PBA Announces Nine-Tournament
Senior Tour Schedule For 2010
The Professional Bowlers Association has announced its nine-tournament PBA Senior Tour schedule for 2010 beginning with the PBA Senior Dayton Classic April 17-20 and ending with the PBA Senior Jackson Open Aug. 21-24.
The schedule will once again include two majors, the PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by the Suncoast and the United States Bowling Congress Senior Masters, which will be conducted June 6-11 and June 13-18, respectively.
Ron Mohr of Eagle River, Alaska, will be looking to defend his 2009 Senior Player of the Year honor.
Mohr, 53, entering his third year on the Senior Tour, won the PBA Jackson Senior Open and PBA Dayton Senior Open, kicking off the 2009 season with his first two titles in back-to-back weeks. He won his third title at the Senior Dick Weber Open in Lansing, Mich.
PBA Hall of Famer Wayne Webb will be looking to win his third consecutive Senior U.S. Open title while Dale Traber hopes to defend his United States Bowling Congress Senior Masters win.
PBA Hall of Famer and all-time Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour winner Walter Ray Williams Jr. is eligible to compete on the 2010 Senior Tour after recently turning 50.
2010 PBA Senior Tour Schedule
April 17-20 – PBA Senior Dayton Classic, Capri Lanes, Dayton, Ohio
April 24-27 – PBA Senior Columbus Open, HPL Lanes, Columbus, Ohio
May 2-5 – PBA Senior Mooresville Miller High Life Classic, George Pappas Victory Lanes, Mooresville, N.C.
May 30-June 2 – PBA Senior Northern California Classic, Harvest Park Bowl, Brentwood, Calif.
June 6-11 – PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by the Suncoast, Suncoast Bowling Center, Las Vegas
June 13-18 – United States Bowling Congress Senior Masters, South Point Bowling Center, Las Vegas
Aug. 9-12 – PBA Senior Lake County Indiana Open, Olympia Lanes, Hammond, Ind.
Aug. 14-17 – PBA Senior Decatur Open, Spare Time Lanes, Decatur, Ill.
Aug. 21-24 – PBA Senior Jackson Open, Airport Lanes, Jackson, Mich.
Friday, December 25, 2009
BLUMENSCHEID, RUSSELL NAMED USBC
YOUTH AMBASSADORS OF THE YEAR
Blair Blumenscheid of Columbus, Ohio, and Kevin Russell of Markham, Ill., have been selected as the USBC Youth Ambassadors of the Year by the USBC Youth Committee.
The award recognizes USBC Youth bowlers for exemplary contributions in the sport of bowling, academic accomplishments and community involvement. Awarded annually to one male and one female bowler, each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship, and one of the winners might be selected to serve as a member of the USBC Youth Committee for a period of three years.
Blumenscheid graduated from St. Francis Desales High School in 2009 with a 3.75 grade-point average. She currently is a freshman at Ohio State University and is the anchor for the women’s bowling team.
Jo Dimond, the Association Manager for the Central Ohio USBC, said Blumenscheid showed excellent organizational skills while working in the Youth Leaders program and Youth Committee. Dimond added that Blumenscheid “displayed maturity and patience during her tenure” and that working on the administrative side of bowling gave her new insight into the sport.
“This award is important to me because it recognizes me as a leader as well as a bowler,” Blumenscheid said. “Bowling has given so much to me between friends, outstanding coaches, scholarship money to pay for college and a sport that I can play my whole life. I always looked up to the coaches and bowling leaders in my youth, and they encouraged me to get more involved. Through their advice and my own desire to help, I try to give back to the sport that has given me a better life.
“I want to pass the advice forward and encourage all other youth bowlers to get involved and do the same. We are the future of bowling, and it is up to us to keep it going.”
Russell, a sophomore at Robert Morris University and a member of the Eagles bowling team, started bowling when he was four years old. Sandra Hardy, director of the Dolton Bowl Full Throttle Junior League Program, said they have “been blessed to witness his transformation from a shy teenager to a disciplined and determined leader.”
He remains active in the junior program, currently serving as chair of a committee of coaches, parents and junior bowlers to develop a lesson plan for bowlers 14 and older who are new to the sport. The idea is to teach the teenagers the basic skills in an accelerated time frame so more teens can be introduced to the sport without feeling awkward around other teens for not having a higher average.
Russell also recently received his minister’s license through The Church of the Living God in Chicago.
“First of all, I would like to thank God, without him nothing is possible. I would also like to thank my parents; if they weren’t the type of parents that they are, this would not be possible,” Russell said. “Since I was four, I have worked with some of the best coaches from youth league, through high school, and now in college as well as had some of the best competition. I would especially like to thank my current youth coaches, Beverly Houston and Sandra Hardy, for teaching me and encouraging me to become the young man, athlete, mentor, and leader I am today.”
Blumenscheid and Russell will receive their awards during the USBC Convention, April 28-May 1 in Reno, Nev. To learn more about USBC awards and this year’s USBC Convention, visit BOWL.com.
YOUTH AMBASSADORS OF THE YEAR
Blair Blumenscheid of Columbus, Ohio, and Kevin Russell of Markham, Ill., have been selected as the USBC Youth Ambassadors of the Year by the USBC Youth Committee.
The award recognizes USBC Youth bowlers for exemplary contributions in the sport of bowling, academic accomplishments and community involvement. Awarded annually to one male and one female bowler, each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship, and one of the winners might be selected to serve as a member of the USBC Youth Committee for a period of three years.
Blumenscheid graduated from St. Francis Desales High School in 2009 with a 3.75 grade-point average. She currently is a freshman at Ohio State University and is the anchor for the women’s bowling team.
Jo Dimond, the Association Manager for the Central Ohio USBC, said Blumenscheid showed excellent organizational skills while working in the Youth Leaders program and Youth Committee. Dimond added that Blumenscheid “displayed maturity and patience during her tenure” and that working on the administrative side of bowling gave her new insight into the sport.
“This award is important to me because it recognizes me as a leader as well as a bowler,” Blumenscheid said. “Bowling has given so much to me between friends, outstanding coaches, scholarship money to pay for college and a sport that I can play my whole life. I always looked up to the coaches and bowling leaders in my youth, and they encouraged me to get more involved. Through their advice and my own desire to help, I try to give back to the sport that has given me a better life.
“I want to pass the advice forward and encourage all other youth bowlers to get involved and do the same. We are the future of bowling, and it is up to us to keep it going.”
Russell, a sophomore at Robert Morris University and a member of the Eagles bowling team, started bowling when he was four years old. Sandra Hardy, director of the Dolton Bowl Full Throttle Junior League Program, said they have “been blessed to witness his transformation from a shy teenager to a disciplined and determined leader.”
