Bowling Hood

USBC CONVENTION PART 1: No U.S. Women’s Open in 2011: SMART Program gets management overhaul, Bohn Finishes 7th in Voting for 4 USBC Directors

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Sat, 08 May 2010 16:13:00 +0000

St. Louisan Steve Moehrle named to SMART team

by Scott Simon

The 2010 USBC national convention proved it could make some news that will wake up bowlers but also decision were made that mirror what major corporations do when handling scholarship money.

The big news that is buzzing in El Paso at the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open is the 2011 tournament has been cancelled. Money is a reason but also because there is little sponsorship interest from non-bowling retailers. It’s become a regular decision in recent years; there were no U.S. Women’s Opens in 1997, 2002, and from 2004-2006.

Tammy Boomershine is the defending champion and the contenders are Kelly Kulick, Liz Johnson and Carolyn Dorin-Ballard. Kulick averaged 230 for the first 8 games of qualifying.

Only one St. Louisan is in the field. Gwen DeBok of Fenton is 80th after round one. The only other bowler from Missouri, Samantha Swanson of Warrensburg, is in 55th place.

OFF THE LANES: (Scholarship Management and Accounting Reports for Tenpins) doesn’t just have a new board, it’s now an separate corporation.

Bowling Hood has learned one of the new SMART board members is Dr. Steve Moehrle, Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Missouri-St. Louis who’s also an active and skilled bowler. Outgoing USBC President and St. Louis native Jeff Boje’ told www.bowl.com, “This corporation was created to have a total focus on the care of SMART funds and promote youth bowling scholarships," USBC President Jeff Boje‚ said. "This board will remain consistent with people eminently qualified to manage those funds."

Dr. Moehrle tells Bowling Hood the other two members of the management board are Wally Hall and Sandy Hansell. If you don’t know Hall, he owns a pair of centers in Maryland but is the former CEO of Fair Lanes, Inc., past president of the BPAA and is one of the foremost promoters of marketing – a value where bowling trails other sports and recreation activities. Hansell has been the the industry’s leading real estate broker for 33 years, heading Sandy Hansell and Associates. He’s also a licensed attorney.

Let’s see – Moehrle’s a Certified Public Accountant who’s also a university professor, Hansell’s an attorney and Hall was a corporation CEO. These are three Really Smart Guys – an attribute the bowling industry has needed for years to manage finance and economics.

The three already have met and named Hall the board’s chairman. They also are in the process of writing a “Recipient Bill of Rights” and a “Provider Bill of Rights.”

They’re on the “right” path. A solid mission statement is a must. Can anyone recite the USBC mission statement?

Bowling Hood hopes the committee and USBC as a while will rely on the experience and expertise of Tom Bluth. The son of Hall of Fame bowler Ray Bluth is a USBC board member, an attorney and Certified Public Accountant in Ft. Lauderdale, and works for Ellis Diversified, Inc. as its Chief Financial Officer and general counsel.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S VOTE: Two incumbents and two new directors were elected to the USBC board. Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Michael Italia of Warrington Pennsylvania were reelected. The approximately 1,000 delegate also elected Mark Martin, association manager for Metro Detroit USBC and bowling columnist for the Oakland Press along with Deanna Rose of Fairport, N.Y. are the board’s newcomers.

St. Louis USBC Association Manager Dale Bohn received 205 votes and finished seventh out of the nine people on the ballot.

This was the last convention for outgoing USBC President Jeff Boje’ who’s term officially ends August 1. He will be replaced by USBC Vice President Darlene Baker of Mahomet, Illinois. A fine bowler in her own right, her credentials as a bowling leader are more impressive.

Baker has been on the Illinois USBC Women's Bowling Association Board of Directors since 1993 and served as third vice president for nearly six years. She has been a director on the Clinton (Ill.) USBC for two years, and is serving her first year as third vice president of the Champaign Area USBC. She also has served on the Illinois State USBC Youth Board since 1994, with eight years as second vice president. She was Illinois Bowling Council secretary-treasurer for eight years and spent 20 years on the Clinton (Ill.) WBA Board, including three years as president. She is a member of the Clinton WBA Hall of Fame and Illinois WBA Hall of Fame, both for meritorious service.

Part Two of the USBC Convention recap coming out soon will explain some of the new rules on and off the lanes.

St. Louis Press Radio TV League renamed to honor Hall of Fame bowling writer John J. Archibald

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:32:00 +0000

by Scott Simon

Effective immediately, the St. Louis Press Radio TV has been changed to the John J. Archibald St. Louis Press Radio TV League.

Members unanimously voted for the name change on April 26 during to honor the long time St. Louis Post Dispatch bowling writer who also was a league member for 60 years until retiring in February 2009 after suffering a stroke.

Archibald, a 1949 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, worked at the Post Dispatch his entire career from 1950 until his retirement in 1990.

He covered St. Louis bowling for 40 years including the night in 1958 that the famed Budweiser team of Dick Weber, Don Carter, Ray Bluth, Pat Patterson and Tom Hennessey shot a then-ABC record 3858 team series at Floriss Lanes. John also covered the the PBA from its formative period in the 1960's until his retirement. He is a life member of the Bowling Writers Association of America and was their President in 1970.

John was elected to the St. Louis USBC Hall of Fame in 1985, the PBA Hall of Fame in 1989 and the USBC Hall of Fame in 1996. He also authored the book, Bowling for Boys and Girls, published by Follett Publications in 1963.

Outside the newsroom, John steadfastly promoted and participated in the Press Radio TV league, formed in the 1930's for workers at the St. Louis daily newspapers at the time, the Post Dispatch, St. Louis Globe Democrat and St. Louis Star Times. During his 60 year membership in the league, he witnessed league changes from a newspaper employee-only league to including workers at the city's radio and television stations and finally the inclusion of women in the league for the first time during the 2009-10 season.

The league will honor John Archibald with a plaque and celebrate the league's new name in September at Olivette Lanes when it begins the 2010-11 season.

Questions submitted to St. Louis USBC candidates

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:25:00 +0000

Neither candidate chose to answer the questions, although Darlene Elston partially answered question #1.

1. What are the top 3 priorities that must be addressed by the St. Louis USBC from 2010-2012 and why?

2. Since both candidates have been board members prior to this election, what 3 issues did St. Louis USBC from 2008-2010 address as priorities that still need additional work during the upcoming term?

3. St. Louis USBC membership is down 7% this season. Do you feel more efforts are required to recruit members or is the decline solely the result of the recession?

4. If a member were to ask, "What are your strongest assets to be President of St. Louis USBC, what would your answer be?"

5. If a member were to ask, "What are your weaknesses that need to be improved in order to be President of St. Louis USBC?"

6. What services need to be improved by St. Louis USBC for its members?

7. Do you endorse or oppose the USBC/BPAA partnership and why?

8. Should the Red White and Blue lane patterns be required for honor scores to be sanctioned?

9. What other things or issues should St. Louis USBC be offering its members?

10. If the USBC financial situation were to worsen into possible bankruptcy and reorganization, what are your recommendations to solve the problem?

Editorial posted on www.bowlinghood.com April 15

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:21:00 +0000

A Bowling Hood Editorial - The Presidency of St. Louis USBC

This Saturday, members of the St. Louis USBC will be voting new officers and directors for the association.

There are two candidates in the race for President, incumbent
Jim Mooney and current association Vice President Darlene Elston.

BOWLING HOOD a week ago submitted questions to both candidates
that were compiled from a focus group of 8 St. Louis USBC members
regarding their positions on current issues.

Neither candidate filled out the questionnaire but did make reply statements. The questions submitted can be found following this editorial.

Mooney wrote, "Even though I like the idea of having the membership know the candidates, and their positions on the matters of the association, they are about to elect to a position on the board of their bowling association, I do not feel that it fair for my opinions are posted without consideration for a candidate from the floor the same opportunity.

"It is a good idea for the membership to know the candidates. This may be hard to enact, we could have this type of questions & answers available, in print format at future elections."
Elston replied, "COMMUNICATION is our number one problem. This is addressed at our meetings and hopefully with the addition of other members this can be addressed and put into action.

