HALL OF FAME GOLFER ANNIKA
SORENSTAM RELEASES HER
NAMESAKE SYRAH, ANNIKA
Annika Sorenstam, one of the most celebrated female golfers in history, launched her wine brand in partnership with Wente Vineyards on May 1st with the release of her namesake Syrah, ANNIKA. This elegant wine is comprised of 75 percent Livermore Valley Syrah and 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, and fittingly, 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from the Livermore Valley Golf Vineyard.
Throughout her storied 15-year playing career, Annika was fortunate to experience many of the best wines the world has to offer. At Wente Vineyards, they share the same passion for fine wine, fine dining, and golf as a way of life. The same scenic acres that produce their varietals are also home to Northern California’s premier destination golf course. It’s only natural that Annika would choose to meld her passions for fine wine and golf together in the rolling hills of the Livermore Valley at Wente Vineyards.
Working closely with fifth generation Winemaker Karl Wente, the two hand selected the 2006 Syrah from the Silva block on the Livermore Valley estate to be the backbone of the wine. The Syrah emits aromas of wild blackberry, plum, and strawberry that continue with chocolate and coffee flavors from the barrel. The Cabernet Sauvignon boosts the structure of the wine in the mid-pallet and augments the cassis and clove aromas. The amenable, big tannins carry the diverse flavors through the mouth for a long, rewarding finish.
“I was drawn to Wente Vineyards because we share the same passions, fine wine, fine dining, and championship golf,” Sorenstam said. “I really enjoyed the blending process with Karl, as we are both perfectionists. I am very excited about our end product.”
“It was our goal to blend a wine that Annika is passionate about, and that had the strength of a Cabernet Sauvignon, but the refined elegance and fruit of the Syrah,” says Winemaker Karl Wente. “Our Syrah has an intensity of flavor and aroma without being too big.”
About Annika
Annika is one of the most dominant players in women’s golf. Throughout her storied career, she rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and events, and brought unprecedented attention to women’s golf. Her success has changed how women’s golf is played, covered, and viewed, and in her rise to mainstream athlete and celebrity, she has had a positive impact on all women’s sports. Annika continues to impact lives with the establishing of the ANNIKA Foundation, which teaches children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offers aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams. In addition, her boutique golf instructional school, the ANNIKA Academy outside of Orlando, Fla., provides individualized golf instruction and custom-made fitness programs to help golfers of all levels improve their game.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Australian Belmonte Earns 2008-09
PBA Rookie of the Year Honors
Australian two-handed bowling sensation Jason Belmonte has been named the Professional Bowlers Association’s 2008-09 Harry Golden Rookie of the Year.
Belmonte, whose revolutionary bowling style was featured on ESPN’s E:60 program last week. He won The Bowling Foundation Long Island Classic, earning him an exemption to compete on the 2009-10 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour.
The 25-year old from Orange, Australia made the match play field six times and cashed in eight of the nine events he entered during the 2008-09 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season. Belmonte averaged 219.2 and earned $44,380. His other top finishes during the season were 10th place in the season-opening PBA World Championship, 11th in the Etonic Marathon Open, 12th in the GEICO Plastic Ball championship and 15th in the Denny’s Dick Weber Open.
"To have won the same award as guys who I look up to as bowlers like Chris Barnes, Tommy Jones, Ryan Shafer and the legend Pete Weber is extremely cool and rewarding,” said Belmonte. “I hope that my career as a full-time player on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour is just as successful as my first season. I am excited and very thankful to the all of those who voted for me."
Belmonte and his unique method of bowling garnered a great deal of media attention throughout the 2008-09 season including appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s Today Show and The Fox Network’s Fox & Friends. He was also featured in the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, ESPN The Magazine, Denver Post, Boston Globe and ESPN.com among many other media outlets.
The Rookie of the Year honor is named after the late hall of fame PBA Tour tournament director Harry Golden and is voted on by the PBA membership and a select group of bowling writers.
ASSOCIATION MERGER TIMEFRAME,
DUES INCREASE PROPOSALS REJECTED
BY USBC ANNUAL MEETING DELEGATES
Delegates to the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Annual Meeting at the Reno Events Center rejected proposals recently that would have required associations to merge by Aug. 1, 2011 and membership dues to be a maximum of $15 on Aug. 1, 2010.
The proposals were by far the most discussed among 24 considered by the 1,165 delegates from across the country in a 2 hours, 18 minute session that helped conclude the two-day annual meeting. The association merger proposal was debated for 25 minutes with 59 percent approving while it took 45 minutes to discuss the dues increase proposal with 61 percent approving it. Both proposals required a two-thirds majority for passage.
Overall, delegates approved 13 amendments and rejected 10 with one ruled out of order. One amendment that was approved will allow bumper bowling to be certified by the United States Bowling Congress. Other approved amendments included five that give leagues more flexibility in their operations.
Among the other proposals rejected was one that would have created an executive committee of the USBC Board of Directors to handle emergency situations where it wasn't feasible to get the entire board together.
