Hastings College’s prolific bowling coach to retire

HASTINGS, Neb. — The coach who started the Hastings College bowling program and built it into a national powerhouse is moving on.

The college announced Tuesday that Ron Hergott is retiring. Hergott achieved great levels of success leading the program, including having the only women’s back-to-back individual national champion in NAIA history and guiding the 2020 men’s team to a top three finish.

“On behalf of Hastings College, I want to thank Coach Hergott for his dedication to not just the athletic department but the college itself dating back to the early 2000s,” athletic director Chris Clements said in a statement. “Hergott has got to be one of the most selfless individuals this campus has ever seen as he took on countless roles during his time as a Bronco.”

During his time as the head coach of the men’s and women’s bowling teams, Hergott coached six All-Americans and more than 50 Academic All-Americans.

“I have spent over 20 years of my life working for Hastings College,” Hergott said. “I’ve worked with some tremendous people, some fantastic athletes and just some great human beings. I love Hastings College and will miss working there deeply, however, it’s time to move on. I have some fantastic grandchildren that I want to spend time with. I have my own children that I want to spend time with, and I just really felt now was the time to move on.”

Hastings College will begin an immediate nationwide search for a new head coach.