Archived Articles

Pound for Pound the Best Bowlers in the Country
Bowling News Publication, February 25, 2010

TARZANA—Corbin Bowl proudly congratulates youth bowlers Lyndsey Gold, Ryan Santourian and Zoe Rodriguez for bowling the highest game and series in the nation for a three-player team with all members eight years and under. The trio earned the same awards last year making them possibly the best bowlers in the country--pound for pound. On May 30, 2009 “We Came from Small World” bowled a 394 team game with Lyndsey 131, Ryan 122, and Zoe 141, but they weren’t done yet. Nearly a month later they claimed the nation’s high series with 1114. Lyndsey’s 357 and Ryan’s 273 were topped off with Zoe’s 484. The 8 and under world can breathe a sigh of relief, as the trio have started turning 9 this season and will be competing in the 9-11 category. The team was presented with their national team recognition certificates from USBC and plaques recently. The trio has been bowling together for several years.

3rd Annual Don Glover Masters Scratch Tournament

GLOVER MASTERS DEFENDING CHAMPION SCOTT NORTON DOES A REPEAT By: Bette Addington Bakersfield, CA--This year’s Step Ladder Finals final match between defending Champion and top seed, Scott Norton (San Francisco) and second seed Chad Uyehara (Fresno) set the stage, saving the best for last, as both players showcased a final match-up that went down to the last frame to determine the winner at the 3rd annual Glover Masters Scratch Bowling Tournament held September 26-27, 2009, at AMF Southwest Lanes in Bakersfield, CA.

Both Norton and Uyehara strung their share of strikes with Norton stringing 7 starting with the fourth frame and Uyehara stringing 5 starting at the fifth frame. But it came down to the tenth with Norton finishing with a nice 258 game to defeat Uyehara (245). Norton, who was hot off winning his third PBA Regional in Las Vegas the weekend before this event, was relieved to know his bowling skills are back after taking two months off to prepare for his bar exam. Added Norton, “There aren’t many tournaments I can guarantee 100% that I’ll be back to, but this is definitely one!”

At the start of Sunday’s Match Play Finals, it looked like it was going to be a show down of the former Glover Champions, Norton and PJ Haggerty (Clovis) as both were highest qualifiers in their Saturday Qualifying squads. Haggerty won the 9 a.m. “A” squad while Norton won the 1 p.m. “B” squad. But when the Top 20 Qualifiers hit the floor Saturday night to cut the field to the Top 10 for Sunday’s Finals, PJ Haggerty led the pack with +428 and Norton slipped to sixth with +193. Bakersfield had two local bowlers who also made the Top 10 cut—Junior Patrick Smith, seventh (+179) and Zack Newman, ninth (+133).

This year’s event drew a total of 81 entries which included Brett Wolfe (Scottsdale, AZ) an ABC Masters title holder, Robin Romeo (Santa Clarita) a PWBA title holder and Hall of Famer, and Missy Bellinder (Fullerton), the first woman PBA member and PBA Regional title holder. JP Smith (Bakersfield) shot the highest game of the event—a 290.

A total prize fund payout of $12,125 went to the following bowlers: 1) Scott Norton/San Francisco $3,100; 2) Chad Uyehara/Fresno $1,550; 3) PJ Haggerty/Clovis $900; 4) Zack Newman/Bakersfield $700; 5) Mason Sherman/Moorpark $600; 6) Jon Brandon/Santa Clarita $575; 7) John Gould/Orangevale $550; 8) Marvin Hale/Atlanta, GA $500; 9) Ross Lyons/Ridgecrest $475; 10) Patrick Smith/Bakersfield $450 in scholarship; 11) Greg Thompson, Jr./Cupertino $295; 12) Brian Cooper/Visalia $290; 13) Robin Romeo/Santa Clarita $285; 14) Andrew Ueland/Fresno $280; 15) Junior Matt Jones/Canoga Park $275; 16) Missy Bellinder/Fullerton $270; 17) Danny Henderson II/Fresno $265; 18) JP Smith/Bakersfield $260; 19) Craig Donaldson/Clovis $255; 20) Travis Zehntner/Goleta $250.

In just three years of holding this event, the Glover Masters has grown in entries with each year and has grown a larger prize fund for its entrants and sponsors. Special thanks to our 2009 event sponsors: Golden Empire USBC, Phantom Radio, Dale E. McVey, Inc., Tom Smith, Stroope GMAC Real Estate, Jim Foss, PGA Professional/Kern River Golf Course, Confidence UST Services, Inc., Chuck & Dana Purcell, Robb’s Pro Shop, Just in Spine/Justine Pacquette, MD, Storm/The Bowler’s Company, Fabrications by Addington, The Bowler’s Edge Pro Shop/Mike Hefley, Pair & Marotta Physical Therapy, We the People/Legal Self Help, Bakersfield Visitors & Convention Bureau and Four Points by Sheraton.

Save the date, the 2010 4th annual Glover Masters Scratch Tournament will take place the weekend of September 25-26, 2010.

