It’s a new season for William Paterson University Bowling; one marked by change, leadership, and renewed ambition.
Former team captain Bradlee Pase has stepped into a new role as Head Coach, ushering in a fresh chapter for a program eager to reclaim its competitive edge.
The Pioneers opened their 2025 campaign last weekend, competing in their first two tournaments of the season. Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity squads returned to the lanes after an uncharacteristic year.
Just a season removed from being the 2024 Collegiate Men’s National Club Champions and ranked as high as No. 15 nationally, the Pioneers concluded last year at No. 49 — a fall they’re determined to reverse.
Their season began at the Eastern Intercollegiate Bowling Tournament (EIBT) #1, held October 10 at Lodi Lanes in Lodi, N.J.
The event, a long-standing opener for the program, featured five competitive games. William Paterson finished just five pins shy of first place, posting 974 pins to North Carolina State’s 979.
Juniors Ben Darrow (246) and Tommy SanFilippo (210) both landed in the individual top ten, helping keep WP within striking distance. While NJIT surged ahead midway through the tournament, the Pioneers closed the gap to just 16 pins.
Photo Courtesy: William Paterson Bowling Team
Behind standout games from SanFilippo (268) and Darrow (248), the Pioneers carried momentum into EIBT #2, hosted at Bowlero North Brunswick in North Brunswick, N.J.
Early on, NC State took the lead with NJIT close behind, while William Paterson sat in fifth. A 236 from junior John Tucker and a 202 from freshman Sean Buck lifted the Pioneers back to second after Game 2.
Despite slipping to fourth during the middle rounds, WP rallied once more — with Buck’s clutch 206 in the final game propelling the team back to second place overall. Buck finished second individually.
Photo Courtesy: William Paterson Bowling Team Facebook
“By doubling in the 10th frame of the last game, it jumped our team from fourth to second and kept us high in the club rankings,” Buck said.
The JV squad continued its dominance, earning back-to-back first-place finishes. For the Varsity team, two consecutive runner-up performances were both encouraging and motivating.
“NJIT was simply the better team this weekend,” SanFilippo reflected. “Our spare shooting could’ve been better and so could our lane play. But overall, we had a very solid weekend — and there’s much more to come this season.”
Sophomore Matt Jinks, who finished 14th individually on Day 1, echoed the positive outlook:
“It feels pretty good. Starting the season with a solid performance helps with confidence. I came into this weekend doubting myself a little, but I was able to erase that.”
Ben Darrow and Sean Buck both made all tournament teams, Darrow for EIBT #1, and Buck for EIBT #2.
With a week off before their next competition, the Pioneers will use the time to regroup and refine their approach ahead of their next appearance at AMF Strathmore Lanes in Aberdeen, N.J.
