Former Wichita State bowlers John Szczerbinski (2006-2010) and Felicia Wong (2004-2008) will compete in the men’s and women’s 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.

“It’s such an honor,” he said of competing at the World Cup. “I’m just so happy I’m 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.”

Szczerbinski thinks the format is challenging but appropriate for this type of event.

“The format is incredible,” he said. “But it’s the cream of the crop out there, and those not up to the challenge won’t advance.”

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’s side.

Szczerbinski hopes to continue the successful Shocker trend at the World Cup this year.

“If I was to win it, it would mean a lot, especially while wearing USA on my back.”