Blake Walsh Crowned U.S. National Collegiate Singles Champion
By Matt Stevens
Australian tenpin bowling star Blake Walsh has etched his name in the history books, becoming the 2025 Intercollegiate Singles Champion (ISC) in the United States — the first individual national title ever claimed by an Australian and Mount Mercy University bowler.
Competing at the USBC ISC Finals in Las Vegas, the Ballina-born freshman delivered a stunning performance on the sport’s biggest collegiate stage. Entering bracket play as the 13th seed, Walsh powered through five rounds of elite match play to claim the championship, capping a remarkable debut season.
- Blake Walsh (13) 679 vs Edgar Burgos (20) 557
- Blake Walsh (13) 756 vs Tyler Meade (4) 655
- Blake Walsh (13) 658 vs Matthew Measecher (12) 611
In the televised semifinals, Walsh defeated Concordia’s Conner Lackey 237–180 before securing the title with a commanding 235–190 win over McKendree’s Nicholas Blagojevich in the final.
“Waking up this morning, I definitely felt the wave of nerves come on,” Walsh admitted.“But once the TV lights came on, it just turned into bowling.”
Walsh struck on all 12 shots from the left lane and 17 times overall during the two clean games under the spotlight, showcasing the composure and skill that earned him NCBCA First Team All-American and Rookie of the Year honours earlier in the season.
“It’s been such an incredible year,” he said. “This team is like a family, and having their support has made all these moments so special.”
Walsh also gave credit to his support system back home in Australia.
“As much as this is for my teammates with me today, it’s also for my family back home who I know is going to be so proud.”
🏆 Blake Walsh – 2025 ISC Champion Highlights:
- 13th seed in bracket play after five-game qualifying
- Won five consecutive matchups, including the televised final
- Averaged over 230 in semifinal and final
- First individual national champion in Mount Mercy history
On the team side, Walsh and the Mount Mercy Mustangs battled valiantly to reach the semifinals of the Intercollegiate Team Championships (ITC). Despite a spirited campaign, the team fell to Marian University in the final four, ending their 2024–25 season on a high note.
Blake’s national title is a proud moment for Australian bowling and a testament to the talent emerging from our national pathways. His journey is far from over — but this championship marks a milestone that will inspire future generations of Aussie bowlers chasing their dreams on the international stage.
Credit to Mount Mercy Mustangs Bowling for the image.
