Valparaiso will add bowling and men’s and women’s golf to its athletics program beginning with the 2009-10 academic year. The golf teams will compete as part of the Horizon League in spring 2010.

“The decision to add these three teams to our intercollegiate athletics program was driven largely by student interest,” said Athletics Director Mark LaBarbera. “I regularly receive inquiries from prospective student-athletes about golf and bowling, and interest has been expressed by students currently enrolled as well.”

Mark Higdon, golf director at Valparaiso’s The Course at Aberdeen, will coach the golf teams. Aberdeen will be the school’s home course. Stephen Anthony, associate director of athletics for business services, will coach the bowling team. Its home facility will be Inman’s Recreation Center.

Two of the sports are not new to the Crusaders. Valparaiso discontinued its conference champion men’s golf team in 1992. A men’s bowling team competed as part of the school’s athletics program from 1948 to 1963.