By Chris Perry
USBC Communications
ARLINGTON, Texas - The USBC welcomed the winner of a January promotional contest to the International Training and Research Center on Wednesday when Patty Haislop visited the International Bowling Campus.

Haislop, a right hander from Odessa, Fla., who has a 178 average, earned the trip to the ITRC after purchasing a Storm Lucid bowling ball during the month of January. In doing so, Haislop, the wife of 1968 AAU Mr. America winner Jim Haislop, automatically was entered into a contest to win the trip.

The contest, which was open to any person who purchased a Storm Lucid ball in January or persons who submitted their name via mail to Storm, featured more than 800 entries. Storm released the Lucid in October 2012 and Haislop rolled her all-time high series (640) with the ball.

For Haislop, she is visiting the IBC for the first time and said she hopes to gather information to improve her game while in the ITRC. Along with training, Haislop looked forward to touring the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.

"It's more fun bowling strikes," Haislop said. "I have always wanted to go to a facility to have a chance to improve my game. I'm also hoping I can learn what other equipment might work better for me."

Haislop decided to purchase the Storm Lucid after receiving an email from USBC promoting the ball. While the contest was not a deciding factor in her buying the ball, she said that others looking to get involved in future contests with USBC should do so.

"It's a great way to learn from the professionals at the ITRC and to meet PBA and USBC champions," Haislop said. "Why wouldn't anyone who bowls want to bowl better if the opportunity is there?"