LAS VEGAS, NV - This week in Las Vegas,  the annual Collegiate Bowling Night of Champions Awards Banquet was held to honor the athletes who had the best perfromances in college bowling in the 2022-23 season. Freshman Noah Akiona was in attendance and was named to the NCBCA (National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association) Honorable Mention All-American Team. "Receiving an All American award was a true testament to all the years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that it took to compete at a high level," Akiona said Wednesday night at the banquet.
 
This year Noah was named to two All Tournament teams and had three top ten finishes during the season. He shot the program's 5^th 300 game in program history at SWIBC 6 as well as shooting a 299 game at the Hoosier Classic. He finished 12^th in the country with a 214.6 average and was also 11^th in the country in average differential. 
 
Noah would lead the Newman team with a filled frame rate of 89.3%, 1^st in ball average at 9.17, 1st with a strike percentage of 56.7% and spare percentage of 87%, and single pin conversion of 96.1%. "I'm proud of how my bowling season went, not just because of the scores and awards, but because of all the relationships I've built, the challenges I've overcome, and the memories I'll cherish forever. It IS a reminder that success is more then just a number, its a reflection of the person you've become." said Akiona.
 
Noah is the first NCBCA All American in Newman bowling since Derek Hartnell in 2010. He is the 3^rd in program history to receive such an award. "He had a tremendous year and was a big impact on our program," said Coach Murphy " Noah has tremendous work ethic and will only continue to get better in the future."