Pictured Above Are: Tony Maresca left, And ASU Head Bowling Coach Jordan Nassberg
Entering His 12th Season As Bowling Coach At ASU, Jordan Nassberg Still Finds Talent To Succeed
After Capturing The CCNT Title Last Year, The Sun Devils Start This Season Ranked 13th In Nation
By Michael 'Chip' Begg Managing Editor-the tenpinexpress.com-Director Mesa Metro Association
Scottsdale - - - Through out his life time, Jordan Nassberg has always accepted any and all challenges that have come his way.
Even more so, when it comes to the game of bowling. And, when the 2016-17 collegiate club bowling season gets underway later this fall, it will mark his 12th season as head coach of the Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils collegiate club bowling team.
He can still remember what it was like taking over the program from his predecessor, Carl Ong, prior to the start of the 2004-05 season.
"Looking back, I really did not expect to do much my first season as coach at ASU," he said, on being on the Tempe campus for the first time. "I had three good players on the team, and I just wanted to keep the program going in the right direction. I had some small goals that I set for my first season to accomplish, and yes, I achieved those goals. I wanted to finish the season in the top 25 in the nation, and we finished the season at 22."
Collegiate club bowling is not a scholarship sport at ASU. It cost around $2,000 a year for the kids he has on his roster to bowl. And, that is not counting the incidentals they have to pay for while they are on the road also.
"Its all about the bowling," the coach said, on why he has been able to hold onto talent. "The kids really love to bowl as much as anyone else. For the first time in the 12 years that I have been at ASU, the school will be helping us with our fund raising efforts this year. And, that is very nice of them to do that for us."
The devoted bowling coach has had some really good talent come through his program the last 12 years. The talent he has had, has also given the school some notariety in the process as well.
Brian Makan was the first All-American he coached from 2006-10. Russ Oviatt was named to the second team All-American roster in 2014-15. Along with current GCU coach Ben Canfield.
"I am just blessed with the bowling talent that has come through the program," he said, of his past and present talent. "By us having the top two rookies last year, it is something that will never happen again in collegiate club bowling."
Nick Devlin and Chase Nadeau were his two rookies that were ranked one and two in the nation at the end of last season.
Coach Nassberg also had Jakob Butturff in his program during the 2012-13 season. Jakob, as you know, is a five-time PBA regional champ, and he has one national title to his credit. Others who have bowled for him at ASU are Steve Black from 2004-06. And, Matt Jones in 2005-06.
"The JBT has a lot to do with developing the junior talent we have today. They do a great job in doing so, and that is why the west coast is rich with talent," he said, of the JBT, who just celebrated iths 20th season this past year. "I always appreciate how hard the kids work to get better in bowling. I am also fortunate to have Global 900 as our sponsor at ASU. As our sponsor, they help us stay competitive with the other top programs in the nation. Without their sponsorship, it would not be possible for us to do so."
Brunswick Via Linda Lanes in Scottsdale, is the home practice bowling center for the Sun Devils.
At the end of the 2015-16 season, ASU was ranked in the top 20 and ended up 13th in the nation. Coach Nassberg was hoping for a top ten finish following his successful campaign. Under his direction, ASU has consistently been ranked between 11th and 20th in the country during his tenure.
"I just try to be the best coach I can, and I don't limit my coaching experience to the collegiate level," he says, on why he feels he has been so successful. As I get older, I listen to those I have coached in the past. And, I want to continue to grow as a coach every season."
Collegiate club bowling events are usually held on the weekends, and the format of these events vary. The majors format involves tier one schools, and events out west generally are match play with bonuses. A minimum of nine games are bowled. Some tournaments are bowled: with cuts, some are total wood, and some use the baker format.
At the ITC Sectionals last year, ASU lost the title match by three pins. But, made up for this loss by winning the Collegiate Club National Tournament.
In the CCNT, ASU went undefeated in a best-of-five baker match play format to win the title. The Sun Devils started off slow by posting a 3-3 record in a four game total pin-fall match play event. Thanks to their efforts, it gave them a first round bye.
ASU defeated: Bowling Green, Milwaukee, Morehead St, and Purdue twice. Once in the Winner's Bracket finals, and then the overall finals. This year the Sun Devils' sponsor, Global 900, also played a big role in its victory. VISE grips and slugs were provided to the kids. Along with Dream and Respect Bowling balls. Jakob Butturff, Ben Canfield, and Russ Oviatt, are currently under a ball contract with Global 900.
"We have developed a trust with the loyalty of our team sponsor," the coach said, of ASU's sponsor. "I am proud to have these kids on their staff."
Their program could not have also been successful this year, without the help from Virtue Bowling Supply and the Hollywood Bulldogs, too.
"The CCNT was an amazing and phenominal performance by our kids. No one in the building was rooting for us, and that motivated us more," the coach said, on his huge accomplishment. "Right after the sectionals, I knew we would have a chance to win the national tournament. Nothing less than a national title would satisfy the kids, because of how hard they worked to earn it."
During the regular season, ASU recorded seven total wins, that included six straight Tier 2 victories. It was the most win count of any school in college bowling last year.
Again, Nick Devlin and Chase Nadeau, finished the season ranked one and two among rookies. Nick was also an All-American. Chase's father, was a member of the 1987 Wichita State Shocker bowling team that was the best bowling team ever in collegiate bowling.
Arizona State Bowling News July 31, 2016