Vol.1, No. 3
Spring 2006

Where are they now?

Past Stars of Tomorrow still shine bright

Josie Earnest
Vandalia, Ill

Erik Helmrich
St. Leonard, Md

Living up to others' expectations can put a lot of pressure on a person. If you were named one of bowling's Stars of Tomorrow, would you go on to excel and reach new heights or crumple under the stress to perform?

The 2006 winners of the Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow and Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow awards, Josie Earnest of Vandalia, Ill., and Erik Helmrich of St. Leonard, Md., are just the latest in a long line of teens and young adults who have been singled out as bowling phenoms. Girls have been eligible to win the Star of Tomorrow honor since 1961 and by 1980, boys had their own Star of Tomorrow competition.

Since girls have been at it longer, some of the past female Stars of Tomorrow have already earned their place in the USBC Hall of Fame, the highest lifetime honor available to amateur bowlers in the United States.

Josie and Erik, this year's Star of Tomorrow winners, were profiled in our Spring 2006 edition of US Youth Bowler, the quarterly magazine printed and delivered to USBC Youth members' homes. A USBC Junior Gold member, Josie won her spot on Junior Team USA 2005 and is a three-time Illinois State Pepsi Scratch Champion. Certified as a USBC Level I coach, Erik competed in four USBC Junior Gold Championships and took first place in the 2004 Dynothane Team Championships, held in conjunction with Junior Gold.

But what about past winners?

What are they up to now?

US Youth Bowler is published by USBC Communications, 5301 S. 76th St., Greendale, WI 53129, telephone (800) 514-BOWL, fax (414) 421-3013.

Although the US Youth Bowler will occasionally publish articles about USBC sponsorship by alcohol and tobacco companies, it does not encourage or condone the use or purchase of these items by USBC members who are underage.