The Cornerstone
The Foundation Newsletter
Volume 13, Issue 3 March 2010
"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”
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Letter from the Editor
Change
By now, you’ve probably heard about the recent layoffs at USBC. The layoffs came just days after their grand opening festivities introducing the new Bowling Campus and the International Training and laceName w:st="on">ResearchlaceName> laceType w:st="on">CenterlaceType>.
While I haven’t seen anything official on the events, the internet has been abuzz with the rumors. I have seen a few articles on the subject and even some message boards have threads going on the topic.
In the past several months, we’ve seen an extensive amount of change at USBC. Most notably of course is their relocation to Texas, a new Executive Director, Stu Upson, and the retiring of long time executive Kevin Dornberger.
It seems that change has been coming for a long time. Bowling memberships have declined over the past several years and while recreational participation in the game of bowling has been sensational, participation in the sport of bowling via leagues just hasn’t rebounded. Tournaments such as the USBC Open Championships and the USBC Women’s Championships have had steady participation but in the current economy, it appears that even those may feel a crunch.
The Open Championships have only 13,419 teams registered as of this writing. That is far less than the more than 17,000 teams that made the Las Vegas tournament in 2009. And, it’s only slightly better than the previous high non-Reno record of 13,222 teams set at the 2005 Baton Rouge tournament. The Women’s Championship only has 5,391 teams registered. The 2009 Reno event attracted more than 8,300 teams. One can’t help but wonder if the major change to the women’s tournament has hurt entries.
Change seems to be the theme for bowling right now. It seems that the leaders of bowling are making some interesting and tough changes. Many of these changes seem to be shaking up the bowling community. But in the end, whether the majority likes it or not, bowling has to change in order to revive itself.
I don’t know if all of these changes have been good or bad. Only time will tell. I don’t necessarily agree with all the changes either. But, I’ll keep an open mind and see what happens.
I have a feeling there will be more changes coming.
Fans to decide which league bowlers will get a shot at the pros
By: Terry Bigham; USBC Communications
Most people who play sports can only dream of having a chance to compete against the pros on national television with thousands of dollars at stake.
For 18 bowlers, their chance to compete against some of the best professionals on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour, including star Norm Duke, is closer to becoming a reality through the PBA Experience Showdown.
The PBA Experience Showdown is a unique competition for United States Bowling Congress Sport Bowling members. Sport bowlers compete in leagues which use many of the same lane conditions that are used on the PBA Tour. For the last six months, the top bowler (highest scratch series) each week in those leagues was eligible to be entered in the PBA Experience Showdown.
More than 1,300 entries were sent to USBC from Sport Bowling leagues. From those qualifiers, 18 competitors were randomly selected as finalists. The entries were divided into six groups based on what lane conditions they bowled on when they qualified, and three finalists were randomly selected from each category.
Now through March 1, bowling fans can visit BOWL.com and vote for their favorite bowler from each of the six lane patterns - Chameleon, Cheetah, Scorpion, Shark, Viper and Other Sport Patterns - and the top vote-getter from each pattern will advance to the PBA Experience Showdown finals. Fans can vote one time (for each oil pattern) per day.
The finals of the PBA Experience Showdown will be held April 6-7 at the International Training and laceName w:st="on">ResearchlaceName> laceType w:st="on">CenterlaceType> in Arlington, Texas. The finals will be taped for television and are scheduled to air April 11 on ESPN.
The six finalists will compete in a six-game qualifier, with each game being contested on a different PBA lane pattern. The finalist with the high score earns a spot to compete on TV against the five winners of the 2009-10 PBA Tour Versatility Swing events - Duke, Rhino Page, Bill O'Neill, Mike DeVaney and Jack Jurek.
Below are the final 18 qualifiers and the patterns on which the qualified. To vote, go to www.bowl.com/sportbowling/poll.
