The Foundation / The Foundation / The Cornerstone Newsletter

Cornerstone Newsletter, February 2012

June Davis — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:17:14 GMT

The Cornerstone

The Foundation Newsletter

Volume 16, Issue 2 February 2012

"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?"

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

__________________________________

Letter from the Editor

Customer Service

Customer service goes a long way when it comes to customer retention. Customers want to be treated like they matter and giving a little extra in the “nice” department is not only free but can pay off in a big way in the long run.

I recently went to dinner at a chain bar-and-grill restaurant with some friends of mine. We met for a somewhat later dinner (around 8 PM) so the restaurant wasn’t crowded at all. We were seated quickly and we were then greeted by what proceeded to be one of the most non personable servers of all time. He never smiled at us, never showed any enthusiasm, never showed any sense of urgency and overall just didn’t seem to care that we were even there…and it wasn’t like there was a restaurant full of patrons; there were a total of maybe 10 tables.

I tend to be a picky eater (hey…I like what I like!) so my order can sometimes be complicated. I remove and substitute and generally my orders rarely come out right. When our server took my order, I had to repeat it about six times. The first time was my fault as I spoke too quickly for him to write it all down. The next times however, it’s like he just wasn’t paying attention. Needless to say, when everyone else’s food came, mine was still in the kitchen being remade because it wasn’t correct. Unfortunately, two other plates from our six-top should’ve stayed in the kitchen as they were incorrect also. Those made it to the table and while one person sent theirs back, the other ate theirs and the server never offered to correct it or discount it. There was just no level of customer service. And, if this were how it was when I visited this place, I wouldn’t go back. As it is, I typically sit at the bar…because I get better service.

Customers should always be greeted quickly and with a smile. Make them feel welcome. Show them some hospitality. How do you want to be welcomed when you walk in an establishment?

There’s no reason why a customer should ever have a bad customer service experience. Sure, in a restaurant, food will come out incorrect. It happens because we’re all human and people make mistakes. Mistakes like that can be corrected. However, a rude server or an unfriendly hostess (or counter attendant) can make for a bad experience that will cost you a repeat customer. Smiles and courtesy are free and can make a customer feel valued which in turn can make a customer return.

2012 Intercollegiate Singles Championships moves to Nebraska with new format

ARLINGTON, Texas – The 2012 United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Singles Championships will have a new format and be held in conjunction with USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships at Sun Valley Lanes in Lincoln, Neb. The singles event will take place April 17; team competition begins April 19.

The new one-day format will consist of six games of qualifying followed by head-to-head match play. The match-play portion will feature three-game total pinfall matches.

“We are excited to be marrying the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships with the singles championship,” International Bowling Campus Collegiate Manager Gary Brown said. “This change will add more energy and exposure to the singles championships as many of the fans and media attending the team championships will now see both events.”

Qualifying for the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships takes place through one of the four sectional qualifiers. Bowlers at each sectional location bowl six games of qualifying and a total of 24 men and 16 women will advance. At each sectional, the top four men and top four women advance; the additional eight men’s spots will be based on the size of the field at each location.

Airfare, hotel, transportation and meals for each national finalist is paid for by USBC. The men’s and women’s USBC Intercollegiate Singles champions will also receive a paid entry into the USBC Masters and Queens respectively.

USBC will provide live video coverage of the ITC and ISC on BOWL.com.

About International Bowling Campus

The International Bowling Campus (IBC) is the headquarters for the bowling industry and directly serves the more than 71 million bowlers in the United States. The IBC houses the resources of the United States Bowling Congress, the governing body and membership organization for the sport; the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, representing the business interests of bowling centers; Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm for the industry; the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame; The Bowling Foundation; the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association; the Bowling Writers Association of America; the Bowling News Network; the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America; and the International Training and Research Center.

BWAA Launches Virtual Youth Challenge Tournament

After weeks of testing, the Bowling Writers Association of America is officially launching a new tournament for youth bowlers this week. BWAA is teaming up with VirtualTournaments.com to create an all new ongoing weekly tournament called the Virtual Youth Challenge, where youth bowlers from age 8-20 with verified averages anywhere in the world can have fun while earning scholarship awards toward higher education.

The Virtual Youth Challenge is designed to encourage young bowlers to participate in league bowling, and it gives them an extra incentive to improve their skills to earn scholarship awards for the very affordable entry fee of $5. From every entry fee, $3 will be paid in S.M.A.R.T. scholarship awards, $1 will go to the BWAA Pezzano Scholarship program (which benefits youth bowlers studying communications) $.50 to Bowling’s Youth Education Services (Y.E.S.) fund, and $.50 to administration of the event.

“We are very proud to launch this new event for youth bowlers,” said BWAA President Jim Goodwin. “Our Pezzano Scholarship Committee chair Joan Romeo and our Virtual Tournament Committee chair Brandy Padilla have been working together with Scott Scriver at VirtualTournaments.com for months to write the rules and put this all together. We are very excited about the long term potential of this event and we encourage everyone in the industry to get behind this effort to boost youth bowling.”

In the Virtual Youth Challenge, bowlers will compete using their league scores in two age divisions – 8 through 12 and 13 through 20. Only youth bowlers not participating in adult leagues are eligible, and all averages will be verified before winners become official each week.

The Virtual Youth Challenge is a simple “Highest Over Average” event with a handicap of 90% from the highest average entered each week in each division. One of every five entries each week in each division will earn scholarship awards that will be deposited in their SMART account within 30 days.

Aside from the great benefit of being able to earn scholarship awards without travel expense, young bowlers with military families around the world will be able to participate from the hundreds of centers on military bases across the globe.

For complete rules and information, visit the website www.VirtualYouthChallenge.com, or look for news and information at www.bowlingwriters.com.

The Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) is the world’s most prominent bowling media and communications organization. Since 1934, BWAA has been a primary industry source for bowling news and information for the global sport and business of bowling.

ALL IN for Bowling’s Xtravaganza Event

Qualifying is underway in bowling centers across the nation for the newest national bowling event, the Xtravaganza, presented by the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame and supported by all of the major industry groups, and many sponsors. The goal is to provide an annual major fund raising event for the IBMHF, create business for bowling centers and provide a fantastic Vegas vacation filled with fun and competition for bowlers everywhere.

As the event gets rolling, bowlers can look for promotional posters, flyers and other information in participating BPAA centers. The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America and the United States Bowling Congress share a building in Arlington, Texas with the Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, and they all have the same goal of building the sport and business of bowling.

“Any event that helps our Hall of Fame is great for bowling, and we are behind it 100%,” said Steve Johnson, Executive Director of BPAA. “We encourage all of our member centers to get on board to make the Xtravangaza a special event that will become an annual tradition.”

USBC Executive Director Stu Upson echoes Johnson’s sentiments. “What we especially like about the Xtravaganza is that it involves bowlers of all skill levels; and it brings them together in a national finals where they all have a fair chance for success” said Upson.

Joining USBC and BPAA on the Xtravaganza promotions team are industry sponsors Station Casinos Lanes of Las Vegas, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and Musselman’s Applesause. The host center for the national finals will be Red Rock Lanes, one of 18 Station properties in Las Vegas.

The Xtravaganza is a new annual bowling event designed for BPAA member centers across the globe to benefit the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame. Local champions will win paid vacations to the fabulous Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas where they will compete in the finals for an additional $25,000 in prizes May 31 - June 3, 2012.

The event is presented by the IBMHF and sponsored by the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), Station Casinos Lanes of Las Vegas, Strike Ten Entertainment (STE), and industry sponsors Jack Link's Beef Jerky and Musselman's Applesauce. For additional information, visit the websites www.bowlingmuseum.com, www.bpaa.com, or www.bowl.com.

Bowling centers wishing to become official Xtravaganza Centers can contact BPAA for information. More details of the event, and updates on progress can be found on three websites: www.bpaa.com, www.bowl.com, and www.bowlingmuseum.com.

For more info, contact Stefanie Nation at the International Bowling Campus (817) 385-8386. Stefanie@bpaa.com

Finland’s Osku Palermaa wins PBA World Championship

Finland’s Osku Palermaa became the first international player, and the first two-handed bowler, to win the Professional Bowlers Association World Championship when he defeated Ryan Shafer of Horseheads, N.Y., in the title match, 203-177, to win the $50,000 first prize and a berth in the Round of 36 for the end-of-season PBA Tournament of Champions.

The finals of the PBA's first "major" tournament of the 2011-12 season have been contested almost two months ago on November 20 on a pair of lanes specially installed in an exhibit hall at South Point Hotel and Casino in suburban Las Vegas. The tape-delay telecast of the championship round aired Sunday on ESPN.

Palermaa, who had battled flu-like symptoms for two months leading into the World Championship, was feeling much better after winning his second career PBA title.

He saved his best for the final game after surviving two earlier elimination games that saw fellow two-handed player Jason Belmonte of Australia and top qualifier Sean Rash of Montgomery, Ill., knocked out of contention.

The 28-year-old Finn started the title match in South Point Casino and Hotel’s exhibition hall with a 7-10 split, but that was his only open frame. Shafer threw only three strikes - two of them for his only double - but his failure to convert the 3-6-10 spare in the seventh frame proved fatal, shifting the match to Palermaa’s favor.

Strikes in the ninth and 10th frame secured the victory for Palermaa, and extended Shafer’s PBA record for television appearances in major championships without a title to 13.

“I was grateful. I knew I had the pocket, but to see all 10 pins go down, I felt grateful,” Palermaa said. “The 7-10 was only one frame. After that, I threw a lot of strikes on the left lane, so it evened out. I don’t know if this makes me the best in the world, but I hope so.”

The anticipated showdown between Palermaa and Belmonte, the world’s premier two-handed players, created some excitement, but not in the way most observers expected. Rash dominated the first elimination game with a 245, Shafer was second with a 236, and Palermaa and Belmonte rolled to a 203-203 tie, forcing a one-ball roll-off to see who would advance and who would be eliminated.

In the roll-off, Belmonte barely touched the headpin, leaving the 2-4-5-8 “bucket.” Needing only seven pins, Palermaa struck to move on.

“All you can do is throw a good shot and you get what you get,” Palermaa said. “Seeing Jason leave a bucket helped. But I bowled a good game. It is what it is.”

In the second elimination game, Shafer, a 25-year PBA Tour veteran, struck on his last four shots to finish with a 222. Palermaa threw three strikes in the 10th for a 217. Rash, who dominated the World Championship qualifying rounds, saw his title hopes collapse when he left a 7-10 in the ninth frame, finishing with a 193.

The finals were conducted on the PBA’s Scorpion lane condition, selected by Rash as the leading qualifier in the field.

The PBA World Championship was the fifth event of the PBA World Series of Bowling which kicked off the 2011-12 season in November 2011. All tournaments were recorded for tape-delay broadcast on ESPN. Next Sunday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m. ET, ESPN will televise the finals of the Bayer Viper Open.

PBA Senior Tour begins 2012 season in Florida

SEATTLE (Dec. 28, 2011) -- The Professional Bowlers Association has announced its nine-stop 2012 PBA Senior Tour season will begin April 21-24 at Spanish Springs Lanes in The Villages.

The PBA will accept entries for the 2012 season for qualified players 50 years of age and older beginning March 1. Entry information may be found by visiting pba.com or by calling PBA headquarters at (206) 332-9688.

2012 PBA Senior Tour Schedule

April 21-24 - PBA Senior Sun Bowl in The Villages presented by Storm, Spanish Springs Lanes, The Villages, Fla.

April 28-May 2 - PBA Senior Don Carter Open presented by Ebonite, Carter Family Bowl, Winter Garden, Fla.

May 6-9 - PBA Senior Miller High Life Classic presented by Columbia 300, George Pappas Victory Lanes, Mooresville, N.C.

May 14-17 - PBA Senior Dayton Classic presented by Roto Grip, Capri Lanes, Dayton, Ohio

June 3-8 - Etonic PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by Suncoast Bowling Center, Las Vegas

June 10-15 - USBC Senior Masters, South Point Bowling Center, Las Vegas

June 17-20 - PBA Senior Northern California Classic presented by Track, Harvest Park Bowl, Brentwood, Calif.

August 6-9 - PBA Senior South Shore Open presented by DV8, Olympia Lanes, Hammond, Ind.

August 11-14 Senior Decatur Open presented by Brunswick, Spare Time Lanes, Decatur, Ill.

The 2011 season was highlighted by one of the most dominant performances in Senior Tour history with Ron Mohr of Eagle River, Alaska, winning a record-tying four titles supported by a 67-30 record in head-to-head matches and an equally impressive qualifying record. In 10 tournaments, Mohr was the leading qualifier twice, No. 2 twice and he qualified lower than seventh only one time. One of his four victories was the prestigious US Senior Open.

Among those becoming eligible for the 2012 Senior Tour season will be PBA Hall of Famer Amleto Monacelli and Tour veteran Mike Edwards.