He remains active in the junior program, currently serving as chair of a committee of coaches, parents and junior bowlers to develop a lesson plan for bowlers 14 and older who are new to the sport. The idea is to teach the teenagers the basic skills in an accelerated time frame so more teens can be introduced to the sport without feeling awkward around other teens for not having a higher average.
Russell also recently received his minister’s license through The Church of the Living God in Chicago.
“First of all, I would like to thank God, without him nothing is possible. I would also like to thank my parents; if they weren’t the type of parents that they are, this would not be possible,” Russell said. “Since I was four, I have worked with some of the best coaches from youth league, through high school, and now in college as well as had some of the best competition. I would especially like to thank my current youth coaches, Beverly Houston and Sandra Hardy, for teaching me and encouraging me to become the young man, athlete, mentor, and leader I am today.”
Blumenscheid and Russell will receive their awards during the USBC Convention, April 28-May 1 in Reno, Nev. To learn more about USBC awards and this year’s USBC Convention, visit BOWL.com.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Here & There Column 12-22-09
This Is A Christmas Tree
This is a Christmas Tree.....it is not a Holiday tree......it is a Christmas Tree and Christians throughout the world this week are not celebrating the birth of a Holiday.....they are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Many community tree lighting events during the month of December have been just that .....tree lighting events.......they are trying to be "politically correct" instead of displaying the real meaning of Christmas for Christians.......which of course is the Nativity Scene.
In the commercial market some retailers avoid any mention of Christmas and even some merchants have banned employees from using the greeting "Merry Christmas."
Now that we are in the full-swing of the Christmas season .....and I think the last time I looked on the Calendar it does say that December 25 is Christmas.
Also the last time I looked I believe that Christmas is a national holiday but who knows the way things are going that someone or some organization will petition our government to remove this date as a national holiday.
We certainly do not have anything against the Christmas tree and lighting ceremonies that include this tree and the lighting of the Menorah which is a major part of the Jewish Chanukah holidays.
One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah and this religious symbol is a symbol of the nation of Israel and their mission to be "a light unto the nations," (Isaiah 42.6).
But, again, why do we not see The Nativity Scene included in our many ceremonies. The Nativity Scene displaying the birth of Jesus Christ is the true symbol for Christians during the Christmas season.
Community tree lighting ceremonies censor this Christian symbol as a part of what is called "insensitive to the many people of different faiths."
Recent surveys shows that a majority of Americans want us to say "Merry Christmas" and that 69 percent of us prefer the traditional greeting over a generic "happy holidays." which garnered a mere 23 percent of the vote.
We are proud to say "Merry Christmas" and believe its time to repair the damage that has been done by groups and organizations to take "Christ" out of Christmas.
So I say to each and everyone of you......have a Merry CHRISTmas and may God Bless you.
This is a Christmas Tree.....it is not a Holiday tree......it is a Christmas Tree and Christians throughout the world this week are not celebrating the birth of a Holiday.....they are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Many community tree lighting events during the month of December have been just that .....tree lighting events.......they are trying to be "politically correct" instead of displaying the real meaning of Christmas for Christians.......which of course is the Nativity Scene.
In the commercial market some retailers avoid any mention of Christmas and even some merchants have banned employees from using the greeting "Merry Christmas."
Now that we are in the full-swing of the Christmas season .....and I think the last time I looked on the Calendar it does say that December 25 is Christmas.
Also the last time I looked I believe that Christmas is a national holiday but who knows the way things are going that someone or some organization will petition our government to remove this date as a national holiday.
We certainly do not have anything against the Christmas tree and lighting ceremonies that include this tree and the lighting of the Menorah which is a major part of the Jewish Chanukah holidays.
One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah and this religious symbol is a symbol of the nation of Israel and their mission to be "a light unto the nations," (Isaiah 42.6).
But, again, why do we not see The Nativity Scene included in our many ceremonies. The Nativity Scene displaying the birth of Jesus Christ is the true symbol for Christians during the Christmas season.
Community tree lighting ceremonies censor this Christian symbol as a part of what is called "insensitive to the many people of different faiths."
Recent surveys shows that a majority of Americans want us to say "Merry Christmas" and that 69 percent of us prefer the traditional greeting over a generic "happy holidays." which garnered a mere 23 percent of the vote.
We are proud to say "Merry Christmas" and believe its time to repair the damage that has been done by groups and organizations to take "Christ" out of Christmas.
So I say to each and everyone of you......have a Merry CHRISTmas and may God Bless you.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Bowling Highlights Column 12-18-09
Open Championships
Deadline Extended
Although there are more than 13,000 teams already signed up for the 2010 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in Reno, Nev., the entry deadline now has been extended until Jan. 15, 2010.
The 136-day event begins Feb. 20 at the National Bowling Stadium and is scheduled to conclude on July 5. This will mark the first of two consecutive years the tournament will be held at the NBS. It will be the event’s record ninth visit to Reno and the sixth time it will be held at the one-of-a-kind, 78-lane Stadium.
More than 65,000 competitors will make their way to “The Biggest Little City in the World” to compete for more than $6 million in prize money.
“While we reached our original entry deadline with good numbers, we decided to add some more time to give more of our members a chance to come and enjoy what Reno and the Open Championships have to offer,” said Brian Lewis, USBC Championships Director. “Entries have been coming in at a steady pace, which proves the interest is still there, and we don’t want anyone to miss out.”
There are plenty of prime spots available for 2010, and it’s never too early to start planning for 2011.
And since having the event in Reno in back-to-back years is unprecedented, USBC is challenging bowlers to help break the participation record. To entice them, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority has teamed with USBC to form the USBC Eagle's Nest, a special club for team captains who field teams in both 2010 and 2011.
Upon reserving spots for both years, captains will receive a monthly e-mail newsletter featuring tournament tips, the latest bowling trends and special offers. Eagle’s Nest members also will be eligible for special giveaways, including a brand new car or truck, round-trip airfare compliments of USBC Travel, VIP upgrades on accommodations for the 2011 Open Championships and high-performance bowling balls.
To be eligible, team captains must register teams for both the 2010 and 2011 tournaments, and the 2011 reservation and deposit must be received by July 5, 2010.
For more information visit USBCopen.com or call the tournament entries department toll free at (800) 514-2695.
There also are plenty of spots available for bowlers interested in competing in the 2010 USBC Women’s Championships in El Paso, Texas. More than 7,000 teams are expected to compete in the event, which begins March 27 and runs until June 30. The deadline for the Women’s Championships is Jan. 22, 2010. For more information and available times, please visit usbcwomenschampionships.com.
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.
The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo
Bowlers: This week's tip is for parents with children who either bowl in a youth league or bowl regularly with their own equipment.
