GREENDALE, Wis. - Bowling greats Nelson Burton Jr. and Marshall Holman and award-winning USA Today columnist Christine Brennan have been named as the announcers for the ESPN telecasts of the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open presented by the United States Bowling Congress.
The U.S. Women’s Open will be conducted at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., in August and will feature a unique televised bracket-elimination format featuring the top 16 players after qualifying rounds. The first four elimination rounds will be taped Aug. 17-18 and shown Sept. 16, 23, 30 and Oct. 7 on ESPN. The final four competitors will return to Reno for a live televised championship round on Oct. 14.
Brennan, one of the country’s most respected sports columnists, will serve as sideline reporter and essayist. She also is a best-selling author and has worked as a commentator for ABC News, ESPN, National Public Radio and FOX Sports Radio. A leading expert on the Olympics and women’s sports issues, she also is a nationally known speaker. Her latest project is a new book, Best Seat in the House: A Father, A Daughter, A Journey Through Sports.
Burton, a member of the USBC and Professional Bowlers Association Halls of Fame, was part of one of sport’s most famous broadcast teams, partnering with lead announcer and fellow hall of famer Chris Schenkel as color analyst on PBA Tour telecasts for 23 years. Burton has most recently served as emcee for USBC’s Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Burton also had an outstanding bowling career winning 17 PBA Tour titles and holds the record for most USBC Open Championships titles with nine, including the 1976 Masters.
Holman, a member of the PBA Hall of Fame, returned to the booth in April as color analyst for the 2007 USBC Queens. He previously served as a color analyst for PBA telecasts from 1996 to 2001. Holman, the 1987 PBA Player of the Year, retired from the tour in 1996. During his career he won 22 titles including two Tournament of Champions (1976, '86) and two U.S. Opens (1981, '85).
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
They're Back...
For years, the world's top women bowlers have craved for more opportunities to compete at the sport's highest level. With the revival of the U.S. Women's Open, those bowlers are embracing the upcoming chance to compete against the best. The U.S. Women's Open presented by the United States Bowling Congress will be conducted for the first time since 2003, the same year the Professional Women's Bowling Association ceased operations. The event will be held Aug. 13-18 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., with the elimination and championship rounds telecast by ESPN beginning in September. The return of one of bowling's major events has Team USA standouts Diandra Asbaty of Chicago, Shannon Pluhowsky of Phoenix and Shannon O'Keefe of Rochester, N.Y., excited for the future. "I'm very hopeful this is the start of something big," said Asbaty, a nine-time Team USA member and 2003 graduate of the University of Nebraska who never got the chance to compete on the PWBA Tour. "I really think people are going to respond to this event in a very positive and major way." Pluhowsky, a three-time U.S. Amateur champion and the 2006 USBC Queens champion, has traveled the world competing at the highest level. She grew up with ambitions of making a living as a professional bowler. "We all grow up hoping to be able to bowl professionally," said Pluhowsky, who also owled at Nebraska. "I think this is a step in the right direction. Hopefully, these events will lead to the creation of another women's pro tour." While there is no full-time women's professional tour, the Professional Bowlers Association will conduct four special women's events, called the PBA Women's Series, alongside selected regular Denny's PBA Tour events this fall. Qualifying for these events will take place during the U.S. Women's Open. "In order for this sport to survive, we have to give the young women something to look forward to," said O'Keefe, who finished fifth at this year's USBC Queens. "The PBA Women's Series and the U.S. Women's Open do just that. I think it's awesome." The U.S. Women's Open final rounds will feature a bracket elimination format in which the top 16 players will compete on television. In a deal with ESPN, the first four rounds of the finals will be taped Aug. 17-18 and shown on Sept. 16, 23, 30 and Oct. 7. The final four competitors will return to Reno for a live televised championship round on Oct. 14. The U.S. Women's Open has an entry fee of $250 and is open to any female USBC member. The event will feature a guaranteed prize fund of $150,000, including $25,000 to the winner. The players who advance to the top 16 are guaranteed at least $3,000. Competitors in the U.S. Women's Open will also have the option of paying an additional $750 entry fee to have a shot at 16 spots available in the PBA Women's Series, which will feature four events with a total prize fund of $50,000 for each event, including a top prize of $10,000 and last cash of $1,800. The championship match of all four PBA Women's Series events will be televised as part of the ESPN telecasts for the four Denny's PBA Tour events in which women's events will run concurrently. Earlier this week, the PBA announced that it would no longer require PBA membership for the 16 players who qualify for the Women's Series. The move allows amateur players, such as those on Team USA, to maintain their amateur status.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Firepower...
Don’t forget to tune into the GEICO PBA All-Star Shootout hosted by Six Flags that begins airing over five consecutive weekends beginning this Sunday. The first two of 15 shows air June 24 from 1-2 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The Shootout is a special made-for-TV doubles competition featuring 16 of the PBA's top stars. Included in that group are 2006-07 PBA Player of the Year Doug Kent, 2005-06 Player of the Year Tommy Jones, 2006-07 Rookie of the Year Billy Oatman, PBA all-time titles holder Walter Ray Williams Jr. and PBA Hall of Famer Pete Weber.
The event, which is also sponsored by USBC, Aaron's Rents, Denny's, GEICO and Motel 6, took place June 14-15 at Six Flags St. Louis. The 16 players were paired into eight teams for a doubles competition with the winning team splitting $50,000.
Below is a complete list of scheduled air times. Be sure to check your local listings.
June 24 ESPN 1-2 p.m. ET (2)
July 1 ESPN 1-2 p.m. ET (2)
July 8 ESPN 3-5 p.m. ET (4)
July 15 ESPN 3-5 p.m. ET (4)
July 21 ESPN 12-2:30 p.m. ET (5)
July 22 ESPN2 3-5 p.m. ET (re-air of 4 shows)
The Shootout is a special made-for-TV doubles competition featuring 16 of the PBA's top stars. Included in that group are 2006-07 PBA Player of the Year Doug Kent, 2005-06 Player of the Year Tommy Jones, 2006-07 Rookie of the Year Billy Oatman, PBA all-time titles holder Walter Ray Williams Jr. and PBA Hall of Famer Pete Weber.
The event, which is also sponsored by USBC, Aaron's Rents, Denny's, GEICO and Motel 6, took place June 14-15 at Six Flags St. Louis. The 16 players were paired into eight teams for a doubles competition with the winning team splitting $50,000.
Below is a complete list of scheduled air times. Be sure to check your local listings.
June 24 ESPN 1-2 p.m. ET (2)
July 1 ESPN 1-2 p.m. ET (2)
July 8 ESPN 3-5 p.m. ET (4)
July 15 ESPN 3-5 p.m. ET (4)
July 21 ESPN 12-2:30 p.m. ET (5)
July 22 ESPN2 3-5 p.m. ET (re-air of 4 shows)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Bowling for Scholorships!
