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Oklahoma Christian Joins GLVC as Associate Member in Women’s Bowling

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) announced Thursday that Oklahoma Christian University will join the league as an associate member in women’s bowling, beginning with the upcoming 2024-25 season.

A private Christian university located in Edmond, Oklahoma, the Eagles will compete alongside seven other institutions in the league, including full-time members University of Indianapolis, Lewis University, Maryville University, McKendree University, and Quincy University, as well as associate members University of Central Missouri and Newman University.

“In our attempt to continue to grow the sport of women’s bowling, we are pleased to welcome Oklahoma Christian University as an associate member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference.” said GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovich. “The addition of the Eagles’ program will give us eight teams competing for the GLVC Women’s Bowling Championship and an AQ to the NCAA National Collegiate Championship for the upcoming 2025 season.”

OC is a full-time member of the Lonestar Conference (LSC) and has been competing independently in women’s bowling at the NCAA Division II level since 2018-19. Head coach James Hayes has been at the helm since the inception of the program that transitioned from the club sports level.

“It is an honor for Oklahoma Christian to be able to join the GLVC as an associate member in women’s bowling,” said OC Athletics Director David Lynn. “We look forward to developing productive relationships both on and off the lanes with all the GLVC schools and are very thankful for the opportunity the GLVC is providing us to compete for Championships.”

The Eagles competed in 12 events during the 2023-24 season, going 56-47 and placing in the top five three times, including a runner-up showing at the Ebonite Valpo Bowling Classic. With a No. 24 NCAA RPI ranking to end the 2023-24 season, OC is primed to compete in the GLVC against other nationally recognized programs that include three top-25 RPI teams in Maryville (eighth), Newman (16th), and McKendree (25th), while those three teams were also ranked in last season’s final National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) poll at eighth, 13th, and third, respectively.

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