Mike Eaton, head bowling coach at Davenport University, passed away on Wednesday, March 22 surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with cancer.
"We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Mike Eaton," said Paul Lowden, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "The DU community lost a beloved figure and the bowling community lost a legendary pioneer of the sport. He was a great coach, great man, and extraordinary leader who touched the lives of student-athletes, coaches, family and friends. My prayers go out to Mrs. (Sue) Eaton and all his family and the many people he inspired through the sport of bowling."
Mike Eaton began his head coaching duties for the men's and women's bowling programs at Davenport for the 2014-15 season and built the program into a regional and national contender.
During the 2022-23 season, the Panthers had both teams nationally ranked with the women eighth and the men 15th as of Jan. 23 by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). Most recently, the women's team finished fifth and the men's team finished eighth at sectionals and three different bowlers qualified for Intercollegiate Singles Championships to be held in Las Vegas in April. Karine Bouchard and Nick Luther were the top qualifiers in the sectional. It was the first time that this feat was accomplished at Davenport.
"Mike was so much more than just a bowling coach. He was a husband, a father, a friend, a mentor, an entrepreneur and more," said Ryan McCosky, Director of Non-Varsity Sports and Programming. "The bowling community lost an exceptional man in Mike Eaton. He was a true leader to every one of the student-athletes he coached. We want to send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends as well as all of our current and former student-athletes that are impacted by this loss."
The program was independent from a conference affiliation after Davenport entered NCAA Division II and left the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC). During the WHAC days, in his first season of 2014-15 the men's team tied for second in the conference. The program did find a new conference in 2021-22 called the Great Lakes Bowling Conference (GLBC) and the men's and women's programs finished second in the inaugural season.
Eaton has guided the men's team to top 10 finishes in the sectionals in six of the last eight years and in 2020 the sectionals did not take place due to COVID-19. The best finish under Eaton for the men was fourth in the 2015 sectionals and this year's fifth place finish for the women was their best finish and they narrowly missed out on the top four which would have qualified for nationals.
Mike was inducted into the USBC Greater Grand Rapids Hall of Fame in 2005. He has been actively involved in the Grand Rapids Bowling Community for over 40 years. Mike's bowling accomplishments include three 300 games, four 800 series and a high average of 222. His tournament titles include an ABC Eagle in 1990 which was earned by setting a record for singles (782) which stood for nine years, Team USA three gold and one silver medal, 1983 City Doubles Championship, 1989 City Team and All Events, and Stroh's Tournament in 1987.
Counseling services are available and open through the DU Wellness Center. Students can schedule an appointment by emailing campus.life@davenport.edu. Staff and Faculty can utilize our employee assistance program for support at 855-327-4463.
There will be a celebration of life on Friday, April 14 at Spectrum Lanes from 3:00pm-8:00pm.
Here is the family's address if anyone wishes to send a condolence card:
5672 Nancy Dr SWÂ
Wyoming, MI 49418