When Chris James took over Arkansas State's new women's bowling program, he made a prediction about ASU's success with the program. It's not that James is cocky; he just knew that bowling would make an impact.
And he was right. After only two seasons, ASU women's bowling was ranked ninth in the National Tenpin Coaches Association poll and the Red Wolves' young bowlers have been honored both athletically and academically.
There probably isn't a person more devoted to the sport of bowling and more committed to making it a success at Arkansas State University than Chris James.
When ASU went searching for the most qualified person to head up its newest women's athletic program in 2003, athletic administrators did not have to go far. James was right in the back yard.
James spent his first season proving ASU had made the right choices-first in selecting women's bowling, and secondly, selecting him as the head coach. James and his young team surprised everybody by putting together a winning record of 49-47-2 and ended the year with a nationally ranked program-ninth overall.
In addition, James was one of the regional finalists for Regional Coach of the Year. Individually, his team members made quite an impact picking up numerous athletic and academic awards.
It was pretty much the same in 2005, ending the year with an overall record 59-42-3, another ninth place ranking, and only one spot from a first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. And players also received All-Region and academic honors again.
In 2008 James led the team to a first time bid for the NCAA Tournament bringing the team to the final television match and finishing with Runner-Up honors for the four year old team and coach. The first for any team at the Division 1 level for ASU Athletics.
James was introduced as the head coach on Nov. 20, 2003, the same day ASU announced the addition of 16th intercollegiate sport and the women's ninth sports program.
ASU Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee said James was the obvious choice, and he couldn't have been more correct.
James has been bowling since he was five years old and has bowled (11) perfect 300 games throughout his adult life. The eleventh one came July 1st, 2008, when he also rolled his first 800 series (823). He has held the highest men's average for eight years in the Jonesboro Men's United States Bowling Congress local association.
James has also served as the League and Public Relations Coordinator for the Jonesboro Bowling Center since 1992. The Jonesboro Bowling Center, which serves as home of the Redwolves, is the second-largest venue in the state with 40 lanes.
James also holds membership with the Professional Bowlers' Association and has placed 10th in the professional men's tournament along with nationally recognized bowlers. He holds positions with the Arkansas and Jonesboro (USBC) United States Bowling Congress board of directors.
James worked as the Arkansas State Bowling Centers' Association Tournament Coordinator and as the state coordinator assisting the Arkansas Activities Association. He also played a crucial role in helping to organize high school bowling in the state of Arkansas.
James' love and passion for Arkansas State is evident as he has been associated with the school since 1989. During that time, he worked as a student athletic trainer and volunteered in the media relations office for 12 years.
James and his wife Kristy have two children-Emily (8) and Benjamin (3).
