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Informing and Entertaining bowlers TenPin Alley everywhere from Las Vegas, Nevada In This Issue The Bowling Tournament Capital of * Bill Spigner: “Open your suitcase with a Simple Twist!” the World! * Rob Mautner conducts a group venting session * Tisha Carter - Local bowlers making news FEBRUARY 2012

Q. When is it OK for a A. When there is $7,777 mother to spank her on the line and they’re son in public? bowling each other!

Mother & Son Win $11,111.00 in January Open Championships Madness at Santa Fe Lanes Showcase Lanes Announced

Storm Rep Lee Upp, Winner Ludee Masangcay, and Santa Fe Lanes Manager, Joy Bowlers headed to the 2012 USBC Open Championships in Baton Rouge, La., will have the opportunity to practice on the same oil pattern and lane surface Francomano being featured on the main tournament lanes at the Baton Rouge River Center. USBC will build four showcase lanes on the venue’s second level and competi- tors will be able to book one-hour practice sessions, so they can loosen up and try out their equipment or game plans before their nine games of Open Championships Las Vegas, NV Jan. 22, 2012: At the January Madness event in Las Vegas, competition. Ludee Masangcay and her son Jderick Masangcay, from Vallejo, CA, finished in the Purchase a VIP package for the Open Championships, and you not only will get top two spots at Santa Fe Lanes. Ludee, who is an accountant for a bank, won $7,777 time on the Showcase Lanes, but a great polo shirt, express check-in, special dis- for her victory while Jderick, who is a 21 year old student, earned $3,333 for second. counts and much more at one outstanding price. The January Madness tournament drew a record crowd of 357 entries and More information on the Showcase Lanes and VIP package can be found on paid out over $20,000 in prizes. A total of 46 bowlers advanced to the finals which Bowl.com. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today! came from all over the country to compete. Storm/Roto Grip donated balls that were MyBowlingVacation.com is your personal travel assistant! given away with a raffle in every squad. It’s tournament season, which means thousands of bowlers will soon begin the trek The January Madness event, which is owned and operated by Station Casinos, Inc. and sponsored by Storm Bowling, was the fourth in a series of Madness Tourna- to Baton Rouge and Reno for USBC Championship events. MyBowlingVacation.com, ments. The next Madness Tournament will be held at Sunset Station Strike Zone May the new travel site for USBC members, provides the lowest rates on flights, hotels, 10-13. Details for the next event will be released shortly. rental cars and more! Since Station Casinos created the Madness Tournaments over 1,400 entries Even if you aren’t heading to a USBC tournament this year, your USBC mem- have been recorded and more than $70,000 has been paid out. All amateur bowlers bership gets you access to this great travel resource. Fly over to are eligible to compete in this fun handicap tournament with fabulous prize money. MyBowlingVacation.com to learn more. The Madness events even include a squad that is bowled during Cosmic Bowling. For complete results of January Madness please visit www.pinaclevents.com Now you can receive TenPin Alley in your email Inbox! and click on the Madness Tournament icon. If you need more information you can call Send your email address to [email protected] the tournament office at 1.877.900.6464.

Southern Nevada USBC Association 7231 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89117 702-778-2220 9am-4pm Mon-Fri 2 TenPin Alley February 2012 FROM THE PUBLISHER Joyce Letourneau Reality Bites! Lessons from a Non-Teacher The Bowler’s I’ve never professed to be anything of an expert of this Guide to Rip-Offs game we call bowling. I’ve had some very good lessons from and Scams greats like Don Johnson, Carmen Salvino, Bill Hall and Ron Joyce Letourneau has dealt with consumer fraud, scams and commercial schemes all her life, as an auditor, Hoppe. Nevertheless, my lack of real natural talent and a wrist data processor and a savvy consumer who refuses to be ripped off. She is joint owner of TenPin Alley. that never really understood what it was supposed to do did not prevent me from having some good moments. Helpful information from Clark Howard’s Consumer Action Center Frenchy There were times in the past, when I was having a good Is buying gold a smart move? Where can I unload my gold jewelry? Letourneau When the economy slows, people tend to get fixated on hot commodities like gold. We’ve run or two, that someone would ask my advice or implore me gotten a slew of questions from people who either want to buy or sell the stuff — or both! to help them with their game. Usually, it was someone who was beyond help, so any Let’s deal with buying. Clark is not opposed to having a small percent of your portfolio in gold. advice I gave, although sometimes futile, was taken with some measure of interest, But to take everything you’ve got and dump it into gold is to be a speculator — and that’s something and it made me feel somewhat important. Clark never encourages. Besides, aren’t you supposed to buy low and sell high? That’s not the After a gruelling stint in Navy boot camp, a fellow sailor saw me rolling fairly well scenario you’re likely to encounter right now. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to sell your gold, you might want to start your search for a repu- for 25 cents a game at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill. and asked if I table dealer at the American Numismatic Society or the Professional Numismatics Guild would show him a pointer or two. Being the cocky young recruit who was posting Are gas additives and other gadgets for real? 190’s in a crowd of obvious no-clue rowdy sailors, that was a safe no-brainer. I ad- During the energy crises of the ’70s, people were selling pills and additives for your gas tank vised him that I was not a teacher, but I loved the game and wanted to play well. That that would supposedly boost fuel economy. So it’s little surprise that it’s happening again now that Americans are feeling pain at the pump. has always been my first and foremost statement: love the game or you’ll never be The EPA has come out and said that you shouldn’t fall for these ploys. Out of 100 gas-saving any good at it. Anyway, as I was showing this guy where to stand and a simple 4-step devices tested, only 6 gave a tiny improvement in fuel economy — and even those were nothing to approach, I alternated frames with him. I was so caught up in this “lesson” I neglected write home about. to pay attention to the score. All of a sudden, I had 8 strikes in a row The reality is that you have to do the simple things to get better fuel We may not have it all economy. So unload your trunk, keep your tires properly inflated and slow down - the first time I had ever done that. In 1963, that was something of out on the road. an accomplishment, especially for me. The pros were posting 200- together... but together we Do I need a PIN to use my credit card overseas? 220 on TV, so for me, it was a big deal. I ended that game with a have it all. Yes, in order to use a credit card in Europe, you have to use a PIN. It’s all part of the modern system much of Europe and some Asian countries have 258, which I bragged about to the other guys until they were tired of hearing it. Oddly been increasingly adopting. These countries have switched to a “smart” chip system for an added enough, I still have the scoresheet. layer of security in their cards. A PIN allows you to be compatible with the upgrade. So be sure to get As I mentioned before, I am not a teacher. But there are lessons anyone can the 4-digit code from your card issuer before you travel! give or take that may or may not make you a better bowler. Will the new laws concerning lead in children’s toys and clothing affect my yard sale? Team Clark has been receiving a lot of questions about the Consumer Product Safety Improve- For instance: ment Act (CPSIA), which went into effect Feb. 10, 2009. The CPSIA will require testing of children’s * Kicking the ball return adds no pins to your game. A sore toe takes away pins. toys and clothing for dangerous amounts of lead and phthalates. * Every ball ever made will strike if you put in the right place. The law, which will be enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), also * A strike on every tenth frame fill ball will add 2 pins to your average. applies retroactively to children’s toys and clothing made before then. That has prompted fears that yard sales and second-hand stores may be driven out of busi- * Avoid bowling league with anyone who finds excuses not to pay league fees, ness overnight when the CPSIA went into effect. But the CPSC has a no matter what the reason. very shoddy track record of doing its job and enforcing laws, as Clark * If you want to become a professional bowler, you must bowl EVERY DAY for recently told one caller on the show. So don’t expect to see your local one full year. A very tough assignment. If you want to be among the best, add two garage sales or Goodwill stores shut down anytime soon. more years. Clark Howard gives valuable consumer advice with his syndicated * I would prefer to win a tough important match with a split conversion rather radio show, and every Saturday and Sunday morning on Headline News, local cable channel 22. His website is inundated with video than three strikes in the tenth frame. Anyone can strike. A real winner can bowl. clips from some of the best of these shows along with new material, * True love of the game is expressed in many ways and has only a few limita- as well as links to other websites that focus on saving you money tions. I bowled with a teammate who had only one leg. He would hop to the foul line, and giving good advice to help you avoid getting ripped off. plant, deliver a nice hook and hop back. He averaged 188. * Before a critical shot, a well-developed pre-shot routine has the most value for From Las Vegas, Nevada calming the nerves and controlling the pending physiological demands. TenPin The Bowling Tournament * Before taking the last shot to secure a 300 game, a deep breath and long Capital of the World exhale is mandatory. Alley Our 16th Year! Since March, 1996 * Sometimes, calling up an old ball out of retirement adds a new spark to your game. 4705 Pacer Ave., North Las Vegas, Nevada 89031 (702) 658-8275 Phone & FAX email: [email protected] * Carrying a strike on an obvious wayward shot against an overbearing and searing opponent has a value like no other. Editor, Publisher, Sales Owner and Inspiration * And... This important lesson I stole from Ron DeGroat: “A V.A. “Frenchy” Letourneau Joyce Letourneau Member Bowling Writers Association of America Member Bowling Writers Association of America 300 game is not twelve strikes in a row. A 300 game is ONE Member Southern Bowling Writers Association Member Southern Bowling Writers Association strike – twelve times.” Southern Nevada USBC Association Hall of Fame Cancer Survivor Contributing writers: (USBC Hall of Famers underlined) Subscribe to TenPin Alley NON NEVADA RESIDENTS ONLY John Jowdy Chuck Pezzano Jeanette Robinson Bill Spigner Rob Mautner Bob Korth Tisha Carter Bobbi Hoven Jeff Hemer Lee Arnold One Year (12 Issues) $22.00 Postpaid CANADA & Foreign Rates By Postage SNUSBCA Photographer Kathy Prange TenPin Alley is published and distributed monthly to Southern Nevada bowling centers Name ______and pro shops as well as bowling centers in Southern Utah, Reno, some areas of California and bowling centers and Pro Shops around the U.S. Address ______TenPin Alley is recognized as the official bowling publication from Las Vegas, Nevada, The Bowling Tournament Capital of the World. ______TenPin Alley is available by subscription for non-Nevada residents. 02-12 Check or Money Order Only All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. TenPin Alley assumes no responsibility or liability for errors or Please Start My Subscription with: TenPin Alley misrepresentations from advertised products and prices,or assumes any responsibility for 4705 Pacer Ave. advertiser or contributing writers’ opinions. TenPin Alley is free and not offered for sale, with the Month ______Year ______exception of expenses relating to obtaining back issues. North Las Vegas, Nevada 89031 TenPin Alley February 2012 3