"Please be assured that it is not up to the President or any one member to make these changes. By our by-laws, any changes require BOARD approval."

Mooney's response about letting members know the candidates exposes the communication problem with St. Louis USBC and its members. While we appreciate his position the members should know the candidates, Mooney as the incumbent president did not make it happen for this election, nor was it a priority during his term.

In fact, most St. Louis USBC members do not even know who is running, not even on the association's official website, www.stlusbc.org.

Mooney's explanation why he didn't answer the focus group questionnaire is puzzling. He passed to give opportunity for nominations from the floor. Members expect more from their leaders when they choose to run for an office, even more so when the candidate is asking for another term. Members want them to be proactive during a campaign so that they are informed on what the issues are and future items that need addressing.

Have you ever seen a candidate for office state that they were not publishing their platform in deference to write-in candidates?

Elston addressed communication but did not offer any proposals or solutions. Again, members expect proactive leadership from those already in offices and especially from those aspiring to a higher position.

Jim Mooney and Darlene Elston have served the membership on the executive board and most definitely are qualified to be president. Their intentions for the board and the organization are good.

But based on their records and replies, Bowling Hood supports Darlene Elston to become the next President of the St. Louis USBC.

We clarify that this is a support recommendation and not an endorsement because the analysis is incomplete due to lack of answers to the questions submitted to them by the membership focus group. Elston partially answered the first question, "What are the top 3 priorities that must be addressed by the St. Louis USBC from 2010-2012 and why," but failed to give two more priorities.

Mooney didn't answer any of the questions. Communication from him to members regarding this election, issues and other important matters regarding the association should have resulted in better execution during his leadership.

Bowling Hood agrees with Elston that communication is the number one problem for the association. No group succeeds with little-to-no communication with its members. Groups always have the chance to grow when it communicates effectively. St. Louis USBC membership this year is down seven percent according to Association Manager Dale Bohn. Not all of this can be blamed on the recession. Bowling encountered a recession just after the attack of 9/11, yet industry analyst Wally Hall noted open play growth for at least two years after the incident because of bowing’s affordable pricing and locales close to people's home ensuring more safety.

A good example where communication and proactive leadership succeeds is in Wisconsin. Bowling centers became no smoking venues several years ago because of state law. Yet, according to comprehensive report compiled by Vicki Bowman of the Kansas City Bowling Proprietors Association, their membership drop was much less than other states which enacted similar laws.

Bowling can grow. It will never become extinct. However, the rock bottom benchmark can only be defined when the simplest of tasks by those in positions of authority stabilize current member activity. That's the true challenge of bowling in the St. Louis USBC jurisdiction with upcoming obstacles such as the new no-smoking law to go into effect Jan. 2, 2011 and the continuing soft economy that will continue for a while according to the current St. Louis Region Beige Book Report by the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank.

For full disclosure, I bowled with Jim Mooney and consider him a friend. If this editorial was based on personal knowledge and friendship, he would have received the endorsement or support. But this is about the greater good of the association and the sport of bowling. I can say that Jim should be commended for his solid and consistent promotion of sport bowling. He was doing it years ago before PBA experience leagues became popular. Jim’s work in this area should be a model for other association leaders.
In conclusion, is St. Louis USBC up to the challenges? Only the new board - and you members - can make that decision Saturday at Tropicana Lanes during the St. Louis USBC election beginning at 1 p.m. (Pictures courtesy of St. Louis USBC)

This editorial has been submitted to both candidates and they have been offered opportunity for reply which will immediately be published prior to the election.

Editorial – The Presidency of St. Louis USBC

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:13:00 +0000

This Saturday, members of the St. Louis USBC will be voting new officers and directors for the association. There are two candidates in the race for President, incumbent Jim Mooney and current association Vice President Darlene Elston.

BOWLING HOOD a week ago submitted questions to both candidates that were compiled from a focus group of 8 St. Louis USBC members regarding their positions on current issues. Neither candidate filled out the questionnaire but did make reply statements. The questions submitted can be found following this editorial.

"It is a good idea for the membership to know the candidates. This may be hard to enact, we could have this type of questions & answers available, in print format at future elections."

Elston replied, "COMMUNICATION is our number one problem. This is addressed at our meetings and hopefully with the addition of other members this can be addressed and put into action.

"Please be assured that it is not up to the President or any one member to make these changes. By our by-laws, any changes require BOARD approval."

Have you ever seen a candidate for office state that they were not publishing their platform in deference to write-in candidates?

Jim Mooney and Darlene Elston have served the membership on the executive board and most definitely are qualified to be president. Their intentions for the board and the organization are good.

But based on their records and replies, Bowling Hood supports Darlene Elston to become the next President of the St. Louis USBC. We clarify that this is a support recommendation and not an endorsement because the analysis is incomplete due to lack of answers to the questions submitted to them by the membership focus group.

Elston partially answered the first question, "What are the top 3 priorities that must be addressed by the St. Louis USBC from 2010-2012 and why," but failed to give two more priorities.

Bowling Hood agrees with Elston that communication is the number one problem for the association. No group succeeds with little-to-no communication with its members.

Groups always have the chance to grow when it communicates effectively. St. Louis USBC membership this year is down seven percent according to Association Manager Dale Bohn. Not all of this can be blamed on the recession. Bowling encountered a recession just after the attack of 9/11, yet industry analyst Wally Hall noted open play growth for at least two years after the incident because of bowing’s affordable pricing and locales close to people's home ensuring more safety.

I can say that Jim should be commended for his solid and consistent promotion of sport bowling. He was doing it years ago before PBA experience leagues became popular. Jim’s work in this area should be a model for other association leaders.

In conclusion, is St. Louis USBC up to the challenges? Only the new board - and you members - can make that decision Saturday at Tropicana Lanes during the St. Louis USBC election beginning at 1 p.m. This editorial has been submitted to both candidates and they have been offered opportunity for reply which will immediately be published prior to the election.

THE FOCUS GROUP QUESTIONS SUBMITTED TO CANDIDATES

1. What are the top 3 priorities that must be addressed by the St. Louis USBC from 2010-2012 and why?

3. St. Louis USBC membership is down 7% this season. Do you feel more efforts are required to recruit members or is the decline solely the result of the recession?

4. If a member were to ask, "What are your strongest assets to be President of St. Louis USBC, what would your answer be?"

5. If a member were to ask, "What are your weaknessses that need to be improved in order to be President of St. Louis USBC?"

6. What services need to be improved by St. Louis USBC for its members?

7.. Do you endorse or oppose the USBC/BPAA partnership and why?

8. Should the Red White and Blue lane patterns be required for honor scores to be sanctioned?

9. What other things or issues should St. Louis USBC be offering its members?

10. If the USBC financial situation were to worsen into possible bankruptcy and reorganization, what are your recommendations to solve the problem?

A Toast to USBC Management

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:34:00 +0000

I waited a month-and-a-half to decide if the USBC decision to allow alcohol sales at the tournaments was a good idea.

The verdict is in. It's a solid common sense decision. Thousands of bowlers love it. And that's what it's all about – them.

There are a lot of bowlers, including me, who initially were critical of the decision that was announce just days before the Open Championship commenced in February. Basically, the opposition to this decision uses the typical foundation, "It shouldn't be changed, that's the way we've always done it."

Many said it cheapened the image of bowling and tarnished tradition. Others said it bowlers would get unruly, and even some at USBC headquarters thought it might result in squads going over their allotted time.

There have been no incidents after six weeks. Squads start on time, no one has soiled the stadium carpet, and the bowling stadium itself is still standing.

By the way, scoring doesn't seem to have suffered because of booze.

Well if we're going to have debate, let's be honest. Bowlers in past years snuck it into tournaments. I've seen it. So did the USBC staff.

Booze and bowling have been around forever. Do you think the famed Budweisers in 1958 were drinking iced tea when they shot their record team series? And when was the last time you saw an alcohol free elite scratch league, in house or traveling?

