USBC's first five years: Team USA
Looking back: Team USA milestones since USBC's inception
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- Office ClosingUSBC offices will be closing at 2pm CT Thursday, Dec. 31 for the New Year's Eve holiday, and offices will remain closed on Monday, Jan. 4. Regular office hours resume on Tuesday, Jan. 5th.
- TournamentsMasters | Download Entry Form Join the 400-plus competitors who turn out for the USBC Masters each year and set your sights set on a prize fund of $350,000. The tournament field, which now includes women, also features bowlers from all 50 states and a handful of foreign countries.The Masters is open to any USBC league member who has averaged 190 or higher for 21 games during the past two seasons, any non-USBC league member who is classified by the PBA as a Full Member, any bowler who has averaged 190 or higher in his/her past five USBC Tournaments and any state/provincial representatives who have placed first or second in the all-events category of their association tournament. the 2010 USBC Masters will be held at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev. from Feb. 9 - 14, 2010. Click here to visit the USBC Masters page for more information. Tournaments Page | View All Tournaments
Ask a ProIf you need help with your game, you’ve come to the right place because BOWL.com’s monthly video tips will provide you with the basic information you need to begin seeing improvement. Check back frequently to make sure you are seeing the latest tips, and then work with a USBC-certified coach or fellow bowler to practice what you’ve learned.When you feel ready, take the ultimate challenge by becoming a
USBC Sport Bowling member.Once you do, you’ll have access to an exclusive library of advance tips located in the Sport Bowling Members Only section of BOWL.com. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Let BOWL.com’s video tips help you take your game to new heights!Watch Video
SweepstakesIf you are one of the many USBC members who have had a positive Member Rewards experience with T-Mobile, now is your chance to cash in by telling us about it. Submit a testimonial about your experience to USBC_Rewards@bowl.com by January 31st and you could be the winner of a brand new Blackberry Curve 8900. The winning entry will be chosen through a random drawing, and all entries must include your name, age, address, telephone number, email address and USBC member ID number. Good luck!
- Be a Part of History—Include YOUR Favorite Memories in the IBC Time Capsule!As part of the grand opening of the International Bowling Campus, a time capsule will be buried outside of the International Training & Research Center to commemorate the completion of the campus—and we want YOU to be a part of it!In 150 words or less, tell us about your favorite bowling memory and what you think the future holds for bowling. Feel free to include a 4” x 6” photo of your favorite bowling memory, too. Please include the date of the event on the back of the photo. Include your name and location with your submission, and indicate whether you are a youth or adult member. Up to 1,000 entries will be included—be sure to get yours in now! Deadline for submissions is January 10, 2010.Entries can be emailed to valerie.stilen@bowl.com, or mailed to:USBC
Attn: Valerie Stilen
621 Six Flags Drive
Arlington, TX 76011Read More 
USBC BenefitsYour membership in the United States Bowling Congress helps grow the sport in more ways than you might imagine. Hear USBC members such as Kim Terrell-Kearney, Chris Barnes and 2008 USBC Senior Masters Champion Kenny Parks explain the many benefits that accompany your USBC membership, and how the growth of the sport depends on the participation of members like you. From its support of charities to shortened league seasons for busy youth and much more, the USBC has your best interests covered.Click Here
to view learn more.
