CANTON — Concentrating on getting young bowlers to be interested — and stay interested — in the sport is the primary goal of the Stark County United States Bowling Congress (USBC) heading into the 2026-27 season.
The point was emphasized by newly-elected president Jeff Mowls and youth committee chairman Roger Webb during Wednesday’s annual meeting at The Event at Meadowlake.
Mowls, who took over as Stark USBC president following the resignation of Kevin Johnson earlier this year, received a new three-year term in office.
“I want to see more focus on our youth program moving forward. They are the future of the sport,” said Mowls, who also serves as Lake High School’s head bowling coach. “I also want to see more of our younger members involved with the (USBC) board. If you are interested, please reach out to me.”
Webb, newly-appointed head of the youth committee, said there are plans to hold additional youth tournaments and coaching clinics during the upcoming season.
“We want the young bowlers to continue to bowl after high school … to join adult leagues,” Webb said.
The highlight of the event was the awarding of six $1,000 scholarships through the USBC. Among funds used to fund the scholarships were proceeds from the USBC’s golf outing last September, ball raffles and half of the money made during bracket action at both the Stark USBC Open and Women’s tournaments.
Scholarship winners included:
- Stark County USBC Memorial Scholarships: Lake juniors Andrew and Benjamin Venus;
- Stark County USBC Presidents Award: Lake senior Joshua Trent, who will be attending The Ohio State University
- Stark County USBC High School Bowling Conference Scholarship Award: North Canton Hoover senior Lana Diehl, who will be attending Kent State University;
- Stark County USBC Massillon Scholarship: Canton Central Catholic senior Frances Palaski, who will be attending Stark State College; and Central Catholic senior Nathan Anderson, who will be attending Walsh University.
In addition, board members were elected by acclimation for the following offices:
- Vice president: Michael Emerick Sr.;
- Directors: Matthew McCourry, Deana Gouge;
- State delegates: Emerick, Jean Tondola Smith, Sue Vukmanovich; and
- National delegates: Smith, Emerick
Vukmanovich, the association manager, also reminded league officers to submit their final averages along with league award forms.
The evening concluded with the awarding of winnings from both the Open and Women’s championships, including trophies to those present. Those final official standings are listed below:
