2008 Denny’s All-American High School Championships will be in New Jersey

2008 Denny’s All-American High School
Championships will be in New Jersey

Denny’s, the Professional Bowlers Association, and the United States Bowling Congress, has announced plans for the 2008 Denny’s All-American High School Championships set for next March in North Brunswick, NJ.

"Given the success of the inaugural Denny’s All-American High School Championships, Denny’s and our partners couldn’t be more pleased to forge ahead with the second annual high school event," said Michael Polydoroff, Director of Sales Promotion and Licensing for Denny’s. "We’ve made some changes this year to attract an even greater pool of varsity seniors, and look forward to another exciting opportunity to showcase a talented crop of young bowlers."

Under the rules for the 2008 All-American High School Championships, Denny’s, the PBA and the USBC will select one female senior and one male senior from each state that recognizes bowling as a varsity sport and is a member of a high school varsity bowling team. The total field will be made up of 18 girls and 16 boys from around the country. Updates to this year’s application include a minimum GPA (grade point average) requirement of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale) and an extension of the deadline for application into late January.

"The students not only demonstrated tremendous skill as bowlers, but also represented the highest levels of academic achievement and sportsmanship, as well as great enthusiasm and a sense of fun that made the competition a pleasure for everyone involved," said Jeanne Klescewski, Director of USBC High School and Collegiate.

The 2008 tournament will be held March 28-30, to coincide with the 65th Denny’s U.S. Open in North Brunswick, NJ. The competition will feature the top girl and top boy varsity bowlers facing off on March 29, to narrow the tournament field down to two male and female competitors, who will compete head-to-head on March 30. Student bowlers selected for the DAAHSC will compete for up to $10,000 in scholarships and the opportunity to bowl on ESPN with PBA professionals.

"Last year’s inaugural Denny’s All-American High School Championships event was a tremendous success, and we’re ecstatic about bringing it back this season," said Fred Schreyer, PBA Commissioner and CEO. "Our hope is that the participants in this prestigious competition strive to emulate the stars of the Denny’s PBA Tour and can join them someday on Tour. In addition, we’re pleased to be able to stage the tournament in conjunction with our signature event – the 65th Denny’s U.S. Open."

The 2007 New York State male and female representatives were both products of the AMF Dewey Garden Lanes youth program in Rochester. Jon Buckert won the Boys event for a $3,000 scholarship and Heather D’Errico placed 3rd in the Girls Division.

For more info, visit www.pba.com or go to the high school section at www.bowl.com, and click "Denny’s Tournament" to download the 2008 Denny’s All-American High School Championships official forms and details. Applications must be postmarked by January 21, 2008.