Bowling, The Wright Way - June 27, 1999 by Don Wright
There's No Place Like Home

Well, after three weeks and 6,000 miles it is good to be back home. Vacations are wonderful, but as the saying goes, "there's no place like home."

The WIBC National Tournament in Indianapolis was a great event and Indianapolis is a beautiful, friendly city. Woodland Bowl is a great center and the management and staff of the 80-lane facility went out of their way to ensure the bowlers were taken care of.

A walk through historic Indianapolis was an education. The area known as "The Circle" has the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. Made of Indiana limestone, it is the only Civil War monument dedicated to the common soldier and sailor.

Another popular attraction was the recently completed memorial to all military personnel who have received the Medal of Honor. The etched glass memorial lists the recipients' name, branch of service, date and war in which the act of bravery occurred. It was quite humbling.

On to Syracuse and the ABC Nationals. Although I bowled miserably in the team event I did redeem myself in the doubles and singles. But, more importantly, I had a great time. Since my hometown is only 80 miles from Syracuse I am quite familiar with the area and enjoyed being back in my old stomping grounds.

A quick trip to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame was the highlight of the trip for me. An avid Babe Ruth fan, I finally had a chance to see this great Hall. It was wonderful. I was wishing I could be there in July to see Nolan Ryan inducted, but I didn't have that much vacation.

Syracuse is a great city with many excellent restaurants. But, the one we went to more than any was Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse (formerly Grimaldi's). Their 24-ounce Delmonico steak can't be beat even in Texas. Great atmosphere, food and service.

From Syracuse we headed for Roseland Bowl in Canandaigua, N.Y. and competed in the Wild Irish Rose Tournament. Had a great time in this event bowling with my Nephew and his wife. We didn't do all that well score-wise, but there is always next year.

The upstate New York area is beautiful. Old family farms, beautiful lakes, and a mix of cultures that is so unique. Just looking at individual names on the score sheets in Syracuse and Canandaigua was fun. Names like Carmine Rizzo; Joey Muscano; Vinny DeAngelo. Is it any wonder the food is so good?

Arrived back home safe and sound to three weeks worth of tall grass. Reality stinks!

I had my timer set on the old VCR and was able to see Leanne Barrette win the WIBC Queens. What a great champion. I have been a "Boomer" fan since the first time I saw her on television. She looks and acts the part of a true professional.

Another match I got to watch was the Tucson Open. David Ozio is still tough. Behind in the match, Ozio packed the pocket and yelled, "It ain't over pardner," as the 45-year old champion finished strong.

Nobody in the sport has a smoother stroke than Ozio and I predict he will be in contention for many years to come. As he said, "It ain't over pardner."

Mike Miller put on quite a show in Reno when he won the $10,000 bonus for a perfect game on television. It was perfect. Miller put twelve high, flush strikes together to earn the bonus money. He didn't win the tournament, but he bowled a memorable game.

Lisa Wagner wins her 31st title and Walter Ray Williams, Jr. wins his 30th to go along with the 30-second place finishes in his career. So far the PBA and PWBA have been very exciting in spite of the poor television coverage.

More than three years ago when I was writing about the bowling integers, WIBC, ABC, BPAA, STE, and the System of Bowling, I was not very complimentary. I was told by some that I wasn't being fair and I was too hard on them. "Give them time," I was told. Well, now it seems that many other scribes are doing what I did.

Bowling needs leadership that promotes the sport. Promoting it as recreation and having gimmicks such as the outdoor event in New York, or yelling and screaming throughout the televised finals won't make the sport more popular.

I still say we need a bowling Czar. But, we definitely need better leadership.

See you on the lanes.