Peters and Hamilton will defend Teen Masters titles; 2006 champions headed for Las Vegas
07/30/07
Winning the Teen Masters National Finals is the biggest thing to ever happen in bowling to two very talented teens, Jake Peters, Decatur, Illinois and Brittni Hamilton, Webster, NY. Their TM titles came in Orlando, Florida last summer, and both champions will be at the Orleans Bowling Center in Las Vegas next week to defend their titles.
Hamilton defeated Florida's Ashley Galante to win the 2006 girl's crown and a $7500 scholarship award. Peters won the boy's and overall title to earn a $10,000 scholarship. Galante will also be in this year's field.
Peters recently graduated from Hillside Bethel Christian School in Decatur, and will use his scholarship to attend Wichita State University this fall, where he will join the powerful Shocker Bowling Team. "I am very excited about going to WSU," said Peters. "Winning the Teen Masters has boosted my bowling beyond belief."
Hamilton will be a senior this year, and since winning the TM, she won the New York State Singles Tournament, rolling an 800 series in the event. She was also named to the Dexter High School All-American Team.
Both players acknowledge that there is a little more expectation going into this year's event, but they will approach it with a positive attitude. "I'm preparing just like any other event," said Peters. "I'm just going to go out there and try my best to make the best shots and good decisions, and hopefully, if things go right, at the end of the week, I'll be in a position to have a chance to win again."
Hamilton has been getting ready by seeking coaching from some of the best players in the sport. "The past couple of months, I have attended some excellent bowling camps and received instruction from [PBA player of the year] Doug Kent, Lynda Barnes, and Shannon O'Keefe. I've tried not to focus on becoming champion again, but rather on my game and taking it one game at a time, one cut at a time," she said.
"Until you actually win something this big, you have a little doubt inside," said Peters. "After winning last year, I have a whole lot more confidence in my game and ability." "My attitude really hasn't changed," said Hamilton. "I know I still have to try my hardest and I'm not going to win everything that I compete in, because there is a ton of competition out there. Bowling is something I'm going to do the rest of my life, and I have learned so much from holding this title, and I continue to learn to this day."
Both of these young bowling athletes rely on their family for strength. One of Hamilton's three brothers and one of her aunts will be in Vegas rooting her on. "My family is always the center of my support," she said. "My whole family is still showing me the same love and support they always have," said Peters. Almost 400 youth bowlers will compete in this year's TM national Finals.
The 10th Annual Teen Masters National Finals will roll July 29 – August 3 at the Orleans Bowling Center in Las Vegas. It is presented by Gary Beck's Killer B Promotions and sponsored by Dexter, Kegel, The PBA, The USBC, and The BPAA.
2007 Teen Masters
The Orleans Bowling Center in Las Vegas, Nev., United States (July 29 - August 3, 2007)
Winning the Teen Masters National Finals is the biggest thing to ever happen in bowling to two very talented teens, Jake Peters, Decatur, Illinois and Brittni Hamilton, Webster, NY. Their TM titles came in Orlando, Florida last summer, and both champions will be at the Orleans Bowling Center in Las Vegas next week to defend their titles.
Hamilton defeated Florida's Ashley Galante to win the 2006 girl's crown and a $7500 scholarship award. Peters won the boy's and overall title to earn a $10,000 scholarship. Galante will also be in this year's field.
Peters recently graduated from Hillside Bethel Christian School in Decatur, and will use his scholarship to attend Wichita State University this fall, where he will join the powerful Shocker Bowling Team. "I am very excited about going to WSU," said Peters. "Winning the Teen Masters has boosted my bowling beyond belief."
Hamilton will be a senior this year, and since winning the TM, she won the New York State Singles Tournament, rolling an 800 series in the event. She was also named to the Dexter High School All-American Team.
Both players acknowledge that there is a little more expectation going into this year's event, but they will approach it with a positive attitude. "I'm preparing just like any other event," said Peters. "I'm just going to go out there and try my best to make the best shots and good decisions, and hopefully, if things go right, at the end of the week, I'll be in a position to have a chance to win again."
Hamilton has been getting ready by seeking coaching from some of the best players in the sport. "The past couple of months, I have attended some excellent bowling camps and received instruction from [PBA player of the year] Doug Kent, Lynda Barnes, and Shannon O'Keefe. I've tried not to focus on becoming champion again, but rather on my game and taking it one game at a time, one cut at a time," she said.
"Until you actually win something this big, you have a little doubt inside," said Peters. "After winning last year, I have a whole lot more confidence in my game and ability." "My attitude really hasn't changed," said Hamilton. "I know I still have to try my hardest and I'm not going to win everything that I compete in, because there is a ton of competition out there. Bowling is something I'm going to do the rest of my life, and I have learned so much from holding this title, and I continue to learn to this day."
Both of these young bowling athletes rely on their family for strength. One of Hamilton's three brothers and one of her aunts will be in Vegas rooting her on. "My family is always the center of my support," she said. "My whole family is still showing me the same love and support they always have," said Peters. Almost 400 youth bowlers will compete in this year's TM national Finals.
The 10th Annual Teen Masters National Finals will roll July 29 – August 3 at the Orleans Bowling Center in Las Vegas. It is presented by Gary Beck's Killer B Promotions and sponsored by Dexter, Kegel, The PBA, The USBC, and The BPAA.