Bowling for scholars
Money for college makes league's fun even sweeterBy Robin RoenkerSPECIAL TO THE HERALD-LEADER
L. Curtis Hammond is a born teacher. Weekdays, the Morehead State University associate professor of music finds himself teaching French horn and music history to college students. On Saturdays, though, Hammond's classroom is a different sort altogether. His students are much younger. And the instrument of choice isn't a horn, but a bowling ball. Since last summer, Hammond has coached in and directed the youth bowling league at Mount Sterling's Sterling Lanes Family Fun Center. Under his leadership, the league has successfully transitioned from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning play and has grown to include 40 players, ages 6 through 13. Turns out, teaching French horn and coaching youth bowling have a lot in common, Hammond said. "There are so many similarities with both of them. ... It's all about getting them to have really strong fundamentals. And then letting them progress and go with them as they kind of develop their own individual styles," said Hammond, who has taught at Morehead State since 1993. Recently, Hammond and the league's other coaches -- Hammond's wife, Cathy, and Eric Spurlock, manager of Sterling Lanes -- incorporated a scholarship tournament component within the fall league, which runs September through April. At the first tournament, held April 21, $1,300 in college scholarship money was awarded to the top three boy and girl finishers.
The league held a raffle, sold T-shirts and held "split-the-pot" drawings at the bowling lanes to raise money for the scholarship prizes. Through similar events and business sponsorships, Hammond hopes to raise even more funds for future tournaments. "There are tournaments that kids can bowl in at the state or national level and earn scholarship money, and we thought that was a great idea. We wanted to do something on our own to get more kids a chance to earn scholarship money, and maybe higher amounts of scholarships," he said. The scholarship money goes into a SMART (Scholarship Management and Accounting Reports for Tenpins) account managed by the U.S. Bowling Congress until the student is ready to enroll in college or technical school, Hammond said. Daughter got professor back in the alley Hammond enjoys that, through bowling, his two young daughters, Abby, 9, and Meghan, 7, are already thinking about and saving for college. "When Abby goes to college, my guess is she'll have $2,000, $3,000 or $4,000" in bowling scholarship money, Hammond said. "She'll have a year of college paid for, just from doing bowling." Like her older sister, Meghan Hammond has become an active and accomplished young bowler. Both girls have placed highly at state tournaments. And the sport is something the family enjoys doing together often, Hammond said. "One of the things about bowling that's nice, is that not every kid is built to play football, and not every kid is built to play soccer. Not every kid is going to be able to shoot a basketball or hit a baseball, so here's another sport where they can develop self-discipline, and hand-eye coordination, athletic ability and those things," Hammond said. Bowling provides "good clean fun," to kids, said Connie Willoughby, whose stepdaughter, Judy, 9, participates in the league. "It's brought out social skills and abilities she never knew she had, and the scholarship component encourages the kids to continue their education, which is wonderful. "Judy absolutely loves it. She would stay at the bowling lanes 24/7 if we let her, because of her love of the game, and the excellent coaching she's received there." From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday during the summer and fall leagues, Hammond can be found helping kids perfect their play. Hammond said working around shorter attention spans is one of the biggest hurdles in coaching young bowlers. He likes to pull kids back to the carpet during down time between their turns to work on fundamentals. And he mixes in a lot of high-fiving and pats on the back to encourage them, even when the strikes may not be coming so easily. Hammond feels bowling is on the cusp of becoming a much more mainstream option for kids. "One of the reasons that bowling is not one of the things that parents think about with their kids is that long misconception of what bowling is," Hammond said. "You think of the old days, with the beer-drinking guys that are on league and all the cigarette smoking and stuff. But bowling has really taken off in this country, and there's a lot of interest with the youth."
Money for college makes league's fun even sweeterBy Robin RoenkerSPECIAL TO THE HERALD-LEADER
L. Curtis Hammond is a born teacher. Weekdays, the Morehead State University associate professor of music finds himself teaching French horn and music history to college students. On Saturdays, though, Hammond's classroom is a different sort altogether. His students are much younger. And the instrument of choice isn't a horn, but a bowling ball. Since last summer, Hammond has coached in and directed the youth bowling league at Mount Sterling's Sterling Lanes Family Fun Center. Under his leadership, the league has successfully transitioned from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning play and has grown to include 40 players, ages 6 through 13. Turns out, teaching French horn and coaching youth bowling have a lot in common, Hammond said. "There are so many similarities with both of them. ... It's all about getting them to have really strong fundamentals. And then letting them progress and go with them as they kind of develop their own individual styles," said Hammond, who has taught at Morehead State since 1993. Recently, Hammond and the league's other coaches -- Hammond's wife, Cathy, and Eric Spurlock, manager of Sterling Lanes -- incorporated a scholarship tournament component within the fall league, which runs September through April. At the first tournament, held April 21, $1,300 in college scholarship money was awarded to the top three boy and girl finishers.
The league held a raffle, sold T-shirts and held "split-the-pot" drawings at the bowling lanes to raise money for the scholarship prizes. Through similar events and business sponsorships, Hammond hopes to raise even more funds for future tournaments. "There are tournaments that kids can bowl in at the state or national level and earn scholarship money, and we thought that was a great idea. We wanted to do something on our own to get more kids a chance to earn scholarship money, and maybe higher amounts of scholarships," he said. The scholarship money goes into a SMART (Scholarship Management and Accounting Reports for Tenpins) account managed by the U.S. Bowling Congress until the student is ready to enroll in college or technical school, Hammond said. Daughter got professor back in the alley Hammond enjoys that, through bowling, his two young daughters, Abby, 9, and Meghan, 7, are already thinking about and saving for college. "When Abby goes to college, my guess is she'll have $2,000, $3,000 or $4,000" in bowling scholarship money, Hammond said. "She'll have a year of college paid for, just from doing bowling." Like her older sister, Meghan Hammond has become an active and accomplished young bowler. Both girls have placed highly at state tournaments. And the sport is something the family enjoys doing together often, Hammond said. "One of the things about bowling that's nice, is that not every kid is built to play football, and not every kid is built to play soccer. Not every kid is going to be able to shoot a basketball or hit a baseball, so here's another sport where they can develop self-discipline, and hand-eye coordination, athletic ability and those things," Hammond said. Bowling provides "good clean fun," to kids, said Connie Willoughby, whose stepdaughter, Judy, 9, participates in the league. "It's brought out social skills and abilities she never knew she had, and the scholarship component encourages the kids to continue their education, which is wonderful. "Judy absolutely loves it. She would stay at the bowling lanes 24/7 if we let her, because of her love of the game, and the excellent coaching she's received there." From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday during the summer and fall leagues, Hammond can be found helping kids perfect their play. Hammond said working around shorter attention spans is one of the biggest hurdles in coaching young bowlers. He likes to pull kids back to the carpet during down time between their turns to work on fundamentals. And he mixes in a lot of high-fiving and pats on the back to encourage them, even when the strikes may not be coming so easily. Hammond feels bowling is on the cusp of becoming a much more mainstream option for kids. "One of the reasons that bowling is not one of the things that parents think about with their kids is that long misconception of what bowling is," Hammond said. "You think of the old days, with the beer-drinking guys that are on league and all the cigarette smoking and stuff. But bowling has really taken off in this country, and there's a lot of interest with the youth."
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Here come the Ladies again!
