Six of Gilroy’s youth bowlers will represent Gilroy Bowl at the
2009 Pepsi State Finals in Daly City next month. Participating in
the first round of the 2009 Pepsi USBC Youth Championships in
Northern California, 27 youngsters representing Gilroy Bowl
competed in a field of 383 bowlers.
GILROY – Six of Gilroy’s youth bowlers will represent Gilroy Bowl at the 2009 Pepsi State Finals in Daly City next month. Participating in the first round of the 2009 Pepsi USBC Youth Championships in Northern California, 27 youngsters representing Gilroy Bowl competed in a field of 383 bowlers.
According to Rich Zurlo, coach for the Gilroy Youth League, this year’s group was the largest to ever qualify for the tournament.
“It’s quite an accomplishment for our kids,” Zurlo said.
The field from Gilroy Bowl advancing to the state finals includes: Elizabeth Connolly, Adriane Gonzales and Apollonia Gose of the girls 12-and-up handicap/scratch division; Kenny Dominick and Brandon Porria of the boys 12-and-up handicap/scratch division; and Michael Grzyb of the boys 12-and-up scratch division.
Grzyb is one of the league’s veteran youth bowlers, and he also bowls for San Jose State’s collegiate bowling team. Collegiate competition is intense, Grzyb said, as tournaments often last eight hours a day for two days straight, and this doesn’t include the practice time required throughout the week. Grzyb advances to the State finals after bowling a 723 scratch series.
This will be the second time Connolly advances to the State Finals. Last year, she placed third overall and earned a $1,200 college scholarship.
“I cannot believe that I did it again this year, and I hope I can go all the way this time for myself and for my family of junior bowlers here at Gilroy Bowl,” Connolly said.
Bowlers participating in USBC tournament events have the opportunity to earn college scholarships. Last year, California awarded $70,000 in scholarships to youth bowlers. For more information on the USBC visit their Web site, www.calusbc.com.
Summer leagues are now forming for juniors and adults at Gilroy Bowl. For more information on joining a league or bowling at Gilroy Bowl, visit their Web site at www.GilroyBowl.com or call (408) 842-5100.
