Welcome!

Bruce — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:33:05 GMT

WHAT IS "THE FOUNDATION" ?

The Foundation was started in 1998 by Mr. John Davis, Founder of the Kegel Company.

He called together most of the country's top lanemen in an attempt to find answers to what

Is perhaps the most controversial area in all of sports, the subject of: "lane conditioning".

Today, there are almost as many opinions on “how” the lanes should have been oiled, as

there are bowlers. This group of experts met in Sebring, Florida & formed a guild

of "lanemen” who were seeking answers to the existing problems that plague our sport.

Taking care of the lanes on the PBA Tour, the Senior Tour and providing machines,

patterns, oils, cleaners, etc; to the PBA Regional Program has enabled the Kegel Company and The Foundation some very important data. This gathering of pertinent information (along with data from many other scratch events around the World) is valuable research that can lead the way to solving some of the problems that we have already identified.

This, you may imagine, is a very expensive endeavor. Because of the tremendous expense involved, The Foundation was started. Many caring individuals inquired as to how they could help. As of this year (2007), there are almost 1400-Members who have joined this very prestigious Group. The Members’ realize that it is NOT really our responsibility to find the answers to the problems, but they also WANT to help. One of our sayings is:

~"You DON'T need to be a laneman to know that there are problems.

YOU just need to be a laneman to know how bad the problems really are."~

We, at "The Foundation", have established many short and long-term goals. We are

currently accepting new Members and welcome your support of this monumental &

necessary PROJECT. If you really care about our Sport, you can join The Foundation and lend your support.

~"IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?"~

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

What Happened?

To Know Where We Are, We Have To Know Where We’ve Been

THE VISION:

In 1958 when Eddie Elias gave birth to the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), he didn’t realize how much a bowling ‘Tour’ would actually change the game. How could he possibly know? At that time, most of the top players were on sponsored teams that bowled in leagues, an occasional exhibition or two, and match games. All he wanted to do was to create an avenue for the better bowlers to have an opportunity to make a living. He honestly felt that this idea was going to showcase bowling right up ‘there’ with all of the rest of the major sports. He had seen that golf was on its way with a ‘Tour’, and the possibilities were endless for the bowlers in yet another individual sport. He would make sure that bowling would be on national television and the whole world would (and could) embrace the sport. This was a great idea, right? Well, it worked for a while until the sport became “ill”.

THE COMPARISON:

Prior to the golf ‘Tour’, those top golfers also had team-matches and exhibitions. But, golf is different in many ways. A lot different. Why didn’t golf get “ill”? Why didn’t “this” happen to golf? It didn’t happen to golf because of “styles” and “conditions”. There are accepted ways of playing the game of golf, as there are in bowling. However, the “conditions” are totally different in each game. The main difference is that golf (for the most part) is played in the “air”, whereas bowling is a game played on a surface; therefore, bowling is a game of “friction”.

THE CHANGE:

Perhaps the BIGGEST change that occurred in bowling (an obvious one) was taking a sport that was “team-oriented” to one that was now singles, in nature. This was perhaps to be the start of a social adjustment that the bowlers would have to make. In many ways, it never has. This “SOCIAL” problem is one that still, to this day, plagues our sport.

Almost immediately upon starting the Tour, bowlers began complaining about one “squad” or another having an advantage. Sometimes the lane condition would favor those who bowled “early”, and other times it would favor those who bowled “late”. The administrators listened and felt that if the bowlers would alternate squads from tournament-to-tournament, it would rectify this problem. This was possibly the first major “band-aid” that was applied to the Tour.

Actually, the sport has two (2) main problems, those being: “Technical” and “Social”. The “Technical” problems are those which deal with: lane-conditioning, bowling balls, pins, lane surfaces, formats, and those things that you can actually see. The “Social” problems are the most damaging, as they are the ones that you can’t actually see – like an invisible disease that can and will kill, if gone untreated.

TECHNICAL:

Technical problems occur in all sports. Rules are often adopted in an attempt to maintain “level” playing fields in all successful sports. Every sport must maintain a balance to keep the competition fair. Some examples of this are: A). Baseball: pitchers cannot throw an altered ball, and aluminum bats are outlawed on the Major League level. B). Basketball: under the basket (the “key”) has been expanded to keep the BIG man out of “that” area so that size will not be the determining factor of domination, and a 3-point shot has been added to benefit accuracy in an attempt to allow the LITTLE guys an opportunity to compete. C). Football: ALL rules are reviewed yearly in order to maintain a balance between offense and defense, and the “kicking” game is constantly altered so that kickers (who have improved their technique) will not dominate the action. D). Hockey: strict rules have recently been adopted against the defensemen to allow the “skill” players to skate more freely in an attempt to create more offense and enhance scoring, and the actual size of the rink has been expanded (more room behind the net) to help create more offense. I could go on and on about the changes in other sports regarding the technical aspects.