See below for complete listing of all the amendments.
Two incumbents, two newcomers elected to USBC Board of Directors
Current USBC directors Tamoria Adams, Charlotte, N.C., and Libbi Fletcher, Warren, Mich., joined newcomers Bob Klatt, Prior Lake, Minn., and Jay Nephew, Dallas, in being elected to the USBC Board of Directors by the Annual Meeting delegates.
Adams, Fletcher and Klatt were elected on the first ballot while Nephew was chosen on a third ballot. Adams had 488 votes, Michael Carroll, Huntington, W.Va., 287, Perry Daniels, Carrollton, Texas, 378, Fletcher 693, Klatt 668, Nephew 413, Deanna Rose, Fairport, N.Y., 291 and Bob Taylor, Fort Myers, Fla., 260 on the first ballot. Nephew had 407, Daniels 250, Rose 140 and Carroll 113 on the second ballot and Nephew 495, Daniels 264 and Rose 131 on the third.
Bojeґ, Baker re-elected USBC president, vice president
Jeff Bojeґ, Tampa, Fla., and Darlene Baker, Mahomet, Ill., were re-elected as USBC president and vice-president Saturday shortly after the conclusion of the USBC Annual Meeting.
Bojeґ will begin his third and final term as USBC president while Baker will serve for the second straight year beginning Aug. 1.
Top association contributors to BVL honored.
One presentation left off Friday's notes was the top association contributors to the Bowlers to Veterans Link.
The top state contributor was Virginia with $35,055.07. The leading local contributor was the Nation's Capital Area USBC with more than $19,000.
RESULTS OF 2009 USBC ANNUAL MEETING LEGISLATIVE SESSION
League Rules
Amendment No. LR 1 (Adopted)
Rule 100j. Modified Format
Rule 302a. Definition
Moves modified format to General Playing Rules and eliminates duplication of rules. Also allows bumper
bowling to be certified by USBC.
Amendment No. LR 2 (Adopted)
Rule 105. Absentee and Vacancy Scores
Gives the league the flexibility for vacancy scores just as they are for absentee scores.
Amendment No. LR 3 (Adopted)
Rule 107c. Substitutes and/or Replacement, Item 10
Gives the leagues the ability to determine eligibility for its awards.
Amendment No. LR 4 (Adapted)
Rule 109a. Legal Lineup
Allows leagues the flexibility to decide the minimum number for a legal lineup in its league.
Amendment No. LR 5 (Adapted)
Rule 113a. Definition
Allow leagues to declare co-champions if it adopts a rule.
Amendment No. LR 6 (Adopted)
Rule 113b. Procedures
Allows leagues the opportunity to decide what type of tie breaker best suits its needs.
USBC National Bylaws
Amendment No. B 1 (Rejected)
Article II, Purposes
Section B. Chartering State and Local Bowling Associations
Requires non-merged state and local associations to be merged by Aug. 1, 2011.
Amendment No. B 2 (Adopted)
Article II, Purposes
Section B. Chartering State and Local Bowling Associations
Removes the requirement to re-charter an association every five years, effective immediately.
Amendment No. B 3 (Adopted)
Article II, Purposes
Section B. Chartering State and Local Bowling
Associations, Item 3
Removes the performance standards requirement, effective immediately.
Amendment No. B 4 (Ruled out of order as Articles 7 and 8 say such amendments may not be proposed due to USOC rules)
Article II, Purposes
Section D. Compliance, Item 3(e)
Provides equal opportunity to participate in bowling regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Amendment No. B 5 (Rejected)
Article III, Membership and Dues
Section B. Dues
Changes maximum USBC adult membership dues from $10 to $15 as of Aug. 1, 2010. Amended by the board to change dues from $10 to $13 effective Aug. 1, 2010 and from $13 to $15 on Aug. 1, 2011.
Detroit proposes amendment to the amendment of USBC adult membership dues to maximum of $12 on Aug. 1, 2010, maximum of $14 effective Aug. 1, 2011 and a maximum of $15 effective Aug. 1, 2012 (Rejected, returns to amendment by the board.
Delegate makes motion to amend the amendment for national adult dues not to exceed $15 effective Aug. 1, 2010 (Rejected)
Amendment No. B 6 (Rejected)
Article III, Membership and Dues
Section B. Dues
Changes maximum state adult membership dues from $1 to $3, effective immediately.
Amendment No. B 7 Article III, Membership and Dues (Rejected)
Section B. Dues
Changes maximum state adult membership dues from $1 to $2.
Amendment No. B 8 (Rejected)
Article VII, Committees
New Section B. Executive Committee
Adds an Executive Committee who has the authority to act on behalf of the Board.
Merged State Association Bylaws
Amendment No. B 9 (Adopted)
Article II, Nonprofit Corporation and Charter
New Section C. Association Dissolution
Adds a dissolution statement to the bylaws as required by many state laws.