Parents, when was the last time you had your child's fit checked on their bowing ball at your local pro shop?
Children tend to grow quickly and the gripping holes in their bowling balls must be adjusted t accommodate this growth.
Bowling with poor fitting equipment can become frustrating and uncomfortable. In most cases, it will only take a minute or two for adjustments to be made.
Also, if your child has hit or her own bowling shoes, you can check yourself to see if the fit is acceptable. Do not wait for blisters on the toes.
Remember, the game is meant to be enjoyed, not to be a form of torture.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is a Sales Advisor and Special Events Coordinator with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net
PBA
Tom Smallwood, a 32-year-old former assembly worker who was laid off from his job with General Motors nearly a year ago, won his first PBA tour title and his first "major" title (PBA World Championship) last Sunday afternoon at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. when he defeated reigning PBA Player of the Year Wes Malott, 244-228.
This was the first live ESPN telecast of the 2009-10 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour Season.
The tour now takes it's holiday break and the next ESPN televised event (taped) will be the finals of the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open on Sunday, Jan 10 at 1 p.m. Live action on the tour returns January 17.
Local Scores
Kiamesha Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league included a 224, 214, 210, 648 by Mike Weiner, Paul Durland 238, 613, Jaryl Scott 227, 227, 603, Vinnie Collura 224, Donald Durland 212, 203, 235, 650, Rich Kushner 203, James VanAken 216, 257, 213, 686, Tom Belgiovene 210, 234, 615, John Hoffmann 249, 638, John Fischer 200, Nate Sanders 237, Dave Graham 246, Serafin Rodriguez Jr. 202, Keith Raymond 213, Pete Mitro 237, Jo Jo VanKeuren 207, Al Caycho 225, 223, 623, Vincent Scuderi 202, Frank Scuderi 201, 209, 212, 622, Mickey Lake 214, Eddie Lake 213, 237, 612, Rick Lake 209, Lloyd Bridges 212, 211, 620, James Ratner 210, 247, 628, Allan Jones 215, 227, 615, Daniel VanAken 205, 244, 620, Paul Curry 205, Steven Rivera 214, Timothy Totten 214, Ronnie Totten 206, Jason Jones Jr. 222, 213, Kevin Stackhouse 217, 224, 633, Cory VanKeuren 205, 235, 244, 684 and Jon Wilhelm 249, 267, 704.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Barbara Rustic 225, 513, Debra Blackford 193, 513, Carena Collura 513, Pat Mulhern 182, Ronda McClernon 199, Matt Cooper 221, Joe Peabody 225, John Cascone 207, 219, Laresko Niifa 200, Mary Lee Williams 190, 500, Dorian Jennings 232, 227, 631, Peter Scannell 210, Jack Rustic 235, 234, 254, 723, Jim Gerrard 200, Russ Keesler 204, Stan Gilmore 205, 203, Fran Kaiser 203, 180, 549, Allen Jones 278, 652, Debbie Durland 184, 234, 182, 600, Mal Press 232, 200, 615, Jon Wilhelm 209, 219, Kevin Stackhouse 210, 600, John Hoffmann 277, 277, 206, 760, Eddie Lake 265, 225,236, 726, Kris Gwiozdowski 215, Barbara Yeomans 191, 516 and Linda Schaefer 180, 182, 509.
In the Wednesday Men's league Kenny Atkins 269, Al Caycho 229, Mike Weiner 224, Tim Hussner 211, Juan Lopez 214, John Lopez 202, 214, 223, 639, William Danchak 246, Frank DiConstanzo 212, George Battle Jr. 241, 617, Allan Jones 248, 203, 633, Larry Berens 201, 245, 607, Dean Shattuck 224, 218, 633, Paul Durland 209, Tom Belgiovene 236, 208, 236, 680, John Hoffmann 238, 289, 267, 794, Tony Mentnech 223, Rick Lara 246, 201, 631, Tim McIntyre 212, 222, 265, 699, Frank Emmens 222, 200, 600, Vincent Degraw 255, Jason Jones Jr. 214, 200, 604, Anthony Atkins 211, Wayne Atkins 255, Eddie Lake 235, Gregory Fallon 234, 208, 253, 695, Matt Fallon 239, 602, Jon Wilhelm 216, 208, 608, Richard Bradford 257, 626 and Donald Durland 228, 226, 214, 668.
In the Thursday Ladies league Clorisa Hopkins 202, Barbara Durbak 181, 501, Christina Schultz 183, Mardette Wilcox 202, 529, Pat Shuart 212, Rita Burdick 183, Debbie Durland 203, 211, 592 and Joan Lake 222, 537.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Jr./Mjrs division Matt Edwards 149, Corey Ciliberto 114, 145, Jason Moss 180, 232, Kristy Gessman 140, Michael Scuderi 203, 243 and Petro Agapito III a 256, 647. In the Preps division Nicole Scuderi 104, 94, Sarah Rustic 106, 132, Stacey Reuss 87, 88, Ben Drillings 96, 103, 83, Anthony Pagani 86, John Wilhelm 136, 120 and Nathaniel Edwards 156. In the Pee Wees division Renee Schreiber 69, Jenna Hendrickson 77 and Erin Brawley 63.
Beechwood Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the include a 159, 163, 205, 527 by Tracey Puerschner, Wendy Finn 173, 164, Lois Erdman 173, 167, Jackie Gieger 170, Barbara Cady 167, Wendy Adams 166 and Tasha Grimm 160.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Rebecca Rhodes 186, 498, Debbie Loughrey 178, 494 and Lillian Zieres 177.
In the Wednesday Men's league Tim Ackermann 200, Tim Sykes 197, 196, 578 and Roger Widmann 196.