Recent ‘Phantom Radio’ Trivia Contest Winners

Phantom Radio’s monthly Trivia Contests continue to be popular with the listeners and the list of Phantom Phans continues to grow. These contests are sponsored by Storm Bowling and you must be a “Phantom Phan Club Member” to be eligible to win. It’s easy to join; just go to our website: www.foundation300.com and look for “How to join The Phantom Phan Club”. Listed below are the most recent Phan Club winners. Sign-up today and WIN!

2011 Monthly Winners

OCTOBER 2011

1. Dave Kowalski: Wins an Accessory Item from Storm Bowling. Dave, please contact me as soon as possible so that I can put you in touch with our friends at Storm.

2. Vic Sockrider: Wins a surprise package of “goodies” directly from The Phantom.

3. Warren Freidl: Wins a “souvenir” Sean Rash Bobble-Head doll.

4. Sammy Stern: Wins a 3-day, 2-night stay at the Sands otelHotelhHotel & Casino in Reno.

NOVEMBER 2011

1. Jim Raudy: Wins a new bowling bag from Storm Bowling Products. Jim, please contact me so that I can put you in touch with our friends from Storm.

2. Brandy Padilla: Wins a Kelly Kulick Bobble-Head Doll that was donated to Phantom Radio by our friends at Strike 10 Entertainment.

3. Debbie Lothes: Wins a Kelly Kulick Bobble-Head Doll that was donated to Phantom Radio by our friends at Strike 10 Entertainment.

4. Ted Glattke: Wins a Pro Golf Hat donated to Phantom Radio from the Golf Channel.

DECEMBER 2011

1. Mike Carroll: Wins a new bowling ball from Storm Bowling Products. Mike, please contact me so that I can put you in touch with our friends from Storm.

2. Allen Wallace: Wins a Carmen Salvino Bobble-head Doll from Strike 10.

3. Rafael Cons: Wins a Carmen Salvino Bobble Head Doll from Strike 10.

4. Rick Wiltse: Wins a Gift Pack from the Don Glover Tournament Committee.

For a complete list of the past contest winners, go to: www.foundation300.com

Once you are there, scroll down and click-on “Phantom Phan Club”, then go to “Storm Bowling Trivia Contest Winners”. If you don’t see your name, it’s because you are NOT a Member! Join today to take advantage of all of the monthly prizes that are given away. The total amount given away to date is well over $100,000.00 Join and get YOUR share.

Support our Sponsors:

We appreciate all that they do to bring Phantom Radio to you each and every week.

www.stormbowling.com

www.elitebowling.com

www.eldoradoreno.com www.starsandstrikesbowling.com www.teenmastersbowling.com

www.kegel.net

Terminology – Part 5

(NOTE: We are continuing with an educational series on bowling “terms”. Hope you enjoy).

Preferred Spin Axis (PSA): The axis around which a ball will migrate to (and spin around) when energy is added to the bowling ball. This will always be the high RG axis of the ball. This term applies to all asymmetrical and drilled symmetrical balls.

Ra: see Surface Roughness – ra.

Radius of gyration, RG: Measured in inches, RG is the distance from the axis of rotation at which the total mass of a body might be concentrated without changing its moment of inertia.

Refinish: To put a new protective coating on lanes or pins.

Refurbish: To renew the life of an approved bowling pin by the use of plastic coatings and Nylon reinforcing over the entire pin.

Re-release: A reproduction and subsequent release of an existing (previously approved) product. Re-released products must meet all current specifications and are no longer considered “grand-fathered” beyond their original approval under previous specifications.

Roll phase: The 3^rd phase of ball motion where the ball is traveling on a linear path to the pins.

Roundness: Being that every part of the surface or circumference is equidistant from the center.

Runout: States how far the actual surface is permitted to vary from the dimensions implied.

Scleroscope: An instrument which measures the hardness of work in terms of elasticity.

Serial number: An identifying set of numbers and/or letters in order to identify a specific ball; if a number is not identifiable then a new one can be engraved in order to make it identifiable.

Skid Phase: The first phase of ball motion; the ball path is in a straight line and has not yet encountered enough friction to begin its hook phase.

Slabbing: The separation of glue joints in a wood core pin, or separation of the materials in a synthetic lane.

Span: The distance between the thumb and finger holes on a bowling ball.

Surface Roughness – Ra: The arithmetic mean of the peak to valley distance over an evaluation distance.

(Editor’s note: Look for more of these technical terms in next month’s Cornerstone Newsletter).

___________________________________________

Membership Report

We have members in all 50 states,
and the District of Columbia

We have members in 49 countries, including the United States:

Argentina Australia Bahrain Belgium Brazil Canada China Columbia Costa Rica Denmark Ecuador Egypt Finland France Germany Great Britain Greece Guam Guatemala Ireland Israel Italy Japan Korea Latvia Malaysia Mexico The Netherlands N. Ireland Netherlands Antilles
New Zealand Panama Philippines Puerto Rico Peru Qatar Scotland Singapore Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey U.A.E. Ukraine Venezuela

Corporate Sponsors

The problems that exist in our Sport are “industry-wide” problems that must be addressed by the entire Industry. The Foundation does all that they can to help, but we can NOT do it alone.

The Foundation has well over 1000-Members who have joined-in to assist. Some Members (Founding and Charter) have paid to show their support. Some Members (Associates) have just lent their “voice”. ALL of the members are important.

Even though The Foundation has NOT actively solicited bowling-related companies for help, some realize the importance of our “Mission” and have come forward with donations. We recognize the following companies for their loyalty and support to bowling.

KEGEL

KAT Travel

I.B.P.S.I.A.

EBN Services

Storm Bowling

Classic Products

Bobs’ Business, Inc.

Vincennes University

BowlersParadise.com

Virtualtournaments.com

Wichita State University

David Driscoll & Associates

International Bowling Industry Magazine

Stars and Strikes Bowling Newsmagazine

_________________________________________

Please send change of address or email address to the address below, to ensure uninterrupted subscription to the Cornerstone newsletter.

The Cornerstone,

The Foundation’S Newsletter

The Foundation

c/o Kegel

6800 US 27 North

Sebring FL 33870

Phone: 863-382-2643

Email: savrsprt@yahoo.com

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

Cornerstone Newsletter, January 2012

June Davis — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:31:57 GMT

The Cornerstone

The Foundation Newsletter

Volume 16, Issue 1 January 2012

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

__________________________________

Letter from the Editor

Happy New Year

Happy New Year readers! I hope this finds each of you well and looking forward to another year to come.

In looking back over the past year (and even the past few years), I’ve realized that life is such an adventure and if you’re not paying attention, it will really fly right by you.

There were a lot of interesting things that happened in 2011. Here are just a few of them:

The USBC Convention and Bowl Expo were held in conjunction at the IBC in Arlington. Bowl Expo attendees and USBC delegates from across the country got to see the International Bowling Campus and Hall of Fame as the HOF opened its newest exhibit honoring women’s bowling. Additionally, USBC delegates were able to experience the trade show floor of Bowl Expo.

The US Women’s Open came back after a short hiatus thanks to the BPAA and the brands of Ebonite International. And, not only did it come back, it made a grand return as the finals were staged on the 50-yard line of the famed Dallas Cowboys stadium. Since the finals were staged during Expo week, Convention and Expo attendees were able to be a part of history as the 2011 edition of the USWO set attendance and participation records.

The USBC delegates elected a new president and this time, they elected a bowling proprietor and former head of the BPAA. Jim Sturm was elected to replace the first female USBC president, Darlene Baker.

The WTBA, lead by former USBC exec Kevin Dornberger, created a World Bowling Tour with nearly 10 events.

Three national champions were named in college bowling. The NAIA named men’s and women’s teams at their invitational, the NCAA named a women’s team at their tournament and the USBC named a men’s and women’s team at the Intercollegiate Team Championships. And, for the first time in history, one women’s team, UMES, walked away with TWO national championship titles in the same year (the NCAA and ITC titles).

With 2012 just beginning and bowling already riding such a wave of momentum, 2012 is likely to be a banner year.

May 2012 be a banner year for you as well. Happy New Year from The Cornerstone to you and your family.

Florida youth coach selected as USBC David Dahms Coach of the Year 12/14/11

By: Terry Bigham; USBC Communications

Robert "Bud" Endicott of Apopka, Fla., has been selected to receive the United States Bowling Congress David Dahms Coach of the Year Award by the USBC Youth Committee.

The award is named in honor of David Dahms, who was an instrumental leader in the creation of what is now known as the USBC Junior Gold program. The David Dahms award recognizes a USBC-certified coach who has been actively involved in a USBC Youth program and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to coaching, sportsmanship and knowledge of USBC Youth rules.

Endicott, a USBC Silver coach, has been the Youth Director at Brunswick Wekiva Lanes for more than 10 years. The program, which had less than 50 bowlers when he took over, now has about 150 bowlers.

"Being awarded the David Dahms Coach of the Year award is truly an honor and a humbling experience," Endicott said. "No coach takes on the responsibility of molding and shaping the minds of young athletes expecting to be recognized or given awards; we do it because we love what we do and realize that the future of the sport lies in the development of future participants. I truly am honored to receive this award."

Endicott offers a PBA Experience league exclusively for youth bowlers and also provides scholarship opportunities. The league has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to the youth bowlers.

"Each year he runs a successful youth program and shows his management skills by maintaining two leagues on Saturday mornings and also managing a Wednesday after-school league," said Gregory Paxson, Association Manager for the Greater Orlando USBC Youth, in his recommendation letter. "It's the PBA Experience league where he shines the most. Through his league, he has developed many bowlers who are successful in various area tournaments while competing on Sport conditions."

Endicott began coaching in the early 1970s. He said his friends were teaching their kids how to bowl and, knowing the difficulty of trying to coach your own children regardless of the sport, he decided "to step in and help my friends by volunteering to teach the fundamentals of bowling to their children."

"The reward comes in the excitement and enjoyment you foster in the sport," Endicott said. "I am a firm believer that one good coach can create hundreds of lifelong bowlers. Ever since the first excited scream when the ball finally made it to the pins instead of falling off in the channel, I have had a passion for coaching."

For being selected the USBC David Dahms Coach of the Year recipient, Endicott will receive an expenses-paid trip to the 2012 USBC Convention in Arlington to receive the award.

Osku Palermaa wins the final stop of Swedish Super Six Tour in Malmö

Tour ceases operations after more than 12 years and 72 tournaments

Finnish two-handed star Osku Palermaa won the final stop of the Swedish Super Six Tour 2011 defeating the No. 1 seed James Gruffman, 246-204, in the title match of the Malmö International on Sunday, Dec. 11 at Baltiska bowling center in Malmö.

Palermaa, who closed out the match with a six-bagger, earned 40.000 Swedish Kronor or approx. $5,800 for the victory which capped off a highly successful year including wins on the European Bowling Tour and the Professional Bowlers Association Tour.

"It was my second win on the Super Six tour", said Palermaa. "I think I have played between 20 and 30 Super Six stops and I am satisfied with my statistics when it comes to reaching the top 4. Maybe I did it once in every fourth tournament; it is not easy to win out here", added Palermaa, who lives in Gothenburg, Sweden, and commonly plays for Team Pergamon in the Swedish league.

24-year-old Gruffman dominated the preliminaries averaging 257.11 for nine games. The lefty received 25.000 SEK for second place.

In the opening match of the four-player stepladder finals, Swedish national team member Mikael Kanold topped 18-year-old Markus Jansson, 249-193. In the semifinal, Palermaa struck out in the tenth frame to advance to the title match, 238-228.

Kanold got 15.000 SEK for third place while Jansson pocketed 10.000 SEK for fourth place. L-R Mikael Kanold, James Gruffman, winner Osku Palermaa and Markus Jansson.

The win was a special one for Palermaa as the Swedish Super Six Tour will cease operations after more than twelve years. The first tournament took place in Norrtälje in August 1999 and the final stop in Malmö was the 72nd tournament.

SSST featured competition on the highest international level and the winners' list includes international stars such as Tim Mack and Bill Hoffman of the United States, reigning PBA Player of the Year Mika Koivuniemi, Kimmo Lehtonen and Lasse Lintilä of Finland as well as Tore Torgersen of Norway, to mention a few.

During the 72 tournaments there have been 48 different champions. Swedish legend Tomas Leandersson has won record six titles while Mack and Swedish standouts Anders Öhman and Martin Larsen each won four titles.

Houston-area bowlers selected as USBC Youth Ambassadors of the Year 12/9/11

By: Terry Bigham; USBC Communications

Ashleigh Calcote of Friendswood, Texas, and Dominick Savage of Missouri City, Texas, have been selected as the United States Bowling Congress Youth Ambassadors of the Year by the USBC Youth Committee.

The award annually recognizes one female and one male USBC Youth bowler for exemplary contributions to the sport, academic accomplishments and community involvement.

With both from the Houston area, the USBC Youth bowlers are very familiar with one another.

"Ashleigh and I have worked together on numerous occasions," Savage said. "Over the last few years we have closely worked together on creating new Youth Leader programs across the state."

