Arlington, Texas – Eight promising youth bowlers from the highly competitive 2026 Junior Gold Championships have been recognized with the prestigious David Dahms Sportsmanship Award. The announcement, made in Arlington, Texas, celebrates the outstanding conduct and character displayed by these young athletes during one of the sport's most significant junior events. Each of the eight recipients will receive a 100-point SMART scholarship, providing valuable support for their future educational endeavors.
The David Dahms Sportsmanship Award is an annual accolade presented to competitors who exemplify the highest standards of integrity, respect, and fair play within the sport of bowling. Recipients are chosen for demonstrating a positive attitude, graciousness in victory and defeat, and an overall commitment to the spirit of good sportsmanship, qualities considered paramount in youth athletics. Their recognition highlights that success in competition extends beyond scores, encompassing the values and behavior exhibited on the lanes.
This year's honorees span multiple age divisions, acknowledging a broad spectrum of talent and exemplary behavior across the junior bowling landscape. In the 12-and-under category, Jade Campbell and Carson Wilkerson were celebrated for their commendable sportsmanship, setting a high bar for their peers. Moving up to the 14-and-under division, Mila Collins and Asa Wilson-Perry were recognized for embodying the true spirit of the award, showcasing maturity and respect throughout the championships.
The 16-and-under category saw Zoey Millett and Holden Wellman receive their honors, distinguishing themselves through their exemplary conduct during the intense competition. Their recognition underscores the importance of maintaining composure and respect even under pressure. Finally, in the 18-and-under division, Emma Eder and Aaron Moore were named recipients, completing the distinguished roster of this year's awardees, reflecting their consistent sportsmanship throughout their junior careers.
The Junior Gold Championships, from which these athletes were selected, is a premier national tournament that attracts thousands of the best youth bowlers from across the United States. It serves as a proving ground for future collegiate and professional bowlers, making the display of sportsmanship within such a competitive environment particularly noteworthy. Each of these eight athletes not only showcased their bowling prowess but also demonstrated the foundational values that the David Dahms Sportsmanship Award seeks to uphold.
The accompanying 100-point SMART scholarship is a significant component of the award. SMART (Scholarship Management and Account Reporting for Tenpins) scholarships are a vital resource for young bowlers, helping to offset the costs of higher education. This financial assistance further invests in the holistic development of these individuals, supporting their academic pursuits alongside their athletic aspirations. The awards ceremony in Arlington, Texas, provided a fitting platform to acknowledge these deserving individuals and their commitment to excellence both on and off the lanes.
The recognition of these eight youth bowlers underscores the continued commitment to fostering a culture of sportsmanship and academic achievement within competitive bowling. As they continue their journeys in the sport and beyond, Jade Campbell, Carson Wilkerson, Mila Collins, Asa Wilson-Perry, Zoey Millett, Holden Wellman, Emma Eder, and Aaron Moore stand as exemplary role models for their peers, embodying the blend of skill and character celebrated by the David Dahms Sportsmanship Award.