The Cornerstone

The Foundation Newsletter                             

Volume 11, Issue 1     January

"The crisis is upon us, friends.  Our sport is in trouble.  Many of you, that love the game as we do, will look at the crisis like a friend who is in trouble and needs our help.  We must not shrink from the task before us, we should welcome it.   It is 'our' generation that has been called to the challenge.  If not now, when?  If not us, who?"

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Letter from the Editor

Thankful

I had actually written a whole column about goal setting for a new year. The more I thought about the column, the more I realized that I felt like I was repeating things that I have said in the past. I mean, we all set goals with the New Year; it’s kind of traditional, even a bit cliché, but we all do it. Whether it is losing weight, quitting a bad habit, learning something new or accomplishing a new feat; we all take advantage of the fresh start that a new year brings.

After much thought, I decided that I would rather reflect on things for which I am thankful. Taking all things into consideration, there are many things for which I am thankful so here are just a few of them:

1. I am thankful for my family and my close friends, for their love and support that is completely unconditional. My parents always pushed me to be the best that I could and to always try to do things for myself. This has made me independent and given me strength to face my life with confidence. My nephews give me joy and pride. Seeing the world through a new point of view has made me appreciate life a little more. My husband who supports me even when he doesn’t always agree with me and who is always there to pick me up when I am down. And lastly, if it weren’t for my friends who keep me “in check” and grounded, there is really no telling where I might be.

2. I am thankful for my dogs. They may not understand, but there is no true love like a dog’s love. Even when I am mad at them for chewing my shoes, they still wag their tails at me.

3. I am thankful for bowling. If bowling were not a part of my life, I might not have had many of the opportunities that I have been able to experience. I also would not have met many of the wonderful people who have come into my life.

4. I am thankful for our troops. It is because of the countless men and women in our military that I am able to sit at my desk and even write this article. They fight to protect the freedoms of our country while away from their own families in often poor and very dangerous conditions so that you and I may live with comforts and freedoms that are often taken for granted.

I hope as you begin the New Year that you reflect upon the things for which you are thankful. While it may seem simple, a small “thank you” can always bring a smile to another’s heart.

Happy New Year.

Lane Surface Task Force Lays Foundation for Future Research

By: Patrick Brettingen; USBC Communications

GREENDALE, Wis. – The United States Bowling Congress and Manufacturer Lane Surface Task Force has laid groundwork for future research of synthetic bowling lane surfaces that are used in USBC certified competition.

The group, which is comprised of synthetic bowling lane manufacturers and USBC research representatives, recently discussed the research of lane surfaces for roughness and the materials used in their production.

USBC research engineers would use an instrument called a “profilometer” to research surface roughness variations. A Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer - an optical instrument with a computer interface – would be used to analyze the materials used in the production of the top portion of synthetic lanes.

Any research would be completed on agreed upon 42 X 42-inch lane sample pieces which manufacturers will send to USBC.

The task force also has defined its purpose, which is to obtain a better understanding of lane surfaces and how they affect bowling ball motion and scoring.

Dennis Sheirs, task force member and Kegel Vice President Chemical Division, said discussions about those topics at the group’s first meeting Nov. 17 at USBC Headquarters in Greendale, Wis., were positive.

“I thought everyone in attendance at the meeting had good input and did a good job of supporting their opinions and viewpoints,” said Sheirs. Other lane manufacturer task force members at the meeting were: Cesare Lancellotti, Switch; Neil Pennington, Qubica AMF; and Troy Recknagel, Brunswick.

“I would like to see some uniformity to the playing surface and a standard to measure and test with,” Sheirs said. “I would like to see the USBC set testing standards that can be used by all manufacturers and help the bowling centers when evaluating information on a product.”

The task force will work cooperatively to discuss possible research and testing of synthetic lane surfaces in an effort to standardize the production of lane surfaces. The group’s overall goal is to make league and tournament play fair for all USBC bowlers.

“The formation of this task force is another important step in maintaining credibility in the sport of bowling,” said USBC Technical Director Neil Stremmel, who along with senior technician Dave Sprager represents USBC on the task force. “USBC is teaming up with key players in the bowling industry to form this task force and make this happen. USBC may add or change specifications if the research concludes that a change or addition is necessary."

