McLean County Times

Illinois Wesleyan University has announced the appointment of Henry Van Bogaert as the head coach for its bowling program. The announcement was made by Mike Wagner, Director of Athletics at IWU, on July 31. Van Bogaert will assume his new role starting August 1.

"We are very excited to have Coach Van Bogaert lead our women's bowling program," stated Wagner. "We have made tremendous strides in each year of the program's existence and I believe he is the right person to take it to the next level."

Van Bogaert expressed his enthusiasm about joining Illinois Wesleyan: "I'm excited about what this role will bring. This bowling program is only several years old, and I think a great foundation has been laid, and I want to continue to build on it."

Before joining IWU, Van Bogaert was instrumental in establishing Lincoln College's men's and women's bowling programs in 2019. He served as head coach until Lincoln College closed in 2022.

"I'm most excited to be back to coaching," said Van Bogaert. "I enjoyed it a lot and missed coaching when Lincoln closed. The bond you develop with the student-athletes is lifelong. I look forward to being back on the lanes, both coaching and learning from the student-athletes."

Wagner also noted that during the interview process, "Coach Van Bogaert's love of the game, experiences as a head coach, and commitment to supporting and developing his student-athletes in and out of the sport was very evident."

Van Bogaert is known for implementing strategic training programs while providing individualized coaching and feedback. He promotes a collaborative coaching style aimed at creating a positive team environment.

During the 2021-22 season, he led Lincoln’s men’s team to reach the quarterfinals of its NAIA National Qualifier Tournament in Chesterfield, Missouri. That same season saw Blaine Hunt achieve a fourth-place finish at the Columbia 300 Western Shootout under his guidance.

Apart from his coaching career, Van Bogaert has worked as a firefighter and paramedic with Naperville Fire Department since 2011. He graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Service Management in 2019.