Rich Gucwa, Jr., a 15-year veteran of collegiate and high school coaching and a former professional bowler, was named Head Men's and Women's Bowling Coach on April 28. Gucwa comes to The Abbey after was four years at North Central College outside of Chicago, Ill., where was the inaugural head coach and developed the women's program. He is a Silver Certified Coach by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and has appeared on Bowlers Journal's Top 100 Coaches list for three straight years.
"They say that good things come to those who wait, and after what has been a lengthy, extensive search, we have identified the right individual to elevate our Women's and Men's Bowling programs to regional and national relevance," Miss said at his hiring. "We are thrilled to name Rich Gucwa, a life-long participant in and advocate for the sport of bowling as our Head Coach. The combination of Coach Gucwa's experience coaching at the collegiate and high school levels, his working individually with high profile, elite-level bowlers to enhance their performance, and his strong faith commitment makes him ideally suited to form, develop, mentor, teach, and coach our students so as to facilitate them in becoming a blessing to themselves and to others."
A former member of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), Gucwa has over 20 years of competitive bowling experience in addition to his years in coaching. He previously served as head boy's coach at Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep School in Elmhurst, Ill., from 2007-14 and was a private instructor to top youth and high school bowlers throughout the Chicagoland area. Gucwa is also a certified pro shop operator.
A summa cum laude graduate from DePaul University with bachelor's degree in business communication, Gucwa begins his duties on June 1. He and his wife, Kristen, have two sons, Gavin (15) and Noah (13).
