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Coach Sam Jones’ powerful 1977 West Liberty bowling team staked its claim as the nation’s top college squad by sweeping the NAIA national title and the United States Bowling Congress team championship. Members of the legendary squad included Doug Tuskey, Mike Zeno, Brad Winwood, Bruce Staley, Rich Frey and Guy Pryor.
Led by Tuskey, a three-time WVIAC Bowler of the Year, the Hilltoppers began their historic run with a dominant victory in the WVIAC Championships at Parkersburg. Tuskey, Staley, Frey and Pryor posted four of the top five individual tournament totals to earn first-team All-WVIAC laurels.
After finishing third in the 1976 NAIA national championship, West Liberty was one of the pre-tournament favorites at the 1977 NAIA nationals in Kansas City, Mo. and didn’t disappoint. The Black and Gold went 11-4 in its 15 matches to win the national title with Tuskey, Mike Zeno and Brad Winwood earning All-America honors. Zeno had the tournament’s top two-game set at 448 and his 193 average was third overall.
The Hilltoppers followed that up by winning the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships in San Antonio, Texas. West Liberty defeated Cal-Davis in the championship match to become the first team ever to sweep the NAIA and USBC championships in the same year.
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