Dynamic Lanes Jerry Eddy (left) and Regina Loveall (right) congratulate champions Russ Wilson and Kristal Scott.HOUSTON, Tex. — The Championship Match in the 2004 Ladies Classic Tour Storm Luci Bonneau Mixed Doubles looked like the "Battle of the College All Stars" at Houston’s Dynamic Lanes August 15.
One current and one former Wichita State University Shocker player won the event. WSU grad Krystal Scott teamed with Russ Wilson to defeat WSU grad Nathan Bohr, who was bowling with Nebraska senior Shannon Pluhowsky, whose Huskers team won the NCAA Championship in Houston earlier this year.
Scott and Wilson swept Pluhowsky and Bohr 3-0 in the best 3-of-5 final match to win the $5,000 top prize and two beautiful trophies from Storm Bowling Products and Dynamic Lanes. All three games were hard-fought and close, with Scott and Wilson winning by scores of 460-453, 454-421, and 439-437.
In the semifinal round, the four college stars defeated some of the best professional bowlers in the world to advance. Scott and Wilson defeated Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y., and PBA Hall of Famer Mark Williams, Beaumont, Tex., 3-0. In the prior match, they advanced by beating Carolyn and Del Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Tex., 3-2. Pluhowsky and Bohr defeated the defending champions in this event in the semifinal, Genie Franklin, The Colony, Tex., and Wes Malott, Round Rock, Tex., 3-2.
This was the fifth annual Luci Bonneau Mixed Doubles, and 118 pros and amateurs made up the field of 59 doubles teams. The pro-am was also very successful, with three full squads raising over $20,000 for the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research. Stehlin and Susan G. Komen are the two official charities of the Ladies Classic Tour.
For complete results, information, schedules, and upcoming LCT events, visit the official LCT Web site.
Championship Round — best 2-of-3 matches (1st: $5,000; 2nd: $2,600)
Scott/Wilson 460-454-439 d. Pluhowsky/Bohr 453-421-437 (3-0).
Round 3 — best 3 of 5 matches (teams eliminated earn $1,500)
Scott/Wilson 453-467-447 d. Johnson/Williams 404-466-437 (3-0): Pluhowsky/Bohr 372-438/19-376-449-507 d. Franklin/Malott 383-438/18-377-352-391 (3-2).
Scott/Wilson 405-399-430-414-446 d. Dorin-Ballard/Ballard 436-424-412-371-427 (3-2); Johnson/Williams 444/19-426-400-503-470 d. Duggan/Pitre 444/20-414-421-444-462 (3-2); Pluhowsky/Bohr 388-428-448-486-450 d. Stroud/Archer 439-447-392-473-448 (3-2); Franklin/Malott 406-457-473-454 d. Perez/Fleming 461-446-432-416 (3-1).
Carolyn Dorin-Ballard/Del Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Tex., 467-401-449 d. Lynda Barnes, Flower Mound, Tex./David Garber, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 433-425-445 (2-1); Kristal Scott, Wichita, Kan./Russ Wilson, Newton, KS 380-388-387 d. Barbara Bias-Jackson/Charlie Mills, Houston, 379-416-379 (2-1); Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y./Mark Williams, Beaumont, Tex., 475-465 d. Amy Dillon-Bruce, Wichita, Kan./Chris Barnes, Flower Mound, Tex., 420-341 (2-0); Anne Marie Duggan, Edmond, Okla./Derwin Pitre, Lafayette, LA 417-365-416 d. Robin Romeo, Newhall, Calif./Tom McNaughton, Sylmor, Calif., 410-389-376 (2-1); Karen Stroud, Victoria, Tex./D.J. Archer, Fort Worth, Tex., 418-406-427 d. Shannon Duplantis, New Orleans, La./Gary Ezell, Kenner, La., 404-428-356 (2-1); Shannon Pluhowsky, Lincoln, Neb./Nathan Bohr, Wichita, Kan., 435-445 d. Monica Chieco/Marc Laracuente, Houston, Tex., 401-347 (2-0); Genie Franklin, The Colony, Tex.,/Wes Malott, Round Rock, Tex., 414-463-399 d. Maggie Smith/Todd Zenner, Allen, Tex., 432-430-396 (2-1); Rachel Perez, Maumelle, Ark./Paul Fleming, Bedford, Tex., 380-420 d. Shana Ray, Portland, Tex.,/Tony Gonzalez, The Colony, Tex., 371-369 (2-0).
LAS VEGAS — Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., and Shirley Levens, Cocoa, Fla., are the champions in the inaugural Ladies Classic Tour National Championship Monday at the Gold Coast Bowling Center.
In the Open Division, Macpherson defeated Rachel Perez 3-0 in the final match for the $3,000 title. Macpherson rolled games of 232, 236, and 251 to Perez’s 155, 234, and 210. Perez earned $2,000.
It’s great to be in the winner’s circle again," said Macpherson. "Since the national tour has been off, I missed it, and it was great to see so many players together again. Winning makes it even better."
Levens won the Legends Division, for players 50 or better, by defeating Janine Ditch, Chino Hills, Calif., 3-1 in the title match.
"I want to thank LCT for putting on this event and Gold Coast for hosting it," said Levens. "Maybe in a few more years, there will be more women in the Legends division. It was a very good tournament.".
The first LCT National drew a quality field of 64 players from across the nation that included 35 regional champions and 18 national champions. Nine more LCT events will be held in August and September. For more information, visit ladiesclassictour.com
Wendy Macpherson 232-236-251 (3-0) d. Rachel Perez 155-234-210 (0-3).
Rachel Perez 209-192-181-235 (3-1) d. Jennifer Swanson 184-177-265-214 (1-3); Wendy Macpherson 182-224-247 (3-0) d. Carol Gianotti 156-156-211 (0-3).
Jennifer Swanson 258-257-237 (3-0) d. Ruby Jim 183-203-231 (0-3); Rachel Perez 191-216-175-225 (3-1) d. Leanne Barrette 165-191-240-224 (1-3); Wendy Macpherson 197-245-236-200 (3-1) d. Chele Schirmer 216-201-195-197 (1-3); Carol Gianotti 216-265-222 (3-0) d. Laura Lee Daniel 180-191-190 (0-3).
