The Alro Steel – Michigan Junior Masters Association honored its founder Daniel C. Ottman during the opening ceremonies of the Ottman Memorial Championship Tournament by awarding two $1,000.00 scholarships in his name. Michael Kiel (Livonia, MI) a pre-law senior at the University of Michigan and Sarah Jaeger (Highland, MI) a senior at the University of Detroit Mercy were this year’s recipients.

Our panel of seven esteemed judges received 19 applications to review and chose their top three candidates in the girl’s and boy’s division. The criteria is based upon the ideals that Ottman stood for as each was judged on their bowling prowess, academic performance, community service and a 250 word or less essay. The panel consisted of Melissa Crowley (Alro Steel), Billy Orlikowski (Brunswick), Mart Martin (GDUSBC), Sharon Schildroth (USBC Youth Board), Tom Reaume (Detroit Athletic Club), Bob Black (Former Board Member of Alro Steel – MJMA) and Matt Fiorito (Detroit Free Press). The choices were not easy as many of the panel members had to make some tough choices for their selections but in the end it was the applications of Kiel and Jaeger that impressed them the most.

The Alro Steel – Michigan Junior Masters Association also honored the past President of the GDBA, Mr. Cass Sicilia, with the Cass Sicilia Memorial Service award. This is presented each year to a person(s) who go above and beyond in their contributions to the organization. This year we were proud to present the award to Bill and Michelle Dedoe who work tirelessly to help each tournament run smoothly and effectively, even when they have no children bowling in the event. Their continued support is greatly appreciated and will leave a lasting impact on the future of the Alro Steel – Michigan Junior Masters Association.

I want to also thank all of our sponsors, host centers and volunteers that have worked hard this year to make this the most successful year we have had in scholarships awarded. The continued efforts of all of the people will help keep us growing and moving towards to future and continue to support scratch youth competition.

It has been a fantastic 22nd year and together we look forward to next season as we will be kicking off the 23rd year of the Alro Steel – Michigan Junior Masters Association at our traditional spot in Belleville, at Lodge Lanes on Saturday, August 2nd, 2008.