Bobby Habetler bowling SXU Athletics
At the start of the 2023-24 season, Saint Xavier University’s bowling teams expanded with four new transfer students, one being sophomore Bobby Habetler.
Habetler grew up on the lanes; his great-grandfather built Habetler Bowl in Chicago, Illinois in 1957, a family-owned business successfully running to this day.
“The bowling alley was my daycare,” Habetler commented. He started bowling as soon as he could walk.
Habetler also joined youth leagues at an early age, which led to him bowling tournaments. There were competitions alongside his league, like Illinois’ annual Pepsi event, that brought the youth together for rewards and scholarship money. Habetler found enjoyment there and began seeking more.
When he was just ten years old, Habetler met Bill Spigner, a Team USA coach, since 2017, who writes for Bowlers Journal. Spigner has accumulated several national and regional PBA titles himself as well as an induction into the USBC Hall of Fame in 2001.
Access to great coaching, knowledge, and the unlimited practice with a family-owned alley is what Habetler believes changed his game at a young age. Habetler would continue on to competitive bowling at both the national and collegiate levels.
Team USA Trials took place in Las Vegas, Nevada the first week of January. Habetler was able to claim his spot on Junior Team USA for the second year in a row.
The prior year, Habetler was able to earn a spot from his performance at Junior Gold, a prestigious national youth tournament held annually for bowlers earning a spot through state-held events.
While proving to be a challenge both times, Habetler said Team Trials was more difficult with the professionals in the field and the grueling nature of the competition.
“I have always wanted to represent the country in one way or another and being able to do it through bowling makes it even more special. I have not bowled for Team USA in international competition as of yet, but every event I compete in is a reflection of Team USA and I cannot be more proud of that,” Habetler expanded.
This success occurred alongside Habetler’s collegiate career. As a freshman, he attended Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
“I transferred because [Indiana Tech] was making budget cuts to the program. Our team was one of the most talented in the country, and the university was not supporting us,” Habetler explained.
He also felt there could be better opportunities elsewhere. Habetler ultimately decided that Saint Xavier University was the right fit and has been welcomed with open arms.
“I was able to make the smooth transition [here] and was able to find immediate success on the team,” Habetler added.
The collegiate bowling season is extensive, running from September to April, for teams who make the ITC Nationals.
SXU Men’s Bowling Team at Midwest Collegiate Championships SXU Athletics
Habetler has had incredible success so far this season. He has achieved All-Tournament Team (top five individual finish) for three different events, two being at the Tier-1 level, which is notably more difficult with lane play and competition.
With these achievements, Habetler has brought a “never quit” attitude to the team, his strong mental game separating him from a lot of competitors. He has attended Kegel’s Mental Game Training with Dr. Hinitz in Lake Wales, Florida, which has proven to have a positive impact.
Habetler understands that a strong mental game makes winning more easy and attainable, separating the good amateurs from the best bowlers in the world. The killer instinct and ability to take advantage of every opportunity is a mentality owned by few.
Yet Habetler always finds new things to work on to further enhance his game. “Spare-shooting and shot execution are the main issues I need to clean up,” he specified.
While most tournaments in the collegiate season have concluded, the run for postseason starts over Saint Xavier’s spring break.
On Feb. 21, USBC held the annual Sectionals Assignment Show, sharing where each team is being sent to compete. The options included Addison, Illinois; Allen Park, Michigan; Fort Worth, Texas; and Smyrna, Tennessee.
Saint Xavier will head to Addison for the second year in a row on Mar. 9–10. Last year, the men’s team qualified out, and they hope to do the same this year.
The ITC Sectionals format is 64 baker (five players bowl a team game, with each taking two frames) games: 32 Saturday and 32 Sunday. Tournaments during the regular season typically have 16 baker games, so this format is physically and mentally grueling.
In order to make it out, Habetler feels spare-shooting will be the most crucial part. Maxing out on every possible pin will boost their chances, leaving no doors open for the competing teams.
With everything to come, Habetler does not have an exact ultimate goal.
“I do not like to be result-oriented when evaluating goals; however, advancing to ISCs as an individual and ITCs as a team would be absolutely amazing! I have so much faith in this team that I believe we can make a deep run,” Habetler said.
The next couple of weeks will be spent working hard to polish the skills the Cougars have spent all year crafting. Habetler knows the future is bright for this team, as they continue to be a dominant force on the lanes.
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