In summary, "That's the way we've always done it."

The USBC Open isn't the Tournament of Champions. It's an everyman and everywoman tournament. Including women in the Open didn't wreck it even though the same critics predicted it would. Up until this year's declining entries due to the economy, past year entries including women in the field have been growing.

And that's another plus for this policy. The revenue replaces funds lost when some of you couldn't bowl this year for whatever circumstance. I've got it on good authority 20 cents of every dollar you spend on cocktails at the tournament goes to you. It goes to the USBC, but if you are a member, you are the USBC which gets back to the original argument:

There were a lot of yous who wanted it. Can't seem to remember hearing anyone campaign in past years, "Keep Booze out of USBC Bowling!"

But for you naysayers, there's hope. This is only a one year trial policy. So if you want to really want booze to stay out of the USBC Open Championship, then drink to excess in the stadium, be loud and let everyone know it, take your time ordering more cocktails before it's your turn to bowl and if someone does something you don't like, get in their face and let them know you mean business.

Oh, if the Reno police happen to take you away, don't call me for bail. After all, we're in a recession.

In the meantime, I'll be raising a glass to Stu Upton and Jeff Boje'. Good job.

Now they can turn their attention to bowl.com.

Pluhowsky takes USBC Open All Events Lead

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:14:00 +0000

By Matt Cannizzaro and Emil Williams Jr.
USBC Communications

RENO, Nev. - Team USA member Shannon Pluhowsky of Phoenix has enjoyed many successes at the National Bowling Stadium, so it's no surprise to see her name atop the leaderboard at the 2010 USBC Open Championships.

The 27-year-old left-hander took a step toward adding another piece of hardware to her trophy case when she moved into the Regular All-Events lead with a 2,083 total Sunday night.

Pluhowsky opened with a 642 series in team, and caught fire during doubles and singles. She posted games of 279, 193 and 268 for a 740 doubles series and kept the momentum going in singles, rolling games of 239, 268 and 194 for 701. Matt Smith of Altoona, Iowa, and George Kontos of Joliet, Ill., previously shared the all-events lead with 2,073.

In all, Pluhowsky cracked the top 10 in four events this weekend. She helped Capri Lanes of Dayton, Ohio, into seventh place in Regular Team with a 3,073 total and teamed up with Megan Kelly of Huber Heights, Ohio, for a 1,361 doubles total, which is eighth overall. Together, Pluhowsky and Kelly helped Capri Lanes into ninth place in Team All-Events with 9,171.

"It's exciting," said Pluhowsky, who made her sixth consecutive Open Championships appearance. "I have been bowling pretty well the last three months, so to be able to continue that here was a great thing."

Pluhowsky didn't know the all-events number during her doubles set, but decided to inquire about it right before singles began. When she found out, she was focused and determined.

"I am not even sure what made me ask," said Pluhowsky, whose previous high all-events total was 1,958 at the 2007 event, also in Reno. "From there, it was about making good shots, and if it happened, it happened. If not, I still would have walked out happy because this is my best tournament to date."

Pluhowsky's success at the Stadium dates back to her days as a youth bowler when she claimed the last of her three consecutive wins at the USBC Junior Gold Championships in 2001. That same year, she won the first of two consecutive USBC Team USA Trials titles at the NBS, before adding a third straight win in Las Vegas. Her most recent victory at the Stadium came at the 2006 USBC Queens.

"Some people try to say the left is better here," said Pluhowsky, who is the general manager at Capri Lanes. "I just match up here, and my ball reaction is good here. I always try to take advantage when I am here and do the best I can."

Outside of the Stadium, the former University of Nebraska standout owns three collegiate national championships, three Professional Bowlers Association Women's Series titles, two QubicaAMF World Cup titles and dozens of medals in international competition.

While Pluhowsky was making her all-events run Sunday, Dayton's Mandy Wilson was a few lanes away making a run of her own.

The right-hander started the day with a shot at the Regular Doubles lead, too, but a missed 2-8 spare in her final frame left her and Douglas Stone of Troy, Ohio, two pins shy of Terry Hall of Rocklin, Calif., and Andrew Udahl of Elk Grove, Calif., who lead with 1,421.

Wilson was 14 pins off Pluhowsky's all-events pace heading into her ninth and final game, but finished with 184 and a 2,059 all-events total, which is fourth overall. She had 727 in doubles, 699 in singles and 633 in team.

"My mindset in doubles is don't let my partner down, fill frames and make spares," said Wilson, who is a member of the Ohio USBC Hall of Fame. "I am happy about my finish, but unfortunately, I missed a couple makeable spares that hurt my doubles and all-events chances."

USBC Hall of Famer Bill Bunetta dies at 90

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:08:00 +0000

USBC Communications

Bill Bunetta, a United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame member, died March 22 in Fresno, Calif., of heart failure. He was 90.

A Professional Bowlers Association charter member, he was asked to be the PBA's first commissioner when the pro tour was formed in 1958. But since he still was competitive as a bowler, he turned down the position.

He won his only PBA Tour title in Fairless Hills, Pa., in 1960, and was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame in 1968.

In addition to being a talented competitor on the lanes, Bunetta was one of bowling's most respected instructors. His inventive coaching techniques included the innovative "3-6-9" spare-shooting system, and he spent many years conducting clinics and exhibitions. He was often sought out by many young professionals for coaching assistance.

He was a member of the E&B and Pfeiffer teams in Detroit, and the Munsingwear team of Chicago that contributed to his five American Bowling Congress Championships (now USBC Open Championships) titles between 1949 and 1955.

In 1995, at age 76, he became the oldest bowler in history to roll back-to-back 300 games.

Information regarding services is still pending.

State bowling tournament taking place in Cape Girardeau

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

By Erin Hevern ~ Southeast Missourian

Peggy Fuhrmann of the team "Up Your Alley" from Buckhorn, MO lines up her shot as Tracey Schultz of Warrenton, MO takes her turn Sunday, March 21, 2010 at West Park Lanes. The ladies are competing in the Missouri State USBC Women's Championship which runs through May 9, 2010. This is the first year the championship has come to the Cape Girardeau and Jackson bowling allies.

More than 2,500 women will enter the city limits of Cape Girardeau and Jackson over the next eight weekends for a bowling tournament that dates back to the 1940s.

Despite its long history, the Missouri State Women's Championship Bowling Tournament is being held in Cape Girardeau County for the first time.

West Park Lanes in Cape Girardeau was never before able to host the tournament, because it requires there be two bowling centers with a minimum of 20 lanes each. The requirement was met when Main Street Lanes in Jackson opened a few years ago.

"This is a chance for women all over the state, of any [bowling] average, to compete in a state tournament environment," said tournament director Glenda Fry. "We have divisions; they can compete against people of their own caliber."

Organizers and competitors gathered Friday at the tournament's opening ceremony, where Cape Girardeau VFW Post 3838 posted the flag and bowlers sang the national anthem. They also honored those who've battled cancer with a moment of silence, because this year's tournament is "Celebrating Life, Striking Out Cancer."

Nancy Wood, front, of the team Up Your Alley from Buckhorn, Mo., lines up her shot as Lisa Dickerson of Moberly, Mo., takes her turn Sunday at West Park Lanes. The ladies are competing in the Missouri State Women's Championship Bowling Tournament, which runs through May 9. This is the first year the championship has come to the Cape Girardeau and Jackson bowling alleys.

"It doesn't make a difference who you are, cancer has touched every one of our lives one way or another," said Sheila Allen, Cape Girardeau Women's Bowling Association president.

The tournament, which will end with five winners, one for each division, is special to the association.

"It's a big boost to the community," she said. "We just work exceedingly hard. It takes over a year to plan in order for everything to come together."

Most of the women, Allen said, enjoy traveling and being paired up with other bowlers whose scores mirror their own.

A number of women have been participating in the tournament for more than 40 years and simply enjoy the competition.

