INDIANAPOLIS – The anticipation is building as G-MAC men’s and women’s bowling programs prepare to launch into the 2025–26 season. With returning All-Conference performers and strong recruiting classes this year promises to continue the conference’s steady rise in the sport.
The men’s field returns several of the conference’s brightest stars, headlined by Co-Bowlers of the Year C.J. Herbers (Thomas More) and Ethan Gary (Walsh). Herbers led all Great Midwest competitors in strikes last season (209) and finished among the league leaders in fill percentage, while Gary anchored the Cavaliers’ lineup with steady scoring and high makeable spare conversion.
Thomas More enters the season as the early favorite following a strong postseason push in 2025. The Saints also bring back Co-Freshman of the Year Alexei Hunt, adding firepower to an already proven roster. Walsh looks to build on last season’s momentum with a balanced roster led by Gary and sophomore standout Jack Furman, who shared Freshman of the Year honors.
The women’s programs enter 2025–26 with elevated expectations and a deep collection of returning talent. Ursuline’s Lucille Petkac though, the reigning Great Midwest Bowler of the Year, will be someine the Arrows have to replace. The grad student led the team with 138 total strikes and an 80.2 percent fill rate during her standout campaign. Thomas More boasts reigning Freshman of the Year Hallie Holtzman, whose 129 strikes and consistent Baker performance made an immediate impact in her debut season.
Walsh’s Maggie Lewis, recipient of the league’s prestigious Elite 26 Award for academic and athletic excellence, returns as a leader for the Cavaliers.
The Great Midwest once again joins forces with Conference Carolinas to host the 2026 Bowling Championships on March 20-22 in Newport, Ky., where teams will compete in qualifying rounds followed by best-of-seven Baker match play and the high-intensity “mega match” format to determine the champions.
Fans can follow the action all season long, including weekly results, standings, and highlights, at greatmidwestsports.com.