Fox Bowling Center
Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include 181, 202, 199, 582 by Sally Ballard, Hope Jones 187, 199, 527, Jennifer Raymond 509 and Jen Smith 199, 189, 567.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Tom Anderson 214, 226, 622, Dave Benedict 210, Mike Bowker 238, Al Bullis Sr. 224, Andrew Bullis 258, 224, 214, 696, Charles Cody 213, Cody Conway 222, 213, 221, 656, Frank Couse Sr. 233, 219, 629, Jim Dibble 234, 238, 269, 741, Brandon Drumm 225, Brian Drumm 203, Chuck Dunlap 227, John Fish 202, Art Gately 233, Craig Gehrig 213, Mark Hawley 202, Paul Ignatovich 265, 208, 259, 732, Rob Johnson 221, 225, 225, 671, Ryan Kille 205, 202, 606, Dick Layton 212, 601, Donnie Marino 235, 256, 208, 699, Mark McGraw 258, 204, 631, Robert McNaught 204, Josh Milucky 217, Cory Newman 228, Mitch Persbacker 254, 211, 637, Dick Price 200, 244, 627, Charlie Reichenbaugh 229, 203, Josh Rice 223, Paul Siegler 232, Scott Wahl 200, Jonathon Wayne 217, Hank Whitmore 220, 212, 257, 689, Zuke Wormuth 215, 227, 617, Lee Wormuth 254, Jay Wormuth 236 and Tony Wright 218, 219, 201, 638.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Rob Bolster 245, 211, 612, Al Bullis Jr. 214, 246, 218, 678, Al Bullis Sr. 215, 245, 656, Matt Conklin 235, Ray Cornwell 213, 602, Howard Couse Sr. 212, 217, 622, Jeff Curtis 214, 605, Carl Davis 210, Norm Ellis Jr. 237, Paul Fritz 205, 235, 621, Bill Gleim 204, 232, 620, Pete Hathaway 201, Robert Johnson 277, 666, Gino Jones 235, 214, 632, Greg Keesler 225, 204, 248, 677, Dan Koch 216, Larry Mills 269, 650, Rick Mills 213, Harold Morgan 209, Jack Scott 216, Paul Siegler 200, Sonny Triebe Sr. 242 and Dan Wormuth 235, 226, 235, 696.
In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples league Ed Akselrad 203, Andy Bullis 236, 225, 656, Frank Couse Sr. 207, Anne Couse 243, 543, Howey Couse 217, 213, 246, 676, Crystal Ellis 200, 500, Norman C. Ellis 207, 220, Norman E. Ellis 214, Elizabeth Gleim 201, 513, Bill Gleim 267, 641, Nick Hazen 221, Mark McGraw 217, 213, Rick Mills 210, 202, 605, Cecil Spencer 203, Norm Stanton 204, Sandy Winans 221, 546 and Dan Wormuth 220, 204, 618.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Julie Cornwell 191, 190, 531, Ray Cornwell 212, John Hoffmann 235, 228, 214, 677, Matt Johnson 234, 202, 634, Don Marino 244, 246, 674, Jean Mills 199, Rick Mills 206, 211, 204, 621, Fred Shakelton 221, Ed Townsend 217, Shirley Townsend 199, 503.
This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached by phone at 439-8177, vie e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 230-8674. For a more expanded version of the bowling column, please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com
Deadline Extended
Although there are more than 13,000 teams already signed up for the 2010 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in Reno, Nev., the entry deadline now has been extended until Jan. 15, 2010.
The 136-day event begins Feb. 20 at the National Bowling Stadium and is scheduled to conclude on July 5. This will mark the first of two consecutive years the tournament will be held at the NBS. It will be the event’s record ninth visit to Reno and the sixth time it will be held at the one-of-a-kind, 78-lane Stadium.
More than 65,000 competitors will make their way to “The Biggest Little City in the World” to compete for more than $6 million in prize money.
“While we reached our original entry deadline with good numbers, we decided to add some more time to give more of our members a chance to come and enjoy what Reno and the Open Championships have to offer,” said Brian Lewis, USBC Championships Director. “Entries have been coming in at a steady pace, which proves the interest is still there, and we don’t want anyone to miss out.”
There are plenty of prime spots available for 2010, and it’s never too early to start planning for 2011.
And since having the event in Reno in back-to-back years is unprecedented, USBC is challenging bowlers to help break the participation record. To entice them, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority has teamed with USBC to form the USBC Eagle's Nest, a special club for team captains who field teams in both 2010 and 2011.
Upon reserving spots for both years, captains will receive a monthly e-mail newsletter featuring tournament tips, the latest bowling trends and special offers. Eagle’s Nest members also will be eligible for special giveaways, including a brand new car or truck, round-trip airfare compliments of USBC Travel, VIP upgrades on accommodations for the 2011 Open Championships and high-performance bowling balls.
To be eligible, team captains must register teams for both the 2010 and 2011 tournaments, and the 2011 reservation and deposit must be received by July 5, 2010.
For more information visit USBCopen.com or call the tournament entries department toll free at (800) 514-2695.
There also are plenty of spots available for bowlers interested in competing in the 2010 USBC Women’s Championships in El Paso, Texas. More than 7,000 teams are expected to compete in the event, which begins March 27 and runs until June 30. The deadline for the Women’s Championships is Jan. 22, 2010. For more information and available times, please visit usbcwomenschampionships.com.
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.
The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo
Bowlers: This week's tip is for parents with children who either bowl in a youth league or bowl regularly with their own equipment.
Parents, when was the last time you had your child's fit checked on their bowing ball at your local pro shop?
Children tend to grow quickly and the gripping holes in their bowling balls must be adjusted t accommodate this growth.
Bowling with poor fitting equipment can become frustrating and uncomfortable. In most cases, it will only take a minute or two for adjustments to be made.
Also, if your child has hit or her own bowling shoes, you can check yourself to see if the fit is acceptable. Do not wait for blisters on the toes.
Remember, the game is meant to be enjoyed, not to be a form of torture.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is a Sales Advisor and Special Events Coordinator with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net
PBA
Tom Smallwood, a 32-year-old former assembly worker who was laid off from his job with General Motors nearly a year ago, won his first PBA tour title and his first "major" title (PBA World Championship) last Sunday afternoon at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. when he defeated reigning PBA Player of the Year Wes Malott, 244-228.
This was the first live ESPN telecast of the 2009-10 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour Season.
The tour now takes it's holiday break and the next ESPN televised event (taped) will be the finals of the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open on Sunday, Jan 10 at 1 p.m. Live action on the tour returns January 17.
Local Scores
Kiamesha Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league included a 224, 214, 210, 648 by Mike Weiner, Paul Durland 238, 613, Jaryl Scott 227, 227, 603, Vinnie Collura 224, Donald Durland 212, 203, 235, 650, Rich Kushner 203, James VanAken 216, 257, 213, 686, Tom Belgiovene 210, 234, 615, John Hoffmann 249, 638, John Fischer 200, Nate Sanders 237, Dave Graham 246, Serafin Rodriguez Jr. 202, Keith Raymond 213, Pete Mitro 237, Jo Jo VanKeuren 207, Al Caycho 225, 223, 623, Vincent Scuderi 202, Frank Scuderi 201, 209, 212, 622, Mickey Lake 214, Eddie Lake 213, 237, 612, Rick Lake 209, Lloyd Bridges 212, 211, 620, James Ratner 210, 247, 628, Allan Jones 215, 227, 615, Daniel VanAken 205, 244, 620, Paul Curry 205, Steven Rivera 214, Timothy Totten 214, Ronnie Totten 206, Jason Jones Jr. 222, 213, Kevin Stackhouse 217, 224, 633, Cory VanKeuren 205, 235, 244, 684 and Jon Wilhelm 249, 267, 704.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Barbara Rustic 225, 513, Debra Blackford 193, 513, Carena Collura 513, Pat Mulhern 182, Ronda McClernon 199, Matt Cooper 221, Joe Peabody 225, John Cascone 207, 219, Laresko Niifa 200, Mary Lee Williams 190, 500, Dorian Jennings 232, 227, 631, Peter Scannell 210, Jack Rustic 235, 234, 254, 723, Jim Gerrard 200, Russ Keesler 204, Stan Gilmore 205, 203, Fran Kaiser 203, 180, 549, Allen Jones 278, 652, Debbie Durland 184, 234, 182, 600, Mal Press 232, 200, 615, Jon Wilhelm 209, 219, Kevin Stackhouse 210, 600, John Hoffmann 277, 277, 206, 760, Eddie Lake 265, 225,236, 726, Kris Gwiozdowski 215, Barbara Yeomans 191, 516 and Linda Schaefer 180, 182, 509.
