March 2014 - Stars and Strikes

MARCH 2014
Volume Twenty Four
Number 3
www.starsandstrikesbowling.com
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AMERICA
’S BOWLING NEWSMAGAZINE
AMERICA’S
Belmo Wins
Back-to-Back
USBC Masters
The Legend
and
The A ngel
Bohn’s Give
Ultimate
Valentine Gift
STARS & STRIKES - MARCH 2014
2
B.WL • . • P< N< ON
by Jim Goodwin
Any editorial opinions expressed here
are offered to provoke thought on
important and sometimes controversial
issues.
Agree or disagree, we’d like to hear
from you:
starsandstrikes@sbcglobal.net
Look Inside Bowling for New Leaders
Aside from getting four quarters for a dollar, most people do not like change, especially
in the workplace. People resigning, or being
terminated, as a general rule, makes us uneasy; adds stress and worry for many.
On the flipside of the coin, change can also
signal progress, and it can send a message
that people really are being held accountable
for their performance.
In recent months, we have seen many
changes within the walls of the International
Bowling Campus in Arlington, most notable
the top two leaders – BPAA and USBC Executive Directors Steve Johnson and Stu
Upson. These two gentlemen came into
bowling within weeks of each other in 2009,
and now they are both gone in the past few
weeks; and the difficult process of finding
the best qualified replacements begins anew.
Johnson and Upson were heralded as brilliant business guys with the skills and
knowledge to take bowling to the next level.
Both came from the auto racing world, and
the hope was that some of the success in that
industry and some of the sponsors they
worked with would gravitate with them to
bowling.
But apparently, after more than four years
on the job, either they decided that they could
not help bowling any longer, or their respective board’s patience ran out. It really does
not matter which; the bottom line is that here
we go again looking for new talent and new
answers.
In their first few weeks on the job, we interviewed Stu and Steve together at the newly
opened International Bowling Campus. Both
seemed very capable, yet with very different
personalities. Johnson was gregarious and
outspoken. Upson was more reserved and introspective, but they seemed to have chemistry, and a genuine desire to work together for
bowling.
What led to their departure, however, were
facts that simply could not be ignored –
BPAA’s premier event, Bowl Expo, declined
in participation and revenue, and USBC’s
membership continued to shrink at an alarming rate. Was it their leadership, or lack of it,
that caused these problems, or are those
things that happen beyond anyone’s individual control? Was it simply the economy
Prices include
First Class
U.S. Postage
or lifestyle changes, etc, etc, etc?
We may never know the answers; but what
matters now, is who replaces leaders who fail
to get the job done; and to the satisfaction of
boards of directors, suppliers, exhibitors,
manufacturers, members, and even casual
participants.
Respectfully, we would like to suggest that
those responsible for filling these big jobs
and a few other key positions look within the
bowling universe, and not look for yet another savior from another industry. In our
view, that formula has been tried several times
without success, and perhaps it is time to promote or recruit from within bowling.
Examples are easy to recall. Years ago, the
Women’s International Bowling Congress
hired Sandra Shirk to be their leader. Shirk
was a very smart young woman with a very
impressive business resume, but her lack of
passion for bowling and other factors made
her a short timer.
Not long after that, a newly formed Bowling Inc. and StrikeTen Entertaiment reached
out and hired Steve Ryan, who brought experience from the National Hockey League.
Ryan, like Shirk, was very intelligent and
personable, but his favorite sport was Hockey,
not bowling.
BPAA tapped the golf industry to bring in
Bill Blue, and he became one of its shortest
lived leaders. Don Harris was next – a guy
with auto association experience. He helped
start Bowl Expo. Enter Jack Kelly, well respected in the sports world, especially in the
Olympic arena. Everyone was excited that he
might help get Bowling into the Olympics. It
did not happen.
BPAA had better luck with John Berglund.
An attorney, John had prior experience in
bowling on the state level, and he seemed to
do a very good job for eight years, growing
Bowl Expo and building good relationships
with the media and other groups; and he
played a key role in creating the International
Bowling Campus before resigning in 2009
to move to the Caribbean to start a perfume
business and write a book about moving to
paradise.
Were any of these leaders bad people? Of
course not . . . but all were highly paid executives that were hired to grow the sport and
the business, and with a couple of exceptions,
it was mostly failure. Don’t get me wrong, I
am not saying they were total failures . . .
and by the way there is no shame in failing
as long as you give your all. But bottom line,
the job that was expected just did not get
done.
What is important today
I will never forget the excitement that surrounded the opening of the International
Bowling Campus in Arlington in January of
2010. It was a bright sunny day with a temperature in the mid-60’s, perfect for the outdoor ceremonies that time of year in North
Texas. Hundreds of people from all corners
of bowling attended, and every one of them
had a gut feeling that bowling was on its way
to happy days.
Today, four years later, the optimism seems
to have derailed. Leaders and many others
then a part of the new wave are gone.
Bowling’s major organizations, after working under the same roof for a few years, find
themselves at another crossroad.
Not that they necessarily need it, but our
advise is to take a deep breath and take
whatever time is needed to make the right
decisions about who steps into those key
leadership roles next; and we sincerely hope
people within the industry will get equal consideration with those who would have to
spend at least a couple of years learning the
industry and its major players. Frankly, we
are not sure bowling can survive more learning curves.
Many years ago, my first real job was
working for a very big bank. At that time,
the top officers of the bank were mostly
greatest generation vets and their peers.
Many of them did not have fancy college
degrees, but almost all of them had integrity
and strong character. They led by example.
There are many very smart people in bowling today. We are certain that within this
great sport and business new leaders with
passion and integrity and high standards can
be found. We know they are out there. If
found and hired, will they be brilliant on day
one? No – but on-the-job training with integrity and passion for the sport and business beats the learning curve every time.
!!!
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PEZZANO
Chuck Pezzano is the dean of bowling writers. His columns have appeared in newspapers and magazines nationally for over 50 years. He
is a charter member of the Professional Bowlers Association, and is enshrined in both the PBA and USBC Halls of Fame.
Volume 24 • Number 3 MARCH 2014
$2.00 per issue or $20.00 per year by subscription
CONTENTS
5
Interim USBC
Executive Director
Chad Murphy
Speaks Out
6
The Legend
and the
Angel
7
USBC Masters Jason Belmonte
9
Leeslie Bohn
Gives the Ultimate
Gift of Love
They said it well - with comments
“The way I see it, if you want a rain- “Advice is like snow – the softer it falls
bow, you gotta put up with the rain.” the longer it dwells upon and the deeper
Dolly Parton (splits and misses are as it sinks into the mind.”
much of the game as strikes and spares) Samuel T. Coleridge (Are you listening, bowling instructors?)
“Anyone who does not believe in
miracles is not a realist.”
Don’t ever prophesy; if you prophesy
David Ben Gurion (and that’s why ev- wrong, nobody will forget it; and if you
ery bowler of every average thinks about prophesy right, nobody will remember it.”
rolling a 300 game and aims at the 7-10 Josh Billings ( Are you listening all you
split)
color commentators on TV – and that includes bowling experts)
“Instead of loving your enemies, treat
your friends a little better.”
“No great person is ever born too soon
Edgar Watson Howe (like your team or too late.”
mates, league and tournament officials, Norman Douglas (a champion is great
association reps and center managers and in any era)
proprietors)
“Genealogy is tracing yourself back to
“In all things, success depends on pre- people better than you are.”
vious preparation, and without such John Pollard (In bowling, on any given
preparation there is sure to be failure.” day, there is always someone better than
Confucius (practice, practice, practice) you are)
“I base most of my fashion taste on what “I never lose sight of the fact that just
doesn’t itch.”
being is fun.”
Gilda Radner (perfect advice for select- Katherine Hepburn (if just being is
ing bowling outfits)
fun, just bowling is more fun)
“If I were given the ability to select a
gift for the next generation, it would be
the ability for each individual to learn to
laugh at himself.”
Charles Schultz ( Let’s face it – bowling is a funny game, even if it wasn’t
meant to be)
“Dear God, grant me patience – and I
want it right now.”
Michael McKinney (a common prayer
for almost every bowler after a bad shot
or bad break)
“Did you really read this far?”
Pezzano (Thanks)
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2014 is Phantom’s 13th year!
UPCOMING GUESTS
2 Bowl O Pinion by Jim Goodwin
4 Chuck Pezzano
Spread
the
Word!
It’s easy! - just log onto
“The average time between throwing
something out and needing it again is
“Before all is said and done, I’m tired.” about two weeks.”