Amendment No. B 10 (Adopted)
Article V, Board of Directors - Management
Section A. Board Composition, Authority and Duties, Items 6-8
Removes the requirement that associations must provide education, training, recognition and evaluations and directs associations to implement USBC programs as requested.
Amendment No. B 11 (Adopted)
Article VI, Officers
Section B. Election and Section C. Term
Allows option to elect officers by the Board or by delegates/members.
Amendment No. B 12 (Adopted)
Article VII, Meetings
Section B. Board Meeting
Allows the Board to meet, at a minimum, as often as required by state law.
Amendment No. B 13 (Adopted)
Article VIII, Committees
Section A. Standing Committees, Item 1
Removes the requirement that the nominating committee is a standing committee; it will be optional.
Merged Local Association Bylaws
Amendment No. B 14 (Rejected)
Article V, Board of Directors - Management
Section B. Eligibility, New Item 3
Distributes Board representatives equally from bowling centers within the association's jurisdiction.
Amendment No. B 15 (Rejected)
Article V, Board of Directors-Management
Section D. Term
Limits directors to a lifetime maximum of nine years on the Board.
Amendment No. B 16 (Rejected)
Article VII, Meetings
Section A. Annual Meeting, Item 5
Requires written notice of annual meeting of members/Youth Representatives be given 15 days in advance.
Amendment No. B 17 (Rejected)
Article VII, Meetings
Section B. Board Meeting, Item 1
Requires written notice of board member's meeting be given 15 days in advance.
Amendment No. B 18 (Rejected)
Article IX, Adult Delegates, Youth Delegate and Alternates
Section A. USBC Annual Meeting
Allows up to 25 percent of delegates and alternates to be elected by the Board.
DUES INCREASE PROPOSALS REJECTED
BY USBC ANNUAL MEETING DELEGATES
Delegates to the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Annual Meeting at the Reno Events Center rejected proposals recently that would have required associations to merge by Aug. 1, 2011 and membership dues to be a maximum of $15 on Aug. 1, 2010.
The proposals were by far the most discussed among 24 considered by the 1,165 delegates from across the country in a 2 hours, 18 minute session that helped conclude the two-day annual meeting. The association merger proposal was debated for 25 minutes with 59 percent approving while it took 45 minutes to discuss the dues increase proposal with 61 percent approving it. Both proposals required a two-thirds majority for passage.
Overall, delegates approved 13 amendments and rejected 10 with one ruled out of order. One amendment that was approved will allow bumper bowling to be certified by the United States Bowling Congress. Other approved amendments included five that give leagues more flexibility in their operations.
Among the other proposals rejected was one that would have created an executive committee of the USBC Board of Directors to handle emergency situations where it wasn't feasible to get the entire board together.
See below for complete listing of all the amendments.
Two incumbents, two newcomers elected to USBC Board of Directors
Current USBC directors Tamoria Adams, Charlotte, N.C., and Libbi Fletcher, Warren, Mich., joined newcomers Bob Klatt, Prior Lake, Minn., and Jay Nephew, Dallas, in being elected to the USBC Board of Directors by the Annual Meeting delegates.
Adams, Fletcher and Klatt were elected on the first ballot while Nephew was chosen on a third ballot. Adams had 488 votes, Michael Carroll, Huntington, W.Va., 287, Perry Daniels, Carrollton, Texas, 378, Fletcher 693, Klatt 668, Nephew 413, Deanna Rose, Fairport, N.Y., 291 and Bob Taylor, Fort Myers, Fla., 260 on the first ballot. Nephew had 407, Daniels 250, Rose 140 and Carroll 113 on the second ballot and Nephew 495, Daniels 264 and Rose 131 on the third.
Bojeґ, Baker re-elected USBC president, vice president
Jeff Bojeґ, Tampa, Fla., and Darlene Baker, Mahomet, Ill., were re-elected as USBC president and vice-president Saturday shortly after the conclusion of the USBC Annual Meeting.
Bojeґ will begin his third and final term as USBC president while Baker will serve for the second straight year beginning Aug. 1.
Top association contributors to BVL honored.
One presentation left off Friday's notes was the top association contributors to the Bowlers to Veterans Link.
The top state contributor was Virginia with $35,055.07. The leading local contributor was the Nation's Capital Area USBC with more than $19,000.
RESULTS OF 2009 USBC ANNUAL MEETING LEGISLATIVE SESSION
League Rules
Amendment No. LR 1 (Adopted)
Rule 100j. Modified Format
Rule 302a. Definition
Moves modified format to General Playing Rules and eliminates duplication of rules. Also allows bumper
bowling to be certified by USBC.
Amendment No. LR 2 (Adopted)
Rule 105. Absentee and Vacancy Scores
Gives the league the flexibility for vacancy scores just as they are for absentee scores.
Amendment No. LR 3 (Adopted)
Rule 107c. Substitutes and/or Replacement, Item 10
Gives the leagues the ability to determine eligibility for its awards.
