DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.- Bethune-Cookman University Bowling will return to competition ahead of the 2023-24 academic year, Athletic Director Reggie Theus announced Tuesday. The program will resume its participation in collegiate athletics for the first time since the spring of 2020 - this time in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
"We are excited to reintroduce our bowling program and provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level once again here in Daytona Beach," AD Theus said. "It was an easy decision for us, and one that reflects our commitment to offering diverse athletic opportunities here at Bethune-Cookman University. I am excited to witness the renewed enthusiasm, teamwork, and success that the bowling program will bring to our campus community as we continue to build our Championship Culture."
The Wildcats women's bowling program holds a storied history of success.
The program first began competition in 2002.
Under the leadership of Robert "Tony" O'Neal, who also served as the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance at the time for B-CU, the Wildcats bowling team quickly gained national recognition in the NCAA Division I athletics market. In just three years, the team reached the MEAC Championship and earned a spot in the NCAA title match, marking the first Final Four berth in the athletic department's history.
"Bethune-Cookman Bowling is a storied program that made a tremendous impact in our athletic history," Theus said. "We look forward to building on the legacy and tradition of the program, and we are committed to supporting our student-athletes and coaches in their pursuit of excellence on and off the lanes."
A national search for the next head coach of Bethune-Cookman Bowling will begin immediately. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications to the university's Athletic Department.
Student-athletes interested in joining the program are encouraged to contact Scott Sommer, B-CU Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, for more information.
Stay tuned to BCUAthletics.com for updates regarding the program and the head coaching search.
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--#HailWildcats--