When PennWest Edinboro senior Hayden Stippich stepped onto the lanes in Chicago for the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour Trials, he wasn’t just competing for pins – he was chasing a lifelong dream. With a commanding total pinfall of 10,917 (+1,317), the 24-year-old McKean, Pa., native captured the tournament title, earning full-time entry on the 2025 PBA Tour and eligibility for the PBA Elite League draft.
“It’s a dream come true,” Stippich said. “I’ve watched those guys my entire life, and now I’m out there competing against them.”
The two-handed lefty also led the 12-game pre-tournament qualifier, further solidifying his reputation as one of bowling’s rising stars. His victory places him in the company of Erie bowling greats like Bob Learn Jr., Mike Machuga and Mike Shady – legends Stippich grew up admiring.
Bowling has been part of Stippich’s story from the very beginning. His family has deep roots in Erie’s bowling community, even opening their home to touring professionals when the PBA first came to town. Among the guests was Norm Titus, who became a lifelong family friend.
As a junior bowler, Stippich’s steady improvement led him to Tennessee Southern University, where he played under Hall of Famer Bob Learn Jr. Twice named an All-American, Stippich’s college career was cut short when the program was discontinued. He transferred to PennWest Edinboro to finish his degree in criminal justice while keeping his professional bowling ambitions alive.
Balancing the demands of bowling and academics has been no small feat.
“We usually had two six-game blocks on the same day: one at 11 and one at six,” Stippich said. “I didn’t really have a ton of time in between. I had to work ahead and really use my time wisely when I wasn’t competing to make sure I was getting things done.”
His coursework in criminal justice, he said, has sharpened his mental game. “Just being calm all the time, never panicking—that’s a big thing in both criminal justice and bowling,” he said. “Staying present, staying focused, and being mentally strong has made all the difference.”
Stippich credits his professors and mentors for supporting him along the way. His advisor, Kevin Courtright, even shares connections with bowlers in New York.
“It’s kind of cool to have a connection there,” he said.
While Stippich has already notched memorable wins – including a match play victory at the USBC Masters over Jason Belmonte, one of the sport’s all-time greats – he admits the journey isn’t always easy.
“The travel can be tough. I had a couple of tournaments this past year when things weren’t going right,” he said. “It’s tough to push through, but you try to find something positive out of the struggle.”
Looking ahead, Stippich hopes to make the most of his PBA Tour experience before pursuing a career in forensic work. With family ties to law enforcement, the CIA, the FBI, and military service, the field feels like a natural next step.
But for now, the lanes are calling. His advice to other students juggling big dreams: “If you believe you can do it, just do it. Life’s pretty finite. You only have a limited amount of time, and you just have to go for it even if it feels uncomfortable. You never know what will happen.”
Image courtesy of the Professional Bowlers Association