CTC Foundation Bowling Tournament at Fort Hood Raises Thousands for Military Scholarships

Joe’s Legendary Bowlers took first place and the Central Texas College Foundation raised “thousands” for military-connected student scholarships at a charity bowling tournament at Phantom Warrior Lanes on Fort Hood, organizers reported following the event held Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. CTC’s news release said 24 teams filled the lanes for the fundraiser.

CTC named the top three finishers as Joe’s Legendary Bowlers in first, VP Printing in second and Let’s Roll Joe in third. CTC’s recap identified the members of Joe’s Legendary Bowlers as Larry Krueger, Rullie Haywood, John Manibusan and Robert Norvell, Jr. Student-designed and -produced custom trophies were presented to the first-place team by Valerie Payson, Dr. Michele J. Carter and Charles Brashear, CTC said.

Killeen area reporting supplied event details used to promote the tournament: KDH News listed registration at $260 per team of four, which included three games of bowling, shoe rental, lunch and a drink ticket. KDH News and local accounts also described on-site competition for trophies and gift-card prizes, plus raffle and 50/50 drawings during the afternoon.

Valerie Payson, identified by KDH News as executive director of the Central Texas College Foundation, framed the fundraiser as mission-driven. “This tournament is about more than strikes and spares,” Payson said. “Every dollar raised fuels scholarships that remove financial barriers for military students and their families. The Foundation exists to open doors, and events like this allow our community to stand behind those who have stood for us.” Payson added that investing in military students builds “leadership, resilience and the future workforce of our region” and described the event as a reminder that small acts of participation can yield life-changing opportunities.

CTC’s release highlighted the student-crafted trophies as an educational showcase, saying the custom awards demonstrated hands-on learning and the college’s connection to community engagement. Social posts and local coverage described a high-energy atmosphere as lanes filled across the Fort Hood bowling center.

Local broadcasters reported that CTC plans to make the charity tournament an annual event, citing turnout and generosity as reasons to continue the fundraiser. The Foundation uses proceeds for endowed and annual scholarships, emergency assistance and program enhancements that support military-connected students pursuing education at Central Texas College, according to KDH News and CTC materials.

Organizers called the Feb. 28 event a successful first outing: 24 teams, student-made trophies, raffle funds and prize winners combined to generate thousands of dollars toward scholarships for service members and their families, with plans to expand the event in future years.