Also at the meeting, Stremmel and Sprager demonstrated USBC’s testing process for synthetic lane surface hardness. For the test, USBC research engineers use a Gardner/Sward Hardness Rocker, a metal wheel-shaped device four inches in diameter which is used to test hardness of production materials in various manufacturing industries. In this case the device rolls back and forth on a lane sample. The cycles are electronically determined and registered on a liquid crystal display monitor to obtain a hardness reading.

Samples submitted and tested in that manner must meet the USBC specification for hardness of a synthetic lane surface, which is a minimum Sward Hardness reading of 35.

That specification is a result of a new test procedure which analyzes surface friction and bowling ball footprint size in the readings. A Gauge R & R study, a statistical method recommended by the American Society for Quality, was used to determine the minimum limits.

It was the first time USBC or its predecessor organizations developed a specification for the hardness, friction or footprint of a lane surface.

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 nearly three million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

The USBC Equipment Specifications and Certification testing facility is the world’s premier bowling research center. Within the eight-lane center in a climate-controlled building, team members regulate and standardize bowling equipment by concentrating on pin and product testing, research work, bowling center certifications and lane dressing inspections. The team of engineers, technicians and support staff provides lane-conditioning support for a variety of tournaments and Sport Bowling events. Since the mid-1980s, Equipment Specifications and Certification also has approved products for international competition such as the World Tenpin Bowling Association and the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs.

Bowl with US

A Successful Women’s Series

By: Brandy Padilla

The women of bowling have been gone from the spotlight for far too long. Aside from an occasional show like the USBC Queens or the made-for-TV USBC Women’s Challenge, the women have not had any regular TV exposure since the now defunct PWBA went belly up a few years ago. So, when the Denny’s PBA partnered with USBC to create a mini tour of sorts to allow the women a little competition and some time in the spotlight, I was curious to see how the events would unfold.

Women who competed in the US Women’s Open had the opportunity to pay an additional entry fee to compete simultaneously for one of sixteen spots on the four week mini tour, the PBA Women’s Series. Of the more than 100 women who made their way to Reno in August 2007 for the Open, 64 of them took advantage of the opportunity to earn a spot on the mini tour. Of those 64 women, only the top 16 would earn a spot on the four week tour.

Coordinated with scheduled Denny’s PBA Tour stops, the women competed in conjunction with the men at the following tournaments: Motor City Classic, Etonic Championship, Lake County Indiana Classic, and the Great Lakes Classic. During each tournament, the women bowled two blocks of seven games for qualifying. After qualifying, the field was cut to the top eight and the single elimination, best of seven game match play round began. The women faced off, head to head, just as the men do each week with the loser being eliminated and the winner moving on to face the next opponent. When all was said and done, two finalists remained to compete live on the weekly telecast.

During the first tour stop, the women competed at Taylor Lanes in Taylor, Michigan on the viper pattern. It took an average of 211 for qualifying to make the cut for match play. The women then faced off in match play where former PWBA star Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and up and comer Missy Bellinder emerged as finalists. Dorin-Ballard and Bellinder bowled a single game live on TV. Dorin-Ballard proved that experience counts as she emerged victorious shooting 233 to Bellinder’s 192 and claiming the $10,000 top prize along with the coveted first Women’s Series title.

The Etonic Championship held at AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, New York put the women against the scorpion pattern. It took an average of nearly 220 to make the cut after qualifying with the leader, Joy Esterson, holding a 247 average for 14 games. Unfortunately, Esterson could not hold onto her lead as two lefties conquered match play to make it to the live TV finals. Team USA star Shannon Pluhowsky faced off against former PWBA star Tish Johnson in a close match. The young Pluhowsky held on at the end for a 227-217 victory to claim the second Women’s Series title.

In the third tournament, the Lake County Indiana Classic held at Stardust Bowl II, the women faced chameleon. The cut line to make match play was +170 or a 212 average. Holding on to make the live TV finals were Joy Esterson and former PWBA star and 2007 US Women’s Open winner Liz Johnson. In a riveting TV final, both bowlers struck out in the tenth frame to tie the match. According to PBA rules, the tie would be broken by a one ball roll off. Should the bowlers once again tie, the bowlers would change lanes and continue with the one ball format until the tie was broken. On her first shot, Esterson threw a strike. Needing a strike to continue, Johnson was unable to answer getting only a seven count.