In the Wednesday Men's league Kenny Atkins 269, Al Caycho 229, Mike Weiner 224, Tim Hussner 211, Juan Lopez 214, John Lopez 202, 214, 223, 639, William Danchak 246, Frank DiConstanzo 212, George Battle Jr. 241, 617, Allan Jones 248, 203, 633, Larry Berens 201, 245, 607, Dean Shattuck 224, 218, 633, Paul Durland 209, Tom Belgiovene 236, 208, 236, 680, John Hoffmann 238, 289, 267, 794, Tony Mentnech 223, Rick Lara 246, 201, 631, Tim McIntyre 212, 222, 265, 699, Frank Emmens 222, 200, 600, Vincent Degraw 255, Jason Jones Jr. 214, 200, 604, Anthony Atkins 211, Wayne Atkins 255, Eddie Lake 235, Gregory Fallon 234, 208, 253, 695, Matt Fallon 239, 602, Jon Wilhelm 216, 208, 608, Richard Bradford 257, 626 and Donald Durland 228, 226, 214, 668.
In the Thursday Ladies league Clorisa Hopkins 202, Barbara Durbak 181, 501, Christina Schultz 183, Mardette Wilcox 202, 529, Pat Shuart 212, Rita Burdick 183, Debbie Durland 203, 211, 592 and Joan Lake 222, 537.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Jr./Mjrs division Matt Edwards 149, Corey Ciliberto 114, 145, Jason Moss 180, 232, Kristy Gessman 140, Michael Scuderi 203, 243 and Petro Agapito III a 256, 647. In the Preps division Nicole Scuderi 104, 94, Sarah Rustic 106, 132, Stacey Reuss 87, 88, Ben Drillings 96, 103, 83, Anthony Pagani 86, John Wilhelm 136, 120 and Nathaniel Edwards 156. In the Pee Wees division Renee Schreiber 69, Jenna Hendrickson 77 and Erin Brawley 63.
Beechwood Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the include a 159, 163, 205, 527 by Tracey Puerschner, Wendy Finn 173, 164, Lois Erdman 173, 167, Jackie Gieger 170, Barbara Cady 167, Wendy Adams 166 and Tasha Grimm 160.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Rebecca Rhodes 186, 498, Debbie Loughrey 178, 494 and Lillian Zieres 177.
In the Wednesday Men's league Tim Ackermann 200, Tim Sykes 197, 196, 578 and Roger Widmann 196.
Fox Bowling Center
Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include 181, 202, 199, 582 by Sally Ballard, Hope Jones 187, 199, 527, Jennifer Raymond 509 and Jen Smith 199, 189, 567.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Tom Anderson 214, 226, 622, Dave Benedict 210, Mike Bowker 238, Al Bullis Sr. 224, Andrew Bullis 258, 224, 214, 696, Charles Cody 213, Cody Conway 222, 213, 221, 656, Frank Couse Sr. 233, 219, 629, Jim Dibble 234, 238, 269, 741, Brandon Drumm 225, Brian Drumm 203, Chuck Dunlap 227, John Fish 202, Art Gately 233, Craig Gehrig 213, Mark Hawley 202, Paul Ignatovich 265, 208, 259, 732, Rob Johnson 221, 225, 225, 671, Ryan Kille 205, 202, 606, Dick Layton 212, 601, Donnie Marino 235, 256, 208, 699, Mark McGraw 258, 204, 631, Robert McNaught 204, Josh Milucky 217, Cory Newman 228, Mitch Persbacker 254, 211, 637, Dick Price 200, 244, 627, Charlie Reichenbaugh 229, 203, Josh Rice 223, Paul Siegler 232, Scott Wahl 200, Jonathon Wayne 217, Hank Whitmore 220, 212, 257, 689, Zuke Wormuth 215, 227, 617, Lee Wormuth 254, Jay Wormuth 236 and Tony Wright 218, 219, 201, 638.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Rob Bolster 245, 211, 612, Al Bullis Jr. 214, 246, 218, 678, Al Bullis Sr. 215, 245, 656, Matt Conklin 235, Ray Cornwell 213, 602, Howard Couse Sr. 212, 217, 622, Jeff Curtis 214, 605, Carl Davis 210, Norm Ellis Jr. 237, Paul Fritz 205, 235, 621, Bill Gleim 204, 232, 620, Pete Hathaway 201, Robert Johnson 277, 666, Gino Jones 235, 214, 632, Greg Keesler 225, 204, 248, 677, Dan Koch 216, Larry Mills 269, 650, Rick Mills 213, Harold Morgan 209, Jack Scott 216, Paul Siegler 200, Sonny Triebe Sr. 242 and Dan Wormuth 235, 226, 235, 696.
In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples league Ed Akselrad 203, Andy Bullis 236, 225, 656, Frank Couse Sr. 207, Anne Couse 243, 543, Howey Couse 217, 213, 246, 676, Crystal Ellis 200, 500, Norman C. Ellis 207, 220, Norman E. Ellis 214, Elizabeth Gleim 201, 513, Bill Gleim 267, 641, Nick Hazen 221, Mark McGraw 217, 213, Rick Mills 210, 202, 605, Cecil Spencer 203, Norm Stanton 204, Sandy Winans 221, 546 and Dan Wormuth 220, 204, 618.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Julie Cornwell 191, 190, 531, Ray Cornwell 212, John Hoffmann 235, 228, 214, 677, Matt Johnson 234, 202, 634, Don Marino 244, 246, 674, Jean Mills 199, Rick Mills 206, 211, 204, 621, Fred Shakelton 221, Ed Townsend 217, Shirley Townsend 199, 503.
This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached by phone at 439-8177, vie e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 230-8674. For a more expanded version of the bowling column, please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com
From unemployment to underdog
to champion Tom Smallwood wins
World Championship using Pure Swing
Just a few weeks ago, even the most die-hard bowling fanatic would more than likely not have been able to tell you who Tom Smallwood is.
