NFL LEGENDS BLITZ BOWLING
PINS FOR CHARITY
For the fifth year in a row, more than 30 NFL legends will hit the lanes at the NFL Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic, presented by NFL Charities and Strike Ten Entertainment (STE), the marketing arm of the bowling industry. Super Bowl legend, MVP of Super Bowl X and dual-sport's Hall of Famer (both football and bowling), Lynn Swann, will return for a third straight year to serve as event host. This year's event, which is open to the public, will be held at 7 pm on Thursday, February 4 at Spare-Z Lanes, located in Davie, FL, just minutes from Dolphin Stadium, the site of Super Bowl XLIV.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Here & There Column 1-12-10
Alternatives To Price Increases
Every time we turn around we see price increases to things we do and items we use on a daily basis.
If it isn't increases in the cost of newsstand prices for daily newspapers it's the increase in tolls on the New York State Thruway and we're willing to bet that the recent cable TV standoffs definitely will threaten our viewing costs.
As one state legislator said recently, we need to "get a grasp of reality."
With the economic challenges we now face we just can't have increases in taxes and spending and many folks also cannot afford probable increases in their cable or satellite television rates.
But those cable and satellite television rate increases are most likely to be seen in the near future now that Fox and Time Warner Cable settled their dispute which refocused attention on the law that allowed broadcasters the right to charge fees to cable and satellite operators for their programs.
An organization known as The Utility Reform Network, a consumer advocacy group, is calling for some sort of government oversight over the cable industry but many say government has their hands in too many of our pockets already.
It's really not right that consumers are put right on the firing line when it comes to cable operators and broadcasters which forces us consumers to bite the bullet with the price increases because its a habit most of us enjoy using on a daily basis.
While visiting with a local businessman recently we noticed a very large computer screen in his office on which he was watching a baseball game. He indicated that this could be the economical future for all television viewers.
I've noticed for some time now various e-mail advertising suggesting that that we can turn our computer PC into a super TV. These e-mail ads say that we can watch Satellite TV on our computer without paying high monthly fees and that its 100 % legal.
We viewed some of the many PC-TV offers that are available and can see that this might be the new standard for television.
One of the PC television advertisements we viewed offered over 3,500 channels with a low one time fee only, no subscriptions or monthly fees, no hardware to install and one of the most interesting aspects of this program is that "you can watch TV right from your laptop or desktop computer anytime or anywhere in the world or connect your computer directly to your TV set."
Sometimes we just have to look at alternatives in life. Finding way's to save money is second nature......it's interesting whats out there.
Every time we turn around we see price increases to things we do and items we use on a daily basis.
If it isn't increases in the cost of newsstand prices for daily newspapers it's the increase in tolls on the New York State Thruway and we're willing to bet that the recent cable TV standoffs definitely will threaten our viewing costs.
As one state legislator said recently, we need to "get a grasp of reality."
With the economic challenges we now face we just can't have increases in taxes and spending and many folks also cannot afford probable increases in their cable or satellite television rates.
But those cable and satellite television rate increases are most likely to be seen in the near future now that Fox and Time Warner Cable settled their dispute which refocused attention on the law that allowed broadcasters the right to charge fees to cable and satellite operators for their programs.
An organization known as The Utility Reform Network, a consumer advocacy group, is calling for some sort of government oversight over the cable industry but many say government has their hands in too many of our pockets already.
It's really not right that consumers are put right on the firing line when it comes to cable operators and broadcasters which forces us consumers to bite the bullet with the price increases because its a habit most of us enjoy using on a daily basis.
While visiting with a local businessman recently we noticed a very large computer screen in his office on which he was watching a baseball game. He indicated that this could be the economical future for all television viewers.
I've noticed for some time now various e-mail advertising suggesting that that we can turn our computer PC into a super TV. These e-mail ads say that we can watch Satellite TV on our computer without paying high monthly fees and that its 100 % legal.
We viewed some of the many PC-TV offers that are available and can see that this might be the new standard for television.
One of the PC television advertisements we viewed offered over 3,500 channels with a low one time fee only, no subscriptions or monthly fees, no hardware to install and one of the most interesting aspects of this program is that "you can watch TV right from your laptop or desktop computer anytime or anywhere in the world or connect your computer directly to your TV set."
Sometimes we just have to look at alternatives in life. Finding way's to save money is second nature......it's interesting whats out there.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Bowling Highlights Column 1-8-10
USBC To Roll Our 3 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.
The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo
Bowlers: This week the tip if for all bowlers to truly assist you on how to b est use the dots and arrows on the approach as target aids.
When preparing to execute a bowling shot, whether it is a strike or spare, you must be prepared to understand the path down the lane you intend your bowling ball to take. With this in mind, when stepping on the approach you should have a focal point, simply the point from which the ball will roll off your hand in the direction you intend it to go, picked out.