Jennifer Swanson, Shelton, Conn., 164-278-300 (2-1) d. Tish Johnson, Henderson, Nev., 210-192-211 (1-2); Rudy Jim, Las Vegas, 147-204-234 (2-1) d. Shannon Duplantis, New Orleans, 222-170-174 (1-2); Rachel Perez, Maumelle, Ark., 202-238 (2-0) d. Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Richardson, Tex., 184-226 (0-2); Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., 209/17-204-242 (2-1) d. Christina Kinney, Las Vegas 209/19-174-208 (1-2); Chele Schirmer, Bel Air, Md., 197-190-186 (2-1) d. Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 166-232-182 (1-2); Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., 258-238 (2-0) d. Keli Rapp-Callahan, Las Vegas 221-201 (0-2); Laura Lee Daniel, Corona, Calif., 177-207-248 (2-1) d. Corrine Ham, Cocoa, Fla., 234-203-236 (1-2); Carol Gianotti, Perth, Australia 191-246-202 (2-1) d. Sandi Irvine, Nolanville, Tex., 216-191-198 (1-2).
Shirley Levens 190-201-180-204 (3-1) d. Janine Ditch 165-206-158-169 (1-3).
Round 3 (those eliminated earn $750 each)
Shirley Levens 162-181-214-193-216 (3-2) d. Fran Deken 173-141-211-195-158 (2-3); Janine Ditch 204-190-170-172-193 (3-2) d. Rose Smith 183-196-176-133-191 (2-3).
Round 2 (those eliminated earn $400 each)
Shirley Levens, 182-175-161 (3-0) d. Christine Drew 169-172-157 (0-3); Fran Deken 190-193-203 (3-0) d. Lorrie Nichols 176-180-180 (0-3); Janine Ditch 167-155-188-163-191 (3-2) d. Sylvia Stewart 169-124-195-156-179 (2-3); Rose Smith 189-175-183-190 (3-1) d. Lil Johnson 148-200 173-168 (1-3).
Round 1 (those eliminated earn $325 each)
Shirley Levens, Cocoa, Fla., 165-210 (2-0) d. Kathy Solowitz, Northridge, Calif., 147-168 (0-2); Fran Deken, Tulsa, Okla., 165-189-160 (2-1) d. Sue Mivalez, Tujunga, Calif., 188-147-149 (1-2); Janine Ditch, Chino Hills, Calif., 178-225 (2-0) d. Christine Drew, Santa Clarita, Calif., 175-196 (0-2); Sylvia Stewart, Dallas, 198-167-237 (2-1) d. Lil Johnson, Lawton, Okla., 171-212-186 (1-2); Lorrie Nichols, Elgin, Ill., 178-200 (2-0) d. Jeanette Robinson, Las Vegas, 153-159 (0-2); Rose Smith, Las Vegas 162-200 (2-0) d. Lynn Minning, Austin, Tex., 123-180 (0-2).
By Walt Steinsiek
LAS VEGAS (July 10, 2004) — Storm DeVincent of Pembroke, Fla., captured the $25,000 top prize at the Mini Eliminator Match Play Shootout Finals on Friday at The Orleans, tossing a 266 game against five other qualifiers.
The 49-year-old DeVincent began by rolling three strikes, opening in Frame 4 after leaving the 4-10 split. He then went off the sheet with eight strikes to defeat No. 2, Scott Monteleone, New Orleans, La. (255), $12,500; 3, Art Brown, East Lansing, Mich. (240), $8,000; 4, Chad Nelson, Owatonna, Minn. (232), $7,000; 5, David Haynes, Las Vegas (204) $6,000; and 6, Derek Sapp, Keokuk, Ia. (183), $5,000.
Rod McLean, formerly of Baltimore and now a Las Vegas resident, qualified for a chance to win $25,000 in the Senior division on Sunday.
June 6, 2004 — The finals of the 2004 Women's International Bowling Congress Queens telecast is scheduled to air today from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on ESPN2. A re-airing of the program is scheduled on the same network for Wednesday, June 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
May 19, 2004 — NCABA Hall of Famer Greg "The Doctor" Goetz of the District is among four area players who have reached match play at the PBA Senior Manassas Open currently taking place at Bowl America Manassas.
Scott Leonard of Herndon (3,232 for 16 games), Richard Holmes of Luray, Va. (3,219), Goetz (3,213), and Vincent Mullally of Sterling (3,197) will continue today in "best-of-five" matches in the Round of 32 beginning at 9 a.m. Sucessful players will advance to the Round of 16 at 1 p.m., and the Round of 8 will occur immediately after.
Best of three matches will occur in the Round of 4 that begins at 7 p.m. and the championship match that immediately follows.
Bob Handley of Winter Park, Fla., currently leads with 3,499. Defending champion Don Sylvia of Discovery Bay, Calif., qualfied for match play with 3,205.
The Nation’s Capital Area Bowling Association’s board of directors annually meets to honor those individuals worthy of special recognition for outstanding contributions, achievements, and services rendered to the sport of tenpin bowling in the Washington, D.C. area by election to the NCABA Hall of Fame.
All members of the NCABA have the privilege of submitting nominations for election to the Hall of Fame.
Nominations must be submitted in a one-page letter and contain the full name of the nominee, his background, and the reasons for his nomination. The letter must be signed and received no later than May 1 to be considered in the current year.
The category (Meritorious Service or Bowling Achievement) for which the candidate is nominated must be indicated.
Nominations to the NCABA Hall of Fame are open to all bowlers and non-bowlers who, by their efforts, have furthered the interests of the game of bowling in the Nation’s Capital Area. Any person (league officer, proprietor, sponsor, association officer, director, press/radio/TV personality, etc.) who has demonstrated long-term or significant contributions is considered suitable for nomination/election in either of the following two categories:
Send all nominations to: NCABA Hall of Fame Committee, 9315 Largo Drive West, Suite 110, Largo, Maryland 20774-4755.