PBA and Teen Masters Team Southern Nevada USBC Association Up to Conduct Teen Masters Honor Scores

Qualifying Events in 2012 Jim Scoppe Gold Coast 300 Michael Soto Suncoast Michael Thompson South Point Youth bowlers to gain valuable experience in Michael Aquino South Point Dave Torchy Red Rock Lanes Elmer Belmonte Sam’s Town George Tucker Red Rock Lanes events conducted on PBA lane conditions Mindi Bradley South Point Steven VanRyne, III Santa Fe Station Charles Collins Santa Fe Lanes Steven Villanueva The Orleans SEATTLE (Feb. 3, 2012) – The nation’s top youth bowlers will have the oppor- John Congro South Point Dustin Volentine Gold Coast Daniel Cortez Gold Coast tunity to compete on Professional Bowlers Association lane conditions and rub el- Michael Williams Strike Zone Kevin Couch Gold Coast Ken Wolcott South Point bows with the greats in the game when Teen Masters qualifiers will be conducted in John Debenedetta, Jr. South Point Mark Wright Red Rock Lanes conjunction with selected PBA Regional tournaments in 2012. Alan Frederick South Point PBA has entered into an agreement with Killer ‘B’ Promotions to conduct 18 Keith Frederick Suncoast Anton Funtek Gold Coast Teen Masters qualifiers at PBA Regional events beginning in March through the end Jeff Gooding Terrible’s Town 299 of May. The Teen Masters qualifiers will be conducted on lanes designated for Teen Roger Griffith Red Rock Lanes Wade Bird Gold Coast Masters competition. Mike Hart Gold Coast Dale Brown Pahrump Nugget The Teen Masters, America’s longest running national championship event for Zachary Hattori JBT Laurence Corrigan Gold Coast David Haynes South Point Bryce Finnicum Suncoast youth bowlers, has featured challenging lane conditions since its beginning in 1997. Keith Held South Point Andrew Graff The Orleans “Our slogan has always been ‘Bring Your Spare Game!’ Our partnership with the PBA Rudolf Hernandez, Jr. Gold Coast Daniel Hansak Suncoast strengthens the opportunity for America’s top high school competitors to test their Murray Hickman, III South Point Nelson Hernandez Red Rock Lanes bowling skills and mental fortitude in a demanding environment,” said Teen Masters Shawn Hrisca Gold Coast Marshall Himebauch Gold Coast Richard Jenkins Gold Coast Jerry Johnson, Jr. Gold Coast founder, Gary Beck. Jaden Johnson Wild Fire Lanes Daniel Kwasniewski Strike Zone “This is a great program because it will provide youth bowlers with additional Victor Johnson Gold Coast James McDermott Santa Fe Lanes topflight competitive bowling opportunities through the setting of PBA competition,” Frank LaBruyere Suncoast Larry Nelson Gold Coast said PBA Commissioner Tom Clark. “The goal is to grow competitive bowling among Larry LaFrombois Gold Coast Ken Noble Wild Fire Lanes Greg Laughman South Point Doug Raymer Gold Coast youth bowlers who love the sport and this is a great vehicle in which to do it.” Don Linder Texas Star Lanes Tim Sam Wild Fire Lanes Many Teen Masters champions have gone on to advance to the top levels of Mike Locorriere Gold Coast Dennis Schook Red Rock Lanes the sport. On the boys side, Mike Fagan, the 1997 champion, and Ryan Ciminelli, the Mike Locorriere Red Rock Lanes Vinh Trieu Gold Coast 2004 champion, have both become national PBA champions. On the girls side, Brittni John McClary Gold Coast Jon Twitchell Nellis 300 Russell McMorris Pahrump Nugget Andrew Watkins Wild Fire Lanes Hamilton, the 2006 champion, and Danielle McEwan, the 2009 champion, have both Steven Robey Gold Coast Tyler Wright Gold Coast claimed NCAA titles and membership on Team USA. Craig Schechter Suncoast John Zimdars Strike Zone Teen Masters will also conduct a regular schedule of stand-alone qualifiers that youth bowlers can enter to earn spots for the National Championships. All qualifying events will determine invitations for the Teen Masters National Championships which Big-4 Split (4-6-7-10) will be conducted July 8-12 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Teen Masters conducted a landmark national championship event in 2011 that culminated with the Grand Championships being conducted on a specially-con- structed lane in New York’s Grand Central Terminal where Zack Hattori of Las Vegas Ana Hills Boulder Bowl earned a record $64,000 scholarship. Faye Whited Suncoast The Teen Masters consists of four youth divisions: Boys High School, Boys $115-$1 Under 14, Girls High School, and Girls Under 14. Entries are now being taken for Teen Masters qualifiers. For entry and additional schedule information visit http:// www.teenmastersbowling.com/. PBA Regional schedule that will include Teen Masters qualifiers 800 Midwest March 2-4 – Pla Mor Lanes Open Presented by Brunswick, Muscatine, Iowa March 30-April 1 – Liberty Lanes Senior Open Presented by Chuck Suda Allstate, 834 Joel Reynoso Suncoast Carpentersville, Ill. May 18-20 – Stars & Strikes Open Presented by Ebonite, Scott 823 Alan Frederick South Point AFB, Ill. 822 Don Lindner Texas Star Lanes Central April 20-22 – Grove City Open, AMF Stardust Lanes, Grove City, Ohio 817 Zachary Hattori JBT 814 James Franklin Pahrump Nugget May 18-20 – Baldo Campana Senior Open, Rebman Recreation, Lorain, Ohio South- 813 David Haynes South Point west March 2-4 – Etonic Open, Freedom Lanes, Duncan, Okla. April 13-15 – Shawnee 813 Keith Held South Point Firelake Bowling Center/Flintco Open, Shawnee, Okla. May 18-20 – Fort Sill Open, 813 Tony Jenne Gold Coast Twin Oaks Lanes, Fort Sill, Okla. 812 Scott Hernreich Wild Fire Lanes Northwest March 16-18 – DV8 Open, Caveman Bowl, Grants Pass, Ore. March 812 Louiel Tanate Pahrump Nugget 30-April 1 – Tacoma Dodge Open Presented by Pawn Brokers, Paradise Bowl, 811 Greg Laughman South Point Tacoma, Wash. April 20-22 – Hawaii Storm Open, Hickam AFB, Honolulu 811 Dustin Volentine Suncoast West April 6-8 – Non-member Doubles Presented by Storm, South Point Bowl- 806 John Debenedetta, Jr. South Point ing Center, Las Vegas April 27-29 – Earl Anthony Memorial Classic, Earl Anthony’s 804 Charlie Whitaker South Point Dublin Bowl, Dublin, Calif. East March 23-25 – Mt. Greylock Bowl Open, North Adams, 803 Jim Scoppe Gold Coast Mass. April 5 – Kingpin Lanes Open Presented by Brunswick, Rome, N.Y. 803 Mark Voss Gold Coast South March 23-25 – Fayetteville Senior Open, Lafayette Lanes, Fayetteville, 802 Keith Held South Point N.C. May 10-12 – Canton Open Presented by Columbia 300, Cherokee Lanes, Can- 801 Joseph Vassallo Gold Coast ton, Ga. May 24-26 – Wild Magnolia Senior Open, Presented by Track, Sport Lanes, 800 Jim Scoppe Gold Coast Martinsville, Va. Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Information provided by Southern Nevada USBC Association 4 TenPin Alley February 2012

