MILLIGAN, Tenn. – Milligan University's men's bowling program is set to begin competition in the 2025-26 season this coming weekend, with hopes of meeting and surpassing the accomplishments of last season's squad at the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC), NAIA and USBC ISC/ITC Championships.

The Buffaloes start their slate at the Midwest Collegiate Classic in Clinton Township, Mich. on Oct. 4-5.

2024-25 Season Review: In 2024-25, the Buffs soared to new heights as a program. They finished as SSAC runner-up (nearly winning the title), a NAIA National Championships semifinalist, and placed third at the USBC ITC Championships after earning an invitation from the most prestigious event in the country. The squad closed the year at No. 3 in the NAIA RPI.

The SSAC Tournament began with a dominant win over SCAD Atlanta, 2-0, before Milligan went up against perennial powerhouse SCAD Savannah. That matchup was forced to a tiebreak, where the Bees edged out the Buffs 3-2 in baker games to set MU up against Mobile in the semifinals. Milligan had no trouble with Mobile, dispatching them 4-1. Then, it was the final round that would force the Buffs to win twice to win the conference championship. They took home the first match, prevailing 3-0 in the best-of-five baker games. Then , they played a best-of-seven baker game tiebreak, where the Bees won 4-0 to end the tournament.

A group of Buffaloes men were named All-SSAC performers after the season, with Alex Evans and Nate Trentler selected to the first team, and Joshua Collins, Ethan Collier and David Gilliam were selected as second-team honorees.

For the Buffs in the NAIA National Championships, they impressively took down Culver-Stockton in the opening round 4-1. Their second 4-1 win on a row would come against Saint Francis the next morning, before falling for the first time against SCAD Savannah in a seven-game series, 4-3. A 4-2 win against Pikeville sent them to a round-six tilt against Concordia (Mich.), where they fell in another game seven to end their season in the semifinals.

Evans and Trentler were both selected to the NAIA All-America Third Team for their efforts in 2024-25.

Key Returners: Milligan brings back several key contributors from the 2024-25 squad. Each of them bring valuable experience, leadership and dedication to the program.

Xander Stephens returns with a consistent level of performance for his senior season and also boasts a steadily competitive mindset.

Cameron Shockey will provide reliability in pressure situation for the Buffaloes, as well as a strong technical game to give the team confidence in crucial matchups.

Jackson McRae brings the energy for the team on and off the lanes, which helps motivate his teammates.

All three players are entering their senior campaigns, and were part of the squad's varsity roster that achieved new heights in 2024-25.

"Together, these returning bowlers form the core of our team culture and set the standard for work ethic, sportsmanship, and team unity," said men's head coach Michael Hall. "Their experience will be vital in guiding new members and driving our success this season."

Newcomers: Seven newcomers enter the fray for Milligan with high hopes.

Chance McLane is a Team USA standout from Chesapeake Beach, Md. who comes to Milligan for his freshman campaign and will bring elite competitive experience.

Sean Jenkins, another freshman, brings power to the lineup. The Richmond, Va. native will also help bring a competitive intensity to the team.

A technically gifted freshman, Aiden Totherow, also joins the squad. He hails from Rock Hill, S.C. and will be a consistent force all season.

Four additional athletes, Tyshawn Baxter, Britt Clark, Ty McGuffin and Johnny LeGere will contribute and push the pace in practice for the team.

"This year we're welcoming a strong group of seven newcomers who bring fresh talent and high expectations to the roster," Hall stated. "Together, this incoming class raises our ceiling and adds depth across the board."

Looking at the Schedule: After the Midwest Collegiate Classic, the Buffs have a short hiatus before the Greater Nashville Open on Oct. 25 and the Brandon Burns Memorial on Oct. 26.

"We're gearing up for an exciting season and hitting the ground running with our first stop in Detroit at the Brunswick Midwest Collegiate Classic," Hall explained. "It's a strong field and the perfect stage to set the tone for the year."

The Bowlero Southern is the next event on the schedule on Nov. 1-2 in Marietta, Ga. The Buffaloes then go back to Las Vegas this season on Dec. 18-20 for the Glenn Carlson Invitational and the Collegiate Shoot-Out.

Following the trip to the desert, the Lynne Jordan Memorial and the Thomas Burris Memorial will take place on Jan. 24-25 in Jeffersontown, Ky.

The NAIA Southeast Open #1 and #2 tourneys on Feb. 7-8 in Savannah, Ga. come prior to the final regular-season contest of the year in Indianapolis, which is the Hoosier Classic on Feb. 14-15.

Milligan will travel to the SSAC Championships on Feb. 27-28 in Savannah, before heading to the ISC/ITC Sectionals on March 13-15, attempting to qualify for the USBC ISC/ITC Championships.

The NAIA National Championships are on March 19-21 in Lansing, Mich. this year, and the ISC/ITC Championships will be played in Green Bay, Wis. from April 13-18.

Last Word: "With a strong core of returners and an impressive group of newcomers, this season is full of potential," opined Hall. "We've put in the work, we're building momentum, and now it's time to compete. If we stay focused, support one another, and trust our process, this team is capable of something special. The foundation is set — now it's time to go earn it."