Former Wichita State bowlers John Szczerbinski (2006-2010) and Felicia Wong (2004-2008) will compete in the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 World Cup at Bowling de Provence in Toulon, France, Oct. 15-24.
This will be the first time Szczerbinski travels out of the country to compete for Team USA as an adult. In 2009, he competed at the Tournament of Americas in Orlando as an adult. In 2008, he competed at both the Youth American Zone in El Salvador and World Youth Championships in Orlando representing Junior Team USA.
鈥淚t鈥檚 such an honor,鈥� he said of competing at the World Cup. 鈥淚鈥檓 just so happy I鈥檓 able to do it. I was in shock that I got selected to bowl. I took it proudly, and I hope to make my country proud as well.鈥�
Szczerbinski thinks the format is challenging but appropriate for this type of event.
鈥淭he format is incredible,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 the cream of the crop out there, and those not up to the challenge won鈥檛 advance.鈥�
In 2009, 82 countries competed at the World Cup, which was held in Melaka, Malaysia. Another former Shocker bowler, Caroline Lagrange, took home the title on the women鈥檚 side.
Szczerbinski hopes to continue the successful Shocker trend at the World Cup this year.
鈥淚f I was to win it, it would mean a lot, especially while wearing USA on my back.鈥