If you throw a hook ball, you will be rolling the ball toward the intended break point....the spot on the lane you expect your ball to change direction.
If you are rolling the ball straight, the pocket or the pin/pins will be your intended target.
The tip: Look at your intended target and bring your eyes back so the spot on the lane that you are most comfortable looking at....whether it be the dots or an arrow.
To play the modern game, the sooner the ball comes off your hand the better. If you are looking at an arrow and tend to throw or hit up on the ball instead of rolling it off your hand, bring your eyes more toward the dots.
If you are a bowler that tends to play more across the boards with a lot of traction, your focal point should be as far right (or left) as in between the lanes to get the ball to the correct break point.
If you play a straighter game with a small hook, your correct focal point may be toward the 3-pin.
Remember, there is no substitute for making a good shot. If you combine good shots with good thinking, your scores will increase.
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 vie e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net
PBA
The Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by the United States Bowling Congress will be this Sunday's (January 10) PBA event.
This tournament was previously taped on December 13 at Northrock Lanes, Wichita, Kan. and will air on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET.
Local Scores
Kiamesha Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 279, 268, 768 by Jaryl Scott, Vinnie Collura 257, 234, 692, Donald Durland 265, 226, 704, James VanAken 236, 232, 685, John Hoffmann 225, 258, 705, John Fischer 226, Jo Jo VanKeuren 232, 268, 667, Jon Wilhelm 622, Frank Scuderi 243, 623, Roy Sweeney 226, 611, Eddie Lake 266, 670, Rick Lake 622, Lloyd Bridges 227, 615, James Frost 622, Frank Amore 603, Robert Sze 230, 608, Kort Wheeler 234, 238, 692, Steven Rivera 228, 661, Mal Press 258, 672, Cory VanKeuren 245, 258, 701.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Carena Collura 201, 540, Carol MacAdam 183, Pat Mulhern 613, Vinnie Collura 256, 258, 707, Linda Robinson 182, Lisa Cartwright 524, Matt Cooper 254, Andrea Grossman 205, 214, 594, Russ Keesler 233, 614, Crystal Price 205, 245, 606, Fran Kaiser 180, 222, 568, Daniel VanAken 234, 640, Debbie Durland 236, 206, 620, Mal Press 628, Jon Wilhelm 234, 645, Donald Durland 229, 623, Ed Guthrie 256, 236, 675, Mary Lee Williams 189, 516, Joan Lake 199, 194, 222, 615, Shane Cunningham 266, 623, Kevin Stackhouse 235, John Hoffmann 278, 248, 258, 784, Eddie Lake 236, 665, Robert Nicholson 266, Donna DuBois 202, 195, 541.
In the Wednesday Men's league George VanAken Jr. 630, Kenny Atkins 231, 650, Kenneth Hopkins 244, 613, Craig Wilhelm 226, Kevin Stackhouse 653, John Lopez 225, Dave Porter Jr. 228, George Battle Jr. 259, Allan Jones 245, 235, 672, Paul Durland 227, Dale Sonnenschein 258, 661, Josh Strang 247, 633, John Hoffmann 268, 235, 248, 751, Jody Farquhar 235, Tim McIntyre 243, 247, 236, 726, Michael Travis 245, 630, Vincent Degraw 601, Troy Morris 247, Eddie Lake 268, 233, 225, 726, Gregory Fallon 226, 277, 684, Matt Fallon 233, 622, Jon Wilhelm 605.
Fox Bowling Center
Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Men's Independent league included a 236 by Tom Anderson, Dave Benedict 226, Mike Bowker 243, 625, Cody Conway 246, 600, Jim Dibble 237, 606, Dylan Green 252, 615, Paul Ignatovich 253, 227, 683, Rob Johnson 259, 264, 745, Pat Kille 246, 244, 234, 724, Jerry Kulakosky 258, 662, Donnie Marino 266, 268, 278, 812, Josh Milucky 265, 687Mitch Persbacker 242, Charlie Reichenbaugh 236, Josh Rice 238, Sam Rowe 234, 653, Jonathon Wayne 228, 233, 648, Hank Whitmore 609, Zuke Wormuth 253, 672, Ken Wormuth 257, Jay Wormuth 237, 645, Tony Wright 269, 230, 670.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Marty Haeussler 243, 246, 704, Don Marino 622, Rick Mills 226, Fred Shakelton 231.
Beechwood Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies league include a 183 by Wendy Adams, Tracey Puerschner 179, Karen Borowski 167, Diane Staves 177, 160, Barbara Cady 174.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Debbie Loughrey 165, 440. Lillian Zieres 164, 448 Rebecca Rhodes 443.