take a regular job, and be the best bowler in their shop or office. Others are quite candid, and freely admit, that the tour, even when the going is rough, is a lot better than most jobs. In every way, on and off the lanes, Carmen Salvino has given his all for bowling, almost Chuck as though it has been his personal crusade. And all you can ask or demand of yourself or anyone else is that they give their best. Bowling is a funny game, even though it wasn’t meant to be. Isn’t every bad break, spooky pinfall, or curious happening in bowling funny, so long as it happens to someone Pezzano else? And talking about funny, what happened in San Jose, Calif., in 1971 wasn’t funny to the righthanders in the field. All 16 match play qualifiers were lefthanded. No sport has as many athletes so close together in ability as bowling. On any given About the pros. week, any one of more than 50 pros rates almost an equal chance to win any given tourna- A pro bowler’s opinion of a town is based mostly on how well or how badly he or she ment. The margin difference is often one good game or good shot or one lucky or unlucky bowls there, not whether it is a pleasant or historical site. And you can bet that a bowler’s break. opinion of a lane condition is in direct proportion to how well it was hit. To a winner, it’s the Some pro bowlers beat up their hands so badly that when you shake hands with them best. To the runner-up, it’s excellent. To the casher, it’s fair to good. And to the also rans, it’s it’s like sticking your hand into a bag of walnuts. not a matter of pleasant conversation. Idle Bowling Thoughts Soaker or no soaker (bowling ball dipped in various chemical (s) to give extra action) * When Joe Paterno passed away, a few of the bio clips showed a youthful Paterno Don McCune was the most abused Bowler of the Year in history in 1973 because he fathered being interviewed by an equally young Schenkel when Chris was starting his broadcasting and mastered the soaker, now banned. But McCune came back in 1974 to prove his ability, career and Paterno was an Ivy League quaterback. Schenkel always noted how much he winning $33,000 (excellent earning then) without winning a tournament. Today’s legal bowl- learned from Paterno for so many years. ing balls make yesteryear’s soakers look like backup balls. And Don Imus, one of the most honored broadcasters in history, had deep praise for A pro bowler would be a fool to suffer the frustrations and instabilities which almost the telecast of the USBC Masters tourney, and also recalled how he used to watch the bowl- inevitably are a part of the career, unless he or she firmly believed some day would bring ing telecasts hosted by Schenkel and Bo Burton decades ago. stardom, and all that goes with it. * With more and more high paying events being conducted overseas it would pay for Pro bowlers really aren’t superstitious, but some claim it’s a scientific fact that they roll bowlers to learn what the foreign money up for grabs pays off in American cash. much better while wearing certain colors. * You seldom see a bowler’s face beam with more happiness than the moment after he Marshall Holman on Marshall Holman: “I’m an emotional player. If I were passive I’d be or she realizes they have just been gifted with a new bowling ball. mediocre. My actions are spontaneous, and I can no more control them than other players * Don Carter was remembered well at his death at 85. Carter was one of those once-in- can change to the way I react. It’s the way I work. What I do is gut and heart reactions. You a-century athletes who not only lit up every room he ever entered, but will keep an eternal just don’t change them that easily.” light on bowling. I have always put Carter at the top of my list as the greatest bowler of all time. Winners of pro tournaments don’t forget. They remember how to win and the feeling it And that is no lessening of my respect and admiration for many others, but Carter was the brings, and that can keep them going for a long time---no matter what. king of the bowling castle in his era. Inprivate or public talks, his toughest competitors all Most pro bowlers make it by taking one more chance, over and over again. The dismal placed him in hallowed territory. Not surprisingly, since he was best known for consistently failures have no problem. They soon realize they can’t make it, at least most of them do, and outrolling his top rated opposition. You can ask no more of any great athlete. pack it in. The fringe players, the ones who cash fairly often, but seldom win the big money, * Bowling always has been the most charitable of sports, coming to the aid of individu- have it the toughest. They just get by, hoping for that big win or big year that always seems to als as well as most of the largest needy organizations. That’s fine, but at times maybe bowling’s be a game or a strike away from their grasp. Quite a few, if they had to do it over again, might needs should receive as much attention. Register On Line at Bowl.com News and Don’t miss your chance to take part in this historic tournament. The USBC Information Open enjoys over 100 years of tradition and routinely attracts legions of bowlers from across the country each year. It is an experience that some bowlers return Schedule, Registration Changes for to for decades on end. Download our en- try form to enter this storied event now. Deadline to enter is March 1, 2012 2013 USBC Open Championships WEBCAMS MOUNTED AND READY ARLINGTON, Texas - When Since being introduced in 2004, one of the most popular features of the the United States Bowling Congress USBC Open Championships page on BOWL.com has been the unique interac- Open Championships returns to the tive webcams that are mounted in the rafters above the tournament lanes and National Bowling Stadium in Reno, give friends and family members a chance to watch the bowlers in action. Nev., in 2013, the storied tournament Traditionally, there have been five webcams capable of taking live (still) will have changes designed to im- pictures of the tournament action as it happens. Beginning in 2012, two of the prove the event and ease of registra- cameras will be replaced with streaming cameras that will sweep the venue tion. throughout the day and provide non-stop live video footage. The other three cam- First, the tournament’s daily eras will maintain the same capabilities bowlers and fans are used to. schedule will be adjusted to allow for fresh oil for all squads, including doubles Viewers will be able to manipulate the three point-and-click cameras from and singles. home, allowing them to zoom in or out to photograph different parts of the venue. Second, an enhanced online registration system will allow captains to en- Currently, one of each type of camera is up and running, so visitors can ter and change their team information at any time, as well as select and lock in stop by and check out how the construction process is unfolding at the River their preferred squads in real time as soon as payments are made. Center. The webcams can be accessed by visiting the Open Championships Also beginning in 2013, each event will cost $55 per bowler, up $10 from page on BOWL.com. the current entry fee. This is the first price increase since the 2007 event. Half of ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR 2012 USBC OPEN CHAMPION- the increase will go to the prize fund, while the remaining $5 goes to cover rising SHIPS tournament expenses. Bowlers may continue to enter all-events for an addi- The entry deadline for the 2012 USBC Open Championships has been tional $15, making the cost of a complete entry $180. extend to March 1, 2012, so interested team captains have time to sign up their teams. There still are some prime times available, but spots are filling quickly. For more information on the Open Championships, or to register a team for Bowl.com 2012, visit BOWL.com/openchamp or call 800-514-BOWL. TenPin Alley February 2012 5