Grit (Happens at every bowling meet- Carl Carson (what some pros tell me
ing where much more is said than done) when they decide to get rid of a bowling
ball)
Plus . . .
HAVE
YOU
HEARD?
Idle bowling thoughts . . .
5 USBC Interim Exec Dir Speaks Out
Mind Game - Dr. Rich Temple
6 The Legend and the Angel
7 USBC Masters Results
8 TAT Results
9 Bohn Delivers Ultimate Gift of Love
10 Funny Page
11 Calendar of Events
Ask Bob
photos courtesy of: PBA, USBC, BPAA
www.starsandstrikesbowling.com
charter
member
WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
• At last count there were 22 bowlers who
have recorded certified 900 three game sets.
It took 102 years for the first one to be
approved. An interesting invitational event
would be to gather the tri-perfecto shooters
together for a competition made up of one
ball rounds, only strikes move on to the next
round until they come to a round where
none registers a tenfall.
• Before it was Times Square, it was called
Longacre Square. In 1895, the same year
the American Bowling Congress was
founded, Oscar Hammerstein of show biz
fame erected an immense complex of four
theatres, a roof garden, a Turkish bath,
restaurants . . . and you guessed it – a
bowling alley.
• Al Trautwig, who does a fine job on so
many sporting events, is the man who was
the lead announcer for the PBA Tour when
it was featured on the USA Network.
• Most sports and other organized
activities are having difficult times for a
number of reasons. The main aim shouls
be for bowling leaders to hang together as
much as possible, or they will all hang
separately.
• Most bowlers are not slow learners –
but the teaching sometimes gets very hard
for their instructors.
• It is always a temptation to kick the ball
return or the wall or a chair after a bad shot
or a bad break, until you stop to think that
there are more than 50 bones in the human
foot.
•Nothing shortens a long bowling story
more quickly than the unexpected arrival
of the bowler who unknowingly was the
central figure of the former long story.
• Like it or not, we learn by looking,
copying and repearting, and we naturally
imitate winners, not losers. Almost every
successful person you meet uses something
from role models with track records of
success of some kind. That’s true of bowling
too. Top pros, male and female, and top
amateurs must eralize that they are heroes
to others, young and old, whether the stars
like it or not.
• Needling and baiting can be fun,
interesting and even productive at times.
That’s fine, as long as you can take it as
well as you give it.
Chris Chartrand
arryy Lichstein
Larr
Jim Goodwin
Don Agent
STARS & STRIKES - MARCH 2014
USBC Ex
ecutiv
e Dir
ect
or
Executiv
ecutive
Direct
ector
Stu U
pson R
esigns
Upson
Resigns
Chad Mur
ph
amed Int
er
im Ex
ecutiv
e Dir
ect
or
Murph
phyy N
Named
Inter
erim
Executiv
ecutive
Direct
ector
ARLINGTON, Texas – United States Andrew Cain. Murphy currently serves as the
Bowling Congress (USBC) Executive International Bowling Campus (IBC)
Director Stu Upson has resigned his position Managing Director of Youth Development, a
with the organization effective immediately. position he’s held since January of 2012.
“On behalf of USBC, I want to thank Stu Murphy will continue in his role supervising
for all he has done for the organization and IBC Youth Development in addition to Interim
our sport,” USBC President Andrew Cain said. Executive Director duties for USBC.
“Under Stu’s leadership we have been able to
Murphy served as Director of Youth for the
accomplish a number of
Bowling Proprietors’ Association
important goals in furthering our
of America before being elevated
strategic plan. As we enter the
to his role with IBC Youth
next phase of our program, we
Development.
will be looking to new leadership
Prior to joining the IBC,
to further enhance bowling and
Murphy held management
serve the millions of Americans
positions at Columbia Industries
who enjoy our sport.”
and Ebonite. Earlier in his career,
“I have enjoyed working with
he worked as a team member on
the USBC Board, executive team
the Professional Bowlers
and our members to help
Association and Professional
advance the sport we all love,”
Women’s Bowling Association
Upson said. “While there is still
tours for Columbia 300. He is a
Chad Murphy
more work to do, I am confident
former member of Team USA and
that I am leaving the USBC in a stronger and his playing honors include a silver medal at
better position. I am grateful for the support the 1998 World Tenpin Team Cup in
and friendships I have gained during my tenure Amsterdam and he was also part of the Ebonite
and know that great things are ahead for both Nitro/R's team that won two Grand
the leadership and members of USBC.”
Championships at the Brunswick World Team
Chad Murphy has been named Interim Challenge Series in 1994 and 1996.
Executive Director of the United States
The USBC Board of Directors will conduct
Bowling Congress (USBC) by President a national search for a permanent replacement.
When USBC President Andrew Cain appointed Chad Murphy as Interim Executive Director after the departure of Stu Upson, some
may have been surprised. We admit that we
were too; but on second thought, we believe
it was a good move on Cain’s part because
Murphy is an industry veteran who has experience both inside and outside of bowling
headquarters. Murphy has been a top bowler
on the collegiate and professional level, a pro
shop owner, and most recently the guy who
has done an outstanding job running the new
IBC Youth Department. Now, he will try to use
his knowledge and business skills to make
sure USBC keeps clicking on all cylinders until a permanent replacement can be hired
. . . and who knows – he could end up being
the top man for the job. No matter what lies
ahead, it is nice to have a ‘bowling guy’ leading the group for now.
--JG
Here are Chad’s responses to a few of the
topics swirling around the recent changes at
Bowling HQ:
1. Describe the “atmosphere” at the IBC –
Are most people shell-shocked at the departures of so many key people? Are they walking on egg shells; or will new leadership
change the culture for the better?
Things are good. Everybody that drives
down Six Flags Drive in the morning and sees
the International Bowling Campus logo on
the side of the building, the Olympic rings
along with the museum knows what a great
place this is to work. We are lucky and
blessed to be able to serve.
2. Looking from afar, it seems like the
communications gap between BPAA and
USBC is getting wider – is that the case, or
is it the opposite?
The opposite is true. We are working with
the folks at BPAA daily.
3. After Steve Johnson and Stu Upson left,
there were positive things to say about both
in the press releases announcing their departures . . .but the real reasons for the
change was that Bowl Expo is in trouble financially, and USBC membership continues
to decline – true?
I wouldn’t characterize it that way. Things
are progressing positively here. There is a
lot to be proud of for both organizations.
4. I am sure you noticed that your former
boss at Ebonite Bob Reid was let go in their
recent re-structuring. What is your take on
that change, and what does it say about the
bowling ball marketplace?
Mr. Reid is a true mentor of mine and I
learned a ton from both he and Mr Scheid in
my time at Ebonite, I have a ton of respect
for him while I don’t know the specifics of
the changes that took place.
5. I am told that the upcoming World
Coaches Conference has over 50 coaches
registered from 18 countries. That seems
like a very good start for this inaugural
event – agree?
Awesome concept, it’s going to be a great
event here like so many others that take place
on this campus.
6. What is the attitude toward the Hall of
Fame and Museum? Is it as big a part of the
IBC as hoped? What do you see happening
to the IBMHF in the next few years?
Can’t really speak to that one, I think the
Hall of Fame has great people in place leading the effort there and we will continue to
support their efforts.
7. If you read the recent BJ article that
Lyle Zikes wrote about the PBA, it sounds
like they are also in real trouble – do you
see the PBA getting involved in the IBC in
any way?
PBA has an ownership group that believes
in the sport. We appreciate greatly their efforts to push the PBA forward. We would
take a look at anything they might put on
the table where we could help.
8. What are you most worried about in
bowling?
The competitive side of the game is obviously in the most need but I want to be clear
about this. . . Bowling is alive and well and
my grandkids and their grandkids will be
playing it. It will be taught to them by my
kids and their kids just like my grandfather
and mother taught me. Bowling is still a giant and will continue to be that. We will just
need to help guide and manage how it
evolves a little better this time around. I always say, let’s leave it better for the next
group then how we took it on. This is no
different.
9. What are you most optimistic about?
The opportunities that exist: All of
them…too numerous to mention but, bowling (and USBC along with it) is primed for a
big comeback and I’m looking forward to
serving both in a quality way.
5
MIND GAME
We must think to perform
Dr
Dr..
Rich
Temple
SELF
SELF--TALK
Compared to the conversations we have
with other people each day, the
communications we have with ourselves,
either silently inside our own mind or out
loud, is enormous. During our waking hours,
there is an almost continuous “conversation”
going on inside our heads. It stands to reason,
then, that our internal dialogue has a
significant impact on our self-esteem and our
self-image as a bowler. Thus, it is something
worth paying attention to.
