(Ann Arbor, MI) - Following the retirement of longtime Cardinal Bowling Coach Doug Spicer, the Concordia University Athletic Department has announced that Rob Lancioni has been announced as the Bowling Program's Head Coach on both the Men's and Women's sides.
A decorated member of the Professional Bowling Association for 30 years, Doug Spicer spent 12 seasons with Concordia Bowling. During his tenure, Spicer helped lead Concordia to 2 regular season WHAC Championships, 3 WHAC Tournament Championships, and 6 NAIA Postseason appearances, including a 2019 National Runners-Up team.
Doug Spicer (Front Left) with the Concordia Bowling teams at the 2024 Hoosier Classic
"Doug Spicer has been a tremendous coach and leader for our bowling teams," said Athletic Director Lonnie Pries. "He has a great amount of passion for the sport and over the years that energy and excitement about Concordia Bowling has helped produce some awesome success in the programs. We are so very thankful for all he has done for his student-athletes and we wish him blessings on his retirement from leading the program."
Rob Lancioni has been an assistant with the team for the previous seven years, including the last two years as the Head Men's Coach. He will now take over as the head coach for the program, heading into his eighth year with Concordia. Within the past two seasons at the helm of the men's program, he has helped produce an NAIA honorable mention All-American, WHAC Bowler of the Year, WHAC Newcomer of the Year, 5 WHAC All-Conference selections, 3 CSC All-District members, 2 CSC All-America selections, and a CSC NAIA Team Member of the Year. This most recent season he helped lead the Cardinals to an NAIA National Championship appearance.
"Rob has been a part of the Concordia Bowling Program and Athletic Department for the last number of years," said Pries. "He has played an integral role in the growth and success of the men's and women's bowling programs. Rob has embraced the mission of our department and consistently looks for ways to improve the experience for our student-athletes."
Lancioni first thanked Coach Spicer for all he did for Concordia Bowling. "Doug Spicer built this program from the ground up starting with bowlers, golfers, and football players just to make a roster," said Lancioni. "His efforts continued to grow, building WHAC Championships and NAIA Championship Finalists. He has shared his knowledge, experience, and heart with all of us and we are blessed to continue the legacy he is leaving us."
Lancioni continued, "I am honored, humbled, and proud to serve our athletes as the Head Coach of the Bowling Program. Entering year 8 with the program, I didn't even realize how much I could truly love a campus, staff, and the young people we are blessed to serve, and for that, I am forever grateful. This group of young people in our program have a love for our sport and each other that is infectious and it has allowed them to make memories and moments they can cherish for a lifetime. I didn't envision the role being so short-term with the situation we find our campus in, but I can tell you we intend to make it a life-changing year for these young people who have worked so hard to earn this opportunity. God works in mysterious ways, and we will put our faith and trust in Him and see where this final ride takes us! GO CARDS!"