"I enjoy the people more than anything, you get to meet women from all over the state," Fry said.

"I just really support the sport of bowling and always have."

To learn about the tournament and the Missouri Bowling Association, visit www.mousbc.org.

Belleville News Democrat coverage of Mank 900 series

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 02:13:00 +0000

BY DEAN CRIDDLE - News-Democrat

Perfection is nothing new for Andy Mank.

The 22-year-old Belleville man had 16 career 300 games under his belt when brought his lofty 228 average to Bel-Air Bowl to compete in the Thursday Night Men's Handicap League.

But he took perfection to a new level as he reeled off 36 strikes in a row to become only the 16th person to bowl a perfect 900 series since the U.S. Bowling Congress began certifying them in 1997.

"Actually, I'm still having a hard time believing it really happened," said Mank, a sophomore at Southwestern Illinois College studying to become a welder. "I only had an hour's sleep."

What was going through his mind as he closed in on 900?

"I was thinking that I wasn't going to do it," Mank said. "It's been something since I've wanted to do since I was 3.

"I still can't believe it. I told everybody last night that everything was going through my head 100 miles an hour. I wasn't really nervous. Well, I was. But wow, to be the 16th person in the world to do this -- that's an amazing accomplishment.''

The 900 series is the first ever in Illinois according to USBC records and Bel-Air Bowl personnel. Mike Wilkin Jr., of Decatur, just missed earlier this year, bowling an 899 series. (see correction above)

Mank drew a large crowd as about 100 bowlers stopped competing and watched in silence as Mank fired his last few shots.

One of those getting a glimpse at history was Paulette McCullough, an employee at Bel-Air.

"Everybody was around lanes 1 and 2 watching Andy,'' McCullough said. "The place just went crazy when he got the last strike. He started jumping up and down. I'm still excited for him.''

Mank had an inkling it was a good night.

"I told one of my buddies that 'I'm due for a 300.' If I get one great. If not, I've still got a lot of other nights to bowl. And so I throw the first nine in a row in the first game and I'm like, 'OK, I'm this close so I might as well finish it.'

"Then the second game, I didn't even realize it because we were bowling so quick, like one ball right after the other.''
With the pressure mounting, Mank opened with eight picture-perfect strikes in the final game as nearly 100 fellow bowlers turned their attention to him.

Then Mank got the one and only break he needed.

"I threw my ball in the ninth frame of the last game in the pocket and I went 'oh,' because I thought I left the 10 pin,'' Mank said. "The next thing I know, I turn around and the 10 pin falls. They said a pin from the left side rolled all the way across and knocked the 10 pin.''

Clean strikes followed on his first two balls in the 10th frame. Then something strange happened.

"I was bowling on lanes 1 and 2 at and I look down the lanes and it was like a ghost town." Mank said. "I did a compete 360 and look behind me and I'm like, 'Oh my God.' I had between 80-100 people watching me. After I was done, people wanted to know if I was shaking or if my knees were buckling before I threw the last ball and, honestly, they weren't. "I kept my composure. All I wanted was that last one to finish the 900.''

He did. Not a perfect shot by any means, but good enough.

"When I got to the approach, it was like it was when I shot my first 300. Everything was quiet and I let it go. I closed my eyes for a split second and then opened them. I saw it hit the pocket. You can bet I saw it hit the pocket. I'm like, 'Ooooo ... yeah!' The whole place just erupted. It was like the Fourth of July without fireworks.

"I'm like, 'Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God!' The roof of that place raised a few feet. It was really something. I can't believe that I actually did it.''

Mank is the son of Steven and Cheri Mank, of Belleville. The 2006 graduate of Belleville East averaged 227 during his senior year under coach Gene Barrett.

He bowls several times a week during the winter and plays baseball in the spring and summer, He still has ambitions of perhaps bowling professionally in the future.The 900 series was just the beginning of Mank's good fortune.

After winning a little cash in a friendly wager with good friend John Flanagan -- a 279-212 win in a head-to-head match -- Mank headed to the Casino Queen with his buddy.

Sure enough, Mank cashed in, winning $200 on the slot machines.

"I probably should have played the Lotto instead,'' Mank said, laughing.

ANDY MANK SHOOTS 900 SERIES AT BEL AIR LANES

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:41:00 +0000

Andy Mank of St. Louis has become the 16th bowler to shoot a 900 series, doing it Thursday night at Bel Air Bowl in Belleville, Il. in the Thursday Men's Handicap league.

Mank, who turned 22 this past Tuesday, did with with the Storm Reign of Fire on lanes 1 and 2.

The three 300 games in one night nearly doubled his career total of four that he had before his record event. Mank also has four sanctioned 800 series according to USBC records available on http://www.bowl.com/.

Mank now has the distinction of the highest series in Illinois bowling history. Mike Wilken, Jr. of Decatur, Il. just misssed perfection earlier this season with an 899 series at Pla Mor Lanes.

(photo courtesy of http://www.belairbowl.com/)

Kretzer comeback a study to watch

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:36:00 +0000

How awesome was Brian Kretzer's performance yesterday at the PBA Don Johnson Eliminator yesterday?

He transformed from being a big hook-big rev player to "straighter is greater". I think it's the biggest mechanics transformation I've seen a bowler make in his game since I started watching tour players in 1966.

When coaching students, I always tell them, "The great players make hook balls go straight, and straight balls hook." Norm Duke already proved that. Kretzer showed me a lot yesterday even though he didn't win.

And on the subject of winning, will the people who complain the Mike Scroggins is boring please get a clue? The pins don't understand personality.

Hope you like the blast-from-the-past video of Kretzer as an amateur in 1997 with some other pretty good players still around.

BowlingHood Publishing Schedule

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Beginning today (March 8), BOWLING HOOD will publish on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with special news on Saturdays.

If you have articles for submission, send them to bowlinghood@bowlinghood.com. We appreciate it.

How Big Is PBA Imaging on ESPN?

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:50:00 +0000

Bowling fans of the PBA have questioned whether or not the tour has real impact on television.

The following report proves what’s going up for the PBA targeting Bill O’Neill’s win in the U.S. Open last weekend.

PBA Deputy Commission Tom Clark should be a happy man today!

Lumber Liquidators Bowls Over the Competition at the PBA United States Open with $100,000 in Media Value

Philadelphia, PA March 1, 2010 - With the largest field of any tournament in the Professional Bowler’s Association (PBA) season, Bill O’Neil reigned supreme taking home his first major championship.

However, one other winner on Sunday was the PBA title sponsor, Lumber Liquidators. According to Front Row Analytics, Lumber Liquidators received $104,333 in media value through signage, uniform logos and verbal mentions in a total of 111 sequences.

Front Row Analytics is the evaluation division of Front Row Marketing Services, an industry leader in commercial rights sales and a subsidiary of the Philadelphia, PA based sport and entertainment firm, Comcast-Spectacor.

“The popularity of bowling is evident as it now has one of the highest participation rates in the United States. The PBA can provide so many great opportunities for sponsors to gain value—whether it be signage or logos on the bowling balls, lanes and shirts. Lumber Liquidators has done a superb job aligning itself with a well-respected sports entity,” said Eric Smallwood, VP of Project Management for Front Row Marketing Services.

Next week, the PBA travels to Columbus, OH for the Etonic Don Johnson Eliminator. Final round action can be seen live on Sunday, March 7 at 2 PM EST on ESPN-TV.

Bowlers can have tough days on the lanes, but regardless of whether the pins are falling or not, Lumber Liquidators will continue to increase its brand awareness and add valuable media exposure as bowling fans tune in on Sundays to watch the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour.

For other media evaluation success stories, check out frontrow-marketing.com.

Winning the US Open is the Real Deal

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:17:00 +0000

Bill O’Neill is the Real Deal. Winning a U.S. Open with a 267 game proves it.

Most knew he was good. Now he’s proven he’s very good.

Sure, a Mike Scroggins win would have been a great story to be one of very few to have won back-to-back opens.