Women's PBA tour to roll into Detroit
BY MATT FIORITO
FREE PRESS BOWLING WRITER
The Denny's Pro Bowlers Association Tour hasn't completed its schedule for the 2007-08 season, but officials in Seattle have confirmed that a new chapter of bowling history will be written in the Detroit metro area. In addition to hosting its regular PBA tournament stop Oct. 31-Nov. 4, Taylor Lanes has been chosen as the host of the inaugural tournament in the PBA Women's Series sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress. The tour starts with the USBC Masters Oct. 23-28 in Milwaukee, followed by the Motor City Classic, which is the first regular PBA tournament of the season. Since the Professional Women's Bowling Association died in 2003, a handful of the top women have competed in PBA events, most notably Kelly Kulick, who qualified as an exempt PBA player for the 2006-07 tour. But in April, the PBA and the USBC, which held the rights to the women's tour, announced that four of the stops on the 2007-08 PBA would also host a women's tournament. It's a mini mini-tour -- 16 women will compete based on tour trials at the USBC Women's Open Aug. 13-18 in Reno, Nev., and just for four tournaments -- but it's a needed and welcome start. "We're thrilled and honored to be chosen to host the rebirth of women's pro bowling," Taylor Lanes general manager Erin Dobbins said. "It's another opportunity for us to make history. The tour trials at the Open and the incorporation of women's competition into the PBA Tour is one example of many great results coming from the growing relationship between the USBC and the PBA." The title match of the women's tournament will be part of the finals telecast for the men's tournament Nov. 4. The winner of each women's event will earn $10,000. All 16 participants are guaranteed a minimum of $1,800 each week.
BY MATT FIORITO
FREE PRESS BOWLING WRITER
The Denny's Pro Bowlers Association Tour hasn't completed its schedule for the 2007-08 season, but officials in Seattle have confirmed that a new chapter of bowling history will be written in the Detroit metro area. In addition to hosting its regular PBA tournament stop Oct. 31-Nov. 4, Taylor Lanes has been chosen as the host of the inaugural tournament in the PBA Women's Series sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress. The tour starts with the USBC Masters Oct. 23-28 in Milwaukee, followed by the Motor City Classic, which is the first regular PBA tournament of the season. Since the Professional Women's Bowling Association died in 2003, a handful of the top women have competed in PBA events, most notably Kelly Kulick, who qualified as an exempt PBA player for the 2006-07 tour. But in April, the PBA and the USBC, which held the rights to the women's tour, announced that four of the stops on the 2007-08 PBA would also host a women's tournament. It's a mini mini-tour -- 16 women will compete based on tour trials at the USBC Women's Open Aug. 13-18 in Reno, Nev., and just for four tournaments -- but it's a needed and welcome start. "We're thrilled and honored to be chosen to host the rebirth of women's pro bowling," Taylor Lanes general manager Erin Dobbins said. "It's another opportunity for us to make history. The tour trials at the Open and the incorporation of women's competition into the PBA Tour is one example of many great results coming from the growing relationship between the USBC and the PBA." The title match of the women's tournament will be part of the finals telecast for the men's tournament Nov. 4. The winner of each women's event will earn $10,000. All 16 participants are guaranteed a minimum of $1,800 each week.
Prez honors Commodores...
President Bush honors Vanderbilt women's bowling team at White House
By Will MatthewsCourtesy of VUCommodores.com
WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush honored the Vanderbilt University women's bowling team Monday afternoon during a special ceremony on the White House's South Lawn.
The 10-player team and its coaches which captured the university's first-ever NCAA team national championship in April arrived in the nation's capitol early Monday and were greeted personally by Bush in the State Dining Room before being introduced on the South Lawn while the Marine Corps marching band played the Vanderbilt fight song, "Dynamite." "It was a pretty unreal experience," said sophomore Michelle Peloquin. "It means a lot to be invited to a place like this. It really is an honor to be recognized in this kind of environment." The Commodores were one of a diverse array of 28 teams that won NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007 - from the University of Florida men's basketball team to the UCLA women's water polo team - that took part in Monday's ceremony and listened as Bush said during an eight-minute address that the one thing all the gathered athletes had in common was achieving "the great title of champion." "People underestimate just how hard we work so getting invited to the White House puts it all into perspective," said sophomore Mandy Keily. "This is the real thing. We are NCAA champions." The team presented Bush with an authentic team jersey and a red, white and blue bowling ball inscribed with the team's logo, a moment that allowed for some humor, Peloquin said. "We were all waiting for him to come and take his picture with us and when he arrived we got real quiet," said Peloquin. "But he came in and made us less nervous by cracking some jokes. We joked that he could use the ball in the bowling lanes in the basement of the White House and he said that was nice. It was fun to be able to see him as a real person." For both Peloquin and Keily, being acknowledged at the White House provided some legitimacy for those critics who still don't view bowling as a sport that stacks up with some of the other more publicized major NCAA sports. "It is something we have been fighting for," Keily said. "We want people to see that we work just as hard as any of the other teams that came here today." Monday's visit marked the first time in history that a college bowling team met with a U.S. President and provided what head coach John Williamson said was a tremendous cap to a tremendous season. "I am excited for the program, for the sport and for the girls," Williamson said. "To be able to interact with the President for even a brief period of time is something a lot of people don't get to do and I hope it is something the kids will remember and something they will be able to be proud of. When I took this job three years ago the goal was to win the national championship and so for this year to end like this puts an exclamation point on a great year."
Freshman Josie Earnest, who earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the NCAA National Collegiate Women's Bowling Championship, will join outgoing senior Christine Luce on the ESPN2 program "First Take" on Tuesday at 10:30 EDT to discuss the Commodores' championship run.
By Will MatthewsCourtesy of VUCommodores.com
WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush honored the Vanderbilt University women's bowling team Monday afternoon during a special ceremony on the White House's South Lawn.
The 10-player team and its coaches which captured the university's first-ever NCAA team national championship in April arrived in the nation's capitol early Monday and were greeted personally by Bush in the State Dining Room before being introduced on the South Lawn while the Marine Corps marching band played the Vanderbilt fight song, "Dynamite." "It was a pretty unreal experience," said sophomore Michelle Peloquin. "It means a lot to be invited to a place like this. It really is an honor to be recognized in this kind of environment." The Commodores were one of a diverse array of 28 teams that won NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007 - from the University of Florida men's basketball team to the UCLA women's water polo team - that took part in Monday's ceremony and listened as Bush said during an eight-minute address that the one thing all the gathered athletes had in common was achieving "the great title of champion." "People underestimate just how hard we work so getting invited to the White House puts it all into perspective," said sophomore Mandy Keily. "This is the real thing. We are NCAA champions." The team presented Bush with an authentic team jersey and a red, white and blue bowling ball inscribed with the team's logo, a moment that allowed for some humor, Peloquin said. "We were all waiting for him to come and take his picture with us and when he arrived we got real quiet," said Peloquin. "But he came in and made us less nervous by cracking some jokes. We joked that he could use the ball in the bowling lanes in the basement of the White House and he said that was nice. It was fun to be able to see him as a real person." For both Peloquin and Keily, being acknowledged at the White House provided some legitimacy for those critics who still don't view bowling as a sport that stacks up with some of the other more publicized major NCAA sports. "It is something we have been fighting for," Keily said. "We want people to see that we work just as hard as any of the other teams that came here today." Monday's visit marked the first time in history that a college bowling team met with a U.S. President and provided what head coach John Williamson said was a tremendous cap to a tremendous season. "I am excited for the program, for the sport and for the girls," Williamson said. "To be able to interact with the President for even a brief period of time is something a lot of people don't get to do and I hope it is something the kids will remember and something they will be able to be proud of. When I took this job three years ago the goal was to win the national championship and so for this year to end like this puts an exclamation point on a great year."
