Briar Cliff University Launches Inaugural Bowling Program, Names Plaza Bowl as Team’s New Home

September 28, 2026

(Sioux City, Iowa – September 28, 2026) Plaza Bowl will serve as the official home of Briar Cliff University's first-ever bowling program under a new partnership between the University and the Sioux City bowling center. The announcement marks the addition of Briar Cliff's newest varsity sport and gives the Chargers a dedicated home facility right in the heart of Siouxland.

The inaugural Chargers bowling program has taken the lanes with a remarkable initial roster of 22 men and 18 women. The partnership with Plaza Bowl, located at 3091 Hamilton Blvd, gives the team a home venue for practices and home competitions.

"We're thrilled to partner with Briar Cliff University and open our lanes to these student-athletes. Bowling is such a big part of the Siouxland community, and having a hand in a college program taking shape means a great deal to us. We look forward to cheering on the Chargers all season long," said Brian Atchison, owner of Plaza Bowl.

For Briar Cliff Athletics, the launch of bowling reflects the University's ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes.

"Adding bowling to our athletics program is an exciting step for Briar Cliff. Plaza Bowl gives our student-athletes a first-class facility right here in Sioux City, and this partnership reflects our commitment to growing opportunities for students who want to compete at the collegiate level. It's been exciting to see the Chargers already on the lanes at Plaza Bowl," said Dan McDermott, Briar Cliff's Director of Athletics.

Leading the program is head coach Dylan Elsworth, who has spent recent months recruiting and building the Chargers' first roster from the ground up.

"The response from our first recruiting class has been incredible. Our inaugural roster has the depth and talent to be competitive right away. I'm grateful to Plaza Bowl for giving us a home, and seeing our student-athletes already on the lanes has been the best part of building this program," said Elsworth.

To learn more about Briar Cliff’s men’s and women’s bowling programs, visit bcuchargers.com.