Trivia Answers below Ask Bob Bob Korth Q. I just got a new ball for Christmas and it seems to work great, but I am getting blisters on my thumb. Is there something you can recommend to get calloused up so I can bowl without hurting? A. You don’t need to get calloused up to stop hurting. Go back to the pro shop and show them where you are sore. Bowling is sup- posed to be fun, not painful. If you are blistering or tearing up, something is wrong with the drilling. This is a fixable problem – probably thumb pitch or the thumb hole is too tight. Now that they can see where you hurt, it should be an easy fix.

TenPin Alley Archive Photos Q. I am right handed and I have been leaving a lot of 10-pins lately. When I try to 1. Ryan Shafer breakes into the winner’s circle for his first title against Mike adjust for leaving the 10, I start leaving the 4-pin. My average is 206 in our house scratch Aulby. He follows the next year with his second title, posing with his trophy league. I have two questions, why am I leaving more 10’s than usual? Is there some- thing I can do to get more strikes? and proud mom. Where did Storm staffer Shafer win his first two PBA titles? A. No matter how talented a bowler is from beginners to the best pro’s in the world, 10- pin leaves are just part of the game. No one can eliminate them completely. It seems as though you are leaving more 10’s than usual, but my theory is that even though we feel like we leave more 10’s than normal, it is because house shots have become 2. When Texas Station opened their bowling easier. As they have become easier we hit the pocket more and for this reason alone we center in 2000, they conducted a huge media would leave more 10-pins. event which featured the celebrity at left Then there is the fact that with the easier shot, most of us bowlers have a tendency to throwing out the first official ball. Who was get a little lazy with our release. The easy lanes forgive many mistakes and so we have more this celebrity? marginal hits that can also leave 10’s. The reason for leaving the 4-pin many times after an adjustment is that most bowlers will move right a board or so to try and get the 10-pin out. When we move to the right, we sometimes don’t completely trust our move. We might pull the ball just a little or slow down the shot a little and that’s all it takes. The ball jumps off the break point and we leave the 4-pin or worse, a 4-9. PBA to Return to Non-Exempt When you make that move to the right to increase your angle to the pocket, keep your shot firm. Don’t throw it harder, but don’t get too cautious. Tour for 2012-13 Season Another move you can make is to move forward on the approach about six inches and Competition points will play key role in qualifying for new PBA stay in the same place on the approach. This will slow down the ball just a slight amount and the ball will turn just a bit earlier and finish a little higher in the pocket. Sometimes this is a Elite Players Championship, PBA Playoffs better move than moving to the right. SEATTLE – The constantly changing climate in the world of professional sports has If these moves don’t work for you, then a last resort would be to change balls. Go to a prompted the Professional Bowlers Association to return to a competitive environment that ball that you know finishes a little harder. will re-open the doors to its national tour to all aspiring professional bowlers. To ask a question write to [email protected] 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. Southern Nevada “Over the past few years the definition of an PBA Exempt Tour player has changed USBC Association 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 2012 City Salvino Classic and the Pepsi PBA Elite Players Championship) that fit the traditional Exempt Tour model. Championship “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 Ex- Tournament empt 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 excep- tions.” March 2-4, 9-11 & 16-18, 2012 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 Reserve closing dates: Four Divisions: important. Competition points will determine which players are eligible for the season-ending February 28 for weekend 1 Two Open and Two Women’s Dick Weber PBA Playoffs and will also be a major factor in determining the field for the PBA March 6 for weekend 2 HDCP 90% of 225 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 1/2 hr. prior to squad last weekend out an exclusive field of 36. $25.00 per event - Team, Singles, “We have changed the name of this year’s Pepsi PBA Exempt Players Championship – Doubles $10.00 for All Events which will be part of the PBA World Series of Bowling currently underway in Las Vegas – to Entry forms available at all area Centers and reflect the changes. The event will now be named the Pepsi PBA Elite Players Champion- at the local association office ship, 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 1. Ryan Shafer won his first two PBA titles 2000 and 2001 at The Orleans 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 in Las Vegas, the only two times The Orleans hosted PBA national events. Tour model. 2. Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard was the Touring 1 status will be earned by players who bowl 80 percent of the PBA Tour events, featured celebrity at the opening of the Texas including the World Series of Bowling, two additional majors and three Xtra Frame Tour events. Station Bowling Center (now Texas Star 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 Lanes) in December 2000. The banquet minimum average of 190 in PBA Tour competition to retain their eligibility for the following tables had centerpieces that were boxing season. glove balls with Leonard’s signature “We hope the rule change concerning the dissolution of the Exempt Player designation engraved on them. Each one was raffled off, and continued focus on the value of the PBA Tour point list will give more opportunities for and Joyce won on our table. Mr. Leonard players to grow as top PBA players and remove any confusion over what being exempt en- graciously autographed each one, and it’s tails,” Clark concluded. “While elite status may be awarded to fewer players, the rewards for one of Joyce’s treasured mementos. Frenchy achieving that status will have greater value than it has in the past.” 6 TenPin Alley February 2012 Tisha’s Dish Local Bowling News with Tisha L. Carter John Mongillo What a great start to 2012! Bowling has been in full force in several of our centers during the month of January. We’ve had the best bowlers in the world back in Las Vegas for the compe- tition they desire. It’s that time of year when we see the high stakes bowling in the Vegas Valley. Along with the PBA professionals, there were players of every level from all over the world who came here for many of the tournaments in the Bowling Tourna- ment Capital of the World. I enjoy being a spectator at these events, not only to watch the bowlers, but I’m continuously running into old friends. If you haven’t made it to the centers to watch these players, you’re really missing out on some phenom- enal bowling action. The ABT (Amateur Bowlers Tour) was quite busy last month. On January 8th at Texas Star Lanes, Paris Riley took home his 4th ABT title, defeating Max Stiverson Paris Riley and Max Stiverson Laine Decanay & Tess Zafra in the Championship match. On January 15th Layne Dacanay grabbed his first ABT title, with second place going to Tess Zafra. Another first time title winner was Guy events each month. Check with their bowling center desk for more information. Hirsimaki at South Point on the 22nd. The biggest news for the ABT this past month The Strike Zone has opened a new pro shop this past month, Dan Nadeau’s was the Winter Nationals that was held at the South Point, where we had a local Pro Shop. Currently working in the shop are Lynn DeCamp, Terry Leong, Chase bowler win. John Mongillo earned a hefty check of $12,500. He was only able to Nadeau, Dan Kwalsliewski, and Bud Horn. To avoid confusion, this shop does not earn half of the original $25K prize since he didn’t have the required ABT tourna- have a connection to Nadeau-Haynes Bowling Supply, where you will still find David ments under his belt for the year. But, no concerns for John. He is quite happy with Haynes and Billy Platt drilling equipment. his win and his prize check. I bet, however, when it comes time for the $50K Spring The Strike Zone hosted the USBC Masters. This is my favorite event because Nationals he’ll have those necessary qualifying events in the books. Starting with the of the many exciting match play brackets. Once again, the best-of-the-best were out Saturday-Only event at the Suncoast on February 11th and on the 17th-19th at Texas chasing the $50,000 prize check. Several of the local bowlers gave a valiant effort, Star Lanes, this tournament will be featuring double points. For more information on but only three came out of the 305 entries to make the first cut. Erik Forkel - 70th, these tournaments, please contact the ABT director, Jason Lanktree at (702) 327- Dave Wodka - 71st (looks like he put his free entry to good use) and David Haynes 1343. - 74th. Forkel and Wodka each received $1,050 each and Haynes received $1,000 Along side the ABT Nationals at the South Point, the Women’s Bowling Alliance, for his finish. with a guaranteed $10,000 on top it brought out some of the best women in the The USBC also hosted a couple sweepers that were just as competitive as the country. Congratulations to Women’s Bowling Hall of Famer Tish Johnson for win- real deal. David Haynes won the first sweeper against the elite field of 106 bowlers. ning the first National Event of the WBA. Let’s welcome back women’s bowling, if I’ll continue to watch the action through early February in these big money tourna- you would like to support the WBA or need more information on the Women’s Bowl- ments, and hopefully we will have more locals to report on next month who will be ing Alliance, please check out their page on Facebook. competing for those big prize checks. The SNBT (Southern Nevada Tournament Bowlers) managed to squeeze a few Still enjoying working with the center managers, tournament clubs and local events in this month. And what an incredible set Mike Clemence had to take home bowlers to get the information of tournaments out there in one location. Let’s get a his first SNBT title on the 21st. With scores of 235-255-267-300-280, how could he few more stories about our local bowling community. We are interested in who is miss! This was the second highest series rolled at an SNBT event. The next SNBT winning, who is doing the spectacular, and who is reaching their goals. Please send tournament is on the 18th of February at 7:30 pm at the South Point. information to the following address and let’s roll forward! [email protected] or On the 15th of January, the Strike Zone hosted a USBC Masters win a spot you can find me on Facebook on the LAS VEGAS BOWLERS page. tournament. Dave Wodka won an entry to the USBC Masters with a commanding See you on the lanes!!! lead over the field with +191. Jim Welch, manager at the Strike Zone hosts a few Tisha L. Carter