New youth processing system is now availableThe United States Bowling Congress launched its new Internet-based system for processing youth league bowlers on Monday, Aug. 17.The new system will process membership, awards and averages for youth bowlers starting with the 2009-10 season. WinLABS will no longer be available to process youth leagues.Because the new method is an Internet-based system, associations and bowling centers will be able to process their youth membership from any computer with Internet access. The system also will allow for a more efficient means of system upgrades throughout the year without the need for software downloads. USBC staff is continuing to evaluate the processing system and more features will be available in the near future.If you have questions or feedback with the online system, contact USBC at 1-800-514-BOWL ext. 8973.Before using the new system, please take time to read the Quick Reference Guide to familiarize yourself with the process. While the guide is not a user reference manual, it should provide answers to several scenarios you might encounter.To view the Quick Reference Guide,
click here.To connect to the new youth processing system,
click here.If you have questions or feedback, contact USBC at 1-800-514-BOWL (2695).If you receive a certificate notice, please accept it and continue.Read More
2010 USBC Hall of Fame Ceremony2010 USBC Hall of Fame Ceremony Set for International Bowling Campus prior to U.S. Women's Open FinalsWhen members of the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame class of 2010 are enshrined, they will do so in a setting befitting the country's major sports. That's because the 2010 induction ceremony will be held outdoors May 12 at the International Bowling Campus.Inductions will take place in the afternoon before the live stepladder finals for the U.S. Women's Open that evening on the lanes of the International Training and Research Center . That event will be broadcast on ESPN2."Our goals in moving the inductions to Arlington are to spotlight the new International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame and International Bowling Campus while possibly growing the event into something big every year," said USBC Vice President-Media Pete Tredwell. "The inspiration for this idea comes from the annual baseball and pro football ceremonies. Those venues allow for large crowds and major media coverage. Plus having it the same day as the U.S. Women's Open brings more focus to both events."The 2010 event also will include a formal dinner in downtown Fort Worth on May 11. Fans will be able to purchase tickets to be with the new and past hall of famers and other dignitaries with the proceeds going to the IBM/HF.The Veterans and Meritorious Service part of the class of 2010 will be announced in November with the Superior Performance inductees to follow in December or January.Read More- USBC Helen Baker Outstanding Association Service AwardNamed for the fifth president of the Women’s International Bowling Congress, the award annually recognizes an outstanding bowling leader who has made invaluable contributions to local and state associations as an innovator, creator and mentor of adult programs. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 1.For an application, click here .
- USBC Joyce Deitch Trailblazer AwardNamed for the seventh president of the Women’s International Bowling Congress, the award annually recognizes organizations and individuals who have made important contributions to bowling by being motivators, visionaries, leaders and innovators. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 1.For an application, click here .
- USBC Proprietor of the Year AwardThe award annually recognizes an outstanding bowling center proprietor for his/her enthusiastic support of local and state bowling associations and of national programs. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 1.For an application, click here .
- Youth Program ChangesThe USBC Board of Directors, based on recommendations by the USBC Youth Committee, approved several major changes to the structure of current USBC Youth programs. As participation in youth sports is on the rise in America, the changes set forth for USBC Youth programs will attract more youth bowlers to participate in certified league play.The changes will affect how memberships are processed, offer a new short-season membership product, restructure the awards program and lower the maximum age for youth bowlers. Learn More .
Chris BardolThe Men’s Collegiate Spotlight is currently featuring Robert Morris University of Illinois junior Chris Bardol. A two-time National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association All-American and the 2007-08 NCBCA Rookie of the Year, Bardol is poised to lead a very talented Eagles team into the Intercollegiate Team Championships. After making its first ITC appearance last season, RMU started off their 2009-10 campaign with a victory at the Midwest Collegiate Championships in Wauwatosa, Wis. Prior to the season, Bardol earned a spot on Junior Team USA after finishing fourth at the USBC Junior Gold Championships held in Indianapolis.
Name: Chris Bardol
Age: 21
Year in school: Junior
Hometown: Brockport, N.Y.
Marital/dating status: Single
High certified game: 300
High certified series: 822
Best collegiate tournament finish: 1st (twice) - 2008 Nittany Lion Kegler, 2009 Hoosier Classic
Bowling ball weight: 15
Favorite brand of bowling balls: I don't have a particular favorite. I use whatever fills the gaps I have.
Favorite bowling ball of all time: Gamebreaker, ToxicONE all-time best collegiate bowling memory
In only the second year of our school’s men’s program, we proved a lot of doubters wrong by finishing second in the Chattanooga sectional and qualifying for ITCs.TWO biggest keys to collegiate bowling success
1. Communication is a must! Talk to your teammates about what they think is happening, and watch the teams (or individuals) who are bowling well.
