Glendale, Ariz.- Arizona Christian University (ACU) is proud to announce the appointment of Rich Souddress as the new head coach of the Firestorm bowling program. Souddress, a decorated collegiate and amatuer bowler, brings a wealth of experience and championship pedigree to ACU's bowling program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rich Souddress to the Firestorm family," said Dr. Pete Dryer, Athletic Director at Arizona Christian University. "He loves the Lord, has a passion for bowling, and a strong interest in serving our student-athletes - these are just a few of the many reasons we are excited to welcome Coach Souddress to the team!"

Souddress's bowling career includes notable achievements at both collegiate and amatuer levels. As a collegiate bowler at Cal State Fullerton from 1985-1988, he helped lead his team to a 6th place finish at the Collegiate Nationals in 1988. His other collegiate accomplishments include being a Collegiate Sectionals Finalist in 1987, securing 1st Place in Doubles at the Portland Invitational in 1987, and finishing 10th in Singles at the Las Vegas Invitational that same year.

His post-collegiate career has been equally impressive, highlighted by a 1st Place finish at the World Team Challenge in 1995 and a 25th Place finish in All Events at the USBC Nationals in 2019. As a junior bowler, Souddress was a two-time California State Team Champion (1983, 1984) and earned a spot on the JATFC All-Star Team twice during those same years.

"I am honored to join Arizona Christian University and lead the Firestorm bowling program," said Souddress. "I see bowling as more than just a sport—it's an opportunity for student-athletes to earn a quality degree, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and develop competitive excellence. I'm excited to help these young bowlers achieve their full potential both on and off the lanes."

In addition to his bowling expertise, Souddress brings a strong professional background as a controller and financial executive with over 30 years of experience specializing in finance, construction, manufacturing, and service operations. This unique combination of athletic achievement and business acumen will provide ACU bowlers with mentorship that extends beyond the sport.

Souddress is also actively involved in his local church, currently attending and serving at Christ Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria.

Interested student-athletes may connect with Coach Souddress through the recruit form for Bowling at this link: Recruit Me

You can also follow ACU Bowling on Instagram @acu_bowling 

**About Arizona Christian University**
Arizona Christian University is an accredited, private, non-profit, Christian university in sunny Glendale, Arizona offering a wide variety of degrees preparing students for successful careers, while remaining committed to its vision of transforming culture with biblical truth.  Students actively engage in biblically-integrated academics and gain a liberal arts foundation with critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.  Arizona Christian draws students from more than 40 states and 30 countries, and the Firestorm compete athletically in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and in the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) for bowling.   For more information about ACU and how to apply for admission, visit arizonachristian.edu.