Calcote, 17, began bowling in a league with her family at age 8 and soon after started attending Youth Leader meetings. She was appointed to the Greater Houston USBC Board of Directors as a Youth Director in 2008 and currently serves as president of the GHUSBC Youth Leaders. When her brother, Kyle, was selected as a USBC Youth Ambassador four years ago, she set her mind on also earning the award.

"I have always been involved in the service side of bowling but after he won this award, it made me strive to get it as well," Calcote said. "When I found out that I received the honor of this award, I was ecstatic."

Calcote currently is homeschooled and in her senior year. She takes dual credit courses at San Jacinto Community College and plans to attend college next year and major in Dietetics. She works in Carol Norman's pro shop UCanBowl2, which she calls "an education in and of itself."

Norman said Calcote is very motivated to achieve whatever goals she sets.

"Ashleigh is definitely going to be somebody in our sport; in fact, she already is," Norman said in her recommendation letter. "She is what's good about our youth and upcoming leaders."

Savage, 17, started bowling at age 4. He has been on the Texas State USBC Board of Directors since 2008, serving on several committees including the Hall of Fame/Hall of Honor and Adult Recognition Awards committees. He also has been on the TSUSBC Youth Committee.

He currently serves as president of the TSUSBC Youth Leaders Association and met with youth bowlers in the Dallas, San Antonio and Austin areas to assist them with starting their own Youth Leader programs.

"As one of the most prestigious awards offered by USBC for youth bowlers, winning this award has sparked my drive to continue on the path that my wonderful advisers have set for me," Savage said. "After the hard work I've invested into the Youth Leader program, it is phenomenal to receive recognition for the amount of time put into helping better youth bowling across my city, state, and nation."

Savage, a senior at Thurgood Marshall High School, is in the Triple A Music, National Honor, International Thespian Honor, and National Spanish Speaking Honor societies. He is on the student council, in the Speech and Debate Club, and has been an officer in the Book Club the last three years.

Robbie Fravel, a former Adult Advisor for the Greater Houston USBC who worked closely with Savage, said Savage is "truly an ambassador in every aspect of the word."

"He loves the sport of bowling and will talk your ears off on how great the sport is, as well as always finding a way to talk about the Youth Leader program," Fravel said in his nomination letter.

Savage will attend Newman University in Fall 2012 and plans to major in Communications and Political Science with a minor in choral music.

For being selected as the USBC Youth Ambassadors, both Calcote and Savage will receive $1,500 scholarships and a trip to the awards ceremony held in conjunction with the 2012 USBC Convention in Arlington. One of the winners may have the opportunity to be selected to serve on the USBC Youth Committee.

Visit BOWL.com/scholarships to learn more about scholarships available through USBC.

Backhaul Direct Hoosier Classic expects record participation for 2012 event

INDIANAPOLIS – Backhaul Direct announced today that the 43rd Annual Backhaul Direct Hoosier Classic, presented by Columbia 300, is expecting a 130 team “sellout” based on a full field of 78 men’s teams and 52 women’s teams. All teams entered, in both divisions, represent the “varsity team” for each program.

The tournament, held on February 18-19, 2012 at Western Bowl in Indianapolis, is the most sought-after regular season title of the collegiate season. Teams will bowl nine games on two different patterns applied utilizing Kegel’s Kustodian Ion lane machines. The top 12 teams in the men’s division and top eight teams in the women’s division will advance to the bracket finals on a third pattern to determine the champions.

For the third consecutive year, Columbia 300 will sponsor the Columbia 300 Friday Night Eliminator on February 17, 2012 at 6:30 pm open to all USBC Collegiate and USBC Youth bowlers. The $30 entry fee guarantees a shot at a $600 first place prize for any bowler and is contested on the demanding U.S. Open lane condition. The top high school bowler, regardless of place of finish, will receive a scholarship award of $200. During the Eliminator, Columbia 300 will be presenting its popular Demo Days program on 16 adjacent lanes to the tournament.

“We are extremely excited to extend our partnership with Backhaul Direct for the Hoosier Classic,” stated Columbia 300 Brand Manager Bugsy Kelly. “This tournament continues to build the reputation as “the” collegiate event to be involved with each year. Columbia 300 is very happy to be on board with such a great event.”

With new USBC rule changes prohibiting the use of tournament entry fee money towards the scholarship fund, Hoosier Classic organizers are pleased to welcome on board all of the 2012 sponsors who are contributing to the scholarship fund. For more information, please contact Nick Hoagland at nhoag@backhauldirect.com.

2012 Backhaul Direct Hoosier Classic Tournament Sponsors

· Backhaul Direct – Official Title Sponsor

· Columbia 300 – Official Ball Manufacturer, Presenting Sponsor, and Friday Night Eliminator Title Sponsor

· Kegel – Official Lane Maintenance Provider

· High 5 Gear – Official Merchandise Provider

· Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP / KSM Consulting, LLC – Official CPA / Consulting Firm

· Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Airport – Official Host Hotel

2012 Backhaul Direct Hoosier Classic Tournament Partners

· HP Hood

· All-Star Bowl

· Royal Pin Leisure Centers

· Braden Business Systems

Backhaul Direct Hoosier Classic expects record participation for 2012 event

2012 Backhaul Direct Hoosier Classic Tournament Sponsors

· Backhaul Direct – Official Title Sponsor

· Columbia 300 – Official Ball Manufacturer, Presenting Sponsor, and Friday Night Eliminator Title Sponsor

· Kegel – Official Lane Maintenance Provider

· High 5 Gear – Official Merchandise Provider

· Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP / KSM Consulting, LLC – Official CPA / Consulting Firm

· Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Airport – Official Host Hotel

2012 Backhaul Direct Hoosier Classic Tournament Partners

· HP Hood

· All-Star Bowl

· Royal Pin Leisure Centers

· Braden Business Systems

Two coaches earn USBC Gold status

ARLINGTON, Texas – Hank Boomershine of Brigham City, Utah, and Joe Slowinski of Lake Wales, Fla., have been awarded Gold level coaching status after successfully completing certification requirements through the United States Bowling Congress Coaching Certification and Development department. Gold level is the highest certification a coach can achieve through USBC. USBC recently conducted coaching recertification and, with the addition of Boomershine and Slowinski, there now are 16 USBC Gold coaches worldwide. “To reach this prestigious level as a coach takes a tremendous amount of dedication,” said Neil Stremmel, USBC Managing Director National Governing Body. “We congratulate Hank and Joe for their hard work and commitment to the sport of bowling.”

Boomershine, 41, is vice president of sales and marketing for Storm Products, Inc. He started bowling at age 10 and began working in the industry at age 15. He has been involved in almost every aspect of the bowling industry during his career. “This is the final piece to a puzzle,” Boomershine said. “You’ve worked your whole life putting all these elements together. To be certified as a Gold level instructor means a great amount.”

Slowinski, 44, is the administrative head coach for the Webber International University bowling program and the men’s head coach. He is a Master Teaching Professional at the Kegel Training Center and is a contributing writer for Bowling This Month magazine. “For me, it validates your hard work,” Slowinski said. “I’ve really tried to help the sport by making people better and by contributing and sharing ideas. When I get excited about something, learn about it and share it so other people get excited – that’s it. It’s just validation of hard work.” His father was a youth director, and when Slowinski was 17 he decided to take a coaching course through the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA). “It was exciting to learn about the sport and how to coach,” Slowinski said. “That’s where the seed was planted.”

The process of becoming a USBC Gold coach is similar to obtaining a doctorate in a field of study. Candidates are required to demonstrate knowledge through practical application and discussion. The final review program requires a coach to conduct a class, participate in an oral exam and give lessons to bowlers of various skill levels. The final review board consists of active USBC Gold coaches and USBC staff. Candidates recently went through the final review at the International Training and Research Center in Arlington. “You put so much effort and time into building the presentation – your philosophy and your thoughts on teaching,”

Boomershine said. “Then presenting it, defending it, knowing you are going to be graded on your output. And then everything else that went with it – all the certifications you had to do over your
career, the long hours of coaching, teaching and doing lessons. It’s a long, rewarding process.

Bowling Terminology – Part 4

(NOTE: We are continuing with an educational series on bowling “terms”. Hope you enjoy).

Mass Bias: Y axis, or high RG spot on the ball. (SEE: PSA).

Midlane: Area on the bowling lane (past the heads) to the end of the applied conditioner.

Modules of Compression: Ratio of the unit stress, to unit strain, within the proportioned limit of material in compression.

Mohs’ Hardness: A scale for classifying a material based on relative hardness determined by the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer one.

Moment of Inertia: Resistance to change in rotation.

Nanometer: A unit of measure used for measuring the wavelength of light. One nanometer equals 1x10^-9 meters, or 10 angstroms.

Natural pair of lanes: This refers to a pair of lanes used in certified competition.

Usually natural pairs of lanes have a common ball return and are numbered: 1 and 2, 3 and 4, etc,

Non-approved/Non-conforming: This term is used to describe equipment that has been to USBC to be reviewed and tested and found to not meet one or more of the current specifications.

Particle: Any additive mixed into the coverstock to change the interaction between the bowling ball, lane conditioner and the lane.

Phenolic: A plastic like material derived from the chemical: “phenol”.

Pin (in reference to a bowling ball): This is used to indicate where the top of the weight block is located in the ball.

Pin base flat diameter: The diameter of the base of the pin which will be in contact with a surface when a bowling pin is stood upright.

Pin deck: The area of the lane on which the pins are spotted.

Pitch: Angle at which the holes in the bowling ball will be drilled.

Positive Axis Point, PAP: This is the point on a ball which the ball rotates initially upon release. A bowler’s Axis Point is unique to them and has the potential to change depending on how that bowler releases the ball. The Axis Point includes both a horizontal and vertical measurement from the center of the grip.

(Editor’s note: Look for more of these technical terms in next month’s Cornerstone Newsletter).

___________________________________________

Membership Report

We have members in all 50 states,
and the District of Columbia

We have members in 49 countries, including the United States:

Corporate Sponsors

The problems that exist in our Sport are “industry-wide” problems that must be addressed by the entire Industry. The Foundation does all that they can to help, but we can NOT do it alone.

KEGEL

KAT Travel

I.B.P.S.I.A.

EBN Services

Storm Bowling

Classic Products

Bobs’ Business, Inc.

Vincennes University

BowlersParadise.com

Virtualtournaments.com

Wichita State University

David Driscoll & Associates

International Bowling Industry Magazine

Stars and Strikes Bowling Newsmagazine

_________________________________________

Please send change of address or email address to the address below, to ensure uninterrupted subscription to the Cornerstone newsletter.

The Cornerstone,

The Foundation’S Newsletter

The Foundation

c/o Kegel

6800 US 27 North

Sebring FL 33870

Phone: 863-382-2643

Email: savrsprt@yahoo.com

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

Cornerstone Newsletter, December 2011

June Davis — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:05:45 GMT

The Cornerstone

The Foundation Newsletter

Volume 15, Issue 12 December 2011

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

__________________________________

Letter from the Editor

Another Year Gone

It seems another year is coming to a close. Every year, about this time, I start to look back and review some of the things that have happened. This year I’m finding that it seems to have been a crazy year.

A lot of great things happened this year.

The Team USA women brought home the team gold medal at the Women’s World Championships for the first time in more than 20 years. During the same trip, Shannon Pluhowsky earned an unprecedented four gold medals.

The Women’s US Open boasted an historic participation record and attendance record for the finals. Additionally, the finals were staged at the 50-yard line of the famed Dallas Cowboys stadium.

The PBA announced that it will return to a non-exempt field for the 2012 season (see page three for more details).

Tom Hess won his first title, a major, at the USBC Masters.

The women of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore took home both the NCAA and ITC title trophies giving themselves two National Championships in the same year.

The list really goes on and on.

As this year comes to a close and you find yourself reminiscing, remember that next year is right around the corner. Set some goals for the new year, whether in bowling or just in life, and prepare to make 2012 even better than 2011.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May your holidays be filled with peace, love and joy.

Bowling’s US Women’s Open to set history for a second time with outdoor finals

Groundbreaking event to also introduce new Senior Women's Open Title; TV Finals to be broadcast nationally on ESPN family of networks

ARLINGTON, TX - November 4, 2011 - For the second consecutive year, bowling is breaking new ground at Bowling's U.S. Women's Open, the industry's pre-eminent professional women's tournament. Following a landmark television finals event in 2011 that was played at the 50 yard-line in Cowboys Stadium, the Open finals will now - for the first-time ever - be played outdoors on legendary Virginia Street in Reno, Nevada. History will be broken twice, as the event will also feature the introduction of the first-ever Bowling's Senior U.S. Women's Open, for participants over fifty years-old.

"Bowling's U.S. Women's Open captured international attention in 2011 and we are raising the bar even higher in 2012. Setting one new record wasn't enough, so as the Open comes to Reno, we are fittingly doubling down - hosting our first-ever outdoor tournament and introducing a brand new senior women's championship," said Steve Johnson, executive director of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America. "In addition to setting new ground for our industry, this year's event will be a salute to the men and women in uniform who protect and safeguard our nation. Our opening ceremony will be a star-spangled celebration including a military flyover, a surprise hero to roll out the ceremonial first ball and a fireworks celebration to crown this year's champion - as well as more surprises to come."

