JONESBORO, Ark. (4/8/12) – The Arkansas State bowling team moved up one spot to claim the No. 1 ranking in the latest National Tenin Coaches Association Poll released Sunday night.

The No. 1 ranking marks the first time in school history that the A-State bowling team has achieved the top ranking in the NTCA poll.

The Red Wolves received nine first place votes and 681 points to knock Fairleigh Dickinson out of the top spot. The Knights received 11 first place votes, but only totaled 675 points to drop to the No. 2 spot.

The Red Wolves finished the season with an 80-23 record and were one of eight teams selected to compete in the NCAA Tournament April 12-14 in Wickliffe, Ohio. It will be A-State’s fifth straight appearance in the tournament.

ASU finished the season with two tournament victories and finished no worse than third in all eight of the tournaments they competed in. The squad’s 80 wins rank second most in school history, while the 23 losses are the fewest in school history.

The Red Wolves will depart for Wickliffe, Ohio Tuesday morning and will participate in a practice session on Wednesday morning before beginning competition Thursday, April 12.  

NTCA Coaches Poll

1, Arkansas State (9) – 681

2, Fairleigh Dickinson (11) – 675

3, Nebraska (5) – 663

4, Vanderbilt – 531

5, Central Missouri - 481