In past articles (see “Change Your Brain,
November, 2013) I wrote about the enormous
complexity of the human brain. We have
approximately 50 billion brain cells that are
each connected to and communicate with
upwards of 20,000 other brain cells. No
computer can begin to approach the power
and complexity of our minds. However, in
the case of the impact of our self-talk on our
emotions and self-image, a much simpler
machine is the best analogy.
Those of us in our 40s and older fondly
remember the cassette tape recorder. For the
youngsters reading this, go check out
“cassette recorder” on the internet for a
primer. Basically, the recording medium of
a cassette recorder was a magnetic tape inside
a plastic cartridge. You pressed record and
talked into the box, and the tape recorded
everything you said. You then pressed
“rewind” and played back the tape. When
you did so, you heard a completely unedited,
verbatim presentation of everything you said,
right or wrong, as well as any noise in the
background. Unlike many other recording
devices, the one thing you could not do with
a basic cassette recorder was erase the tape.
If you wanted to re-use the cassette, you
simply recorded over your previous
recording. When you did so, the old
information disappeared and was replaced by
the new recording.
And so it is with our self-image. Our mind
simply records everything we hear, whether
it comes from outside our brains, or the little
voice inside our heads that is constantly
talking. No editing takes place, and the
storage capacity of your tape is vast. Then,
when you step up on the approach and
summon your expectations, the tape plays
back everything that is on it.
What are you putting on your tape? Does
it sound something like “nice shot, dummy,”
“I couldn’t pick up a 10-pin to save my life,”
or “I just can’t score at this center”? You
may have thought those comments were
relatively innocuous, but they are not. The
next time you leave a 10-pin in a league
match or tournament, your brain rewinds to
the “10-pin chapter,” and guess what you will
hear: that’s right, “I can’t pick up a 10-pin to
save my life.” Not exactly a confidencebuilder.
From this day forward, you as a serious
bowler need to take complete control over
what goes on your tape. If you are like most
people, you probably have some work to do
to tape over all the negativity that has been
recorded over the years. In fact, you may
smirk indignantly the first few times you say
to yourself “I am an excellent spare shooter,”
as your mind will compare it to all of the
past recordings. Over time, however, your
tape will become a masterpiece of positive,
supportive statements and beliefs that will
help you perform at your best when it matters
most.
For more information on self-talk and other
topics related to the mental game of
bowling, feel free to contact me at
drrich@mindforsports.com.
Dr. Rich Temple
Board-Certified Sport Psychologist
USBC Bronze-Level Coach
www.mindforsports.com
Junior Gold, BOWLING.COM
Youth Open Locations Announced
for 2015-2017
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Junior Gold
Championships and the Bowling.com Youth Open
Championships will head to a pair of new cities in
2015 and 2016, while a familiar location will host
the 2017 events.
Junior Gold, which is presented by Ebonite,
Columbia 300, Track and Hammer, and the Youth
Open will head to Chicago in 2015, then to
Cleveland in 2016 and return to Indianapolis for
the fifth time in 2017. The events bring thousands
of the country’s top youth bowlers together to
compete for national titles.
“Chicago, Cleveland and Indianapolis are all
fantastic bowling cities and are a perfect fit for these
events,” International Bowling Campus Managing
Director of Youth Development Chad Murphy said.
“The Junior Gold Championships and Youth Open
Championships represent the very best that youth
bowling has to offer, and we are excited to continue
the growth of these events in these great locations.”
The 2015 Junior Gold is scheduled for July 1117, while the Youth Open will take place July 9-26
in DuPage County, a suburb of Chicago. The
centers selected to host the events are Stardust
Bowl, Hillside Bowl, Classic Bowl, Orland Bowl
and Brunswick River Grove.
“The DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau
is thrilled to be hosting the Youth Open
Championships and Junior Gold Championships
in 2015,” said Skip Strittmatter, Executive Director
of the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“On behalf of the 22,000 men and women
employed in the hospitality industry here in DuPage
County, we look forward to welcoming you just
beyond Chicago’s skyline.”
In 2016, Junior Gold will be conducted July 915 with the Youth Open being contested July 7-24.
Freeway Lanes of Parma, Game of Mentor, Game
of Wickliffe, Roseland Lanes and Yorktown Lanes
will play host.
“We are thrilled to host the top youth bowlers in
the nation in Cleveland for the 2016 Junior Gold
Championship and Youth Open Championships,”
said David Gilbert, Greater Cleveland Sports
Commission and Positively Cleveland President
and CEO. “Bringing youth sporting events to
Cleveland boosts our local economy while
showcasing the diverse types of major events our
region is able to host.”
For 2017, Junior Gold’s dates will be July 8-14,
while the Youth Open takes place July 6-23. The
host centers for the events are Woodland Bowl,
Western Bowl, Expo Bowl, Southern Bowl and AllStar Bowl.
“Indianapolis is a destination built to host
sporting events and a city honored to host the 2017
Junior Gold Championships,” said Chris Gahl, vice
president with Visit Indy. “We look forward to again
welcoming the top youth bowlers from across the
U.S. to Indy, for a tournament with winners earning
a spot on the Junior Team USA.”
The Junior Gold Championships features the top
youth bowlers in the nation competing for national
titles in six divisions – U12 boys, U12 girls, U15
boys, U15 girls, U20 boys, U20 girls. Qualifying
events for the Junior Gold Championships are held
throughout the country for Junior Gold members.
Visit BOWL.com/JuniorGold to learn more about
the tournament and the Junior Gold program.
The Youth Open Championships is open to all
USBC Youth members. It has four age-based
divisions (U8, U12, U15 and U20). Each
participant bowls a maximum of nine games - three
games each of singles, doubles and four-player
team. Go to BOWL.com/YouthOpen for more
information on the Youth Open Championships.
STARS & STRIKES - MARCH 2014
6
Fallen
The Legend
and the
Angel
Gu
ardian
Guardian
Mark and Denise Roth
by Joan B. Taylor exclusive for Bowling News Network
Florence Nightingale has nothing on
Denise Roth. While it is widely known
in bowling circles that legendary Hall of
Fame bowler Mark Roth suffered a stroke
on May 30, 2009, there was also a previous health-related incident, or rather, a
preventive measure that may have averted
an “incident” two years earlier.
It was 2007. Denise studied Mark’s
family history and discovered that his
father had died of heart disease at age 40
and his mother at age 62. Further, his sister died at age 53. “I made him get medical testing done,” Denise said. Blockages
were detected and Mark received three
stents.
All seemed well after that until that day
in May of ‘09. “Mark looked pale and said
he didn’t feel good that day,” she said. It
was the onset of the major stroke that kept
him in two rehabilitation centers (Oswego
and Syracuse NY) for six months. Fortunately Denise was able to stay with him
full time during the first difficult weeks
of recovery.
“Well, it was almost full time” she said.
“I went out one day and when I came back
Mark had restraints.” Mark says, “They
tied me down.” In Denise’s absence, Mark
had tried to get out of bed on his own and
fell, hitting his head. “The nurse told me
never to leave him again,” Denise recalled
half jokingly.
Her real discouragement and fear came
after Mark was discharged to return
home. He didn’t want nurses, and so
Denise had to physically lift and support
him in every way. “Sometimes I cried. I’d
be on the floor trying to lift his limp leg
and I thought ‘Now what do I do’” Simple
tasks such as trying to get Mark to turn
over in bed were difficult and heartbreaking.
“I got my strength from my family, especially my mother before she passed.”
Denise said. “She would tell me to hold
my head up high and keep going.” Losing her mother while going through the
ordeal of caring for her ill husband was
almost more than she could bear.
Ironically, friends they never met
also kept them going. “Mark and I
both drew so much strength from
the fans. We can never forget the
fans. There were letters, cards, and
most of all prayers from bowlers everywhere. Many of them were devastated by the news of his stroke.
They were from all over the world.”
Fred Schreyer, who was the PBA
Commissioner at the time, played
a huge role in putting together the
Mark Roth Plastic Ball Tournament. “I’m thankful for Fred, Tom
Clark, Kirk Von Krueger and the
entire PBA staff for being there,
too,” said Denise. Marshall
Holman, Johnny Petraglia and
Parker Bohn called Denise often at
the onset, and still maintain communication. “Jim and CJ Goodwin,
our good friends from Texas, were also
there for us,” she added.
