It was 10 years ago that Bethune-Cookman University - then Bethune-Cookman College - unveiled a new athletic team for the 2002-03 season. With heavy influence from Robert "Tony" O'Neal, the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance, the school unveiled the Wildcats bowling team. At the head of the program, the same man that pushed for Lynn Thompson (B-CU Director of Athletics) to try and fund the program. Thus, O'Neal would become the "father" of Bethune-Cookman Bowling, and the head coach in charge of the sport.

With the sport of NCAA bowling still being relatively new in the Division I athletics market, O'Neal not only started the sport, he quickly grew it into a national name amongst the bowling community. In just a matter of three years, that "name" - Wildcats Bowling - advanced to the MEAC Championship and a spot in the NCAA title match. The NCAA Final Four berth was the first and only of its kind for the Wildcats program, as a whole, in the school's rich athletic history on the Division I level of athletics.

"The group that began bowling in 2002, I don't think they ever imagined the legacy and tradition that they were starting," stated Tony O'Neal. "Some of their cheers from then, as well as their hard work and determination are just remarkable. It's the foundation that started it all."

In 2004-05, the Wildcats made a leap into a new world that turned dawned a new era in the HBCU bowling world. Not only did that NCAA Championship Final Four inspire O'Neal and the B-CU Wildcats family, it also inspired HBCU coaches everywhere that advancing to the NCAA Championships could, in fact, happen.

Since that time, a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) team has won the NCAA title on two occasions. And the Wildcats have won an MEAC title and been a part of the league championship match on several occasions, themselves.

The players have had a lot to do with the success; the coaches as well; and even more, the administration. But for that first set of players, mainly comprised of walk-ons new to the sport of collegiate bowling, it was about laying a foundation that would become the "house" for all to come later.

According to O'Neal, it was the first captains such as Monique Abrams, Deborah Brown and Johanna Jackson. It was the first assistant coach, Sonja Hurt - the innovator of some of the bowling techniques and a driving force behind the success early-on. And it was about people such as Carla Bell, Hope Sims and Veronica Pegee, players that had contrasting personalities and approach to the game, but were effective in their individual styles, nonetheless.

The highlights of the program are numerous over such a short span of time. However, above all, the family atmosphere that has been created through the years culminating from a "Family First" mentality of the head coach and the university.

Also of note in 2004-05 were bowlers such as Ta'Sheika Green, Sara Circle and Sara Driver, all of whom were named to the All-MEAC Tournament Team. In that same tournament, Green would go on to be named the Most Outstanding Performer for the Wildcats.

But certainly not to be outdone from that 2004-05 championship run were bowlers Erica Crawford and Tanya Henry. Together, they reaped the rewards of the original foundation by leading the program to it's first-ever league title and NCAA appearance.

During the 2006-07 campaign, Angela Morrell and Circle were tabbed All-MEAC Tournament Team members. While Kim Roe would make her way onto the all-tourney squad in 2008-09. Current Wildcats bowler Staci Hilliard continued the B-CU presence on MEAC Teams by making her way onto the all-tournament squad last season. Hilliard and Roe were the only regular season All-MEAC performers - due to the fact the league did not begin recognizing an official all-conference team until recently.

"Ten years ago, we had ladies with a lot of heart and determination that wanted to compete. Now we have young ladies with a higher skill level, but that same desire, passion and drive to be the best," said O'Neal. "The only difference between the girls from the 2002 squad to now is the amount of time the ladies have put into the game - from high school on through to their college careers."

Where the program goes from here is anyone's guess. But where the players go will always be known - they will forever be linked to the B-CU Wildcats family. They will forever be linked to their "family" in the form of former players and teammates. And they will forever be linked in the lore of the first 10 years of a fledgling program that started from the ground up.

The players now stem from the players then. The players then inspire the players now - such as Staci Hilliard and Ypretycia Crumity, celebrating their "Senior Day" this weekend.

The future is certainly beginning to flourish for the Lady Wildcats program in bowling. But it wouldn't be this bright if not for the past 10 years shedding much-needed sunshine and energy into the soil and roots of the program itself. With all of that, one thing is for certain - the next 10 years should be anticipated by all.

The final home match for the B-CU bowling team is this weekend in nearby DeLand, Florida for the MEAC Southern Division at the Sunshine Bowling Lanes. Admission is free and the Cats will enjoy "Senior Day" prior to Saturday's team bowling portion of the weekend tournament.

In addition to "Senior Day", Tony O'Neal and the Wildcats family welcomes back a number of former bowlers to the Central Florida area as the program celebrates 10 years of success representing not only the Maroon and Gold, but also the MEAC.