It's That Time of Year Again

August 13, 2010

By: Mark Martin

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN

The call for league bowling is in the air.

If you are not signed up for a league as yet, why not call your local bowling center and inquire about openings. Every bowling center will help place you in a league, which matches your skill and interest level.

League bowling is the most reasonably priced recreational opportunity a person can have. For an average of $12-$18 each league session you can enjoy the physical exercise the sport provides, the camaraderie of being with others with like interests and the competition.

Speaking of the physical exercise the game provides, make sure to stretch those muscles before competition so you don't end up on the disabled list. Be sure to get to your league session a few minutes early and throw a few practice balls.

If you haven't bowled for a while, like since last spring, visit your local bowling center and work on your mechanics. By doing this you won't be surprised when that first league session comes.

If you are unsure about joining a league, encourage one of your friends to join with you. This can make the experience much more pleasant.

Bowling centers offer leagues at every level of competition. There are leagues for all women, all men, mixed and youth leagues at virtually all local centers.

For parents this is the chance to get your children involved in the game that you probably enjoyed in your youth. In addition to youth leagues there are also many family leagues, where youth bowl with adults. There is much flexibility built into these league structures to accommodate every family's needs.

Nearly all bowling centers offer a youth program. Even if your local center has not had one in the past, check with the center personnel about their current programs.

Local bowling centers have done a tremendous job of keeping up with the times. The summer time is when your local bowling center prepares for the busy fall winter season.

I have visited several local bowling centers and I recommend that you do the same. Many have made improvements during the summer to enhance your bowling experience.

The United States Congress (USBC) offers certified organizational support for leagues. The annual cost is very nominal and only has to be paid in one league to be covered in your other local leagues.

Annual membership in the USBC through the Metro Detroit USBC is $19.

The USBC through the MDUSBC offers league structure support, standardized rules, bonding, awards program; standardization of the equipment used and recognized league averages. The MDUSBC also offers our own brand of local awards program and other opportunities only available to our members.

The MDUSBC will continue to offer a new improved plastic membership card direct mailed to each bowler, tournaments, charitable causes, bonding program, an improved awards program, discount opportunities and a $20 savings on a purchase of $150 or more at participating pro shops.

Your best value in sports is still certification, as it has been for over 100 years.

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NORRIS SETS USBC RECORD

Mike Norris Jr. of Melvindale set an all-time United States Bowling Congress series record for Sport Bowling with an 869 series in the Dan Ottman Memorial PBA Experience league at Sunnybrook Lanes in Sterling Heights.

Norris broke the record of 862 held by Bo Goergen of Sanford, Mich., which was bowled in the 2009 USBC Open Championships in Reno.

“It is definitely surreal. I didn’t even know what the record was at the time,” Norris says. “When I learned that it was a record, I was definitely very excited.”
Norris’ set included games of 279, 290 and 300 on the cheetah pattern, one of the PBA animal patterns.

Sport Bowling requirements apply the lane dressing in a distribution which doesn’t allow for errant shots to get to the pocket.

“You’ve got to keep learning. Learn about surfaces and equipment. And, of course, practice, because on Sport shots it is not easy; you can’t just throw the ball all over the place. You have to keep it within the goal posts,” Norris explains. “My biggest advice to people who want to bowl Sport leagues is to work hard, practice, get familiar with the patterns, and start matching up equipment.

Norris was presented a crystal pin for his 869 series and a special ring for his 300 game by Mike DeRousie, President and Libbi Fletcher, Past President of the Metro Detroit USBC Association.
Sport Bowling and PBA Experience leagues are the continuation of a 10-year-old program to re-establish the credibility of the sport.

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HONOR SCORES
300 Games
Date, Name, Hometown, Center, League
July 21, Eric Broughton, Troy, Five Star Lanes, Summer Trio Sweeper
July 21, Michael Atkins, Pontiac, Bowl One Lanes, Senior Singles
July 23, Larry Sykes, Southfield, Plum Hollow Lanes, 35 & Over Mixed Trio
July 28, John Robertson, Waterford Twp., 300 Bowl, 300 Wednesday Trio Shootout
July 28, Bryan King, Troy, Five Star Lanes, Summer Trio Sweeper
Aug. 2, Michael Atkins, Pontiac, 300 Bowl, 300 Summer Doubles


800 Series
Date, Name (Score), Hometown, Center, League
John Nemes (828), Berkley, Five Star Lanes, Summer Trio Sweeper



Mark Martin writes a weekly bowling column for The Oakland Press and is the association manager of the Metro Detroit USBC Association. He can be reached at (248) 443-2695, faxed at (248) 443-2690 or e-mailed at mark.martin@mdusbc.com.