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Meet Our Coaching Staff
Jim Claytor
> Head Coach
Jim Claytor Jr. had functioned as the Assistant Coach of the Penn State Berks bowling team for 2 years before becoming the head coach in 2013. He had coached local youth leagues for over 6 years prior to joining the coaching staff. Jim strives to assist the collegiate bowlers to gain knowledge of the game as well as learn to bowl better during their tenure at Penn State Berks. He also focuses on developing a winning team attitude to all the members.
Louie Betz
> Recruiter and Assistant Coach
Louie has been a part of the Penn State Berks bowling team since 2019 as a bowler/executive board member. He graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Penn State Berks in 2023 and now serves as one of the team’s assistant coaches and recruiter. Louie is a USBC bronze certified coach. Louie’s goal is to help the members of the team to reach their potential in the sport of bowling and become great role models and leaders.
Ryan Marsden
> Assistant Coach
Nicholas Claytor
> Non-Faculty Advisor
Ryan has been a part of the Penn State Berks bowling team since 2018 as a bowler/executive board member. He recently graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from Penn State Berks in 2022 and now serves as one of the team’s assistant coaches. Ryan’s goal is to help the members of the team to gain knowledge in the sport of bowling and develop their talents.
Nicholas Claytor was a part of the Penn State Berks bowling team for 4 years as a bowler/executive board member. He graduated with a business degree from Penn State Berks and now serves as the team’s Co-Advisor. Nick’s goal is to help not only the new executive board, but also the members of the team to gain knowledge in the administrative areas of the club. He also wishes the team the best of luck at all tournaments and hopes to one day see a national title for the university.
Bradley Simko
> Advisor
Bradley Simko is the Penn State Berks Faculty Advisor for the bowling team. At Penn State Berks he is the Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions . He is very eager to help the team in any way possible with the administrative side and wishes that the team excels in all aspects of the bowling side.
Coaching from Heaven
Harry Charlesen was a part of the Penn State Berks bowling club for 18 years. He assumed the role of head coach in 2007. In 2013 Harry took a step back and became an assistant coach for the team. In addition to coaching at Penn State Berks, Harry coached for over 40 years in junior leagues, was the head coach for Garden Spot High School, was an assistant coach for Schuylkill Valley High School, and he spent 10 years coaching People to People Sports Ambassadors overseas. Harry was a bronze level certified coach. He also holds numerous senior titles and has been inducted into the Reading/Pottstown bowling hall of fame.
Friday, August 22nd 2025, we lost our dear friend and mentor, Harry Charlesen. Harry has impacted countless people in so many different ways. Harry is a beloved member of the bowling community in our area.
Harry, we promise that your legacy will continue to live on through the countless people you have coached and our program at Penn State Berks. We love you, we miss you, and we can’t wait to bowl with you again in heaven. Rest in peace.
