The Competitve Quandary

It’s general knowledge that competitive bowling in many circles is not taken as seriously as compared to how competition is viewed in other sports. I can’t tell you the number of people that are shocked and amazed that there even is such a thing. In general, people in the Northeast live in a bubble when it comes to bowling. The look of shock and amazement crosses their faces when you mention that in many other places across our great nation, bowling is actually a Varsity sport in High School. Never mind, the jeers my daughter gets when she mentions she bowls NCAA Varsity in College and is on scholarship to do so. Maybe, in part it is the way bowling has marketed itself over recent years as being more of a recreation. Or maybe it has to do with the stereotype that many have of bowling in general…you know the out of shape guys going to the “alley” and slamming down pitchers of Beer while they bowl. Maybe it is those things combined with a host of others too.

In recent years there have been a few decisions made that I don’t think are in the best interest of the sport in general. One point that really bothers me is the notion of professionals bowling in amateur events. It happens in many sports and the biggest example is the Olympic games. But, even in our sport it has now become a standard to see our elite pros as members of Team USA. I know the argument, “all the other countries do it”. Sorry, I just don’t agree with that position, I find it a really weak argument. In my opinion, once an individual makes a choice to become professional at anything they are crossing a line. But, I’m also willing to concede that my statement is definitely up for a philosophical debate. I still maintain that Team USA should be comprised of amateur bowlers. Furthermore, I would like to see that team built from the college ranks and Jr. Team USA from the high school aged bowlers. After all this is the feeder system.

The main point though is that more and more amateurs, I mean good amateurs have increasingly nowhere to go. The USBC is even squeezing the Juniors by lowering their eligibility age perhaps with the hope that they will swell the adult ranks. Here is what all of this brings about. A good amateur has little or no chance of being named to Team USA…that’s a given. So, there may be tournaments for them to bowl in locally and nationally. But, even most of the high profile events have plenty of PBA members bowling in them as well. Good amateurs are usually squeezed out of those tournaments as well. Let’s understand I’m not bashing the USBC, PBA or its members, just trying to make a point.

Next come handicap tournaments…well the handicap system in bowling is broken based on the way it is calculated and with the amount of sandbagging that goes on, if you have an average of 200+ you might as well forget it. Here is an example of how crazy some handicap events get. I just bowled in a tournament and entered with a 219 average based on a local house shot. The tournament used a high percentage for calculating handicap. But, here’s the kicker…they used a PBA pattern! Now, I crossed with a bowler who threw a straight ball and entered with an average just over 160. The pattern has absolutely no impact on his game. He did pretty well averaging around 180 for the day. With his handicap he averaged around 240 per game. I was essentially bowling scratch; if I could average 240 on a PBA pattern, I’d be on tour! The point is, no consideration to adjust my average was allowed. I have an established Sport average (around 190) but the organization running the tournament does not recognize the difference! There was no way for me to compete under those conditions…so much for the handicap system in Bowling! Oh, by the way, an individual with a 120 entering average won the tournament!

Now, one final angle… bowlers leaving the junior ranks, whether they just bowl locally or in a college program are equally at a disadvantage. They may have been somewhat successful as a junior but, now faced with the above. Those coming out of competitive college programs may be better prepared to face the above. But, in either case they are generally in for a shock when they realize that what they had is now gone. Where do they go next?

As you can see this gets pretty frustrating in a hurry especially in the northeast where options are very limited.

Kudos To Kelly

I’m sure everyone has heard at this point that Kelly Kulick won the 2010 Womens Open. If you sit back and consider the year she has had it is nothing short of amazing. She captured the 2010 Queens and won the PBA Tournament of Champions making her the first woman to do so. She obviously has propelled herself into the elite ranks with the speed of a lightning bolt. I think my daughter Courtney summed it up best by saying, “she’s a Beast”. How simplistic but, yet right on the money. We’re not talking about a “flash in the pan”; Kelly is going to be around for a long time and now has to be considered a factor in any tournament she enters.

Those of you who know me well enough, know that I despise cocky arrogance. There is a right way and a wrong way to win (or lose). I don’t feel there is any room for cocky arrogance in any sport. That’s not to say you should not have healthy confidence and determination. From what I know of Kelly she has that confidence and determination and is completely void of any hint of arrogance. I did get a chance to speak with her very briefly at the NCAA National Womens Bowling Tournament at Carolier just recently. My opinion was confirmed…I find her to be a class act and what is good for our sport.

My opinion started to take shape last year when my youngest daughter, Rebekah was granted a scholarship to attend the Dick Ritger camp in upstate New York (Thank you Giguere family for all you do in support of youth bowling in R.I.). Kelly is one of the main coaches on staff there. She developed a rapport with my daughter which instilled a confidence in her I was hoping to one day see. Not only did Kelly work with Rebekah’s physical game but, she befriended her. That one encounter and Kelly’s actions after the fact have given Rebekah an identity in the bowling world…something to latch on to…a feeling that she belongs and matters to someone of that caliber. In fact, the two trade text and email messages frequently.

I don’t know if people in Kelly’s position truly realize the impact they have on people especially young people. I believe we understand it at one level but miss how profound it really can be. Maybe I’m just a little more sensitive to it having coached youth for 20 years. But, that simple act meant so much to my daughter, I’m not sure I have the words to adequately describe it. Rebekah came back with a passion and fire for the sport that sparked a year long drive causing her to improve her game three fold. She has tasted success and victory on a personal level this year and I see that fire in her eyes which is the personification of the passion athletes have. It’s intangible and hard to describe but, you know it when you see it. I’ve watched her flourish this year and the catalyst was the camp experience but more importantly, it was Kelly’s actions and example. Rebekah has even saved money all year to return to the Ritger camp this Summer to continue to improve and work with Kelly again. This simple act of being accessible, open, compassionate and kind I believe defines Kelly off the lanes. Like I said, I don’t know her personally but, my opinion is based on what I’ve observed.

Fast forward a few months to another episode. My middle daughter Courtney bowls for Delaware State University. Kelly took the trip down to Dover, Delaware to work with the girls and layout all of their equipment. While there she was able to pick out Courtney as Rebekah’s sister…yeah they certainly look like sisters.

Bowling is a funny sport because it for the most part focuses on the individual. Maybe if we could all put “me” aside for a while we too could be great ambassadors for the sport. Hey, let’s face it…Bowling is a lonely sport we need the input and feedback from trusted coaches and friends to improve. You can’t really succeed only on your own power.

So, a tip of the cap to Kelly Kulick for all that she is and has done. It’s great to see super role models especially in today’s day and age.