Mark isn’t 100% healthy today; far
from it. Just managing medications is a
big part of everyday life. In addition to
the many pills, he takes four shots of insulin daily for his diabetes. He still has
coronary heart disease that he treats with
medication. He has physical rehabilitation two or three days a week. The couple
is looking for a more intense program so
that he can bowl again. While a cane helps
Mark walk, it is still difficult for him to
be as mobile as he would like.
On Sunday, February 23rd, the Professional Bowlers Association presented the
inaugural Most Valuable Player Award to
a deserving Elias Cup PBA League player
during the taping of the final rounds of
the USBC Masters competition. Mark
was asked to help with the presentation.
For the Roths, it was an honor and well
worth the six hour drive from upstate New
York to North Brunswick, New Jersey.
The couple spent several days at
Brunswick Zone Carolier Lanes during
the Masters Tournament. Friends embraced them. Fans asked for an autograph
or photo with the Brooklyn legend, reminiscing with Mark about his early bowling days and victories.
While Mark enjoyed the attention,
grateful that people remembered him, his
thoughts consistently turned back to
Denise.
“She saved my life twice” he said. “If
it weren’t for her I wouldn’t be here.”
Even with all of today’s stars at the USBC Masters, people were lining up
to get Mark Roth’s autograph
STARS & STRIKES - MARCH 2014
7
JASON BELMONTE MAKES HISTORY WITH
BACK-TO-BACK USBC MASTERS TITLES
NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Australia's
Jason Belmonte became the first bowler in
nearly 50 years to successfully defend a
United States Bowling Congress Masters
title on as he defeated EJ Tackett of
Huntington, Ind., 221-177.
Belmonte, the reigning Professional
Bowlers Association Player of the Year,
opened up a big lead early and eased to the
title at Brunswick Zone Carolier. With the
victory, Belmonte, who earned $50,000 for
the win, is just the third player to
successfully defend a Masters title, joining
Billy Welu (1964 and 1965) and Dick
Hoover (1956 and 1957).
"This tournament is so difficult to win,"
said Belmonte, who won his ninth career
PBA title and his third major. "I always have
high expectations for myself, but to go
down in history as the third one and first in
50 years to win back-to-back is a huge
honor."
In the title match, Belmonte got out of
the gates quickly and took advantage of a
slow start by Tackett, the reigning PBA
Rookie of the Year. Belmonte started with
a spare before rattling off four consecutive
USBC Interim Exec. Dir. Chad Murphy & USBC President Andrew Cain congratulate
strikes to take command.
USBC Masters Champion Jason Belmonte
The match wasn't settled, however, until
Jason did what he had to do to win,"
the final frame when Belmonte converted out Tackett.
"I wish I would have had a chance, but Tackett said. "I'm disappointed I didn't
the 4 pin and struck on his final ball to shut
2014 USBC MA
STERS
MASTERS
Brunswick Zone Carolier
.J
ebruar
Carolier,, North Brunswick
Brunswick,, N
N.J
.J.. - FFebruar
ebruaryy 23, 2014
Final standings
1. Jason Belmonte, Australia
885 (four games)
$50,000
2. EJ Tackett, Huntington, Ind.
177 (one game)
$25,000
3. Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix
234 (one game)
$15,000
4. Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich.
183 (one game)
$10,000
5. Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y.
214 (one game)
$8,000
Stepladder results
Match One - Belmonte def. Ciminelli, 227-214
Match Two - Belmonte def. Smallwood, 202-173
Match Three - Belmonte def. Haugen, 235-234
Championship - Belmonte def. Tackett, 221-177
ELIMINA
TION BRACKET ROUND EIGHT - (Three highest scores advance to ESPN finals, high score is No. 3
ELIMINATION
seed, second high is No. 4, third high is No. 5, lowest score earns $6,400)
Smallwood 738, Ciminelli 652, Belmonte 614, Barrett 605
ROUND 7 LLOSERS
OSERS BRACKET - (Losers earn $5,000)
Barrett def. Kent, 674-646; Belmonte def. Janawicz, 704-577
ROUND 6 LLOSERS
OSERS BRACKET - (Losers earn $4,000)
Kent def. Szczerbinski, 644-557; Barrett def. Allen, 663-649; Janawicz def. MacLelland, 773-697; Belmonte
def. Himmler, 664-621
ROUND 5 LLOSERS
OSERS BRACKET - (Losers earn $3,500)
John Szczerbinski, North Tonawanda, N.Y., def. Bryan Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., 689-585; Dom Barrett,
England def. Patrick Girard, Canada, 610-603; Dan MacLelland, Canada, def. Rhino Page, Dade City,
Fla., 683-622; Brian Himmler, Cincinnati def. Jaime Gonzalez, Colombia, 652-605
ROUND 4 LLOSERS
OSERS BRACKET - (Losers earn $3,000)
Szczerbinski def. Barnes 721-714; Goebel def. W.R. Williams, 754-664; Barrett def. Heki, 602-588; Girard
def. O'Grady, 641-554; Page def. S. Williams, 640-612; MacLelland def. Pavlinko, 638-517; Gonzalez
def. Petraglia, 555-473; Himmler def. P. Allen, 620-543
ROUND 3 LLOSERS
OSERS BRACKET - (Losers earn $2,500)
Barnes def. Roseberry, 687-683; W.R. Williams def. Blanchard, 761-683; Barrett def. Wilbur, 650-569;
Girard def. Weber, 667-664; Page def. Ruiz, 630-589; MacLelland def. Duke, 678-677; Petraglia def.
Weier, 604-549; Himmler def. Malott, 608-593
ROUND 2 LLOSERS
OSERS BRACKET - (Losers earn $2,100)
Barnes def. Furey, 595-583; Roseberry def. Celmer, 700-531; W.R. Williams def. Novak, 664-632; Blanchard
def. Howard, 674-617; Wilbur def. Larsen, 757-738; Barrett def. Jones, 698-646; Girard def. Ostrander,
574-572; Weber def. Paluszek, 648-643; Ruiz def. Pfeifer, 732-576; Page def. Norton, 624-605; Duke def.
Daugherty, 645-584; MacLelland def. Aguiar, 651-645; Petraglia def. Schmidt, 670-591; Weier def. Pohl,
665-607; Himmler def. Vanderhoef, 637-603Malott def. Fagan, 735-732
ROUND 1 LLOSERS
OSERS BRACKET - (Losers earn $1,800)
Furey def. Jordan, 646-591; Roseberry def. Gomez, 627-610; Novak def. Harrison, 702-590; Blanchard
def. Lower, 738-698; Larsen def. Russell, 715-643; Barrett def. Faulkner, 660-584; Ostrander def. Chase,
650-536; Weber def. LeClair, 781-685; Pfeifer def. Runkel, 581-529; Page def. Katoh, 638-574; Daugherty
def. Haines, 617-555; Aguiar def. Shafer, 709-688; Petraglia def. Bohr, 657-643; Weier def. Haas, 663619; Himmler def. Robinson, 664-653; Malott def. Machuga, 718-643
OTHER CA
SHERS
CASHERS
Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 3,157, $1,350; Matt Meyer, Alexandria, Minn., 3,157, $1,350. ($1200
each) Jason Sterner, Covington, Ga., 3,155; Anthony Pepe, Elmhurst, N.Y., 3,155, $1,200;William Guszczo,
Orland Park, Ill., 3,154; Matt White, Warren, Pa., 3,154; ($1100 each) Curt Dupre IV, Destrehan, La.,
3,153; Ray Edwards, Middle Island, N.Y., 3,152; Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 3,150; Jake Peters, Henderson,
Nev., 3,146; ($1075 each) Craig Nidiffer, Trenton, Mich., 3,144; Kelvin Wiggins, Rocky Mount, N.C.,
3,144; ($1050 each) Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, 3,142; Zeke Bayt, Henderson, Nev., 3,139; Tom Hess,
Urbandale, Iowa, 3,138; ($1038 each) Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore., 3,135; Andrew Suscreba, Clifton,
N.J., 3,135; ($1025 each) A.J. Johnson, Oswego, Ill., 3,132; Osku Palermaa, Finland, 3,132; Shawn
Naumann, Orlando, Fla., 3,132; Matthew Farber, Plainview, N.Y., 3,131; ($1000 each) Kelly Kulick, Union,
N.J., 3,129; Steve Novak, Bay City, Mich., 3,128; Aaron Lorincz, Saginaw, Mich., 3,125; J.R. Raymond,
Bay City, Mich., 3,125;. Robert Gotchall, Lincoln, Neb., 3,124; ($975 each) Chad Kloss, West Allis, Wis.,
3,122; Gerald Marrs, Huntley, Ill., 3,120; Reydnier Chavez, Venezuela, 3,119; Kevin Doler, Columbus,
Ga., 3,112; ($950 each) Matt Russo, Millstone Township, N.J., 3,108; Ray Smarsh, Matawan, N.J., 3,107;
Ryan Graywacz, Windsor Locks, Conn., 3,106; Bill O'Neill, Langhorne, Pa., 3,104; Shawn Maldonado,
Houston, 3,103; Chris Bardol, Brockport, N.Y., 3,101; ($925 each) Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 3,099;
Marshall Kent, Yakima, Wash., 3,094; Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 3,092; Paul Smith, Old Saybrook, Conn.,
3,091; Vinny D'Ambrosio III, Staten Island, N.Y., 3,090; ($900 each) Jason Stadtler, Cherry Hill, N.J., 3,089;
Daniel Dunleavy, Staten Island, N.Y., 3,085; Rusty Thomsen, Morgan, N.J., 3,083; Michael Houtz, Myerstown,
Pa., 3,083; Zachary Wilkins, Canada, 3,083; ($875 each) John Ferraro, Kingston, N.Y., 3,082; Mike Dole,
Loves Park, Ill., 3,081; Brian McMahon Jr., Saginaw, Mich., 3,081; Jesse Buss, Belvidere, Ill., 3,081; Louis
Watson Jr., Richmond, Va., 3,080; Danielle McEwan, Stony Point, N.Y., 3,078, $850; Corey Husted,
Gladstone, Ore., 3,075, $425; Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 3,075, $425.
