LSU Bowling finishes third at SWIBCII

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By Stephanie Kraft

The NCAA does not recognize a number of "smaller" men's sports due to Title IX, which requires equality in sport's offering for men and women. While programs such as LSU's varsity women's soccer and softball program have thrived under Title IX, some men's sports have lost the ability to be recognized. LSU bowling is one of these sports.

LSU's bowling team is a sports club sponsored by LSU recreational sports. The team holds practices at two of Baton Rouge's area bowling alleys due to the lack of such facilities on campus. While LSU pays for travel fees including hotels and tournament registration for the team, members pay for their own uniforms and practice facility fees.

The Tigers compete in the Southwest Intercollegiate Bowling Conference (SWIBC). Teams in the SWIBC include Texas A&M, Texas Tech, North Texas, West Texas A&M, Arkansas State, University of Houston, Oklahoma University, and University of Louisiana Lafayette.

LSU placed sixth in the SWIBC I tournament in early October, two places behind ULL's team. North Texas won the tournament. Sophomore Jason Cook posted the highest Tiger average for the weekend with a 223.6, earning him a third place individual finish.

At the second conference tournament, SWIBCII, LSU showed great improvement. The Tigers were down by 137 pins in the last match to the University of Houston and came back to finish third in the event. West Texas A&M finished first and North Texas finished second.

The Tigers also compete in many national (Tier I) tournaments a year. The first Tier I for the season was the Brunswick Southern Classic held October 31-November 1 and showcased many of the top teams in the nation. These teams included Lindenwood, UNLV, Central Florida, St John's, Webber International and University of Houston. LSU finished a respectable 15th out of 27 teams.

LSU's line-up for the Brunswick was comprised of senior club president Troy Glorioso, freshman Kevin Hardey, junior Jason Giamanco , and sophomores Michael Yoches, Kevin Albarez, Brian Kelley and Jacob Cook.

Glorioso placed fifth overall with a 198 average, followed by Yoches in sixth with a 197 average.

The Tigers are poised to compete well at both the Las Vegas Invitational and the Collegiate Shootout in Las Vegas December 19-22. The Collegiate Shootout allows club teams the opportunity to win "Program Funding Prizes."

Follow the Tigers at http://www.lsu.edu/student_organizations/bowlingclub or http://www.collegebowling.com. If you are interested in joining the LSU Bowling team contact Coach Blair LeBlanc at LSUBowling@gmail.com.

Originally Published: Issue 824 - November 18, 2009

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