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 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
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.
The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo
Bowlers: This week the tip if for all bowlers to truly assist you on how to b est use the dots and arrows on the approach as target aids.
When preparing to execute a bowling shot, whether it is a strike or spare, you must be prepared to understand the path down the lane you intend your bowling ball to take. With this in mind, when stepping on the approach you should have a focal point, simply the point from which the ball will roll off your hand in the direction you intend it to go, picked out.
If you throw a hook ball, you will be rolling the ball toward the intended break point....the spot on the lane you expect your ball to change direction.
If you are rolling the ball straight, the pocket or the pin/pins will be your intended target.
The tip: Look at your intended target and bring your eyes back so the spot on the lane that you are most comfortable looking at....whether it be the dots or an arrow.
To play the modern game, the sooner the ball comes off your hand the better. If you are looking at an arrow and tend to throw or hit up on the ball instead of rolling it off your hand, bring your eyes more toward the dots.
If you are a bowler that tends to play more across the boards with a lot of traction, your focal point should be as far right (or left) as in between the lanes to get the ball to the correct break point.
If you play a straighter game with a small hook, your correct focal point may be toward the 3-pin.
Remember, there is no substitute for making a good shot. If you combine good shots with good thinking, your scores will increase.
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 vie e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net
PBA
The Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by the United States Bowling Congress will be this Sunday's (January 10) PBA event.
This tournament was previously taped on December 13 at Northrock Lanes, Wichita, Kan. and will air on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET.
Local Scores
Kiamesha Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 279, 268, 768 by Jaryl Scott, Vinnie Collura 257, 234, 692, Donald Durland 265, 226, 704, James VanAken 236, 232, 685, John Hoffmann 225, 258, 705, John Fischer 226, Jo Jo VanKeuren 232, 268, 667, Jon Wilhelm 622, Frank Scuderi 243, 623, Roy Sweeney 226, 611, Eddie Lake 266, 670, Rick Lake 622, Lloyd Bridges 227, 615, James Frost 622, Frank Amore 603, Robert Sze 230, 608, Kort Wheeler 234, 238, 692, Steven Rivera 228, 661, Mal Press 258, 672, Cory VanKeuren 245, 258, 701.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Carena Collura 201, 540, Carol MacAdam 183, Pat Mulhern 613, Vinnie Collura 256, 258, 707, Linda Robinson 182, Lisa Cartwright 524, Matt Cooper 254, Andrea Grossman 205, 214, 594, Russ Keesler 233, 614, Crystal Price 205, 245, 606, Fran Kaiser 180, 222, 568, Daniel VanAken 234, 640, Debbie Durland 236, 206, 620, Mal Press 628, Jon Wilhelm 234, 645, Donald Durland 229, 623, Ed Guthrie 256, 236, 675, Mary Lee Williams 189, 516, Joan Lake 199, 194, 222, 615, Shane Cunningham 266, 623, Kevin Stackhouse 235, John Hoffmann 278, 248, 258, 784, Eddie Lake 236, 665, Robert Nicholson 266, Donna DuBois 202, 195, 541.
In the Wednesday Men's league George VanAken Jr. 630, Kenny Atkins 231, 650, Kenneth Hopkins 244, 613, Craig Wilhelm 226, Kevin Stackhouse 653, John Lopez 225, Dave Porter Jr. 228, George Battle Jr. 259, Allan Jones 245, 235, 672, Paul Durland 227, Dale Sonnenschein 258, 661, Josh Strang 247, 633, John Hoffmann 268, 235, 248, 751, Jody Farquhar 235, Tim McIntyre 243, 247, 236, 726, Michael Travis 245, 630, Vincent Degraw 601, Troy Morris 247, Eddie Lake 268, 233, 225, 726, Gregory Fallon 226, 277, 684, Matt Fallon 233, 622, Jon Wilhelm 605.
Fox Bowling Center
Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Men's Independent league included a 236 by Tom Anderson, Dave Benedict 226, Mike Bowker 243, 625, Cody Conway 246, 600, Jim Dibble 237, 606, Dylan Green 252, 615, Paul Ignatovich 253, 227, 683, Rob Johnson 259, 264, 745, Pat Kille 246, 244, 234, 724, Jerry Kulakosky 258, 662, Donnie Marino 266, 268, 278, 812, Josh Milucky 265, 687Mitch Persbacker 242, Charlie Reichenbaugh 236, Josh Rice 238, Sam Rowe 234, 653, Jonathon Wayne 228, 233, 648, Hank Whitmore 609, Zuke Wormuth 253, 672, Ken Wormuth 257, Jay Wormuth 237, 645, Tony Wright 269, 230, 670.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Marty Haeussler 243, 246, 704, Don Marino 622, Rick Mills 226, Fred Shakelton 231.
