SIGNED: Austin Bowling Commits To Cincinnati Christian University

Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 6:27 AM

By Travis Thayer Austin Bowling (seated middle) signed his National Letter of Intent on Tuesday to play football at Cincinnati Christian University. Also pictured (left to right): LHS head coach Ryan Knigga, CCU coaches Nate Johnson and Adam Cokonougher, and Austin's dad, Jim Bowling (seated). Photo courtesy Lawrenceburg Athletics. (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – One of the most prolific running backs in Lawrenceburg High School football history is heading to a nearby upstart collegiate program. Wednesday marks National Signing Day for high school seniors, particularly football players, who are set to extend their playing careers at the collegiate level. On Tuesday, Lawrenceburg senior running back Austin Bowling signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Cincinnati Christian University.

Great to be a eagle🏈 #ccu @CCUFootball @CokoNation

— Red Rhino (@austinbowling) January 31, 2017 He was joined at the special signing ceremony by his dad, Jim Bowling, Lawrenceburg head coach Ryan Knigga, and CCU coaches Nate Johnson and Adam Cokonougher. Bowling, affectionately known as the “Red Rhino,” was named to the 2016 Associated Press All-State team in Class 3A after a record-breaking season. The Tigers star led the state in rushing yards (3,165) and touchdowns (52) while helping Lawrenceburg reach the state championship for the first time since 1985. Bowling will likely have the opportunity to earn early playing time as he joins a Cincinnati Christian team that just completed its first season as an NAIA varsity football program. The Eagles are coached by former Cincinnati Bengals safety David Fulcher. In his first year at the helm, CCU finished 0-11 as a member of the River States Conference. "CCU is getting a great football player who works extremely hard on the football field, said Tigers head coach Ryan Knigga. "They are also getting a great kid who has a huge heart. There is no doubt CCU will be better with Austin Bowling in their program. He is a game changer for that program and I expect him to have a huge impact immediately. Austin is a winner and I know he is excited about his opportunity at CCU. Opportunities come to kids who work hard and Austin is very deserving of the opportunity he will have at CCU." RELATED STORIES: Bowling, Storie Lead SEI Contingent On AP All-State Teams L’Burg, EC Each Place Three On IFCA Region 10 All-Star Team State Runner-Up L’Burg Places 10 On EIAC All-Conference Football Team