Hannibal’s McBride rises above challenges, commits to dual-sport at Culver-Stockton

Published 6:17 pm Friday, May 29, 2026

HANNIBAL — Hannibal senior Marty McBride has had some challenges to deal with during his young life.
Now with a loving, adoptive family, McBride is thriving and ready to make his next step as he committed to Culver-Stockton College’s men’s bowling and cheerleading team.
“Bowling was an escape and a way to get away from home,” said McBride. “It was something that meant so much because we had to deal with mental abuse, but bowling gave us a way to escape and let all of our problems out. It became a passion because it was a way for us to be happy, bond together and it turned into a whole career. The motivation came from my sister.”
McBride grew up in Palmyra before settling in Hannibal with his foster family.
“I shuffled back and forth from Palmyra to Hannibal,” said McBride. “I was in a psych ward and became homeless going to Hannibal. Now I’m with a family that’s showing me love, passion and attention. When I go to college, I’m able to show that same compassion to my brothers and any other kids that want to follow.”
While bowling comes natural for McBride, cheer is something new to him.
McBride will cheer for Culver-Stockton football and basketball next year.
“I’ve never cheered in my life,” said McBride. “It’s just something that I want to get myself involved in and something I can do. I try to do as much as I can in college and enjoy it while I have it.”
McBride is excited to learn from Culver-Stockton cheer coach Kaitlin Tait and bowling coach Ryan Moore.
“It’s going good,” said McBride. “She’s really excited to have me on the cheer team. Same with Ryan for bowling. They said they’ll work with me. I’m more than excited, and thrilled to be a part of their program.”
McBride has been part of a youth bowling league and once bowled a 300 at age 15. His younger brother bowled a 300 at age 12.
“Me and my little brother are on a traveling team,” said McBride. “This was my second and last year doing it and my little brother’s first year. We got first place on the varsity one.”
At Culver-Stockton, McBride will dual major in clinical psychology and criminology.
“I’m going with a dual major, just so I can understand the mind of criminals and be able to try to see if I can help people before things happen,” said McBride. “Then, for the clinical side, just helping people get out of the cycle and showing them there’s a way out. They can make it through, persevere and graduate no matter what their situation is.”
McBride is looking forward to see what he can accomplish with the Wildcats.
“I want to do as good as I can to improve myself, not only as a person but also encourage my relationship closer to God,” said McBride. “Be able to bring that home with me and learn to cheer, be able to understand and comprehend and hopefully be part of a bowling team that goes to a championship.”