Nathan Stubler is a graduate student at St. Ambrose University who’s been bowling all his life and has big dreams to keep going after graduation. Stubler currently has his bachelor’s degree in accounting and is pursuing his master’s degree in the same subject.  

How long have you been bowling, and what originally made you interested? 

“I’ve been bowling pretty much since the age of two, I grew up in a bowling center. My dad and uncle owned and operated one for over 35 years, I was kind of thrown into it. So I was bowling as early as I could push a ball down a lane.”

What made you decide to come here to SAU? 

“I remember when I did my campus visit, the campus was really great and the program they have for accounting here too is one of the best in the country. Bowling has obviously been a big part of my life, but being serious about a degree and getting a job after college has always been the main point of going to college.” 

Stubler during practice at Big River Bowling in Davenport, Iowa. Photo courtesy of Carolyn Graham.

What drew you to the SAU bowling team? 

“The team when I came in freshman year was very young, so that was appealing to me. I thought- let’s continue to build on this newer program and see where it can take us.” 

What achievement are you most proud of during your bowling career?

“In 2019 I made Junior Team USA, and that was a really cool experience for me. Getting to fly out to Las Vegas, bowling for five days, also just enjoying Vegas at the same time.”

What has been the best part of bowling here at SAU? 

“Honestly it’s been the people. I’ve made some really good friends throughout my SAU experience, including a lot of friends that I knew prior in high school. It’s really cool to have competed against some of them in high school and now a lot of them are here. The people really make it what it is.” 

What are your plans for the future? 

“My plan currently is to bowl professionally on tour for a few years, just kind of see where it goes. If it doesn’t work out, I still have my accounting degrees to fall back on.” 

Is there anything you want to say to the SAU community? 

“Ultimately look out for SAU bowling this year, we’re looking forward to really making an impact this year, and our teams only getting better.”

For more on Nathan Stubler, check out the newest episode of Dateline SAU.

One of many strikes Stubler achieved during practice. Photo courtesy of Carolyn Graham.