Bowling's U.S. Women's Open is once again being presented by the Brands of Ebonite International, the premier manufacturer of bowling balls and bowling equipment. The 2012 Bowling's U.S. Women's Open and Senior Open will take place simultaneously, beginning June 21 at the National Bowling Stadium, and will culminate with the top five bowlers earning a spot in the finals on June 27. For a second consecutive year, the Open finals, in addition to the newly-added Senior Open finals, will be broadcast on ESPN's family of networks.

"The bowling industry has done it again, putting together an absolutely spectacular U.S. Women's Open for 2012 - and the Brands of Ebonite International are so proud to align our brands with this exceptional event," said Randy Schickert, CEO of Ebonite International. "This event is unique in that it brings together the great sport of bowling and the powerful U.S. Open brand to attract the top female players in the world. We are also particularly proud to support the introduction of the Senior U.S. Women's Open and to provide this stage for women athletes who are legends and vanguards for bowling, the greatest game there is."

Joining the Brands of Ebonite International as sponsors of the 2012 Bowling's U.S. Women's Open for the second year in a row include: Jani King, the official cleaning company of bowling, and Lipton Naturals, the official tea of the 2012 Bowling's U.S. Women's Open. Additional sponsors include Eldorado Resorts, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Resort Casinos, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kegel, Dexter and Turbo Grips.

The 2012 Bowling's U.S. Women's Open and Senior Women's Open are open to all female youth, adult and senior bowlers in the United States and around the world. The entry fee for both the Women's Open and Senior U.S. Women's Open is $350. For additional information and registration details, please visit: www.bowlingsuswomensopen.com.

PBA to return to non-exempt Tour for 2012-13 season

Competition points will play key role in qualifying for new PBA Elite Players Championship, PBA Playoffs

The constantly changing climate in the world of professional sports has prompted the Professional Bowlers Association to return to a competitive environment that will re-open the doors to its national tour to all aspiring professional bowlers.

Changes in competition rules, announced to the PBA membership at the start of the PBA World Series of Bowling, will mean the end of the "exempt tour" concept the PBA has employed since the 2004-05 season and a return to a "non-exempt" Tour program for the 2012-13 season.

"Over the past few years the definition of a PBA Exempt Tour player has changed fairly dramatically," said PBA Commissioner Tom Clark. "For the current season, the number of exempt players was reduced from an original field of 57 to 49 with only two events (Carmen Salvino Classic and the Pepsi PBA Elite Players Championship) that fit the traditional Exempt Tour model.

"With the goal of setting the PBA on a new trajectory, following discussions with many players and industry leaders, the PBA is announcing a rules change that eliminates the Exempt Player designation beginning next season. All tournaments during the 2012-13 season will be open to all players – as most of them have been the past two years – with the PBA Tournament of Champions and the new PBA Elite Players Championship being the exceptions."

While competing to earn Exempt Player status is no longer an incentive, earning a high position in the PBA competition points list during the 2011-12 season will still be extremely important.

Competition points will determine which players are eligible for the season-ending Dick Weber PBA Playoffs and will also be a major factor in determining the field for the PBA Elite Players Championship, which will consist of players who have won major titles in the two most recent seasons plus players who rank high on the previous season's points list to round out an exclusive field of 36.

"We have changed the name of this year's Pepsi PBA Exempt Players Championship - which will be part of the PBA World Series of Bowling currently underway in Las Vegas - to reflect the changes. The event will now be named the Pepsi PBA Elite Players Championship, launching a new Elite Players Championship tradition," Clark said, "and every player in the Pepsi PBA Elite Players Championship will cash."

In conjunction with the rules changes, the PBA will revive the former Touring 1 and Touring 2 classifications which identified players by the number of events they entered. Those classifications will include specific membership benefits and exposure similar to the Exempt Tour model.

Touring 1 status will be earned by players who bowl 80 percent of the PBA Tour events, including the World Series of Bowling, two additional majors and three Xtra Frame Tour events.

Touring 2 status will be earned by those who bowl 60 percent of the Tour schedule including the World Series, one major and one Xtra Frame Tour event. Players also must maintain a minimum average of 190 in PBA Tour competition to retain their eligibility for the following season.

"We hope the rule change concerning the dissolution of the Exempt Player designation and continued focus on the value of the PBA Tour point list will give more opportunities for players to grow as top PBA players and remove any confusion over what being exempt entails," Clark concluded. "While elite status may be awarded to fewer players, the rewards for achieving that status will have greater value than it has in the past."

Maryland Eastern Shore's Megan Buja named Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow

Megan Buja of Rockford, Ill., has been selected to receive the 2012 Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow Award. The award is presented annually by the United States Bowling Congress to a female high school senior or college student who has excelled in the sport of bowling as well as off the lanes.

"Being selected as the Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow winner is definitely an honor," Buja said. "Former winners of this award have gone on to become important figures in the world of competitive bowling, and it is incredible to receive the same award that these women received."

Buja is a sophomore at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where she is majoring in Human Ecology - Dietetics. She plans to become a physician's assistant or attend medical school.

A two-time member of the Dexter/USBC High School All-American Team, she was a four-year member of the Jefferson High School bowling team and was captain her last two years. She helped her team win the state title in 2008 and had a 300 game as Jefferson was the state runner-up in 2010, her senior year. Off the lanes, she was class valedictorian, editor of the school yearbook, class secretary and student council member.

Sue Williams, coach of the Jefferson High School program, has known Buja since she started competing in the area's middle school program.

"At age of 12, she showed the determination to be the best she could be, not only on the bowling lanes, but also academically and socially," Williams said in her recommendation. "I have come to appreciate her many fine qualities, and I have watched her grow as a bowler and a person."

Buja already has enjoyed success on the collegiate level as a member of the UMES team that captured the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships and NCAA Women's Bowling national titles in 2011. She also qualified for the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships. She made the Dean's List in fall 2010 and spring 2011 and was a National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association Academic All-American.

Her community volunteer activities include serving as a middle school and junior league bowling coach, working as a lane monitor for Special Olympics, church mission trips and participating in the Relay for Life.

Named in honor of the seven-term president of the Women's International Bowling Congress, the Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow Award is presented to a female USBC member who exhibits star qualities such as distinguished bowling performances on the state and national levels, academic achievement and extracurricular and community involvement.

For being named the Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow, Buja receives a $6,000 scholarship that will be presented at the 2012 USBC Convention in Arlington in April.

St. Ambrose freshman Kyle Anderson named Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow

Kyle Anderson of Lockport, Ill., has been selected as the 2012 Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow Award recipient. Presented by the United States Bowling Congress, the award annually recognizes star qualities in a male high school senior or college student who competes in the sport of bowling.

“It means so much to me to be selected for this award,” Anderson said. “I am honored to be selected for a national award honoring Chuck Hall and one that has been given to others who I have admired as bowlers. It actually humbles me to think about it.”

A freshman at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, Anderson is studying accounting, finance and business. He also is taking sports management courses, and someday would like to have a career in the bowling industry.

Anderson started bowling at age 5, and when he was 6, he said his league director gave him a medal for Bowler of the Year. From that point, he was hooked on the sport.

A May 2011 graduate from Lockport High School, Anderson had a weighted grade-point average of 4.13 on a 4.0 scale. He was a three-time winner of the Porter Pride Award, given to a Lockport student for athletic leadership and academic achievement.

On the lanes, he was the first individual to win back-to-back high school bowling titles in Illinois, winning the state title in 2010 and 2011. A five-time competitor at the USBC Junior Gold Championships, he finished eighth at the 2011 event in Las Vegas. He placed 17th at the 2011 North Pointe High School Singles Championships.

Anderson was selected to the Dexter/USBC High School All-American Team for 2010-11. He has been active in community service projects and helps with the care of his 87-year-old neighbor, a widow who lives alone and cannot drive, by bringing food, newspapers and books and walking her dog.

The Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow Award is named for the former Young American Bowling Alliance executive director, who spent much of his life helping young people through his association with junior bowling.

For being selected for the award, Anderson will receive a $6,000 scholarship that will be formally presented at the 2012 USBC Convention to be held in April in Arlington.

SMART Corporation revises scholarship use policy

USBC NEW POLICY

ARLINGTON, Texas – The SMART Bowling Scholarship Funding Corporation is revising its scholarship use policy to better protect student-athlete eligibility and ensure compliance with collegiate and state high school athletic associations’ regulations.

Effective November 1, 2011, SMART scholarship funds may only be used for qualifying secondary education expenses. All funds disbursement, after final review and approval, will be paid directly to the educational institution. No policy exceptions for direct reimbursement of SMART funds to a student or parent will be allowed.

Qualifying expenses for SMART Scholarship funds include tuition/fees, textbooks, meal plans, housing plans, required class supplies and equipment necessary for the successful completion of a course or program at universities, colleges, business schools, technical schools, trade schools or vocational schools.

“A primary mission of SMART is to protect the eligibility of student-athletes,” SMART Corporation Board Chairman Wally Hall said. “To protect their eligibility, SMART’s policies must guarantee that scholarship funds are applied solely for secondary education and prevent any use of money that could be considered a cash prize or improper benefit.”

Under the new policy, SMART scholarship funds may not be used for sport equipment or supplies; bowling and non-bowling sport camp, clinic or lessons; private tutors’ fees; elementary or high school tuition/fees; costs related to computer repair; normal school supplies; transportation expenses (including parking permits); or clothing expenses.

A fully revised SMART policy manual is being developed and is scheduled to be finalized next year.

Go to BOWL.com/smart for information on the SMART program.

United States Bowling Congress

The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body for the sport. USBC is a membership organization that provides standardized rules, regulations and benefits to make bowling fair and fun for everyone.

The interactive home of USBC is BOWL.com. Go to twitter.com/USBC for the fastest USBC headlines.

2012 Senior Queens shifts to Texas next fall

ARLINGTON, Texas – The dates and location for the 2012 United States Bowling Congress Senior Queens have been changed, and the event now will be part of a weeklong celebration of senior women’s bowling at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas, in late October 2012.

The qualifying, match-play and championship portions of the USBC Senior Queens will take place at the International Training and Research Center, and all rounds will be broadcast live on BOWL.com. New for 2012, the tournament will feature a stepladder championship round. The official dates and details of special events for competitors will be available in early spring.

The change accommodates the addition of the Senior U.S. Women’s Open as a division of the U.S. Women’s Open, which will take place in Reno, Nev., in June, just two weeks before the Senior Queens was originally scheduled to be conducted.

“We are thrilled there are now two major events for our senior women bowlers,” USBC Managing Director of Tournaments Brian Lewis said. “In order to better serve our bowlers who wish to compete in both of these major senior women’s events, we have elected to change the dates and location of the Senior Queens. It also gives them the opportunity the experience the ITRC and see what else the IBC and Arlington have to offer.”

The 2012 Senior Queens will be the 13th edition of the annual event that is open to USBC female members age 50 and older. Earlier this year, Paula Vidad of Sun City, Calif., won the 2011 tournament in Syracuse, N.Y.

Senior Queens bowlers face the traditional double-elimination match-play bracket – the same format used by the USBC Queens – to crown a champion. The winner receives a tiara, pendant and trophy. First place for the 2012 Senior Queens will be $5,000 with an estimated overall prize pool of $30,000.

The Senior U.S. Women’s Open will be conducted at the National Bowling Stadium from June 22-29. That event, along with the U.S. Women’s Open, will take place in conjunction with International Bowl Expo. Highlights of the championship match will be shown on the television broadcast of the U.S. Women’s Open finals.

United States Bowling Congress

The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body for the sport. USBC is a membership organization that provides standardized rules, regulations and benefits to make bowling fair and fun for everyone.

The interactive home of USBC is BOWL.com. Go to twitter.com/USBC for the fastest USBC headlines.

Terminology – Part 3

(NOTE: We are continuing with an educational series on bowling “terms”. Hope you enjoy).

Entry Angle: This is the angle at which the bowling ball enters the pins relative to the longitude of the lane.

Equator: The high RG plane of a bowling ball in symmetrical balls.

Fingertip Grip: Method of drilling where only the tips of the fingers are inserted into the ball.

Fissure: A crack of considerable length and depth in a bowling ball, usually occurring from some breaking or parting. If the fissure reaches the ball track at any point, it is not permitted for use in USBC certified competition as it may damage the bowling lane surface. (See Crack)

Flare: The ball track progression due to axis rotation.

Friction: The force which opposes the relative motion of two surfaces which are in contact with each other.

Hardness: Resistance to plastic (permanent) deformation due to a constant load from a sharp object.

Heads: This is in reference to the area from the foul line to 20 feet.

Hook Phase: Described as a curve, this is the second phase of ball motion where the ball has encountered enough friction to change direction.

