USBC Youth watch Hess capture Masters title

When Tom Hess fulfilled won the 2011 Bayer United States Bowling Congress Masters on Sunday, several USBC Youth members were in the stands to watch Hess claim his first career title on the Lumber Liquidators Professional Bowlers Association Tour.

PBAYouthmastersLARGEHess, as the second seed, beat Mika Koivuniemi, 254-219, to advance to the title match. Against top seed Jack Jurek, Hess fell behind early but fought back for a 225-214 victory.

"This is just a lifelong dream realized," Hess said after winning the title.

In the stands watching the action, and wearing their USBC Youth jerseys, were five members of the Greater Reno Sparks USBC. The USBC Youth members were given VIP seats for the tournament as part of the PBA/USBC Youth Insiders' Tour. Through the program, the PBA provides youth bowlers a behind-the-scenes look at a PBA Tour event.

The selected USBC Youth members had the opportunity to meet PBA Tour players and to see what happens during a PBA event. After Hess won the title match, the USBC Youth members went on the approach to have a picture taken with Hess. The youth bowlers (in picture, from left) were: Steven Wilke, Jeremy Rogers, Molly Gallagher, Austin Jones and Stephen Wood.

The Insiders' Tour is a joint program of the PBA and USBC.