2. Practice and determinationTHREE things you bring with you to every tournament
1. Warm-ups (Mandatory for travel)
2. Equipment
3. UniformsFOUR collegiate bowlers you most respect and/or admire
1. Josh Blanchard
2. Brent Bowers
3. Derek Hartnell
4. Larry BrandeFIVE bowlers (past or present) that would make up your fantasy Baker team
1. Dan MacLelland
2. Josh Blanchard
3. Doug Kent
4. Bryan O'Keefe
5. MyselfSIX bowling balls you’d bring to ITCs or ISCs
1. Hammer Black Widow
2. Hammer Hot Sauce
3. Roto Grip Nomad Pearl
4. Roto Grip Cell Pearl
5. Storm Furious
6. Columbia White DotSEVEN deadly sins of collegiate bowling – what should collegiate bowlers avoid doing at all costs either on or off the lanes?
1. Arguing with a coaching decision
2. Bowling scared
3. Giving up
4. Not trusting yourself/teammates
5. Not following your GPS when you’re driving around
6. Worrying how other teams are doing instead of just focusing on your team
7. Folding like tacosEIGHT of my favorite songs are
1. Lose Yourself - Eminem
2. Mockingbird - Eminem
3. Time of Your Life - Green Day
4. Don't Stop Believin’ - Journey
5. No Boundaries - Kris Allen
6. Over and Over - Nelly
7. Heart of a Champion - Nelly
8. Home - DaughtryNINE of my favorite snack foods are
1. Bananas
2. Grapes
3. Scooby snacks
4. Mama Z's cookies
5. Goldfish
6. Popcorn
7. Rice Krispies
8. Pretzels
9. OreosTEN minutes before a big match, I can be found (doing what?)
I’m taping my fingers and high-fiving our girls’ team for good luck.ELEVEN strikes in a row still makes me a little nervous (True or false)
True. You know that there is a large crowd of people watching, and you don’t want to let them down. The feeling never gets old but gets slightly easier to deal with each time.TWELVE years from now, I hope to be ...
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I hope to be bowling competitively and representing Team USA in international competition.
Stefanie NationDespite winning a title in her debut appearance on a PBA Women’s Series telecast and making two additional telecasts later in the same season, something was still missing for Stefanie Nation—something that only Team USA could help her regain.“The biggest thing for me was going from team to individual bowling. The only person you have to rely on is yourself,” Nation says of her transition from collegiate bowling at the University of Central Florida, where the Striking Knights fell just short of a national title in 2006 when they lost to Lindenwood in the title match, to bowling professionally.“I am so excited to bowl the Women’s World Championship, knowing that there are people behind me that are going to pick me up no matter what happens. When you’re out there alone it’s just you, there’s nobody there to pick you up on things like missed spares.”As much as Nation may have grown to value a team ethic at UCF, though, nothing instills Nation with a sense of something bigger than herself more powerfully than bowling with Team USA.“I just got chills thinking about it,” Nation says. “It is such a sense of pride to know that there are millions at home that we are representing, and that when we win medals, the country wins medals. It is not about us—it is about bowling.”The country won another medal on Nation’s watch recently when she took home the gold in the singles event of the 2009 Women’s World Championships on July 30, 2009.Read More
Rhino PageBy the time Rhino Page gathered his ball to set up for one more strike after throwing the front 11 on TV at the 2009 Japan Cup, he had no idea that he was throwing one short for $100,000.“My jaw dropped when they told me I had won that money,” Page recalls of the aftermath of bowling the first-ever televised 300 game in Japan Cup History. But even the thrill of holding a $100,000 check with his name on it does not rival the excitement Rhino anticipates as he prepares to bowl with Team USA for the sixth time.“Money and PBA titles are great,” Rhino concedes, “but when you’re in a foreign country and you have ‘USA’ on your back and you’re on that gold medal stand, you feel so much pride.”After making history at the Japan Cup and recording the most sensational rookie year in the 50 years of the PBA’s existence in the 2007-2008 season, there is a lot to be proud of in Rhino’s life these days. For all the accolades on his resume, though, one of his proudest achievements has nothing to do with bowling.A feisty youth bowler who was hotly competitive in everything he did—“even if it was a simple card game,” Rhino says—Rhino worked as hard to become a great bowler as he did to become a great person, struggling to soften a temper that provoked his parents to withdraw him from a junior tournament mid-match for kicking a ball return.“I had such a bad temper as a kid. It had to do with that competitiveness. When things don’t go your way you don’t know how to deal with it,” Rhino says.“It is easy to learn how to win, but not so easy to learn how to lose.”With talent such as all-time PBA titlist Walter Ray Williams, Jr. and reigning PBA Player of the Year Wes Malott in his corner on Team USA this year, though, losing is likely the last thing on Rhino Page’s mind.Read More