No one could have quoted you his win/loss record, or any of the other statistics that sports enthusiasts spout about, that to the untrained ear sounds like a foreign language.
Using the yet-to-be-released Columbia 300 Pure Swing, Smallwood narrowly defeated Wes Malott, of Pflugerville, Texas, 244-228, to win the Professional Bowlers Association World Championship title on Dec. 13, at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. Taking home his first major title; he also earned a $50,000 purse, a two year exemption to the PBA and a chance to bowl in January’s PBA Tournament of Champions.
“Wes really walled them up for me; he burned them up to the right and once I got far enough left I was pretty comfortable. I got fortunate today that the pattern matched up, the ball was awesome and I threw some good shots,” Smallwood said. “When he threw the bad shot in the ninth and struck, I thought it was over but I was just fortunate that he left something and luckily I was on my good lane, too.”
Smallwood chose to use the Pure Swing, which will hit the market for consumer consumption Jan. 7, 2010, because it has an uncanny ability to read the lane.
“It’s a simple drill for Tom because he’s a full roller. He changes surfaces more than he drills and will switch back forth between different covers a lot, but it was pretty obvious the Pure Swing stood out from the beginning,” according to Columbia 300 Brand Manager Chad Murphy.
Smallwood also had with him the Sharp NoiZe and his usual go-to ball, the Power Swing, but in this instance the Pure Swing was the cincher, Murphy said.
“Because of the new construction and the new finish, the Pure Swing really stood out because it was the ball Tom didn’t have to change much to fit his natural game. The Pure Swing showed itself in the middle of the lane early on,” the brand manager said. “The ball gave him enough movement to let him know that the ball was going to standup and therefore he could be confident and aggressive.”
The Pure Swing features a revolutionary new finish that uses 800 then 1000 grit Abralon® and then is immediately polished using the Powerhouse™ Factory Finish Polish, giving the ball the texture and performance of a sanded ball with the look of a shiny ball.
“Tom’s issues during the last year are similar to what our brand has gone through for the last couple of years,” added Chad Murphy
Last Dec. 13, Smallwood was working the assembly line at General Motors, mulling over when he should schedule some vacation days so he could bowl in a few of the PBA tournaments, some of which were being held at Thunderbowl in Allen Park, Mich., just a little more than 100 miles from his home.
Just before Thanksgiving 2008, the 100-year-old General Motors Co. announced that it had posted a $4.2 billion loss on the year and that it expected to run out of money before the end of the year. On Nov. 25, 2008, the company’s stocks closed at $2.92, the lowest the stock had been since April 1943.
Little less than a month later, on Dec. 23, 2008, Smallwood and many other autoworkers were handed pink and a don’t-call-us-we’ll-call-you fashion in a mass layoff that left 10.6 percent of Michigan unemployed — the highest rate since 1984.
In 2006, Columbia 300, then based in San Antonio, Texas, was purchased by Ebonite International, Inc., and moved to Hopkinsville, Ky., where it has regenerated itself to its former glory after being out of the performance ball market for some time.
“Tommy’s story is such an amazing one; it’s similar to what we’ve been through here with the Columbia 300 brand. We were pretty much down and out for awhile and I think people somewhat look at us as the underdog and lately we have made some big strides,” Murphy said. “Tommy has again helped put us back in the spotlight with this win. He made some great shots down the stretch that I’ll remember for a long time and it’s a nice perk that the Pure Swing matched up so well the first time out. He’s a great talent and I’m looking forward to watching him the next few years.”
So how did the now 32-year-old Saginaw native go from the unemployment line to being ranked fourth on the PBA points listing and tied for first with Bill O’Neill for the 2009-2010 player of the year point ranking?
While Smallwood considered himself a good bowler, he had never considered being a professional bowler full-time until the lay off, he said. With the encouragement of his wife he started to practice, and all that practice led to a Cinderella-like fairytale involving bowling shoes instead of glass slippers.
Smallwood earned his exemption for this season by finishing third in the tour trials, which were held in June; from there it’s been one thing after another including making the television finals for the Scorpion Championship, which he dropped to O’Neill.
And quite frankly this is a position he never thought he’d be in, Smallwood said.
“It’s been a wild ride,” Tom added. “I want to thank Columbia 300 for making the best balls in the world. I thought I could have bowled on tour but if I hadn’t gotten to this point and if it weren’t for the layoff I probably wouldn’t have chased it in Detroit.”
Just like when he was competing in Detroit, which is about 100 miles from his home in Saginaw, Smallwood had a packed house of friends and family.
“My two brothers, two sisters and a brother-in-law were there,” he said, “my parents and my wife, too.”
The downside was that his little girl couldn’t get to come and watch, he said.
Next, Smallwood will spend the holidays at home with his family before heading to California, which he said he “never thought would happen,” for the Tournament of Champions in mid-January.
In s twist of irony, GM called Smallwood to come back to work. However, it was an offer he turned down, much to the amazement of the human resource representative’s shock.
“I told her I was a professional bowler now and she was just silent,” Smallwood said. “She finally asked someone; now they are all following me closely.”
to champion Tom Smallwood wins
World Championship using Pure Swing
Just a few weeks ago, even the most die-hard bowling fanatic would more than likely not have been able to tell you who Tom Smallwood is.
No one could have quoted you his win/loss record, or any of the other statistics that sports enthusiasts spout about, that to the untrained ear sounds like a foreign language.
Using the yet-to-be-released Columbia 300 Pure Swing, Smallwood narrowly defeated Wes Malott, of Pflugerville, Texas, 244-228, to win the Professional Bowlers Association World Championship title on Dec. 13, at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. Taking home his first major title; he also earned a $50,000 purse, a two year exemption to the PBA and a chance to bowl in January’s PBA Tournament of Champions.
“Wes really walled them up for me; he burned them up to the right and once I got far enough left I was pretty comfortable. I got fortunate today that the pattern matched up, the ball was awesome and I threw some good shots,” Smallwood said. “When he threw the bad shot in the ninth and struck, I thought it was over but I was just fortunate that he left something and luckily I was on my good lane, too.”
Smallwood chose to use the Pure Swing, which will hit the market for consumer consumption Jan. 7, 2010, because it has an uncanny ability to read the lane.
“It’s a simple drill for Tom because he’s a full roller. He changes surfaces more than he drills and will switch back forth between different covers a lot, but it was pretty obvious the Pure Swing stood out from the beginning,” according to Columbia 300 Brand Manager Chad Murphy.
Smallwood also had with him the Sharp NoiZe and his usual go-to ball, the Power Swing, but in this instance the Pure Swing was the cincher, Murphy said.