April 16, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bill Vint
USBC Communications
(800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3230
bill.vint@bowl.com
On the Web: bowl.com

METRO DETROIT, CALIFORNIA, INDIANA WOMEN WIN TOP PRIZES IN US BOWLER ASSOCIATION MEDIA AWARDS COMPETITION

GREENDALE, Wis. – The Metro Detroit USBC Association, California State USBC Association and Indiana State USBC Women’s Bowling Association are first prize winners in the inaugural US Bowler Association Media Awards competition.

Metro Detroit, USBC’s largest local association, won for best overall communications program. California’s “calusbc.com” topped the best Web site competition. The Indiana women’s association was first in the best newsletter contest with its three-times-yearly “In Indiana” publication. Each first-place association earned a $500 cash prize.

In the overall excellence category, the Ohio State USBC WBA was second and City of Firsts USBC Association serving the Kokomo, Ind., community was third. In addition to having qualify Web sites, each of the overall communications winners have a variety of other programs they use to communicate to their members. Metro Detroit’s Web address is “mdusbc.com,” Ohio WBA’s is “ohiowba.com,” and City of Firsts’ is “cityofirstsbowling.com.”

In Web sites – the most popular category with 46 entries – the Greater Cincinnati WBA (cincybowl.com) was second while the Rapid City (S.D.) USBC (rcbowl.com) and Washington State USBC (wsusbc.net) tied for third place.

In newsletters, the Louisiana State USBC WBA was runner-up with its quarterly publication “Louisiana Lagniappe” and the South Sound USBC in Tacoma, Wash., was third with its “Kegler’s Korner,” which is distributed six times a year.

Each runner-up association earned $300 while third-place finishers received checks for $200 each.

The media awards competition, sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress’ official membership publication, is designed to encourage USBC’s grassroots local and state associations to develop high quality communications programs.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than 2.6 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience. Bowl with US

Corbin Youth Bowlers Tops in Nation

Proving that great bowling accomplishments can come from bowlers of all ages & sizes, the Mighty Munchkins (Lyndsey Gold, Ryan Santourian, and Zoe Rodriguez) of Corbin Bowl were recently honored for having the 2007-08 USBC National Team High Game AND Team High Series for a 3-person team in the 8-under category. On May 31, 2008, they shot a 386 game on their way to a 1097 series. Presenting Lyndsey, Ryan & Zoe with their merit certificates from National, medals from NLAC & a plaque from Corbin Bowl is Junior Coordinator, Angel Zobel-Rodriguez.

NFL All-Time Great Lynn Swann to be Inducted Into
Bowling Hall of Fame

Four Time Super Bowl Champion's Passionate Support for the Sport of Bowling Earns Him Nod into His Second Hall of Fame

ARLINGTON, Texas, May 7, 2009/PRNewswire/ -- Former National Football League (NFL) All-Pro, Super Bowl MVP and Hall of Fame wide receiver, Lynn Swann has earned many accolades throughout his career, however it's his enthusiasm for bowling that has made him a recognizable and supportive force and an ambassador for the sport. In honor of years of support and involvement in the bowling industry, The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame announced today that Swann will be the third inductee into the Bowling Hall of Fame Celebrities Exhibit and the first to be inducted into the brand new museum to be completed in early 2010. The induction celebration will kick off at International Bowl Expo on June 24th at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay during the annual general session festivities.

"Bowling is a great activity for people of all ages and I'm so proud and honored to have helped to play a small part in helping to drive the resurgence of this great American past time," said Swann. "The more than 67 million people who bowl every year are a testament to the sport's tremendous popularity. Bowling is a true part of Americana and I'm humbled to have a place in the Bowling Hall of Fame."

A prominent advocate for the sport of bowling, Swann has hosted the NFL Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic for the past three years, and also served as the lane side reporter for CBS' "Clash of the Champions" in 2008. The broadcast marked bowling's return to network television for the first time since 1999.

"Lynn has a true passion for the sport of bowling and has been an incredible friend to the industry for many years. We're proud and honored to welcome him as the newest addition to the Celebrity Bowling Hall of Fame and the first inductee to the Bowling Hall of Fame's new location within the International Bowling Campus in Arlington," said Bowling Proprietors' Association of America President and United States Bowling Congress Director, Jim Sturm.

In late 2007, it was announced the Bowling Hall of Fame would relocate from St. Louis, Missouri to become part of the newly formed International Bowling Campus in Arlington. The campus also includes the headquarters for the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America, Strike Ten Entertainment, the United States Bowling Congress and the International Training and Research Center.

Swann will be recognized in the Celebrities exhibit at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, joining former NFL great and fellow Steeler, Jerome Bettis, as well as famed major league baseball pitcher and radio analyst, Tom Candiotti.

"We are thrilled to recognize this champion for our sport. Lynn is an extraordinary exemplar of how involvement in sports can parlay into even greater achievements," said Patrick Ciniello, President/Chairman of the Board of the Hall. "As a celebrity bowler inductee, Lynn continues to generate positive awareness for the sport and continues to inspire bowlers everywhere."