Shannon O'KeefeBy now, many are aware of Shannon O’Keefe’s achievements as a Gold-Medalist at the 2007 Women’s World Championships and a five-time member of Team USA. What few people may know, though, is that the origin of those achievements is found in one of the most unlikely places imaginable—a pair of shoes.The daughter of a former professional bowler, it was not until O’Keefe turned 16 that she first decided to join her brother on the lanes as her body began to suffer the consequences of a determined softball career in which, at just 15 years old, she finished among the top 160 at the 1996 U.S. Olympic softball team trials.“My Dad took me to Dick’s Sporting Goods and got me a teal plastic ball, and then I looked up and saw this pair of white Lind’s shoes with a teal toe,” Shannon explains.“I am not spending $150 just so you can look cute in a sport you’re not even good at,” her father said.“That was all I needed,” Shannon reflects years later. “As soon as you tell me I can’t do something, I will work at it until I prove you wrong.”Though Shannon’s father surely considers himself proven wrong by now, Shannon aims to prove much more, seeking to “win all the majors,” a goal inspired after she finished as runner-up at the 2007 Women’s U.S. Open in Reno. As for the father who once dared to doubt her?“He is one of my best friends,” Shannon says. “He has been with me on this journey from day one. To have somebody in your corner with you like that, I am very blessed.”Read More
Nick HoganNick Hogan of Oakdale, Minn., is no stranger to being seen at a bowling center. The 20-year-old right-hander has been on the lanes since he could walk, and it certainly shows.Hogan, who was named to the 2008-09 Saint Paul USBC Youth All-City Team, is a regular force at Minnesota Junior Bowlers Tour events. In the current MJBT season, he recorded his first victory at the November event and has two other top-five finishes. Hogan also has a 299 game to his credit.Hogan, who works in the pro shop and as a shift leader at AMF Saxon Lanes, recently took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for BOWL.com.What’s your favorite thing about bowling competitively with a team? How does your coach help you stay together as a team? How do you communicate with your teammates on the lanes?My favorite thing is getting together with my friends on Saturday morning and having a good time. I like the pressure of bowling anchor for the team. My dad is our coach, and two years ago he encouraged me to stay in the youth program instead of moving up because I would have more fun, and you can only be in the youth program once. My teammates and I communicate by having fun and always encouraging each other to do well.Are there any bowlers you look up to? Do you try to model your game after them? What is it about their game that you like?I look up to my dad, Rick Hogan. I try to model myself after his approach to the game. He always keeps his composure and takes every shot seriously during competition. He is also a great spare shooter and has the ability to adapt on different lane conditions. He also has the ability to change ball reactions with speed and hand/wrist positions.Who got you started in bowling and what’s your favorite thing about the game? What keeps you hooked on bowling?My family has owned and operated bowling centers for most of my life, so bowling has been something I’ve done since I could walk. My favorite thing about the game would probably be bowling in tournaments, since I get to see all of the different styles that other bowlers have. I stay hooked because it’s a lifestyle, since I’ve grown up in bowling centers.Tell us about your 299 game. What was going through your head as the strikes kept adding up? Were you nervous, excited or both?I really didn’t have anything going through my head. I became oblivious to my surroundings and all of the people who were watching. When I finished, I was excited, but also a bit disappointed that I didn’t get the 300. Read More
Danielle McEwanDanielle McEwan of Stony Point, N.Y., made the most of her summer in 2009. McEwan finished her senior year at North Rockland High School with an individual victory at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championships, while helping the Red Raiders to a third-place team finish. She followed that performance with a semifinals appearance at the USBC Junior Gold Championships in Indianapolis.The 18-year-old right-hander capped her summer by winning the girls division of the Teen Masters in Las Vegas.McEwan recently took a break from her studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University to answer a few questions for BOWL.com.How often do you practice? What do you usually work on when you practice?
