March 25, 2008

Grand Rapids, Mich. - One of the fastest growing high school sports in the state of Michigan is making its transition to the college level and Davenport University is proud to announce the first signing class for their bowling program which will begin competition in the fall of 2008. Head Coach Bob Clarkson held a bowling event last night where 14 student-athletes from around the state signed letters of intent to attend Davenport University.

The 14 student-athletes were joined by Director of Athletics Paul Lowden as they made their signings official and the list of accomplishments is un-ending for the first class of bowlers at DU. The women's team is off to a fast start as three students were present to sign their letters of intent.

Amber Bentley - (Union High School) - Amber is currently attending Davenport University and is one of five Lettinga Award Winners that will be on the DU Bowling Team. Bentley was named All-City and finished as a Regional Champion and 17th in the state at Union. Amber is majoring in Management and Marketing and is the daughter of Pat and Barbara Bentley.

Renee Koll - (South Christian High School) - Renee was a member of the South Christian squad that won their conference championship in 2007 and was voted as their team MVP. Her team also earned the Academic All-State honor and Koll has been on the honor roll all four years. Renee will major in Management and is the daughter of Chuck and Lori Koll.

Katie Stephens - (Union High School) - Katie is another Lettinga Award Winner at Davenport and comes to Davenport after being named to the All-City team each year of her high school career at Union. She finished 17th in the state tournament and will major in Information Management. Katie is the daughter of Mark Stephens.

The men's team features a Mr. Bowler, numerous golden pin award winners and a collection of Lettinga Award winners as well.

Ryan Bentley - (Union High School) - Ryan will join his sister Amber here at Davenport after a standout career at Union. During high school, Ryan was a 4-time All-City and was a member of the Regional Championship team where he also claimed the individual title. Ryan will major in Networking at DU and is the son of Pat and Barbara Bentley.

David Carroll - (Kelloggsville High School) - David comes to Davenport as maybe the most decorated individual bowler to sign. Carroll was named Mr. Bowler in 2007-2008 and earned All-State honors twice, All-City three times and All-Conference three times. David will major in Finance and is the son of Max and Valerie Carroll.

Nick Finkbeiner - (Wyoming Park High School) - Nick is no stranger to the Davenport campus at it is in his backyard as he comes from Caledonia, MI. The 2008 graduate of Wyoming Park High School earned All-Conference honors in bowling and has yet to decide a major at DU. Nick is the son of David and Robin Finkbeiner.

Jeff Oppenneer - (Byron Center High School) - Jeff will join the men's squad after a standout career at Byron Center High School. Oppenneer comes to DU after earning All-Conference honors two times during his time as a bulldog. Jeff will major in Accounting and is the son of Steve and Karen Oppenneer.

Nick Patterson - (Union High School) - Nick joins a long list of student-athletes that will be coming from Union High School and brings numerous accolades with him. At Union, Nick was named to the All-City team and was the captain of high school squad. He also threw two 700-series in high school. Patterson, who is currently attending DU, is major in Computer Gaming Systems and is the son of Mark and Robin Patterson.

Derek Pitsch - (Rockford High School) - One of two Rockford Rams to come on board at Davenport, Derek is one of the top bowlers in the state of Michigan. At Rockford, Pitsch was named All-Conference and All-City. He also earned the Golden Pin Award as one of the state's top ten bowlers. Derek is undecided in his major and is the son of Randall and Karen Pitsch.

Cori Roelofs - (Union High School) - Cori, who is one of five former Union High School bowlers, was a three-time All-City bowler and was named to the All-State 3rd team. He also earned the Golden Pin distinction as one of the top averages in the state of Michigan. Cori will major in Sport Management and is the son of Tina and Levin Roelofs.

Nick Schwab - (Caledonia High School) - Nick has already made the short journey from Caledonia down to the Main Campus at Davenport University after a decorated career at Caledonia High School. During his time as a Fighting Scot, Schwab was a member of a conference championship team and was part of a squad that bowled a 300-Baker Game. Nick, who is currently enrolled at DU is majoring in Information Systems/Programming at DU and is the son of Jeff and Polly Schwab.

Tyler Sherman (Godfrey Lee High School) - Tyler joins the Davenport Bowling team fresh out of Lee High School in Wyoming, MI. Sherman will major in Accounting and is the son of Monica Riva and Frank Youmans.\

Jacob VanDrunen - (Rockford High School) - Jacob comes to DU from one of the top bowling teams in the area as he was part of a Rockford squad that was ranked in the state all year long. Jake was named to the All-Conference team and was Golden Pin Honorable Mention. VanDrunen will major in Sport Management and is the son of Dan and Debbie VanDrunen.

Nick Watkins - (Grandville High School) - Watkins is one of four Nick's that will be on the DU Bowling team next fall and comes from a very successful team at Grandville High School. Nick was named All-City, All-Conference and earned Golden Pin as well. Watkins will major in Marketing and is the son of Mary and Mike Watkins.