Amendment No. LR 4 (Adapted)
Rule 109a. Legal Lineup
Allows leagues the flexibility to decide the minimum number for a legal lineup in its league.
Amendment No. LR 5 (Adapted)
Rule 113a. Definition
Allow leagues to declare co-champions if it adopts a rule.
Amendment No. LR 6 (Adopted)
Rule 113b. Procedures
Allows leagues the opportunity to decide what type of tie breaker best suits its needs.
USBC National Bylaws
Amendment No. B 1 (Rejected)
Article II, Purposes
Section B. Chartering State and Local Bowling Associations
Requires non-merged state and local associations to be merged by Aug. 1, 2011.
Amendment No. B 2 (Adopted)
Article II, Purposes
Section B. Chartering State and Local Bowling Associations
Removes the requirement to re-charter an association every five years, effective immediately.
Amendment No. B 3 (Adopted)
Article II, Purposes
Section B. Chartering State and Local Bowling
Associations, Item 3
Removes the performance standards requirement, effective immediately.
Amendment No. B 4 (Ruled out of order as Articles 7 and 8 say such amendments may not be proposed due to USOC rules)
Article II, Purposes
Section D. Compliance, Item 3(e)
Provides equal opportunity to participate in bowling regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Amendment No. B 5 (Rejected)
Article III, Membership and Dues
Section B. Dues
Changes maximum USBC adult membership dues from $10 to $15 as of Aug. 1, 2010. Amended by the board to change dues from $10 to $13 effective Aug. 1, 2010 and from $13 to $15 on Aug. 1, 2011.
Detroit proposes amendment to the amendment of USBC adult membership dues to maximum of $12 on Aug. 1, 2010, maximum of $14 effective Aug. 1, 2011 and a maximum of $15 effective Aug. 1, 2012 (Rejected, returns to amendment by the board.
Delegate makes motion to amend the amendment for national adult dues not to exceed $15 effective Aug. 1, 2010 (Rejected)
Amendment No. B 6 (Rejected)
Article III, Membership and Dues
Section B. Dues
Changes maximum state adult membership dues from $1 to $3, effective immediately.
Amendment No. B 7 Article III, Membership and Dues (Rejected)
Section B. Dues
Changes maximum state adult membership dues from $1 to $2.
Amendment No. B 8 (Rejected)
Article VII, Committees
New Section B. Executive Committee
Adds an Executive Committee who has the authority to act on behalf of the Board.
Merged State Association Bylaws
Amendment No. B 9 (Adopted)
Article II, Nonprofit Corporation and Charter
New Section C. Association Dissolution
Adds a dissolution statement to the bylaws as required by many state laws.
Amendment No. B 10 (Adopted)
Article V, Board of Directors - Management
Section A. Board Composition, Authority and Duties, Items 6-8
Removes the requirement that associations must provide education, training, recognition and evaluations and directs associations to implement USBC programs as requested.
Amendment No. B 11 (Adopted)
Article VI, Officers
Section B. Election and Section C. Term
Allows option to elect officers by the Board or by delegates/members.
Amendment No. B 12 (Adopted)
Article VII, Meetings
Section B. Board Meeting
Allows the Board to meet, at a minimum, as often as required by state law.
Amendment No. B 13 (Adopted)
Article VIII, Committees
Section A. Standing Committees, Item 1
Removes the requirement that the nominating committee is a standing committee; it will be optional.
Merged Local Association Bylaws
Amendment No. B 14 (Rejected)
Article V, Board of Directors - Management
Section B. Eligibility, New Item 3
Distributes Board representatives equally from bowling centers within the association's jurisdiction.
Amendment No. B 15 (Rejected)
Article V, Board of Directors-Management
Section D. Term
Limits directors to a lifetime maximum of nine years on the Board.
Amendment No. B 16 (Rejected)
Article VII, Meetings
Section A. Annual Meeting, Item 5
Requires written notice of annual meeting of members/Youth Representatives be given 15 days in advance.
Amendment No. B 17 (Rejected)
Article VII, Meetings
Section B. Board Meeting, Item 1
Requires written notice of board member's meeting be given 15 days in advance.
Amendment No. B 18 (Rejected)
Article IX, Adult Delegates, Youth Delegate and Alternates
Section A. USBC Annual Meeting
Allows up to 25 percent of delegates and alternates to be elected by the Board.
VINNIE COLLURA SCORES
TOURNAMENT 300
Forty-year-old Monticello bowler Vinnie Collura is one the tri-county area's bona fide bowling technicians and this talented right hander proved it on the lanes Saturday, April 26 when he blasted the maples for a perfect 300 game in the Fire Fighters Association tournament at Bowling Time Lanes in Newburgh.
This is Vinnie's 7th career 300 game and he finished up the tournament match with a 674 series using a Brunswick Zone bowling ball.
The perfect game came in tournament doubles competition with Tom Cooney.
