JONESBORO (6/30/09) ? Arkansas State Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee announced Tuesday that Chris James has stepped down from his position as women's bowling coach, a post he held since the program's inaugural 2004-05 season.
“I'm very appreciative to ASU and Dr. Lee for allowing me to help start the women's bowling program,” said James. “There have been a lot of people in place that have helped me throughout the last five years and I want to thank the entire ASU staff.”
James said he is leaving his position at ASU to go into ministry work.
“We appreciate all the great efforts Chris put into our bowling program,” said Dr. Lee. “He immediately took the program to a high level and to a point of national recognition in a short time. We will continue to build upon his success and strive for national championships. We wish Chris and his family the very best in their new journey.”
James led ASU to the NCAA Championships each of the last two seasons, including a national runner-up finish in 2008, and coached six All-America and nine Academic All-America choices during his five-year tenure.
James immediately molded the bowling program into a competitor on the national scene, leading the bowling program to a No. 9 national ranking its first year of existence. In fact, the Red Wolves have finished each season ranked among the top nine teams in the nation, including 2009 when the squad finished with an 81-27 record and top-five finishes in seven of eight tournaments.
James compiled an impressive 320-190-7 (.626) career record at ASU and the 2009 team's 81 wins were a school record.
“We've had a great history of success and been able to take this program to a very high level in a short period of time,” said James. “There have been a lot of people that have put their heart into making this a very successful program and I'm grateful to have been a part of that. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to serve ASU and I'll always be a very strong supporter of not only the bowling team, but the University and all its athletic programs.”
A national search for the ASU Head Women's Bowling Coach position will begin immediately.