Beechwood Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies league include a 183 by Wendy Adams, Tracey Puerschner 179, Karen Borowski 167, Diane Staves 177, 160, Barbara Cady 174.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Debbie Loughrey 165, 440. Lillian Zieres 164, 448 Rebecca Rhodes 443.
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 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
BOWLING INDUSTRY MAKES SPORTS
HISTORY WITH GRAND OPENING OF
International Bowling Campus
For the first time in the 5,000-year history of the sport, the bowling industry will be united under one roof with the grand opening of the International Bowling Campus (IBC) in Arlington, Texas, an unprecedented event in sports history. The IBC, located at 621 Six Flags Drive, is in close proximity to the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the Rangers Ballpark and the Six Flags Over Texas theme park. The 100,000-plus square foot IBC complex will house more than 200 employees. At 2:30 pm on January 25, the campus will open its doors with a historic ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a star-studded gathering of national and local celebrities.
The campus will serve as home to the new and expanded International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame. The state-of-the-art museum will feature interactive displays and exhibits along with rare, one-of-a-kind items from the various eras dating back to 3,200 B.C. The IBC will also house the International Training and Research Center (ITRC) and an expansive pro shop making it the premier pro shop of the bowling industry. Additionally, the IBC will act as the central operating facility for the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).
“The International Bowling Campus marks a first in sports and its impact on the bowling industry simply cannot be understated. Bringing together all of the leading entities in bowling under a single roof is a tremendous step forward in uniting and strengthening our industry,” said Steve Johnson, executive director of the BPAA. “With already more than 69.3 million bowlers in the U.S. alone, the opening of the IBC sets the stage for a new era of growth for bowling and signifies the incredible worldwide resurgence in popularity that bowling has seen in recent years.”
“The grand opening of the International Bowling Campus is a historic event that ushers in a thrilling new era for bowling. Through the creation of the IBC, which includes the first International Training and Research Center, we have a world-class facility that enables us to offer tremendous resources to help enhance the sport of bowling across all levels of play,” said Stu Upson, executive director of the USBC. “Additionally, working side-by-side with the BPAA will further enable us to enhance and strengthen the sport of bowling on a local level.”
In addition to the BPAA and USBC, the International Bowling Campus will include the:
· International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame – Formerly located in St. Louis, Missouri, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame collects, preserves and displays the 5,000-year history that has lead to the sport of bowling’s worldwide success. In addition to outlining the history of bowling, the completely interactive 21st century International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame will focus on the contemporary era of the sport, specifically its youth programs and international competition. The museum will also house the Celebrity Hall of Fame exhibit, including inductees Lynn Swann, Jerome Bettis and Tom Candiotti. Custom bowling industry merchandise and branded memorabilia will be available at “Spare Partz,” a unique concept in museum stores.
· International Training and Research Center (ITRC) – A United States Olympic Committee-recognized training center, the ITRC will serve as a world-class training facility for professional and amateur bowlers, and will include 20 lanes for training, research, testing and television broadcasts (of the 20 lanes, six will be used exclusively to test and certify bowling equipment prior to worldwide distribution, replicating all lane conditions). The center’s research area will include cutting-edge tools such as a robotic ball thrower, a computerized ball tracking system and a state-of-the-art biomechanics package designed to analyze actual bowling movements and test equipment. The center will be the training home for Team USA, Junior Team USA, international teams, numerous college and high school teams and elite coaches.
The campus will also be home to the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA), the School for Bowling Center Management, the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America (BBIA), Bowling News Network (BNN), Strike Ten Entertainment (STE), Bowling Writers’ Association of America (BWAA) and The Bowling Foundation (charitable arm of the industry).
“The new facility will bring events such as the BPAA Bowling Summit, International Bowl Expo in 2011 and numerous nationally televised bowling competitions, which will enhance Arlington’s reputation as a leading Southwestern tourism destination,” said Dr. Robert Cluck, mayor of Arlington.
The grand opening celebration will also include:
International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame and ITRC ribbon-cutting by state and local officials
Ceremonial “first roll” on the lanes at the ITRC
Unveiling of the “Walk of Fame” commemorative brick walkway at the main entrance to the IBC
Grand opening of the ITRC pro shop and “Spare Partz” museum store
Burying of a historic time capsule
Open house and touring of the new facilities
The grand opening events will be held in conjunction with the BPAA’s Bowling Summit, which will be attended by proprietors representing thousands of bowling centers from across the United States as well as the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers. For more details about the International Bowling Campus, please visit http://internationalbowlingcampus.com/.
