08/11/2026
⭐️ This is definitely what I would call bridging the gap and shaping the next generation!!!!!!!!! This weekend was a reminder of exactly why we do what we do.
For starters, the PBA Eastway Bowl Midwest Open Regional. It was incredible to see so many current and former youth bowlers competing alongside some of the best. Many of these athletes came through the Next Little Thing, Next Big Thing, and youth scholarship tours across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Some are current collegiate bowlers, while others are still youth bowlers. Competing in the event this weekend:
👏 Kaden Kuusela, Israel Potter, Braydon Waller, Lucas Hersrud, Max Marnach, Keaton Bieri, Evan White, Jackson McCaulley, Carter Schwiesow, Sandler Wiekamp, Blaine Wieczorek, and Parker Kisch. Loved watching your journey continue on a PBA Regional tour stop! 😲
At the same time, another outstanding event was taking place in Alexandria, MN. The Midwest Youth Championships brought more familiar faces making their mark from SD and/or surrounding tours. Congratulations to everyone who competed, especially champions Tatum Lee and Kennedy Reindl! Competing in this event this weekend:
🎳 Micah Jensen, Emily Schmidt, Tatum Lee, Dawson Unrath, Holden Austreim, Michael Kruse, Chase McVicar, Thomas Voltz, Kennedy Reindl, Abigail Portecheller, and Aubrey Ford.
And down in Nebraska, the NEYBP Tour showcased even more familiar names continuing to raise the bar:
👏 Landri Schmidt, Nora Schmidt, Ava Smith, Arieanna Brummel, Ryne Brummel, Teighlor Karstens.
So many of you chasing your dreams and continuously representing youth bowling at an incredibly high level.
From U12 to U23………..THIS is the pathway. THIS is what happens when young bowlers believe in themselves, work hard, compete, and continue to challenge themselves event after event.
To every young bowler coming up through the ranks: SEE THE PATH!! The athletes you look up to today were once standing exactly where you are. Keep learning, keep competing and keep believing.
In case you were wondering, I’m so proud of you all! 🥹 If I missed someone from the weekend, give a shout out in the comments!
