Wayne State College Associate Athletics Director John Schwarte has announced the launch of Men's and Women's Bowling as elevated club sport programs, set to begin competition in the 2027-28 academic year. Darin and Jessi Jensen have been tapped to lead the charge for the revived Wildcat programs.
The two bowling programs will offer scholarships to recruited athletes beginning in their inaugural season. The coaching staff will hit the trail immediately, utilizing the 2026-27 academic year to recruit prospective student-athletes before competition officially starts the following year.
"We couldn't be more excited to help launch the men's and women's bowling clubs at Wayne State College," Coach Darin Jensen said. "This is a unique opportunity to grow the sport of bowling while creating a competitive and welcoming environment for student-athletes. As both lifelong bowlers and local bowling center owners, we're passionate about giving students the opportunity to develop their skills, build lasting friendships, and represent Wayne State with pride."
While competitive bowling is not new to WSC, the student-run club program had gone dormant in recent years. Recognizing the popularity of the sport across the region, Schwarte moved to elevate the teams to be a structured College Club Sport programs. College Club Sport programs are clubs that are coach-ran versus the traditional student-led model.
"We wanted to meet the clear demand of our student body and capitalize on Nebraska's strong high school bowling presence," Schwarte said. "Elevating these programs serves as a powerful tool for both student recruitment and retention."
The structural shift also aligns with broader national movements. Wayne State acknowledges the growth of the sport, particularly on the women's side. With NCAA Division II—the division WSC is associated with—moving forward with its own separated division of competition, establishing an elevated club program serves as a critical first step in potentially transitioning women's bowling into a full NCAA championship sport at WSC.

Meet the Coaches
Darin and Jessi Jensen are the proud owners of Wildcat Lanes, operating the local Wayne bowling center since June 2024. After successfully transitioning the venue into a full-time family operation, the duo is eager to transition their business expertise to the collegiate ranks.
Jessi has been involved in the sport of bowling for 38 years and has developed a lifelong passion for both competing and helping others improve their game. She bowled for the Iowa State University Club Bowling team for a year and a half before transferring to Wayne State College to pursue golf.
Over the years, she has achieved several personal milestones, including bowling her first 300 game in 2022 and recording a career-high 782 series. She currently maintains a 210 average in both league competition and the USBC Women's Championships, demonstrating consistency at a competitive level. "As both a competitor and coach, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with bowlers of all skill levels," Jessi Jensen said. "My goal is to help others improve their technique, build confidence, and develop a lasting appreciation for the sport."
Darin has been bowling for 21 years and has developed a deep passion for the sport both as a competitor and as a mentor. Over the years, he's achieved several personal milestones, including bowling his first 300 game in 2024 and recording a career-high 768 series. He currently maintains a 204 average. "One of my greatest accomplishments has been helping develop young bowlers," Darin Jensen said. "My children have earned a combined nine Nebraska State High School Bowling Championships and three state runner-up finishes. Watching them succeed has strengthened my passion for coaching and helping bowlers reach their full potential."