About International Bowling Campus
The International Bowling Campus (IBC) is the headquarters for the bowling industry and directly serves the more than 69 million bowlers in the United States. The IBC houses the resources of the United States Bowling Congress, the governing body and membership organization for the sport; the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, representing the business interests of bowling centers; Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm for the industry; the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame; The Bowling Foundation; the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association; the Bowling Writers’ Association of America; the Bowling News Network; the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America; and the International Training and Research Center.
HISTORY WITH GRAND OPENING OF
International Bowling Campus
For the first time in the 5,000-year history of the sport, the bowling industry will be united under one roof with the grand opening of the International Bowling Campus (IBC) in Arlington, Texas, an unprecedented event in sports history. The IBC, located at 621 Six Flags Drive, is in close proximity to the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the Rangers Ballpark and the Six Flags Over Texas theme park. The 100,000-plus square foot IBC complex will house more than 200 employees. At 2:30 pm on January 25, the campus will open its doors with a historic ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a star-studded gathering of national and local celebrities.
The campus will serve as home to the new and expanded International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame. The state-of-the-art museum will feature interactive displays and exhibits along with rare, one-of-a-kind items from the various eras dating back to 3,200 B.C. The IBC will also house the International Training and Research Center (ITRC) and an expansive pro shop making it the premier pro shop of the bowling industry. Additionally, the IBC will act as the central operating facility for the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).
“The International Bowling Campus marks a first in sports and its impact on the bowling industry simply cannot be understated. Bringing together all of the leading entities in bowling under a single roof is a tremendous step forward in uniting and strengthening our industry,” said Steve Johnson, executive director of the BPAA. “With already more than 69.3 million bowlers in the U.S. alone, the opening of the IBC sets the stage for a new era of growth for bowling and signifies the incredible worldwide resurgence in popularity that bowling has seen in recent years.”
“The grand opening of the International Bowling Campus is a historic event that ushers in a thrilling new era for bowling. Through the creation of the IBC, which includes the first International Training and Research Center, we have a world-class facility that enables us to offer tremendous resources to help enhance the sport of bowling across all levels of play,” said Stu Upson, executive director of the USBC. “Additionally, working side-by-side with the BPAA will further enable us to enhance and strengthen the sport of bowling on a local level.”
In addition to the BPAA and USBC, the International Bowling Campus will include the:
· International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame – Formerly located in St. Louis, Missouri, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame collects, preserves and displays the 5,000-year history that has lead to the sport of bowling’s worldwide success. In addition to outlining the history of bowling, the completely interactive 21st century International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame will focus on the contemporary era of the sport, specifically its youth programs and international competition. The museum will also house the Celebrity Hall of Fame exhibit, including inductees Lynn Swann, Jerome Bettis and Tom Candiotti. Custom bowling industry merchandise and branded memorabilia will be available at “Spare Partz,” a unique concept in museum stores.
· International Training and Research Center (ITRC) – A United States Olympic Committee-recognized training center, the ITRC will serve as a world-class training facility for professional and amateur bowlers, and will include 20 lanes for training, research, testing and television broadcasts (of the 20 lanes, six will be used exclusively to test and certify bowling equipment prior to worldwide distribution, replicating all lane conditions). The center’s research area will include cutting-edge tools such as a robotic ball thrower, a computerized ball tracking system and a state-of-the-art biomechanics package designed to analyze actual bowling movements and test equipment. The center will be the training home for Team USA, Junior Team USA, international teams, numerous college and high school teams and elite coaches.
The campus will also be home to the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA), the School for Bowling Center Management, the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America (BBIA), Bowling News Network (BNN), Strike Ten Entertainment (STE), Bowling Writers’ Association of America (BWAA) and The Bowling Foundation (charitable arm of the industry).
“The new facility will bring events such as the BPAA Bowling Summit, International Bowl Expo in 2011 and numerous nationally televised bowling competitions, which will enhance Arlington’s reputation as a leading Southwestern tourism destination,” said Dr. Robert Cluck, mayor of Arlington.
The grand opening celebration will also include:
International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame and ITRC ribbon-cutting by state and local officials
Ceremonial “first roll” on the lanes at the ITRC
Unveiling of the “Walk of Fame” commemorative brick walkway at the main entrance to the IBC
Grand opening of the ITRC pro shop and “Spare Partz” museum store
Burying of a historic time capsule
Open house and touring of the new facilities
The grand opening events will be held in conjunction with the BPAA’s Bowling Summit, which will be attended by proprietors representing thousands of bowling centers from across the United States as well as the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers. For more details about the International Bowling Campus, please visit http://internationalbowlingcampus.com/.
