Briar Cliff Announces Addition of Men’s and Women’s Bowling Programs

(Sioux City, Iowa - September 17, 2025) Briar Cliff University is expanding its athletic offerings with the addition of men's and women's bowling, set to begin competition in the 2026-27 academic year.

The Chargers will partner with Plaza Bowl in Sioux City as their home facility, providing student-athletes with a competitive and welcoming space to train and compete. Briar Cliff will begin an immediate search for a head coach to lead both programs.

"Adding bowling to our athletic lineup continues our mission of creating opportunities for future student-athletes while strengthening the Charger community," said Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University. "We are excited to see this program grow and to provide another way for students to excel both on and off the lanes."

Briar Cliff plans to compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) / Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) bowling league, which has become one of the premier bowling conferences in the NAIA.

"This is another important step forward for our athletic department," said Tim Jager, Executive Athletic Director at Briar Cliff University. "We look forward to building a strong program, welcoming our first student-athletes, and establishing a home at Plaza Bowl here in Sioux City."

With the addition of bowling, Briar Cliff continues to expand its growing athletic department, which will sponsor 22 varsity sports.