Hardin’s Channell honored as all-American

So far in the first half of 2016 Hardin County rising senior Ashley Channell helped the Lady Tigers’ bowling team win their third straight state championship, won her third straight individual state championship and was named TPBA Miss Bowler in the state of Tennessee.

Channell can add another prestigious award to this year as she was honored as a member of the Dexter-United States Bowling Congress All-American Team on Wednesday.

“This is a big honor with only five girls and five boys from across the nation being recognized,” Channell said. “This year as been a success, and with nationals in July, I hope to keep the success going.”

BOWL: Hardin's Channell wins 3rd straight state title

Channell was honored along with Natalie Koprowitz (Girard, Ill.), Kristen Machacek (Lincoln, Neb.), Britaney Myers(Mechanicville, N.Y.) and Shelby Vincke (Chesaning, Mich.).

This is the 11th year a team has been selected by the organization that honors five girls and five boys that must be a junior or senior in high school.

“I was actually surprised when I was named to the team today,” Channell said. “There are a lot of great bowlers to choose from, so when I saw that I was chosen, I was pretty excited.”

Channell defeated Siegel freshman Danielle Jedlicki in the individual state tournament in January for her third state title in her third year of competing.

She won the 2014 Junior Gold U15 national championship and finished runner-up in 2013. She has a 3.95 GPA and is a member of the English Honorarium and Future Teachers of America.

Student-athletes are nominated by their athletic director, and they must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, have a letter of recommendation and a 500-word essay to be considered.

The five players selected receive a $1,000 scholarship and will be recognized at this year’s Junior Gold Championships in July.

Michael Odom, 425-9754