The #15 Valparaiso bowling program welcomes a number of the nation’s top teams to Inman’s in Valparaiso this weekend for the sixth annual Crusader Classic, to be held Friday, November 7-Sunday, November 9.

14 teams in all will compete for the Crusader Classic crown this weekend.  Included among the 14 squads are ten teams ranked in the top-20 in the nation, including the 15^th-ranked Crusaders.  Six of those teams are ranked in the top-ten nationally, including each of the nation’s top four teams - #1 Nebraska, #2 Arkansas State, #3 Sam Houston State and #4 Vanderbilt.  Sam Houston State, Arkansas State and Vanderbilt finished second, third, and fourth, respectively, at the season-opening FDU NJ Jamboree last weekend. 

#6 Central Missouri and #8 UW-Whitewater round out the top-ten squads at this year’s tournament.  #16 McKendree, #18 Alabama State and #20 Monmouth are also making their way to Valpo this weekend, as well as Alma, Elmhurst, Prairie View A&M and Tulane.

In its sixth year, the Crusader Classic continues to grow. The inaugural edition in 2009 featured six teams, and the field has expanded every year since, not only in size but also in quality. Minnesota State-Mankato won the inaugural iteration of the event, and has been joined as Crusader Classic champions by Nebraska (2010), Valparaiso (2011), Central Missouri (2012) and Arkansas State (2013).

Announcements, introductions and the national anthem will kick off the tournament Friday morning at 9:45 a.m., with the teams competing over the course of the day in six five-game baker matches. Saturday's action, which will consist of six traditional team matches, begins at 9:25 a.m. Play on Sunday will also begin at 7:55 a.m. with one final traditional team game before entering three rounds of bracket play, contested in the best-of-seven baker format, to determine the tournament champion. An awards ceremony will be held following the conclusion of play.