Tag Archives: Justin Kostick

Red Wolves Bowl Over the Competition

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by Denton Postlewait
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO — Arkansas State’s Women’s Bowling may be the best team in Jonesboro.

A-State picked up its first title in Dallas at the Prairie View A&M Invitational Feb. 3. The Red Wolves knocked off SEC foe Vanderbilt University 4-2 (171-130, 213-176, 194-189, 182-161, 181-167, 223-216). Prior to the win, A-State finished sixth and third, respectively in the fall semester. Since then, they bowled for the championship in four of the last five tournaments. At the most recent tournament in Dallas, the Red Wolves took sixth place. 

 A-State returned only three athletes after finishing fifth at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis last season. With such a high turnover rate, head coach Justin Kostick said it took some time for the team to mesh.

“As the season has gone on, we’ve gotten better and better and better and better. I’ve had a new team this year. I have seven new players and only three returning,” he said. “It took us a little while to get going.”

Sophomore Leah Glazer of Henderson, Nevada, said the team grew together and gathered momentum heading into the home stretch of the season.

“It’s motivating to know that with such a young team we are able to accomplish so much,” she said. “I have no doubt that we will be bowling for a national championship.”

Julia Huren, a junior from Westlake, Michigan, said the work the team puts in outside of scheduled practice sets them apart.

“We work really hard,” she said. “Even when we don’t have practice, we come in on our own and put the time in. That’s going to pay off in the long run and at nationals.”

A-State Bowling will compete in two tournaments to close the regular season: March 1-3 in Lincoln, Nebraska and March 15-17 in Symara, Tennessee. Following these tournaments, A-State will travel back to Dallas for the Southland Bowling League Championships March 22-24 and then to the NCAA Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio on April 11-13.

To stay up to date with all things A-State Bowling, go to www.astateredwolves.com, click on the Sports Tab and select “Bowling” under Women’s Sports.

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Editor’s Note: Featured photo shows head coach Justin Kostick (center, right) and assistant coach Tanner Seal (center, left) look on while the team practices. The Red Wolves practice at Hijinx Family Entertainment Center. (photo by Denton Postlewait)

A-State Women’s Bowling Opens Season

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Taylor Davis approaches the bowling lane.

Taylor Davis approaches the lane during the 2017 season. The team begins its 2018 season in late October. (photo by Taylor Davis)

by Caleb Booker
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – The Arkansas State women’s bowling team begins its 2018-19 season with a lot of fresh faces.

Five freshmen join two transfers and three returnees this season. Even though the team lost five seniors last season, members remain optimistic for the upcoming season.

“We’ll be just as successful as previous years because we still believe in the process with everything we’re doing and are working as one unit,” said sophomore Leah Glazer of Henderson, Nevada. “I can see this season potentially being one of the most successful seasons the program has seen.”

2018 Junior Gold Champion Julia Huren of Westland, Michigan, noted the team is younger, but said she believes it will still have success.

“There has been a lot of excitement for the opening tournament in October,” Huren said. “The team should be successful. I think a very big key to success is being on the same page, as in having common goals in mind and being a well-rounded team player.”

The players aren’t the only ones excited about the season. Entering his 10th season as head coach of the team, Justin Kostick shared his thoughts about the direction the team is taking this season.

“This year is an exciting year. With only three returners and seven newcomers, it is going to be interesting to see how the team gels together,” he said. “I think we can have the same success or even better.”

The season begins Oct. 26-28 in Fairview Heights, Illinois at the Bearcat Hammer Open tournament. The Red Wolves finished in fifth place in the 2017 Bearcat Hammer Open with nine wins and four losses.

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Editor’s Note: Featured photo by Gord Webster [CC BY-SA 2.0]