Initial Installation: The first installation of a lane surface in a brand new bowling center.

Intermediate Differential: The difference in radius of gyration (RG) between the Y (high RG) and Z (intermediate RG) axis on the bowling ball.

Kickback: The partitions that enclose the pin deck area located on the outside of the flat gutters which also are used to support the pin setting device.

Kickback Plate: A plate (3/16” maximum thickness) that is made of USBC approved materials that is used to protect the wooden kickback.

Lane and Approach markings: Symmetrical graphics on the playing surface, as well as any targets meeting USBC specifications.

Launch Angle: The angle in which the ball exits your hand initially at the point of release.

(Editor’s note: Look for more of these technical terms in next month’s Cornerstone Newsletter).

___________________________________________

Membership Report

We have members in all 50 states,
and the District of Columbia

We have members in 49 countries, including the United States:

Corporate Sponsors

The problems that exist in our Sport are “industry-wide” problems that must be addressed by the entire Industry. The Foundation does all that they can to help, but we can NOT do it alone.

KEGEL

KAT Travel

I.B.P.S.I.A.

EBN Services

Storm Bowling

Classic Products

Bobs’ Business, Inc.

Vincennes University

BowlersParadise.com

Virtualtournaments.com

Wichita State University

David Driscoll & Associates

International Bowling Industry Magazine

Stars and Strikes Bowling Newsmagazine

_________________________________________

Please send change of address or email address to the address below, to ensure uninterrupted subscription to the Cornerstone newsletter.

The Cornerstone,

The Foundation’S Newsletter

The Foundation

c/o Kegel

6800 US 27 North

Sebring FL 33870

Phone: 863-382-2643

Email: savrsprt@yahoo.com

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

Cornerstone Newsletter, November 2011

June Davis — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:39:09 GMT

The Cornerstone

The Foundation Newsletter

Volume 15, Issue 11 November 2011

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

__________________________________

Letter from the Editor

The Body “Issue”

If you haven’t seen the October ESPN the Magazine “Bodies We Want” issue, I suggest you stop here and check it out before continuing. I don’t want my opinion to skew your views. If you have seen it, well then, read on.

Kelly Kulick became the first bowler to take part in the “Bodies We Want” series; which is in its third year. The issue celebrates the athletic form and physique of athletes from all different sports. The athletes appear nude while strategically covering themselves. There is nothing indecent about the photos.

On first glance of all the photos, I noticed the form of their bodies. These athletes are in outstanding physical form. While some may have appeared to be overweight, I doubt there is much fat on any of their bodies. They are simply muscular and toned (OK, completely cut!). They are literally sculpted…like art.

When I looked at Kulick’s photos, I was pleased to see that bowling was photographed in such an athletic light. Kulick is in great physical shape. She is toned and muscular and the photos really showed that. I found it refreshing to see that a bowler actually looked like an athlete. For so long, bowlers have been portrayed as overweight beer drinkers and bowling has been depicted as a sport that doesn’t require athleticism or skill.

As a bowler, I know that bowling is an endurance sport. You have to be able to repeat shots over and over for many games in long format tournaments. Being overweight and unconditioned puts extra strain and stress on joints and muscles. Hurling a 15 or 16 pound ball accurately and consistently down a lane at 15 plus miles per hour for 10 games or more is not an easy task.

On second look, I had to remind myself that the pictures weren’t taken to make the athletes look pretty, sexy, hot or any other adjective of that sort. And in many cases, I felt the pictures weren’t flattering to the athlete’s physical appearance. However, in all the photos, the athletes looked…well…athletic.

I thought about it and realized I don’t think I can name five bowlers that are truly in shape. Bowlers as athletes probably have the worst physical form of any athletes that I can think of. Let’s face it, to truly perform in competition, you must be in good physical condition and there just aren’t many bowlers who are in good physical condition.

On another note…Happy Thanksgiving to all. May your holiday be filled with good food, good friends, family and fun.

Kegel named Official Lane Maintenance partner for European Tenpin Bowling Federation

For the past seven years, Kegel has formed a well working partnership with the European Tenpin Bowling Federation (ETBF) by providing lane maintenance equipment, expertise, and technical staff for their Championships and major events on the European Bowling Tour (EBT).

The current agreement between Kegel and the ETBF terminates at the end of 2011, but the ETBF has already officially announced the pair will enter into their fourth consecutive agreement keeping Kegel as the Official Lane Maintenance partner for the ETBF through 2014.

The main objective for this agreement is that Kegel will provide lane maintenance at ETBF Championships and selected EBT stops as well as some additional related services. Kegel will provide lane maintenance service for nine ETBF Championships over the next three years: two European Women Championships (2012 and 2014), one European Men Championships (2012), three annual European Youth Championships, and three annual European Champion Cups.

Per the agreement, Kegel will also provide the ETBF use of a Kegel LaneMapper, an efficient and accurate tool to measure the topography of bowling lanes. The Kegel LaneMapper will be used for all ETBF Championship inspections while Kegel will also use the tool at many host centers who accept Kegel's EBT sponsorship.

As an additional benefit, any bowling center wishing to obtain an official ETBF Center Certification will be measured using the Kegel LaneMapper. Each bowling center will be provided with a full LaneMap Report which includes the following for every individual lane: over 700 measurements of the lane's surface, a 3D representation of the lane, and Kegel's revolutionary Slope Graph, which shows the gravitational influence on the bowling ball at each area of the lane.

"The ETBF has shown to be the perfect partner for Kegel. Their progressiveness and attention to detail, along with Kegel's technical expertise with regard to the playing field, can only benefit all those who participate in their events and use their services," states Kegel President Chris Chartrand.

USBC and Kegel extend partnership through 2013

Kegel continues as the "official lane maintenance provider" for all USBC tournaments

The United States Bowling Congress and Kegel agreed recently to extend their exclusive partnership for two additional years, making Kegel the "official lane maintenance provider" for all USBC tournaments through 2013.

Kegel has provided lane maintenance equipment and supplies as well as technical and on-site support for all USBC championship events since January 2006. This includes more than a dozen tournaments each year from the youth to professional level.

As part of the partnership, Kegel will provide USBC with its latest materials, including lane machines, cleaners, conditioners, cloth and spare parts. Both the USBC Open and Women's Championships will continue to feature the automated Kegel Kustodian Lane Walker.

"Kegel's products and expertise have become great assets to our tournaments, and we're looking forward to continuing that relationship," said Neil Stremmel, USBC Managing Director - National Governing Body. "We have similar goals in mind when it comes to providing a consistent scoring environment and protecting the integrity of the sport of bowling and working together helps accomplish those goals."

While USBC will have final say on all USBC tournament lane conditions, Kegel will be trusted to provide equipment maintenance and technical support.

"We really feel like this is the perfect partnership, and we are excited about the role our equipment and products will play at USBC's prestigious events," said Kegel President Chris Chartrand. "Our commitment to the sport is to promote fair play and consistent lane conditions, and we hope our knowledge and experience in this area will help in the success of the USBC tournaments."

Kegel recently signed a similar agreement with the World Tenpin Bowling Association to provide lane maintenance for all WTBA World Championship tournaments through 2014. WTBA has been using Kegel equipment, chemicals and technical staff during its events since 1995.

Kegel was founded in 1981 with the primary goal of helping bowling centers operate with fewer problems. For more than two decades the company has been studying all the variables surrounding lane conditioning and expanded to several product divisions with more than 120 total employees.

The company's home base is a 72,000-square-foot facility in Lake Wales, Fla., where it does all of its manufacturing, quality control, software development, chemical production and packaging.

Shannon Pluhowsky, Team USA honored by US Olympic Committee

The efforts of Shannon Pluhowsky and her Team USA teammates at the World Tenpin Bowling Association Women's World Championships last month in Hong Kong were recognized by the United States Olympic Committee on Friday.

Pluhowsky earned second place in the voting for the USOC's Female Athlete of the Month for September, while Pluhowsky and her teammates (Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Stefanie Nation, Kelly Kulick, Liz Johnson and Shannon O'Keefe) finished third in the voting for the USOC's Team of the Month.

Pluhowsky spearheaded a dramatic and historic effort by Team USA at the Women's World Championships. She became the first woman in the history of the World Championships to earn four gold medals in one tournament and helped lead the U.S. to victories in team, trios and doubles for the first time since 1987.

In the Masters match play finals, Pluhowsky put on one of the most memorable performances in bowling history, rolling televised games of 300 and 299 in the best-of-five final to win the gold medal.

Track and field athlete Lashinda Demus and wrestler Jordan Burroughs were selected as the USOC's Athletes of the Month, while the U.S. women's track and field 4x100m relay team was awarded Team of the Month honors.

Each National Governing Body may nominate one female, one male and one team per discipline for the monthly honors. A voting panel selects the winners from the pool of nominees, with online fan voting via Twitter accounts for 10 percent of the total vote.

For Kelly Kulick, ESPN the Magazine "exposure" is good for Bowling

Kelly Kulick's professional bowling career has been a collection of "firsts," but none have been more revealing than her appearance – discreetly nude – in the latest issue of ESPN the Magazine's annual "Bodies We Want" photo-feature.

The 34-year-old Union, N.J., resident, who is about to begin her third season as the only woman ever to compete as a Professional Bowlers Association exempt tour player, is the first bowler to appear in ESPN the Magazine's annual "Body Issue," a special edition that celebrates athletic physiques involving male and female athletes from a variety of sports. The issue goes on sale on newsstands on Oct. 7.

"After the publicity I got during the PBA's U.S. Open last year, I was contacted by ESPN the Magazine and asked if I was interested in participating in the 'Body Issue.' We discussed how it would be done. I talked it over with Ebonite and the PBA, and I asked for some time to get in shape.

"I thought it would be done in good taste, so I thought it would bring great exposure to bowling and myself."

"Kelly is a great ambassador for the bowling and the PBA," said PBA Deputy Commissioner Tom Clark. "The more people who know about her, the more fans she'll have who will want to follow her progress as a professional bowler. The ESPN pictorial is another high impact way of gaining recognition and attention."

Kulick made the trip to New York City for the photo shoot, wearing athletic gear and a bikini to set up the pose the photographer wanted to shoot.

"Then I disrobed and positioned arms and legs so nothing would be indecent, but I would still show my athletic form," she said. "It was nerve-wracking at first. I was told it would be uncomfortable for the first 20 minutes, which it was, but you eventually become comfortable with what you're doing. There were only three or four people in room. It's not like you're posing in front of a bunch of people. And I feel good about my body; I didn't feel nervous at all about posing.

"I saw the photos the day they were taken," she added. "I don't know what shot they choose, but they were all superb. Black-and-white, all very creative.

"To think about all of the female bowlers out there and they asked me? Ultimately it was my decision and I'm very flattered," Kulick continued. "There were a lot of different athletes involved. We're all different. It's all about the physiques for each kind of athlete; it's not about being a size 2 person."

Bowling’s Hall of Fame Introducing New Annual National Event

The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame (IBMHF) is proud to introduce an all new annual national event to the industry – Bowling’s Hall of Fame Xtravaganza.

After a season from October – March when thousands of league and casual bowlers will roll in qualifying rounds in America’s bowling centers, 500 finalists will each win a four day three night trip to the incredible Red Rock Resort and Red Rock Lanes bowling center in Las Vegas, where they will compete for an additional $25,000 in cash and prizes May 31- June 3, 2012.

Partnering in the event with the IBMHF are the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, the United States Bowling Congress, Strike Ten Entertainment, Station Casinos Lanes of Las Vegas, and industry sponsors Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and Musselman’s Applesauce.

“We sincerely thank Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and Musselman’s Applesauce in helping present this inaugural event,” said Frank DeSocio of Strike Ten Entertainment. “Through their generous sponsorship and support of this great industry, bowlers of all ages and skill levels will be able to have fun competing in the game they love while vying for big prizes,” adding, “And the big winner will be the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.”

One of the primary goals of the new event was to give all bowlers, regardless of their skill level, a chance to compete in a prestigious event with significant prizes, at an entry fee anyone can afford. The entry fee for a league or casual bowler to compete in an Xtravanganza qualifier during league or casual play is only $2. From that beginning, standings will be kept in each participating center; and house finals in the Spring will determine who will represent each center in the Las Vegas Finals.

The event will become a major fund raiser for the IBMHF in Arlington, Texas, with a portion of each finalist entry fee (paid by the bowling center) going to the Hall of Fame. The new event will also give bowling centers a great opportunity to boost business by holding qualifying events and Xtravaganza Leagues where bowlers can try to qualify every week. Former museum president and Xtravaganza committee chairman Pat Ciniello is excited about the long term plan for the new event, and what it can do for everyone involved.

“We think we have a real winner here,” said Ciniello. “The Hall of Fame Xtravaganza will be a fun and exciting event for all types of bowlers, it will raise money for the museum, it will give bowling centers a new source of business, and it will be a fantastic vacation for all of us at one of the best resorts in the world when we all gather for the finals next summer at Red Rock.”