The Nightmare I had the pleasure of interviewing one of our upcoming youth bowlers, Nicholas “The Nightmare” Pollak. At age 14, what a committed attitude he has towards bowling! He has his dad in his corner and a number of coaches, including Sherri Myers, Charles Spigner, Bobbi Hoven and Joani Emery. He comes in early every Saturday before league at the Gold Coast to work on his game. He has one title under his belt, a 2009 JBT title on a Kegel pattern. He also has a Level 1 coaching certificate. His favorite bowler is Norm Duke. He looks forward to the day where he has an opportunity to be on the Storm staff with him. His dream of being on the tour is not farfetched. I watched him bowl a 664, with a high game of 225. His current average in this league is 222. Pollak has had a 300 in practice, but his highest certified game is a 280 and he has a 757 series, both at the Gold Coast. He is determined to beat both of these. And the nickname, “The Nightmare”, I had to ask. Nicholas was known for shooting at crazy splits and proving people wrong. Somewhere during those sessions he picked up the name. He is currently bowling with a Storm Virtual Gravity Nano and is looking forward to the release of the Storm Vivid on March 1st. Pollack is thankful to Nadeau-Haynes Bowling Supply for their support with his game, and especially his dad, Michael, for keeping him in the latest equipment. His dad had an injury that keeps him from bowling, but his passion for the game is still there through Nicholas. Pollak already has earned scholarship money from his bowling and would like to go to WSU because he feels they have the best training. I look forward to watching Nicholas perform as a bowler and accomplish his goals over the years. He has quite a chore ahead competing against the best someday. But, it’s obvious he’ll get there – he is steadily figuring out what it takes to achieve his dream. - Tisha TenPin Alley February 2012 7 Bill Spigner’s Bowling Clinic Open Your Suitcase With a Simple Twist Q. I am a right-handed bowler and am having a problem with a suitcase grip. I am a full- roller who uses a suitcase grip, with my thumb at I o’clock and my fingers at 3:30 on the downswing. Is there any exercise I can do to stay more behind the ball? Forward tilt in your stance takes the stress off your back [left]. For best balance, on the A. The suitcase grip is the weakest position you can have your wrist in to get a simple hook third step of a five-step release, your shoulder should be open and your throwing leg because the wrist is bent back to the point where the palm is on top of the ball. If you rotate your back [middle]. Proper trunk rotation through the release point results in a well-balanced thumb counterclockwise during the release with this wrist and hand position, you will spin the ball. If finish and proper spine angle [right]. you rotate your thumb and fingers in a clockwise direction, you will roll a full-roller. In any event, this type of hand position is OK to get a hook only If you can’t keep your wrist straight, with the palm of the hand behind the ball going into the release zone. Getting the hand to be in position going into the release zone is very dependent on the body being in the right position, a loose swing, and the hand having the right motion on the backswing. To help you understand the position the upper body needs to be in during the approach, stand in front of a mirror, hold your ball with a suitcase grip, and hang the ball down at your side. Stand with your shoulders very level and your spine angled straight up. With the suitcase grip, the upper body can be in this position when you deliver the ball, and you’ll still be able to have a loose swing. Many people are taught or think they need to have the shoulders level to the floor and parallel to the foul line. This is an effective technique to be accurate and play a small hook when playing the lanes on a down-and-in line, usually playing from the first to the second arrow. Years ago, when there were ball tracks in the lane to play, this would have been an OK ap- proach. But today, this style of release doesn’t allow you any room for error or allow you to play different parts of the lane, especially inside lines. A minimum rotation for effective all-around play is 30 degrees off your hand [left]. A In order to correct your hand position, you will have to position your shoulders and spine angle maximum is the Weberesque 90 degrees [right]. correctly. Go back to standing with your ball hanging at your side in the suitcase grip. Rotate your hand position so the wrist is straight and your fingers are at 7 o’clock and your thumb is at about 1 ever, I would recommend you do the opposite with the pitches that Smith did. You don’t use your o’clock. Do this without moving your upper arm away from your body and keeping your shoulders thumb; without the thumb in the ball you put the weight of the ball more in your palm, and you need level to the floor. You will notice the ball will feel a lot heavier and your arm will no longer hang your ring finger to help balance the ball. I would use a shorter span in the ring finger zero to a little perpendicularly to the floor. reverse. For the middle finger, start with about 1/8” reverse. We know we have to have a free swing in order for the ball to be weightless during the swing. The other thing you need to do is concentrate on releasing the ball down into the lane. You The position you rotated your hand to from the suitcase grip prevents you from having a free swing want the wrist to release so your fingers go to the top of the ball. By doing this, you will be releasing because your arm is not hanging straight down to the floor. Instead, bend sideways from the hips, the ball when it is traveling its fastest, which may help you get the ball down the lane easier. You need keeping the shoulders at a right angle to the spine (don’t just lower the shoulder) until your arm is the ball to come off your hand very smoothly and fast, and if you hit up on the ball at all, you can’t get hanging straight down to the floor. The ball feels lighter, doesn’t it? You now have established the side the ball down the lane. tilt and the angle that the shoulders have to be at so the arm can swing under the shoulder, back and As far as solid nines are concerned, the weight of the ball isn’t as big a factor in leaving them through. as people think. They are left because the ball is hitting a little high on the headpin with more angle, But we aren’t done yet. When you bend to the side, you transfer the weight of the ball to the giving it less chance for deflection. For some players, going to a lighter ball actually increases their lower back. Now you have to bend forward from the hips to get your forward tilt correct and flex your number of solid nines because they can get more on the ball, increasing their angle of entry in the knees slightly to support the upper body. pocket. If you want to leave fewer nines, you will have to decrease the angle at which the ball enters The shoulders cannot be level and parallel to the foul line throughout the approach; if so, the the pocket. spin