The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame has served the international bowling community for more than two decades by collecting and preserving its history and making information available worldwide to help promote the sport. The new facility is being constructed at the International Bowling Campus, 621 Six Flags Drive in Arlington, Texas.

About Strike Ten Entertainment Strike Ten Entertainment is the marketing arm of the bowling industry. Strike Ten Entertainment's mission is to increase the number of paid bowling games in bowling centers each year. Strike Ten Entertainment is also made up of a sub-group called Strike Ten Select, a network of 2,000+ of the most progressive bowling proprietors throughout the United States. As a member of Strike Ten Select, these bowling centers help attract and build long-term relationships with national corporate and marketing sponsors. Strike Ten Select's mission is to ensure that potential sponsors fit the needs and expectations of bowling proprietors on a national and local basis by promoting bowling in a positive manner.

NICOLE TWEEDY WINS STATE PEPSI CHAMPIONSHIPS

Bowling Column for Tuesday, May 12, 2009
By: BETTE ADDINGTON & MIKE HEFLEY

Another local junior bowler from the Regency Youth program made Bakersfield proud when she recently competed in the annual CA Pepsi Championship tournament that was held the weekend of May 2-3 at Classic Bowl in Daly City, CA. Nicole Tweedy, 13, emerged from a field of 116 bowlers in her division as the Champion winning the Girls 12 & Up Handicap Division with a (1456). Tweedy entered the event with a 112 average and averaged 145. Her strategy of bowling consistent and bowling above her average was what it took for her to succeed. Her high game of the competition was a 188. For her win, she receives scholarship money, a plaque and a jacket.

Coach Russ Tweedy, her uncle, said Nicole has been bowling since the Bumper program ten years ago. Coach Tweedy stated that she is “finally listening to her coaches” and added that she bowls “pretty good under pressure.”

JAT
On Sunday, May 3, down south, the Junior Amateur Tour held their last regular season event at Brunswick West Covina Lanes. Local junior, Andrew Svoren, finished second competing in the Farm Club division.

In the Open division, Jimmy Hefley led the 6-game qualifying round averaging just shy of 240. Also, local youth bowler, Patrick Smith, made the Finals qualifying seventh.

In the first round of the Finals, Smith got by Daniel Updgraff 2-1. Unfortunately, in the Round of 8, Smith and Hefley got matched up. Although Smith bowled well, it wasn’t enough to get past Hefley who won the series 2-1.

In the Round of 4, Hefley bowled Cameron Smith and it came all the way down to the tenth frame where Smith got the Brooklyn strike he needed to beat Hefley 256-253. Another third place finish for Hefley and a good bowling show from our local juniors once again!!

2009 GEUSBC Adult Awards Banquet Recap
Over 100 local bowlers attended the 2009 GEUSBC (Golden Empire United States Bowling Congress) Awards Banquet held on Saturday, May 9 at the Eagles Hall downtown.

Attendees got to see three local bowlers inducted into the Bakersfield Bowling Hall of Fame and they were Marge Langdon, Manager at Regency Lanes, Leon Stroope, longtime local bowler and Jim LeDoux, also a longtime local bowler and past President of the Bakersfield Bowling Association.

Also honored were several local youth bowlers. For the 2009 GEUSBC Scholarship, Patrick Smith and Melissa Benner were recipients. Jimmy Hefley, who booked ‘236’ for the 2008-09 Season, was recognized for a special Youth Achievement Award. And, Anthony Rose, was presented the inaugural “Don Glover Sportsmanship Award” for his outstanding work with the local youth program and the Bakersfield Traveling Tournaments.

Annual awards, BVL (Bowlers to Veterans Link) division winners and Men’s & Women’s City Tournament winners were also given their awards.

We will be highlighting the Hall of Fame and Scholarship winners in upcoming bowling columns.

Bakersfield selected to host 2010 USBC State Bowling Tournament
Officially notification that Bakersfield/Golden Empire USBC has been awarded the 2010 California State Open Championship Tournament was recently released. An estimated 10,000 bowlers, spectators and tournament officials will be traveling to Bakersfield during the 12-week period between May and July of next summer.

According to Don Cohen, manager of the Bakersfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, “We’ve really become a sought-after sports destination”. “Our staff continues to promote and market all of our great sports venues as potential hosts for these types of state and regional tournaments.” This event carries an estimated economic impact of $1.7 million to the city.

To give you an idea, between 400 and 800 bowlers are expected to participate each tournament weekend. AMF Southwest Lanes will host the Team event while Regency Lanes will handle the Doubles and Singles events.

GEUSBC will need help with scorekeepers and tournament workers come next May. More information will be available when we get closer to the event.

Eric Bryan wins Bakersfield 6-Gamer
The May 3rd Bakersfield 6-Gamer Tournament was held starting at 10 a.m. at Regency Lanes. 20 bowlers including a junior, Mitchell Ayler, who paced, came out to compete. Where else can you go and bowl a tournament with only 19 bowlers and first place pays $400 for a $60 entry?