After a one week hiatus for Thanksgiving, the women returned for their final tour stop at the Great Lakes Classic held at Spectrum Lanes in Wyoming, Michigan. Facing the traditionally highest scoring of the five PBA named patterns, the women bowled on cheetah. After two rounds and 14 games of qualifying, it took an average of only 210 to make the cut for match play. The finalists standing for the TV show were former PWBA star and first Women’s Series Champion Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Team USA star Diandra Asbaty. Asbaty, a first time participant in the series, was a last minute step in as second alternate to competitor Wendy Macpherson who had withdrawn to compete in Japan. First alternate Robin Romeo was unable to compete due to an injury. Asbaty stepped in at the last minute after trying to earn a spot to compete with the men by bowling in the weekly TQR. Dorin-Ballard was unable to hold on for a second Women’s Series title after leaving a 4-9 split in the ninth frame. Asbaty capitalized on Dorin-Ballard’s open and claimed the final Women’s Series title 236-225.

It was great to see the women back on TV and for me; it was great to see many new faces on TV. Sure we saw the likes of veterans such as Dorin-Ballard and both Liz and Tish Johnson, but we also saw many new faces like Missy Bellinder and Joy Esterson. Some of the matches were exciting; the match between Esterson and Liz went to a sudden death roll off after both bowlers needed to strike out to force the tie. Both women stepped up and did what they had to do and it made for great TV. The match between Asbaty and Dorin-Ballard was also exciting. Had it not been for the 4-9 split Dorin-Ballard left in the ninth frame or had she spared the split, the match could have had very different results.

It was also great that people were talking about the series. I am a visitor to several internet web boards and all the boards were buzzing with comments from the series. Of course, not all of the comments were good. There are plenty of nay-sayers out there who will criticize just about anything. There were also a lot of people who had plenty of good things to say about the series. In my opinion, the fact that people are talking about it is good. To me that shows that people watched and that there is and should be a place for women on TV.

While it was short lived, the PBA Women’s Series was hopefully at least a good stepping stone for women’s bowling. It got the women on TV and it gave them a much needed platform for competition. Maybe for the future, the PBA could consider opening up the field to more than 16 women or perhaps allowing an open qualifying event for each women’s stop instead of limiting the field to 16 “exempt” women. Perhaps they could add a few more stops to allow the women more tournament competition.

No matter what happens, this series was good for women’s bowling. Not only did the women get to compete in their own competition but the world got a chance to see some shining new stars in our sport. Some buzz was generated throughout the industry and in my opinion that is the mark of a successful event.

2007: A Year in Review

By: Brandy Padilla

Bowling was a busy industry and a busy sport in 2007. Since so much happened, we wanted to take the time to highlight a few of the more interesting things and ponder the potential impact of some of the major changes we saw.

Retirements

Probably one of the biggest “I didn’t see that coming” moments of the year was the retirement of several top USBC executives. First was long time CEO Roger Dalkin who announced his retirement in July 2007 after serving for 30 years. Less than a month later, Sylvia Broyles resigned from the USBC Board of Directors after serving the bowling community for nearly 50 years. Chief Officer of Tournaments and Events also announced her retirement after nearly 35 years of service. Lastly, Bob Maki, Director of Coaching, resigned to partner in a bowling center.

Promotions

The above retirements left several key positions open for new candidates. Stepping in as interim Chief Operating Officer of the USBC was Kevin Dornberger (now remember that name; we’ll revisit it shortly). According to USBC President Michael Carroll, USBC will conduct a national search for a successor and that Kevin Dornberger, current USBC Chief Officer-National Governing Body is acting as interim Chief Operating Officer until a successor is chosen.

Speaking of USBC President, August 1, 2007 former BPAA president Jeff Boje took office as president of USBC replacing Michael Carroll. Boje served two years as BPAA president and continues to serve on the BPAA board of directors.

