Madrecki named Chuck Pezzano Scholarship Award winner again

7/21/2009


With the goal to find young, talented, intelligent bowling writers, this year the Chuck Pezzano Scholarship received 13 very qualified applicants, the most in the history of Bowling Writers' Association of America.

The 2009 first-place winner is Thomas Madrecki, Northbrook, Ill., who will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Madrecki, the 2008 winner, is an intern at Bowlers Journal International who frequently contributes feature articles and was honored to have his work included in Luby Publishing's Top 50 Professional Bowlers Association Players book.

Heather D'Errico, Rochester, N.Y., and Ryan Yadao, Las Vegas tied for second place as each was awarded $750. D'Errico, a fitness major, uses "technological advances" to communicate for the sport. She is a member and captain of the Robert Morris University women's bowling team. Yadao was a journalist for his high school paper and is attending the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He wrote a narrative for TenPin Alley explaining his experiences during the 50th Anniversary PBA Tournament of Champions.

Earning a $500 scholarship for fourth place was Michelle Todisco, West Chester, Pa. Todisco, a member of the Penn State University women's bowling team, also is a public relations intern for the American Red Cross.

All applicants will receive a one-year paid membership in the Bowling Writers Association of America, which will hopefully be renewed as they continue their pursuits in the communications field and in the sport of Bowling.

Other recipients were: Kyle Calcote, Friendswood, Texas; Joanna Griem, Phoenix; Amanda Hollenbaugh, Tucson, Ariz.; Donovan Howard, Texas City, Texas; Jared Kidwell, Indianapolis; Liz Sautter, Sunnyvale, Calif.; Patrick Smith, Bakersfield, Calif.; Victoria Spencer, Yorktown, Va.; and Lucas Reilly, Sayre, Pa.

The BWAA annually awards the Chuck Pezzano Scholarship to worthy recipients and is named in honor of journalist Chuck Pezzano of Clifton, N.J. Among his many accomplishments, Pezzano is a member of the BWAA, United States Bowling Congress and Professional Bowlers Association Halls of Fame. Qualities which are considered include academic achievement, civic involvement and bowling participation. The applicants must have a minimum 2.5/4.0 GPA or equivalent, perform community service and participate in the sport of bowling. The application must also include at least one reference letter, a school transcript and a short essay.

The deadline for the 2010 scholarship applications will be early May 2010. For more information, visit bowlingwriters.com and click on the scholarship tab.