Illinois Wesleyan University is adding men’s bowling to its athletics department as the university’s 30th intercollegiate athletic program.
Athletic director Mike Wagner made the announcement this week, with the team beginning its first competitive season in the 2026-27 academic year. It is the eighth sport added at IWU since 2019.
Men’s volleyball and women’s bowling were added that year, along with the reinstatement of women’s wrestling in 2022. Cheer, dance and flag football also have been introduced.
Wagner said the new team will be led by Bob Baker.
"The sport allows us to continue to meet the needs and desires of future Titans. Bob's experience and accomplishments in the sport make him the right choice to get our program established and lead us to success on the lanes, in the classroom, and in the community,” Wagner said.
Baker was twice named the River City Men’s Bowler of the Year and has five decades of experience under his belt. He holds a career-high average of 236 and has bowled a perfect score of 300 more than 70 times.
"It is an honor to be selected as the inaugural head coach of the Titan men's bowling team at Illinois Wesleyan University," Baker said. "Bowling has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I am excited for the opportunity to share my experience and knowledge with the Titan bowlers. My goal is not only to build a competitive men's bowling program, but to establish a lasting tradition — one that future Titan bowlers will be proud to carry forward."
Baker will begin his position immediately, looking to build a roster of players for the season that starts next fall.
