The United States Bowling Congress in its short existence has taken major steps forward to protect the future of our sport. The primary focus seems to center around finding and placing experienced people to work on developments in areas like Youth bowling and upgrading the technical areas, that in the past have been lest to the manufacturers. We have seen a lot of positive results that I think the game and those who guide its future should take time out to listen to the legions of bowlers who give their time and money to keep our bowling centers alive.
I received an email from one such person that I felt has merit passing on to you and those who are in position to make changes. Brett Loranger – has worked in our industry for thirty years and is currently employed at The Orleans Coast Resorts property. He pointed out in the first part that he knew from the center’s perspective that his proposed change would not affect their revenue from an open perspective, but it would bring integrity back to the game.
I pass the following along with his permission. "Abolish the USBC for the simple fact that they can’t manage an empty paper bag. They try to decide what numerous patterns are legal and what aren’t. In sharing the patterns, most league bowlers would probably find it interesting that they can bowl on the same thing the pros do. Is the baseball diamond any different in size (other than Little League)? How about the football field? Granted a golf course does not change the location of the holes from day to day, but the course remains pretty much the same, even for the pros. If you don’t believe me, then let’s funnel every green toward the hole and see how many pros shoot under 60. opinion this is what bowling needs to restore some credibility and integrity.
If you have any comments or suggestions on Brett’s thought you can contact him at loranger62@yahoo.com.
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Carolyn Dorin Ballard and Del Ballard Jr. were guest speakers at this year’s USBC Southern Nevada Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Banquet held at South Point Hotel, Casino and Bowling Center. Bowling’s two great ambassadors are enjoying an outstanding year. Carolyn was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame and Del enjoyed a bit of history when he became the first Pro to represent Team USA in International competition. He captured five Gold Medals at the Tournament of the Americas held at the Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando, Florida. They shared information about what’s happening in our sport and were encouraged by all the positive input they received during their travels. Carolyn is working to help the USBC expand their High School program. She foresees a major increase in numbers in the year ahead.
Dave Prange and his sister Kathy Prange are to be commended for an affair that would do any association proud. All past and present honorees were recognized and the season award winners read like the who’s who of amateur bowlers of Southern Nevada. The scores posted was a sure barometer that the quality of competition has improved.
We salute all of you, and remember all that time you spent practicing coupled with your dedication paid off.
The PBA should take over from the USBC in the lane maintenance standardization so that all players are competing on an equal field of play. Then, and only then, can anyone say they could actually score on a pattern that the Pros bowl on. Honor scores would then have some credibility to them rather than having a dime a dozen 300’s and 800’s thrown. This sharing of patterns would weed out the undesirable and probably lose some bowlers. In my
Open play wouldn’t be affected by laying these patterns out because the majority of those bowlers wouldn’t be reading the lanes quite like a seasoned league bowler or scratch player. It would however, draw more open play from the seasoned player and scratch bowler who would want to sharpen their skills on the PBA pattern.
A rule of business is when a company finds itself in a position of stagnation; it needs to do one of two things: FOLD or EXPAND. Diversify itself so it may prosper for the future."