After the six games, the field was cut in half to ten bowlers who rolled five games of Match Play with 30 bonus pins available for each game.

Results of this tournament were: First place – Eric Bryan (1359) for $400; second place went to Brian Kim (1346) for $300; and third place went to Rodney Anderson (1230) good for $110. Bryan had the high game of the day rolling a nice 290 game for his first game of Match Play.

The next Bakersfield 6-Gamer is scheduled in July and they will be adding a Classic division for higher average bowlers. Also, they are thinking of changing the handicap for this event from 80% of 230 to 80% of 220. Look for further information out soon. Tournament Director Gary Cole added, “These changes are being considered at the suggestions of our bowlers and all the changes we have made have been from their suggestions or for their protection.”

National USBC Convention Delegates Reject Dues Increase and Association Merger Timeframe
The 2009 USBC Convention took place in Reno April 28-May 2. The Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, May 2, where delegates rejected proposals that would have required associations to merge by August 1, 2011 and membership dues to be a maximum of $15 on August 1, 2010.

Special Note:
Can’t find the bowling column online? Go to “Local Sports” (rather than Community).

TNBA's Junior Program
Anthony J. Roberts Junior Championship Roll-off

With ages ranging from 13 to 19 and averages from 142 to 220, the field is set for the 2009 AJR Junior Championship Roll-off, scheduled for 11AM on Saturday May 23rd at Strikers Family Sports center in Ft. Lauderdale.

For those of you not familiar with the Junior Program, this roll-off is only for TNBA's Division I Handicap Team champions from each of the four Junior Regional Tournaments. These sixteen bowlers receive an expense-paid trip to the site of our Annual National Convention and Tournament to compete against each other for the National Championship title. There is also an awards banquet to honor these juniors on Saturday night.

The tournament format is similar to that of our Bill Rhodman Singles Classic Tournament for the adults. Each team will bowl two games and that total, plus handicap, will determine the seeded position. The teams will then bowl stair-step position starting with the fourth (4th) place team vs. the third (3rd) place team, etc. with the winner advancing to the next round.

The Eastern Regional Junior Champions are from the Greater Washington Bowling Senate.

Team Name: Silver Hill Strikers #16

The team has the youngest member in the roll-off, Lamont Pearson Jr., who is 13; however, Lamont wants everyone to know that, even though his tournament entering average was 158, he can compete with the big guys. He led his team with a 671 scratch series (227, 245, 199. The team is coached by Andre’ Copelin.

Front row: Victoria Bush, Lamont Pearson Jr. Back row: Brandon Lowe, Dominique Thompson

The Western Regional Junior Champions are from The Los Angeles Bowling Senate.

Team Name: Gardena Bowl #1

High Roller for the team during the regional tournament was Jerome Jordan Jr. who rolled games of 240, 246 and 246 for a 732 scratch series. Cory Koyanagi, who rolled a high game of 233, also participated in the 2006 AJR roll-off. Otha Stubblefield is the coach.

From left: Cory Koyanagi, James Bael, Kyle Goya and Jerome Jordan, Jr.

The Detroit Bowling Senate will represent the Central Region.

Team Name: 4 U 2 NV

Raphael Mostyn, entering average of 195, rolled a 725 scratch series on games of 266, 257 and 202. James Edwards, average of 220, rolled 235, 215 and 267 for a 717 series. Marcus Fisher rolled a triplicate 206 game and Edwin Peart contributed to the winning score with a 256. Vanessa Fisher is the coach.

From left: Edwin Peart, James Edwards, Raphael Mostyn and Marcus Fisher

The South will be represented by The Memphis Bowling Senate.

Team Name: Smoothies

High scorer for the team was Theo Shipp who rolled a 290. Congratulations also goes out to Reginald Jarrett who, in the Doubles event, rolled a 300 game. George Porter is the team’s coach.

from left: Theo Shipp, Reginald Jarrett, Ciara Hernandez and Adrian Crook

The Junior Regional Tournament Directors are Marty Jones (Eastern), Delores Knuckles-Meeks (Central), Sheryl Hayes (Southern) and Melvin Dixon (Western).

Come out and support our Junior Champions as they compete for the National title later on this month in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

Submitted by: Veronica Green, AJR Tournament Director

Danny Mack
Director Public Relations/ Media

See more of Danny's Approach on our website: www.tnbainc.org. Note: "Danny's Approach" is a free periodical service provided by TNBA to inform our membership of the latest news and happenings going on within TNBA. Your email address is held within the strictness of confidence and is not shared with any outside source. If you wish not to be part of this email distribution, please "reply" to this email requesting to be removed from this list. TNBA members inadvertently left off the distribution list may request to be added. As a TNBA member, if you wish to submit articles or 'tidbits' of information of national interest, forward to the Director of Public Relations at danny.mack@tnbainc.org

Mickey Colletti - Youth Bowling Pioneer Passes Away

JAT/JANCO founder Vincent "Mickey" Colletti passed away on February 14, 2009 at his home in Chico, CA. He was 84 years old and just a week shy of his 85th birthday. He left us peacefully - watching TV, fell asleep and never woke up.

