Dale Lehman was named as the new head coach of the Women's Bowling team in 2024. Lehman joins the Firebirds with over two decades of coaching experience and a history of building successful programs.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dale Lehman to the Firebirds family as our new Women's Bowling Coach," said Director of Athletics Ryan Kane. "His passion and expertise in the sport of bowling is impressive and his coaching background and proven ability to successfully lead teams made him the right fit to lead our program. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our student-athletes."
Lehman's coaching career began in 2002 as a volunteer coach for the girls' team at Zion Benton Township High School (ZBTHS). In just six weeks, he transformed a team that had not won a match in two years into a competitive force, finishing second in the North Suburban Conference and producing a state finalist qualifier. His Strikes & Spares Instructional Summer Camp, also started in 2002, continues to thrive, and is now in its 22nd year, helping bowlers of all ages enhance their skills.
Lehman's success continued in various roles. In 2004, he became the assistant bowling coach at ZBTHS, leading teams to conference titles and state finals. In 2005, he began his collegiate coaching career at Robert Morris University, where he developed both women's and men's bowling programs. His teams won five NAIA National Championships, two runners-up, two USBC Intercollegiate National Championships with a runner-up and a third-place finish, and three National Singles Championships. Lehman also coached numerous athletes who earned individual accolades, including 23 NCBCA All-Americans, 29 NAIA All-Americans, and 15 Junior Team USA members. He was a finalist for NCBCA Coach of the Year for eight consecutive years and was named NAIA Women's Coach of the Year in 2013. He was inducted into the Lake County Bowling Hall of Fame in 2012 and recognized as a top 100 coach by Bowlers Journal.
Lehman demonstrated his coaching excellence at Lakes Community High School and Calumet College of St. Joseph. Most recently, his team at Calumet achieved its highest national ranking during his tenure of 11th in the country during the 2023-24 season and won three tournaments.
In addition to his coaching success, Lehman has been an active member of the local bowling community, serving in various leadership roles, including the longest tenure as President of the Greater Lake County Association.
"I want to thank Ryan Kane and the Administration at Carthage College for the opportunity to Coach the Women's Bowling program," commented Lehman. "I look forward to working with our team and future recruits to be successful both Athletically and Academically."Â
