USBC Youth get inside PBA World Championship
December 17, 2009
During the PBA World Championship, a group of USBC Youth bowlers had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at a professional bowling event through the PBA/USBC Youth Insiders' Tour program.
At each PBA Tour event, up to five USBC Youth members are given VIP access by the PBA to see what life is like on the PBA Tour. The young bowlers are allowed to meet players, see equipment trailers and are given special seating at the televised finals.
Jeanette Woolever, Association Manager for the Great Plains USBC Association, led the USBC Youth contingent at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan., and said the kids were shocked by the locker room and the amount of bowling equipment used by each pro on tour.
"The tour of the trailers really blew them away; they could not believe all the bowling balls that are carried from one stop to the next," Woolever said. "The autographs from the players were endless. I believe these kids will remember this experience for a long time to come."
On Sunday, the youth bowlers were introduced to the audience before the televised finals and then were on hand to watch the matches, which concluded with Tom Smallwood claiming the title with a victory over Wes Malott. After the title match, the group had its photo taken with the champion.
Cory Johnson, 12, said it was "exciting to meet Tom (Smallwood)."
Joining PBA World Series champion Smallwood are USBC Youth members (from left): Tanner Schiesser, 14; Cory Johnson, 12; Kylee Cowden, 12; Cassie Edgar, 12; and Michael Gruver, 15.
At each PBA Tour event, up to five USBC Youth members are given VIP access by the PBA to see what life is like on the PBA Tour. The young bowlers are allowed to meet players, see equipment trailers and are given special seating at the televised finals.
Jeanette Woolever, Association Manager for the Great Plains USBC Association, led the USBC Youth contingent at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan., and said the kids were shocked by the locker room and the amount of bowling equipment used by each pro on tour.
"The tour of the trailers really blew them away; they could not believe all the bowling balls that are carried from one stop to the next," Woolever said. "The autographs from the players were endless. I believe these kids will remember this experience for a long time to come."
On Sunday, the youth bowlers were introduced to the audience before the televised finals and then were on hand to watch the matches, which concluded with Tom Smallwood claiming the title with a victory over Wes Malott. After the title match, the group had its photo taken with the champion.
Cory Johnson, 12, said it was "exciting to meet Tom (Smallwood)."
Joining PBA World Series champion Smallwood are USBC Youth members (from left): Tanner Schiesser, 14; Cory Johnson, 12; Kylee Cowden, 12; Cassie Edgar, 12; and Michael Gruver, 15.