Collura bowled in one league this past season, the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes and finished with a 212 average. He occasionally subbed in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league and the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Vinnie's previous 300 game also came in tournament play in the 2008 Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Association tournament at Pin Street Lanes in Warwick.
Also bowling in the doubles event he recorded the 12-strikes in a row in the first game of the doubles competition.
Vinnie noted that in the Association tournament in Warwick he struggled somewhat after the first game and finished the event with a 661 series.
The Tri-County NY USBC Association Tournaent 300 was his sixth career perfect game and came a little more than two months after he scored his fifth career 300 on December 26, 2007 with a 300, 246, 234, 780 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Collura used a Hammer Black Widow bowling ball to record the Association tournament 300 game.
Vinnie's highest series is an 809.
All strikes were in the pocket for the April 26 perfect game.
Vinnie previously served as Sergeant At Arms for the Tri-County NY USBC Association.and also served as secretary of the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Vinnie and his wife Carena live in Monticello and Vinnie is employed as a Rehab Technician for the Center For Discovery in Harris.
Forty-year-old Monticello bowler Vinnie Collura is one the tri-county area's bona fide bowling technicians and this talented right hander proved it on the lanes Saturday, April 26 when he blasted the maples for a perfect 300 game in the Fire Fighters Association tournament at Bowling Time Lanes in Newburgh.
This is Vinnie's 7th career 300 game and he finished up the tournament match with a 674 series using a Brunswick Zone bowling ball.
The perfect game came in tournament doubles competition with Tom Cooney.
Collura bowled in one league this past season, the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes and finished with a 212 average. He occasionally subbed in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league and the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Vinnie's previous 300 game also came in tournament play in the 2008 Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Association tournament at Pin Street Lanes in Warwick.
Also bowling in the doubles event he recorded the 12-strikes in a row in the first game of the doubles competition.
Vinnie noted that in the Association tournament in Warwick he struggled somewhat after the first game and finished the event with a 661 series.
The Tri-County NY USBC Association Tournaent 300 was his sixth career perfect game and came a little more than two months after he scored his fifth career 300 on December 26, 2007 with a 300, 246, 234, 780 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Collura used a Hammer Black Widow bowling ball to record the Association tournament 300 game.
Vinnie's highest series is an 809.
All strikes were in the pocket for the April 26 perfect game.
Vinnie previously served as Sergeant At Arms for the Tri-County NY USBC Association.and also served as secretary of the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Vinnie and his wife Carena live in Monticello and Vinnie is employed as a Rehab Technician for the Center For Discovery in Harris.
CHANGE, INNOVATIONS TAKE CENTER STAGE
AT USBC ANNUAL MEETING OPENS IN RENO
Embrace change and trust each other. Those were the main points made by United States Bowling Congress leadership during the opening session of the USBC Annual Meeting at the Reno Events Center.
President Jeff Bojeґ, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger and several other speakers spoke about building on the traditions of the past while looking optimistically to the future for the an audience of 1,346.
"If you want to make change you have to be at the edge of risk," Boj? said. "We are at the edge of risk but it's a calculated risk.
"Who would have thought we'd move the proprietors and USBC into one building in Texas. It's not about either organization individually. It's about bowling and the home of the Hall of Fame and Museum and be proud of it."
Besides the decision to move USBC from Wisconsin to Texas, the USBC Board has
recommended a dues increase in 2010 which Boj? said is imperative for the organization.
"We must have trust. We must build trust," Boj? said. "There's been a lack of it not just between USBC and BPAA (Bowling Proprietor's Association of America) but between you the stakeholders who pay for USBC.
"Our money comes from the dues, from the people and we must build a mutual respect and trust for each other. Trust the board to do the right thing."
Dornberger said that in the future, USBC will develop more membership options, modernize member benefits, better use state associations as educational and communications conduits, spend more time asking associations for their opinions and provide turnkey programs for joint implantation with proprietors.
"How can we survive and thrive if we don't have a relationship with the people who deal directly with the bowlers?" Dornberger said.
USBC adds $701,675.14 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure At the annual Meet for the Cure(tm) ceremony, USBC presented a symbolic check for $701,675.14 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure(r) to help fight breast cancer. That brought the total to more than $7 million since the Women's International Bowling Congress started the ceremony in 2002.
Breast cancer survivors presented the check to Diana Rowden, vice president of health services for Susan G. Komen for the Cure(r).
"This is another testament to the teamwork of all bowlers across the country," Rowden said.
Six inducted into USBC Hall of Fame
Four of the greatest players in the sport's history plus two stars off the lanes are the newest inductees into the USBC Hall of Fame.
*Lowell Rothschild - "It's my honor to be inducted with some special people. It's sort of a humbling and exciting experience."
*Tom Kouros - "This honor is indescribable. To me, what is most special about this award is the people who gave it to me. It means they recognized my achievements in bowling."
*Gene Stus - "I probably never would have won the Nobel prize or an Oscar, but today I have been given a far greater honor, a place in the USBC Hall of Fame. I'm nervous, excited and very proud. I see others in the Hall and their accomplishments and feel small among them but will accept it proudly."
