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	Bowling, The Wright Way - March 22, 2004 by Don Wright
Things To Ponder

It's been a while since I had anything to get me thinking about "Things to Ponder." But, I recently received The Captain's Nest, the ABC team captain's update and there was an article on page 3 by Arlene Schwab in which she had to explain the difference between a.m. and p.m. She said some people were confused and that 11:40 a.m. is 20 minutes before noon and 11:30 p.m. is 30 minutes before midnight. Are there really people out there that don't know how to tell time? How did they get to Reno?

A CONCEPT - I recently received my Sports Illustrated swim suit edition, read it, (yes there was a great article on fishing and Rick Reilly's column), and then sent it in a package to some friends serving in Iraq. I don't know exactly when Sports Illustrated started the swim suit segment, but at some point it became an edition of its own and recently they have actually incorporated athletes. Earlier it was just models. I guess the water in the background was to make you think of swimming, surfing, fishing, or something athletic.

I think Bowlers Journal International should have a swim suit edition. We could have the ladies of the PWBA inserted among some models posing at the modern bowling centers throughout the world in the center design issue. What do you think Mr. Dressel?

THE POSITIVE RESULTS OF FOCUS - The American Bowler All-American team had each of the team members give advice, or tips. Lonnie Waliczek said, "The biggest key to managing pressure is to stay with the present. When you think about the outcome you need, you get too many thoughts and lose your focus. I get really nervous at times, but I focus on executing the shot, on what's directly in front of me at the moment." Hum, I wonder what he was focusing on in the 10th frame at the Earl Anthony Classic and the Medford Open?

ANOTHER CONCEPT - I have a great friend named Jerry Northrop. He and his wife Dee have traveled and bowled with G.G. and I for more than 20 years. He's been my doubles partner and teammate in all state and national events and on occasion we have done well together. But, more importantly we have a great time. We always incorporate a vacation with each tournament. It's sightseeing, flagrant tourism (cameras, shorts, sandals), good food, and most of all laughter. We have come to realize that bowling is part of the trip, not the trip is part of bowling. We do the best we can on the lanes, but it's the fun of the trip, the good food and drink and the companionship of great friends that makes it all worth while. What a concept!

WEB SITES - I commend people with good looking, up to date web sites. They can be informative and greatly assist people, but only if they are up to date. I recently went to a state web site and the information on it was outdated by as much as two years. I know there are a lot of people who will have to be taken kicking and screaming into the computer age, but come on folks, if your gonna have a web page make it meaningful and current. And, that includes me.

IS IT A SPORT? - I turned on my sports channel and what did I see? Poker. I watched because I was curious. Most of the people playing were non-Americans. Some were drinking beer and one, or two were drinking what was probably whiskey. I don't know who pays for that time slot, but if the cost of television was the downfall of the PWBA, poker must have a heck of a backer.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH BARNES? - I have watched Chris Barnes on the Southwest Regional Tour and the National Tour and I am starting to feel sorry for the guy. In 2000 he made 12 telecasts and didn't win a title. He has more second place finishes than titles. What's his problem?

Barnes isn't some guy who bowled well in leagues and tried out for the tour. He had an excellent collegiate career being a two time All-American and Collegiate Bowler of the Year. He had a successful four year stint with Team USA and won 4 gold medals in 1997. Yet, he just can't get it going on television.

He's making good money, earning points, has a great average and could be the sports Golden Boy. He's educated, articulate, dresses well and probably has the best mechanics out there. But, Hall of Fame careers are not made on second place finishes.

IT'S THE BALLS STUPID - Tom Clark's most recent "Messenger On-Line" column told us the woes of today's bowling balls and people jumped at the opportunity to agree with him. That is everyone but me. This is what I wrote to the Editor of BJI.

"I too, enjoyed Clark's Messenger even though I don't necessarily agree with him. Yes, I think bowling balls have greatly helped the league bowler, but I think lane conditions have a much bigger impact.

If it was just the balls why aren't the pro's averaging 250 and better? Lane patterns.

If it is just the balls, where are Parker Bohn, David Ozio, Amleto, and many of the big guns of just a few years ago?

If it's just balls why did Rudy Kasimakas do so well in high roller and can't do anything on tour?

Until proprietors quit trying to save money on lane maintenance and dressing, and as long as they are looking at filling their house, adult bumper bowling lane conditions will prevail. You can pay $200. plus for a bowling ball and a minimum wage dude with an empty lane machine can change your life.

Well, there are a few things to ponder.

See you on the lanes.

Bowling, The Wright Way - March 22, 2004

by Don Wright