angle (forward and side tilt) stays in a constant position once the ball is placed into the swing. It’s very hard for someone who doesn’t use his or her thumb to become a really good player The spin angle needs to be established by the time the ball passes the leg of the hand you throw the who can bowl on several different conditions. Start learning to bowl with your thumb in the ball-it will ball with (right leg for a righty, left for lefties) on the backswing. Once the proper spine angle is make it a lot easier for you to use today’s great equipment. The balls today really help create area established, it doesn’t change until you stand up from your finished position and walk back to the and increase the size of the pocket. settee area. Q. Is forward roll the best roll for the new balls? If not, how much side rotation is enough? What does happen is the upper body rotates around a fixed spine angle. The rotation of the A. All types of shots and ball rolls work today just as they did in the past. The key is matching upper body around the spine produces a lot of power and allows the hand to rotate freely. up your ball rotation to the condition you’re playing on. If you watch the pros on TV you see all types Most crankers rotate their shoulders open, which helps rotate the hand open. On the down- of rolls, amounts of hook. and different areas of the lanes used by the players successfully. For all- swing, the shoulders square up to the target line, which helps rotate the hand and speeds up the around play, somewhere between 45 and 60 degrees of axis rotation is a good goal for most bowlers. swing. When your swing speeds up, your hand speeds up, and that helps put the turn and revolutions Pete Weber has 90 degrees off his hand, but Weber is one of the few bowlers who has that much on the ball without muscling and hitting up on it. rotation and is able to control thee breakpoint. Now you need to see how the forward tilt of the spine looks. Holding a light weight, stand Ninety degrees of axis rotation is the maximum amount that can be effectively used. The sideways in front of the mirror. Put your left foot about 12 inches in front of your right (lefthanders, do minimum amount is approximately 30 degrees. the opposite). Lane conditions that have a lot of blend in the oil. in which the shot tends to be more inside with Now bend forward until your left shoulder is directly above the knee and foot of your left leg. a lot of swing area, favor a release with a lot of axis rotation (side roll). This oiling pattern has a lot of Hold the light object in your right hand and position the hand just behind your right leg. All your weight area built into it, and a ball with a lot of side roll can take advantage of that area because of the ball should now be over your left leg, and you should feel balanced. rotation. On the flip side, flat oil patterns with no swing area, with the best playing area outside the This is the forward tilt the upper body needs to be in at this point, and it remains there through- second arrow, favor less axis rotation (a forward rolling ball). On these conditions, control is impor- out the shot. Notice that the shoulders also are rotating open at this time. This is the forward spine tilt, tant, and a ball that has less potential for a big change of direction down the lane provides this control. and it’s the position the body should be in if you get your ball in this position on the second step of a So if you’re on a heavy blend, playing inside, there’s more side roll. On a tough flat-oil condi- four-step approach or the third step of a five-step approach. The position of the ball at this time of the tion, playing outside, there’s more forward roll. It’s up to the bowler to match his or her ball rotation to approach is the best timing position to be in. the condition. This is a great exercise to go through to show you the position the upper body should to be in You don’t need to try to crank the ball more to get side roll; have your fingers release the ball so you can deliver the ball with minimal effort. Use this as guide when trying to get your body in the from the side of the ball more. For more forward roll, your fingers need to be behind the ball. right position; that, in turn, will help you work on your hand position. All bowlers have their limitations. Be willing to experiment to learn what you can do to expand To sum up, you need to get your upper body in position so the arm can swing freely under the your game and play on more conditions. shoulder on the back and forward swing. Once you can do this, you can work on rotating your hand slightly clockwise on the backswing. You also have to allow the upper body to naturally rotate open with the hand, which will help you get your hand in the right position. Bill Spigner is a 3-time National, 9-time Regional PBA Q. I am a no-thumb bowler who normally uses plastic, rubber, and urethane balls, as Champion and is a member of 6 bowling Halls of Fame including the USBC Hall of Fame. One of the first 20 they tend to hook less than resin equipment. It has been suggested to me that changing my Gold Level USBC Coaches, Bill wrote “Bill Spigner’s finger pitch from one inch forward to zero or reverse would help me tone down the reaction of Bowling Clinic” for Bowling Digest magazine from the ball. I had a high average of 207 a couple of seasons back, but now I am at 197 and feel 1983 until the magazine folded in 2004. Since 2008 some experimentation with different pitches might improve my game. Should I try what Rob- he’s written “The Pro Approach” for Bowlers Journal ert Smith did in going to the conventional grip in the ring finger with 3/8” reverse pitch and magazine. Bill teaches privately and for more leaving the middle finger a tip with zero pitch? I prefer to use 14-pound balls, and while I feel information go to www.billspigner.com or “Bowling I don’t lose any carry, I still leave more than my share of solid nines. Any recommendations or Lessons by Bill Spigner” on facebook. suggestions regarding finger pitches would be greatly appreciated. I’ll try anything! Reprinted from Dec. A. You should experiment with reverse pitches in your finger holes and the Easter grip. How- Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z 2002 Bowling Digest 8 TenPin Alley February 2012 Thanks For The Memories As we close out 16 years of publishing in Las Vegas, we look back at some of This photo of Dave Husted appeared on the people who graced our pages during an amazing history in Las Vegas. the front page of our Many of the older photos from the first few years are long lost, but we still first issue in March have an interesting archive of people who made bowling news in the Bowling 1996. Husted was to defend his 1995 Show- Tournament Capital of the World. And more great history will be made long boat title, which was after we’re gone. We hope something here brings back some pleasant won in ‘96 by Walter memories of great times and great people who were part of that history. Ray Williams, Jr. The March 1996 TenPin Alley was a 12 page full-sized broadsheet newspaper TenPin Alley February 2012 9