About International Bowling Campus
The International Bowling Campus (IBC) is the headquarters for the bowling industry and directly serves the more than 69 million bowlers in the United States. The IBC houses the resources of the United States Bowling Congress, the governing body and membership organization for the sport; the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, representing the business interests of bowling centers; Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm for the industry; the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame; The Bowling Foundation; the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association; the Bowling Writers’ Association of America; the Bowling News Network; the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America; and the International Training and Research Center.
45th PBA Tournament of Champions
Showcases Tour’s Elite
When the Professional Bowlers Association Tournament of Champions was introduced in 1962 by PBA founder Eddie Elias and the organization’s tournament committee, it provided the PBA Tour with an elite platform to showcase an exclusive field of champions.
The 45th PBA Tournament of Champions, to be conducted Jan. 19-24 at Red Rock Lanes in Las Vegas, will feature 63 players who have earned their right to compete in the second major of the 2009-10 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season by virtue of winning a PBA title. The finals will be televised live on ESPN on Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. Eastern (10 a.m. Pacific).
With an event that has a rich tradition and a stellar field of players there are many storylines. Here are a few especially noteworthy stories:
*Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., will once again make PBA Tour history by becoming the first woman to compete in a Tournament of Champions. She earned her berth by winning the first PBA Women’s World Championship. Kulick originally made history by becoming the first woman to qualify for the PBA’s Exempt Tour in 2006.
*Tom Smallwood, of Saginaw, Mich., who earned a Tour exemption after being laid off from his job at General Motors last spring, will try to win his second major after winning the PBA World Championship in December in storybook fashion against reigning Player of the Year Wes Malott.
*At age 50, Hall of Famer and all-time PBA Tour titles leader Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Ocala, Fla., is still trying for his first Tournament of Champions win. As one of the few things the 46-time titlist has yet to accomplish in his career, a Tournament of Champions win would enable him to complete the Triple Crown (PBA World Championship, U.S. Open and Tournament of Champions) Grand Slam (Triple Crown plus the USBC Masters) and Super Slam (Grand Slam plus the Touring Players Championship).
*Australian two-handed specialist Jason Belmonte will compete in his first Tournament of Champions after winning his first Tour title in 2008-09.
*Thirteen-time PBA Tour Champion Patrick Allen of Wesley Chapel, Fla., will be looking to defend his 2009 Tournament of Champions title.
*Jason Couch of Clermont, Fla., is the only player to have won three consecutive Tournament of Champions titles and will be looking to become the first bowler to win it four times.
The Tournament of Champions is open exclusively to Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour exempt-player champions; the winners of the most recent PBA Regional Players Championship and Regional Players Invitational; the United States Bowling Congress Masters winner; the USBC Senior Masters, PBA Senior U.S. Open and PBA World Championship winners; all Tournament of Champions past winners, PBA Hall of Famers, and for the first time, the PBA Women’s World Championship titlist.
The first Tournament of Champions was conducted in 1962 in Indianapolis. The event was not conducted in 1963 and ’64 but moved to Akron, Ohio, in 1965 where it was conducted until 1994. Since then, it has been conducted in various locations.
Additional in-depth coverage of the PBA Tournament of Champions and all Tour events is available by subscribing to pba.com’s Xtra Frame video service. Subscription information is available by visiting pba.com/xtraframe
45th PBA Tournament of Champions Schedule
Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, Nev.
(All times Pacific)
Tuesday, Jan.19
1 p.m. - Practice
Wednesday, Jan. 20
10 a.m. - Qualifying Round 1 (8 Games)
5 p.m.- Qualifying Round 2 (8 Games)
Thursday, Jan. 21
10 a.m. - Qualifying Round 3 (8 Games)
Cut to the top 24
5 p.m. - Match Play Round 1 (8 Games)
Friday, Jan. 22
11 a.m. - Match Play Round 2 (8 Games)
5 p.m. - Match Play Round 3 (8 games, top 4 advance to ESPN finals)
Saturday, Jan. 23
Pro-am squads: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
Autograph Session: 2 - p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 24
10 a.m. - Live ESPN TV finals
Showcases Tour’s Elite
When the Professional Bowlers Association Tournament of Champions was introduced in 1962 by PBA founder Eddie Elias and the organization’s tournament committee, it provided the PBA Tour with an elite platform to showcase an exclusive field of champions.
The 45th PBA Tournament of Champions, to be conducted Jan. 19-24 at Red Rock Lanes in Las Vegas, will feature 63 players who have earned their right to compete in the second major of the 2009-10 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season by virtue of winning a PBA title. The finals will be televised live on ESPN on Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. Eastern (10 a.m. Pacific).
With an event that has a rich tradition and a stellar field of players there are many storylines. Here are a few especially noteworthy stories:
*Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., will once again make PBA Tour history by becoming the first woman to compete in a Tournament of Champions. She earned her berth by winning the first PBA Women’s World Championship. Kulick originally made history by becoming the first woman to qualify for the PBA’s Exempt Tour in 2006.
