Bowling has been in Erica Warne’s blood since she was very young. Now, the Benjamin Logan standout has accomplished a longtime goal of bowling at the collegiate level.
Warne announced this week she will be continuing her bowling career at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky. The Lady Bears compete at the NAIA level. They have won two national championships.
“I’ve wanted to bowl in college from a very young age,” said Warne. “I have strived to get better and better throughout the years. I expect to meet new people at Pikeville, to make close friends and become an even better bowler.”
There were several schools Warne looked at, including Youngstown State, Ohio State and Wright State, but Pikeville always stood out.
“I loved the University of Pikeville because it’s in a small town which felt safe with very friendly people,” said Warne. “I also enjoyed spending time with all the girls in their bowling program and they were very nice and welcoming. We have heard nothing but nice things about the coach Bobby Brown and how he can take bowlers to the next level.”
Warne helped the Raiders to a fifth-place finish at the Division II state tournament last season and placed 10th individually. She was the Central Buckeye Conference Mad River division bowler of the year and led the entire league with a 203.5 average. Warne currently leads the CBC this season with a 202.5 average.
As good as Warne has been for Ben Logan, she feels her bowling can get even better in college.
“I want to get a quality education there and take my bowling to another level,” said Warne. “I think my determination and hard work will help me excel at the next level. That is evident in the number of hours I’ve spent in a bowling alley since I was 5 years old trying to get better. The amount of travel leagues I’ve participated in to better my game and competition will also be helpful.”