The Five Tools for Elite Training Program

ALL players (selected team, developmental team and non-selected members) in the Shocker Bowling Program receive five tools to assist with their skill development after the tryout process has ended:

1) Free Bowling Practice

This is something that most players will be take advantage of from the beginning of the fall semester. Free practice allows athletes to take the new information they are learning and apply it on the lanes. Shocker bowlers have access to free practice both on and off campus. Student-athletes are encouraged to take advantage of this privilege, as most collegiate bowling programs do not offer this opportunity to their bowlers.

2) Team Book

Every student-athlete in the Shocker Bowling Program receives a 200 page binder known as a "team book." This binder is filled with cutting edge educational material on all major facets of the sport of bowling. Information on the physical game, bowling equipment, lane play, sports psychology, and physical conditioning is included in the team training binder. The information in each team book comes from a variety of elite sources, such as the USBC Coaching Certification Program; former Team USA Head Coach, Fred Borden; the Kegel Company and materials designed specifically for the Wichita State University Bowling Program. This binder is brought to each educational session where our staff of master instructors supplements the binder with further handouts and information. The information in this team binder is highly beneficial to improving a student-athletes skills and abilities both on and off the lanes.

3) Educational Classes

Every student-athlete in the Shocker Bowling Program is able to attend these classes throughout the year. Each class will cover a different topic. Subjects that may be discussed include: time management & study skills, drug & alcohol awareness, physical game, equipment, lane play, sports psychology, professional tours, life after college, bowling balls, team play, and physical training.
Topics will be presented by a numerous guest speakers who are professionals and experts in their field. Most of these speakers are well known in the bowling industry and come from all over the country. These experts include the Kegel Company, world renowned sports psychologist Dr. Dean Hinitz,, Former Team USA Head Coach and bowling genius Fred Borden, and WSU's nationally recognized coaching staff fronted by Head Coach Gordon Vadakin and Assistant Coach Mark Lewis. The lessons provided by these individuals greatly contribute to making the program's Elite Training Program successful and unprecedented. Most of the material presented during these sessions will be beyond what is included in the TEAM BOOKS.

4) Collegiate Pricing Program

With the support of several corporate sponsors, USBC sanctioned intercollegiate bowlers in the program are allowed to purchase new bowling balls, bags, shoes and accessories at deep discounts. This exceptional program gives athletes the ability to purchase, drill and use the latest bowling balls at significantly reduced costs.

5) Coaching

All selected team members will receive coaching and individual skill training through the organized team practices with the head coach and assistant coach.

It is the goal of the Shocker Bowling Program to give EVERY student-athlete who goes through our tryout process the opportunity to be their absolute BEST. It is a requirement to participate in the ASSOCIATE COACHING PROGRAM following the conclusion of tryouts and team selection.

The Associate Coaching Program is designed to help student-athletes improve their bowling skills. The Associate Coaching Program is made up primarily of talented Shocker alumni who live in the Wichita area and volunteer their time to help student-athletes, while giving back to the Shocker Bowling Program. Some of the Associate Coaches include: Rick Steelsmith, Justin Hromek, Lonnie Waliczek, Matt McFayden, Casey Slaughter, Jessica Abel, Kelsey Müther, Holly Harris and Devin Bidwell.

This extraordinary group of coaches include National Collegiate Champions, PBA members, junior and adult Team USA members and USBC Bronze and Silver certified coaches.

Initial assignment of players into the Associate Coaching Program is reserved for incoming freshman and transfer students. Once those student-athletes have been assigned an Associate Coach, additional assignments will be set up for other non-selected players to take advantage of the Associate Coaching Program. The main goal of the Associate Coaching Program, along with the entire Elite Training Program is to improve each players skills, coupled with the player’s strong work ethic, to advance to higher levels within the Shocker Bowling Program.

Associate Coaching Program Requirements

Each non-selected player in the Associate Coaching Program will be required to meet the following guidelines. Failure to meet any of the listed guidelines may result in disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the head coaching staff. Disciplinary action may include suspension of some bowling team privileges and up to and including removal from the Shocker Bowling Team (including having bowling team card revoked). The following guidelines are also part of the requirements of the HPS 110D, a one-credit hour class offered only to Shocker Bowlers.

1. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to contact their assigned Associate Coach and schedule meeting dates/times.
2. Each student-athlete is required to meet with their associate coach a minimum of 3 times before the end of fall semester (exceptions may be allowed due to unavailability of associate coach, i.e.: touring pros).

6) Developmental Teams

In addition to these five tools above included in the Shocker Bowling Elite Training Program, many players may get the opportunity to compete collegiately either as part of the selected team or on the DEVELOPMENTAL TEAM(S). Developmental team(s) will get to compete in collegiate team competition. The introduction of the developmental team concept is designed to enhance the player’s skill training using the Elite Training Program tools and include team play training by applying their skills with a team in a competitive environment.

By using the educational materials provided (team book and educational classes) equipment (collegiate pricing program), individual training with a coach (associate coaching), practice (free on and off campus practice) and team play training (developmental team), a non-selected player will be better prepared to not only make the selected team the following year, but also be a contributor to the team. Often times, the actual experience of college bowling competition and team practices is incredibly motivating and inspires non-selected players to train, work and excel to the selected team level.

The head coaching staff reserves the right to make decisions or changes in the policies at their discretion regarding all aspects of the Elite Training Program.