In bowling, there have been tremendous advancements in this “technical” area. However, the “social” problems have become so great, that often (too often), they become intermingled with each other and complaints about conditions occur when not warranted. In most cases today, it is almost impossible to know (based on bowler comments) if the lane conditions were fair or not.

SOCIAL:

The real “social” problems with bowling surely began with the inception of the Tour. Looking back, it is easy to recognize just “how” this could happen. The Tour consisted of all of the top-players from around the country. Each PBA Member was undoubtedly the best player in his respective city. Some of these players were used to bowling in a “dungeon” or “brickyard”. Those players liked the lanes to be tough and low-scoring. Other players came from bowling centers that were well maintained and the scoring paces (there) were relatively high. Some came from houses where the shot was “outside”, while others were used to playing “inside”. This difference in the mind-set of the players was huge. As time went by, some players would politic for their particular shot. At one time, players were applauded for their performances. Suddenly, (especially in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s) players demanded their “shot”. The “squad” problem was probably the start of it. Then it became a “righty-lefty” problem. Then it became a “straight player-hook ball player” problem. Then it became a “high score-low score” problem. Next, it was an “angle” problem with some wanting the shot to be “outside”, while others hoping for an “inside” shot. Then, the players wanted “multiple” angles. All of this has gone on far too long. It’s completely out-of-hand. A change is needed. A cure is needed, or the patient will die.

THE FOUNDATION:

The Foundation has been actively (and publicly) pursuing a cure for this disease for a long time. We have tried every conceivable and reasonable anecdote. A BIG change is long overdue. The Foundation “Games” are most likely the answer. Will it be a new “format”? Maybe. Should it be multiple lane conditions? Possibly. Should it be more versatility demanded from the players? Probably. We need YOUR help. Stay tuned.

The Foundation

“Continuing Contributors”.

The Foundation is actually a group of dedicated bowling enthusiasts (from all over the World) who are sincerely interested in bringing integrity and credibility to the Sport of Bowling. The group is made up of different categories; Founding, Charter, Associate, Pro Shop, Bowling Center and Corporate members. If you care about our Sport, you should be in The Foundation.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching the problems that exist in our Sport. We report all of our findings on our website for the whole World to see. Basically, the Kegel Company funds the entire project. However, there are people who have wanted to help by doing something extra, in addition to their paid memberships. We classify this “Special List”, as: "Continuing Contributors". John Davis started The Foundation almost 10-years ago, and listed below are those individuals who have been able to help in an additional way through a variety of contributions to The Foundation. We sincerely thank them for their valued support.

F. Alayne Blomenberg, Cranston RI F. Vinnie Atria, Louisville Ky. US
F. Andrew Aiezza, Castleton F. Vic Sockrider, Ft Wayne IN US
F. Archie Hirashima, S. F. CA US F. Tom Blasco, Sat. Beach FL US
F. Bill Baker, Watauga TX US C. Tom Underwood, L. Bch. CA US
C. Brad Rusin, DeKalb IL US F. Steve Neff, Homosassa FL US
F. Bruce Forsland, Fairfield, AR US F. Shawn Evans, Sat. Beach FL US
F. Bryan Lipinski, Irving TX US F. Carmen Salvino Chicago, IL US
F. Butch Dangel, Maspeth NY US F. Sam Zurich, Palm Bay FL US
F. Dan Ottman, Troy MI US C. Phillip Cary, Oakland CA US
F. David Driscoll, Mt. Dora FL US F. Norm Duke, Clermont FL US
F. David Ozio, Beaumont TX US F. Nikki Gianulias, Vallejo CA US
F. David Prunty, Lg. Beach WA US F. Nick Hoagland, Bloom., IN US
F. David Traber, Woodstock IL US C. Michael Strano, Austin TX US
F. Dick Stevens, Council Bl. IA US C. Mary Chase, N. Easton MA US
C. Doug Chase, N. Easton MA US F. Mark Martin, St. Clair MI US
F. Fico Perez, Levittown Puerto Rico F, Mark London, Crest Hill IL US
F. Fred Borden, Akron OH US F. Mark Gerberich, Akron OH US
F. Fred Trickey, Summerville SC US F. Lindsey Wong, Mt.View CA US
F. Jim Dressel, BJ – Illinois US F. Linda Davis, Sebring, FL US
F. Gary Parsons, Suitland MD US F. Len Nicholson, Vacaville CA US
F. Pro Shop, Guru Ent. Suitland MD US F. Kurt Pilon, Warren MI US
F, George Sitterle, Lancaster CA US F. Jim Dill, Lincoln, Neb. US
C. Greg Novak, Oak Park IL US F. Kathy Nicholson Vacavl. CA US
F. Hal Kaminski, Oconomo. WI US C. Joyce Deitch, Las Vegas NV US
F. James Hall, Alliance OH US F. John Weber, St.Charles Mo
F. Jeff Richgels, Oregon WI US F. John Bickford, Ft Edward NY
C. June Davis, Sebring FL US C. Brandy Padilla, Sebring FL US
C. Brian Viator, Sebring FL US C. Bob Johnson, Chicago IL US
F. Dale Diamond, Springfield, IL. US