*John Petraglia - "It's often said the importance of a hall of fame is who's in it," he said by videotape because he doesn't fly. "To join all the greats is an honor."
*Wendy Macpherson - "Today's question of the day - was I nervous? I said I wasn't nervous until someone asked me. Many people say this is my day but I share this with the others. I'm a firm believer in no one goes anywhere without the help of others."
*Mark Roth - "I love the game. I bowled every day after school. My goal was to be on the pro tour. Today is like winning my first title."
Their election brings the total inducted to 222 men and 151 women.
Williams, Bardol are Stars of Tomorrow
Wichita State University graduate student Ricki Williams and Robert Morris College sophomore Chris Bardol were honored as Alberta E. Crowe and Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow.
Williams was a member of Wichita State's 2007 USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships titlist. She is a Junior Team USA 2009 member after serving in 2008. She also is a director on the Great Plains USBC Association.
Bardol helped Robert Morris begin its bowling program in 2007-08, serving as team captain and being named Rookie of the Year by the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association. He earned honorable mention in his sophomore year.
Nine honored for behind-the-scenes work Nine awards were presented for work off the lanes to better the sport. After a combined video tribute, the recipients individually received their awards from Dornberger and Bojeґ.
*Tom Clark - Joyce Deitch Trailblazer Award
*Jean Tondola-Smith - Helen Baker Outstanding Association Volunteer Award
*Charles Kinstler - Proprietor of the Year
*Mike Nyitray - Kerm Helmber Horizon Award
*Debbie Haggerty - David Dahms Coach of the Year
*David Driscoll - Youth Program Volunteer of the Year
*Amanda Hollenbaugh - Youth Female Ambassador of the Year
*Kyle Mauerman - Youth Male Ambassador of the Year
*St. Louis USBC Association - BPAA Association of the Year (association manager Dale Bohn accepting)
Mauerman later was announced as the next Youth Ambassador to be selected for a spot on the USBC Board of Directors. His one-year term begins Aug. 1.
AT USBC ANNUAL MEETING OPENS IN RENO
Embrace change and trust each other. Those were the main points made by United States Bowling Congress leadership during the opening session of the USBC Annual Meeting at the Reno Events Center.
President Jeff Bojeґ, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger and several other speakers spoke about building on the traditions of the past while looking optimistically to the future for the an audience of 1,346.
"If you want to make change you have to be at the edge of risk," Boj? said. "We are at the edge of risk but it's a calculated risk.
"Who would have thought we'd move the proprietors and USBC into one building in Texas. It's not about either organization individually. It's about bowling and the home of the Hall of Fame and Museum and be proud of it."
Besides the decision to move USBC from Wisconsin to Texas, the USBC Board has
recommended a dues increase in 2010 which Boj? said is imperative for the organization.
"We must have trust. We must build trust," Boj? said. "There's been a lack of it not just between USBC and BPAA (Bowling Proprietor's Association of America) but between you the stakeholders who pay for USBC.
"Our money comes from the dues, from the people and we must build a mutual respect and trust for each other. Trust the board to do the right thing."
Dornberger said that in the future, USBC will develop more membership options, modernize member benefits, better use state associations as educational and communications conduits, spend more time asking associations for their opinions and provide turnkey programs for joint implantation with proprietors.
"How can we survive and thrive if we don't have a relationship with the people who deal directly with the bowlers?" Dornberger said.
USBC adds $701,675.14 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure At the annual Meet for the Cure(tm) ceremony, USBC presented a symbolic check for $701,675.14 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure(r) to help fight breast cancer. That brought the total to more than $7 million since the Women's International Bowling Congress started the ceremony in 2002.
Breast cancer survivors presented the check to Diana Rowden, vice president of health services for Susan G. Komen for the Cure(r).
"This is another testament to the teamwork of all bowlers across the country," Rowden said.
Six inducted into USBC Hall of Fame
Four of the greatest players in the sport's history plus two stars off the lanes are the newest inductees into the USBC Hall of Fame.
*Lowell Rothschild - "It's my honor to be inducted with some special people. It's sort of a humbling and exciting experience."
*Tom Kouros - "This honor is indescribable. To me, what is most special about this award is the people who gave it to me. It means they recognized my achievements in bowling."
*Gene Stus - "I probably never would have won the Nobel prize or an Oscar, but today I have been given a far greater honor, a place in the USBC Hall of Fame. I'm nervous, excited and very proud. I see others in the Hall and their accomplishments and feel small among them but will accept it proudly."
*John Petraglia - "It's often said the importance of a hall of fame is who's in it," he said by videotape because he doesn't fly. "To join all the greats is an honor."
*Wendy Macpherson - "Today's question of the day - was I nervous? I said I wasn't nervous until someone asked me. Many people say this is my day but I share this with the others. I'm a firm believer in no one goes anywhere without the help of others."
