Pusok wins the Welu Scholarship

Bowling Digest, Winter, 2004

PARDON HOLLY PUSOK OF TOMball, Texas. The winner of the 2004 Billy Welu Scholarship is a little overwhelmed.

"This is amazing and very unexpected," says Pusok, the 2000 Miss Texas Bowler of the Year. "I don't think I could have achieved any of this without bowling. I've bowled competitively since the eighth grade, and it has taught me mental toughness and discipline."

Pusok, 22, is a senior majoring in Elementary Education at the University of Houston. She carries a 3.63 GPA, is a two-time member of University of Houston's Dean's list, and twice was named an academic All-American.

In addition to her academic honors, Pusok has been a member of both the UH female Cougar bowling team and UH bowling club for the past two seasons. She contributed to UH's first-place team finish in the ACUI Region 12 Intercollegiate Tournament last February, and was above the women's average differential on eight of nine occasions during the 2003-04 season. Pusok also was named to the SWIBC III women's all-tournament team last January. Off the lanes, Pusok has been heavily involved in several community outreach programs, including the Greater Houston Youth Bowling Association, Special Olympics, and Women's City and Texas YABA tournaments.

Pusok is on schedule to finish her coursework in the fall of 2004 before student-teaching in the spring of 2005. After receiving her degree and teacher's certificate, Pusok hopes to find a permanent teaching job in the fall of 2005. And no matter where she finds that job, Pusok plans on bowling being a part of her future.

"I still plan on staying involved in bowling after graduating from UH," Pusok says. "Bowling has opened a lot of doors for me. I can't imagine not bowling."

The Billy Welu Scholarship is awarded annually by the PBA, recognizing exemplary qualities in male and female college students who compete in bowling. Pusok receives $1,000 toward her college education.