Local bowlers Grant Shyian and Kansas Johnson have advanced to the Youth Bowling Canada (YBC) Four Steps to Stardom provincials.
The Four Steps to Stardom is arguably the most prominent of the YBC tournaments. The tournament includes the four steps required to reach a national championship. Bowlers first compete at their local bowling alley. Winners then move on to the zone level. From there, top bowlers move on to provincials, and then finally nationals.
Shyian, who bowled in the junior boys category (ages 11-13), advanced to provincials by bowling the highest five-game total during zones, which took place in Vegreville Dec. 5.
Johnson advanced to provincials competing in zones as a bantam girl (ages 8-10) here in Bonnyville at Spare Time Recreation, also on Dec. 5.
For Shyian, he will be returning to provincials after just missing out in 2010. Johnson will be making her first appearance at the provincial level.
Shyian said about returning to provincials this year, “I'm excited, there will be a lot of competition there,” adding, “I just have to do my best to have a good day of bowling.”
Johnson is also looking forward to provincials, but this being her first time, she said she was most excited to meet some new bowlers and bowl in a new alley.
Spare Time's owner and operator Joanne Michaud said Johnson did very well in her matches leading up to provincials. “She thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Michaud.
Senior level bowlers (ages 14-19) competed in Lac La Biche for zone championships, however, no local bowlers were able to move on to provincials.
With 40 local youth bowlers calling Spare Time their local alley, Michaud said it is wonderful to see some of the young talent advance past zones.
“Especially Grant (Shyian), he's been with us several years and is developing into a wonderful young man and he just keeps getting better.”
Michaud said she hopes to see both Shyian and Johnson move on to nationals.
Provincials take place March 6 in Calgary.