A BIG "THANK YOU" to ALL of our "Continuing Contributors"

The latest, is: Dale Diamond for his generous Donation on: 02-08-06.

(KEY: “F” = Founding Member “C” = Charter Member.)

If you are interested in upgrading your Foundation Membership, please let us know. We need your help. Please contact our Administrator (June Davis) to do so, at: june.davis@kegel.net

FOUNDATION "UPDATE”

OUR MISSION AND PASSION:

"The revitalization of the Sport of Bowling through the education and training of the world bowling community. Through the dedication of our Members, we are helping to standardize the Sport of Bowling worldwide. The Foundation brings a new level to any league or tournament, at any given time. The Foundation prides itself on engineering fairness and predictable ball reaction at any competition. The end result of this passion is the return of 'integrity' to our beloved Sport".

WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION?:

The Foundation began as a "Guild Of Lanemen" devoted to saving the Sport of Bowling. This group of dedicated people, quickly grew to include bowling proprietors, bowlers, worldwide bowling leaders and worldwide organizations, mechanics, corporations and other interested people all over the world. These people have either devoted their time, their resources or their talents to help us reach our goals.

THE FOUNDATION'S PURPOSE

The basic purpose of The Foundation is to provide a fair and consistent environment at Major bowling events around the world. We accomplish this by providing trained lane maintenance personnel, consistent conditioning machines, predictable lane conditions, and a commitment to make sure that lane maintenance is a priority of each and every Major bowling event. From these tournaments, we collect data, conduct research and document the results in order to further our Sport through the understanding of all maintenance problems and procedures.

WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION DOING?:

Training A Network Of Highly Trained Technicians

We have already trained countless numbers of technicians in this country and around the world, and we will continue to do so. Our ultimate goal is to Certify all lane personnel.

Sharing All Information On Lane Conditioning Research

Through our website, www.foundation300.com The Foundation publishes the latest data from most every Major bowling competition throughout the world. From oil depletion and topography to the actual lane conditions used at WTBA events. All of the pertinent information is there at your fingertips. Any and all questions regarding lane conditioning can be answered by visiting our very popular website.

Foundation Membership

JOIN TODAY

There are several “levels” of Foundation Memberships to choose from. The list below reflects the options that you have. Please choose one to help us to accomplish our goals. Thank you.

Charter Member:

This is our most popular form of Membership. The one-time donation of $75.00 includes a beautiful polo shirt with the embroidered Foundation “logo”; a Certificate and a Membership Card. Charter Members are also eligible for a 10% discount at any Kegel Training Center "Camp of Clinic". That discount also applies to all Pro Shop items.

Associate Member:

Associate Membership is “no charge”. This category was basically set-up for those who believed in our cause, but could not afford the Charter Member donation (such as; Juniors, Students, Military, disabled, fixed incomes, etc.). These Members lend their voices to our cause and show their support of The Foundation. (For those existing Associate Members whose personal “status” has changed, we urge you to upgrade your classification at this time).

Pro-Shop Members:

This one-time donation of $150.00 includes two (2) Foundation polo type shirts with the embroidered “logos”, and a Certificate with the name of your Pro-Shop. The 10% Kegel Training Center and Pro Shop discounts are also included in this Membership.

Bowling Center Members:

This Membership Classification is a one-time donation of $300.00, and includes four (4) Foundation shirts and a Certificate with the bowling center name.

Corporate Membership:

A $500.00 donation (or more) from your Company will entitle you to a beautiful plague and “special” recognition of your Company on our web site & in our monthly Newsletter.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail The Foundation Administrator; June Davis, at: june.davis@kegel.net or, you can call her, at: 1.863.382.2643

ALL Foundation Members also receive our monthly Newsletters via e-mail.

We appreciate your involvement and support of The Foundation

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