*Mark Roth - "I love the game. I bowled every day after school. My goal was to be on the pro tour. Today is like winning my first title."
Their election brings the total inducted to 222 men and 151 women.
Williams, Bardol are Stars of Tomorrow
Wichita State University graduate student Ricki Williams and Robert Morris College sophomore Chris Bardol were honored as Alberta E. Crowe and Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow.
Williams was a member of Wichita State's 2007 USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships titlist. She is a Junior Team USA 2009 member after serving in 2008. She also is a director on the Great Plains USBC Association.
Bardol helped Robert Morris begin its bowling program in 2007-08, serving as team captain and being named Rookie of the Year by the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association. He earned honorable mention in his sophomore year.
Nine honored for behind-the-scenes work Nine awards were presented for work off the lanes to better the sport. After a combined video tribute, the recipients individually received their awards from Dornberger and Bojeґ.
*Tom Clark - Joyce Deitch Trailblazer Award
*Jean Tondola-Smith - Helen Baker Outstanding Association Volunteer Award
*Charles Kinstler - Proprietor of the Year
*Mike Nyitray - Kerm Helmber Horizon Award
*Debbie Haggerty - David Dahms Coach of the Year
*David Driscoll - Youth Program Volunteer of the Year
*Amanda Hollenbaugh - Youth Female Ambassador of the Year
*Kyle Mauerman - Youth Male Ambassador of the Year
*St. Louis USBC Association - BPAA Association of the Year (association manager Dale Bohn accepting)
Mauerman later was announced as the next Youth Ambassador to be selected for a spot on the USBC Board of Directors. His one-year term begins Aug. 1.
USBC CONVENTION, BOWL EXPO
SCHEDULED TOGETHER FOR 2011 IN TEXAS
All of the bowling industry will meet in one place for the first time as the United States Bowling Congress Convention will be held in the same city as International Bowl Expo in 2011.
Both events are scheduled for June 27-July 2, 2011 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. Plans for the grand week of bowling became official when the USBC Board of Directors approved moving its convention and annual meeting to June.
"The Board has looked at the April-May timeframe with some concern due to the absence of youth at our convention," said USBC President Jeff Boj?. "They are in school or taking final exams so the move opens up our convention for youth bowlers and families.
"Bowling is a family sport and convention should be a family activity, too. The Texas event also will allow people to see everything the International Bowling Campus has to offer. The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame will be open by 2011 and the new Training and Research Center will be in full operation."
Shuttles will be provided between the Gaylord Texan, other host hotels and to the International Bowling Campus.
"Simply put, International Bowl Expo is a convention not only for proprietors, but for the bowling industry," said BPAA President Jim Sturm. "There are seminars at Bowl Expo that will interest USBC delegates and exhibits at USBC Convention that benefit proprietors."
"At the end of the day, we're all bowlers and this will showcase our sport to everyone."
A tentative schedule has the BPAA Annual Meeting held early in the week, followed by educational keynote speakers and seminars. The International Bowl Expo general session and trade show along with USBC workshops would follow mid-week, with the USBC Annual Meeting held the final two days. The week also would feature annual gatherings of the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association, USBC Coaches Conference and Bowling Writers' Association of America.
USBC delegates would be invited to attend the Bowl Expo trade show and general session at no charge. Some Bowl Expo seminars and special events will have admission fees.
Executives at USBC and BPAA project seeing significant cost savings and efficiencies for both organizations by moving their national events to the same time and location.
SCHEDULED TOGETHER FOR 2011 IN TEXAS
All of the bowling industry will meet in one place for the first time as the United States Bowling Congress Convention will be held in the same city as International Bowl Expo in 2011.
Both events are scheduled for June 27-July 2, 2011 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. Plans for the grand week of bowling became official when the USBC Board of Directors approved moving its convention and annual meeting to June.
"The Board has looked at the April-May timeframe with some concern due to the absence of youth at our convention," said USBC President Jeff Boj?. "They are in school or taking final exams so the move opens up our convention for youth bowlers and families.
"Bowling is a family sport and convention should be a family activity, too. The Texas event also will allow people to see everything the International Bowling Campus has to offer. The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame will be open by 2011 and the new Training and Research Center will be in full operation."
Shuttles will be provided between the Gaylord Texan, other host hotels and to the International Bowling Campus.
"Simply put, International Bowl Expo is a convention not only for proprietors, but for the bowling industry," said BPAA President Jim Sturm. "There are seminars at Bowl Expo that will interest USBC delegates and exhibits at USBC Convention that benefit proprietors."
"At the end of the day, we're all bowlers and this will showcase our sport to everyone."
A tentative schedule has the BPAA Annual Meeting held early in the week, followed by educational keynote speakers and seminars. The International Bowl Expo general session and trade show along with USBC workshops would follow mid-week, with the USBC Annual Meeting held the final two days. The week also would feature annual gatherings of the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association, USBC Coaches Conference and Bowling Writers' Association of America.
