Robert Smith was voted Bowling Writers Association of America Bowler of the Month for February by a select panel of the organization, BWAA President Fran Deken announced today.

Smith, a 28-year-old powerful right-hander from Simi Valley, Calif., earned his third career Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) championship by defeating Jason Couch of Clermont, Fla., 243-226 in the title match of the Empire State Open in Latham, N.Y.

Hall of Famer Pete Weber of St. Ann, Mo., who captured his 28th career PBA victory and third of the 2001-2002 season at the Columbia 300 Tar Heel Open in Burlington, N.C., was a close runner-up in the balloting.