It’s an award sought by many, but awarded to few. It’s the Heisman Trophy of bowling and, for Brent Bowers, winning it has been a lifelong dream.
That dream finally became a reality. Bowers, a member of the Wichita State University bowling team, received the 2010 Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow award from the United States Bowling Congress.
“It’s a childhood dream, something I’ve dreamed of all my life,” said Bowers. “From my family’s perspective it’s the most prestigious award that a young bowler can win.”
The award is given every year to one male high school or college student who is involved in the sport of bowling. The last native Kansan to receive the award was John Miller in 1995.
Bowers’ older brother cut out the Wichita Eagle article that announced Miller’s winning of the award and posted it on his bedroom wall. When Bowers took over his brother’s old room, he left the article up.
“It was one of those things I always looked at and always dreamed about,” said Bowers.
Giving back to bowling
Bowers has been bowling since he was about 2 years old. His parents and brother were very active in bowling all of their lives and Bowers grew up around the sport. He credits his older brother for much of his success.
“I owe so much of any of the success that I’ve ever had to his guidance,” said Bowers.
Bowers has been very involved in the bowling community and has made it his goal to give back to the sport that’s given him so much.
“He’s a very, very good person,” said Gordon Vadakin, head bowling coach at WSU. “He’s very giving, wonderful with children and is a great supporter of the guys he bowls with.”
Vadakin said Bowers has helped increase the notoriety of the WSU bowling program.
“He’s been very dedicated to our program,” said Vadakin. “He’s given everything he can during the course of his career here at Wichita State.”
Past accolades
Bowers has the accolades to back up his award. He’s been a member of the 2008 and 2010 WSU bowling national championship teams.
He was a member of Junior Team USA in 2008 and 2009. He was runner-up in August at the True Amateur Tournament in Las Vegas, in addition to tremendous success before his high school and college years.
In the future, Bowers wants to leave his options open. He plans on bowling the majors every year if possible and wants to work within the bowling industry if all of his cards fall into place. He is majoring in business administration and marketing and hopes to integrate all of his skills into his future career.
“In a perfect world, my biggest goal is to have a positive impact on the sport of bowling in any way, shape or form,” he said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that my life and my career will forever be involved with the sport of bowling.”
As the recipient of the award, Bowers will receive a $6,000 scholarship at the annual USBC Convention, June 29-July 1 in Grapevine, Texas. For information on Brent Bowers or the Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow award, contact Shocker bowling at (316) 978-7655 or shocker.bowling@wichita.edu.