To date, the Alabama A&M bowling team has amassed a 46-19 head-to-head record on the season and a No. 11 national ranking in the latest NTCA coaches poll. None of that will matter this weekend, however, as the Bulldogs head to the SWAC Championships as the favorite to take home the conference title on Sunday. A&M cruised to a 22-3 SWAC record in two roundups earlier this season, but will get stiff competition from at least two other SWAC schools ranked in the national top 20 (Southern 13th and Jackson State 20th).
The first round of play will begin on Friday at the Holiday Bowl in Bessemer, Ala. at noon in a round-robin format. From there, teams will be seeded 1-6 based on highest pin count for Saturday and Sunday’s double-elimination format. Action begins Saturday at 9 a.m. as the field of six will be cut down to two. Sunday, the championship round with the final two teams begins at 2 p.m. and will be taped by ESPN-U for airing on March 4. There is no admission charge for this event and parking is free.
2008-09 NTCA NATIONAL POLL (Feb. 3)
1. Vanderbilt University
2. Fairleigh Dickinson University
3. University of Nebraska
4. Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore
5. Delaware State University
6. New Jersey City University
7. Arkansas State University
8. Kutztown University
9. University of Central Missouri
10. Minnesota State University
11. Alabama A&M University
12. Sacred Heart University
13. Southern University
14. Morgan State University
15. University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
16. Elmhurst College
17. Adelphi University
18. Fayetteville State University
19. St. Francis College
20. Jackson State University
Also receiving votes:
Norfolk State University, Texas Southern University, Bowie State University, North Carolina A&T University, Florida A&M University, St. Peter’s College, Elizabeth City State University, Grand Canyon University, Hampton University