WILSON, N.C. – The Barton College Division of Athletics has announced the hiring of Brandon Cotton as its new Head Men's and Women's Bowling Coach with the sport set to launch for the 2023-24 academic year.
Cotton, a 2019 graduate of Barton College with a degree in business administration, coaches bowlers from all age groups ranging from elementary school to high schoolers. Three of Cotton's students are junior PBA competitors. Cotton resides in Durham, N.C., and recently worked as a Certified Chiropractic Assistant at Back to Health Chiropractic Medical Center.
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I would like to thank the (Barton) Athletic Team for giving me the opportunity to lead such a new role for the school I have grown to love," said Cotton. "
It is an honor to be able to do what I love at my alma mater. I appreciate (Barton Director of Athletics) Todd Wilkinson and the team for walking me through this hiring process while making me feel at home once again. I am looking forward to the first season! Go Bulldogs!"
Collegiate bowling continues to grow each year with programs at NAIA, NCAA and NJCAA schools, according to Dave Schroeder, Director of Communications at the United States Bowling Congress. The USBC is the National Governing Body for bowling. Last year, there were more than 4,500 athletes who bowled collegiately.
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Men's and women's bowling will further enhance the Barton enrollment goals by offering this lifetime activity as a sponsored sport for the first time in Barton history," said Wilkinson. "
Bowling will create interest in Barton College from students across the country and provide another bridge to the Barton experience. A broad-based athletic program has become common within Conference Carolinas and further growth within the league is often generated once a conference member adds a new sport. Look for additional institutions to add the sport of Bowling creating a fun and highly competitive sport within the Conference Carolinas."
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Having a passionate alumnus lead any Barton Bulldog team makes Barton better," added Wilkinson. "
Brandon (Cotton) is the perfect fit as Barton adds bowling to our sports sponsored. His love of the college will be evident as he recruits new students. He has great passion and respect for the sport of bowling and will build the program the right way. It is very exciting for Barton to have Coach Cotton become the first bowling coach in Barton history."