For the most part, I practice every day. What I work on constantly changes, depending on what needs work or what I am trying to fix or make better. What’s your most memorable tournament experience? What made it so special?
My most memorable tournament experience was at the Teen Masters. After four days of bowling, I qualified in the top four to make the finals. The finals were held on one lane in the middle of a mall on the Las Vegas Strip. There were tons of people watching and cameras everywhere.What’s your favorite thing about bowling competitively with a team? How does your coach help you stay together as a team? How do you communicate with your teammates on the lanes?
My favorite thing about bowling with a team is that there is so much more energy and excitement. When bowling individually, you’re in it for yourself. As a team, you’re bowling for yourself and four other people. I absolutely loved bowling for my high school team. My team was very close, both on and off the lanes, and I think that is what made us such a dominant team. Although I miss them, I am looking forward to bowling for Fairleigh Dickinson University this year and hopefully having as much success with my new team as I have in the past. What do you like the most about tournaments like the Junior Gold Championships? How do you prepare for tournaments?
The thing that I like the most about tournaments like Junior Gold and Teen Masters is that it’s a marathon. These tournaments go on for days, and we bowl many games. I think this makes it completely fair because there is no way for someone to get lucky or have a good day. This also helps if you have a bad game or day. You always have tomorrow to make up for it.Read More
Bryce Rose PetraccoroBryce Rose Petraccoro of Lavallette, N.J., is well on her way to big things in bowling. The 12-year-old already has a USBC Junior Gold Championships appearance under her belt. She has worked with renowned coaches like Diandra Asbaty and Del Ballard Jr. She has even started a bowling club at her school. Most importantly, she has accomplished all of this while maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average at Lavallette Elementary School.Petraccoro’s high series is 653. She has 224 game and 583 series on Sport-certified lane conditions.Petraccoro recently took a break from her busy eighth-grade schedule to answer a few questions for BOWL.com.What do you think is the best way to get kids into the bowling center and onto the lanes? What do you tell your friends about bowling?It’s easy to get kids on the lanes. When I moved to my new school, they didn’t have any bowling, so I started a club. We have so much fun at Paydrome, and this year we’ll have over 50 members!I tell my friends everything about bowling, like how much fun it is to go to different centers and bowl each weekend. Mondays at school, we talk about the tournaments! I show them all my bowling stuff, like pictures with pros, signed pins, trophies and oh yes, mom and dad’s favorite, the scholarship money!Do you have any coaches? How long have you worked with them? Has it made a big difference in your game?Over the years I have worked with a lot of coaches. I have attended pro clinics with Parker Bohn III, Diandra Asbaty, Richard Shockley, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Del Ballard Jr. Every coach I have worked with has helped me get better. I have a special place in my heart for coach Ryan Scott West. My dad has been there for me since I was a pee wee. He keeps me focused and positive. He says the right things at the right time when I’m not doing well.How often do you practice? What do you usually work on when you practice?Unfortunately, I cannot get to the lanes as often as I’d like to, but I still do other things related to bowling. I exercise, spend time on BOWL.com and play other sports to keep me agile. When I do get the chance to go and practice, I break my time into two parts. After I’m done stretching, the first part I work on is my strike ball and target (second arrow) using each of my two 12-pounders, one shiny and one dull. The second part I work on is my spares. I use a plastic ball and play straight at my key pins. Before I leave, I try to hit all my key pins in order without missing!What do you like the most about tournaments like the Junior Gold Championships? How do you prepare for tournaments?What I like about tournaments like the Junior Gold Championships is that you get to compete with the best of the best, and it’s a great chance to experience what it will be like when I get to be in high school, college and if I pursue my career in bowling, joining the pros.I prepare for tournaments a certain way before the event begins. The night before, I eat curly macaroni with my dad’s special tomato sauce. The next morning, I eat a nice, healthy breakfast, make sure my iPod is fully charged and then I’m on my way to the tournament listening to my favorite songs. Once I arrive at the event, I check in and say hello to all the familiar faces that I see. About 15 minutes before the tournament begins, I stretch to make sure my whole body is loosened up and ready to bowl.Read More