RENO, Nev. (March 30, 2004) — A paint salesman from Vienna, Va., became the second bowler in three days to shoot a perfect game at the 101st American Bowling Congress Championships Tournament.
Terry Wiley, 41, put together 12 strikes in the first game of singles, completing just the sixth 300 game so far in this year's Tournament. He followed it up with games of 206 and 222 for a 728 series.
"My last 300 was probably three, four, or five years ago," said Wiley, who has 13 previous perfect games. "It's been a while, so this feels good." Wiley said his nerves got to him after his first game in singles, but he managed to keep his composure.
"It took me a couple of frames in the second game to come back down," Wiley said. "I'm pretty proud of myself though."
Wiley had knee surgery the day before Thanksgiving and has only seen limited action on the lanes since. He was just given the green light by his doctor to bowl the nine games in the tournament the Friday before he left for Reno.
"I had to ice it last night," Wiley said. "It's sore now, and it's going to be a long flight home, but I'm not worried about it."
Wiley had 558 in team and 617 in doubles for a 1,903 all-events.
RENO, Nev. (March 18, 2004) — Despite the apparent demise of the Professional Women's Bowling Association, there will be at least one episode of topflight female bowling on national television this year and next.
At a press conference during the 70th annual convention of the Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, WIBC's Jan Schmidt today announced the signing last night of a contract between WIBC and ESPN2 that will put the WIBC Queens tournament on the cable network in 2004 and 2005 on a tape-delayed basis.
The 2004 WIBC Queens Tournament, presented by Reno Tri-Properties, will open May 15 and run through May 19 in Wichita, Kan., at Northrock Lanes. New for the 2004 WIBC Queens and Senior Queens Tournaments will be weekend qualifying, which will be held on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16. The WIBC Queens tournament is open to all WIBC members, amateur and professional, and offers the opportunity to bowl with some of the best women bowlers in our sport.
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At a BWAA breakfast this morning hosted by Storm Products, the company announced that it will present a scratch team event this summer in Nevada with a $50,000 top prize.
"We've got a slightly different format," said tournament director Brad Edelman in announcing the Storm Team Masters that will be contested Aug. 22-27 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno. "Once the five best players team up together, no one else wants to bowl. We're trying to limit teams to players from the same state or the same association."
The $700 entry fee per player covers team and singles competition, a room at the sponsoring Eldorado Hotel and Casino for the week, and a Storm bowling ball.
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The automatic pinsetter will be the subject of a program on the History Channel this fall. ... AMF's Web site (amf.com) later this month will introduce an extensive history of its World Cup tournament, which began in 1965. ... Frank Barnhart of St. Louis was elected BWAA president for 2004-2005 this afternoon. He will succeed John Falzone of Rockford, Ill., on May 1.
— Bob Cosgrove
RENO, Nev. (March 17, 2004) — NCABA Hall of Famer Walt Steinsiek was the 2004 recipient of the Remo Picchetti Humanitarian Award presented by Columbia 300 during the company's annual dinner for members of the Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) at the Eldorado Hotel and Casino. ABC and PBA Hall of Famer John Jowdy, who served as a pro tour representative for Columbia for many years, made the announcement to a surprised Steinsiek.
"I froze for a second," said Steinsiek, who had created the caricature for noted writer Dick Evans, who later was roasted by Dick Weber, Chuck Pezzano, and other friends and colleagues. "I had no idea it was coming."
The award honored the former Laurel, Md., resident who now lives in Micco, Fla., for his dedication and unselfish contributions to the sport of bowling.
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Earlier in the day, Steinsiek, in his role as chairman of BWAA's Cartoonist Award, announced that Jim Davis, creator of the popular "Garfield" comic strip, was the winner for 2003. The award was announced at a luncheon hosted by Steve Sanders and Pinacle Events, sponsor of the 10th annual award. YABA Executive Director Jim Zebehazy accepted the award on Davis' behalf.
Sanders discussed his failed bid to obtain the Professional Women's Bowling Association from John Sommer, explaining that television was a critical part of Sanders' plan for the tour's success but that ESPN, in actions that did not reflect what had taken place during agreements in 18 previous years with the women's bowling group, proposed a contract that would have placed taped-delayed telecasts on the lower-rated ESPN2 and also made unreasonable financial demands.
According to Sanders, ESPN expressed that other parties were interested in televising women's professional bowling, but nothing was made clear to him.
Meanwhile, Sanders announced that changes, such as the creation of a "True Amateur" division, have been made to improve his Mini Eliminator event July 3-11 in Las Vegas.
In a related matter, former PWBA regional director Jim Goodwin discussed his new Ladies Classic Tour organization, which will hold approximately 25 scratch events for women bowlers across the country beginning Apr. 16-18 in Port Arthur, Tex. Information can be obtained from the tour's new Web site.
— Bob Cosgrove
March 1, 2004 — The Zip Code for the new office of the Nation's Capital Area Bowling Association and the Washington, D.C. Area Women's Bowling Association that appears in the February/March 2004 issue of BOWL Magazine is incorrect. The correct Zip Code is 20774-4755.
The information was provided to the publication after the move to Largo and obviously after the magazine went to press.
As noted elsewhere, new phone and fax numbers for the associations will appear on this site when available. They are expected this week.
The Washington, D.C. Area Women's Bowling Association will be conduct its annual participation in the National Girls & Women in Sports Day at AMF Alexandria on Feb. 8.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. with bowling starting at 11 a.m., and the event will feature fun, food, and prizes. Teams must be comprised of one woman and one female child between ages 3 and 18. Competiton includes two games of scotch doubles in five age divisions.
Call WDCAWBA at 240/695-1985 for additional information or to confirm a reservation. Walk-ins will be accepted.
Austin "Butch" Luther Jr. of Waldorf, Md., who helped bring bowling in the Nation's Capital Area to regions beyond the immediate vicinity of the Capital Beltway, died December 25, 2003 at Civista Medical Center in La Plata, Md. He was 81.