The unique, non-traditional format of the event is designed to be fun and fair for all types of bowlers. It will give bowlers of all skill levels a fair chance to make the national finals. The details of the four-game format will be announced soon. Bowlers will qualify on the house level in Singles; and the National Finals will be Doubles, with a goal of 250 teams in Las Vegas. House Singles winners will pick their doubles partner from fellow house qualifiers.

Plans are also underway to bring Hall of Fame professional bowlers to the Xtravaganza finals to meet the finalists, put on exhibitions, give tips to the finalists, and serve as ambassadors for the Hall of Fame. Details of the plan for the Hall of Famers participation will be announced soon.

For more info, contact Stefanie Nation at the International Bowling Campus (817) 385-8386. Stefanie@bpaa.com.

Terminology – Part 2

(NOTE: We are continuing with an educational series on bowling “terms”. Hope you enjoy).

The science of bowling is one which, like any science, has its share of technical “jargon” – terms like: “Coefficient of Friction”, “Intermediate Differential” and “Symmetrical Core”.

We thought that we would help to further your knowledge and provide many modern day terms that will make the technical side of bowling more accessible to you. As you will see, some are very common, but some will definitely be “new” to you. (Note: There are many of these terms, so look for more in the months ahead, right here in the: Cornerstone Newsletter).

Center of Gravity (CG): This is the imaginary “point” that is inside a body of matter where the total weight of that body is thought to be concentrated.

Certified: Any competition, bowler, league, center or coach that’s registered with USBC

Coefficient of friction (COF): The ratio of the force opposing the relative motion of two surfaces and the normal force acting perpendicular opposing force. In bowling, this term usually defines the interaction between the bowling ball coverstock, lane conditioner and lane.

Coefficient of restitution (COR): The ratio of the energy of two objects after impact to the energy before impact. In the case of a ball striking a pin, this is the % of energy transfer for ball to pin.

Conventional grip: The method of drilling in which fingers are inserted to the second knuckle.

Core: The interior of the bowling ball; depending upon the construction of the ball, the core may consist of the inner core (weight block) and/or the outer core (light filler material).

Crack: A partial break or split (slight or narrow), which appears on the surface of the bowling ball. Also referred to as “stress fractures” which often occur around thumb or finger inserts or through the bridge area between the finger holes; a cracked bowling ball is not automatically disallowed from use in certified competition. (SEE: fissure).

Coverstock: The exterior or outer shell of the bowling ball.

Drift: The difference in location between a bowlers starting position on the approach and the ending position and the foul line.

Durometer: A device used to check the hardness of bowling balls and bowling pins.

Edge Board: The last board (outside) on each side of a pin deck or a bowling lane

(Editor’s note: Look for more of these technical terms in next month’s Cornerstone Newsletter).

Recent ‘Phantom Radio’ Trivia Contest Winners

Phantom Radio’s monthly Trivia Contests continue to be popular with the listeners and the list of Phantom Phans continues to grow. These contests are sponsored by Storm Bowling and you must be a “Phantom Phan Club Member” to be eligible to win. It’s easy to join; just go to our website www.foundation300.com and look for “How to join The Phantom Phan Club”. Listed below are the most recent Phan Club winners. Sign-up today and WIN!

2011 Monthly Winners

AUGUST 2011

1. Bob Gritzke: Wins a new bowling bag from Storm Bowling Products. Bob, please contact me so that I can put you in touch with our friends from Storm.

2. Rafel Cons: Wins a 3-night stay at the El Dorado Hotel and Casino in Reno.

3. Lisa Curran: Wins a Gift Pack from the Glover Masters Scratch Tournament.

4. Jon Wolfe: Wins a Gift Pack from the Glover Masters Scratch Tournament.

SEPTEMBER 2011

1. Patrick Cox: Wins a new bowling ball from Storm Bowling Products. Patrick, please contact me so that I can put you in touch with our friends from Storm.

2. Bill Guthrie: Wins a souvenir Kelly Kulick Bobble-Head doll from Strike10.

3. Tom Smith: Wins a 3-night stay at the El Dorado Hotel & Casino in Reno.

4. Brian McMillan: Wins a 3-night stay at the El Dorado Hotel & Casino in Reno.

(We thank John McGinness for these 2 nice prizes)

OCTOBER 2011

1. Dave Kowalski: Wins an Accessory Item from Storm Bowling. Dave, please contact me as soon as possible so that I can put you in touch with our friends at Storm.

2. Vic Sockrider: Wins a surprise package of “goodies” directly from The Phantom.

3. Warren Freidl: Wins a “souvenir” Sean Rash Bobble-Head doll.

4. Sammy Stern: Wins a 3-day, 2-night stay at the Sands otelHotelhHotel & Casino in Reno.

Special Announcement
*NOTE: Be sure to tune in on November 16 for a Phantom Radio “MILESTONE”.

This will be the 500^th Show and will feature a VERY SPECIAL Guest that we are sure you won’t want to miss. Be sure to tell your friends about our Show. THANKS !!!

Support our Sponsors:

We appreciate all that they do to bring Phantom Radio to you each and every week.

www.stormbowling.com
www.elitebowling.com
www.kegel.net www.starsandstrikesbowling.com www.teenmastersbowling.com

___________________________________________

Membership Report

We have members in all 50 states,
and the District of Columbia

We have members in 49 countries, including the United States:

Corporate Sponsors

The problems that exist in our Sport are “industry-wide” problems that must be addressed by the entire Industry. The Foundation does all that they can to help, but we can NOT do it alone.

KEGEL

KAT Travel

I.B.P.S.I.A.

EBN Services

Storm Bowling

Classic Products

Bobs’ Business, Inc.

Vincennes University

BowlersParadise.com

Virtualtournaments.com

Wichita State University

David Driscoll & Associates

International Bowling Industry Magazine

Stars and Strikes Bowling Newsmagazine

_________________________________________

Please send change of address or email address to the address below, to ensure uninterrupted subscription to the Cornerstone newsletter.

The Cornerstone,

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The Foundation

c/o Kegel

6800 US 27 North

Sebring FL 33870

Phone: 863-382-2643

Email: savrsprt@yahoo.com

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

Cornerstone Newsletter, October 2011

June Davis — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:34:30 GMT

The Cornerstone

The Foundation Newsletter

Volume 15, Issue 10 October 2011

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

__________________________________

Letter from the Editor

Women’s World Championships

I must give the heartiest congratulations to the ladies of Team USA who competed in the Women’s World Championships in September in Hong Kong. Not only did they bowl great, the finally brought home the coveted Team gold medal…for the first time since 1987.

The men of Team USA have won the gold medal each of the last three outings at the Men’s World Championships (2006, 2008, 2010). However, the women have fallen short in their previous three attempts finishing in second in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

To say that this was a long time coming might be somewhat of an understatement.

The women of Team USA worked hard and have literally trained for several years to break through to a gold medal victory.

Along the way, Shannon Pluhowsky also earned an impressive four gold medals at the event. This is not only impressive, it’s history made over. No woman has ever won four gold medals at a World Championship.

So to the ladies of Team USA…CONGRATULATIONS!

The women have two more years to bask in their win and prepare for the next World Championship event. The men will also have an extra year off as there is no Men’s World Championship for 2012. Instead, the World Championships have combined once again. The men’s and women’s events will be held together in Las Vegas in 2013. With a new twist in the format, teams will have to qualify in their respective zones in order to earn one of the 36 team spots in the World Championships.

Can the women repeat in 2013? Can the men repeat for a fourth time? Only time will tell.

El Paso to host USBC Open Championships in 2015

USBC Communications

ARLINGTON, Texas - The 2015 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships is headed to El Paso, Texas, marking the first time in a decade the tournament will travel to a brand new host city.

The 2015 event will be the 112th edition of the USBC Open Championships, which has been held in 48 cities in 26 states since its inception in 1901. The last time the tournament ventured to a new city was 2005, when it was held in Baton Rouge, La., also its first visit to Louisiana.

Surveys show that many Open Championships bowlers like to see new cities, and the 2005 event featured a sellout field of 13,222 five-player teams.

"The city of El Paso really rolled out the red carpet for the bowlers and staff during the Women's Championships in 2010, and we're excited about being able to return with the Open Championships in 2015," said USBC Executive Director Stu Upson. "The event has been to many different places over the years, and it will be great to add another amazing city to the list."

After a successful 2010 USBC Women's Championships at the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center, the city of El Paso made a strong proposal to hold the 2015 Open Championships in the same venue. The offer was accepted with the full support of the USBC Board of Directors.

"The venue in El Paso played a huge role in the history of the Women's Championships as the event's first convention-center build," said Brian Lewis, USBC's Managing Director of Tournaments. "Along with the Intercollegiate Team Championships, Queens and other events, our previous stay in El Paso couldn't have been any smoother, and we know our return to El Paso will be another success."

Known as "The Sun City" because of more than 300 days of sunshine each year, El Paso treated the bowlers and their families to a fantastic experience during the 2010 Women's Championships, and officials are confident that Open Championships bowlers will have the same great stay in west Texas.

"Hosting the 2010 Women's Championships was a very special and rewarding opportunity for El Paso, and we look forward to showing the Open Championships competitors what Sun City has to offer," said Bill Blaziek, general manager of the El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We learned a lot last year, and we hope to make USBC's next visit even more memorable."

USBC Open Championships Future Sites:
2012 - Baton Rouge, La.
2013 - Reno, Nev.
2014 - Reno, Nev.
2015 - El Paso, Texas
2016 - Reno, Nev.

Team USA's Pluhowsky, Johnson claim Doubles title at Women's World Championships

Silver for Singapore; USA and Denmark share bronze

Shannon Pluhowsky and Liz Johnson flew past Singapore's New Hui Fen and Jazreel Tan in the Doubles championship match, 453-392, to give Team USA its first gold medal of the 2011 Women's World Championships at Hong Kong Bowling City in Hong Kong, China.

Fourth-seeded Pluhowsky/Johnson, who eliminated their team mates and No. 1 seed, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Kelly Kulick in the semifinal, 455-419, both started the gold medal match with three consecutive strikes and never looked back.

Third-seeded New/Tan, who ousted No. 2 seed Kamilla Kjeldsen and Mai Ginge Jensen, Denmark, in the other semifinal match, 454-391, had a slow start into the match (spare; open) and was unable to put any pressure on the Americans.

Johnson, who has won the Women's U.S. Open twice (1996; 2007) and USBC Queens in 2009 and even has won a title on the European Bowling Tour (Viernheim, Germany in 2006) had a pair of single-pin spares in frames four and five followed by another three-bagger, a spare and three strikes in the 10th frame for 247.

Pluhowsky, who won the USBC Queens in 2006 and a pair of World Cup titles in 2002 and 2004, suffered the American's sole open frame in the fourth but rebounded with two spares, two strikes and two spares to put the match away well before the final frame. Tan, who studies in the U.S. at Wichita State University, started with an open after failing to convert the 2-8-10 split and could not match her vigorous pace from the semifinal, where she fired a 268 game to carry her team mate to victory over the Danes, who had dominated Squad 3.

Tan doubles in the second and third frame and again in the fifth and sixth before she struck three-times in the last frame for 215. New contributed 177 due to two open frames in the fourth and tenth frames.

The Singaporeans earned the silver medals, while USA and Denmark shared the bronze medal. It was the second medal for Singapore and Denmark in the championships after Shayna Ng shared the bronze in Singles with Mai Ginge Jensen. With two out of four events in the books, the United States lead the medal tally with one gold and one bronze.

United States wins first team gold since 1987 at World Women's Championships

By: Lucas Wiseman; USBC Communications

HONG KONG - For the first time in nearly a quarter century, Team USA claimed the five-player team gold medal at the 2011 World Tenpin Bowling Association World Women's Championships.

Team USA's Kelly Kulick, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Shannon O'Keefe, Shannon Pluhowsky and Liz Johnson came out on top in the gold-medal match by defeating Singapore, 1,210-1,140, in the one-game match broadcast live on BOWL.com from Hong Kong Bowling City.

Johnson led the effort by starting with nine consecutive strikes and shooting a 279 game. She was followed by Pluhowsky (256), Kulick (244), O'Keefe (226) and Dorin-Ballard (205). Stefanie Nation did not compete in the championship match, but was a part of the semifinal win for the Americans, who last won the team event in 1987 and took the silver medal in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

The Singaporeans were led by Jazreel Tan's 269 game and she was joined by Shayna Ng (240), Cherie Tan (224), New Hui Fen (214) and Daphne Tan (193).

"We have all worked so hard for this and this win is for every person who has been a part of the Team USA program over the past 24 years," Johnson said. "We have had success all week with us winning the doubles and trios but this is the one we came for and we did it."

Team USA trailed early in the championship match as Singapore got off to a hot start, but the Americans slowly chipped away at the lead. The match turned in the seventh frame when the United States began a string of 15 consecutive strikes as a team.

