Mike Perry is in his second year as the first Head Coach in Barton Bowling history.

Jumping into the collegiate level in 2020, Perry’s Cougars performed like veterans in the program’s inaugural trip to the NJCAA Championships, earning a runner-up finish on the women’s side and an eighth place showing on the men’s, including the program’s first ever-individual champion.

Highlighting the women’s performances and making program history, freshman Alexandria Newell captured the singles competition on day one of the two-day national competition to become the program’s first ever-individual national champion. Fellow freshman Allison Brodrick etched her name into the record books earning All-American status with a sixth place finish over the two-day event.

On the men’s side, Perry had his Cougars rolling right out of the gates posting a runner-up showing in its’ inaugural meet at the Midland Warrior Hammer. The Barton men rode the momentum finishing the season producing eight top-ten finishes in ten meets.

Off the lanes both squads were solid in the classroom, led by the women’s accumulation of a 3.17 GPA to rank third in the nation while men compiled a 2.91. Five women earned academic recognition attaining over a 3.60 GPA, including two with a perfect 4.0 GPA, with the men having a trio of players earning academic achievement.

Following a successful coaching career at the high school level, Perry began his new chapter in 2019 becoming the first coach of Barton Bowling History.

“When this opportunity presented itself I felt like it was a challenge I was ready for,” said Perry in an interview with the Great Bend Tribune. “I didn’t get into teaching to be a coach but that is the direction things went and I am really excited about the challenge in front of me.”

Perry is familiar with starting new programs, launching the Great Bend High School program in 2008 in leading the Panthers to much success including state titles.

“Certainly Mike is someone who crosses your mind right away with getting the bowling program off the ground,” said Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs. “When we added the program I thought of him. We had some conversations where he showed significant interest and one thing led to another so we feel with hit a grand slam with Coach Perry leading the program.”