Luther (at far left with son Austin "Butch" Luther III at the October 2003 NCABA/WDCAWBA Hall of Fame Induction Celebration), came to this area from Troy, Ohio in 1963 and became a member of the board of directors of the Washington City Tenpin Bowling Association (WCTBA), as NCABA was then known. After leaving the board, he brought bowling to the "outer areas" in the mid-1970s by building both Lord Calvert Lanes in Huntingtown, Md., and St. Charles Bowl in Waldorf.
On the lanes, he had a high average of 201, with a high game of 279 and a top series of 767. His 745 handicap total (700 series scratch) earned Luther the WCTBA singles championship in 1965.
The Super Bowl Mini Eliminator Tournament is the number one all-amateur event in the world, and when the 3rd Annual Super Mini rolls in Las Vegas at the Gold Coast Bowling Center February 1-8, hundreds of top bowlers from all over the globe will compete. With dozens of top players from past events now in the pro ranks and no longer eligible, the 2004 Super Bowl Mini will be more competitive than ever before.
With great bowlers, the so-called "professional amateurs" like Brad Angelo, Tim Mack, Brian Kretzer, Patrick Allen, Mike Machuga, and Chris Johnson no longer eligible, the Super Bowl Mini will see a new crop of stars emerge and get the big checks. Many International stars have also turned pro—players like Mika Koivuniemi, Jouni Helminen, Arturo Quintero, Tori Torgerson, Roberto Silva, and Anders Ohman will no longer compete. All of these great bowlers took home a substantial amount of the Super Bowl Mini’s $1 million payout in past events. Now, all those prizes are up for grabs to a new crop of top amateurs.
The Super Bowl Mini Eliminator drew a record 4,555 entries in 2003, and with increased guarantees in 2004, the event will likely set new records for entries and prizes. First place is now guaranteed $30,000, with $15,000, $10,000, $7,500, and $5,000 for second through fifth. In addition, 150th place is guaranteed a minimum of $750, and there will be at least 80 prizes of $1,000 or more.
The Brunswick Super Bowl Mini Eliminator is a three-game scratch qualifying event with four separate divisions, including three age divisions—39 and under, 40-49, and 50 and over. The fourth is a special division for bowlers of any age who average 205 or under. The 205 and under division is the Mini’s fastest growing division. There are also special prizes for women and super seniors (age 60+). The entry fees are only $150 for the first entry and $100 after the first with no limit on squads bowled. One of every 12 paid entries in each division will advance to the finals, and one of every six will cash. Estimated total payout is over $1 million.
The Super Bowl Mini Eliminator is a Pinacle Events Tournament presented by Brunswick, the world’s leader in bowling, and sponsored by Coast Casinos, Kegel’s Million, DynoThane Shoes, Turbo 2-N-1 Grips, Bowling This Month magazine, and KR Strikeforce. Entry brochures are now available, and there are five easy ways to enter:
For more information about the Super Bowl Mini, call the toll-free Mini Hotline 1-877/900-MINI, or visit the Mini Eliminator Web site.
November 26, 2003 — The Web site tvguide.com reports this week that NBC's "Ed" will move to Fridays at 9 p.m. during the months of January and February. The series currently airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
When the famous Budweiser Beer team rolled their incredible 3,858 in St. Louis in 1958, sportswriters declared that it was an insurmountable record; that it would stand forever, or at least longer than Joe DiMaggio’s 56 game hitting streak in baseball or Byron Nelson’s 11 consecutive tournament wins in golf. Of course, those writers had no idea that the sport of bowling would experience a technical revolution before the end of the 20th century. So has golf, and baseball to a lesser extent, yet DiMaggio’s and Nelson’s records still stand, while the Bud’s mark has fallen to number six on the bowling record list.
In 2004, when the all new Kegel’s Million Team Tournament rolls in Florida February 13-May 23, look for the Budweiser’s number to drop even further. The current record is 3,905, set by the Print Mark Industries team in Pennsylvania in 2001. In 2004, dozens of the best teams in bowling from around the world will roll in the Kegel’s Million Tournament with a goal of rolling a 4,000 team series, and if it happens, that team will earn a $1 million bonus, a lot more than the few thousand dollars earned by the famous beer company teams in the 1950s.
Thanks to tournaments like the ABC and WIBC Nationals and international team competitions like the FIQ and collegiate bowling, five-player teams have remained a vital part of the sport of bowling. Individual competition is great, but winning as a team and rolling a record is the most exhilarating experience for any bowler. Even pro champions like Chris Barnes and Kim Terrell have said their fondest memories in bowling came as members of winning teams in college or on Team USA.
Will the new record be set in 2004 during the Kegel’s Million, and will a team take home the big bonus? In the words of event promoter Steve Sanders recently—“Absolutely.” And Kegel CEO John Davis said, “I would not be surprised if more than one team eclipses the 4,000 barrier.” These knowledgeable people are confident the bonus will be won because they understand the environment and the level of talent of today’s top players.
The Kegel’s Million Team Tournament was created to provide a stage for bowlers to take their talents to the limit. Conditions in the ABC/WIBC sanctioned event will be as close to perfect as they have ever been anywhere in the world. This is only possible because the event will be held in a bowling laboratory—the incredible all new state-of-the-art Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales, Florida near Orlando. All technical aspects and factors of the sport will be ideal for high scoring.
“The world has not seen easy lanes until now,” said Davis.
Already, some of the best professional and amateur bowlers around the world are forming teams for the Kegel’s Million event, and starting February 13, 2004, they will be gunning for the new record. If they get it, each player will not only earn a place in the record book—they will go home with a very heavy bank account.
