MT. VERNON, IL (WSIL) -- This edition of Unsung Hero takes us to Mt. Vernon, where one man has used his love for bowling to teach kids new skills and life lessons.
Brandon McPherson has been a competitive bowler since he was in 5th grade. Now an adult, he coaches the high school team and is Alley Manager at Nu Bowl. You could say bowling is his life. His team at McKendree University won a national title, and he has the ring to prove it.
"This is what I do! I am the bowling guy. That's just what it is," said Brandon.
In the past 8-years, Brandon has led the BMAC Bowling Camp. The camp is at the end of July and runs from Monday to Thursday for kids of all ages. In his first year, he had 11-kids participate. This year, he had 63 participants. One of his secrets is he likes to teach them more than just bowling.
"It's {very} important that they learn how to treat each other, they learn how to treat the sport, respect the sport, those kinds of things. I like to teach them how to uplift each other, not put each other down. I very much focus on being a team," explained Brandon.
Next year, he plans to have two camps due to the number of bowlers.
He said the camp is not a one-person effort, and it would never be the success it is if it wasn't for the support and help of many sponsors, parents, and other coaches.
Brandon said this is his favorite week of the year, and now he's excited he'll get to have two next year.
