By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Aug. 8, 2001
Alex Derusha, 15, of Toombsuba, placed third with his dad in an international bowling tournament on Saturday, July 28 and picked up an extra $1,250 for his college education in the process.
Representing Mississippi and Alabama, Gene and Alex Derusha competed against 33 teams from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico in the adult/teen division at the 26th Annual Qubica International Family Tournament, held July 26-29 in Grapevine, Texas.
The Derushas were defeated 256 to 213 in a stepladder final match Saturday by Connie and Abbi Powless of Canada. The Powlesses won first place after defeating Patti and Ricky Dixon of Oklahoma, 230 to 229. Abbi Powless received a $3,000 scholarship. Ricky Dixon was awarded a $2,000 scholarship for second place.
This was the second year the Derushas placed third in the tournament. Alex received a $1,250 scholarship last year.
Alex plans to use his scholarship money to attend Mississippi State University.
Participants received an all-expense paid trip to a from the tournament. Each team won regional tournaments to make it to the competition. To qualify, the adults had to be members of either the American Bowling Congress or the Women's International Bowling Congress. Teens had to belong to a youth league.
The tournament is sponsored by Qubica, an Italian-based company that produces computer scoring programs for bowling lanes. Participants were treated to a Texas Rangers game and they had the opportunity to attend a pro-bowling clinic with tips from Dick Weber, Cheryl Daniels, Norm Duke, Bob Learn Jr. and Brian Ross.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.