NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Bethune-Cookman University bowling is ranked No. 19 in the latest edition of the National Ten Pin Coaches Association (NTCA) poll released Saturday, Dec. 15. The Wildcats began the season ranked 17^th in the preseason poll released in September.

Central Missouri is ranked atop the poll, followed in order by fellow MEAC member Maryland Eastern Shore, Vanderbilt, Sam Houston State and Fairleigh Dickinson to round out the top five.

Bethune-Cookman (22-19) has taken part in four events thus far on the campaign, securing a third and fourth place finish across two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Southern Division tournaments thus far. The Cats picked up a fourth place finish at the Wildcat Invitational against several nationally-ranked teams, while they opened the season in New Orleans at the Tulane Invite against many of those same teams.

"I think it says a lot about where our peers see us since we are ranked in the Top 20 in the second poll of the year," commented B-CU head coach Tony O'Neal. "However, we have to bowl better if we want to continue to rise through the rankings and compete for a national title later in the season."

The next NTCA poll will come in early February after competition resumes in January.

"This poll reflects what NCAA bowling coaches have known, that the depth and parity in college bowling is the best it has ever been", says NTCA President Becky Kregling. "Youth programs and high schools are developing outstanding talent, more universities are expending resources and coaches are recruiting this talent like never before in our 10 year history. This is a great sign for NCAA bowling and the future of our sport."

B-CU will get back to the lanes again January 25-27 when the Wildcats travel to the KU Invitational in Ready, Pa. Kutztown will serve as host for the event.

For all the latest information on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, follow the official Twitter feed, @BCUathletics, or "Like Us" on Facebook at Bethune-Cookman Athletics.

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