But back to Kevin Dornberger. The WTBA held its annual meeting and elections in Monterrey, Mexico during the Women’s World Championships. During that time, Dornberger was elected as the newest president of the WTBA, defeating incumbent president Heikki Sarso 53-34 in the WTBA Congress vote.

Tournament News

It was an overall interesting year of tournaments. We’ll start with the largest tournament, the USBC Open Championships. In 2007, Reno hosted more than 16,000 teams making it the third largest tournament of the 104 year tournament run. Amongst a bit of controversy, the team award went to Lava Lanes from Medford, OH. The controversy surrounding the team was a decision by USBC tournament officials to allow the team to move to an unused pair of lanes. While the team did not violate any rules, the USBC stated in hindsight that the decision was unwise and that the policy would be reviewed and potentially revised during the off-season. The move allowed the team to bowl unopposed on a fresh pair of lanes ultimately helping them achieve top honors at the national event.

On the women’s side, Leanne Barrette completed her grand slam of titles at the USBC Women’s Championships by earning the top spot with her team, Ebonite Bowler’s Map. Of the more than 8,700 teams to compete in Charlotte, NC, Barrette’s team shot 3,210 to claim the Classic Team title.

Women’s bowling got more exposure in 2007 than it has seen since the demise of the PWBA tour. Not only did the USBC Queens have its final matches televised, the USBC also revived the US Women’s Open and had it televised; albeit in a rather unique format. For the US Women’s Open, competitors bowled 32 games of qualifying on four of the named PBA patterns. After qualifying, the top 16 bowled in stepladder, single elimination matches. The first series of matches were pre-recorded and shown on TV over four consecutive weeks. After these matches, the semifinalists were brought back for a live TV final. In the end, Liz Johnson took home the honors.

The PBA partnered with USBC to help women’s bowling as well. During the US Women’s Open, competitors were given the opportunity to compete for the 16 spots available on the four week mini tour, the PBA Women’s Series. For more information on that, see the previous article right here in The Cornerstone.

Speaking of women’s bowling, the Team USA women traveled to Monterrey, Mexico for the Women’s World Championships in an all effort to claim the coveted gold medal that has eluded them for the past several years. After falling just shy in the 2005 WWC, the Team USA women were prepared to avenge the 11 pin loss to bring home the gold. Unfortunately, they once again fell short missing by only seven pins to the Malaysian team.

But Team USA had success in other places. Newcomers John Janawicz, David O’Sullivan, Derek Eoff and Cassidy Schaub proved that Team USA is a force to be reckoned with as Janawicz, O’Sullivan and Eoff helped the Team USA men bring home six gold medals, two silver medals and three bronze medals and earning the Team USA men the US Olympic Committee May Team of the Month award. Schaub also brought home a gold medal partnering with veteran Rhino Page in doubles at the Pan American Games.

Professional News

Team USA saw some other changes as well as the WTBA also voted to allow professional bowlers to compete in international competition. This significant change will help the bid to get bowling into Olympic competition. As such, Team USA and the PBA solicited for resumes and applications for those professionals that would be interested in competing for Team USA. For 2008, six men were selected from the Denny’s PBA Tour as members of the Team USA men while seven women were selected from former professionals to represent the USA. In addition to the pro selections, there are four members of both the men’s and women’s team that were granted two year terms. That means at Team USA Trials in 2008, there are only a few men’s and women’s spots available for amateur competitors. We’ll have more on this in the February issue of The Cornerstone.

Other News

In other news, the USBC has partnered with lane manufacturers to form a task force for discussions regarding lane panels. The USBC has also formed a task force with lane cleaner and lane conditioner manufacturers. These task forces will allow the USBC to work closely with manufacturers to set realistic specifications for testing and data dealing with products in the industry. This will also give the manufacturers are platform for discussion and allow both sides to provide input on these important pieces of the bowling puzzle.

While this isn’t a complete list of the events of 2007, it is certainly a representative sample of what happened in our world during the past year. It should be interesting to see how some of these changes effect not only 2008 but in years to come.

“SUSIE” IS NEWEST MEMBER OF “EARL BEAR” FAMILY