January 7, 2009

P.J. Haggerty of Clovis, a top-ranked college bowler who graduated from California State University, Fresno a year ago, has received his first Professional Bowling Association Tour exemption for the 2009-10 season.

By placing second of 64 competitors in the Regional Players Invitational in Reno, Nev., last month, Haggerty received the exemption from qualifying each week. Haggerty is guaranteed $1,800 per week during the 19-week PBA Tour season of weeklong long events from October through March.

“This is a big step in my career and means I have a job and a paycheck for the following season,” said Haggerty, 23, who was an All-America selection when he bowled at Fresno State. He earned his degree in criminology with an emphasis on victimology.

Bowling is a club sport, meaning that although there is intercollegiate competition it is not operated through the university’s athletic department, but through Associated Students Inc. funds, as are other student clubs.

Haggerty is bowling at the National Bowling Stadium Championship in Reno this week. The finals air at 10 a.m. Sunday on ESPN.

For more information contact Pat Thomason at 559.278.6019