July 2, 2009

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Courtesy of PVAM Sports Information) - Prairie View A&M head bowling coach Glenn White wrapped up his 2009-10 recruiting class with the addition of two talented bowlers from the Midwest.

Joining the Lady Panthers for the 2009-10 campaign are Chicago, Ill. native Roonesia Newsom of John Hope College Prep and Mariah Dowdy of Dyer, Ind. and Lake Central High School. "Both bowlers will add much-needed depth to the team," said White. "I have an experienced team back with five returnees and three of them are seniors so I'll have a strong nucleus to work with once the season begins."

Newsom hails from the bowling-rich area of Chicago and captured the individual title at the Public League Shootout in March. She will also participate in the high school singles girls division of the 2009 Bowling Proprietor's Association of America (BPAA) High School Singles Championship in July.

"She provides us with another competitive attitude and has the skills to help us compete at a high level once they're developed," White said. "She's very strong academically which keeps in line with my mission of high academic standards for the team."

Dowdy brings a winning attitude as she helped her team capture the 2007 Indiana State Championship. In addition, Dowdy was honored for her contribution to the sport of bowling in 2008 as she was named "Youth Star of Tomorrow" by the Chicagoland USBC.

"Mariah is very competitive and has a lot of potential," said White. "With some hard work, she'll be an asset for us and that gives us a better opportunity to win."

Dowdy and Newsom join Cynthia Veney as White's three recruits for the 2009-10 campaign. White is excited as he expects the trio along with the returning bowlers to help capture the 2010 SWAC Championship. "All three bowlers will move us to the next level in terms of competitiveness," he said. "With this class coupled with my five returnees, we have a shot at winning the SWAC Championship and it makes us more competitive on a national level."

The Lady Panthers begin play in October of 2009.