*Tom Smallwood, of Saginaw, Mich., who earned a Tour exemption after being laid off from his job at General Motors last spring, will try to win his second major after winning the PBA World Championship in December in storybook fashion against reigning Player of the Year Wes Malott.
*At age 50, Hall of Famer and all-time PBA Tour titles leader Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Ocala, Fla., is still trying for his first Tournament of Champions win. As one of the few things the 46-time titlist has yet to accomplish in his career, a Tournament of Champions win would enable him to complete the Triple Crown (PBA World Championship, U.S. Open and Tournament of Champions) Grand Slam (Triple Crown plus the USBC Masters) and Super Slam (Grand Slam plus the Touring Players Championship).
*Australian two-handed specialist Jason Belmonte will compete in his first Tournament of Champions after winning his first Tour title in 2008-09.
*Thirteen-time PBA Tour Champion Patrick Allen of Wesley Chapel, Fla., will be looking to defend his 2009 Tournament of Champions title.
*Jason Couch of Clermont, Fla., is the only player to have won three consecutive Tournament of Champions titles and will be looking to become the first bowler to win it four times.
The Tournament of Champions is open exclusively to Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour exempt-player champions; the winners of the most recent PBA Regional Players Championship and Regional Players Invitational; the United States Bowling Congress Masters winner; the USBC Senior Masters, PBA Senior U.S. Open and PBA World Championship winners; all Tournament of Champions past winners, PBA Hall of Famers, and for the first time, the PBA Women’s World Championship titlist.
The first Tournament of Champions was conducted in 1962 in Indianapolis. The event was not conducted in 1963 and ’64 but moved to Akron, Ohio, in 1965 where it was conducted until 1994. Since then, it has been conducted in various locations.
Additional in-depth coverage of the PBA Tournament of Champions and all Tour events is available by subscribing to pba.com’s Xtra Frame video service. Subscription information is available by visiting pba.com/xtraframe
45th PBA Tournament of Champions Schedule
Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, Nev.
(All times Pacific)
Tuesday, Jan.19
1 p.m. - Practice
Wednesday, Jan. 20
10 a.m. - Qualifying Round 1 (8 Games)
5 p.m.- Qualifying Round 2 (8 Games)
Thursday, Jan. 21
10 a.m. - Qualifying Round 3 (8 Games)
Cut to the top 24
5 p.m. - Match Play Round 1 (8 Games)
Friday, Jan. 22
11 a.m. - Match Play Round 2 (8 Games)
5 p.m. - Match Play Round 3 (8 games, top 4 advance to ESPN finals)
Saturday, Jan. 23
Pro-am squads: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
Autograph Session: 2 - p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 24
10 a.m. - Live ESPN TV finals
HOLMAN, TERRELL-KEARNEY ELECTED
TO USBC HALL OF FAME
A pair of two-time U.S. Open champions, one from the 1980s, the other from the 2000s, have been elected to the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in a worldwide ballot of the Superior Performance category.
Marshall Holman, 55, of Medford, Ore., and Kim Terrell-Kearney, 44, of Grand Prairie, Texas, will join John Handegard and Betty Barnes, who were elected in November by the USBC Hall of Fame Committee in the Veterans and Meritorious Service categories, respectively. All will be inducted May 12 at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas. It will be the first outdoor induction ceremony in USBC history and will be preceded the previous night by a special dinner in downtown Fort Worth. The public is invited to both events with free admission to the inductions.
TO USBC HALL OF FAME
A pair of two-time U.S. Open champions, one from the 1980s, the other from the 2000s, have been elected to the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in a worldwide ballot of the Superior Performance category.
Marshall Holman, 55, of Medford, Ore., and Kim Terrell-Kearney, 44, of Grand Prairie, Texas, will join John Handegard and Betty Barnes, who were elected in November by the USBC Hall of Fame Committee in the Veterans and Meritorious Service categories, respectively. All will be inducted May 12 at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas. It will be the first outdoor induction ceremony in USBC history and will be preceded the previous night by a special dinner in downtown Fort Worth. The public is invited to both events with free admission to the inductions.
NICKOLAI NAMED USBC YOUTH
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Karl Nickolai, who has led the Michigan State University bowling program for the last 25 years, has been selected to receive the USBC Youth Volunteer of the Year Award by the USBC Youth Committee.
The prestigious award is annually presented to an adult volunteer who has displayed outstanding efforts to foster, organize and promote certified youth bowling programs at the local, state and/or national level for the last seven or more years.
In addition to his work at Michigan State, Nickolai has helped to promote collegiate bowling through his Web site, CollegeBowling.com. He also currently serves as president of the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA), a position he has held for nearly 15 years. He has been with the organization since 1985.