He was the founder of the JANCO/Junior Amateur Tour; he started the first scratch youth bowling tournament club in the United States back in 1973 with an event at Hollywood Star Lanes. He was a pioneer in the sport- many don't know but he was the inventor of the "skin patch"- those little glass bottles that every bowler has used at least once! He also ran a pro shop at Hollywood Star Lanes that catered to many celebrity bowlers, movie shoots and other Hollywood industry events. The stories of his amazing life shows that we lost a remarkable man.

If you are a JAT alum take a minute and send a card to the family thanking them for the life of "Mickey" and the legacy that he has left behind.

Cards can be sent to:
Michael Colletti and Family
1020 Lori Dr.
Chico, CA 95973

Please pass this message along to anyone you think would want to know. Very sad to hear that we lost Mickey after all these years.

David Yamauchi
Executive Director
Junior Amateur Tour
www.bowljat.org

CBW 5th Annual Phone Card Drive

The California Bowling Writers (CBW) Phone Card Drive is currently underway. We will be purchasing as many 300-minute AT&T Military Pre-Paid Phone Cards as we can with the money collected. Any amount for a donation is welcome. Deadline for donations is DECEMBER 31, 2008. Phone Cards will be purchased and delivered to the troops in Iraq for Valentine's Day, 2009. Last year we were able to raise $6800 in donations, which enabled us to purchase 365 Phone Cards! Donors included CBW members, bowlers from bowling leagues (CA and nationwide), state bowling associations, The Fall Classic Trade Show and anonymous donors.

Don't delay. Send your donation today!
Make checks payable to: CBW.

Mail to:
Tina Martin, CBW Treasurer
57 Shields Lane
Novato, CA 94947-3877

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
For further information on this Phone Card Drive, log onto www.calbowlingwriters.org. (Click on image to download flyer - .pdf file)

FREE Roto Grip Cell T-Shirt

No purchase necessary. Visit www.rotogear.com and register your customer information if you are new to the site before placing your order. Once registered, go to the FREE CELL T-SHIRT coupon link on the home page. Order your Cell T-shirt color of choice and make sure to pick up one up for a friend or family member! When you are finished ordering your t-shirts go to your shopping cart and enter CODE: CELLTSHIRT in the coupon box before checking out.

All orders placed are pre-orders. Your CELL T-Shirt will ship in time for Christmas!

Offer is only valid in the continental US. All other customers will be subject to a higher shipping & handling charge. The shipping & handling fee is charged to cover the cost of processing and shipping your order via US Mail. OFFER EXPIRES 12/1/08.

RotoGrip is a proud sponsor of the 2009 Pepsi Youth Championships!

2nd Annual Don Glover Masters Scratch Tournament

By: Bette Addington

SCOTT NORTON WINS GLOVER MASTERS TOURNAMENT

Bakersfield, CA. The late Don Glover had to have been smiling down on AMF Southwest Lanes this past weekend, September 27-28, as the 2^nd annual Glover Masters Scratch Tournament took place. Not only did the tournament nearly double the number of entries that it had at its inaugural event last year, but the prize fund doubled—not only for the champion but there was a visible increase in all the monies given to the top 20 that placed!! To top it off, a former youth state standout, who was bowling his first year in the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), became the 2008 Champion. Scott Norton, of San Francisco, emerged as the 2008 Don Glover Masters Scratch Champion and took home $3,055.00.

It wasn’t an easy win for Norton, who ended up the number two seed, as he had to win his Stepladder Final match against fourth seed Jeff Gordon who dominated the Stepladder matches by beating fifth seed PBA standout Tony Reyes 269-238, then third seed Daniel Watanabe 247-189. Norton and Gordon had a great match, but Norton emerged with a win 279-245 and then faced number one seed Mason Sherman (the current PBA Western Regional point’s leader who dominated qualifying by ranking first in the top 20 and then again first after match play). Sherman started the final match strong with a string of strikes. Norton had a strike in the first frame but spared in the second. But Norton turned on the strikes and finished with a 280 game to Sherman’s 255. Over 60 spectators enjoyed an afternoon of terrific matches.

Norton was the 2000 CWBA (California Women’s Bowling Association’s) Star of Tomorrow and also the Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow. He received four Gold medals in the Tournament of Americas and one Gold medal in the World Youth Championships. His career took off as he became the National Youth Amateur Champion and then just one year later the National Adult Amateur Champion. He has been on Team USA. Then, this year, he joined the PBA where he has captured one title to date. A left-hander, as Don Glover was, Norton and Watanabe were the only two lefties making the Stepladder Finals. He was bowling with Brunswick equipment.