PBA EXPERIENCE SHOWDOWN FINALISTS
With name, hometown, and bowling center
Chameleon winners
Joseph Petrowski, East Syracuse, N.Y., Bowl-Mor Lanes
Mandy Wilson, Dayton, Ohio, Capri Bowling Lanes
Max Gross, Dallas, USA Bowl
Cheetah winners
Patti Riddle, Palatine, Ill., Brunswick Zone-Hawthorn
James Fugitt, Grapevine, Texas, AMF Showplace Lanes
Dan Keenan, Endicott, N.Y., Midway Lanes
Scorpion winners
Jeffrey J. Owens, Ithaca, N.Y., Patel's Bowl-O-Drome
Bill Matovina, Clearwater, Fla., Seminole Lanes
Kyle Casey, Kennewick, Wash., Spare Time Lanes
Shark winners
Holly Harris, Pasco, Wash., Spare Time Lanes
Stan Thrift, Lavaca, Ark., AR Bowling World
Brent Watson, Parkersburg, W.Va., Emerson Bowling Lanes
Viper winners
Jon Scarano, Raleigh, N.C., Buffaloe Lanes North
Kevin Reuer, Hoffman Estates, Ill., Beverly Lanes
Andy Tomita, Elmhurst, Ill., Beverly Lanes
Other Sport winners
Larry Darvas, Keller, Texas, USA Bowl
Bobby Wenger, Wooster, Ohio, Triway Lanes
Rick Bates, Manteca, Calif., West Lane Bowl
Bill Fong's 899 a new Texas Record
By: Jim Goodwin
46-year-old Bill Fong made a little bowling history in his Monday Mixers league session January 19 at Plano Super Bowl. Fong, owner of his own hair salon for the past 20 years, missed a perfect 900 series by a hair; rolling 300-300-299 in his quest to roll the 16th USBC certified 900 series in bowling history. A stubborn 10-pin on his 36th delivery made him the 11th bowler to roll an 899.
However, to set a new series record in a state that has produced such storied players as Bill Lillard, Mark Williams, David Ozio, and Del Ballard Jr. to name a few, is quite an accomplishment. The previous record was 890, set in April 2002 by DeSoto's Frankie Alonzo.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the story is that Fong made a ball change after the first game. He had two Storm Reigns in his bag, and opted to switch to the one with a weaker layout after the opening 300 game. "The back ends always hook more in the first game, so my plan was to compensate with surface and a stronger layout after the first game, and it worked pretty well," he said.
One might surmise that it worked very well. Fong worked in the pro shop business for six years and now drills his own balls in his garage. "I learned a lot when I worked with Tom Wicker, and now I am very meticulous about my equipment," he said.
In the final frame, a large crowd gathered behind lanes 27-28 to watch. The center had all 48 lanes going with league business. Teammates and many others took photos with cell phones.
"It was very exciting and pretty incredible," said Fong's teammate Tom Dunn, who has been bowling for a half century, but had never seen back-to-back 300 games. Tom and his wife Sandy were thrilled for their friend. "It was a privilege to watch," said Dunn.
For most bowlers it is impossible to imagine what it must feel like to roll 35 consecutive strikes, but Fong appeared cool during the evening, talking with teammates, and playing one shot at a time. "I wasn't nervous till I saw the crowd behind us in the last frame," he said.
And those nerves caused his first delivery in that frame to go a little high, tripping out the 4-9. His second shot was high flush perfect, and off his hand, the final ball made everyone think he had done it, but there stood the dreaded 10-pin.
"I thought I had it," said Fong. "I guess it was just a little too fast. It felt good and the same. But who can be unhappy about an 899? It was a great night. I just kept telling myself, just roll it like you do in practice. I also thought about my breathing, making sure I took deep breaths to stay calm."
Fong started bowling at age 13, and has had 21 previous 300 games and four series of 800 or better. He actually stopped bowling for about 10 years in his twenties to become a better golfer, like his sister, who was a standout player at laceName w:st="on">BaylorlaceName> laceType w:st="on">UniversitylaceType>. "I love golf, but I knew I would never be the best, so I went back to bowling," he said.
Fong's average in the Monday Mixers jumped from 228 to 230 after the big night. He bowls in four leagues, and with practice, rolls about 15-20 games a week.