Kegel’s Million is an ABC/WIBC sanctioned scratch five-player team tournament with a $50,000 Guaranteed Top Prize sponsored by more than a dozen industry companies. There will be 12 weekend qualifying events leading up to a $150,000 Grand Championship Finals on May 22-23, 2004. Each weekend will have its own guaranteed top prize of $5000 with a 1:6 cash ratio. Teams may consist of any combination of men or women. No more than two team members may be a professional bowlers and no more than one may be a professional national titleholder. No more than one player may be a national team member within the past three years (Team USA, Team Sweden, etc.) unless there are no professionals on the team; then two are allowed. Singles and Brackets are also offered as optional events. One hundred percent of the Team and Singles prize money will be returned until all guarantees are met. All players must be ABC or WIBC sanctioned. Membership cards will be available for purchase at the tournament site. Bowlers must be a minimum of 16 years of age, and non-USA residents are subject to a 30 percent tax deduction from all prizes unless the country is exempt and proper forms are provided.
For more information about the most exciting new team tournament in the sport of bowling, Kegel’s Million, or to obtain entry brochures, call one of the toll-free hotlines 800/280-2695 in the USA, or the International Kegel hotline 863/734-0200. Information can also be found at Kegel’s official event Web site.
GREENDALE, Wis. (November 3, 2003) — For a team with a pair of former international competitors, the trip from Upper Marlboro, Md., to Reno, Nev., for the Storm National Mixed Championships must have felt like a short trek across town.
Former Team USA member and 1992 National Amateur Champion Anthony Chapman (left) and former Team Puerto Rico bowler Cristina Kortright joined with Janine Jones and former Intercollegiate Bowling Championships titlist William Ripley to win the mixed scratch team title on the final weekend.
The Storm National Mixed Championships, which were presented by the American Bowling Congress and Women's International Bowling Congress, completed a seven-weekend run on Oct. 26 and crowned champions in 22 divisions.
The mixed scratch champions posted a winning score of 2,611 on the second to last day of the tournament.
"This was a lot of fun," said Chapman, who met his fiance Kortright on a bowling trip to Venezuela. "We didn't have the pressure of bowling for our countries, but that didn't mean we were taking it any less seriously."
Although Chapman's team traveled nearly 2,600 miles to compete at the National Bowling Stadium, it was a local team that won the mixed Handicap team division.
Kevin and Janet Foley teamed up with Pat and Teri Foley to shoot 2,890, which also came on the final weekend.
But it wasn't as easy as just going and bowling. Finding time to get everyone together took some effort for the Reno-area bowlers.
"We had to hurry up and try to figure out when we could bowl," said Kevin, whose brother is Pat. "We're both in and out of town so we had to pick a time when we could all get together."
Once they did get together, the family made a dent in the final standings as members of the Foley clan took home titles in two other divisions.
Teri, along with her son Ryan, won the adult-youth Handicap doubles event with 1,522. Patrick Foley Jr. and family friend Larry Cooper won the adult-youth doubles scratch event with 1,330.
Other notable winners were current Team USA members Stacy Werth and Diandra Hyman and 2002 Team USA member Kari Schwager. Along with winning women's scratch singles, Hyman joined Schwager and Joseph Beben to win scratch open trios. Werth won scratch mixed doubles with her husband Scott.
For more information and complete National Mixed Championships standings, visit nationalmixed.com.
October 28, 2003 — Storm Products has announced that PBA Champion Patrick Healey Jr. has joined its PBA Touring Staff of Champions. Healey, Mexico City, Mexico., won his first career title at the 2002 PBA Greater Kansas City Classic in Blue Springs, Mo.
Healey's first PBA telecast came as an amateur when he placed third in the 1995 Tournament of Champions. In his first season on the PBA Tour in 1998, he qualified for two championship round finals while only competing in less than half of the tournaments. In 1999, he qualified for three more television finals and cracked the top 25 in yearly earnings in just 20 Tour events.
"I am thrilled to join the Storm staff," said Healey. "I am looking forward to a successful future throwing Storm equipment. Storm has always been on the cutting edge, and I am very happy to be a member of the Storm Nation."
Healey joins Pete Weber, Robert Smith, Ryan Shafer, Randy Pedersen, Brian Himmler, Brian Kretzer, Eric Forkel, Dennis Horan Jr., Hugh Miller, Jimmy Johnson, Kevin Mitchell, Ritchie Allen, David Ozio, Jim Tomek, and Tim Mack on its Professional Touring Staff of Champions.
October 27, 2003 — A memorial program has been established for NCABA Hall of Fame member Sylvester "Syl" Sobanski, who died October 23.
It was Sobanski's wish that instead of flowers for his rememberence, gifts may be made to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, where they will be directed to projects he sincerely believed in. Make your memorial gift to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 921 2nd Street Northeast, Hickory, NC 28601 (phone: 1-828/327-2341). Please indicate "Sobanski Memorial."
Fellow NCABA Hall of Famer Pete Santora reports that services will be held Tuesday, October 28 at 11 a.m. A 7 p.m. prayer service at St. Aloysius Catholic Church will take place this evening.
Sobanski, a former vice president and general manager of Bowl America, Inc., served as president of the Metropolitan Washington Bowling Proprietors' Association and held many positions with the Maryland and Virginia BPAs. In addition, he was active in committee work with bowling and tournament activities, especially with youth bowlers.
He was elected to the NCABA Hall of Fame in 1992.
GREENDALE, Wis. (September 3, 2003) — The National Bowling Forum (NBF) and Bowling Incorporated (BI) Boards of Directors are seeking a director-at-large for 2004 and are now accepting nominations for the position. The deadline for nominations is June 1, 2004.
The purpose of this position is to bring a fresh perspective to the boards while supplementing the background, knowledge, and expertise of the founding member directors. The new director-at-large's term will begin Aug. 1, 2004, and continue for three years. Remo Picchietti, current director-at-large on both boards, completes his term on July 31, 2004.
The boards continue their efforts to forge partnerships among the participating industry leaders while striving for unity for the good of the industry. The boards participate as an integral part of meetings and forums with partnering industry leaders from American Bowling Congress, Bowling Proprietors' Association of America, Women's International Bowling Congress, AMF, Brunswick, Multi-Unit Bowling Information Group, USA Bowling, Young American Bowling Alliance, Professional Bowlers Association, Professional Women's Bowling Association, Strike Ten Entertainment, and BI Shared Services. These meetings are the only action forum that brings industry leaders together to ensure bowling's growth in the sports/entertainment marketplace through unified leadership and strategic direction.