Norton bowled the first squad of qualifying on Saturday and came out strong with a 279 game, and averaged 235 to make the top ten of that squad. He then came back Saturday night to compete with the top twenty bowlers (top ten from two qualifying squads) and bowled 6 games averaging 230, but more importantly, rolling a 299 for his fifth game of the night to help him end the night at +395 to secure his spot in the Top Ten Finals for Sunday. Sunday morning’s nine games of Match Play Finals had him averaging 226 and winning 4 of his matches. For the Position Round following the Match Play Finals, he beat his opponent Mason Sherman 205-195 to secure his number two seed in the Stepladder Finals.

Scott Norton was truly a class act. His parents making their way from down south to watch him compete in the Finals on Sunday made his story of victory even more interesting as his mom, Virginia Norton, a well-known State and National Hall of Famer, knew Don Glover. Congratulations on a well-deserved win to add to your list of accomplishments, Scott!

It’s important to note there were two 300 games rolled on Saturday during the qualifying squads. First one was shot by Bakersfield’s Diz Francisco. Francisco shot the 300 in game 5. The second one was rolled by Tony Reyes in the second qualifying squad for his sixth game ending with +247.

DC Williams, representing GEUSBC (Golden Empire USBC) presented a trophy to the highest finishing youth bowler from Bakersfield and the trophy was presented to Patrick Smith who qualified with +67 in the first squad.

Final results are as follows:

1^st – Scott Norton, San Francisco ($3,055.00)

2^nd – Mason Sherman, Moorpark ($1,000.00)

3^rd – Jeff Gordon, Ventura ($750.00)

4^th – Daniel Watanabe, Bakersfield ($600.00)

5^th – Tony Reyes, San Bruno ($500.00

6^th – Steve Smith, San Diego ($450.00

7^th – Lee Patterson, Antioch ($400.00)

8^th – Ivan Miyasato, Fresno ($350.00)

9^th – Jim Joy, San Pablo ($300.00)

10^th – Carlie Medina III, Bakersfield ($250.00)

11th – Aris C. Anadilla, Bakersfield (245.00)

12^th – Donald Benner, Bakersfield ($240.00)

13^th – John Whisler, Bakersfield ($235.00)

14^th – Aris Anadilla, Bakersfield ($230.00)

15^th – Russ Mayberry, Visalia ($225.00)

16^th – Chris Williams, Los Angeles ($220.00)

17^th – Gary Duran, Commerce ($215.00)

18^th – Jim Roberts, Tulare ($210.00)

19^th – Zack Newman, Bakersfield ($205.00)

20^th – Mike Wilk, Temecula ($200.00)

Special thanks to all the 2008 Event Sponsors because without their help and support, we could not have attained the prize payout we had: Golden Empire USBC; Ebonite/Ed Gallagher; Fabrications by Addington/Chris Addington; Tom Smith/GEUSBC Director; Jim Trino/Bakersfield Bowling Hall of Fame; Jim Foss/PGA Professional (Kern River Golf Course); Dale & Karin McVey; Confidence UST Services, Inc./Doug & Cheri Young, Owners; Justin Paquette, MD/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Robb’s Pro Shop/Robb White (AMF Southwest Lanes); The Bowlers Edge Pro Shop/Mike Hefley (Regency Bowling Center); Stroope Realtors, GMAC Real Estate/Loren Stroope, Owner; True Amateur Tournaments/Ed McWilliams (Las Vegas); We The People – Legal Self Help/Carol Glover, Owner; AP Architects; Pair & Marotta Physical Therapy; The Bowler’s Alley/Mark Davis (Buena Lanes, Ventura); and Gary Cole & Russ Tweedy/Bakersfield 6-Gamer.

Copy of Response letter from Tournament Committee (10-08)

TIDBITS on BUILDING WEBSITES for the USBC Delegates in Kansas City, MO

PBA News: Rhino Page wins first PBA title!
Credit: www.pba.com

NORWICH, Conn. - 3/9/2008
Rhino Page figured after four missed opportunities, he had probably blown his chance of winning a title in his rookie season.

Instead, Page used the motivation of his worst week of the season last week to drive him to a 244-220 win over Jack Jurek in Sunday’s Go RVing Classic to cement what is the greatest rookie season in PBA history.

Page had already broken or tied six PBA records coming into Sunday, including making five championship rounds, all of which came after he had to qualify for the event through the Denny’s PBA Tour Qualifying Round. He had come up empty in his four previous championship rounds, however, finishing second twice, third once and fifth.

The 24-year-old missed the cut in the TQR of last week’s Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic, just the third time all season he didn’t advance to the Round of 64. He spent the following days practicing with his old coach who helped him with his physical game but also got him back on track mentally.

The practice paid off as Page defeated fellow left-hander Mike Scroggins, 245-235, in the semifinals to advance to his third title match of the season.

In the title match against Jurek, Page looked like he would cruise to the title after striking with his first five shots in the match. But a pocket 7-10 split and open in the sixth frame let Jurek back in the match. But the Tour veteran, who was looking for his first win since 1995, could not take advantage, suffering four consecutive nine-spares.

Jurek could have put pressure on Page in the 10th by striking out, but after a strike with his first shot he left the 3-4-6-7 meaning Page only needed a mark to win. The rookie finished it off in style by striking for the win.

