ERLANGER, Ky. --- Playing in its inaugural event, the Tusculum University men's bowling team posted a ninth place finish at the Thomas More Classic. The Pioneers finished the one-day event with a pin total of 6,726 in the 10-team tournament.

Tusculum totaled 4,382 pins in its five team games and followed with 2,344 pins in its 12 Baker matches.

TU junior Justin Byrd (Huntsville, Ala.) was the top bowler for the Pioneers as he finished 23^rd individually in the tournament with his 959 pins (191.8 avg) in his five games including a 234 in his final team game.

Freshman Bryan McLeod (Erwin, N.C.) was second on the team and 30^th overall with his 929 pins in his five games for a 185.8 average. McLeod posted two 200-pin games including a high of 209.

Junior Tyler Moore (Lebanon, Tenn.) was third for the Pioneers and 52^nd overall with an 814 total (162.8 avg) which included a Sunday-best 188.  Freshman Brandon Wolfe (Cherokee, N.C.) bowled in four games and totaled 667 (166.8 avg) including a high of 190.  Freshman Kevin Taulbee (Lebanon, Ohio) was next with 563 pins in his three games (187.7 avg) which included a 223, the second highest game for the Pioneers.

Freshman Jared Vermillion (Kingsport, Tenn.) finished 81^st with a 314 total for two games (157 avg) and junior Toney Franklin (Mosheim, Tenn.) rounded out the TU scoring with 136 in his one outing (90^th).

Lindenwood won the team title with its 7987 total. Pikeville finished runner-up with 7472, followed by host Thomas More (7288), Campbellsville (7235), Midway (7213), Lincoln Memorial (7093), Wright State (6914), Northern Kentucky (6867), Tusculum (6726) and Kentucky Wesleyan (6640).

Tusculum returns to action Feb. 13-14 as they travel to Harrogate, Tenn. For the LMU Collegiate Challenge.

Thomas More Classic

Team Standings

Tusculum Individual Totals