Let’s Go Bowling
win, but it's an experience I'm going to
learn from this and hopefully next time I
can win."
In addition to making history with
consecutive Masters victories, Belmonte
also added his name to a short list of players
who have won back-to-back major titles.
He won the Barbasol PBA Tournament of
Champions in January and is the seventh
player in history to win back-to-back
majors.
In the semifinal, Belmonte hung on for a
one-pin victory over Michael Haugen Jr. of
Phoenix, 235-234, by putting a spare on the
board in the final frame and getting nine
pins on the fill ball.
Belmonte, who entered the championship
round as the fifth seed, took down No. 3
seed Tom Smallwood of Saginaw, Mich.,
202-173, and opened the stepladder finals
with a 227-214 win over fourth seed Ryan
Ciminelli of Cheektowaga, N.Y.
The Masters, which featured a total prize
fund of $315,000, is part of the World
Tenpin Bowling Association World
Bowling Tour. A sold-out field of 468
players from 15 countries started the week
in their quest to take home the trophy.
For more info. on the Masters, including
live scoring, visit BOWL.com/Masters.
8
STARS & STRIKES - MARCH 2014
Alex Aguiar Wins TAT Amateur Nationals
Alex Aguiar Dartmouth, Mas- Dennis. They took home $7500, den. Bowlers from 11 different
sachusetts is the winner of the $6000, and $5000 respectively. countries rolled in the 2014
$20,000 top
prize in the
2014
Tat
Amateur Nationals Tournament.
Aguiar defeated Angel
Hernandez in
the
final
m a t c h .
Hernandez
e a r n e d
$10,000 representing the
215 and under division.
Rounding
out the top
five were
l to r: Roto Grip Rep, Chris Schlemer, Champion, Alex Aguiar
S t e v e
TAT Director, Jamie McWilliams, Orleans Bowling Center Manager, Darryl Smith
Calyore, representing the Senior Division, In new Seniors and Ladies event. Lewis earned $5000 for
John Daily from the 189 and Handicap events, the winners his win, and Cuva cashed for
Under Division, and 36-54 were Robert Lewis Pheonix, Ari- $3000 in an expanded field of 39
Middle Division winner Brian zona, and Tonya Cuva from Swe- women, a big increase over the
Spigner and Cerar to Join The Circle
CHICAGO – In just two years, the
The 64-year-old earned his USBC and why.
International Art of Bowling has Gold coaching certification in 2000
On the lanes, Cerar has rolled
revolutionized the way bowlers are and has been a Bowlers Journal perfect games with plastic, rubber,
coached through The Circle, which International Top 100 coach since urethane, solid particle, pearl
uses a unique formula consisting of 2006. Some of his strengths and particle, pearl reactive and solid
personalized training and tips, video focuses include fundamentals, ball reactive cover stocks during the past
analysis, live chats,
drilling, layouts, lane 40 years, and his accomplishments
forums, special
conditioning, spare at the city, state and national levels
guests, webinars and
systems
and helped him into the Tri-City Hall of
more to help bowlers
understanding any Fame.
improve, even from
style of bowling. He
“I’m so excited to be joining my
a distance.
also has spent time in friends Jason, Diandra and Bill in
The Circle is an
pro shop and bowling helping bowlers of all skill levels
extension of all the
center operations.
improve and learn,” Cerar said.
great information
“Throughout my “Since I’ve always been a sponge
available
at
business career in (nerd) for bowling information, I’m
IABowling.com or
bowling,
I’ve sure I can help Circle members
an IAB Bowler’s
continued to teach understand the intricacies of today’s
Bootcamp, available
and was going to layouts, surfaces, cores and
to a select group of
continue teaching coverstocks. Bowling today is not
Bill Spigner
the most dedicated
after
we
sold the same game I grew up with, and
bowlers. Now, The Circle will be Hawthorn Lanes in 2008,” said that’s OK. It keeps things interesting
expanding with the addition of Spigner, who began teaching and intriguing for bowlers as there’s
United States Bowling Congress professionally in 1979 and has been so much more to learn.”
Hall of Famer Bill Spigner and a longtime contributor to magazines
While The Circle membership has
former
Bowlers
Journal such as Bowling Digest and BJI. “I been limited to about 80 in its early
International columnist Joe Cerar Jr. greatly look forward to working with years, the expansion of the team
Spigner and Cerar both are IAB and their great coaching staff, behind the scenes also will make
accomplished on the lanes and well- and I’m grateful for
room for more
versed in the technical aspects of the the opportunity to
bowlers to benefit
sport. They will head the new Circle continue and expand
from
the
Tech Team and join USBC Silver my coaching career.”
personalization and
coaches Diandra Asbaty and Jason
Cerar, 59, has been
interaction that
Belmonte, who use their personal a fixture in the
make The Circle a
experiences and stories of triumphs, Milwaukee
and
one-of-a-kind
as well as disappointments, to help Wisconsin bowling
experience.
them relate to Bootcamp participants communities for five
To become a
and website guests.
decades as a bowler
member of The
“I am extremely excited to have and
as
a
Circle, or for more
Joe and Bill as a part of the IAB Tech knowledgeable and
information about
Team,” said Belmonte, the 2012- innovative pro shop
the International Art
2013 PBA Player of the Year. “With operator
at
of Bowling, visit
Joe Cerar Jr.
www.iabowling.com
their wealth of knowledge, no Milwaukee’s Bowlers
question will go unanswered. It’s an Pro Shop. Most notably, Cerar spent or follow us on Facebook at
honor for the IAB to add these two eight years as the author of “No facebook.com/iabowling.
International Art of Bowling
well-known coaches to our online Holes Barred,” a monthly ballThe International Art of Bowling
community. I can’t wait to pick their review column in Bowlers Journal
brains.”
magazine. He also shares his (IAB) was established in August
Spigner is a three-time knowledge as a part of 2010 by USBC Gold coach Ron
Hoppe and USBC Silver coaches,
Professional Bowlers Association Above180.com.
Tour champion and 1996 Team AllHis strengths include ball drilling, Jason Belmonte and Diandra Asbaty.
Events champion at the USBC Open ball movement and lane transition, It’s a one-of-a-kind bowling
Championships, which helped earn which will help Circle members experience focusing on the artistic
him a spot in the USBC Hall of Fame understand their equipment and what representation of fundamentals, lane
in 2001.
moves need to be made on the lane play, equipment, and versatility.
2013 event.
A total of 600 bowlers rolled
in the 2014 TAT Nationals, an increase of almost 50% over 2013.
190 bowlers cashed for a total
payout of almost $250,000.
