South Shore Among Finalists for NCAA Women’s Bowling Championship

NCAA-BowlingProposal submitted for 2015 through 2018 championships

South Shore Sports Promotions, in collaboration with Valparaiso University’s Athletic Department, are among the finalists bidding for the 2015 through 2018 NCAA Women’s Bowling Championships. The bid was submitted with Olympia Lanes in Hammond as the host bowling facility for the annual tournament. Selected locations will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

According to Ryan Tressel, NCAA assistant director, championships and alliances, the championship will be awarded on a yearly basis depending on the priorities set by the six person committee.

Each year, the committee looks at how many bids were received, and which ones are the best for that year,” said Tressel. Tressel explained that with each year, the committee could have a different vision for the tournament, with the overall goal focusing on providing the student athletes with a great experience.

Mark LaBarbera, director of athletics for Valparaiso University, believes Northwest Indiana will provide the NCAA Women’s Bowling Championship committee with what they’re looking for in a tournament location.

Northwest Indiana is a great bowling community; there is a lot of interest in it. It’s a great location, a good facility in Hammond. There are quality hotels and restaurants and a lot of things for the teams to do when they’re not competing,” said LaBarbera.

Olympia Lanes has been a proven center for successful bowling tournaments, hosting state, national and international tournaments throughout the years.

Olympia Lanes has held 14 national PBA Senior stops, two regular stops, four ladies stops, as well as state tournaments for both men and women,” stated Mike Kozy, manager of Olympia Lanes. “We have a successful track record for hosting large events in the area.”

Speros A. Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, explained that the partnerships between South Shore Sports Promotions and Olympia Lanes, as well as between South Shore Sports Promotions and Valparaiso University, have produced many successful events.

South Shore Sports Promotions has been the presenting sponsor of the PBA50 South Shore Open for the past 14 years,” said Batistatos. “Olympia Lanes has consistently provided competitors with an outstanding experience at their convenient location.”

In addition to working with Olympia Lanes, South Shore Sports Promotions assisted Valparaiso University’s Athletic Department with the Horizon League championships the past two years.

South Shore Sports Promotions has been a great partner,” stated LaBarbera. “With their willingness to line-up facilities, hotels and restaurants to put in a bid, highlight our community, I think they’re great partners.”

The NCAA Women’s Bowling Championships are scheduled to take place the second Thursday through Saturday in April of each year. The tournament would bring eight teams consisting of 13 people in addition to parents and fans. Saturday night of the championship, which is presented on ESPNU, could bring between 500 and 700 people to the bowling alley.

For more information on South Shore Sports Promotions, or the NCAA Women’s Bowling Championship bid, contact the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority at 219-989-7770.