RedTails Gain Valuable Experience at 2026 NJCAA Nationals

The 2026 NJCAA Nationals trip presented its share of challenges for the RedTails Bowling Team. With high expectations heading into the tournament, nerves were evident across the team, and a difficult lane pattern made it tough to establish consistency throughout the competition.

On the men's side, the RedTails finished 11th out of 22 teams. Freshman Isaiah Sample led the way with an outstanding individual performance, finishing 3rd overall and earning All-American honors. He becomes the eighth player in program history to achieve this distinction. Sample averaged an impressive 212.2 across 12 games and narrowly missed the top spot, finishing just 19 pins shy of second place and 46 pins from first.

The women's team secured a seventh place finish out of 17 teams in a highly competitive field. Facing strong in-state opponents in Iowa Western and Iowa Central, the RedTails battled through the event. Sophomore Kiyrah Karstens led the women's team, averaging 174.5 over 12 games and finishing in tenth place overall. Karstens has been a key leader all season, and her determination and positive attitude played a vital role in the team's success.

As the final event of the season, Nationals brought added pressure, and the team acknowledged the impact of those nerves. Despite the challenges, the RedTails competed with resilience and determination. With the season now complete, the focus shifts to preparation for the upcoming fall campaign, building on the experiences and lessons gained from the national stage.