Instructors, Teachers & Coaches Shuffle Up & Deal! Joani Emery - USBC Silver Certified Coach 702-641-8320 [email protected] Wally Fellman - Certified instructor. Former touring PBA member. Group and private classes. Video analysis. 702-493-9787 Jerry Francomano - IBPSIA Certified instructor. USA Bowling Certified Silver Coach. Super School Instructor. Texas Station. 702-631-1044 Lawrence Frey - Certified Bronze Coach. 702-592-1435 [email protected] Becky Herman - Certified Silver Instructor - Private/Small Group Lessons and clinics available at Gold Coast, Orleans, Sam’s Town and Suncoast. [email protected] 702-445-2556 Cordova Hicks - Certified USA Bowling Silver Level Coach - 702-451-8359 Bud Horn - 2 time PBA Champion, USBC Hall of Fame, S. California Hall of Fame, first to roll 300 in ABC Masters. 702-656-3161 for appointment. Wendy Macpherson - Professional instruction by 4-time PWBA Bowler of the Year. By appointment. 702-595-4350 www.wendy-macpherson.com Rob Mautner - SILVER Level Certified Coach 702-228-8959 Bob “Duffy” McDonough - USBC Silver Certified Coach - Group & Private Lessons, with or w/o video analysis, $15 - $50. Two Sunday morning Gold Coast group sessions only $15 for 90 minutes (incl. lineage). 8:00 am to 11:00 am. More info at www.LearnToBowl.com, 702-568-9333, [email protected]. Gary Oatis - USBC Silver Certified, PBA member - Private and Group lessons, $20 per person. Learn to Adjust! Advanced bowlers learn to string strikes! Call or text 702-809-0655,or email:[email protected]. HOLD EM HEARTS STRAIGHT David Pierce - Available for coaching at the Suncoast. 702-437-7247 POKER SPADES FLUSH Cell 702-327-3148 Fridays 4:00-5:30pm - Juniors Saturday mornings 7:30- PLAYERS DIAMONDS FULL HOUSE 8:45 Sundays 7:30-9:00am and 9:00-10:30am DEALER CLUBS ROYAL Mike Procaccino - Private instruction 702-595-2695 FELT TABLE CHECK ACES Jeanette Robinson - Member of 7 Halls of Fame. Coached U.S. Team in BUY IN CALL KINGS Europe. Teaching Pro at The Orleans 702-791-0142 CHIPS RAISE QUEENS Joe Salvemini - 3-time National PBA champion, 9-time PBA Regional champion, 28 years PBA member, 15 years Pro Shop experience. 702-610- ANTE BLUFF JACKS 2891 SHUFFLE FOLD DEUCES Rose Smith - USBC Senior Queens Champion, Golden Ladies Champion POT TWO PAIR BUSTED Bowling lessons for all ages by appointment 702-655-9476 or 702-499-2169 CARDS TRIPS WINNER Kieth Thode - USBC Bronze Level Certified 702-253-0653 or 702-401-0007 FLOP CASH OUT Robert Walters - Bronze Certified Coach 702-642-1471 Cell: 312-718-2901 email: [email protected] 2012 SENIOR QUEENS SHIFTS Ron Winger - 5-time PBA Champion, member Southern California Hall of Fame Available for instruction: cell 1-818-266-4676 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 First Full PBA Season Produced in HD 2012, the tournament will feature a stepladder championship round. The ESPN’s 2011-12 Remaining PBA Tour schedule: official dates and details of special events for competitors will be avail- Date Time (PT) Title, Network able in early spring. Paula Vidad Sun, Feb 12 12 p.m. PBA Chameleon Open ESPN The change accommodates the addition of the Senior U.S. 2012 Senior Queens Sun, Feb 19 12 p.m. PBA Scorpion Open ESPN Women’s Open as a division of the U.S. Women’s Open, which will take Champion Sun, Feb 26 12 p.m. 69th U.S. Open (Brunswick Zone Carolier, NJ)ESPN, ESPN3 place in Reno, Nev., in June, just two weeks before the Senior Queens Sun, Mar 4 12 p.m. GEICO PBA Shark Open ESPN originally was scheduled to be conducted. Sun, Mar 25 11:30 a.m. PBA Mark Roth/Marshall Holman Doubles ESPN “We are thrilled there are now two major events for our senior women bowlers,” USBC Manag- Sun, Apr 1 10 a.m. PBA Carmen Salvino Classic ESPN ing Director of Tournaments Brian Lewis said. “In order to better serve our bowlers who wish to Sun, Apr 8 10 a.m. Pepsi PBA Elite Players Championship ESPN compete in both of these major senior women’s events, we have elected to change the dates and Sun, Apr 15 10 a.m. PBA Tournament of Champions (Red Rock Lanes, LV, Nev.) location of the Senior Queens. It also gives them the opportunity the experience the ITRC and see ESPN, ESPN3 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 Our new email address is tournament in Syracuse, N.Y. Las Vegas is the home of two Senior Queens champions – Rose Smith, who won the [email protected] inaugural event in 2000, and Char Hammel, who won the tiara in 2011. 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 Your Association Website: $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 Interna- sonvbowl.com tional Bowl Expo. Highlights of the championship match will be shown on the television broadcast of the U.S. Women’s Open finals 10 TenPin Alley February 2012 Humor Me Seeing is believing...