But parity is great. The anticipation always draws high interest. We don’t have any video from yesterday’s show but we do have video of him earlier this year bowling Our Town’s Pete Weber at the Dick Weber in California.

The Solution to Restrict US Open Entries

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:28:00 +0000

Another US Open is underway at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis, with "Maximum Bob" Robert Smith leading the way after round one averaging 232.67.

OUR TOWN'S Pete Weber is tied for 26th, followed by Jeff Carter in 37th (he bowled on TV there a week after his '07 Open TV appearance in New Jersey).

Scott Lavy from St. Charles is 41st, J.R. Raymond from Belleville in 52nd, Tim Behrendt is tied for 62nd, with Rudy Kasimakis and good friend Jerry Gentry from Topeka.

It's great to see bowlers from our area do well, especially those not well known outside the area.

But the complaint has been raised again - that there are those who bowl the Open who shouldn't be there. BOWLING HOOD agrees. An 800 score for last place proves it.

BH isn't here to throw arrows. We have solutions when we see an issue raised.

Here's our two-part solution to restrict entries for the U.S. Open to produce the real cream-of-the-crop:

1. Start conducting regional and sectional qualifiers.
2. Limit entry into the qualifiers to those who have averaged 200 in a PBA experience league.

Golf's U.S. Open uses that method, requiring a 1.4 handicap index to enter. Period. Then go through regionals and sectionals. http://golf.about.com/od/majorchampionships/f/usopenqualifier.htm

OH - golf does allow exemptions to their Open, but it's pretty restricted: About half of the field is made up of players who are fully exempt from qualifying. There are 17 full exemption categories, including winners of the U.S. Open for the last ten years and the other three majors for the last five years, the top 30 from the previous year's PGA Tour money list, the top 15 from the previous year's European Tour money list, and the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings as of two weeks before the tournament.

Golf's field is 150, meaning 75 have to play their way in. Can't bowling do that? It doesn't have to limit the number to 150, but the event does need a higher quality standard who gets in.

Since the U.S. Open is run by the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA), wouldn't it be a great marketing tool for them to schedule and conduct qualifiers at member local/regional centers, then advance it to sectional qualifying?

Tell me this wouldn't work: Exempt PBA exempt players, winner of the PBA RPI, the points leader in each PBA regional, the PBA Senior Tour points leader, and points leader for PBA senior reginals.

Heck, make it fun. Exemption the USBC Open Championship Eagle winners in the regular division.

Anyone else who wants to bowl the U.S. Open: Require bowlers to average at least 190 in a PBA experience league to qualify for entering the regional/sectional qualifiers. Yours truly bowled one last year and didn't average 190 but I have done so in previous years. Implementing that rule would disqualify me this year because I'm just not good enough to bowl the hardest tournament to win.

Good luck to the bowlers listed above. Having bowled against them, they deserve to be there in Indianapolis. But there are a lot who don't have any business being there.

BOOZE OKed for USBC OPEN TOURNAMENT

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:24:00 +0000

The 2010 USBC Open begins tomorrow at the Bowling Stadium in Reno.

Want a cocktail while bowling in the tournament?

Go ahead, it's ok.

Wednesday, the USBC announced bowlers will be able to drink more than just water during the tournament. That includes alcohol.

Tournament manager Duane Hagen told Jeff Richgel's 11th frame the reason for the change.

"USBC's goal is to provide the best possible experience for participants at our championships. Some bowlers come to the tournament for camaraderie and would like to enjoy a drink with their teammates. We believe offering this service will be well received by many of our bowlers while also helping provide some additional revenue for the tournament. If there is an indication this change affects the integrity of the event or negatively impacts the bowlers' experience, USBC will re-evaluate the decision."

No specific business reasons are known why the sudden change just days before the event, it is known that team entries this year are under 15,000 and some speculate the additional revenue from drink sales could make up the difference.

While the news is welcomed by thousands of bowlers, there are purists and bowling leaders who are criticizing the decision. Some say it cheapens the game - at a time during the Winter Olympics when people wonder why curling is played in Vancouver while bowling is not - while others say the last minute change was another under-the-radar decision made by a select few with little input or polling.

We must point out the USBC stresses the decision to allow alcohol is not permanent. The change is being done on a trial basis.

Therefore, BOWLING HOOD's opinion will wait. We'll wait to see the conduct of bowlers during the tournament. Get drunk and disorderly and mess up what's always a top-notch way to compete, and Bowling Hood will side with prohibition.

Behave, and it's a win-win for everyone. Change is ok. Change can be good. Next time, let's hope the USBC opens the process a bit more and more in advance of a deadline.

MORE OPEN CHANGES: From the USBC

The changes include new Scale Room procedures, the allowance of beverages while competing, special check-in accommodations for team captains with four or more teams, opportunities for team captains registered for both 2010 and 2011 and a fully-automated registration process.

Bowlers have traditionally had all of their bowling balls weighed and checked prior to both team and doubles and singles, but the procedure has been adapted. All balls still must be checked prior to bowling team, but only balls not present during team must be checked before doubles and singles competition. All bowlers are still required to report to the squad room with their equipment, however.

Behind the scenes, team captains with four or more teams will be able to enjoy a stress-free check-in experience in the tournament's new VIP check-in area, which is set away from the general check-in counter.

In addition, captains are encouraged to register for 2011 so they can begin reaping the benefits of the Eagle's Nest, a special club for dedicated captains.

Eagle's Nest members will receive a monthly 'E-Nest' Newsletter - a monthly e-newsletter featuring tournament tips, latest bowling trends and special offers from Reno sponsors, USBC Travel and the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority.

All Eagle's Nest members also will be eligible to win one of five cars or trucks that will be awarded at the 2011 Open Championships, airfare and lodging for the 2011 event or one of the high-performance Storm bowling balls awarded each day during the 2011 tournament.

Captains with four or more teams also will be eligible for free upgrades on lodging in 2011.

Any current or potential team captains interested in registering for 2011 now can do so using USBC's fully-automated registration system on USBCopen.com. This option was introduced earlier this month, and the step-by-step process has proven to be simple and quick.

SIMON SEZ: Moehrle retires, USBC approved Bumper Bowling Awards

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:56:00 +0000

One thing tremendously under the radar in St. Louis is the fact that one of our hometowners is a USBC board member.

Steve Moehrle has elected not to run for another term on the board. The accounting professor at UMSL who is an accomplished bowler himself with a 220 average in the Press Radio TV league at Olivette Lanes, tells Bowling Hood he wants to spend more time with his family and may consider a similar office several years from now.

Steve leaves the board at the same time the tenure of another leader with St. Louis roots steps down. Jeff Boje's term as USBC President ends this year although he will remain on the board as the immediate Past President.

Also, the USBC has changed the way it processes and elects board members.

Locally, the St. Louis USBC meeting is Saturday April 17 at Tropicana Lanes, beginning at 1 p.m. The main order of business that day will be to elect new officers. One of the positions to be filled is the board position formerly held by the late Dave Harmon.

Go to St. Louis USBC for more association information.

###

USBC Board approves bumper bowling awards, high school memberships

By Mark Miller
USBC Communications

Special achievement awards for youth competing in bumper bowling leagues and a new membership product for high school bowlers were recently approved by the United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors.

Bumper bowling league competitors rolling 50, 75 and 100 games and/or 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 series are immediately eligible to earn Bowlopolis emblems in those categories. These awards can be earned regardless of the bowler's bumper league average and will continue to be earned on the same progressive merit basis.

"Since USBC does not recognize bumper league averages, our youngest members were not eligible to earn youth awards," said USBC Director of Youth Development Brian Graham. "This meant the only way they could obtain an award was through our purchasable awards program.

"To address this disparity and provide a consistent youth awards benefit to our youngest members, we proposed to extend the eligibility for the Bowlopolis-themed youth awards to participants in certified bumper bowling programs without the average requirement."

The new USBC High School membership, which becomes effective Aug. 1, is available to those interscholastic high school bowlers who are not USBC Youth members. Bowlers may apply for the membership any time during the current interscholastic schedule. The cost for the new High School membership will be $5.

"Many bowlers on high school teams do not bowl in USBC leagues so this gives them a way to become connected to USBC," said USBC High School Manager Breanne Eoff. "This membership will allow acceptance of all games bowled by that individual during the current season in recognized interscholastic competitions between two or more schools toward the establishment of a USBC official average."

The USBC High School membership will provide the following benefits:

* USBC Youth membership card

* USBC official average

* Eligible to bowl in USBC-certified tournaments when qualified

* Eligible to apply for USBC scholarships

* Eligible for nomination to the Dexter USBC High School All-American team

Membership and final average processing will utilize the Youth Online Membership processing system with the member being responsible for collection of average and award data and providing that to the processor. Membership eligibility is extended to all recognized interscholastic competitions.

###

The PBA Midwest Regional Senior tournament schedule is ramping up again. This weekend's stop is one of the favorites in recent years at Short Stop (formerly New North) Lanes in Taylorville, Il. This is where Dick Weber won in 2003 giving him titles in 6 decades, the only individual professional athlete that's ever accomplished that feat.

There are still a few openings left - contact regional director Rich Weber at (636) 233 4304 or email him at rich.weber@pba.com.

Harry Sullins leads the points race by a commanding 21,000 over Dale Traber - Gregg Getzlow of St. Charles, winner of last summer's event in Springfield, Il. is having a strong year and is 7th on the list. Tom Carter, who underwent hernia surgery a month ago, is not on the roster at Taylorville, but this week returned to PBA experience league action - shooting a 300 game and 790 series. No word if the surgeons did additional tweaks on Tom for his bowling game! Nice shooting Tom.

###

The St. Louis USBC Open is underway, action starting last weekend at Pacific, this weekend is the final weekend, Bowling Hood will provide results when available.

###

Visit BowlingHood.com and support publicity of the game we love. Tom Clark, PBA Deputy Commissioner, is featured on the Newsmakers page with Part One of our interview with him - Part Two to come shortly.

And if you have news or info for Bowling Hood, send it to our new email address:

bowlinghood@bowlinghood.com. I can't publicize it if you don't tell me.

WRW Wins USBC Masters

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:16:00 +0000

By Lucas Wiseman USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Ocala, Fla., won his second United States Bowling Congress Masters title Sunday, defeating top seed Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, 290-217, at the National Bowling Stadium.

The victory was Williams' 47th on the Lumber Liquidators Professional Bowlers Association Tour, extending his record for the most in PBA Tour history, while also moving him up to a tie for second with eight career major titles.

"This is just another little feather, it's just awesome," said Williams, who defeated Barnes, 268-239, to win the January 2004 USBC Masters also at the National Bowling Stadium. "It's hard to explain it better than that. To win any tournament is awesome, and the bigger ones are even better."

Williams is now tied with Pete Weber and Mike Aulby with eight career major titles, but all three players trail USBC and PBA Hall of Famer Earl Anthony, who won 10 majors and 43 total titles.

"I really don't envision that I can get to 10, but I'm not giving up yet," said Williams, who turned 50 in 2009. "I'm going to go out there and plug along as good as I can, and the year that I'm no longer exempt out here, that's when I will have had enough."

In the title match against Barnes, Williams got off to a shaky start, going high on his first shot, breaking up a split and leaving a 7 pin. From there, he was perfect, finishing with 11 consecutive strikes to take home the $50,000 prize and two-year PBA Tour exemption.

Williams said the turning point in the match was when Barnes left a 10 pin in the fourth frame, but he managed to carry a similar shot in the fifth frame.

"Chris left that weak 10 pin after a scout came over and touched it but didn't knock it over, and then I step up and leave a 10 pin but the scout comes over and gets it," Williams said. "That helped me get a little more comfortable, and from that point, every one of my strikes was high flush."
Looking back on the loss, Barnes said he thought he threw the ball well, but it was the way the lanes broke down in practice that had a major impact.

"I lost this one in the practice session," said Barnes, who finished second in the season's second major, losing to Kelly Kulick, 265-195, in the PBA Tournament of Champions three weeks ago. "He played further right than I anticipated. When I broke them down, it made the lanes pretty good for me, but it had no affect on him."

When Williams and Barnes met for the Masters title in 2004, the scenario set up the same way. Barnes was the top seed, while Williams was No. 2.

"The last two Masters here in Reno, I've gone undefeated in match play, I haven't lost a three-game match, yet I haven't won either tournament," said Barnes, who made it through the double-elimination bracket unscathed in both events. "TV is one of the best things the sport has going for it, but it is probably the worst thing I have going for me personally."'

To reach the championship match, Williams defeated No. 3 seed Ryan Ciminelli of Buffalo, N.Y., 258-224. Ciminelli advanced with a 246-229 victory over fourth seed Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas, in the opening match.

The 2010 USBC Masters featured a field of 267 of the top professional and amateur bowlers in the world, competing for an overall prize fund of $255,000.

For more information on the USBC Masters, visit BOWL.com

2010 USBC MASTERS
At National Bowling Stadium, Reno, Nev.
Sunday's results
Final standings
1, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 548 (two games), $50,000.
2, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 217 (one game), $25,000.
3, Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 470 (two games), $15,000.
4, Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, 229 (one game), $10,000.
Stepladder results
Match One - Ciminelli def. Scroggins, 246-229
Match Two - Williams def. Ciminelli, 258-224
Championship Match - Williams def. Barnes, 290-217

Collinsville wins IHSA Girls State Title

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:34:00 +0000

Congratulations to the Collinsville Kahoks girls bowling team, winner of the 2010 IHSA Girls state title.

They set the state record for biggest score and were led by senior Frannie Steiner, who averaged nearly 230 for the two-day event at Rockford's Cherry Bowl.

The photo of Steiner is courtesy of the Chicago Tribune. Steve Korte's story in the Belleville News Democrat provides the details.

Kahoks roll their way to state crown

Collinsville's Steiner claims individual championship

BY STEVE KORTE - News-Democrat

Led by senior Frannie Steiner, the Collinsville Kahoks claimed the championship of the IHSA girls state bowling tournament Saturday at Cherry Bowl Lanes in Rockford.

Steiner led all bowlers in the state by averaging 229.7 pins per game over the two-day tournament. As a team, the Kahoks, who placed third at state last year, totaled a state tournament-record 12,450 pins, also a record average of 207.5 pins per game.

The previous highest pin count in the girls state bowling tournament was 12,267 by Lockport when it took the 2009 title.

"I've been coaching 10 years, and every year, this is the ultimate goal," Collinsville coach Sean Hay said in a telephone interview. "You work all year long to try to be the best in the state. We've had talent in the past, but this group put it all together at the right time and in the right tournament, and they did exactly what they were supposed to do."
Steiner knocked down 2,756 pins, 27 more than Schaumburg's Jodi Gawlik.
Steiner bowled three-game series of 645 and 665 on Saturday after rolling three-game series' of 717 and 729 on Friday.

In her 12th and final game, she rolled a 247 compared to 230 for Gawlik.
The left-handed Steiner said she had no idea that she was leading all the bowlers in the tournament.

"I didn't know," said Steiner, who was bowling anchor for the Kahoks. "After I threw the last ball, I turned around and everybody was crying and freaking out. I was like, 'OK, we got first place.' Somebody said, 'We won first place, and you won first place as an individual.' I was like, 'You're kidding.'"

Steiner credited the support of her teammates for helping her stay so consistent throughout the tournament.
"My team being behind me was the biggest thing," Steiner said. "If you get down after a few bad shots, they always pick you up. My team was behind me, and that really helped."

The Kahoks had three bowlers place in the Top 31 of the tournament.

Senior Katie Beauchamp was 19th with 2,519 pins, an average of 209.9 per game, while senior Sara Bell was 31st with 2,442 pins, an average of 203.5 per game. Senior Lisa Graham had a pin total of 2,216, averaging 201.5 per game for her 11 games.