“I have always enjoyed my work with the MSU Intercollegiate Bowling Program, the NCBCA and the CollegeBowling.com Web site,” Nickolai said. “I am very honored to have been nominated and selected for the USBC Youth Volunteer Award.”
Nickolai makes a 70-mile commute from his hometown of Waterford, Mich., to the university in East Lansing to coach the Michigan State bowling team. He conducts tryouts in addition to taking the team to tournaments.
He launched CollegeBowling.com in 1997, when there were a limited number of Web sites for bowling teams but not a site dedicated to the coverage of collegiate bowling. CollegeBowling.com has allowed fans to follow their favorite teams and sport.
In 1998, Nickolai developed the Online Team Power Ranking (OTPR), an objective point system for ranking all schools with college bowling teams based on regular-season tournament performance. He credits Joe Ciccone, a former Arizona State University and Erie Community College bowler who is a current PBA member, with helping to develop a system that provides a meaningful team ranking throughout the season.
He also devised the concept of a college bowling “average differential” to measure athlete performance against an event field rather than by just tracking traditional bowling averages. The average differential allows athletes to be fairly compared across different events with different lane conditions.
In 1998-1999, he was selected for the Gordon Teigen Meritorious Service Award, presented annually by the NCBCA to an individual in recognition of outstanding service to collegiate bowling, for his work on CollegeBowling.com. In 2000-2001, he was the first recipient of the NCBCA Men’s Coach of the Year, now known as the NCBCA Kerm Helmer Men’s Coach of the Year award.
“Karl’s time spent coaching and successes, along with his countless hours and resources volunteered in non-coaching situations, make him an excellent candidate,” wrote Steve Lawson in his recommendation of Nickolai.
On the lanes, Nickolai had an 877 series (299-300-278) in January 1997, which at the time was the Greater Detroit Bowling Association city record and remains fourth on the all-time Detroit list. He also rolled an 827 series in 1996, which included consecutive 300 games (227-300-300).
Nickolai will be presented the USBC Youth Volunteer of the Year 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.
United States Bowling Congress
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.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Karl Nickolai, who has led the Michigan State University bowling program for the last 25 years, has been selected to receive the USBC Youth Volunteer of the Year Award by the USBC Youth Committee.
The prestigious award is annually presented to an adult volunteer who has displayed outstanding efforts to foster, organize and promote certified youth bowling programs at the local, state and/or national level for the last seven or more years.
In addition to his work at Michigan State, Nickolai has helped to promote collegiate bowling through his Web site, CollegeBowling.com. He also currently serves as president of the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA), a position he has held for nearly 15 years. He has been with the organization since 1985.
“I have always enjoyed my work with the MSU Intercollegiate Bowling Program, the NCBCA and the CollegeBowling.com Web site,” Nickolai said. “I am very honored to have been nominated and selected for the USBC Youth Volunteer Award.”
Nickolai makes a 70-mile commute from his hometown of Waterford, Mich., to the university in East Lansing to coach the Michigan State bowling team. He conducts tryouts in addition to taking the team to tournaments.
He launched CollegeBowling.com in 1997, when there were a limited number of Web sites for bowling teams but not a site dedicated to the coverage of collegiate bowling. CollegeBowling.com has allowed fans to follow their favorite teams and sport.
In 1998, Nickolai developed the Online Team Power Ranking (OTPR), an objective point system for ranking all schools with college bowling teams based on regular-season tournament performance. He credits Joe Ciccone, a former Arizona State University and Erie Community College bowler who is a current PBA member, with helping to develop a system that provides a meaningful team ranking throughout the season.
He also devised the concept of a college bowling “average differential” to measure athlete performance against an event field rather than by just tracking traditional bowling averages. The average differential allows athletes to be fairly compared across different events with different lane conditions.
In 1998-1999, he was selected for the Gordon Teigen Meritorious Service Award, presented annually by the NCBCA to an individual in recognition of outstanding service to collegiate bowling, for his work on CollegeBowling.com. In 2000-2001, he was the first recipient of the NCBCA Men’s Coach of the Year, now known as the NCBCA Kerm Helmer Men’s Coach of the Year award.
“Karl’s time spent coaching and successes, along with his countless hours and resources volunteered in non-coaching situations, make him an excellent candidate,” wrote Steve Lawson in his recommendation of Nickolai.
On the lanes, Nickolai had an 877 series (299-300-278) in January 1997, which at the time was the Greater Detroit Bowling Association city record and remains fourth on the all-time Detroit list. He also rolled an 827 series in 1996, which included consecutive 300 games (227-300-300).
Nickolai will be presented the USBC Youth Volunteer of the Year 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.
United States Bowling Congress
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.
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