The third installment of an eight-part series profiling the players who will represent Junior Team USA at the 2010 World Tenpin Bowling Association World Youth Championships in Helsinki, Finland from July 24-Aug. 1.
Jake Peters
Hometown: Decatur, Ill.
Born: April 6, 1989
Height: 5-11
Throws: Right
Age Started Bowling: 2
High School: Hillside Bethel Christian School
College: Wichita State (entrepreneurship)
Years on Junior Team USA (2): 2009, 2010
Accomplishments:
- 2009-10 first-team collegiate All-American
- 2008, 2009 and 2010 USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships winner with Wichita State
- Two gold medals (doubles and Masters) and four silver medals (singles, trios, team and all-events) at 2009 Pan American Bowling Confederation Youth Championships
- 17th at 2007 USBC Masters
- 2006 Teen Masters champion
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you had been selected to compete in the World Youth Championships?
JP: I was completely shocked and honored. I think my exact response was ‘Wow.’ It is an unbelievable opportunity, and I am so lucky to get this opportunity. It will be an honor to get to wear our country’s colors and represent the USA at youth bowling’s highest stage.
Q: Besides the competition, what are you looking forward to the most on this trip?
JP: Experiencing Finland and getting to share that experience with my teammates. It will be great to get to walk around and see a different culture, buying souvenirs and, of course, the FOOD. I will never forget my experience at PABCON Youth Championships in Colombia last year, and I am looking forward to another unforgettable trip.
Q: If you were allowed only two bowling balls for competition, what would you use?
JP: Brunswick Wild Card and my plastic ball. The Wild Card is my benchmark ball for everything, and I could never leave home without my plastic ball, it’s the ball I can always count on.
Q: What are a couple of favorite songs in your iPod?
JP: Heart of a Champion - Nelly; This Afternoon - Nickel Back
Q: What’s your favorite motivational quote?
JP: "If you are afraid to fall you will fall, if you are willing fall you can fly.” - Dr. Dean Hinitz