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EJ Tackett wins PBA Player of Year

TAB file photo
EJ Tackett

After a year in which he won four titles, one of which was his first career major, Huntington’s EJ Tackett was named the 2016 GEICO Chris Schenkel Player of the Year for the Professional Bowlers Association on Sunday, Feb. 5.

PBA CEO and Commissioner Tom Clark made the announcement during the Main Event Terrell Owens PBA Super Clash, which was held in Katy, TX, and aired live on ESPN. The player of the year accolade is voted on by PBA members and international bowling news media representatives.

It was a breakout year for Tackett. He entered the season with one career title, but increased that number significantly as the year progressed. By season’s end, he was the only bowler on tour to have won at least four titles on the year.

Tackett’s last title was his most significant, coming at the PBA World Championship, in December. That victory gave him the first major title of his career.

Tackett’s other titles in 2016 came at the PBA Xtra Frame Storm Open, in April; the PBA Bear Open, in September; and the PBA Team Challenge, in November, where he was a member of the winning team.

At 24, Tackett is the second-youngest person to ever win player of the year honors. He was previously named the 2012-13 PBA Rookie of the Year.

Tackett has already added to his title count in 2017, having won the DHC PBA Japan Invitational, in January.