× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

The Nebraska bowling team will be without their head coach for the first meet of the spring season this weekend.

Nebraska bowling coach Bill Straub has been hospitalized since late last week, the university said in a statement Tuesday. Assistant coach Paul Klempa, who has been with Straub since the program was elevated to NCAA status 17 years ago, was named the interim head coach.

Straub is the only head coach the Huskers have had, dating back to the sport's club days. He also coached the men's club team. His teams have combined for 11 national titles in the last 22 years.

The Huskers are coming off a season where they won their fourth NCAA title. Nebraska had two meets to open their fall season, finishing second at the 14-team Crusader Classic in Valparaiso, Ind. Nebraska then won its own eight-team Big Red Invitational at Sun Valley Lanes in November.

NU will open its spring campaign Friday at the Mid-Winter Classic in Jonesboro, Ark.

In the statement, NU athletic director Shawn Eichorst gave his full support to Straub and Klempa.