Freshman Josie Earnest, who earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the NCAA National Collegiate Women's Bowling Championship, will join outgoing senior Christine Luce on the ESPN2 program "First Take" on Tuesday at 10:30 EDT to discuss the Commodores' championship run.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Forget the NBA!
USBC's newest spokesperson, rising NBA star Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, has been certified as a USBC Sport Bowling member, joining thousands who have made a committment to embrace a greater challenge for the overall good of the sport. While his busy NBA schedule will keep him from participating in a weekly league, Paul still receives all the benefits that go with USBC membership, including quarterly issues of US Bowler. Anyone can join USBC - becoming a USBC member shows a committment to the growth and future of bowling and USBC programs.
The 22-year-old Winston-Salem, N.C., native has quickly become one of the most talked about young stars in the NBA after winning the 2005-06 Rookie of the Year Award and helping lead the U.S. Men's National Basketball Team to a bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championships last summer. When not thrilling fans in NBA arenas, Paul can be found crafting his skills in another sport he is passionate about bowling. Paul's passion for bowling has roots with his family his father, Charles, is a USBC member certified in the Piedmont (N.C) USBC Association. Chris has been bowling since a youngster and when not in basketball season, he joins family and friends to bowl as often as twice a day at AMF Major League Lanes in Winston-Salem. Even during basketball season, he tries to bowl once a week. As a spokesperson, Paul represented by Octagon promotes USBC, its programs and the sport of bowling in various television, radio and newspaper interviews as well as appears in advertising and promotional campaigns. The signature event of Paul's charity weekend is a celebrity bowling tournament that draws some of the NBA's top names. The second annual "Chris Paul's Winston-Salem Weekend" will be held Sept. 14-16, 2007.
The 22-year-old Winston-Salem, N.C., native has quickly become one of the most talked about young stars in the NBA after winning the 2005-06 Rookie of the Year Award and helping lead the U.S. Men's National Basketball Team to a bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championships last summer. When not thrilling fans in NBA arenas, Paul can be found crafting his skills in another sport he is passionate about bowling. Paul's passion for bowling has roots with his family his father, Charles, is a USBC member certified in the Piedmont (N.C) USBC Association. Chris has been bowling since a youngster and when not in basketball season, he joins family and friends to bowl as often as twice a day at AMF Major League Lanes in Winston-Salem. Even during basketball season, he tries to bowl once a week. As a spokesperson, Paul represented by Octagon promotes USBC, its programs and the sport of bowling in various television, radio and newspaper interviews as well as appears in advertising and promotional campaigns. The signature event of Paul's charity weekend is a celebrity bowling tournament that draws some of the NBA's top names. The second annual "Chris Paul's Winston-Salem Weekend" will be held Sept. 14-16, 2007.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Have a Ball!
How To Shop For A Bowling Ball
Written by J. Lloyd
Ever since its creation thousands of years ago, bowling has become a sport that people of all ages can enjoy and millions around the world do. Minimally physical, fairly fast-paced and generally quite affordable, there's just something about bowling that hooks people quick. Those who decide to really delve into the sport will likely find themselves shopping for a bowling ball of their own. Getting a personal bowling ball is a great idea for league players and even casual enthusiasts who play a bit more than once in a while. Shopping for a ball can present a bit of quandary, however. Here's what to consider in a bowling ball:* Budget. Balls can get rather expensive. It's not a bad idea to set a budget before doing some serious shopping. Very inexpensive balls can roll in at about $50, but professional grade ones will cost in the hundreds or more. It is possible to find good buys on all types of balls by shopping around and even considering used or form lane balls, but many prefer to have their very own, brand new ball.* Ball type. A bowling ball can have different surface material. This material will help determine its performance when the ball hits the lane. The better the ball, generally, the more friction it provides. This gives a player more control over the ball as it makes its way down a slick lane. The different surfaces include plastic, urethane, reactive resin and particle, or pro-active. Plastic, or polyester, is generally the most affordable and provides the least amount of friction. This ball is considered a beginner's tool. The urethane bowling ball offers a little more control at a slightly higher price. The reactive resin bowling ball provides more hook possibility and power than the other two options. The pro-active ball is considered more of a tournament player's weapon. It offers the most friction and the best reaction in oil. This type of ball is generally the most expensive.* Weight. This is another very important consideration. The standard rule of thumb is to find a ball that is roughly about 10 percent of a person's own body weight. Some people might feel more comfortable with a ball that is slightly lighter or heavier, however. Before taking the plunge and buying a bowling ball, it's not a bad idea to play with several different weights to see what feels the best. The results on the lane are the most important consideration here, even above the standard rule of thumb.* Color, style. The appearance of the ball might not be the most important consideration for game play, but it can be for morale. Find a ball that not only fits budget and design choice, but all appearance choice for a truly ideal purchase. Balls come in a variety of colors and styles. Basic black is not the only option by a long shot.Buying a personal bowling ball can be a great investment for someone who likes to roll a lot. Rather than having to adjust to a different ball every game, this investment puts power in a player's hands.
Written by J. Lloyd
Ever since its creation thousands of years ago, bowling has become a sport that people of all ages can enjoy and millions around the world do. Minimally physical, fairly fast-paced and generally quite affordable, there's just something about bowling that hooks people quick. Those who decide to really delve into the sport will likely find themselves shopping for a bowling ball of their own. Getting a personal bowling ball is a great idea for league players and even casual enthusiasts who play a bit more than once in a while. Shopping for a ball can present a bit of quandary, however. Here's what to consider in a bowling ball:* Budget. Balls can get rather expensive. It's not a bad idea to set a budget before doing some serious shopping. Very inexpensive balls can roll in at about $50, but professional grade ones will cost in the hundreds or more. It is possible to find good buys on all types of balls by shopping around and even considering used or form lane balls, but many prefer to have their very own, brand new ball.* Ball type. A bowling ball can have different surface material. This material will help determine its performance when the ball hits the lane. The better the ball, generally, the more friction it provides. This gives a player more control over the ball as it makes its way down a slick lane. The different surfaces include plastic, urethane, reactive resin and particle, or pro-active. Plastic, or polyester, is generally the most affordable and provides the least amount of friction. This ball is considered a beginner's tool. The urethane bowling ball offers a little more control at a slightly higher price. The reactive resin bowling ball provides more hook possibility and power than the other two options. The pro-active ball is considered more of a tournament player's weapon. It offers the most friction and the best reaction in oil. This type of ball is generally the most expensive.* Weight. This is another very important consideration. The standard rule of thumb is to find a ball that is roughly about 10 percent of a person's own body weight. Some people might feel more comfortable with a ball that is slightly lighter or heavier, however. Before taking the plunge and buying a bowling ball, it's not a bad idea to play with several different weights to see what feels the best. The results on the lane are the most important consideration here, even above the standard rule of thumb.* Color, style. The appearance of the ball might not be the most important consideration for game play, but it can be for morale. Find a ball that not only fits budget and design choice, but all appearance choice for a truly ideal purchase. Balls come in a variety of colors and styles. Basic black is not the only option by a long shot.Buying a personal bowling ball can be a great investment for someone who likes to roll a lot. Rather than having to adjust to a different ball every game, this investment puts power in a player's hands.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Some new young guns...