“Because of the new construction and the new finish, the Pure Swing really stood out because it was the ball Tom didn’t have to change much to fit his natural game. The Pure Swing showed itself in the middle of the lane early on,” the brand manager said. “The ball gave him enough movement to let him know that the ball was going to standup and therefore he could be confident and aggressive.”
The Pure Swing features a revolutionary new finish that uses 800 then 1000 grit Abralon® and then is immediately polished using the Powerhouse™ Factory Finish Polish, giving the ball the texture and performance of a sanded ball with the look of a shiny ball.
“Tom’s issues during the last year are similar to what our brand has gone through for the last couple of years,” added Chad Murphy
Last Dec. 13, Smallwood was working the assembly line at General Motors, mulling over when he should schedule some vacation days so he could bowl in a few of the PBA tournaments, some of which were being held at Thunderbowl in Allen Park, Mich., just a little more than 100 miles from his home.
Just before Thanksgiving 2008, the 100-year-old General Motors Co. announced that it had posted a $4.2 billion loss on the year and that it expected to run out of money before the end of the year. On Nov. 25, 2008, the company’s stocks closed at $2.92, the lowest the stock had been since April 1943.
Little less than a month later, on Dec. 23, 2008, Smallwood and many other autoworkers were handed pink and a don’t-call-us-we’ll-call-you fashion in a mass layoff that left 10.6 percent of Michigan unemployed — the highest rate since 1984.
In 2006, Columbia 300, then based in San Antonio, Texas, was purchased by Ebonite International, Inc., and moved to Hopkinsville, Ky., where it has regenerated itself to its former glory after being out of the performance ball market for some time.
“Tommy’s story is such an amazing one; it’s similar to what we’ve been through here with the Columbia 300 brand. We were pretty much down and out for awhile and I think people somewhat look at us as the underdog and lately we have made some big strides,” Murphy said. “Tommy has again helped put us back in the spotlight with this win. He made some great shots down the stretch that I’ll remember for a long time and it’s a nice perk that the Pure Swing matched up so well the first time out. He’s a great talent and I’m looking forward to watching him the next few years.”
So how did the now 32-year-old Saginaw native go from the unemployment line to being ranked fourth on the PBA points listing and tied for first with Bill O’Neill for the 2009-2010 player of the year point ranking?
While Smallwood considered himself a good bowler, he had never considered being a professional bowler full-time until the lay off, he said. With the encouragement of his wife he started to practice, and all that practice led to a Cinderella-like fairytale involving bowling shoes instead of glass slippers.
Smallwood earned his exemption for this season by finishing third in the tour trials, which were held in June; from there it’s been one thing after another including making the television finals for the Scorpion Championship, which he dropped to O’Neill.
And quite frankly this is a position he never thought he’d be in, Smallwood said.
“It’s been a wild ride,” Tom added. “I want to thank Columbia 300 for making the best balls in the world. I thought I could have bowled on tour but if I hadn’t gotten to this point and if it weren’t for the layoff I probably wouldn’t have chased it in Detroit.”
Just like when he was competing in Detroit, which is about 100 miles from his home in Saginaw, Smallwood had a packed house of friends and family.
“My two brothers, two sisters and a brother-in-law were there,” he said, “my parents and my wife, too.”
The downside was that his little girl couldn’t get to come and watch, he said.
Next, Smallwood will spend the holidays at home with his family before heading to California, which he said he “never thought would happen,” for the Tournament of Champions in mid-January.
In s twist of irony, GM called Smallwood to come back to work. However, it was an offer he turned down, much to the amazement of the human resource representative’s shock.
“I told her I was a professional bowler now and she was just silent,” Smallwood said. “She finally asked someone; now they are all following me closely.”
RED, WHITE AND BLUE OPEN RESULTS
AFFIRM EQUITY OF NEW OIL PATTERNS
For the past several months, the United States Bowling Congress Equipment Specifications and Certifications team has been testing the new USBC Red, White and Blue patterns, newly created “house” oil patterns designed to present bowlers with conditions of varying difficulty as they progress from beginning bowlers to USBC Sport Bowling members.
To date, the results of all field tests have fallen in line with USBC’s intended and predicted ranges regarding scoring pace and equity to bowlers of all styles; nevertheless, USBC was looking for a higher level of affirmation regarding the Red, White and Blue patterns. That’s just what it got during the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by the USBC, which was held Dec. 7-13 at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan.
During that event, USBC analyzed the scores of the 24 bowlers that advanced to match play because those players rolled 16 games on each of the three oil patterns, Red, White and Blue. This group, which featured both right-handed and left-handed bowlers of varying bowling styles, was tracked in order to determine whether the Red, White and Blue patterns displayed the same difficulty typical league bowlers experienced – Red being the least challenging, Blue being the most challenging – and whether or not that difficulty was distributed equitably.
“Interestingly, the PBA players scored higher on the White pattern than on the Red,” said Neil Stremmel, USBC Vice President – National Governing Body. “This was not a surprise because the extreme wall on the Red pattern that helps average bowlers can actually hurt elite players by causing their balls to over- and under-react. Still, in a typical league setting, our data shows Red will be the highest scoring of the three patterns.
“But what was truly encouraging about this event was the fairness the three patterns showed to all bowlers. Just look at the TV finalists. You have two lefties (Patrick Allen and Mike Scroggins) and four righties (Walter Ray Williams Jr., Mike Machuga, Michael Fagan and Wayne Garber) that represent every style – straight players, high-rev players and everything in between. That just goes to show that nobody is shut out on these patterns. Players of all styles can succeed, and that is exactly what we expected to see.”
The USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications team also expected high scores, which it got as the five-day tournament featured several bowlers averaging in excess of 240 as well as a Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour-record 31 perfect games.
“The scores were very high, but people need to realize the Red, White and Blue patterns are house patterns, not USBC Sport Bowling or PBA patterns,” USBC Technical Director Steve Kloempken said. “Even the USBC Blue pattern, which is the hardest of the three, is a great deal less challenging than what the PBA pros bowl on week in and week out. Remember, these are the best bowlers in the world. They routinely average 220 or better on most of their patterns, so it really isn’t surprising to see them average 10-20 pins higher on the Red, White and Blue house patterns.”
If the results of current tests continue to fall in line, USBC will finalize the initial testing process and move forward by gathering data at select city and state tournaments this spring. Currently, USBC is still on track for a Fall 2010 roll out of these new patterns.
AFFIRM EQUITY OF NEW OIL PATTERNS
For the past several months, the United States Bowling Congress Equipment Specifications and Certifications team has been testing the new USBC Red, White and Blue patterns, newly created “house” oil patterns designed to present bowlers with conditions of varying difficulty as they progress from beginning bowlers to USBC Sport Bowling members.