Senior and
Ladies Handicap
Division Winners
The 2014 TTA
AT Amateur Nationals
The Orleans
as V
egas
Orleans,, LLas
Vegas
egas,, NV
NV,,
Februar
ebruaryy 3-8, 2014
Payout by Division
35 & UNDER Age Division
1Aguiar, Alex-Dartmouth, MA
$20000
2 Krol, David - Nixa, MO
$2750
3 Arena, Ronnie - East Meadow, NY $1500
4 Spencer, Craig - Phoeniz, AZ
$1250
4 Perez, Justin - Colorado Springs
$1250
5 Rogers, Bryson - Littlr River, SC
$1250
36-54 MIDDLE DIVISION
1 Dennis, Brian-Creedmoor,NC
$5000
2 Gagnon, Kevin(M)-Norco,CA
$1785
3 Rohrer, Terry (M) - Ft Wayne, IN
$2500
4 Krafft, James
$1250
5 Brunette Jr., Jerry -Rochester, NY
$1250
55+ OVER
1 Calyore, Steve - Naples, FL
$7500
2 Leong, Terry
$2500
3 Nejatbakhsh, Mostafa - Richmond Hills,
ON
$1250
4 Pascua, Tony
$1250
5 King, Willie
$1050
215 & UNDER Handicap
1Hernandez,Angel - MexicoCity
$10000
2 Chen, Albert
$2500
3 Wong, Jimmy - Walnut, CA
$2250
4 Rogers, Brian - Durham, NC
$2250
5 Bernal, Jorge
$1500
189 & UNDER Handicap
1 Daily, John - Long Beach, CA
$6000
2 Demeny, Gary - Peoria, AZ
$2500
3 Heard, James - Tipton, IN
$1500
4 Fourouzi, Nasser - Chicago, IL
$1250
5 Bell, Brandon - Centreville, VA
$1250
SENIOR'S Handicap
1 Lewis, Robert - Fountain Hills, AZ $5000
2 Bertolina,John-Henderson, NV
$2500
3 Eales, Warren - Chandler, AZ
$1250
4 Webb, Bob - Burnsville, NC
$1250
WOMEN'S Handicap
1 Cuva, Tanya - Dietlikon
$3000
2 Porcayo, Tona - Corning, CA
$1000
3 Schlink, Susan - Chicago, IL
$500
4 Zetter, Aseret
$500
Robert Lewis - $5000
Tonya Cuva - $3000
Member
Matt Hoyt
Brett Bolejack
James Askins, owner
Jordan Vanover
1901 W. Airport Freeway, Euless, TX 76040
817-571-1174
9
STARS & STRIKES - MARCH 2014
Leslie Bohn “Delivers” Ultimate Gift of Love
JACKSON, N.J. – Exactly one month
after the Professional Bowlers
Association honored Hall of Famer
Parker Bohn III for his extraordinary
community service, Bohn’s wife Leslie
delivered an even more significant gift.
Literally.
On Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day, Leslie
Bohn gave birth to Christian Leslie Forry,
a healthy nine-pound, four-ounce, 20inch-long baby boy.
Yes, the name is correct. The baby
doesn’t belong to the Bohns. The child’s
parents are Chris and Janine Forry.
Because Leslie Bohn agreed to be the
surrogate, with husband Parker ’s
blessings, the Forrys have the child they
have always wanted.
It's an extraordinary story of how
bowling brought two families together in
a very special way.
Chris Forry, a former PBA member,
owns Buddies Pro Shop in Fairfield,
Conn. His wife Janine is a special needs
teacher and former collegiate bowler.
They had been trying to have a baby for
several years, but learned Janine is unable
to give birth naturally.
Back in 2009, Chris Forry was bowling
in the U.S. Open at Carolier Lanes in
North Brunswick, N.J. – not far from the
Bohns’ home in Jackson – and he was
commuting
back-and-forth
to
Connecticut during the tournament
because Janine was having in vitro
procedures performed in hopes of
eventually having their first child.
“I was getting ready to head back home
to Connecticut and I bumped into Parker
and Leslie, and I told them Janine was
having an in vitro procedure early the next
morning,” Forry said. “Leslie mentioned
she had considered being a surrogate to
help another family member have a child.
At the time I didn’t think much of that
conversation because I thought the in
vitro process would eventually be
successful.”
Three years later and several more
unsuccessful procedures later, another
chance meeting took place. Parker, now
working for Brunswick as a bowling ball
sales rep, made a visit to Forry’s pro shop
where the conversation again turned to
Leslie and Parker Bohn present Janine and Chris Forry the greatest Valentines gift,
Christian Leslie Forry
family.
“I asked Parker about his family and he
asked about mine, thinking that by this
time the in vitro efforts were successful,”
Chris said. “I hated to tell him that
unfortunately our efforts weren’t
successful and it looked like we wouldn’t
be able to have any children. That’s when
Parker suggested I give Leslie a call.
“When Parker got home he told Leslie
to expect a call from me. I can only
imagine what Leslie thought of Parker
volunteering her to even consider it,” he
continued. “It took me a few days to work
up the nerve to call Leslie but I finally
did. When I called, Leslie mentioned
Parker had told her I might call, but she
wanted to give it some more thought.”
Leslie wasn’t immediately taken by the
idea, but it didn’t take her long to consider
the possibilities.
“I was originally thinking more of
helping a relative who might not be able
to have a child and not necessarily
someone outside of our family,” Leslie
Bohn said. “Plus our family situation had
changed. (Carrying someone else’s child)
really wasn’t on my bucket list, but after
talking it through with Parker and
thinking more about the opportunity to
give a couple something as wonderful as
what we have, we made the decision to
go ahead.”
That’s when the process began in
earnest. The Forrys came to visit the
Bohns (Janine had never met Parker and
Leslie). They discussed the details Leslie
needed to know about the surrogacy
process.
It was a life-changing process for
everyone concerned. There were the legal
issues, medical and psychiatric testing,
and, maybe most important, discussions
with their own families.
Leslie and Parker wanted their three
children - sons Justin, 10, Brandon, 9, and
daughter Sydney, 7 – involved in the
decision process. Parker also has two
children from a previous marriage.
“We didn’t have to do too much
convincing of Justin and Brandon, but we
had a little explaining to do with Sydney,”
Leslie said. “We just explained to her that
we were able to give a family something
wonderful like we had and I think she
understood that.”
“A few weeks later, Leslie called and
said she was all in,” Chris said.
In June of 2013, the Forrys received the
call they had dreamed of: Leslie informed
them she was pregnant.
Leslie said the pregnancy was normal.
She was even able to continue bowling
competitively until shortly before the
delivery.
“All we could think of during the
pregnancy was the excitement and what
we were bringing this couple was
priceless,” Leslie said. “All we could
think of was how happy we were to be
part of helping another family have what
we have.”
On Valentine’s Day – one month after
Parker had been named recipient of the
inaugural PBA Tony Reyes Award for his
unselfish community service - Leslie
exceeded him, delivering the ultimate gift
of love.
“Valentine’s Day will never be the
same,” Janine Forry said. “The whole
nine months has brought tears to my eyes.
Parker and Leslie have made it so special.
It’s been a privilege to know them. A
special bond has formed between us and
now we’re an extended family.”
It was equally special for Leslie and
Parker Bohn.
“It was the greatest gift of love you
could imagine on Valentine’s Day,”
Parker said. “Giving two people the
pleasure of being a mom and dad is
something you have to experience to
appreciate.
“I’ve experienced a lot of things, on and
off the lanes, but I know that having
children and a family far exceeds
anything else I’ve ever done.”
Bowling Combine Scheduled For July 22-26
ARLINGTON, Texas – For young
bowlers looking to compete at the
collegiate level, the Bowling Combine for
College Prospects has become a premier
summer event to attend. College bowling
coaches also have found it to be a great
place to evaluate bowlers.
Applications now are being accepted for
the 2014 Bowling Combine, which will
take place July 22-26 at the International
Training and Research Center, the home of
Team USA. The annual event was
developed to bring together youth bowlers
who want to compete at the collegiate level
and college coaches looking for bowlers
who might fit into their programs.
Student-athletes who have collegiate
eligibility remaining and have completed at
least their freshman year in high school
can submit an application. Space is
limited, and the application deadline is
April 26.
“We expect to have another great pool of
applicants this year,” said Rod Ross, head
coach of the ITRC and Team USA. “The
student-athletes selected to participate will
receive a great evaluation of their skills,
plus, they will have the opportunity to meet
with some of the top collegiate coaches in
the country.”
The Team USA coaching staff uses the
state-of-the-art tools at the ITRC to evaluate
the skills of the student-athletes through
tests such as shot repeatability, release ratio,
spare proficiency, breakpoint management,
vertical leap and balance.
The student-athletes receive an objective
analysis of their skills that includes a
Performance Evaluation Test (P.E.T.) score
that can be used to compare all studentathletes who have attended a Bowling
Combine. The bowlers also receive a
recruiting kit that includes video shots,
bowler variables measured and a detailed
report of personal data collected at the
Bowling Combine.
