Alumnus Scot Pollard to host scholarship bowling tournament

LAWRENCE — Scot Pollard, an alumnus of the University of Kansas School of Education and retired NBA player, has partnered with the school’s National Advisory Board to provide fellow alumni and community members an opportunity for friendly competition while benefiting future students studying education at KU. 

Pollard, who played for the KU men's basketball team in the mid-1990s, and his wife, Dawn Pollard, will host Pollard’s Bowling Luau in Larrytown as the education school’s first bowling tournament Jan. 31. The tournament is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and will take place at Royal Crest Bowling Lanes

“We came up with the idea for a bowling tournament during the school’s annual golf tournament. We wanted to also host something during the winter season without the possibility of any weather concerns,” Pollard said. “Dawn and I couldn’t be more pleased to start another event to raise money for the school. And we are having a luau during the winter in Kansas! What could be more fun?”

Awards for best costume at the Hawaiian-themed event will be presented after the event. The bowling tournament will end at 6:30 p.m., though the Pollards invite participants to join them at Wayne & Larry’s Sports Bar and Grill afterward for other awards, winner prizes, a silent auction and more.

Interested bowlers should register a team of five individuals, regardless of age or bowling ability, for a team before Jan. 23. Lane sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who are not able to gather a team or make it to the Lawrence area. Businesses and individuals who are interested in sponsoring a bowling lane for the tournament should contact Sherrie Saathoff at ssaathoff@ku.edu.

For the last 21 years, the School of Education has hosted a local golf tournament for alumni, students, faculty, staff and community partners to participate in support of the School’s Multicultural Scholars Program.

The new bowling tournament will be an addition to the school’s alumni events and is intended to engage alumni and support a wider range of scholarship funds for education students.

“We are indebted to Scot and Dawn for supporting the school with their time and energy. Future students will be the beneficiaries of the proceeds from the tournament, and the plan is to have a great time bowling with the Pollards,” said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education.

The bowling tournament is open to the public, and all ages are welcome to participate. More information is available online.

The School of Education is nationally ranked, serving educators to prepare them as leaders.