Local bowling: Latest innovations on hand at National Bowl Expo
| Monday, Jul 19 2010 10:15 PM
Last Updated Monday, Jul 19 2010 10:15 PM
The annual National Bowl Expo for 2010 that took place in Las Vegas June 22-25 had many activities for bowling enthusiasts. Besides having former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as BWAA's (Bowling Writers Association of America) keynote speaker, there were plenty of seminars on league bowling and displays of products heading to local pro shops.
Palin's presentation, which took place at 8 a.m. in Vegas (if you can believe that!) to a packed room of 3,500, also brought forth the announcement about next year's US Women's Open. The 2011 US Women's Open will be held in Texas in the Cowboys Stadium on June 30 in conjunction with the 2011 Bowl Expo in Arlington, Texas.
Discussions in the league seminars brought to light different ways to reach out to potential league bowlers through social media--i.e., Facebook, Twitter, as well as ways to keep your league bowlers "in the game". A lot of interest was expressed in short-season leagues (8 weeks), weekly "tournament" leagues where payouts happen weekly (not at the end of the season), no-travel sweeper leagues, and more pro-sport themed leagues that ramp up the value to bowlers (stadium tickets, fan jerseys, pro-team bowling balls, bags, etc.). The hope is local centers will explore these options.
New products coming out this season include lots of neon and bright graphics on single carry bowling ball bags and polyester (plastic) balls. Brunswick has two new "Hello Kitty" poly bowling balls. There are also many new styles of bowling shoes (including several women's styles in black).
For bowling balls, there are more entry-level ball/bag/shoe combos. Storm Products has a new "Think Pink" product line where portions of sales go towards the fight against breast cancer. This should be very popular for the month of October. Ebonite is introducing a different-looking core design in their "Vital Sign" high-mid performance ball.
For shirts, the line has expanded on pro-style shirts available featuring the popular two-handed Jason Belmonte (Belmo), who is featured on several of these products.
For bowling accessories, Robby's accessory line has a new wrist positioner called the "Restrictor" and it is supposed to keep our wrist from over-rotating.
So before Winter season is upon us, take a moment to drop by either The Bowler's Edge at Regency or Robb's Pro Shop at AMF Southwest to see what's new and get yourself set for September. Winter league schedules should also be out very soon.
Next year, Bowl Expo will be taking place in late June in Arlington, Texas, and will be the first week of two weeks of activities. The second week will be the 2011 USBC (United States Bowling Congress) National Convention. This will be the first time the national convention has been held in conjunction with Bowl Expo. The national convention, which usually takes place mid to late April of each year has been moved to the first week in July to accommodate this joint venture.
LOCAL BOWLERS MAKING THEIR MARK AT RECENT OUT-OF-TOWN TOURNAMENTS
With the 2010 State tournaments winding down, it was great to see several local women listed in the top ten in the standings for the State Women's Championships that were held up in Yuba City/Oroville in northern California.
In the Classic division Doubles, in 9th place - MaryAnn Barker & Sheilah Bomar (1,205); in the "C" division Doubles, tied for 8th place - Jessenia Parsons & Jaclyn Long (958); in the "D" division Doubles, in 7th place - Laini Davis & Carol Lowe-George (872); in the "D division Team, in 3rd place - "Chicks with Balls" from Taft (1,695), and in 5th place - "Taft" (1,654); in the Classic Singles, in 6th place - Sheilah Bomar (652); and in "E" division All Events, in 9th place - Jessenia Parsons from Taft (1,155). Congratulations to all of you for doing so well and hopefully you can hold on to your place the next couple of weeks!
And local youth bowler, Andrew Svoren traveled to Vegas recently to compete in the Junior World Teen Challenge event and was the only local junior to place. Svoren placed third in the Doubles with Tanner Spacey from Washington. Considering there are youth bowlers from all across the US that compete in this annual event, what an accomplishment and Svoren was just matched up with Spacey and the two bowled on the Baker format to come in third.
GLOVER MASTERS JULY HOUSE SPOT ROLL-OFF KICKS OFF NATIONAL BOWLING WEEK
The Glover Masters House Spot Roll-Off will take place on Saturday, Jul. 31, at AMF Southwest Lanes, starting at 2 p.m. (check-in from 1 p.m.-2 p.m.), which also is the first day of 2010 National Bowling Week.
Entry fee is $30 cash and bowlers bowl six games across twelve lanes on the Glover Masters tournament lane conditions. Event is open to both adult and youth scratch bowlers. Optional sidepots are also available. The top one-in-ten bowler will receive a free entry into the 2010 Glover Masters. With only a couple more House Spots scheduled before the main Glover Masters event, this is an excellent opportunity to try to qualify. For further information, contact Tom Smith at (661) 333-0562.
CALLING ALL LOCAL WORKERS WHO HELPED WORK STATE OPEN TOURNAMENT
With just one more weekend of Bakersfield hosting the 2010 State Open Championships at AMF Southwest Lanes and Regency Bowling Center, a notice will be given to all who have worked this event since opening ceremonies on May 8, to invite you to a thank-you reception. Both centers will be individually hosting these receptions and date and locations will be out shortly. The Golden Empire USBC (United State Bowling Congress) association will also be involved with these receptions as both the centers and our association truly appreciates all the help from the bowlers, their family and friends throughout the duration of this event. We could not have done it without you and this reception is to acknowledge that.
ANNUAL GEUSBC ADULT AWARDS BANQUET SET FOR AUG. 14
The 2010 GEUSBC Adult Awards Banquet will be here before you know it so make plans now for Saturday, Aug. 14. The event will take place at the Eagles Hall (downtown on the corner of 17th and "H") and start at 6pm. This year's Banquet date has been pushed back due to us hosting the State Open Championships (normally this Banquet takes place in April).
Tickets are available from any GEUSBC Director. Cost is $15 per ticket and you have your choice of either steak or chicken for your entree.
Annual awards, tournament champions, BVL division winners, our 2010 Scholarship recipient, as well as 2010 Hall of Fame inductees will be introduced and honored. Come out to be a part of this year's event. For further information or tickets, feel free to contact either GEUSBC President DC Williams (661) 837-0676, or Assoc. Manager Nancy Weber (661) 204-1484.
WEEKLY SUPER SCORES
On Tuesday, July 6, bowling in the Mega Ball league at Regency, recent Mark Baker Clinic participant, Keri Perham, rolled her first ever 600 series, a 621.
On Thursday, July 8, bowling in the African-American Summer Doubles league at Regency, Eli Viewins started the night with 11-in-a-row and had a nice 295 game.
