Joe Squires was selected as the new head coach of the Waldorf College men and women’s bowling teams for the 2015-16. Squires is off to a great start making school history, with the first-ever tournament championship since the program’s inception by capturing first place in the Stout State Open. The Warriors followed up the next tournament with a win in the Jayhawk Collegiate Challenge for back to back titles.
“Joe brings a solid background of technical knowledge to our bowling programs,” said Bart Gray, Waldorf director of athletics.
Squires spent the 2014-15 season as an assistant coach for the Warriors. He also served as head coach of the Mason City High School boys’ and girls’ bowling teams the past two years.
“As an assistant this past year, Joe was instrumental in helping our bowlers analyze skills and mechanics, which in turn enhanced their scores,” Gray said. “I look forward to Joe’s tenure as our bowling coach and taking our program from a solid base to the next level.”
Squires becomes the second head coach in school history. He takes over the programs established by Marilyn Schachel, who coached Waldorf the past five seasons. Schachel passed away in July following a courageous battle with cancer.
“This is a great opportunity to step into a developing program and do all that I can to keep moving the program forward,” Squires said. “I look forward to creating an atmosphere that is challenging and fun to promote growth and cohesiveness for the athletes and the team.”
Squires’ coaching philosophy focuses on individuals performing to the best of their abilities.
“As a coach, it is my responsibility to challenge the athletes to perform their best at as many tournaments as possible,” Squires said. “I work to create a fun atmosphere where bowlers support one another through the good shots and the bad. As a team, we are always looking to build each other up and only allowing the coach to provide constructive criticism.”
Squires looks for the programs to continue to grow both in numbers and in performance.
“In order for that to happen, the bowlers have to be excited to bowl for Waldorf College,” Squires said. “The bowlers need to be the best spokespeople for the team.”
A native of Albert Lea, Minn., Squires graduated from Albert Lea High School in 2004. He bowled at the varsity level for the Tigers all four years of his prep career and qualified for the state tournament three times. Squires also played varsity soccer for three seasons.
Bowling became a passion for Squires at a young age and he continues to participate in league competition. He started coaching at the youth level when he was 16 years old, helping organize and provide pointers to beginning bowlers.
Squires continued his education and athletic career at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, graduating in 2008 with a bachelor’s of science degree in secondary education and political science. He received his coaching endorsement from the Board of Educational Examiners of Iowa.
While at Cornell, Squires played two seasons of NCAA Division III soccer for the Rams. He was also involved in bowling intramurals throughout his four years at Cornell.
Squires is currently pursuing a master’s of arts degree from Waldorf in organizational leadership with a concentration in sports management.
The Waldorf men’s and women’s bowling programs aim to continue to build off last year’s success, which included the best finishes in program history. The men and women took third and fourth, respectively at the 2nd Annual Crusader Open. Squires expects the Warriors to display a competitive spark while continuing to progress this season.
“I am excited for the prospect of having enough bowlers for a junior varsity team on the men’s side,” Squires said. “I am excited to get to work alongside the women’s team and set direction for them.”