"All week we have struggled with our carry, so we just decided to be patient and thankfully the pin carry turned in our favor," Dorin-Ballard said. "We were able to start putting pressure on them and that changed the whole momentum of the match. It was huge."

In the semifinals, the fourth-seeded Americans took down top seed Germany, 1,080-970, while No. 2 seed Singapore defeated Colombia, 1,225-1,103. The semifinals losers shared the bronze medal.

The all-events competition also wrapped up as Denmark's Mai Ginge Jensen took the gold medal with a 24-game total of 5,744, an average of 239.33. Canada's Caroline Lagrange earned the silver with 5,687, while Pluhowsky took bronze with 5,607.

The top 16 players in the all-events standings advanced to Sunday's match play Masters. Three Americans made the field - Pluhowsky, Johnson and Kulick. Dorin-Ballard missed the cut by one pin, while O'Keefe missed by 10 pins.

The 2011 World Women's Championships features 171 bowlers from 33 countries. The teams are competing in six disciplines - doubles, trios, team, singles, all-events and match-play Masters.

Shannon Pluhowsky claims the Masters gold medal in Hong Kong

Wins an unprecedented fourth gold medal to ends the 2011 Women's World Championships

Shannon Pluhowsky, United States, won her fourth gold medal in the 2011 Women's World Championships when she defeated Daphne Tan, Singapore, in best-of-three games format, three-games-to-one, to wrap up the championships in Hong Kong, China, with a victory in Masters match play.

Pluhowsky, seeded third, who had the advantage to choose the oil pattern to start on, tossed the sixth 300 game of the championships and the ninth in WTBA history in the opening round on the long pattern.

Tan, who started with a solid 226, posted a bigger game on the medium pattern to level the match with a 238-219 win in game two. Back on the left lane where Pluhowsky had the 300, the lefty extended her string of strikes to an unbelievable 23-in-a-row before she left a 10-pin standing on the fill ball for 299. Tan struck out for another 234 game.

Down by two-games-to-one, the pressure was on Tan as she had to win the fourth game to stay alive and to force a deciding fifth game. Both players had an open frame in the first half of the game - Pluhowsky in the third and Tan in the fifth - and both had a double for a 115-115 tie in frame six.

Pluhowsky struck in the seventh, eighth and ninth frame while Tan, who made a late ball change, was unable to strike in the last three frames and could not put any pressure on the American.

Shannon Pluhowsky closed out the game by picking up a split for a 223-191 win to claim the Masters title and her fourth gold medal of the 2011 Women's World Championships, a feat that never was accomplished before by a woman in the history of the World Tenpin Bowling Association.

Daphne Tan received the silver medal while Denmark's Mai Ginge Jensen and Nadine Geißler of Germany shared the bronze medal.

International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame raised more than $61k during Bowl Expo

ARLINGTON, Texas – The week-long events held during International Bowl Expo in Grapevine and Arlington, Texas, raised more than $61,000 for the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.

Daily silent auctions at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine started the week while two benefits that were part of the June 29 Night at the Campus in Arlington helped cap things off in grand style.

“The amount we raised was great considering we did not have our big Salute to Bowling event this year,” said IBM/HF President and Chairman of the Board Keith Hamilton. “We want to give special thanks to Kegel for the Pink Lane Machine.”

The Kegel Pink Lane Machine, autographed by the U.S. Women’s Open finalists, was this year’s grand item. It sold for $29,500 to Wes Becker with the proceeds shared with The Bowling Foundation. Donating a lane machine is a yearly contribution by the Kegel Company, and always a highlight at Bowl Expo.

The top item in the silent auction was the autographed LeRoy Neiman “Million Dollar Strike” serigraph that sold for $3,000 to Jerry Ray.

There were many other sponsors that significantly contributed to the success of the fundraising effort.

“We could not have had the success we had without Brunswick, Ebonite, Storm and QubicaAMF sponsorships of our Wednesday Night at the Campus events,” said Salute Committee Chair and Hall of Famer Mike Aulby, who spent much of the week utilizing his auctioneering abilities.

All money for people rolling shots on the IBM/HF’s 1930s-era lanes went to the Museum as did proceeds from a pro-am at the adjacent International Training and Research Center. Entrants in the latter event bowled and mingled with Hall of Famers and current stars.

Plans are underway for a new fundraising event next year in Reno, Nev. Details will be announced in the coming months.

About the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame

Located at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame collects, preserves and researches bowling’s history, provides a suitable home for bowling’s major halls of fame, and makes the museum’s information and collection available to interested parties globally for education, promotion and entertainment.

International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, 621 Six Flags Dr., Arlington, TX 76011

FIQ Congress votes to approve major reorganization

By: Kevin Dornberger, WTBA President

HONG KONG -The Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) Congress approved a major reorganization Tuesday, paving the way for the World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) and World Ninepin Bowling Association (WNBA) to have complete control over every aspect of their respective sports.

The reorganization streamlines the governance of international bowling by FIQ, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the sport's world governing body.

Under the reorganization, the FIQ Executive Board shrinks from eleven members to seven, five of whom will be elected by the WTBA and two by the WNBA. The president of FIQ must also now be either the president of WTBA or WNBA, and as a result, WTBA President Kevin Dornberger was elected Tuesday as the new president of FIQ for a four-year term.

"Today is a remarkable and almost unprecedented day for the sport of bowling," said Dornberger, who was re-elected to a second four-year term as president of WTBA on Monday. "This reorganization allows tenpin bowling to decide its matters, while ninepin bowling can make its own decisions instead of outsiders having influence."

The reorganization proposal, which passed nearly unanimously, was a joint effort by the WTBA and WNBA. The president of WNBA, Ludwig Kocsis of Austria, said the decision will help both organizations.

"I am pleased by the decision today because it allows our organizations to be more integrated, which will help us get more international recognition," said Kocsis, who also is now vice president of FIQ. "There are advantages for both parties by working together to make things better."

The World Tenpin Bowling Association is made up of more than 100 federations, while the World Ninepin Bowling Association is made up of nearly 30 federations. Both organizations govern their respective sports throughout the world.

Terminology – Part 1

We thought that we would help to further your knowledge and provide many modern day terms that will make the technical side of bowling more accessible to you. As you will see, some are very common, but some will definitely be “new” to you. (Note: There are many, many of these terms, so look for more in next month’s Cornerstone Newsletter).

Ambient Temperature: Temperature of the surrounding area; same as room temperature.

Approach: The area immediately in front of the lane before the foul line. This area can be no less than 15 feet in length and not less than the width of the lane.

Approved: This used to be a term to describe equipment that has been: sent in, reviewed, tested and found to meet “all” current specifications at the time of approval.

ASQ: American Society for Quality.

ASTM: American Society of Testing Materials.

Asymmetrical Core (undrilled): A ball where the Radius of Gyration (RG) values of the “Y” (high RG) and “Z” (intermediate RG) axis of the ball differ by more than 5% of the total differential of the ball.

Axis Migration: Path of which the axis point travels across the surface of the ball as it travels down the lane; this path will always have the same RG measurement as the ball travels.

Axis Rotation: The measurement of horizontal angle through which a ball rotates; rotation is synonymous with the amount of “side roll” a bowler has.

Axis Tilt: The measurement of the vertical angle through which a ball rotates, tilt is synonymous with the amount of “spin” a bowler has.

Backend: The portion of the lane after the lane conditioner (oil) ends up until the pin deck area.

Ball Track: The area on the lane that the ball makes contact with.

Bifilar: The use of two cords (or wires) to support the test cradle in testing the radius of gyration (RG) of a bowling pin.

Breakpoint: The apex (peak) of the “hook phase” curve of the bowling ball.

(Editor’s note: Look for more of these technical terms in next month’s Cornerstone Newsletter).

___________________________________________

Membership Report

We have members in all 50 states,
and the District of Columbia

We have members in 49 countries, including the United States:

Corporate Sponsors

The problems that exist in our Sport are “industry-wide” problems that must be addressed by the entire Industry. The Foundation does all that they can to help, but we can NOT do it alone.

KEGEL

KAT Travel

I.B.P.S.I.A.

EBN Services

Storm Bowling

Classic Products

Bobs’ Business, Inc.

Vincennes University

BowlersParadise.com

Virtualtournaments.com

Wichita State University

David Driscoll & Associates

International Bowling Industry Magazine

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Email: savrsprt@yahoo.com

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

Cornerstone Newsletter, September 2011

June Davis — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:56:21 GMT

The Cornerstone

The Foundation Newsletter

Volume 15, Issue 9 September 2011

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”

__________________________________

Letter from the Editor

The Business of Making Money

When I wrote my editorial regarding the Women’s US Open last month, I strictly spoke from the point of view that the talents of elite athletes should be showcased. With the easier lane pattern that was used during the USWO, scores were literally through the roof; there were several perfect games and, if you watched the TV show, you saw that there was some area to play the lanes.

I stand by my opinion and what I wrote 100%.

However, I thought about it some more and continued to wonder why the BPAA, the group running the most prestigious event in women’s bowling, would want to “lighten up” the lane conditions. And it occurred to me that I had already written the answer. I mentioned the BPAA Executive Director Steve Johnson had addressed the Bowling Writer’s Association during the annual meeting. Johnson said they “wanted a tournament like no other; a tournament that would break the records.”

When I think about what Johnson said and that the BPAA is an organization comprised of bowling proprietors, I begin to understand perhaps why the lane conditions were made a little “softer”. The bowling proprietors own bowling centers and they are in the business of getting people; any people; into the centers to spend money bowling. They are in business to make money and if people aren’t coming into the bowling centers, then the proprietors aren’t making money.

I suppose they were trying to get people interested and show that bowling is exciting. I just don’t personally feel that by using an easier pattern that allows mistakes to be made on the lanes will put our athletes in the most respectable light…especially at a prestigious tournament like the US Open.

Scoring records and participation records may have been broken, but did that really help attract more women or more people to bowling? I can’t answer that and I suppose we’ll have to wait until next year to see if the entries improve.

On a side note…it took a while for the numbers to be released, but it turns out the USWO television show also broke the record for live attendance. I wonder…did we break any records for television viewers?

WTBA to create new World Bowling Tour event

ARLINGTON, Texas - The World Tenpin Bowling Association will conduct its first owned and operated World Bowling Tour event in 2012 when the WTBA International Open presented by Sunset Station Casino and Hotel takes place in Henderson, Nev., next year.

The WTBA International Open will take place at the 72-lane Sunset Station Strike Zone Bowling Center from Jan. 28-Feb. 5. The prize fund will exceed $100,000 with at least $20,000 going to the winner. "On behalf Station Casinos, we are extremely pleased with the WTBA's decision to award the Sunset Station and Strike Zone Bowling Center a World Bowling Tour event," Station Casinos Corporate Director of Bowling Sales David Garber said. "The WTBA International Open presented by Sunset Station Casino and Hotel will be a very important stop on the World Tour and we invite all amateurs and professionals to attend this wonderful event."

In addition to presenting sponsor Sunset Station, Brunswick has also signed on as a supporting sponsor for the WTBA International Open. "Brunswick has always been supportive of competitive bowling and we are especially keen for the advancement of international competitive bowling," President of Brunswick Bowling Products Brent Perrier said. "We are pleased to lend our support to the WTBA World Tour in general and the WTBA International Open in particular."

The tournament will be a six-game re-entry style event that mirrors events on the European Bowling Tour (EBT), where players post their best six-game score to try and make the first cut. The event will be open to men and women and will have a special prize fund for women.

"WTBA believes that the World Bowling Tour is the future of our sport, and we are proud to announce we have created a new event for the best athletes in the world," WTBA President Kevin Dornberger said. "This event will be made possible by our partnerships with Sunset Station and Brunswick. They have stepped up to make this event a reality."

The 2011 World Bowling Tour continues Aug. 21-26 with the Korean Daejeon Open in Daejeon, Korea. The World Bowling Tour Thailand will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from Sept. 24-30 and the AMF Australian Masters will take place in Sydney, Australia, from Oct. 10-22.

The WTBA is made up of more than 100 bowling federations and governs the sport throughout the world. For more information on WTBA, visit: WorldTenpinBowling.com.

New USBC ‘Welcome Package’ for new members

ARLINGTON, Texas – The leading brands in the bowling industry are teaming up with the United States Bowling Congress to create an aggressive new program designed to engage and retain first-time league bowlers. The new USBC Welcome to Bowling program is scheduled to launch in the fall and will include exclusive offers providing new league bowlers access to proper equipment and coaching.

“Our data shows that a 63 percent of first-year USBC bowlers do not come back to join a league the next year,” USBC Executive Director Stu Upson said. “Industry research shows the primary reasons new bowlers quit the sport is they feel uncomfortable about their equipment and ability. A proper ball and some basic instruction appear to be the keys to reversing the trend. USBC and the bowling industry must act to address this key challenge of retaining first-year bowlers. Our goal is for this new initiative to become something the entire industry can benefit from.”