Kelly Kulick Makes Sports History as First Woman
to Win a PBA Tour Title by Capturing
45th PBA Tournament of Champions
By: Jerry Schneider
Sports history was made when Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., won the 45th Professional Bowlers Association Tournament of Champions at Red Rock Lanes becoming the first woman to win a Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour tournament.
She defeated 2007-08 PBA Player of the Year Chris Barnes 265-195 in the championship match to win a $40,000 first prize in PBA’s signature event, plus a two-year exemption on the PBA Tour.
“It’s been a dream of mine to win a PBA Tour event but I couldn’t have imagined it would have come in the Tournament of Champions,” said the 32-year-old right-hander. “It may have looked easy but my legs were like jelly—it got to a point where I couldn’t feel them. Believe me I was nervous and I was just letting adrenaline take over.”
The previous high finish for a woman in a PBA Tour event was second by Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., in the 2005 Banquet Open.
In 2006, Kulick became the first woman to earn an exemption on the PBA Tour by finishing sixth in the PBA Tour Trials. Her best finish in the 2006-07 season was 22nd which she accomplished twice.
Kulick recognized the potential impact her victory will have for the future of the sport.
“I believe this can only mean bigger and better things for the sport,” she said. “If in any way this can be a boost for women sports and bowling, I’m willing to do my part.
“I feel like I’m on a magic carpet ride right now and I want to keep riding it higher and higher.”
In the championship match Kulick started with four consecutive strikes, then had an open frame when she left the 7-10 split in the fifth frame. She then went on to fire the next six strikes and a nine-count on the final ball to close the game.
Barnes, who won the Tournament of Champions in 2006, was trying for his second Tournament of Champions win.
“When it comes down to one game, a combination of factors have to come together and they just didn’t for me,” Barnes said, “but Kelly bowled great and she met every challenge.”
In women’s professional competition, Kulick won the 2007 United States Bowling Congress Queens and the 2003 U.S. Women’s Open in addition to winning the PBA Women’s World Championship in 2009.
In the semifinal match, Kulick defeated eight-time Tour champion Mika Koivuniemi 227-223 to advance to the final match against Barnes.
In the opening match, Koivuniemi defeated three-time titlist Rhino Page, 255-215.
Kulick earned a berth in the Tournament of Champions, by winning the PBA Women’s World Championship last September, the first PBA women’s major tournament.
PBA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, Nev.
Jan. 24, 2010
Final Standings
1, Kelly Kulick, Union, N.J. 492 (two games) $40,000
2, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 195 (one game) $20,000
3, Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich. 478 (two games) $10,000
4, Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla. 215 (one game) $7,000
Stepladder Results
Match One – Koivuniemi def. Page, 255-215
Semifinal Match – Kulick def. Koivuniemi, 227-223
Championship – Kulick def. Barnes, 265-195
Williams wins second Masters title
By: Lucas Wiseman; USBC Communications
Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Ocala, Fla., won his second United States Bowling Congress Masters title Sunday, defeating top seed Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, 290-217, at the National Bowling Stadium.
The victory was Williams' 47th on the Lumber Liquidators Professional Bowlers Association Tour, extending his record for the most in PBA Tour history, while also moving him up to a tie for second with eight career major titles.
"This is just another little feather, it's just awesome," said Williams, who defeated Barnes, 268-239, to win the January 2004 USBC Masters also at the National Bowling Stadium. "It's hard to explain it better than that. To win any tournament is awesome, and the bigger ones are even better."
Williams is now tied with Pete Weber and Mike Aulby with eight career major titles, but all three players trail USBC and PBA Hall of Famer Earl Anthony, who won 10 majors and 43 total titles.
"I really don't envision that I can get to 10, but I'm not giving up yet," said Williams, who turned 50 in 2009. "I'm going to go out there and plug along as good as I can, and the year that I'm no longer exempt out here, that's when I will have had enough."
In the title match against Barnes, Williams got off to a shaky start, going high on his first shot, breaking up a split and leaving a 7 pin. From there, he was perfect, finishing with 11 consecutive strikes to take home the $50,000 prize and two-year PBA Tour exemption.
