men’s team are Ron Rood Jr (New York), Robert Ellison (California), Johnny McLean (Indiana), John Wukasch Jr. (Texas), Joshua Weinberger (New York), and Robert Armstrong (Kentucky).

Results of the action will be posted on the official website of the third annual World Deaf Bowling Championships.

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