As relatively new teams, men’s and women’s bowling at The University of Olivet are programs looking to grow, expand and build in the coming seasons. If you’re an incoming freshman with a passion for bowling, you could be part of OC history by helping to take the team to the next competitive level.
With two-thirds of students participating in athletics, The University of Olivet strives to offer a diverse collection of sports teams. Joining a team allows students to gain a prospective on life and learning beyond the walls of a classroom. In addition, student-athletes expose themselves to a community of like-minded people wanting to make connections with one another, and bowling is no exception.
Head Coach Dave Jackson said, “While the game bowling itself is more personal, you’re able to converse with your opponents as you compete, allowing for unique interactions. As any bowler will tell you, there is a different mentality while you’re competing than in any other sport. You even end up making friends with your competitors, and you’ll see the respect and friendship forming as you compete.”
Before coming to Olivet, Coach Jackson earned more than 20 years of coaching experience at Charlotte High School and was even named High School Bowling Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2011. In addition, he is s the co-owner of the Char Lanes Bowling Center in Charlotte.
“My coaching style is a little different,” said Coach Jackson. “For example, I don’t mind putting on my shoes and going out on the lanes to demonstrate exactly what I am looking for from our athletes. I am extremely passionate about the sport of bowling, and as I became more proficient and more competitive in bowling, it has made me a much more confident person. I am able to pass on some of that confidence and knowledge to student-athletes and ultimately make them more competitive. Teaching confidence universally applies athletically as well as academically and in life.”
The University of Olivet is a great fit for the student-athlete looking for a well-rounded college experience. With 32 majors and 24 minors that can be customized to find the perfect fit for each student, The University of Olivet offers a robust academic setting. Further, with a faculty to student ratio of 16:1, individualized attention is guaranteed no matter which path you take. Students also have unique opportunities to participate in service learning, travel the world, gain experience through internships and more.
“Olivet is a great school, and one of the things that continues to impress me are the people on campus,” explained Coach Jackson. “It’s almost otherworldly or a throwback to an earlier time when people were more courteous. Holding doors for others, just saying hello, and genuinely caring about how other people are doing are commonplace. I personally have found everyone on this campus to be extremely helpful from day one and have enjoyed this environment for learning as well as working.”
While every student at The University of Olivet receives some type of financial aid, bowlers are eligible to receive the Talent Scholarship, worth up to the full cost of tuition, fees, room and board. Learn more about becoming a student by visiting campus or applying. The Olivet admissions staff is even traveling to locations near you through this spring and would love to talk to you about the advantages of an OC education.
Contact Coach Jackson at 517.588.9175 or dmjackson@uolivet.edu to learn more about becoming a Comet bowler.