The USBC Welcome to Bowling program will be offered exclusively to 2011-12 season USBC members who have not been members the last three years. These new USBC members will receive an invitation to take advantage of special offers designed to hook them on the sport. Key elements of the program include:

The leading brands in bowling including Ebonite, Storm, Brunswick and 900 Global have each agreed to offer a select entry-level mid-priced ball to new bowlers at a promotional price of $59.95. Balls will be shipped by the manufacturer or distributers to the bowlers with instructions to visit their local pro shop for proper fitting, drilling and to purchase additional accessories. The shipment will also include information about the coaching components of the USBC Welcome to Bowling program.

USBC will contact certified coaches across the country and request they offer new bowlers an introductory half-hour lesson for $20. Participating coaches will be listed on BOWL.com so new bowlers can quickly find a qualified coach to teach the basics of the sport at a reasonable price.

Led by USBC Director of Coaching Certification and Development Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, USBC is developing a series of tips and online instructional videos specifically for beginning bowlers. Tips and instructions on how to access the video series will be emailed regularly to first-year bowlers. “This program is designed to develop and grow a new customer base we do not currently have and includes coaching to get them engaged, which is why all of the leading ball brands are behind the initiative,” International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA) Managing Director Bill Supper said. “Many of these new bowlers are never stepping foot in pro shops and without action from the industry, they never will. This program creates a chance to build relationships with new customers, get people connected to the sport and grow sales for everyone in the retail chain over the long haul.”

More specific details about the USBC Welcome to Bowling program will be available on BOWL.com in September. Bowlers can find IBPSIA at: www.ibpsia.com.

(This article is used with permission from the USBC and edited for space in The Cornerstone).

USA Bowling – A fresh look into youth development

By: Terry Bigham; IBC Communications

A major transformation in youth bowling will begin this fall in bowling centers with the launch of the new USA Bowling Youth Sports System. The initiative is geared toward developing the skills of young bowlers - to grow the sport by teaching the sport.

The USA Bowling system is a mainstream sports model for youth bowling developed by the International Bowling Campus (IBC) Youth Development team. It shares many of the characteristics of team-based programs in other youth sports, such as soccer, baseball and basketball. That includes having practices that are separate from competition to help with proper skill development as well as featuring one coach per team.

"The USA Bowling system provides all the ingredients to build successful youth programming that will appeal to today's kids and their parents," said IBC Youth Director Chad Murphy. "When kids develop skills, they have more fun. The parents will see value in a shorter time commitment and watching their kids learn faster in a system they are already familiar with."

For youth directors and bowling center managers, the IBC Youth department has developed and will provide materials including "how to" guides, posters, counter cards, brochures and sign-up forms to help anyone start a USA Bowling program, anywhere. Contact Emily Maier at emaier@ibcyouth.com for materials.

The USA Bowling system has several features that distinguish it from traditional youth bowling leagues:
Instruction and regular practice with a dedicated coach to each team

* A short schedule of 8-12 weeks
* Kids of the same age and abilities competing together
* Teaching important life skills such as sportsmanship and teamwork
* Easy to implement with instruction books and marketing tools provided
* Seminars to teach parents and volunteers basic bowling coaching skills (see BOWL.com/usabowling/coaching for details)

USA Bowling is a product of the industry working as a team through the YES Fund, a joint initiative of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America and United States Bowling Congress that is supported by founding partners Brunswick, Columbia 300, Ebonite, 900 Global, Hammer, QubicaAMF, Roto Grip, Storm and Track.

"The founding partners in the YES Fund have made this major initiative possible," Murphy said. "The YES Fund is dedicated to the development of youth bowling, and with the help of centers and local associations, this program will pay dividends for years to come for young bowlers and the sport."

For information on USA Bowling, visit BOWL.com/usabowling.

Two high school grants awarded through YES Fund

By: Terry Bigham; USBC Communications

Walt Whitman High School in Huntington Station, N.Y., and the Lee County, Fla., school district have each been selected to receive $2,500 grants through the High School Grant Program of the Youth Education Services (YES) Fund.

The High School Grant Program, administered by the International Bowling Campus Youth Development team, provides grants for up to four high school programs annually. The high school teams must show financial need because of budget cuts or other changes, or may request funding to start a new program.

In the case of Lee County, the grant will go toward the cost of starting programs at 13 high schools. Lee County school system administrators voted to add bowling as a varsity sport in February after proprietors from six bowling centers of the Southwest Florida Bowling Proprietors Association agreed to fund the first five years of the programs. The projected cost for the first year is about $25,000.

"This is truly a program being built from the ground up," said Mike Cannington, director of operations and marketing for Bowland Centers, who spearheaded the effort to make bowling a varsity sport at Lee County schools along with Bill Hanson, James Browder, Herbert Wiseman and Herman Williams. "Not one of these schools had any sort of bowling program, not even a club sport. We are trying to accomplish a lot in a very short period of time - identifying new coaches, setting practice and match schedules, picking team uniforms ... the list goes on and on."

Proprietors Pat Ciniello of Bowland Cape Coral Lanes and Bowland Lehigh Lanes, Tanya Preisinger and Petra Mercantonio of Friendship Lanes, Kevin Walsh of Gator Lanes, Terry Leis of Pin Street Lanes, and Bill Hanson of All Star Lanes have agreed to pick up the all the costs of coaching and bowling shirts in addition to hosting practices and competitions.

Walt Whitman High School has had a boys bowling program since 2001 but the team learned in March that the school district would cut funding for several athletics programs for the 2011-12 school year, including bowling, golf and swimming.

Athletic Director James Wright said they began looking for ways to raise funds for next year and one of the parents, Patti Kielawa, found the information about the grant program.

"These funds will help defray some of the costs associated with the program," Wright said. "Our program runs about $12,000-13,000 per year and to be able to say to parents and athletes that 20 percent of the money needed was the result of a generous grant helps to take off some of the pressure."

The Wildcat Booster Club also has been helping the program. The club held a successful yard sale and bowl-a-thon fundraiser this summer. There are several other activities planned in the next few months.

The High School Grant Program is made possible through the YES Fund, a joint initiative of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America and the United States Bowling Congress that is supported by founding partners Brunswick, Columbia 300, Ebonite, 900 Global, Hammer, QubicaAMF, Roto Grip, Storm and Track.

With grants to Lee County schools and Walt Whitman High School, the High School Grant Program has awarded its four grants for this year. Applications are continuously being accepted and four more grants will be available starting the first quarter of 2012.

Go to BOWL.com/highschool for information about the grant program and for the application.

WTBA signs proclamation with Special Olympics

ARLINGTON, Texas - The World Tenpin Bowling Association has become the first international federation to sign a proclamation of mutual support with Special Olympics International.

The agreement includes a Special Olympics event to be held in conjunction with the 2011 World Tenpin Bowling Association World Women's Championships in late August in Hong Kong. In addition, the proclamation sets the stage for helping recruit coaches to train Special Olympics athletes.

"WTBA is proud to be the first international federation of Special Olympics International to sign the proclamation of mutual support," said Kevin Dornberger, WTBA President. "It's my hope that all of our future world championship events shall include a Special Olympics competition as well. The synergies of the combination of two organizations' volunteers, spectators, media coverage and sponsors will improve both Special Olympics and WTBA."

Dornberger recently attended a press conference announcing the proclamation at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. Also attending the press conference were representatives from the International Olympic Committee, the United Nations, UNICEF, SportAccord, FIFA and several famous athletes.

"Special Olympics is pleased to have the support of the World Tenpin Bowling Association as we strive to share the physical and social benefits of tenpin bowling with more athletes, more coaches and more sport officials through expanded competition opportunities," said Brady Lum, President and COO of Special Olympics International. "In partnership with the WTBA, Special Olympics will use the sport of tenpin bowling as a platform for demonstrating the skills and capabilities of person's with an intellectual disability, fostering a community of acceptance which celebrates the effort to be one's best rather than a singular focus on the best."

The World Tenpin Bowling Association, which is made up of more than 100 bowling federations, governs the sport throughout the world. For more information on WTBA and the World Bowling Tour, visit WorldTenpinBowling.com.

The Bahamas will host 2012 World Bowling Tour event

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Bahamas will host a World Tenpin Bowling Association event for the first time in its history when the Bahamas International Bowling Classic 2012 joins the World Bowling Tour next year.

The inaugural event is scheduled to be conducted Feb. 27-March 4 at Mario's Bowling and Entertainment Palace, a new 50-lane bowling center in Nassau. It will mark the first time a World Bowling Tour event will be held in the American Zone outside of the United States.

"Hosting an international bowling tournament provides The Bahamas with the opportunity to showcase the sport of bowling on the international arena," Mario's Bowling Marketing Manager Odette Carey said. "Attracting professional athletes, fans and media attention around the world brings excellent exposure for The Bahamas."

The Bahamian event is the first tournament to be confirmed for the 2012 World Bowling Tour. The Tour is currently in its inaugural year and boasts a schedule of eight events around the world.

"Although the 2011 World Bowling Tour has yet to conclude, it has been so successful that we are proud to announce the first tournament to join the Tour in 2012," World Tenpin Bowling Association President Kevin Dornberger said. "The Bahamas are not only a beautiful place to visit, but it's a country with very passionate bowlers who look forward to hosting a WTBA event for the first time."

The 2011 World Bowling Tour continues Aug. 21-26 with the Korean Daejeon Open in Daejeon, Korea. The World Bowling Tour Thailand will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from Sept. 24-30 and the AMF Australian Masters will take place in Sydney, Australia, from Oct. 10-22.

The World Tenpin Bowling Association, which is made up of more than 100 bowling federations, governs the sport throughout the world. For more information on WTBA and the World Bowling Tour, visit WorldTenpinBowling.com.

Recent ‘Phantom Radio’ trivia contest winners

Phantom Radio’s monthly Trivia Contests continue to be popular with the listeners and the list of Phantom Phans continues to grow. These contests are sponsored by Storm Bowling and you must be a “Phantom Phan Club Member” to be eligible to win. It’s easy to join; just go to our website, www.foundation300.com, and look for how to join The Phantom Phan Club. Listed below are the most recent Phan Club winners. Sign-up today and WIN!

JUNE 2011

1. Bill Cleary: Wins a new bowling ball from Storm Bowling Products. Bill, please contact me as soon as possible so that I can put you in touch with our friends at Storm.

2. Brian Tompkins: Wins a 3-day, 2-night stay at the Sands Reg. Hotel Casino in Reno.

3. Janet McMullin: Wins a 3-day, 2-night stay at the Sands Reg. Hotel Casino in Reno.

4. Julio Rodriquez: Wins a 3-day, 2-night stay at the Sands Reg. Hotel Casino in Reno.

JULY 2011

1. Dave Kowalski: Wins an accessory item from Storm Bowling. Dave, please contact me as soon as possible so that I can put you in touch with our friends at Storm.

2. Vic Sockrider: Wins a surprise package of “goodies” directly from The Phantom.

3. Warren Friedl: Wins a souvenir Sean Rash “Bobble Head Doll”.

4. Sammy Stern: Wins a 3-day, 2-night stay at the Sands Reg. Hotel Casino in Reno.

AUGUST 2011

1. Bob Gritzke: Wins a new bowling bag from Storm Bowling Products. Bob, please contact me so that I can put you in touch with our friends from Storm.

2. Rafel Cons: Wins a 3-night stay at the El Dorado Hotel and Casino in Reno.

3. Lisa Curran: Wins a Gift Pack from the Glover Masters Scratch Tournament.

4. Jon Wolfe: Wins a Gift Pack from the Glover Masters Scratch Tournament.

For a complete list of the past contest winners, go to www.foundation300.com

Once you are there, scroll down and click-on Phantom Phan Club. Then go to Storm Bowling Trivia Contest Winners. If you don’t see your name, it’s because you are NOT a member! Join today to take advantage of all of the monthly prizes that are given away. The total amount given away to date is well over $100,000.00 Join and get YOUR share.

Support our Sponsors:

We appreciate all that they do to bring Phantom Radio to you each and every week.

www.stormbowling.com www.elitebowling.com www.kegel.net www.starsandstrikesbowling.com www.teenmastersbowling.com

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Membership Report

We have members in all 50 states,
and the District of Columbia

We have members in 49 countries, including the United States:

Corporate Sponsors

The problems that exist in our Sport are “industry-wide” problems that must be addressed by the entire Industry. The Foundation does all that they can to help, but we can NOT do it alone.

KEGEL

KAT Travel

I.B.P.S.I.A.

EBN Services

Storm Bowling

Classic Products

Bobs’ Business, Inc.

Vincennes University

BowlersParadise.com

Virtualtournaments.com

Wichita State University

David Driscoll & Associates

International Bowling Industry Magazine

Stars and Strikes Bowling Newsmagazine

_________________________________________

Please send change of address or email address to the address below, to ensure uninterrupted subscription to the Cornerstone newsletter.

The Cornerstone,

The Foundation’S Newsletter

The Foundation

c/o Kegel

6800 US 27 North

Sebring FL 33870

Phone: 863-382-2643

Email: savrsprt@yahoo.com

The Foundation

“One World, One Game”