Last year, coaches from 30 collegiate
programs took part in the Bowling
Combine. Gary Sparks, who led Vincennes
University to a runner-up finish at the 2013
National Junior College Athletic
Association (NJCAA) Championships, said
three of his six incoming players for the
2013-2014 season were at the 2012
Bowling Combine.
“I go to a few other camps and clinics
and obviously watch bowlers at
tournaments, but this gives me a
perspective of a tryout atmosphere,”
Sparks said after last year’s Bowling
Combine. “We don’t get a chance to see
that in any other type of setting. You get
a chance to really see the players, know
who they are and get a one-on-one
situation with them.”
Coaches in attendance receive an
evaluation of each bowler, plus have the
opportunity for one-on-one contact with
prospective student-athletes. Coaches must
register and attend to receive the
evaluations.
College coaches and athletes interested
in the Bowling Combine can visit
BOWL.com/Combine or bowlingitrc.com
for more information and to register.
STARS & STRIKES - MARCH 2014
10
THE FUNNY PAGE
by Maurice ‘MOE’ LLaRochelle
aRochelle
The three most common lies:
“You haven’t changed a bit”
“I never got the message”
“The check in the mail.”
As a trucker stops at a red light, a blonde catches up. She jumps out
of her car, runs up to his truck, and knocks on the door. The trucker
lowers the window, and she says "Hi, my name is Heather and you're
losing some of your load."
The trucker ignores her and proceeds down the street. When the
truck stops for another red light, the girl catches up again. She jumps
out of her car, runs up and knocks on the door. Again, the trucker
lowers the window. As if they've never spoken, the blonde says brightly,
"Hi my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"
Shaking his head, the trucker ignores her again and continues down
the street. At the third red light, the same thing happens again. All out
of breath, the blonde gets out of her car, runs up, knocks on the truck
door. The trucker lowers the window. Again she says "Hi, my name is
Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"
When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next
light. When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck, and
runs back to the blonde's car. He knocks on her window, and as she
lowers it, he says "Hi, my name is Kevin, it's Winter in Michigan and I'm
driving the SALT TRUCK!"
!!!
A judge was interviewing a woman regarding her pending divorce, and asked, "What are the grounds
for your divorce?"
She replied, "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream
running by."
"No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?"
"It is made of concrete, brick and mortar," she responded.
"I mean," he continued, "What are your relations like?"
"I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so do my husband's parents."
The judge said, "Do you have a real grudge?"
"No," she replied, "We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one."
"Please," he tried again, "is there any infidelity in your marriage?"
"Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don't necessarily like the music, but the answer
to your questions is yes."
"Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?"
"Yes," she responded, "about twice a week he gets up earlier than I do."
Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why do you want a divorce?"
"Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce. My husband does. He said he
can't communicate with me."
!!!
!!!
Asked whether she would prefer coffee or cocoa as a nightcap, our young
French guest chose cocoa. She explained: “Coffee makes me too exciting
at bedtime.”
!!!
Kill the Ump
Ump::
During a baseball game the umpire happened to glance at the stands and noticed paramedics
carrying a woman out on a stretcher. Walking over to the manager of one of the teams he asked,
“What happened? Heart attack?” The manager who’s team was losing snarled “No, you called one right
and she fainted.”
Walt’s World
George Burns tells this story on his longtime friend Jack Benny:
Jack was a successful star for over 50 years. Big things - million dollar
contracts, changing networks - he could handle. But little, day-to-day
decisions threw him.
One day Jack and I were lunching at a restaurant, and he couldn’t decide
whether or not to butter his bread. “I hate bread without butter,” he said.
“Well, put butter on it then,” I said.
“I can’t,” he sighed. “Mary put me on a diet, and she said no butter.”
“Then eat it without butter.”
“But I love butter, Bread’s nothing without it. I better call Mary.”
“Jack, please, make this one decision yourself”
Well, he had butter. When the check came, I said, “Give it to Jack Benny.”
“Why should I pay the check?” Jack asked.
“Because,” I said, “if you don’t, I’ll tell Mary you ate butter.”
by Walt Steinsiek
Agreeable W
eather?
Weather?
A local TV weatherman was so wrong in his forecast that he became
embarrassed, so he asked for a transfer to anothe station.
“Why do you want to be transferred,” came the question from his boss.
“The weather here doesn’t agree with me,” he said.
!!!
Salar
Salaryy Negotiation:
The personnel manager finished reading the job applicants resume “The
weekly salary is $500 now and $700 in six months,” he said.
“Thanks,” said the applicant, “I’ll be back in six months.”
!!!
My Beginners’ Orchestra was about to perform. As I raised my arms in
preparation for the downbeat of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” an excited
fourth-grader jumped to her feet, lifted her violin into the air and exclaimed:
“Wait! Wait! My G string is slipping.”
!!!
A blonde woman was speeding down the road in her little red sports car,
and was pulled over by a woman police officer, who was also blonde.
The blonde cop asked to see the blonde driver’s license. She dug through
her purse and was getting progressively more agitated.
‘What does it look like?’ she finally asked.
The policewomen replied, ‘It’s square and it has your picture on it.’
The driver finally found a square mirror in her purse, looked at it and
handed it to the policewoman. ‘Here it is,’ she said.
The blonde officer looked at the mirror, then handed it back saying, ‘Okay,
you can go. I didn’t realize you were a cop. . .’
STARS & STRIKES - MARCH 2014
ASK BOB
Bob Korth is a Pro shop owner
and USA Bronze Level Coach
by Bob Korth
To ask a question of Bob write to askbobk@gmail.com
Q. I have a bowler on my team that takes
forever to throw his shot. I have asked him
why do you take so much time? His answer
is I am going through my checklist. I think
taking that much time is rude. How can I get
him to change?
A. I agree with you this is rude and while
you can't order him to change there are some
things you can point out that might help him
to see why taking this much time is hurting his
game. Tell him that you read an article, Taking
too much time on the approach and the
mistakes it causes. 1st. The longer you stand
there the longer you have to over-think your
shot. 2. Taking too much time makes the
muscles tighter and makes timing more
difficult. 3. Taking too much time allows the
conscious mind to take over the shot. The best
shots are made when the subconscious mind
is doing the most work. Check lists and
thinking should be done in the settee area not
on the approach. Taking less time will improve
your game and the attitudes of your fellow
teammates.
Q. I have never shot a 300 game but last
month I did get the first nine strikes in a row.
Then I got so nervous
I missed the headpin and left the one, two,
four. Can you give me some hints on how to
stay calm under
pressure?
A. Everybody handles pressure differently.
So there is no set way to answer this question
but I will give you a few things to try. Pick
one or two and use them the next time you are
under pressure and see if it works for you. I
use distraction for myself. I count in my head
before taking my first step to the line. I use
one thousand one, one thousand two, and one
thousand three all while looking at my mark.
Then go to the line, this for me takes my mind
off the consequences of the shot and allows
me to relax and just hit my target.
You can use mental imaging, in your mind
see yourself throwing the shot and the shot
being successful.
For some minimizing the value of making
the shot can work. Like remembering a 300
game is not 12 strikes in a row. A 300 game is
one strike in a row 12 times. Each shot is a
separate game.
Q. I bowl in a mixed league but it has many
top bowlers in it. We take the game seriously.
Our problem is this the center we bowl at has
open lanes next to our league and they put
people with kids and beginners on the open
pair next to us. We have asked them to leave
a buffer pair dark but they don't listen. Can
we get help from the USBC on this matter?
A. I feel your pain but this is not a problem
that the USBC can help you with. They can't
tell the lanes to leave a pair open between you
and the rest of the lanes. You will have to figure
out a way to handle this with the center. Most
centers will leave a buffer pair dark but they
need to make money, so if they are getting full
you can't blame them for wanting to use the
lanes. Here is my suggestion go to the manager
or owner and ask them first to leave the buffer
pair dark until they absolutely need it, this not
an unreasonable request.
Then if they do need it if they could at least
make sure the people they put on that pair are
league bowlers.
League bowlers at least know the etiquette
of the game. They may have to move some
bowlers on to that pair from another pair, if
you explain your concerns to them in a nice
way most businesses will oblige.
ITRC To Host World Bowling
Coach Conference March 28-30
ARLINGTON, Texas - The International
Training and Research Center will conduct and
host the World Bowling Coach Conference next
month, bringing together some of the greatest
coaches in the sport.
In conjunction with the World Tenpin
Bowling Association, the world governing
body for the sport, the ITRC staff will host the
educational conference on March 28-30.