The NBF oversees national industry marketing through Strike Ten Entertainment. It also is the focal point, coordinator, and catalyst for elements within the industry sharing their strategic direction through the joint industry planning group/shared strategic initiative process. Additionally, the NBF provides for an ongoing idea exchange forum for the technology leaders in the bowling industry.
BI's primary responsibility is oversight of the $13 million Bowling Inc. Shared Services operation at Bowling Headquarters in Greendale, Wis. The ultimate goal of both organizations is to foster an increase in all forms of membership and drive more traffic to bowling centers.
Please submit all résumés and credentials for the director-at-large position to Jack Moran, Chairman, Nominating Committee, at Roseland Bowl, 4357 Recreation Drive, Canadaigua, NY 14424, via E-mail at morjohn@frontiernet.net or by phone at 716/394-5050.
1. Karla Pereira, Alexandria, Va. (614) / Chris Johnson, Woodbridge, Va. (746), 1,360, $1,200.
2. Sue Allen, Great Falls, Va. (602) / Barry Wallace, Woodbridge, Va. (746), 1,348, $600.
3. Carla Sessions, Woodbridge, Va. (599) / Ricky Wallace, Woodbridge (740), 1,339, $400.
4. Debbie Wolfe, Vienna, Va. (575) / Richard Wolfe, Vienna, Va. (721), 1,296 $200.
5. Mike Herman, Woodbridge, Va. (666) / Joy Esterson, Annapolis, Md. (628), 1,294, $160.
6. Tiffany Franklin-Bell, Fredricksburg, Va. (601) / Harold Haycraft Jr., Dale City, Va. (691), 1,292, $120.
1. (tie) Stacey Gonzales, Alexandria, Va., and Tiffany Franklin-Bell, Fredricksburg, Va. (632), $75.
3. Joy Esterson, Annapolis, Md. (628), $40.
4. Carla Sessions, Woodbridge, Va. (627), $30.
5. Katie Gillon, Manassas, Va. (621), $20.
6. (tie) Lisa Rand, Alexandria, Va., and Debbie Wolfe, Vienna, Va. (615), $10.
1. (tie) Barry Wallace, Woodbridge, Va., and Chris Johnson, Woodbridge, Va. (746), $75.
3. Ricky Wallace, Woodbridge, Va. (740), $40.
4. Richard Wolfe, Vienna, Va. (721), $30.
5. Doug Knoth, Jr., Alexandria, Va. (712), $20.
6. Gregory Turner, Lanham, Md. (701) $10.
(August 21, 2003) — Tournament Director Ray Brothers today announced that prize checks for the 58th annual NCABA Championship Tournament held at Bowl America Chantilly and Bowl America Falls Church have been mailed.
Unsuccessful appeals by three disqualified bowlers to the ABC Rules Committee and later the ABC Legal Committee had delayed the prize check mailing.
GREENDALE, Wis. (July 2, 2003) — The American Bowling Congress has entered into an agreement with Killer 'B' Promotions to become the title sponsor of the 2003-04 ABC Teen Masters, a youth bowling tour that awards scholarships and introduces young bowlers to demanding Sport Bowling lane conditions.
The first of 16 regional qualifiers will be held in October and conclude in March. Two bowlers from each qualifier earn a berth in the ABC Teen Masters Championship Finals, which will be conducted May 28-31 in Milwaukee.
Approximately $100,000 in college scholarships is expected to be awarded through the regional qualifiers and the championship finals. The winner of the championship finals will earn a $10,000 college scholarship and the prestigious Alfond Cup. In the six-year history of the Teen Masters program, more than $300,000 in scholarships have been awarded.
"This event is attractive to ABC because it features our future members competing on Sport Bowling lane conditions," said Ed Baur, ABC Group Executive for Tournaments, Communications, and Marketing. "All of the events are sanctioned by the Young American Bowling Alliance, and the funds are allocated through the YABA SMART program. We're excited about the potential."
Open to all youth bowlers ages 13-19, each regional event features six games of qualifying on a Sport condition with the top qualifier earning an automatic berth in the championship finals. Bowlers who qualify second through ninth advance to a best-of-three single-elimination bracket with the winner of that segment also earning a berth in the championship finals.
Sport lane conditions place an emphasis on accuracy, consistency, and the ability to read and adjust to changing lane conditions.
The unique championship finals will feature the elite field of 32 finalists competing in six games of ranking competition—three on a short Sport condition and three on a long Sport condition. All 32 finalists are then seeded into a best-of-five match play bracket also conducted on a long and short Sport condition.
Scholarships are awarded on a 1:8 ratio at each qualifier, and all bowlers advancing to the championship finals will earn scholarships.
"We're excited to have ABC as the Teen Masters' title sponsor," said Killer 'B' Promotions President Gary Beck. "The partnership will result in increased college scholarship awards for youth bowlers and serves as an excellent platform for ABC to promote Sport Bowling to its future members."
The Teen Masters entry fee is $89. For entry forms and additional entry information, call 434/823-2695 or click here.
GREENDALE, Wis. (June 17, 2003) — The Women's International Bowling Congress will once again host its acclaimed and respected Women in Leadership conference series. The two new dates and locations are as follows: Sept. 12-14 in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Oct. 10-12 in Albuquerque, N.M.
These conferences offer women bowling leaders the opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve interpersonal communications while re-energizing and enhancing their associations.
The purpose of the workshops is to bring women leaders together to educate, motivate, and offer encouragement that enables them to embrace the challenges of leadership and reap the rewards of self-confidence. Conferences will offer participants the skills, ideas, and tools necessary to help women achieve their personal and association goals.
Registration is $25 and includes lunch, a participant workbook, registration gift, and all workshop materials. Discount: Register four attendees for the price of three, only $75 – save $25.
Registrations may be made via telephone, fax, mail, or online at bowl.com. For more information or to register, call 1-800/514-BOWL. Fax registrations to 414/421-8560. Mail registrations should be sent to: WIBC, Customer Service Center, 5301 S. 76th St., Greendale, WI 53129.
