SXU Student-Athlete Named Two-Time NAIA All-American
Saint Xavier University (SXU) men's bowler Bobby Habetler earned one of five spots on the NAIA All-American First Team. Habetler is now a two-time All-American for the Cougars after he claimed NAIA All-American Second Team last season.
Habetler came into his junior year set on making First Team. Though a slow start to the season, he found his way, posting the highest individual frame fill percentage in the NAIA this season at 91.2% in 497 frames. He had the best frame fill percentage under the Baker Games format at 92.1% and was third under the Traditional format at 90.6%.
Habetler also recorded the best individual single-pin spare percentage in the NAIA at 98.4% in 127 attempts. He tied for No. 1 under the Baker Games format with three other bowlers at 100%, converting the most on 52 attempts. He was third under the Traditional format at 97.3% on 75 attempts.
Earlier in the season, he bowled just the second 300-game in program history at the Collegiate Shoot-Out in Las Vegas.
"Being named a First Team All-American is an incredible honor and feels rewarding. Last year, I earned a spot on the Second Team, but I knew I wasn't satisfied with that. I set my sights on the First Team because I knew what I was capable of. It wasn't easy, though. I started the season off slow, but through sheer determination and focus, I found my rhythm and had some standout performances, including an unforgettable 300 in Vegas. That moment was pivotal, not only for my confidence but also in proving that with hard work, I could reach my goals," Habetler said.
As a transfer from Indiana Tech, coming to SXU has been one of the best decisions Habetler has made in his life, both academically and athletically. He wanted an environment that would allow him to grow as a person while also excelling at bowling, and he found that SXU checked that box and more.
"Coming to SXU has been a game-changer for me. One area I focused on improving was my spare shooting. I realized that to elevate my game and take it to the next level, I had to become more consistent in filling frames and minimizing mistakes. Working on that aspect of my game has helped tremendously. Additionally, I've taken on the role of anchor for the team, which comes with a lot of responsibility, but it's something I’ve embraced. The more I've been put in high-pressure situations, the more confident I've become in my ability to perform when the team needs me the most," Habetler said.
As a digital marketing major and a member of the Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT), Habetler finds that staying on top of his academic work and developing good time management skills have been key to success both in the classroom and in the alley.
After graduating next year, he hopes to start a career in marketing and pursue a professional bowling career.
"After I graduate, I plan to pursue a career in the marketing industry, where I can apply the skills and knowledge I've gained to help businesses grow and connect with their audiences. My passion for bowling is something I don't want to let go of. I plan to continue competing professionally and part-time once I finish my degree. I truly believe I have the talent to compete at the highest level, and I'm excited for the future, where I can balance both my marketing career and my passion for sport," Habetler said.