Upsets in Junior Masters bowling finale
The top seeds failed to sprout in the 21st Dan Ottman Memorial Championship, but a couple of bright new stars blossomed in the Alro Steel Michigan Junior Masters Association season finale Sunday in Monroe. In a battle of good friends and doubles partners at Held's Monroe Sport Center, Jesse Hojnacki of Port Huron won the boys title, defeating top-ranked Ryan Van Hecke of Sterling Heights, 226-182. It was Hojnacki's first singles title, after winning three doubles titles, the last with Van Hecke in January. "It feels good," Hojnacki said. "I've been waiting awhile for this one. I'm glad I got to face my friend for it. I wouldn't have wanted to go against anyone else." In an all-Ontario girls final, second-seeded Valerie Calberry of Brampton capped her rookie of the year season by defeating bowler of the year Jennifer Churchill of Windsor in the title match, 205-168. "It hasn't kicked in yet," Calberry replied when asked her reaction to her first title being a major. In addition to competing against the season's top player, Calberry was also competing against her boyfriend's sister. Did that add any pressure? "You really don't think about what bowler you're facing," Calberry said. "You just concentrate on making good shots." Calberry won $1,250 in scholarship money; Churchill $600, and Sarah Jaeger of Highland $500. Felicia Goll of St. Clair Shores, who lost the stepladder opener to Jaeger, 185-175, earned $400. Hojnacki won a $2,500 scholarship; Van Hecke $1,500; Tim Pfiefer of Cranberry Twp., Pa., $1,250; Kevin Black of Port Clinton, Ohio, $1,000, and John Kaashoek of Jenison $900. Other season-ending awards went to Kaashoek and Sara Litteral of Chesterfield Twp.; each was awarded $1,000 Ottman Memorial Scholarships. John Kelley of Sterling Heights was the boys bowler of the year and Chris Creeks of Zelienople, Pa., was boys rookie of the year.
By Matt Fiorito
The top seeds failed to sprout in the 21st Dan Ottman Memorial Championship, but a couple of bright new stars blossomed in the Alro Steel Michigan Junior Masters Association season finale Sunday in Monroe. In a battle of good friends and doubles partners at Held's Monroe Sport Center, Jesse Hojnacki of Port Huron won the boys title, defeating top-ranked Ryan Van Hecke of Sterling Heights, 226-182. It was Hojnacki's first singles title, after winning three doubles titles, the last with Van Hecke in January. "It feels good," Hojnacki said. "I've been waiting awhile for this one. I'm glad I got to face my friend for it. I wouldn't have wanted to go against anyone else." In an all-Ontario girls final, second-seeded Valerie Calberry of Brampton capped her rookie of the year season by defeating bowler of the year Jennifer Churchill of Windsor in the title match, 205-168. "It hasn't kicked in yet," Calberry replied when asked her reaction to her first title being a major. In addition to competing against the season's top player, Calberry was also competing against her boyfriend's sister. Did that add any pressure? "You really don't think about what bowler you're facing," Calberry said. "You just concentrate on making good shots." Calberry won $1,250 in scholarship money; Churchill $600, and Sarah Jaeger of Highland $500. Felicia Goll of St. Clair Shores, who lost the stepladder opener to Jaeger, 185-175, earned $400. Hojnacki won a $2,500 scholarship; Van Hecke $1,500; Tim Pfiefer of Cranberry Twp., Pa., $1,250; Kevin Black of Port Clinton, Ohio, $1,000, and John Kaashoek of Jenison $900. Other season-ending awards went to Kaashoek and Sara Litteral of Chesterfield Twp.; each was awarded $1,000 Ottman Memorial Scholarships. John Kelley of Sterling Heights was the boys bowler of the year and Chris Creeks of Zelienople, Pa., was boys rookie of the year.
By Matt Fiorito
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Real Financial Aid!
North Pointe bowling event rich in scholarships
High school tourney set for Indian Lanes
June 5, 2007
BY MATT FIORITO
FREE PRESS BOWLING WRITER
Money for college is always a concern, so if you're a graduating high school senior who's a bowler, don't waste any time in entering the North Pointe Insurance Group $100,000 High School Singles Championship, July 24-26 at Indian Lanes in Wyandotte. The championship, conducted through the Bowling Proprietors Association of America, is open to any 2006-07 graduate who bowled on a high school team or is a United States Bowling Congress youth member. The only other requirement is a minimum 2.0 grade-point average, and the field is limited to the first 240 boys and 240 girls who apply. Since first place in each division awards $15,000 in scholarship money, I'm surprised that seniors from Michigan haven't already filled the field. The entry fee is $50, and I'm told the gift bag each participant receives will be worth more than that. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.bpaa.com or www.bowl.com. Information also is available through the BPAA at 800-343-1329, ext. 204. The high school championship at Indian Lanes will be held in conjunction with the $70,000 QuibicaAMF International Family Tournament, which runs July 26-28. That field will consist of parent/child or parent/teen teams who were state or provincial winners in qualifying tournaments held in the United States and Canada. First place in each division is a $5,000 scholarship.
TUNE-UP TIME: High school seniors can compete against their peers and warm up for the North Pointe tournament -- and earn some scholarship money -- by entering the Michigan All-Star Tournament at Sunnybrook Lanes in Sterling Heights on June 23-24. It's for graduating high school seniors only. Scholarship money also is available in the Bowl Swami SMART Singles Tournament on June 23 at Sunnybrook for bowlers who were in grades 9-11 in 2006-07. Entry forms are available at MHSIBCA.com.
SEASON FINALE: The Alro Steel/Michigan Junior Masters Association will wrap up its 21st season Friday through Sunday at Monroe Sport Center in Monroe, with the Dan Ottman Memorial Championship Tournament. A field of 57 boys and 18 girls will compete for the titles and a share of more than $20,000 in scholarships. Players to watch are season points leader and three-time winner John Kelley of Sterling Heights and two-time winners Ryan Van Hecke of Sterling Heights and Brian McMahon of Saginaw, along with intercollegiate singles champion Tim Pfeifer (Robert Morris University) of Cranberry Township, Pa. On the girls side are four-time winner Christine Bator of Warren, three-time winner Jennifer Churchill of Windsor and two-time winner Bethan McGeary of New Kensington, Pa. Opening ceremonies, which include the presentation of the Ottman Memorial Scholarships, are 6 p.m. Friday, followed by qualifying at 7 p.m. Qualifying continues at 9 a.m. Saturday. The final round of match play starts at 9 a.m. Sunday; stepladder finals follow at about 1:30 p.m.
CHALLENGE WINNERS: Vicki Shieck stepped in for me at the University of Michigan Transplant Center's Bowling for Camp Michitanki Challenge and probably saved me several inches of column space. Normally in these challenges I get beat by everybody, but this year, with Nurse Vicki performing ably on the lanes, the only challenge winners -- and congratulations to them -- were Mike Moceri, Kyle Green, Doug Armstrong, Alyson Sprang, Jordan Garypie, Katie Lassila, Robert Pluhatsch, Scott Potis, David Cain, Jim Henson, Cindy Terznzi, Destenee Hudson, Dianne McPharlin, Lorie Uranga, Kaleb Diana, Scharry Milne, Joan Armstrong, Rodney Howard and Paul Lassila. To make a contribution to the camp, which is for children who have had transplant surgery, call 734-936-3460.
High school tourney set for Indian Lanes
June 5, 2007
BY MATT FIORITO
FREE PRESS BOWLING WRITER
Money for college is always a concern, so if you're a graduating high school senior who's a bowler, don't waste any time in entering the North Pointe Insurance Group $100,000 High School Singles Championship, July 24-26 at Indian Lanes in Wyandotte. The championship, conducted through the Bowling Proprietors Association of America, is open to any 2006-07 graduate who bowled on a high school team or is a United States Bowling Congress youth member. The only other requirement is a minimum 2.0 grade-point average, and the field is limited to the first 240 boys and 240 girls who apply. Since first place in each division awards $15,000 in scholarship money, I'm surprised that seniors from Michigan haven't already filled the field. The entry fee is $50, and I'm told the gift bag each participant receives will be worth more than that. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.bpaa.com or www.bowl.com. Information also is available through the BPAA at 800-343-1329, ext. 204. The high school championship at Indian Lanes will be held in conjunction with the $70,000 QuibicaAMF International Family Tournament, which runs July 26-28. That field will consist of parent/child or parent/teen teams who were state or provincial winners in qualifying tournaments held in the United States and Canada. First place in each division is a $5,000 scholarship.
TUNE-UP TIME: High school seniors can compete against their peers and warm up for the North Pointe tournament -- and earn some scholarship money -- by entering the Michigan All-Star Tournament at Sunnybrook Lanes in Sterling Heights on June 23-24. It's for graduating high school seniors only. Scholarship money also is available in the Bowl Swami SMART Singles Tournament on June 23 at Sunnybrook for bowlers who were in grades 9-11 in 2006-07. Entry forms are available at MHSIBCA.com.
SEASON FINALE: The Alro Steel/Michigan Junior Masters Association will wrap up its 21st season Friday through Sunday at Monroe Sport Center in Monroe, with the Dan Ottman Memorial Championship Tournament. A field of 57 boys and 18 girls will compete for the titles and a share of more than $20,000 in scholarships. Players to watch are season points leader and three-time winner John Kelley of Sterling Heights and two-time winners Ryan Van Hecke of Sterling Heights and Brian McMahon of Saginaw, along with intercollegiate singles champion Tim Pfeifer (Robert Morris University) of Cranberry Township, Pa. On the girls side are four-time winner Christine Bator of Warren, three-time winner Jennifer Churchill of Windsor and two-time winner Bethan McGeary of New Kensington, Pa. Opening ceremonies, which include the presentation of the Ottman Memorial Scholarships, are 6 p.m. Friday, followed by qualifying at 7 p.m. Qualifying continues at 9 a.m. Saturday. The final round of match play starts at 9 a.m. Sunday; stepladder finals follow at about 1:30 p.m.
CHALLENGE WINNERS: Vicki Shieck stepped in for me at the University of Michigan Transplant Center's Bowling for Camp Michitanki Challenge and probably saved me several inches of column space. Normally in these challenges I get beat by everybody, but this year, with Nurse Vicki performing ably on the lanes, the only challenge winners -- and congratulations to them -- were Mike Moceri, Kyle Green, Doug Armstrong, Alyson Sprang, Jordan Garypie, Katie Lassila, Robert Pluhatsch, Scott Potis, David Cain, Jim Henson, Cindy Terznzi, Destenee Hudson, Dianne McPharlin, Lorie Uranga, Kaleb Diana, Scharry Milne, Joan Armstrong, Rodney Howard and Paul Lassila. To make a contribution to the camp, which is for children who have had transplant surgery, call 734-936-3460.
Monday, June 4, 2007
All Detroit!
The Metro Detroit USBC Association (MDUSBC) has named their All City teams for the 2006-07 season. The teams include men’s, women’s, senior men’s and senior women’s teams based on tournament and league performance from June 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007.
David Ewald of Macomb, Jennifer Bator of Eastpointe, Jerry Owczarski of South Lyon and Carol Davis of Lake Orion are captains of the men’s, women’s, senior men’s and senior women’s teams respectively. Ewald garnered 96 points from his 10th place finish in the MDUSBC Masters, first from MDUSBC in USBC Open Doubles with Nick Wissinger, second from MDUSBC in USBC Open Singles and sixth from MDUSBC in USBC Open All-Events. He earned the maximum 20 points with five 300 games and four 299 games, maximum 20 points for seven 800 series including a high series of 834 and 20 points for a high average of 244. His appearance on the team marks his seventh All-City selection. Rounding out the men’s first team are Mark Moore of Macomb with 80 points, Jeffrey Austreng of Waterford Township (69), Gregory Brown of Southfield (60) and Jeffrey Grego of Waterford Township (60). Brown is making his initial appearance, while the others are veterans. Moore earned points through his second place finish in MDUSBC Doubles with Jay Lang, first from MDUSBC in Michigan State Singles, first from MDUSBC and first overall in Michigan State All-Events. He had three 800 series with a high of 824 and a high average of 231. This also is Moore’s seventh All-City appearance. Austreng won the MDUSBC Masters, recorded five 300 games, one 299 game and two 800 series with a high series of 816. Along with his high average of 232 Austreng marks his third appearance on the prestigious team. Brown finished seventh in MDUSBC All-Events, had eight 300 games, one 299 game, five 800 series with a high of 835 and a high average of 235 in making his rookie appearance. Grego marks his fifth All-City selection with a second place finish in the MDUSBC Singles, seven 300 games, one 299 game, three 800 series with a high of 825 and a high average of 236. John Nolen of Waterford Township (59), Mason Brantley of Detroit (56), Michael Busch of Waterford Township (56), Jeremy Thomas of Detroit (56) and Nick Wissinger of Utica (56) were named to the second team men’s All-City. Newcomer Thomas joins Nolen, Brantley, Busch and Wissinger who are veterans from previous years.
Jennifer Bator of Eastpointe had a tremendous tournament year with a fifth place finish in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events, first from MDUSBC and first overall in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Nicole Idziak-Owsley, second from MDUSBC and second overall in the Michigan State Women’s All-Events, first from MDUSBC in USBC Women’s Doubles with Jami Selden, second from MDUSBC in USBC Women’s Singles and first from MDUSBC in USBC Women’s All-Events. Her high games were 299, 289, 279 and 279. Her high series was 801 and she recorded 14 other series over 700 and had a high average of 220. This marks her first All-City selection with her 132 points.. Nicole Idziak-Owsley of Washington (101), Michelle Ewald of Clinton Township (100), Kristy Hatcher of Clinton Township (84) and Virginia Austin of Detroit (57) joined Bator on the women’s first team. Idziak-Owsley finished fifth in the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Alicia Himmler, sixth in MDUSBC Women’s Singles, first from MDUSBC and first overall in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Bator, sixth from MDUSBC in Michigan State Women’s All-Events and third from MDUSBC in USBC Women’s All-Events. Her year included three 300 games, 290 and 279. A high series of 791 and 13 other 700 series along with a high average of 223 put her on the team for the second time. Ewald won the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Kristy Hatcher, won the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events, second from MDUSBC and second overall in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Kristy Hatcher and fourth from MDUSBC in Michigan State Women’s All-Events. She had two 300 games, a high series of 792, 14 other 700 series and a high average of 226. This is her sixth All-City selection.
Hatcher earned her first All-City honor on the strength of winning the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Michelle Ewald, second in MDUSBC Women’s Singles, eighth in MDUSBC Women’s All-Events, second from MDUSBC and second overall in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Michelle Ewald. One 300 game, a high series of 744, five other series over 700 and a high average of 212 completed her resume. Austin is appearing for the fourth time. She won the MDUSBC Women’s Singles, 10th in the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Yvonne Jones and 10th place in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events. She had high games of 300, 298, 290, 290, 289, 279 and 279. A high series of 837, eight others over 700 and a high average of 212 put her on the team. Sonja Butler of Detroit (47), Jennifer Heyman of Macomb (46), Teri White of St. Clair Shores (46), Nicole Aleo of Shelby Township (29) and Melissa Lynch of Macomb (29) rounded out the women’s second team. Butler was appearing for the second time, while the others appear for the first time.
Jerry Owczarski of South Lyon, 71 points, marked his second appearance with a sixth place finish in the MDUSBC Senior Masters, 31st in the MDUSBC Masters, 10th among seniors in MDUSBC Doubles with Jeffrey Austreng, seventh among seniors in the MDUSBC Singles, winning the MDUSBC All-Events and placing fourth among MDUSBC seniors in the Michigan State Singles. He recorded two 300 games, three 299 games, one 800 series and a high average of 222. The senior men’s first team was completed with George (Mike) Lee of Dearborn (62), Mitchell Jabczenski Sr. of Novi (58), Lee Snow of Wixom (47) and Edwin Austreng of Waterford Township (44½). Lee finished second in the MDUSBC Senior Masters, 20th in the MDUSBC Masters, ninth among seniors in the MDUSBC Doubles with Charles Morris, first among seniors in MDUSBC Singles and sixth among seniors in MDUSBC All-Events. Two 300 games and a high average of 210 completed his resume while appearing for the second time. Jabczenski is making his fourth appearance after finishing third in MDUSBC Senior Masters and second among MDUSBC seniors in Michigan State Singles. Three 300 games, a high series of 801 and a high average of 221 finishes his accomplishments. Snow won the MDUSBC Senior Masters and was second among MDUSBC seniors in Michigan State Doubles with Nunzio Marino. He also recorded two 300 games while making the team for the fifth time. Austreng joins the team for the second time after finishing 17th in the MDUSBC Senior Masters, seventh among seniors in MDUSBC Doubles with Scott Glenday, fourth among seniors in MDUSBC Singles and fifth among seniors in MDUSBC All-Events. One 300 game, two 299 games and a high average of 229 also garnered points. Richard Eiermann of Garden City (40), Terry Hockstad of Utica (37), Leo Scantamburlo of Riverview (37), Jimmy Magolan of Shelby Township (36½) and Charles Graddick Jr. of Detroit (35) rounded out the senior men’s second team. Carol Davis of Lake Orion, with 54 points, was third among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Betty Trimper, third among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events, first among MDUSBC seniors in Michigan State Women’s Singles, first among MDUSBC seniors in Michigan State Women’s All-Events and had a high average of 203. Debra Dickerson of Detroit (44), Yvonne Ogburn of Detroit (30), JoAnn Carter of Detroit (27) and Gwendolyn Finley of Detroit (26) completed the senior women’s first team. Dickerson was first among seniors in MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Sheryl Tillmon, fifth among seniors in MDUSBC Women’s Singles and second among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events. She had one 300 game, a high series of 729 and high average of 209. Ogburn was third among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s Singles and first among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events. A high series of 700 and high average of 204 completed her resume. Carter was second among MDUSBC seniors in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Rowena Flonoury and fourth among MDUSBC seniors in the Michigan State Women’s All-Events. She had a high series of 736 and a high average of 206. Finley was first among seniors in MDUSBC Women’s Singles and 10th among seniors in MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Sheila Temple. Her high game was 279, high series 721 and high average 210. Susan Szachta of Warren (25), Sheryl McMahan of Commerce Township (18), Carol Roberts of Ferndale (18), Carrol Sheridan of Rochester Hills (17) and Leona Obuchowski of Ferndale (16) achieved senior women’s second team status. This marks the first time the senior women’s teams have been named. Points are tabulated on performance in the local, state and national tournaments; honor scores and league averages.
The Metro Detroit USBC Association, formed on May 1, 2006, is the largest local association of the United States Bowling Congress with over 70,000 adult and over 6,000 youth members.
David Ewald of Macomb, Jennifer Bator of Eastpointe, Jerry Owczarski of South Lyon and Carol Davis of Lake Orion are captains of the men’s, women’s, senior men’s and senior women’s teams respectively. Ewald garnered 96 points from his 10th place finish in the MDUSBC Masters, first from MDUSBC in USBC Open Doubles with Nick Wissinger, second from MDUSBC in USBC Open Singles and sixth from MDUSBC in USBC Open All-Events. He earned the maximum 20 points with five 300 games and four 299 games, maximum 20 points for seven 800 series including a high series of 834 and 20 points for a high average of 244. His appearance on the team marks his seventh All-City selection. Rounding out the men’s first team are Mark Moore of Macomb with 80 points, Jeffrey Austreng of Waterford Township (69), Gregory Brown of Southfield (60) and Jeffrey Grego of Waterford Township (60). Brown is making his initial appearance, while the others are veterans. Moore earned points through his second place finish in MDUSBC Doubles with Jay Lang, first from MDUSBC in Michigan State Singles, first from MDUSBC and first overall in Michigan State All-Events. He had three 800 series with a high of 824 and a high average of 231. This also is Moore’s seventh All-City appearance. Austreng won the MDUSBC Masters, recorded five 300 games, one 299 game and two 800 series with a high series of 816. Along with his high average of 232 Austreng marks his third appearance on the prestigious team. Brown finished seventh in MDUSBC All-Events, had eight 300 games, one 299 game, five 800 series with a high of 835 and a high average of 235 in making his rookie appearance. Grego marks his fifth All-City selection with a second place finish in the MDUSBC Singles, seven 300 games, one 299 game, three 800 series with a high of 825 and a high average of 236. John Nolen of Waterford Township (59), Mason Brantley of Detroit (56), Michael Busch of Waterford Township (56), Jeremy Thomas of Detroit (56) and Nick Wissinger of Utica (56) were named to the second team men’s All-City. Newcomer Thomas joins Nolen, Brantley, Busch and Wissinger who are veterans from previous years.
Jennifer Bator of Eastpointe had a tremendous tournament year with a fifth place finish in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events, first from MDUSBC and first overall in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Nicole Idziak-Owsley, second from MDUSBC and second overall in the Michigan State Women’s All-Events, first from MDUSBC in USBC Women’s Doubles with Jami Selden, second from MDUSBC in USBC Women’s Singles and first from MDUSBC in USBC Women’s All-Events. Her high games were 299, 289, 279 and 279. Her high series was 801 and she recorded 14 other series over 700 and had a high average of 220. This marks her first All-City selection with her 132 points.. Nicole Idziak-Owsley of Washington (101), Michelle Ewald of Clinton Township (100), Kristy Hatcher of Clinton Township (84) and Virginia Austin of Detroit (57) joined Bator on the women’s first team. Idziak-Owsley finished fifth in the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Alicia Himmler, sixth in MDUSBC Women’s Singles, first from MDUSBC and first overall in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Bator, sixth from MDUSBC in Michigan State Women’s All-Events and third from MDUSBC in USBC Women’s All-Events. Her year included three 300 games, 290 and 279. A high series of 791 and 13 other 700 series along with a high average of 223 put her on the team for the second time. Ewald won the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Kristy Hatcher, won the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events, second from MDUSBC and second overall in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Kristy Hatcher and fourth from MDUSBC in Michigan State Women’s All-Events. She had two 300 games, a high series of 792, 14 other 700 series and a high average of 226. This is her sixth All-City selection.