GREENDALE, Wis. (June 4, 2003) — Obtaining feedback from local association leaders on the American Bowling Congress' future as a bowling governing and membership organization was the goal of the Top 20 Association Leadership Conference conducted by ABC May 30-June 1 in Milwaukee.
Vice Presidents Ronald McGregor (left) and Bill Grover represented NCABA at the conference.
In light of votes earlier this year by both ABC and Women's International Bowling Congress delegates who rejected a plan to merge into a single membership organization—the United States Bowling Congress—ABC called on association officials from its largest associations to provide input on the role of associations and how the organization as a whole should move forward in the future.
Regarding the USBC, the associations provided input on what they felt needed to happen to make a single membership organization become reality. While the associations were generally in agreement that the formation of a single membership organization was best for bowling, they did feel more work needed to be done in areas such as bylaws and dues structure, optional merger at the local level, requiring both ABC and WIBC delegate approval for merger, and election of the board by delegates.
Among other topics covered during the three-day conference were: Overview of ABC's strategic plan and shared strategic initiatives within the industry; feedback on potential new programs; identifying the challenges of large associations; providing improved service, and developing a communication plan for local associations.
"The local associations' input will be critical for our future planning," said ABC President Alton Forbes. "It will be crucial to work closely with our associations as we explore our options and move forward."
In attendance at the Leadership Conference were representatives from the following associations: Greater Detroit, Chicago, NCABA, Eastern Long Island (N.Y.), Denver, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, Southern Nevada, Citrus Belt (Calif.), Cincinnati, Buffalo (N.Y.), Milwaukee, Indianapolis, St. Paul (Minn.), Rochester (N.Y.), Toledo (Ohio), and Phoenix. These associations have a combined membership of approximately 311,000, which is just over 18 percent of ABC's total membership of nearly 1.7 million members.
"I believe this is an important step in preparing ourselves for whatever lies ahead," said New York Bowling Association President Martin Michel. "The bottom line is that we need to continue to work to improve our service to bowlers, and getting feedback from the associations is an excellent way to do that."
"Country Gals" of California, Md., took over the lead May 14 in the Division 2 team event of the 2003 Women's International Bowling Congress Championship Tournament in Reno, Nev.
Mary "Tang" Mitchell, captain Sandy Biehler, Donna Martin, Martha Chesley, and Margaret Taylor combined for 2,790 to move past "Left-Overs," New Lebanon, Ohio, which briefly led with 2,696.
Chesley led the team with 676 including a division-high 279 game. Martin, a substitute who lives in Choctow, Okla., was next with 545. Taylor, Great Mills, Md., added 533; Biehler, California, Md., had 520; and Mitchell, Hollywood, Md., had 516.
GREENDALE, Wis. (May 13, 2003) — The American Bowling Congress Executive Board has extended an industry-wide invitation to renew the sport's efforts to unite under a single membership structure.
ABC's overture to the bowling family was outlined during a weekend conference call to ABC's board of directors by ABC President Alton R. Forbes of Chesapeake, Va.
"In the aftermath of rejections of the proposed United States Bowling Congress plan of merger by both the ABC and Women's International Bowling Congress delegations, ABC has met with all interested industry groups to consider our next course of action," Forbes said. "The conclusions among all of the organizations were unanimous: There must be only one membership organization in the future, and working together to achieve that objective will be much more productive than the alternative."
As a first step in that direction, Forbes said ABC has proposed its industry partners review the existing plan of merger starting in June and consider a course of action. Forbes said the other industry leaders have agreed to talk to their respective boards about the creation of a panel to discuss issues pertinent to the plan of merger.
The plan of merger, developed after more than two years of discussion and debate, would have resulted in the largest merger of non-profit sports organizations in American history. While the YABA and USA Bowling boards unanimously endorsed the merger, ABC delegates voted against the plan, 628-630, in Knoxville. In Reno, a simple majority of WIBC delegates twice voted for approval - 1,486-1,153 and 1,459-855 in a reconsideration vote the following day—but neither organization could muster the two-thirds majority required for adoption.
"Despite the rejection, a considerable number of ABC and WIBC delegates recognized the need to combine our sport's resources," Forbes added. "The rejections were based upon objections to specific provisions within the plan, not about the single membership organization concept.
"Therefore, it makes abundant sense for all of us to sit down, reexamine the merger document and see if we can resolve those differences. Because it affects everyone within the industry, we believe everyone should participate in a united effort to gain approval for the plan. Before any organization takes action that might result in irrevocable damage, it's worth spending a few more months to do the right thing."
May 4, 2003 — Don Johnson died last night, reports Frenchy Latourneau, publisher of the Ten Pin Alley newspaper in Las Vegas, Johnson's hometown. Johnson, who earlier called a friend to report he was not feeling well, was 62.
"The Kokomo Kid" had 26 career PBA titles, and he was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1977 and the ABC Hall five years later.
He perhaps will be best remembered for winning the 1970 Firestone Tournament of Champions in Akron, Ohio with a 299-268 victory over Dick Ritger. Johnson dropping to the approach after his twelfth toss when the 10-pin failed to fall is one the game's most memorable moments.
April 15, 2003 — Joe Tremper last night recorded 299-278-297/874 in the Men's Continental league at AMF Laurel to establish a new NCABA series record. The score topped the previous high of 869 (279-300-290) performed by NCABA Hall of Famer Larry Wallace Sept. 26, 2000 at AMF Fredericksburg.
Tremper, 30, a Laurel resident, this season has scored an 836 series along with two perfect games and a pair of 297s in the Men's Continental. He will receive the American Bowling Congress Award of Merit should his series not be topped by a fellow NCABA member through the end of the 2002-2003 season on July 31.
On February 14, 2003, local instructor Bob Pendergraft died after suffering a heart attack. He is remembered by WDCAWBA Hall of Famer Sue Allen:
Bob was a bowling instructor and bowler in this area for the past 10-12 years. His involvement in the sport of bowling focused on teaching people how to bowl better.
