West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University (WIU) Athletics has announced the hiring of three new coaches for its women's bowling and track and field/cross country programs.

Derek Sapp, a 2003 graduate of WIU, will serve as the inaugural head coach of the Leatherneck Women's Bowling program. The team is set to begin competing in the 2025-2026 season. Sapp brings a wealth of experience from his time as an undergraduate at WIU, where he was a four-time collegiate All-American and a two-time Intercollegiate Bowling Championship MVP. He also led WIU's men's club bowling team to two national championships.

"I'm incredibly proud to be back home at WIU," said Sapp. "We have a very proud history of bowling here and we all take a lot of pride in that. I'm honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead this new NCAA program and my goal is to bring back the glory days that we are so fond of. I can't wait to get started!"

Sapp's professional career includes seven Professional Bowling Association (PBA) Regional Titles, the 2008 Midwest PBA Player of the Year award, and participation on Team USA, where he won multiple medals in international competition. Before returning to WIU, Sapp was head coach for Culver-Stockton College's men's and women's bowling programs since June 2020.

Scott Barnes has been named head coach for both the men's and women's cross country and track and field programs at WIU. Barnes previously served as head coach at Briar Cliff University since 2018, where he coached numerous national meet qualifiers and champions.

Joining Barnes' staff is Matthew Rosado, who will serve as an assistant coach for both cross country and track and field. Rosado comes from Dakota Wesleyan University, where he coached several NAIA National Meet qualifiers in both indoor and outdoor track events.

Barnes replaces former Head Coach Trey Brokaw, who stepped down earlier this year along with his assistant coach.