AKRON — Two years ago, Nikki Stiteler accepted the challenge of succeeding the retired Dan Martin as Ohio State USBC association manager while also serving as a college bowling assistant coach.
Now the 52-year-old North Canton resident is taking on more responsibilities as the second head coach in the Walsh University bowling program’s seven-year history.
“It’s a bit overwhelming to be sure, but this is what I do,” Stiteler said in an interview during the Akron Open. “Bowling is all I do.
“You have to have something to fill up that slow time when I’m not working for the state.”
Stiteler had served as a Walsh assistant for the past three years under head coach J.C. Heighway, who resigned in April due to family considerations. He has since returned to his former position as Stark County High School Bowling Conference commissioner.
“I’ve always aspired to be a college coach, but I didn’t think it would happen this fast,” said Stiteler, who along with her husband, Michael, moved to North Canton from Medina “to be closer to Walsh,” she said smiling.
“I had coached for two years at Stow-Monroe Falls and Copley (high schools). J.C. and Jim (Heighway) bowled in the (Northeast Ohio) traveling league with me three years ago and we got to talking. They said they were looking for another coach and I jumped at the chance. I didn’t think it would happen that quickly to be honest.”
Stiteler knows there will be overlap times, particularly in January and February.
“At the beginning of the (college) season it’s fairly slow, if you will, for Ohio State USBC,” Stiteler said. “We’re getting our tournaments together and entry forms out. January and February is when we have our two biggest tournaments of the year start (women’s and open championships).
“College season ends in March so there is a bit of an overlap, but we should be good.”
Stiteler admitted there was some early reluctance on her part to apply for the Walsh position due to her work with Ohio State USBC and serving on the Tri-County Hall of Fame board. But a strong support system has helped.
“Dan Martin has been a huge help. Technically, I was the assistant association manager for the year before he left after two years as youth director,” Stiteler said. “That process helped me a little bit more. He could have just said ‘I’ll see ya’ in August last year, but he has been invaluable to me. I can still call him anytime with pressing questions.
“And I’ve been with these athletes for three years now, except for the incoming freshmen, so I have a relationship with them so it’s doable. They are very aware that I have another job. But they also know that I will stop in a second to do whatever I can to help them.”
SETTING UP THE SEASON
But having her two jobs and trying to allow her players to juggle bowling with family life and studies will be reflected in Walsh’s 2023-24 schedule.
“I’m going to keep it pretty light for this first year. I just didn’t have time to figure out who our incoming athletes were and I really didn’t have any part in recruiting,” Stiteler said, adding she believes all incoming recruits remain committed to Walsh.
“We probably will do at least eight (tournaments), which is what we have to do. I would like to do about two a month.”
The team will remain in the Ohio Bowling and Heartland conferences this season although, she added, “we may do a couple of different trips.” One major trip early is to Youngstown, in a tourney field with national powers Youngstown State and Nebraska.
Early-morning practices at the team’s home center, Park Centre Lanes, will remain — although they will start 30 minutes later at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
“With class schedules and center schedules, it’s difficult to do anything else,” Stiteler said, adding she already has met with the center’s new ownership. “We may work out some possible one-on-ones or four-on-fours with groups, like our two-handers, for sessions with me on Friday afternoons.”
In addition to the recruiting class, Stiteler said other potential walk-on candidates have reached out to possibly join the program.
“We have to see to see if they are the right fit for us before we accept them,” Stiteler added.
Asked her coaching philosophy, Stitler started with the team concept.
“I know we are all individuals with different ways and different styles, but there has to be more of a team culture,” Stiteler said. “When we become more of a team, we can rely on each other more and see improvement in our skills, standings in tournaments and results.
“I believe in doing the best that you can at all times. You have to be a team, and I believe in good sportsmanship at all times. I’m all about the sport, enjoying it and having a good time with it.”
Right now, Stiteler is a one-person staff, but she is looking to hire assistants.
“I’ve been talking to a few people, but they are deciding if they can make the commitment,” she added.
And that’s what it is going to take for her first season with the Cavaliers.
“It’s a bit overwhelming at this point, but we’ll get through it,” Stiteler added. “I have people who have told me if I need anything at all to just reach out, and they have been there.”
The new era is just beginning.