He had a long list of students, including junior bowlers, collegiate bowlers, league bowlers, and senior bowlers. On any given afternoon, you could walk into Annandale Bowling Center and Bob was down on lanes 45-46 giving a lesson. He traveled to tournaments locally and on the East Coast, all in an effort to help people bowl better and reach their goals.
His knowledge and teaching ability was phenomenal. He helped many bowlers in this area aspire to be top league bowlers and competitive tournament bowlers. Bob would want all his students to take the information he has given and just go bowl.
He made a tremendous impact on the bowling community, both locally and nationally. He will be deeply missed.
UPDATE:
Funeral arrangements set for 10:30 a.m. Friday (Feb. 28) at Quantico National Cemetery.February 13, 2003 — USA Bowling has announced that Texas Station Hotel, Las Vegas, Nev., has been awarded the 2004 National Amateur Championship Tournament. The tournament will be conducted Jan. 4-9, 2004 at the Texas Station Bowling Center.
Deadline for direct entries is Monday, Jan. 5, 2004 at 11 a.m. For more information, call Linda Johnson at 719/636-2695.
February 5, 2003 — BOWL Magazine Online has confirmed that George Browne, assistant manager of Bowl America Silver Spring, died last night of a massive heart attack. He was 67.
Browne, who previously served as center manager, had open heart surgery several years ago, and he was scheduled to take a stress test today.
Browne was an active tournament bowler, and he participated in two leagues this season, the Thursday Trios at Clinton and the Bolling Mixed Doubles at Potomac Lanes.
A memorial service will occur Saturday, Feb. 8 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Bowl America Silver Spring. Additional details will be released here as they become available.
GREENDALE, Wis. — The Women's International Bowling Congress Executive Council approved the invitation from Charlotte, N.C., to be the site of the 2007 WIBC Championship Tournament and Annual Meeting.
The WIBC Tournament, the largest participatory sporting event in the world for women, will draw approximately 45,000 women to Charlotte. A city known for its economic and commercial activity, Charlotte has all the advantages of one of the nation's most rapidly growing areas and will serve as a great backdrop for the tournament and convention.
"WIBC is excited Charlotte will be hosting our 88th Championship Tournament," said WIBC Executive Director Roseann Kuhn. "Charlotte is a great city, with much to offer WIBC bowlers. The 2007 event should be fun for the city, our bowlers, and their friends."
The tournament, which changes locations each year, has been held in cities nationwide, including: Milwaukee; Indianapolis; Reno, Nev.; and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The first WIBC Championship Tournament was held in St. Louis in 1916, the same year WIBC was founded.
The WIBC Championship Tournament attracts bowlers from every U.S. state and Canada, as well as international participants from Bermuda, Japan, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere.
Upcoming WIBC Tournament and Annual Meeting locations include Reno, Nev., in 2003; Wichita, Kan., in 2004; Tulsa, Okla., in 2005; and back to Reno in 2006.
December 8, 2002 — Warren Hughes Sr., a past president, life member, and Hall of Fame member of the Greater Washington Bowling Senate, died earlier today as a result of an automobile accident yesterday.
Mr. Hughes is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jean Keys Hughes; sons Warren Alexander Hughes Jr. and Derrick Vincent Hughes Sr.; grandsons Derrick Vincent Hughes Jr. and Lance Christopher Hawkins; a very devoted daughter-in-law, Donnetta Hawkins, and a host of other relatives and friends. The viewing will be held Friday, December 13 from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Union Wesley AME Zion Church, 1860 Michigan Ave. N.E. The interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
November 7, 2002 — Professional Women's Bowling Association star Kim Terrell has confirmed her appearance for an Ebonite Demo Day at the new World Class Pro Shops at AMF Capital Plaza Dec. 7 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Terrell, the 2002 WIBC Queens champion who recently won the PWBA Rollers and Pro Bowlers special event in Mesa, Ariz., currently is third in earnings on the PWBA Tour with $63,587.50, sixth in points (9,885), and eighth in average (211.61). The right-hander from Antioch Calif., a member of the Ebonite Pro Staff, also has recorded two perfect games on tour this year.
World Class Pro Shops opened last weekend with visits by world-class bowling ball gurus Del Warren, president of Track, Inc., and Mo Pinel, CEO, designer, and manager of R&D for MORICH Enterprises, Inc.
For additional information, contact Royal Howard or Eddie Curtis at 301/322-9530.
October 16, 2002 — St. Charles Bowl in Waldorf will host the final round of the 2003 VIR-MAR-DISTRICT YABA Invitational Scratch Singles Tournament. The center last hosted the finals in 1993.
The schedule:
September 10, 2002 — Carolyn Jozwiak's name was inadvertently excluded from the list of members of the Washington, D.C. Area Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame on page 10 of the current issue of BOWL Magazine.
Jozwiak was inducted last year along with Pallie Berry, Quintenna Boone, and Berlin Myers.
At a recent Professional Women's Bowling Association
event in Las Vegas, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard received
awards from the Southern Bowling Writers Association—
represented by two of its past presidents,
Walt Steinsiek (left) and Jim Wyckoff—for being named
SBWA Bowler of the Year for 2001.
In addition to receiving a plaque,
Dorin-Ballard is shown holding an illustration done
by Steinsiek, who will be inducted into the
NCABA Hall of Fame in October.
(Photo by Jim Goodwin)
BOWL Magazine contributing writer John Jowdy (left), a Hall of Fame member of the American Bowling Congress and the Professional Bowlers Association, a past president of the Bowling Writers Association of America, and one of the world's leading bowling instructors, recently released his first book entitled Bowling eXecution.
Human Kinetics, which published the book, prepared an official release (PDF, see below) that includes a brief summary, the table of contents, and an order form. The company also has similar information on its Web site.
The book is also available on the amazon and Barnes & Noble sites.
"Jowdy's Journal" has regularly appeared in BOWL Magazine since 1992.
Adobe's free Acrobat Reader program may be used to view Portable Document Format "PDF" files. Click on the following icon to download Acrobat Reader:
