KU News Release

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas men’s bowling team is headed to the 2011 United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team Championships.

The KU team is ranked 34th in the nation after completing the regular season. The championships will be held April 20-24 in Columbus, Ga.

The KU bowling team

KU last competed in the championships in 2005. The KU team won the national championship in 2004.

“Our strategy going into competition is to stay focused, make spares and have fun,” said team member Matt Washford. “We need to make sure that if we struggle for a game, we bounce back strong and not let anything get into our heads.”

The field of 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams was determined at sectional qualifiers at four sites with the top four teams in each division advancing. Two other Kansas schools — Wichita State University and Newman University — will compete with KU.

“When sectionals were announced and we saw the teams that we were competing against, we knew we had a chance to qualify for nationals,” said first-year coach Burton Gepford. “We placed fourth in sectional to qualify by a slim margin. Once we heard that we did finish in fourth place, the team was ecstatic that all the hard work paid off.”

Kyle Turner, a sophomore from Topeka, qualified for the Intercollegiate Singles Championships, which will take place May 23-24 in Euless, Texas.

Members of the bowling team are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names and high school.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Alex Hardman, junior in marketing and finance; John and Amy Hardman; Lawrence Free State High School

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Olathe
Jake Feurer, senior in mechanical engineering; Dennis and Patti Feurer; Olathe South High School

Matt Washford, junior in accounting; Mark and Debby Washford; Olathe Northwest High School

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Nicholas Campfield, sophomore in civil engineering; Michelle Moreno; Highland Park High School

Justin Thompson, junior in exercise science; James and Vicky Thompson; Shawnee Heights High School

Kyle Turner, sophomore in supply chain management; Larry and Debra Turner; Seaman High School

MINNESOTA
From Eden Prairie
Matt Bellus, junior in physics; Peter Bellus and Jeanne Zetah; Eden Prairie High School