Aug/Sep 2017 -
39
TNBA Youth Weekend Continues
To Thrive At ITRC
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ARLINGTON, Texas
- The National Bowling Association's Youth Weekend at the
International Training and Research Center celebrated its eighth edition this week,
and the program continues to provide a learning ground for student-athletes wanting
to take the next step in their games.
Eight student-athletes were selected to take part in this year's TNBA Youth Week-
end, and the ITRC, home of Team USA, served as the backdrop for the three-day
experience, which kicked off Thursday and will conclude Saturday.
The trip includes lessons and drills with the Team USA coaching staff, a tour of the
International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame and the opportunity to further the
legacy the program has built since its debut in 2010.
Participants selected for the TNBA Youth Weekend have found success at multiple
levels of the sport, including at the youth, collegiate and Junior Team USA ranks.
This success, and the hope of continued success and growth, is something TNBA/
ITRC Weekend Project Coordinator Barbara Armstead looks forward to each year at
the ITRC.
"I get excited when I look back and see the beginning of this program and where
we are today," Armstead said. "I know everything happens in stages and small
steps at a time, and I really can see the fruits of the labor of this program blossom-
ing. It is very gratifying to know these student-athletes are getting this opportunity to
reach their potential and leave their mark."
The eight participants for the 2017 edition of the TNBA Youth Weekend are Dorian
Ackers and Jada Horn of Memphis, Tennessee; Jada Bassette of Providence,
Rhode Island; Jeremiah Buckley and Clinton Lyons of Park Forest, Illinois; Ryan
Carlisi of Trenton, New Jersey; Kellie Frain of Yardley, Pennsylvania; and Capri
Howard of Lynwood, Illinois.
Also joining Armstead at the ITRC was TNBA National Junior Program Director
Veronica Green, TNBA President Dewann Clark, TNBA Vice President and Jackson
State University head bowling coach Michael Boykins and TNBA youth program
coaches Don Armstead and Pat Frain.
Howard, 17, had been interested in making a trip to the ITRC, and she applied in
hopes of getting to see the technology in action with help from the Team USA
coaching staff.
She is preparing for her freshman year at Jackson State and plans to take what
she learns from the experience back to help the Tigers as the 2017-2018 season
approaches.
"I really wanted to go to the ITRC and see all of the technology they have available
to help make us better," Howard said. "When I found out I was selected, I was a little
shocked, but pretty excited, too. It means a lot to be able to be a part of this experi-
ence. I'm going to get some great advice and tips from some of the best coaches in
the world, and it's going to be a great way to prepare for my collegiate bowling ca-
reer."
Lyons is a 16-year-old preparing for his junior year in high school, and he views the
opportunity as a chance not only to improve his game but to also help him continue
his education at the collegiate level.
"I knew something was missing in my game and knew this program could really
help me out," Lyons said. "I was excited to find out I had been selected, and it
makes me want to push on and keep working on my game. This experience also is
going to help me as I start to look ahead towards college."
To take part in the TNBA Youth Weekend, bowlers must be 16-19 years old and
are required to submit an application.
Juniors Mark Your Calendars
September 17
: YBT E.A. Dublin Bowl, Dublin
September 23
: Junior - Adult Doubles Lil Swiss,
West Lane Bowl, Stockton
September 23
: Gail’s Jr/Adult or Jr/Jr 8 Pin No-Tap @
Paddock Bowl
September 23-24
: E.A. Memorial Fall Classic @ E.A. Dublin
Bowl, Dublin
October 21:
Steve Cook’s Fireside Lanes, YBT Sport Shot
Youth Doubles
October 22:
Steve Cook’s Fireside Lanes, Citrus Heights
November 4,5,11,12:
Nor Cal YBA Jr/Adult Doubles &
Singles @ Valley Center Bowl, Salinas
November 18 &19
: So Nevada Youth Championship
@ South Point.
December 2 & 3
: @ South Point : So Nevada Youth
Championship
December 10:
YBT 4th Street Bowl, San Jose
January 27
: YBT Windsor Bowl, Windsor
January 28:
YBT Double Decker Lanes, Rohnert Park