Williams said the turning point in the match was when Barnes left a 10 pin in the fourth frame, but he managed to carry a similar shot in the fifth frame.
"Chris left that weak 10 pin after a scout came over and touched it but didn't knock it over, and then I step up and leave a 10 pin but the scout comes over and gets it," Williams said. "That helped me get a little more comfortable, and from that point, every one of my strikes was high flush."
Looking back on the loss, Barnes said he thought he threw the ball well, but it was the way the lanes broke down in practice that had a major impact.
"I lost this one in the practice session," said Barnes, who finished second in the season's second major, losing to Kelly Kulick, 265-195, in the PBA Tournament of Champions three weeks ago. "He played further right than I anticipated. When I broke them down, it made the lanes pretty good for me, but it had no affect on him."
When Williams and Barnes met for the Masters title in 2004, the scenario set up the same way. Barnes was the top seed, while Williams was No. 2.
"The last two Masters here in Reno, I've gone undefeated in match play, I haven't lost a three-game match, yet I haven't won either tournament," said Barnes, who made it through the double-elimination bracket unscathed in both events. "TV is one of the best things the sport has going for it, but it is probably the worst thing I have going for me personally."
To reach the championship match, Williams defeated No. 3 seed Ryan Ciminelli of Buffalo, N.Y., 258-224. Ciminelli advanced with a 246-229 victory over fourth seed Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas, in the opening match.
The 2010 USBC Masters featured a field of 267 of the top professional and amateur bowlers in the world, competing for an overall prize fund of $255,000.
For more information on the USBC Masters, visit BOWL.com.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.
2010 USBC MASTERS
At National Bowling Stadium, Reno, Nev.
Sunday's results
Final standings
1, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 548 (two games), $50,000.
2, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 217 (one game), $25,000.
3, Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 470 (two games), $15,000.
4, Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, 229 (one game), $10,000.
Stepladder results
Match One - Ciminelli def. Scroggins, 246-229
Match Two - Williams def. Ciminelli, 258-224
Championship Match - Williams def. Barnes, 290-217
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, at: 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!
2010 Monthly Winners
JANUARY
1. Rafel Cons: Wins a Storm Bowling Ball. Congrats Rafel, please contact me as soon as possible so that I can put you in touch with our friends at Storm.
2. Brenda Wallick: Wins “A day at The Kegel Training Center.” Brenda, this is a great prize, so contact me as soon as possible so that we can schedule that date for you.
3. Tom Smith: Wins a unique Foundation “logo” Shirt donated by The Kegel Company.
4. Rick Wiltse: Wins a Special New Years prize directly from The Phantom himself.
FEBRUARY
1. Lisa Barnum: Wins a Storm Accessory Item. Congrats, Lisa, please contact me as soon as possible so that I can put you in touch with our friends at Storm.
2. Tom Berish: Wins a Souvenir Item from the Grand Opening of the USBC.
3. Allen Wallace: Wins a supply of Fizzion Cleaner, Kegel’s newest (Hot Selling) Item.
4. Jon Wolfe: Wins an assortment of notebooks from a potential (new) Sponsor.
MARCH
1. Michael Patrick: Wins a Storm Bowling Bag. Congrats Michael, and please contact me as soon as possible so that I can put you in touch with our friends at Storm.
2. Kathy Scoppettuolo: Wins a nice Souvenir Carry Bag from the USBC Grand Opening.
3. John Preston: Wins a very nice, unique “Bowling Theme” quick-note dispenser.
4. Debbie Lothes: Wins a Commemorative (miniature) Souvenir Bowling Pin from USBC.
For a complete list of all 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:
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.
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BowlersParadise.com
Virtualtournaments.com
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David Driscoll & Associates
International Bowling Industry Magazine
Stars and Strikes Bowling Newsmagazine
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The Cornerstone,
The Foundation’S Newsletter
The Foundation
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Phone: 863-382-2643
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The Foundation
“One World, One Game”