To date, the results of all field tests have fallen in line with USBC’s intended and predicted ranges regarding scoring pace and equity to bowlers of all styles; nevertheless, USBC was looking for a higher level of affirmation regarding the Red, White and Blue patterns. That’s just what it got during the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by the USBC, which was held Dec. 7-13 at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan.
During that event, USBC analyzed the scores of the 24 bowlers that advanced to match play because those players rolled 16 games on each of the three oil patterns, Red, White and Blue. This group, which featured both right-handed and left-handed bowlers of varying bowling styles, was tracked in order to determine whether the Red, White and Blue patterns displayed the same difficulty typical league bowlers experienced – Red being the least challenging, Blue being the most challenging – and whether or not that difficulty was distributed equitably.
“Interestingly, the PBA players scored higher on the White pattern than on the Red,” said Neil Stremmel, USBC Vice President – National Governing Body. “This was not a surprise because the extreme wall on the Red pattern that helps average bowlers can actually hurt elite players by causing their balls to over- and under-react. Still, in a typical league setting, our data shows Red will be the highest scoring of the three patterns.
“But what was truly encouraging about this event was the fairness the three patterns showed to all bowlers. Just look at the TV finalists. You have two lefties (Patrick Allen and Mike Scroggins) and four righties (Walter Ray Williams Jr., Mike Machuga, Michael Fagan and Wayne Garber) that represent every style – straight players, high-rev players and everything in between. That just goes to show that nobody is shut out on these patterns. Players of all styles can succeed, and that is exactly what we expected to see.”
The USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications team also expected high scores, which it got as the five-day tournament featured several bowlers averaging in excess of 240 as well as a Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour-record 31 perfect games.
“The scores were very high, but people need to realize the Red, White and Blue patterns are house patterns, not USBC Sport Bowling or PBA patterns,” USBC Technical Director Steve Kloempken said. “Even the USBC Blue pattern, which is the hardest of the three, is a great deal less challenging than what the PBA pros bowl on week in and week out. Remember, these are the best bowlers in the world. They routinely average 220 or better on most of their patterns, so it really isn’t surprising to see them average 10-20 pins higher on the Red, White and Blue house patterns.”
If the results of current tests continue to fall in line, USBC will finalize the initial testing process and move forward by gathering data at select city and state tournaments this spring. Currently, USBC is still on track for a Fall 2010 roll out of these new patterns.
Zebehazy selected to receive
USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award
Jim Zebehazy, the former Executive Director of the Young American Bowling Alliance who has worked in the bowling industry for more than 26 years, has been selected by the United States Bowling Congress Youth Committee to receive the 2010 USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award.
“I had the good fortune to get to know and work with Kerm Helmer,” said Zebehazy, 56, of Leesburg, Fla. “He was someone who dedicated his life to the betterment of youth bowling. He became a good friend and mentor who helped me fully understand the meaning of the phrase, ‘The youth are our future.’ To win an award named in his honor is something that I never dreamed of, but humbly accept.”
Named for the team founder and longtime bowling coach at Erie Community College, the Kerm Helmer Horizon Award recognizes leaders in the youth bowling community who have displayed the courage, determination and ability to develop far-reaching programs of national scope that provide fun and exciting opportunities. Helmer was selected posthumously for the inaugural award in 2003.
Zebehazy started his career in the bowling industry in the early 1980s as a field representative for the American Bowling Congress before taking over as ABC’s Group Executive for Field Service in 1990.
In 1998, he was named Executive Director of YABA, a position he held until the merger of the sport’s major organizations to form USBC in 2005. During his tenure with YABA, several new programs, including what is known today as the USBC Junior Gold program, were developed to provide more competitive and scholarship opportunities for youth bowlers. He currently works as a field representative for USBC.
“Jim Zebehazy has dedicated his life to the sport of bowling, and in doing so, Jim has helped countless people, especially kids,” Michael Nyitray, a USBC Gold coach and the 2009 USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award winner, said in nominating Zebehazy.
Zebehazy will be presented the award during the USBC Convention, April 28-May 1 in Reno, Nev. To learn more about USBC awards and this year’s USBC Convention, visit BOWL.com.
USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award winners
2004 Kerm Helmer, Cheektowaga, N.Y.
2005 John Sommer Jr., Rockford, Ill.
2006 Glenn Carlson, Fresno, Calif.
2007 Jeffrey Frye, Hackettstown, N.J.
2008 Jack Thomas, Sacramento, Calif.
2009 Michael Nyitray, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
2010 Jim Zebehazy, Leesburg, Fla.
USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award
Jim Zebehazy, the former Executive Director of the Young American Bowling Alliance who has worked in the bowling industry for more than 26 years, has been selected by the United States Bowling Congress Youth Committee to receive the 2010 USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award.
“I had the good fortune to get to know and work with Kerm Helmer,” said Zebehazy, 56, of Leesburg, Fla. “He was someone who dedicated his life to the betterment of youth bowling. He became a good friend and mentor who helped me fully understand the meaning of the phrase, ‘The youth are our future.’ To win an award named in his honor is something that I never dreamed of, but humbly accept.”
Named for the team founder and longtime bowling coach at Erie Community College, the Kerm Helmer Horizon Award recognizes leaders in the youth bowling community who have displayed the courage, determination and ability to develop far-reaching programs of national scope that provide fun and exciting opportunities. Helmer was selected posthumously for the inaugural award in 2003.
Zebehazy started his career in the bowling industry in the early 1980s as a field representative for the American Bowling Congress before taking over as ABC’s Group Executive for Field Service in 1990.
In 1998, he was named Executive Director of YABA, a position he held until the merger of the sport’s major organizations to form USBC in 2005. During his tenure with YABA, several new programs, including what is known today as the USBC Junior Gold program, were developed to provide more competitive and scholarship opportunities for youth bowlers. He currently works as a field representative for USBC.
“Jim Zebehazy has dedicated his life to the sport of bowling, and in doing so, Jim has helped countless people, especially kids,” Michael Nyitray, a USBC Gold coach and the 2009 USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award winner, said in nominating Zebehazy.
Zebehazy will be presented the award during the USBC Convention, April 28-May 1 in Reno, Nev. To learn more about USBC awards and this year’s USBC Convention, visit BOWL.com.
USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award winners
2004 Kerm Helmer, Cheektowaga, N.Y.
2005 John Sommer Jr., Rockford, Ill.
2006 Glenn Carlson, Fresno, Calif.
2007 Jeffrey Frye, Hackettstown, N.J.
2008 Jack Thomas, Sacramento, Calif.
2009 Michael Nyitray, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
2010 Jim Zebehazy, Leesburg, Fla.
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