“It feels so good. I didn’t expect by any means to make this many shows this season,” Page (Topeka, Kan.) said. “After my fourth show I thought, ‘Man, you missed out.’ Fortunately, I got to work on my game last week and after the week I had last week, that really motivated me. I know I’m not that kind of bowler and I was determined to never let that happen again.”

Page used some key strategy against Scroggins to get through to the title match, denying the five-time titlist a chance at his third win of the season.

“I came in with a really good game plan,” Page said. “I knew Scroggins could strike a lot from where he was playing so I tried to throw a dull ball and burn the lanes up and change where he was playing. Luckily it helped me also get the room I needed to shoot some big scores.”

Should he win the PBA Rookie of the Year award – which is a lock at this point – Page would become just the sixth Rookie of the Year to win a title in the 43 years the award has been handed out. He also moved into seventh in the PBA Player of the Year point standings with two events remaining.

Page’s win in the semifinal also came down to the final frame. Scroggins took the lead for the first time in the match with a strike in the seventh and after that point the two traded strikes and leads until the 10th frame. Page struck with his final six shots including all three in the 10th to force Scroggins to double. After a strike with his first shot, Scroggins got just eight pins to give Page the win.

Jurek advanced to the championship round with a 236-223 win over Mike Edwards. In a match-up between bowlers each looking for their first title since the early 1990s, Jurek took control with a four-bagger in frames four through seven and never looked back. After an eight-spare in the ninth, Edwards struck out in the 10th to force Jurek to mark and the Lackawanna, N.Y., native struck with his first ball for the victory.

Page, who had already wrapped up an exemption via the PBA World Point Rankings, earned $25,000 for his win. Jurek earned $13,000 for second while Edwards (Tulsa, Okla.) and Scroggins (Amarillo, Texas) took home $6,000 each for third and fourth, respectively.

Denny’s PBA Tour
2008 Go RVing Classic
Norwich Bowling and Entertainment Center

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos.	Name, hometown	Total/Games	Money
1.	Rhino Page, Topeka, Kan.	489 (2 games)	$25,000
2.	Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y.	456 (2 games)	$13,000
3.	Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla.	223 (1 game)	$6,000
4.	Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas	235 (1 game)	$6,000

SCORES – In the first match, Page def. Scroggins, 245-235;
in the second match, Jurek def. Edwards, 236-223; and in the final, Page def. Jurek, 244-220.

Rhino, who used to live in San Diego, CA bowled many of the youth tournaments in California earning lots of scholarships. One event that he won was the 1999 California Pepsi Championships, taking him to the National Pepsi Championships finals in Salt Lake City, UT. Parker Bohn III was a guest speaker at that event. Who knew that Rhino would be meeting Parker on the lanes years from then bowling for a title.

April 16, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bill Vint
USBC Communications
(800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3230
bill.vint@bowl.com
On the Web: bowl.com

METRO DETROIT, CALIFORNIA, INDIANA WOMEN WIN TOP PRIZES IN US BOWLER ASSOCIATION MEDIA AWARDS COMPETITION

Each runner-up association earned $300 while third-place finishers received checks for $200 each.

USBC Board votes its intention to move headquarters to Texas
Credit: www.bowl.com

3/11/2008
By Jerry Schneider, USBC Communications

The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors has given approval to announce its intention to relocate the organization's headquarters to Arlington, Texas, where it will reside with the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America.

The decision, made during a meeting Sunday in Atlanta, came after presentations were made by officials from Arlington and Milwaukee, the homes of the BPAA and USBC, respectively.

"This is a great day for bowling. Relocating to Arlington would allow for the creation of an international bowling campus. We can set the foundation for tremendous growth and opportunities for decades to come," said USBC President Jeff Bojé. "Both cities made excellent presentations and either would have been good locations for USBC. The Board decided Arlington would be the best location should the USBC receive approval of investment from the Texas Enterprise Fund."

Contingent upon TEF approval, USBC Headquarters is expected to move to Arlington later this year. In addition to office space for about 200 overall employees, the new complex will include a 12-to-16-lane combined equipment testing and international training center to form a $14 million international bowling campus. BPAA has pledged to pay for half of the complex while utilizing less than one-fifth of the space.

The property is located at 621 Six Flags Drive, across the street from Six Flags Over Texas in the heart of Arlington's entertainment and sports district. It is about three blocks east of Rangers' Ballpark in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers baseball team, and about six blocks east of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium set to open in 2009. The creation of an international bowling campus at such a high profile location will provide the opportunity to showcase bowling to the world that doesn't exist at the present location.

"Integration of operations can be achieved without the loss of identity or control of the individual organizations," said BPAA President Joe Schumacker. "By working in tandem with USBC, we can fulfill our individual missions, as well as protect and grow all levels of competitive bowling.

"The concept of integrating the operation of the BPAA and the USBC makes sense. Bowling has changed dramatically over the past 25 years. It is imperative the organizations embrace change so they can continue to professionally support their individual constituencies."

