Blue Tornado Bowling

Since bowling became a Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association-sanctioned varsity sport in 2001, McCallie bowling teams have captured state titles in 2005, 2006 and 2010. The Blue Tornado have been state runners-up in 2015 and 2016.

Former head coach Jeff Kurtzman led the Blue Tornado to the first two titles. Current head coach Josh Deitrick led the program to an undefeated season and the State Championship in 2010.

The bowling team produced an 11-4 dual match record in 2023-24 and was the Region runner up. The Blue Tornado qualified for the TSSAA Division II state tournament for the 15th time in 17 years. Senior Gavin Englert and junior David Benefield both qualified for the state individual tournament, David for the second time.

Coach Deitrick has directed the squad since 2007 and has guided McCallie to the state tournament in each year but two. In 2015, McCallie advanced to the title match before falling to the eventual champion and claiming runner-up status.

Alex Goss ’09 won the 2008 Division II individual state bowling crown as a junior and was state runner-up his senior season.

The squad uses top-notch facilities for practices and matches locally at Spare Time in Brainerd and Hixson.