Newman University bowling coach Billy Murphy talks frequently with the president of the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA), but on one day in April, Murphy was taken by complete surprise when the conversation turned into a notification that he would receive one of the organization's top awards.

"I was excited, it truly is a great honor," Murphy said about learning he had won the Gordon Teigen Service Award, collegiate bowling's most prestigious recognition for service to the sport.

The award highlights a remarkable coaching tenure for Murphy, who is entering his 23rd season as head coach of Newman's men's and women's bowling programs in 2025-26. Under his leadership, the Jets have made 22 consecutive postseason appearances, 24 trips to the Intercollegiate Team Championships (ITC) National Championships and captured 51 tournament titles combined.

Truly a blessing
"It really is a great honor, to be mentioned in the same breath with him is truly a blessing," Murphy said of Teigen, who was one of the founders of collegiate bowling. "Mr. Tiegan basically started collegiate bowling and really did so in a volunteer capacity. The thought of him starting something from ground zero and now we have over 320 programs in the country is truly amazing."

Murphy's impact extends far beyond Newman's campus. The men's team has maintained an 80.2% winning percentage over 22 years, while the women's team has posted a 75.6% winning percentage. Both teams qualified for the ITC Nationals in 2024-25, with first-year students Ashley Soto and Liam Hardman earning spots on the NCBCA All-Rookie Team.

"It is wonderful, but it's the student-athletes that I am happy for the most," Murphy said about the national tournament appearances. "This program is about a lot of things, but it's their hard work and their commitment to their craft that gets us to the national championships."

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