A bowler finds out he has a brain tumor, and it’s inoperable - in fact, it’s so large, they have to do a brain transplant. His doctor gives him a choice of available brains. “There’s a jar of rocket scientist brains for $10 an ounce, a jar of regular scientist brains for $15 an ounce, and a jar of sandbag- ger brains for the princely sum of $800 an ounce.” The confused patient says, “This is odd - how come the sandbagger brains are so expensive?” The doctor replies, “Do you know how many sandbaggers it takes to get an ounce of brains?”

A test to Determine If You Are You Ready to Have Kids Mess Test: Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Now rub your hands in the wet flowerbed and rub on the walls. Cover the stains with crayons. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer. Toy Test: Obtain a 55-gallon box of Lego’s. (If Lego’s are not available, you may substitute roofing tacks or broken bottles.) Spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold and turn out all the lights. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. First day at the Auto Repair Shop... Grocery Store Test: Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop at the grocery store. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage. Dressing Test: Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net bag making sure that all arms stay inside. Feeding Test: Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a stout cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal (such as Fruit Loops or Cheerios) into the mouth of the jug, while pre- tending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.

In the dim and distant past When life’s tempo wasn’t so fast, Grandma used to rock and knit, Crochet, tat and baby sit. When the kids were in a jam, They could always call on Gram. But today she’s in the gym Exercising to keep slim. She’s checking the web or surfing the net, Sending some e-mail or placing a bet. Nothing seems to stop or block her, Now that Grandma’s off her rocker. TenPin Alley February 2012 11

ing, I equated expecting a Hi Five for picking up a single pin spare with expecting one for making a right turn without hitting a pedestrian. My opinion hasn’t changed. Per- fli p side haps adding health issues to the equations might at least get people to think about it. Consider the team bowler who is bowling despite having a bad cold. Between cough- ing and sneezing, he is Hi-Fiving every team member after every shot. Germs any- with Rob Mautner one? If that isn’t enough, think about all of the times that you’ve gone to the bathroom between frames and seen someone run in, do their business, and not have time the time or inclination to wash their hands. Do you want some of that? I don’t! 10. Saving the best, or worst as the case may be, for last, many bowlers have mentioned poor sportsmanship as the thing that they hate the most about bowling. Bah Humbug! Bowlers who yell obscenities, flip off standing pins, kick or punch ball returns or, worst of all, pack up their stuff and leave because they are bowling bad, do nothing but damage to the sport. Even during leagues, tournaments, and pot games, if the Venting can be a good thing. It helps to lower blood pressure, and generally sport of bowling is to survive, we have to encourage children to watch good bowling. improves one’s outlook on life. Often bowlers come up to me and complain about one If you have someone on your team who throws temper tantrums like a three year old, thing or another. With this in mind, I decided to do a group venting session. Some please ask them to do some growing up for the good of the sport. things that bug bowlers (me too) include: There now, I feel much better! Since I have another couple of hundred words 1. Bowlers who run to the bar to have a smoke between frames or between worth of space left, I decided to add a few things that make me sad about bowling: games. This bugs just about everyone, except other smokers. It slows down bowling 1. It makes me sad that I only got two email responses about starting a true and may get other bowlers on your team out of rhythm. Personally, I’m looking for- scratch league on Wednesday evenings next summer. I guess true scratch bowling ward to the day when the nasty habit goes away all together. is dead. 2. Bowlers who never practice a corner-pin spare in practice. Going to the reset 2. It makes me sad that the PBA’s decision to contest so many tournaments at button to get a full rack for every practice ball is like learning how to drive without ever the World Series of Bowling and televise the finals over a period of months has re- having to make a turn. No matter how long the straight road is, eventually you’re sulted in my own apathy towards watching the PBA on television. Oh sure, if I’m going to have to turn. No matter how many strikes you throw, eventually you’re going bowling pot games on a Sunday morning, I’ll request that the PBA telecast be put on to leave a corner pin. It’s amazing how many 220 average bowlers there are who the monitors when we bowl. If I happen to be home on Sunday morning, I’ll watch it. really struggle picking up single corner-pin spares because they never practice them. The sad thing is that the thrill is gone. I used to look forward to watching the PBA 3. Bowlers who sit at their table between shots with their heads buried in their telecast all week. Now, I don’t go out of my way. Even when the telecast is live as it cell phones. If you can’t be out of communication with your friends and acquaintan- was last month for the Master’s, I’m just not excited about it anymore. ces for the length of a league session without stressing over it, you should probably 3. Speaking of PBA telecasts, it makes me sad that the PBA is still trying to consider getting some professional help. market bowling to young audiences when the majority of their regular viewers are 4. House bowlers who expect a strike every time their ball hits the pocket. While long-time bowlers. Jason Belmonte is fun to watch with his unique, powerful two- this is initially really irritating to watch, once you get into carefully watching their facial handed style. Despite that, I have trouble imagining the PGA allowing an unshaven, expressions, it can be really entertaining. scruffy-looking professional golfer to participate in a televised tournament. Why is it 5. Bowlers who demand a two-lane courtesy and then jump up on the approach too much to ask that a professional bowler appear to be a professional athlete rather as soon as the other bowler on their same pair comes off the approach. Logic says than a rock star? that when you are following a two-lane courtesy, it will be a very rare occurrence 4. It makes me sad that the on-going battle between the ball manufacturers and when two bowlers bowl on the same pair sequentially. the powers that be who oil the lanes has resulted in one bowlers ability to destroy 6. Bowlers who don’t bother to show up for league and don’t have the courtesy another bowlers shot by manipulating the pattern. This is bad enough at the profes- of notifying their team that they aren’t going to bowl. sional level when it’s done on purpose. It’s really sad, however, when one beginning 7. Along with not notifying the team, bowlers who sign up for the season and bowler using a plastic ball and throwing it up the middle, carrying a ton of oil with it on then miss 25% or 35% of their bowling nights have little regard for the success of the a house shot, can play havoc with the ball reactions of everyone else on the pair. The team. If you are a bowler who misses a lot of league sessions, at least procure a sub same goes for one thumbless wonder who throws a sanded bowling ball with little to to replace you instead of just bailing on the rest of the team. no accuracy because all he is interest in is seeing the ball hook a lot. 8. Bowlers who join the ball of the month club. These are people who run right 5. Finally, it makes me sad that I have gotten so old that I let stupid stuff like this out and buy a particular bowling because they know another bowler who is using it make me mad, or sad, at all. More on a positive note next month. successfully. Keep in mind that the bowling ball manufacturers know this and use it to sell bowling balls. It’s no coincidence that the new ball that a manufacturer wants to “push” often is made using bright and often contrasting colors so that people can see For the past two years, the Vegas Invitational Bowling Events group known as VIBES, it from many pairs away in even the largest bowling center. Bowlers who are mem- has been holding monthly tournaments at Red Rock Lanes. The tournaments are unique in that they feature the PBA animal patterns in an inexpensive and unique scratch format. What makes bers of the Ball of the Month Club are simply too lazy, or too afraid to actually learn the tournaments unusual is that bowlers bowl four games across four pairs of lanes, and throw the basics about bowling balls, so that they could make an informed decision about out their lowest individual game score. This format, as well as the affordable entry fee, $35 for what ball to buy based on their own bowling rather than someone else’s. four games has offered “house bowlers” the opportunity to find out the difference between a 9. O.K., this one’s totally mine. I wrote about it several years ago and got hate forgiving “typical house shot” and the oil patterns on which the pros bowl. As a culmination of the first two years of VIBES tournaments, the group has an- mail, but, frankly, it’s getting worse. Hi Fiving in bowling is waaay out of control. When nounced the first OPM (Oil Pattern Madness) Tournament to be held on April 1, 2012, at 10:00 a bowler throws a strike, he (or she) expects a Hi Five. When a bowler covers a a.m., at Red Rock Lanes. For this one tournament, bowlers will bowl five games across five spare, he expects a Hi Five. When a bowler misses a simple spare, he expects a Hi pairs of lanes, EACH OILED WITH A DIFFERENT PBA ANIMAL PATTERN! For this one tour- Five with a closed fist. When I first wrote about the obsession with Hi-Fiving in bowl- nament, all five games will count, and the highest 5-game series will win. The cost of the scratch tournament is $125, and one in four bowlers will cash. For bowlers who have not yet bowled on the PBA animal patterns, or simply want to TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL hone their skills, the VIBES group is planning five “Tune-Up” tournaments on the five Sundays prior to the OPM event. The tune up tournaments will feature: the Cheetah pattern (Feb. 26), Whether you are a beginning bowler who Viper (March 4), Shark (March 11), Chameleon (March 18), and Scorpion (March 25). The cost is ready to take the game more seriously, for the tune-up tournaments is $25 for four games (the lowest score will be thrown out), and one or a high average bowler who is ready to in six bowlers will cash. give the PBA a shot, call me. I can help. Preregistration is optional for the Tune-Up Tournaments, however bowlers must reg- Affordable individual lessons at the Las COACHING ister by March 26 for the OPM Tournament. Entrants may register for any or all of the tourna- Vegas Center of your choice. ments at the desk at Red Rock Lanes, at the Vibes desk during the tune-up tournaments (cash SILVER LEVEL only), or by mail: VIBES, 720 N. 17TH St., Las Vegas, NV 89101. For more information, please contact Sue, Barbara, or Randy at (702) 835-3227, or via email at [email protected]. Bowlers Contact Rob Mautner * 228-8959 * [email protected] must be 18 to enter. Individual payouts depend on entries. 12 TenPin Alley February 2012

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