Matt Nantais enters his first season as head coach of the Valparaiso bowling program as the Crusaders begin action in the 2011-2012 campaign.

Nantais came to Valparaiso after most recently spending a season as an assistant coach for the women’s squad at Robert Morris [Ill.] University.  While there, Nantais helped guide the Lady Eagles as they reached the top spot in the nation in the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Intercollegiate Team national poll.  Robert Morris went on to close the season with a fifth-place finish at the National USBC Team Championships, as well as a third-place showing at the NAIA Team Championships.

Prior to joining the Robert Morris coaching staff, Nantais spent the 2009-2010 season as assistant coach for the Lake Central H.S. girl’s team, which placed fifth in the state.  During his year at Lake Central, he helped tutor current Crusader Kaity Galka.  Nantais also previously spent two seasons (2006-2008) as head coach of the boy’s team at North Newton H.S., and has served as a coach in the Stardust III (Dyer, Ind.) Junior Program since 1987.  He received his USBC Bronze Certification in June of 2008 and followed up by earning his Silver Certification in October of 2008.