The World Bowling Coach Conference will
feature presentations from some of the game's
most well-known coaches on topics such as
ball motion, coaching and team play.
"This really is going to be a gathering of the
top minds in the sport of bowling in terms of
coaching," said Team USA head coach Rod
Ross, who will serve as a presenter along with
other ITRC and Team USA staff. "The World
Bowling Coach Conference is going to be a
great opportunity to share knowledge and
advance coaching in our sport."
Among the presenters will be European
Tenpin Bowling Federation lead instructor Juha
Maja, Kegel Vice President Del Warren,
Canadian coaches Frank and Mark Buffa,
Cyprus Gold coach Costas Mitsingas, Team USA
sports psychologist Dr. Dean Hinitz and the
chairman of the ETBF educational Committee
Onder Gurkan.
The best bowling coaches in the world are
invited to attend the World Bowling Coach
Conference. Registration is still open and can
be completed at WorldBowlingCoach.com.
Storm Bowling Products to
Provide Fundraising Assistance
to Pepsi State Events
Storm Bowling will provide each state Pepsi
Youth Championships event with a bowling ball
to use as a fundraising tool this season.
"At Storm, we are always looking for ways to
grow the sport of bowling," said USBC Hall of
Famer Leanne Barrette Hulsenberg, marketing
coordinator for Storm Products, Inc. "We feel that
one of the best ways is to support youth bowling
and that is why we are proud to support the Pepsi
Youth Championships."
The Pepsi Youth Championships is a United
States Bowling Congress championship event open
to all USBC Youth members.
Qualifying for the Pepsi Youth Championships
starts with the bowlers qualifying during their
leagues where they then have the chance to advance
to a state finals event. At the state finals events,
they can earn scholarships as they compete against
bowlers from across their state. Last year, more than
$500,000 in scholarships was awarded across the
country as part of the Pepsi Youth Championships.
"We appreciate Storm's support of these state
events," said Chad Murphy, Managing Director of
International Bowling Campus Youth
Development. "The Pepsi Youth Championships
has a long tradition and it's great to have a company
such as Storm become involved."
Storm Bowling will provide each Pepsi Youth
Championships state coordinator with a certificate
that will be used as a prize during their fundraising
raffle. The certificate can be redeemed for any ball
from the Storm line.
11
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Feb 28-July 12 USBC Open Championships, National Bowling Stadium, Reno, NV
March 1-7
WBT/PBA Kingdom of Bahrain Open, Oman, Bahrain
March 10-14
WBT/PBA Kuwait Open, Cozmo Bowling Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
March 15-23
WBT/PBA Brunswick Euro Challenge, Dream-Bowl Palace, Munich, Germany
April 11-June 29 USBC Women’s Championships, Reno Sparks Convention Center, Reno, NV
April 12-15
PBA50 Pasco County Open, Lane Glo Bowl, New Port Richey, FL
April 13-19
Senior Classic Week, Las Vegas, NV
Apr 14-18
XBowling Intercollegiate Team & Singles Championships
Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, NV
April 19-22
PBA50 Sun Bowl In The Villages, Spanish Springs Lanes, The Villages, FL
April 22-25
USBC Convention, Silver Legacy Casino, Reno, NV
April 27-30
PBA50 Miller High Life Classic, George Pappas Victory Lanes, Mooresville, NC
May 10-11
StrikeoutDiabetes Charity Event, Plano Super Bowl, Plano, TX
May/June
PBA Summer Swing (site and exact dates TBA) includes:
• PBA Bear Open
• PBA Wolf Open
• PBA Badger Open
• PBA (Summer Swing) Open
• King of The Swing (special event)
May 29-June 1 3rd Annual Xtravaganza, Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV
June 1-6
Suncoast PBA Senior U.S. Open, Suncoast Bowling Center, Las Vegas
June 8-13
USBC Senior Masters, South Point Bowling Center, Las Vegas
June 15-18
PBA50 Northern California Classic, Harvest Park Bowl, Brentwood, Calif.
June 20-23
PBA50 Grants Pass Open, Cave Man Bowl, Grants Pass, Ore.
June 22-27
International Bowl Expo, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort &
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
June 27-July 3 USBC Queens & Senior Queens, National Bowling Stadium, Reno, NV
July 6-19
Daejeon International Open, Daejeon, Korea
July 18-20
PBA50 Dick Weber Super Senior Classic, Pro Bowl West, Fort Wayne, Ind.
July 20-23
PBA50 Pro Bowl West Fort Wayne Classic, Pro Bowl West, Fort Wayne, Ind.
July 28-31
PBA50 Dayton Classic, Capri Bowling Lanes, Kettering, Ohio
August 4-7
PBA50 South Shore Open, Olympia Lanes, Hammond, Ind.
August 10-13
PBA50 Treasure Island Resort & Casino Open, Island Xtreme Bowl, Welch, Minn.
Sept. 29-Oct 5 Vienna Open, Vienna, Austria
Oct 6-11
WBT/PBA Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
Oct. 20-26
WBT/PBA Indonesian Open, Jakarta, Indonesia
Oct/Nov
PBA World Series of Bowling VI, South Point Bowling Center, Las Vegas includes:
• PBA Cheetah Championship
• PBA Viper Championship
• PBA Chameleon Championship
• PBA Scorpion Championship
• WBT Finals (Men's and women's)
• PBA World Championship (major)
Nov 8-19
WTBA World Men’s Championships, Khalifa Int’l Bowling Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dec 5-11
Qatar Open, Qatar Bowling Centre, Doha, Qatar
Nov/Dec
PBA/JPBA Japan Cup
2015
Apr 13-18
XBowling Intercollegiate Team & Singles Championships
Northrock Lanes, Wichita, KS
July 10-27
Bowling.com Youth Open Championships, Thruway Lanes, Cheektowaga, NY
Belmonte Defeats Rash in
First PBA Super Clash
ALLEN PARK, Mich. – The Professional
Bowlers Association’s fiercest rivalry between
the two most
recent PBA
Players of
the
Year
took center
stage
on
ESPN in a
Super Bowl
head-tohead battle.
In the end,
2012-13
PBA Player
of the Year
J a s o n
Belmonte
claimed an
overall
victory over
Jason Belmonte
2011-12
Player of the Year Sean Rash in the inaugural PBA
Super Clash.
The PBA Super Clash at Thunderbowl Lanes
consisted of three games with the winner of each
game earning $2,000 and the player accumulating
the highest three-game pinfall total winning a
$10,000 grand prize.
The duel didn’t disappoint with Belmonte
winning game one, 258-238. Rash turned the tables
in the second game, 258-241, with Belmonte taking
a three-pin lead into the final match.
While both players had potentially gamechanging splits that resulted in open frames –
Rash left the unusual 3-4-6-7 in the fourth and
Belmonte an equally rare 6-7-9 in the sixth –
Belmonte was able to maintain the edge with fourstrike strings from the second through fifth frames
and again from the seventh through 10th frames
to win the final match, 244-222, and the overall
match, 743-718.
While Belmonte enjoyed the spoils of a Clash
win that came on the heels of winning the 2014
Barbasol PBA Tournament of Champions, his
thoughts turned to the potential of the event and
how much PBA fans would like to see that kind of
rivalry play out in the future.
“I don’t want to lose the traditional way we
compete on
tour, but if the
sport needs
something like
this to build
momentum, I
think
it’s
great,” said
Belmonte. “In
this case you
had two people
who
don’t
particularly
like each other
competing
head-to-head
and, as a
participant, I
thought it was
Sean Rash
pretty exciting.
But ultimately it will be up to the fans and how
they like it.”
Belmonte also believed the made-for-TV event
might provide an opportunity to showcase
matchups fans would like to see more often.
“You could have a Walter Ray (Williams Jr.) vs.
Pete Weber match-up or whoever,” Belmonte, a
two-handed player, added. “There’s an
opportunity with this kind of event to bring
different types of bowlers together to see how
they match up. I’ll bowl anyone and I know most
of the guys out here feel the same way.
“This is another way to think about bowling if
we need to incorporate some more entertainment,”
Belmonte added. “Again, I want to keep tradition,
but if this can help us, I’m all for it.”
Like Belmonte, Rash also likes the potential for
the clash format.
“I think everybody saw a good show and I
hope the fans enjoyed it,” Rash said. “This is
something we talked about doing for a while, just
waiting for the right opportunity. “It’s a great
idea and you can put together some great
clashes.”
!!!
12
STARS & STRIKES - MARCH 2014