Hatcher earned her first All-City honor on the strength of winning the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Michelle Ewald, second in MDUSBC Women’s Singles, eighth in MDUSBC Women’s All-Events, second from MDUSBC and second overall in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Michelle Ewald. One 300 game, a high series of 744, five other series over 700 and a high average of 212 completed her resume. Austin is appearing for the fourth time. She won the MDUSBC Women’s Singles, 10th in the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Yvonne Jones and 10th place in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events. She had high games of 300, 298, 290, 290, 289, 279 and 279. A high series of 837, eight others over 700 and a high average of 212 put her on the team. Sonja Butler of Detroit (47), Jennifer Heyman of Macomb (46), Teri White of St. Clair Shores (46), Nicole Aleo of Shelby Township (29) and Melissa Lynch of Macomb (29) rounded out the women’s second team. Butler was appearing for the second time, while the others appear for the first time.
Jerry Owczarski of South Lyon, 71 points, marked his second appearance with a sixth place finish in the MDUSBC Senior Masters, 31st in the MDUSBC Masters, 10th among seniors in MDUSBC Doubles with Jeffrey Austreng, seventh among seniors in the MDUSBC Singles, winning the MDUSBC All-Events and placing fourth among MDUSBC seniors in the Michigan State Singles. He recorded two 300 games, three 299 games, one 800 series and a high average of 222. The senior men’s first team was completed with George (Mike) Lee of Dearborn (62), Mitchell Jabczenski Sr. of Novi (58), Lee Snow of Wixom (47) and Edwin Austreng of Waterford Township (44½). Lee finished second in the MDUSBC Senior Masters, 20th in the MDUSBC Masters, ninth among seniors in the MDUSBC Doubles with Charles Morris, first among seniors in MDUSBC Singles and sixth among seniors in MDUSBC All-Events. Two 300 games and a high average of 210 completed his resume while appearing for the second time. Jabczenski is making his fourth appearance after finishing third in MDUSBC Senior Masters and second among MDUSBC seniors in Michigan State Singles. Three 300 games, a high series of 801 and a high average of 221 finishes his accomplishments. Snow won the MDUSBC Senior Masters and was second among MDUSBC seniors in Michigan State Doubles with Nunzio Marino. He also recorded two 300 games while making the team for the fifth time. Austreng joins the team for the second time after finishing 17th in the MDUSBC Senior Masters, seventh among seniors in MDUSBC Doubles with Scott Glenday, fourth among seniors in MDUSBC Singles and fifth among seniors in MDUSBC All-Events. One 300 game, two 299 games and a high average of 229 also garnered points. Richard Eiermann of Garden City (40), Terry Hockstad of Utica (37), Leo Scantamburlo of Riverview (37), Jimmy Magolan of Shelby Township (36½) and Charles Graddick Jr. of Detroit (35) rounded out the senior men’s second team. Carol Davis of Lake Orion, with 54 points, was third among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Betty Trimper, third among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events, first among MDUSBC seniors in Michigan State Women’s Singles, first among MDUSBC seniors in Michigan State Women’s All-Events and had a high average of 203. Debra Dickerson of Detroit (44), Yvonne Ogburn of Detroit (30), JoAnn Carter of Detroit (27) and Gwendolyn Finley of Detroit (26) completed the senior women’s first team. Dickerson was first among seniors in MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Sheryl Tillmon, fifth among seniors in MDUSBC Women’s Singles and second among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events. She had one 300 game, a high series of 729 and high average of 209. Ogburn was third among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s Singles and first among seniors in the MDUSBC Women’s All-Events. A high series of 700 and high average of 204 completed her resume. Carter was second among MDUSBC seniors in the Michigan State Women’s Doubles with Rowena Flonoury and fourth among MDUSBC seniors in the Michigan State Women’s All-Events. She had a high series of 736 and a high average of 206. Finley was first among seniors in MDUSBC Women’s Singles and 10th among seniors in MDUSBC Women’s Doubles with Sheila Temple. Her high game was 279, high series 721 and high average 210. Susan Szachta of Warren (25), Sheryl McMahan of Commerce Township (18), Carol Roberts of Ferndale (18), Carrol Sheridan of Rochester Hills (17) and Leona Obuchowski of Ferndale (16) achieved senior women’s second team status. This marks the first time the senior women’s teams have been named. Points are tabulated on performance in the local, state and national tournaments; honor scores and league averages.
The Metro Detroit USBC Association, formed on May 1, 2006, is the largest local association of the United States Bowling Congress with over 70,000 adult and over 6,000 youth members.
Friday, June 1, 2007
'Vloggers' alert!
Pick up your video cameras and your spares this summer for the first Sport Bowling Video Contest. All bowlers nationwide competing in summer USBC Sport Bowling leagues are eligible to display their creative side to the world by producing short videos for the chance to win the top prize, a visit from USBC Sport Bowling spokesperson and Denny's Professional Bowlers Association Tour star Chris Barnes. Bowlers have from June 4 to July 6 to submit to USBC videos of up to three minutes in length that relate in some way to their PBA Experience or other Sport Bowling leagues. For ideas, Sport Bowlers are invited to view Barnes' video blogs - or "vlogs" - that chronicled his week-to-week life on the Denny's PBA Tour and are featured exclusively in the Sport Bowling section of bowl.com. The person or team submitting the grand prize winning video as judged by USBC will win a visit from Barnes for their Sport Bowling league later this summer. The Sport league will have exclusive access to Barnes, who will visit the center to present a special coaching clinic and exhibition. Three runner-up videos to be determined by online voting July 9-20 will be featured on bowl.com. All runners-up will receive a complimentary 2007-08 USBC Sport Bowling membership upgrade and a Sport Bowling polo shirt. All winners will be announced July 23 on bowl.com. Visit the Sport Bowling section of bowl.com for complete contest rules. "This is a fun and unique contest that allows USBC Sport Bowlers to use their imaginations and show the world what their Sport Bowling or PBA Experience leagues mean to them," said Director of USBC Sport Bowling Steve Wunderlich. "I had fun shooting my vlogs this past season to give bowl.com viewers a glimpse at life on the Denny's PBA Tour," Barnes said. "They were like shooting home movies. I can't wait to watch all the videos on bowl.com and have a fun bowling event to celebrate with the grand prize winner." Sport Bowlers across the country are flocking to the lanes in PBA Experience leagues this spring and summer. Thanks to the PBA Experience, a part of the USBC Sport Bowling program, Sport Bowling is realizing explosive growth this season. About 500 Sport Bowling leagues - mostly PBA Experience leagues - have registered for spring and summer competition with USBC. Unprecedented bowler and proprietor interest in the PBA Experience means that Sport Bowling leagues now are available in approximately 13 percent of bowling centers (780) across the U.S. In PBA Experience leagues, bowlers compete on the same oil patterns used on the Denny's PBA Tour. The patterns - named Chameleon, Cheetah, Scorpion, Shark and Viper - comply with USBC Sport Bowling guidelines which allow a maximum of three times as much oil on the inside boards versus the outside boards. This oil application typically is described as a ratio, in this case 3:1. For more information about Sport Bowling and the PBA Experience, visit the Sport Bowling section of bowl.com.
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