Mary WellsMary Wells of Westerville, Ohio, has accomplished a lot in only one year of bowling at Westerville Central High School. As she starts her sophomore campaign, she looks to bring the Warhawks back to the Ohio High School Bowling State Tournament.The 15-year-old right-hander helped the Westerville Central girls reach the state finals for the first time on their way to a sixth-place finish during the 2008-09 season. Wells carried a 206 average throughout the season, which included a 278 game. She was named Rookie of the Year and MVP for Westerville Central.Wells was able to prepare for the upcoming season by bowling the USBC Junior Gold Championships in Indianapolis in July. She advanced to the semifinals, where she finished 35th.Wells recently took a break from her busy schedule to answer a few questions for BOWL.com.How often do you practice? What do you usually work on when you practice?I practice several times a week, depending on school related things. Most of the time, I’m able to practice five times a week. During these times, I practice many things. At the moment, it is mostly spares.Do you have any coaches? How long have you worked with them? Has it made a big difference in your game?I have had many coaches. Some have been for a long time and others just recently as I have begun to progress. My mom has been my coach since I was little. She is one of the main reasons I started the sport. But besides her, there is Jeff Robinson, who is also one of our coaches for high school. I have been working with him for a couple of years now. Then, there is the most recent, Ron Hatfield. We just started working together about eight months ago, and my game has progressed a bunch.What’s your favorite thing about bowling competitively with a team? How does your coach help you stay together as a team? How do you communicate with your teammates on the lanes?I would have to say my favorite thing about bowling competitively with a team would be having people with you. It makes it a lot less nerve-racking. Our coach keeps us focused and in line but still lets us have fun. I personally communicate with my teammates by just encouraging them. I hate when there is negative talk going on.What’s your most memorable tournament experience? What made it so special?My most memorable tournament would have to be the first tournament I won, which was the Sweet Sixteen tournament. This was so special to me because it was the first year I started bowling in tournaments competitively.Read More
Ryan WolfeRyan Wolfe of Kettering, Ohio, is not afraid of rising to the challenge on the lanes.As a freshman at Kettering Fairmont High School last season, Wolfe rolled his first 300 game to help his team advance to the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Tournament. At the state finals, he added a 298 game to lead Kettering Fairmont to a second-place finish.The 15-year-old right-hander recently added another 300 game on his way to an 822 series in his youth league at Poelking Woodman Lanes.Wolfe recently took a break from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for BOWL.com.How often do you practice? What do you usually work on when you practice?
I practice as often as I can, which is usually five to six days per week. Usually, I work on my spare shooting for two full games, then bowl a set of three games to see how my spare shooting has helped my series. Another big thing I have been working on is timing. I am trying to make sure my body and arm are finishing at the same time.What’s your favorite thing about bowling competitively with a team? How does your coach help you stay together as a team? How do you communicate with your teammates on the lanes?
My favorite thing is that my team is always there to support me, whether I do great things or not so great things, like miss a spare. My coach keeps the negative emotions out of our heads and always makes us look at the positive things. We communicate by always staying up and slapping high fives, and then we work together to burn a line in the shot to open it up for us.What’s your most memorable tournament experience? What made it so special?
This past season, I was a freshman on the high school varsity team. We have to place in the top six in the sectional to advance to district, and in the top five in district to advance to the OHSAA State Tournament. My most memorable experience was shooting my first 300 game in district to help my team qualify for state. The very next week at the state finals, I almost did it again, shooting 298.Tell us about your recent 822 series. What was going through your head as the strikes kept adding up? Were you nervous, excited or both?