Seniors Brittany Warner and Liz Hoffman, junior Elizabeth Beauchamp and freshman Amber Burns also contributed to the championship effort as the Kahoks utilized all eight of their bowlers.

"Usually if you have to sub somebody out, you're in trouble, but we used everybody," Hay said. "I think that kind of defines our team all year long. Everybody took a turn.

"It could be a curse when somebody could be a starter somewhere else, but they're on the bench for you. That curse turns into a blessing when everybody has the right team attitude."

Rockford Jefferson placed second with 12,316 pins for an average of 205.3 pins per game.

The Cahokia Comanches placed 10th with a total of 11,529 pins for an average of 192.2 per game.
Senior Tara Gamblin was the top bowler for the Comanches. Her two-day total of 2,574 pins (214.5 average) was good for 14th place. Senior Seannell Chambers chipped in 2,430 pins for the Comanches, ranking her 35th.

O'Fallon's Natalie Goodman was the next highest individual finisher from the metro-east to Steiner. The junior placed eighth with 2,645 pins, an average of 220.4 pins.

Senior Mackenzie Biegler from Belleville West was 21st with 2,505 pins, an average of 208.8 per game.

Contact Steve Korte at skorte@bnd.com or 239-2522.

Weber, Carter Advance in USBC Masters

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:45:00 +0000

The USBC Masters in Reno is now in the match play rounds and Pete Weber, seeded 9th and 26th seed Jeff Carter of Springfield (Il.) also advanced by winning their first two rounds.

There will be a new Masters champ in 2010. Last year's winner John Nolen is out after losing yesterday to Chris Barnes and John May.

Want to watch the rounds free on your computer? You can see the Masters live via the PBA Xtra Frame service at http://www.pba.com/.

Here are the up-to-date results as of 7:30 a.m. (CST) Friday in the double-elimination round. And if you want to talk about it, do it at the Bowling Hood Forum

OPENING MATCH PLAY ROUND
(Winners remain in winners bracket. Losers move to losers bracket)

(1) Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, def. (61) Tim Mack, Indianapolis, 673-573
(33) Tony Reyes, San Bruno, Calif., def. (29) Ritchie Allen, Columbia, S.C., 697-636
(45) Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla., def. (17) Michael Haugen Jr., Carefree, Ariz., 643-642
(13) Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan., def. (49) John Janawicz, Winter Haven, Fla., 695-684
(41) Jonathan Van Hees, Charlestown, R.I., def. (21) Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y., 588-586
(9) Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., def. (53) Ryan Abel, Bel Aire, Kan., 596-594
(25) Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., def. (37) Brian LeClair, Athens, N.Y., 614-595
(5) Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., def. (57) Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 729-695
(3) Patrick Allen, Wesley Chapel, Fla., def. (63) Paul Bober, Morton Grove, Ill., 634-631
(35) Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., def. (31) Dan MacLelland, Saginaw, Mich., 684-501
(19) Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., def. (47) Ronnie Horton, Christiansburg, Va., 717-661
(15) Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., def. (51) John May, Lincolnton, N.C., 688-594
(43) Kimmo Lehtonen, Finland, def. (23) Brian Voss, Alpharetta, Ga., 662-619
(11) Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, def. (55) Daniel Miyamoto, Mililani, Hawaii, 702-652
(27) Andrew Cain, Phoenix, def. (39) Steve Harman, Indianapolis, 703-639
(59) Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., def. (7) Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., 679-654
(2) Jason Belmonte, Australia, def. (62) Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., 658-580
(30) Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, def. (34) Eddie VanDaniker Jr., Essex, Md., 636-611
(18) Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., def. (46) Bob Aleksinski, Hillsboro, Ore., 700-582
(14) Joe Ciccone, Buffalo, N.Y., def. (50) PJ Haggerty, Clovis, Calif., 695-575
(42) Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., def. (22) Andres Gomez, Colombia, 617-532
(54) Erik Vermilyea, Mansfield, Texas, def. (10) Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 648-575
(26) Jeff Carter, Springfield, Ill., def. (38) Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 617-564
(58) Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., def. (6) Vinny D'Ambrosio III, Staten Island, N.Y., 647-645
(4) Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, def. (64) Jon Brandon, Santa Clarita, Calif., 634-552
(32) John Nolen, Grand Blanc, Mich., def. (36) Derek Eoff, Arlington, Texas, 668-662
(48) Scott Newell, Deland, Fla., def. (20) Andrew Frawley, Australia, 588-532
(52) Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., def. (16) Andrew Loose, Chicago, 633-558
(24) Mike DeVaney, San Diego, def. (44) David Langer, Brooklyn Park, Minn., 652-546
(56) Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., def. (12) Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 678-670
(28) Dave Wodka, Chatsworth, Calif., def. (40) Dan Bock, Albert Lea, Minn., 666-661
(8) Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, def. (60) Matthew O'Grady, South Amboy, N.J., 685-545

ROUND 1 WINNERS BRACKET

Loschetter def. Reyes, 705-638
Steelsmith def. Page, 716-688
Weber def. Van Hees, 746-648
O'Neill def. Shafer, 646-616

Smallwood def. P. Allen, 609-591
Williams Jr. def. McCune, 680-630
Scroggins def. Lehtonen, 556-543
Bohn III def. Cain, 699-622

Belmonte def. Monacelli, 671-610
Ciccone def. Jurek, 602-570
Ciminelli def. Vermilyea, 696-672
Carter def. Edwards, 683-608

Barnes def. Nolen, 696-642
Boresch Jr. def. Newell, 577-566
Kent def. DeVaney, 625-578
Malott def. Wodka, 708-593

ROUND 1 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $1,600)

Bock def. Mack, 617-507
R. Allen def. O'Grady, 682-633
Haugen Jr. def. Langer, 644-643
Koivuniemi def. Janawicz, 656-587

Fagan def. Frawley, 701-592
Abel def. Loose, 659-627
Brandon def. LeClair, 652-604
Angelo def. Eoff, 671-603

Waliczek def. Bober, 594-586
MacLelland def. D'Ambrosio III, 647-610
Gomez def. Horton, 581-545
May def. Castillo, 593-588

Voss def. Aleksinski, 598-542
Haggerty def. Miyamoto, 626-555
Harman def. Warren, 604-580
Jones def. VanDaniker Jr., 632-586
ROUND 2 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $1,900)

Bock def. Cain, 601-593
R. Allen def. McCune, 694-647
Haugen Jr. def. Lehtonen, 667-666
P. Allen def. Koivuniemi, 721-636

Van Hees def. Fagan, 603-569
Reyes def. Abel, 759-544
Shafer def. Brandon, 595-572
Angelo def. Page, 646-632

Wodka def. Waliczek, 671-654
Newell def. MacLelland, 588-561
Gomez def. DeVaney, 733-729
May def. Nolen, 699-595

Vermilyea def. Voss, 621-597
Haggerty def. Monacelli, 592-580
Edwards def. Harman, 687-655
Jurek def. Jones, 697-624

SimonSez: Kulick Fallout?

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:29:00 +0000

Could Kelly Kulick’s win at the PBA Tournament of Champions actually hurt the chance for a pro women’s tour?

It’s obvious her win was a shot in the arm for bowling in general. But there have been skeptics. We’ve already documented David Whitley’s vile and ignorant column in Fanhouse. But there are some bigwigs in the bowling industry who say Kulick’s win may actually kill the chance for a full time professional women’s bowling tour.

A source at the USBC who wished to remain anonymous was pleased about the event but had a bit of pessimism.

I agree that Kelly's skill and Tom's publicity ability have hit a home run for bowling. If there is a negative side at all it is only that this may serve as evidence that there is no need for a women's only tour or any other gender based bowling venue. I am not sure we are ready for that but maybe putting all eggs in one basket is all the industry can afford to support right now. Maybe it will even prove to be true in the long run.

A good friend of Bowling Hood and the sport, a man who has owned and runs a business that grosses more than the PBA in a year, also was skeptical.

One fact may come back to haunt the PBA. The fact that a woman beat one of the best bowlers of all time (or so they say) it may hurt the sport in a negative way! Never know huh?

