LATHAM — Drew LaJoy, a 22-year-old bowler from Latham who grew up in Clinton County, joined the Professional Bowlers Association three weeks ago.

"They all (local bowlers) thought (he) was going to be a nobody, but I guess he showed them," LaJoy's mom, Donna LeBlanc said. "His message is 'just don't give up on your dreams, anything is possible.'"

Lajoy, who bowled for Beekmantown until he was 12 years old, moved downstate to Latham, and bowled for Shaker High School where he competed until graduation. His team reached the state tournament in Niagra Falls during his first year.

After graduating high school, LaJoy left home to bowl for Neumann College, but a shoulder injury forced him to get surgery and miss the season.

He later attended Erie Community College in Buffalo, where he earned his business degree and placed third in nationals after a year on the bowling team.

Lajoy returned to Latham last spring and recently won $6,000 in a three-person league in Schenectady. Now he is competing in PBA regional events to get a feel for the rules and playing format before starting on the national tour in September.

He recently bowled in a regional event in North Adams, Mass. and is slated to compete in Catskill and Rockaway, N.J. in the upcoming weeks.