Former Crusader bowler (1995-1999) and former captain Michael Kwiatkowski '99 was named Head Coach of the bowling program in 2019. He succeeded Canisius High School Sport Hall of Fame coach, Patrick Kwiatkowski '72, who left a 23-year legacy with the program and received the Barnes Award from the school post memorious in Fall 2019. As a 12-year Junior Varsity Coach for Coach K, Coach Michael Kwiatkowski helped his father lead the Varsity team to coach's final championship year on the banner by upsetting the #1 St. Joe's in the All- Catholics in February 2019. It was the last exclamation point in the turnaround of the program career of Coach K, and the start of something special.
Coach Michael continues the rich family history that his father and mentor provided to young student athletes at Canisius High School with an "Always Believe in Family" mentality. He has taken Coach K's vision and success and has led the Crusaders to 5 straight Championships in three years with two Msgr. martin League Champions (2023, 2024) and three All-Catholic Championships (2022, 2023, 2024). The 2022-2023 and the 2023-2024 teams are the most winning and successful teams in school history with an 85-5 record.
Coach Michael Kwiatkowski, who enters his sixth season as head coach in 2024-25, has vast experience leading the Crusaders having served on staff since the 2007-2008 season. He has coached 11 NYSCHSAA State Qualifiers, 1 State Champion (Blaine Benson in 2023), and 1 Msgr. Martin Association Individual Champion (Blaine Bension in 2024).
The Crusaders bowl at Classic Lanes, Abbott Lanes and their home of Mallwitz's Island Lanes. This summer, Canisius bowling, will host their first ever sports bowling camp in July 2025. Coach Kwiatkowski and his family will personally host their very successful Legend's Classic to raise more for the Pat Kwiatkowski '72 Memorial Scholarship at Canisius. He looks forward to continuing the family tradition the Kwiatkowski family has brought to the blue doors.
**updated January 2025