The new joint venture is expected to help grow the sport by USBC and BPAA by being more able to work together on joint programs such as youth bowling and coaching. Youth bowling and coaching have been major points of emphasis for the organizations.

An additional factor for the Board's decision was ease of travel. As one of the world's largest airports, Dallas/Fort Worth International makes it much easier for those traveling to and from the international bowling campus, especially those traveling internationally.

USBC and BPAA announced in November that their boards of directors had approved a study of how much their operations should be integrated. The goal was to use such efficiencies to help grow the sport of bowling. The organizations' boards of directors gave approval in January to start negotiations with all parties involved to relocate the organization's headquarters to Texas.

PBA News: Rhino Page wins first PBA title!
Credit: www.pba.com

Denny’s PBA Tour
2008 Go RVing Classic
Norwich Bowling and Entertainment Center

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos.	Name, hometown	Total/Games	Money
1.	Rhino Page, Topeka, Kan.	489 (2 games)	$25,000
2.	Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y.	456 (2 games)	$13,000
3.	Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla.	223 (1 game)	$6,000
4.	Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas	235 (1 game)	$6,000

SCORES – In the first match, Page def. Scroggins, 245-235;
in the second match, Jurek def. Edwards, 236-223; and in the final, Page def. Jurek, 244-220.

The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors has approved the modification of Youth Membership Eligibility Rule 400, effective immediately, to expand the awards deemed acceptable under the terms of USBC Youth membership. In addition to previously allowed symbolic awards, USBC Youth members are now eligible to be awarded bowling equipment, gift certificates, apparel and other merchandise prizes with a total value not greater than $500 in any one event, excluding scholarships.

The modifications also allow for USBC Youth members to compete in singles competition where cash and/or bonds are awarded, as well as merchandise prizes exceeding $500 in total in any one event, but must waive rights to these awards by signing and completing the USBC Prize Waiver form prior to their participation in that competition.

Acceptance of awards of cash or bonds of any amount or any merchandise prizes with a total value higher than $500 per event remain prohibited for youth members under USBC's revised Rule 400. Violations of the terms of Rule 400 could result in the loss or suspension of youth membership.

There also remains no limit on the value of scholarships that can be awarded in youth competition. The scholarship funds from USBC certified events and leagues will continue to be required to be deposited with USBC's SMART program. USBC Youth members may be awarded scholarships from singles competition in which cash and/or bonds are awarded.

“The USBC Board determined that the former Rule 400 placed unnecessary restrictions on everyone associated with USBC Youth membership and concluded the best course of action to alleviate this issue was to modify Rule 400 effective immediately,” USBC President Michael Carroll said.

The previous version of Rule 400 intended to protect the current and future interscholastic sports eligibility of USBC Youth members through the most restrictive interpretations and limitations. The USBC Board concluded that placing these restrictions on all USBC Youth members was unnecessary due to the lack of uniform eligibility standards for interscholastic sports nationally.

“The new structure of USBC allows for addressing of significant issues to be handled in an expedited manner,” said USBC Chief Executive Officer Roger Dalkin. “The previous version of Rule 400 placed undue and unintended restrictions on USBC Youth members, league and association coordinators and proprietors. The USBC Board modified Rule 400 to address these restrictions and expand acceptable awards that promote and enhance the participation in youth bowling.”

The USBC Board concluded that compliance with local/state interscholastic eligibility rules and policies is the responsibility of the individual member and his/her legal guardian. However, USBC will continue to educate USBC Youth members and their legal guardians that competing in USBC certified competitions and acceptance of some awards now acceptable under Rule 400 could jeopardize individual member’s interscholastic sports amateur eligibility.

“USBC’s Youth membership program, certified tournaments and leagues, as well as USBC’s dedication to the growth of high school and collegiate bowling, offer youth of all ages many choices to be active in the sport of bowling,” said Mitch Mitchell, chairman of the USBC Youth Committee.

For help with interpretation of the USBC youth eligibility Rule 400, contact USBC's Rules department at (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3155 or visit bowl.com.

Rule 400
A. Except as provided in Item B, a youth may not bowl or substitute in any bowling activity which offers any of the following as prizes:
1. Cash or bonds.
2. Merchandise exceeding $500 in value.

B. Youth may bowl in singles competitions (including side competitions/brackets) offering such prizes, provided, prior to bowling:
1. The competition agrees to award the youth’s prize in the form of a scholarship; or
2. The youth signs a form waiving his/her rights to any prize in violation of this rule.

Buying or selling of earned prizes is prohibited.

Any youth bowler deemed in violation of this rule is subject to disciplinary action including the potential loss of youth membership.

NOTE: There are no limits on scholarship amounts or entry fees (must be paid directly to the tournament director/manager) and reimbursement of actual travel expenses into the next higher level of competition or any tournament or event. (Receipts must be provided upon request.)

The prizes authorized by a state high school athletic association or a collegiate athletic association recognized by USBC and USBC Collegiate are not subject to the limitations of this rule.