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USA SQUAD SELECTED FOR WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

ARLINGTON, Texas - Eight up-and-coming bowlers will follow in the footsteps of stars such as Kelly Kulick and Tommy Jones by representing Junior Team USA at the 2010 World Tenpin Bowling Association World Youth Championships in Helsinki, Finland, next month.

The Junior Team USA boys selected to compete are Jake Peters of Decatur, Ill., Andrew Koff of Miami, Craig Hanson of Orlando, Fla., and Devin Bidwell of Simi Valley, Calif. On the girls side, the representatives are Christine Bator of Warren, Mich., Jenn Boisselle of Brandon, Fla., Kristie Petravich of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Brittni Hamilton of Webster, N.Y.

The World Youth Championships will take place at Tali Bowl in Helsinki from July 24-Aug. 1 and will feature bowlers from an estimated 48 countries.

"This event is the ultimate stage for youth bowling and a chance for your young players to compete against the world's best," Team USA head coach Rod Ross said. "The World Youth Championships is the experience of a lifetime and a key step in developing the next generation of Team USA stars."

Past medal winners in the World Youth Championships from the United States include bowling stars Kulick, Jones, Liz Johnson, Robert Smith, Stefanie Nation, Michael Fagan, Shannon Pluhowsky, Diandra Asbaty, Lynda Barnes, Tammy Boomershine and Kim Terrell-Kearney.

At the most recent World Youth Championships in 2008 in Orlando, Fla., the United States came away with a bronze in boys team and Dean Richards won the silver in Masters match play. The girls did not medal.

In the coveted four-player team event, Junior Team USA last won the gold medal for the girls in 2004 in Tamuning, Guam, while the boys last earned the gold in 2000 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

United States Bowling Congress

The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.