Kulick’s win does not have any real impact right now. What has to happen is for her and other female bowlers to make PBA telecasts on a regular basis. Consistency drives the stake of memory into people’s minds. If that doesn’t happen, Kulick’s win will be a blip on the bowling and PBA history screen.

And if you didn’t have enough Kelly Kulick in your life, here’s a blast from the past – her appearance in the 1998 College Women’s Championship. St. Louisans note – the announcers are Jay Randolph and Bo Burton – even that rare combo is worth the view!

Spare Time for Striking Thoughts

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:31:00 +0000

The February issue of The Bowling News will be out shortly in your favorite St. Louis area bowling center and pro shop.

Below is editor Craig Mathew's column that would have appeared in his January edition:

Spare Time For Striking Thoughts

By Craig Mathews, Sr

In watching all the news media hype about Tiger Woods, it really makes me sick.

Not because of what he did, but because of the feeding frenzy of the media and the public.

One person said it is because he is black. And I said that was a bunch of bull because Magic Johnson's life-style makes Tiger Woods look like a piker and there wasn't a feeding frenzy about his being HIV positive.

Everybody is acting like Woods is the first and only public figure to get caught having affairs.

Does anybody else remember Bill "Slick Willie" Clinton and his affairs?

I don't know if any pro bowlers, male or female, have had affairs while on the road, but it would not surprise me. Why? Because they are human!

The problem is not with his indiscretions. The problem is with the general public thinking that public figures are some sort of God-like creature and they should be revered or even worshiped because they are better than the rest of us "low lifes". BULL!

They are people, all with their own opinions and with all the other human failings.

Did Tiger's home life make an affair a viable option?.

Did she complain constantly about every little thing he did? Or what he failed to do?

Was her previous life-style a stumbling block? If you didn't know, she did some nude modeling and, being European, with the European mores, has she talked about that phase of her life and made comparisons?

I don't know and I don't much care either, but that could have been the cause in his actions.

Was Tiger wrong for what he did? Yes, but without knowing all the details, I'm not going to condemn him. That's between him and his deity . And whether he's represents a product or not has no bearing on me buying it either.

People need to stop needing to know all the dirt that is going on in other people's lives. Maybe people do this to make themselves feel better about their own life.

The tabloids and tabloid TV exploit the failings of others because of the need of the general public to know the dirt.

If the general public would stop wanting the "dirt", TMZ and other exploiters of this attitude would go away.

Just think, if there was no market for the dirt, then Princess Diana might still be alive.

Everyone of us have done things that we may be less than proud of and that would be embarrassing if generally known. Would you like your private life secrets plastered all over the evening news?

Do yourself and your country a favor, stop buying into the negative journalistic hogwash. You really don't need to know how bad things are for someone else, just to make yourself feel better.

Do you?

THE BOWLING NEWS - The Hall of Fame

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:23:00 +0000

The Bowling News did not publish in January but its February issue will be available shortly in your favorite St. Louis area bowling center.

Editor Craig Mathews has forward to Bowling Hood his column regarding Hall of Fame issues:

By Craig Mathews, Sr

The purpose of any state Sports Hall of Fame is to recognize the top performing members of all sports whether that performance is on or off their sport's playing field and to be the premier showcase for these outstanding sports figures.

What is surprising is the number of people that are over looked by the state Hall of Fame's induction committees. This failing is not the committees fault as it is an inherent flaw in the induction system. They cannot know everybody that deserves the recognition, so they only choose those people that are most well-known. And this creates unfair comparisons between possible members and the more outstanding members.

As example, Babe Ruth is my undisputed best baseball player of all time. He was a 20game winning pitcher and, if you add that fact to his batting stats, you can understand my claim. If your system promotes comparisons, who could compete against these stats?

Induction into a Hall of Fame should not be a popularity contest , but each prospective candidate should be looked at for what they have accomplished and then accepted or denied.

Because the state Sports Hall of Fame committee cannot know everyone that is deserving, they should rely on the state organization of each sport they recognize.

If the individual sport's state organization inducts a member to their Hall of Fame, the inductee should automatically be included in the rolls of the state's Hall of Fame.

This system would do justice to all the deserving members of Halls of Fame that do not have the notoriety of other well-know members.

And would recognized and acknowledge the importance of the individual sports board members that do the inducting of their sports Hall of Famers.

If a state's Sports Hall of Fame committee desires the pomp and circumstance of an induction dinner, then invite all existing members to attend, at their own expense, to hear of their inclusion; invite the newest inductees, also at their own expense, to be recognized as the current year's induction class. And there is no need for individual speeches by any of the inductees.

As far as plaques for all included members and for the current year's inductees, the included members would buy their own plaques and the current ones would get them given to them.

And the cost to all the included members would not be that great because of the number of plaques that would be needed. However, even if the cost was $50 per plaque, I believe there would be no argument because of the honor of what the plaque would signify.

The system needs to be changed so those people that are deserving get the recognition that they have earned.

SIMON SEZ: Kulick NOT the only reason for big TV rating

simonsezpba@gmail.com (Scott Simon) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:24:00 +0000

OK, there are going to be naysayers to my analysis of why the PBA Tournament of Champions telecast Sunday generated the 2nd highest rating since the new era of the PBA began in 2000.

Kelly Kulick becoming the first woman to with a PBA Tour event is the first thing that will come to most everyone's mind.

But after 33 years in broadcasting as a producer, anchor, reporter and manager, I had to assess audience data with my job, so I now will share with you more factors that contribute to a show's success or failure, analysis you will not read anywhere else.

Bowling: How to Master the Game

First analysis: The telecast did NOT compete directly against NFL telecasts. The AFC championship game started an hour after Kulick's win. Therefore a lot of television sets were tuned to ESPN instead of FOX or CBS. Remember, Nielsen measures its rating on the number of television sets - not the number of people watching.

Too often, I've seen TV sets in bowling centers on Sundays dialed into the NFL. Success in TV is based on viewer habit. Watching NFL games is a habit. Watching NFL games is "must-watch" TV. Many times I've had to ask bowling centers to switch. They were in the habit of rarely switching. This past Sunday, ESPN stood out because there was no need to switch channels.

Second analysis: The key element in building viewers in television is to have a strong lead-in show and then force the audience to stay with you and not turn the channel. ESPN's NFL show leading into the PBA telecast is a strong lead-in. And with no NFL game competiting against the Tournament of Champions, viewers held the channel and didn't switch. If you don't think this is important, ask NBC-TV stations what their 10 p.m. (Central Time) news ratings were with Jay Leno's show as the lead-in. Most reported a drop of 25% because of that failed experiment.

Third analysis: Here's where Kulick's appearance paid off with added numbers. The Internet. Word of mouth. The PBA is at a disadvantage because it rarely gets advance publicity in sport sections and local sportscasts. Heck, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports section, edited by my close friend Don Reed didn't include the Detroit PBA tournaments in the TV listings because the shows were taped! That's how picky they are. So the Kulick "buzz" was real and real people got the word out.

Perspective facts: The PBA Tournament of Champions earned a 1.5 Nielsen Survey Index. That's a very good number. It's the 2nd biggest audience in ten years. Simon Sez beginning in 2002 wrote the PBA's real target average should be a 1 rating. That's a little over 1 million U.S. households.

Past years have seen Nielsen season averages of .7-.9. The NHL as a comparison has generated some ratings of .5, including St. Louis which is an NHL city. So a .8 isn't bad. A 1.0 is better. A 1.5 is outstanding. A 2.0 would be off the chart.

Prior to the Tournament of Champions, the PBA telecast of the World Championship (live) Dec. 13 and the Earl Anthony tournament earlier this month each earned a .6 rating. The Kulick show more than doubled the previous two telecasts combined. That's how big her win was for the PBA.

Because the remaining shows for the year don't have the NFL to compete against. All it needs a buzz each week like we saw last weekend, and perhaps the PBA can get to that 1.0 Nielsen average for the whole season.

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