USBC delegates would be invited to attend the Bowl Expo trade show and general session at no charge. Some Bowl Expo seminars and special events will have admission fees.
Executives at USBC and BPAA project seeing significant cost savings and efficiencies for both organizations by moving their national events to the same time and location.
CHRIS BARNES ROLLS TO VICTORY
AT BOWLING'S CLASH OF CHAMPIONS
Consider the title defended. Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, picked up where his wife, Lynda, left off last year as he claimed the top spot at Bowling's Clash of Champions, a United States Bowling Congress event.
Barnes, who earned his way into the Clash by being the 2007-08 Professional Bowlers Association Player of the Year, defeated collegiate bowler Rebekah Diers of Kingston, N.Y., in the man versus woman title match 257-207 recently at the Reno Events Center.
A crowd of nearly 1,500 fans watched the special made-for-television event that showcased 16 champions of various events competing for a total prize pool of $100,000. The Clash will air on CBS Sports on May 9 from 4-6 p.m. EDT.
"In this format, with this field, it's tough to have high expectations," said Barnes, whose wife Lynda defeated pro bowler Sean Rash to win last year's inaugural Clash. "I was fortunate that Lynda bowled in this event last year because I knew what I wanted to try and accomplish and it worked."
The victory didn't come easy for Barnes, however, as Diers, who bowls collegiately at McKendree, put him on his heels early in the match.
Diers opened the game with four consecutive strikes before leaving the 2-4-10 split and converting it. In the seventh frame, however, she left the 4-6-7-10 split to effectively end her upset bid.
Barnes, meanwhile, started with a strike and a spare before rattling off six consecutive strikes, one of which was a Brooklyn. Needing a mark in the final frame to win, Barnes crushed the pocket for a strike.
"Rebekah bowled just terrific and her first six frames were way better than my first six frames," Barnes said. "If I don't have that Brooklyn in the fourth frame, she is ahead by almost 20 and there's no pressure on her. She sure didn't seem nervous about bowling me in those first few frames."
Barnes took home $50,000 for his victory, while Diers earned $25,000 for finishing second. It was an experience Diers said she will never forget.
"I just tried to do my best every shot," Diers said. "This is the best day of my life. I got to not only bowl with Chris Barnes, I got to bowl against him."
In the semifinals, Diers eliminated Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., while Barnes took out collegiate bowler Dan Vick of Pittsford, N.Y., 226-223.
All four players advanced to the championship round by surviving one of the most unique formats in the history of bowling. Each player made it through their foursome in the one-ball, sudden-death round, defeating opponents who ranged in age from teenagers to seniors.
For more information on Bowling's Clash of Champions, visit bowl.com.
AT BOWLING'S CLASH OF CHAMPIONS
Consider the title defended. Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, picked up where his wife, Lynda, left off last year as he claimed the top spot at Bowling's Clash of Champions, a United States Bowling Congress event.
Barnes, who earned his way into the Clash by being the 2007-08 Professional Bowlers Association Player of the Year, defeated collegiate bowler Rebekah Diers of Kingston, N.Y., in the man versus woman title match 257-207 recently at the Reno Events Center.
A crowd of nearly 1,500 fans watched the special made-for-television event that showcased 16 champions of various events competing for a total prize pool of $100,000. The Clash will air on CBS Sports on May 9 from 4-6 p.m. EDT.
"In this format, with this field, it's tough to have high expectations," said Barnes, whose wife Lynda defeated pro bowler Sean Rash to win last year's inaugural Clash. "I was fortunate that Lynda bowled in this event last year because I knew what I wanted to try and accomplish and it worked."
The victory didn't come easy for Barnes, however, as Diers, who bowls collegiately at McKendree, put him on his heels early in the match.
Diers opened the game with four consecutive strikes before leaving the 2-4-10 split and converting it. In the seventh frame, however, she left the 4-6-7-10 split to effectively end her upset bid.
Barnes, meanwhile, started with a strike and a spare before rattling off six consecutive strikes, one of which was a Brooklyn. Needing a mark in the final frame to win, Barnes crushed the pocket for a strike.
"Rebekah bowled just terrific and her first six frames were way better than my first six frames," Barnes said. "If I don't have that Brooklyn in the fourth frame, she is ahead by almost 20 and there's no pressure on her. She sure didn't seem nervous about bowling me in those first few frames."
Barnes took home $50,000 for his victory, while Diers earned $25,000 for finishing second. It was an experience Diers said she will never forget.
"I just tried to do my best every shot," Diers said. "This is the best day of my life. I got to not only bowl with Chris Barnes, I got to bowl against him."
In the semifinals, Diers eliminated Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., while Barnes took out collegiate bowler Dan Vick of Pittsford, N.Y., 226-223.
All four players advanced to the championship round by surviving one of the most unique formats in the history of bowling. Each player made it through their foursome in the one-ball, sudden-death round, defeating opponents who ranged in age from teenagers to seniors.
For more information on Bowling's Clash of Champions, visit bowl.com.
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