Great Bend's Wagner vies for NCAA title

WICHITA —Great Bend's Paige Wagner is living her lifetime dream of competing at the highest level in college bowling for Wichita State.

Wichita State's Wagner first gained notoriety when she captured the 2023 Intercollegiate singles bowling championship. Wagner edged Marysville's Anna Maxwell 211-203 to capture the nationally televised title.

Wichita State's women's bowling team has unfinished business to attend to when they compete Friday at Parma Heights, Ohio for the NCAA bowling Final Four.

The Shockers' quintet of Wagner (203 avg.), Ashtyn Woods, Sara Duque Jimenez, Morgan Klein and Aleesha Oden rallied to win the Arlington, Texas bowling regional to earn a rematch with Jacksonville State, Fla. in the NCAA bowling semifinals.

Wichita State's coaches saw Wagner's potential when they recruited her at Great Bend.

"I dreamed coming to WSU and being a part of the bowling team and that dream came true," Wagner said. "This high level of bowling is fun to be a part of. There is a lot more that goes into it than I expected when I was younger, but I have loved every part of it."

Wagner's fourth spot in the Shockers' Baker lineup sets the table in the 10th frame for her teammate Oden. Wagner maintains a calm exterior that helps her bowl her best.

"I try to stay focused on the positives and enjoy the sport," she said. "If I find myself getting a little frustrated, I tell myself good things to calm down and go back to enjoying what’s going on."

The Shockers maintained their poise while battling back through the loser's bracket at Arlington, Texas.

"Our team chemistry is good which allows us to build trust with one another on-and-off the lanes," Wagner said. "Team chemistry is very important and plays a big part in sports. It allows relationships to build which leads to good things happening for our performance."

The daughter of Great Bend's Cheri and Tim Wagner believes earning teammates' support is critical in bowling's fast-pace.

"Us having good team chemistry allows our lows to not last a long time," she said. "Team chemistry helps because it goes back to having trust in one another and knowing we are all there for each other."

She's going to enjoy every moment at the NCAA Bowling Final Four.

"I've mainly focused on making improvements to my game throughout the year and making sure to enjoy the time I have here at Wichita State."