Bio

Marshall, Mo. (April 18, 2024)- Missouri Valley College Athletic Director Mike Machholz announces the hiring of Tommy Martin as new Head Coach for the men's and women's bowling programs.

Martin comes to Missouri Valley with an extensive background in bowling, both as a coach and as a professional in the Professional Bowlers Association.  Martin has spent 17 years as a bowling coach at the high school level in Tennessee, winning three state girls championships and two boys state titles during his tenure. 

"I am truly excited to take over the bowling program at Missouri Valley College and begin a new part of my career in Marshall, Mo.," said Martin.  "This is a tremendous opportunity to coach and compete at the highest collegiate level while helping young adults excel in their education and prepare them for the opportunities that lay in front of them.  I want to thank Athletic Director Mike Machholz for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to build the program."

As a professional bowler, Martin has been a member of the PBA for 41 years.  He has been a PBA Tour Champion, and his success as a bowler has led to Martin induction into the Memphis Bowling Hall of Fame and the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame.

"I am happy to announce the immediate addition of Tommy Martin as our new bowling head coach," said Machholz.  "Tommy has many years of experience behind him as a professional championship level bowler and more than 17 years of high school coach.  His years of competition will be a great help for him to build this competitive program.  He seems very excited about the opportunity to help grow our program and to give other bowling kids opportunities beyond high school.  I do want to thank Head Coach Stan Laboube for his dedication and coaching in the previous years with Missouri Valley College and look forward to his continued involvement in a new technical assistant role within the program.  Tommy Martin and Stan Laboube will make a formidable team moving forward."

Martin will take over the head coaching duties from Laboube, who has been the program's only coach since bowling was first added by the Athletic Department in 2021.  At the 2024 Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Bowling Championship, the Vikings placed sixth, advancing in the knockout bracket.