I was really excited about shooting my first 800 series and second 300 game. It really didn’t sink in until I got home that day. Nothing was really going through my head during the series. I was just trying to stay focused and have fun with my teammates to stay loose. Having fun with my teammates kept me from thinking about what was happening.Read More
Mark Allen, Dexter All AmericanStats- 2007 Ohio State Pepsi Southwest District Champion (729 series)
- 2007 Columbus City Doubles Champion (Scratch Division)
- 2008 Cincinnati City Doubles Champion (Scratch Division)
- 2008 Columbus City Singles Champion (Scratch Division)
- 2009 Greater Miami Conference All league First Team (High School)
- 2009 Greater Miami Conference player of the Year (High School)
- 2009 Jr. Gold Qualifier
Stephanie MeltonThe Women’s Collegiate Spotlight is currently featuring Bellarmine University sophomore Stephanie Melton. She was a part of the 2008-09 Striking Knights team that advanced to its second consecutive Intercollegiate Team Championships appearance. Melton and company have started off the 2009-10 season on a strong note, recording three top-10 finishes. She is majoring in nursing and psychology.Name: Stephanie Melton
Nickname: Steph, Steffy
Age: 20
Year in school: Sophomore
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Marital/dating status: Single
High certified game: 299
High certified series: 769
Best collegiate tournament finish: 12th – 2009 Ky. Collegiate Classic
Bowling ball weight: 15
Favorite brand of bowling balls: Hammer
Favorite bowling ball of all time: Black Widow ONE all-time best collegiate bowling memory
My best memory is helping our team finish second at sectionals last year.TWO biggest keys to collegiate bowling success
1. Spares
2. TeamworkTHREE things you bring with you to every tournament
1. Snoopy (spare ball)
2. iPod
3. PillowFOUR collegiate bowlers you most respect and/or admire
1. Thomas Burris
2. Sarah Germano
3. Christi Spears
4. Rachel RingroseFIVE bowlers (past or present) that would make up your fantasy Baker team
1. Thomas Burris
2. Shane Higgins
3. Brett Shepherd
4. Christi Spears
5. MyselfSIX bowling balls you’d bring to ITCs or ISCs
1. Black Widow
2. Snoopy
3. Black Widow Bite
4. Resurgence
5. Second Dimension
6. Raw Hammer PainSEVEN deadly sins of collegiate bowling – what should collegiate bowlers avoid doing at all costs either on or off the lanes?
1. Not trusting your teammates
2. Getting upset when you are taken out
3. Falling behind in school
4. Not trusting your coaches
5. Getting in an argument on the lanes
6. Getting distracted; stay in the moment
7. Not trusting yourself when it comes to your gameEIGHT of my favorite songs are
1. I Need You - Lady A
2. Looking for a Good Time - Lady A
3. Cheater Cheater - Rory and Joey
4. Best Days of Your Life - Kelly Pickler
5. Every Rose Has Its Thorn - Poison
6. The Climb - Miley Cyrus
7. Goodbye - Kristinia DeBarge
8. Don’t Stop Believin’ - JourneyNINE of my favorite snack foods are
1. Teddy Grahams
2. Goldfish
3. Peanut butter and crackers
4. Skittles
5. Sweet Tarts
6. Doritos
7. Pop Tarts
8. Rice Krispies
9. Chesse NipsTEN minutes before a big match, I can be found (doing what?)
I can be found stretching while listening to my iPod and goofing off.ELEVEN strikes in a row still makes me a little nervous (True or false)
True. I have only had 11 in a row twice, and both times I was shaking so bad that I barely hit the head pin.TWELVE years from now, I hope to be …
I hope to be a nurse working in the labor and delivery unit at a hospital. I also hope to be married with children who bowl as well.Read More
Jeremy DixsonThe Men’s Collegiate Spotlight is currently featuring Saginaw Valley State University junior Jeremy Dixson. The Cardinals are looking to make it back to the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships finals, where they placed second to Wichita State last season. Dixson and company have shown that they are primed for a repeat performance by notching four top-five finishes so far this season, including a victory at their season-opening event at the American Heartland Intercollegiate Bowling Conference I in Beavercreek, Ohio. Dixson placed eighth individually at the AHIBC I, averaging over 208 for the event.Name: Jeremy Dixson
Age: 20
Year in school: Junior
Hometown: Detroit
Marital/dating status: Single
High certified game: 300
High certified series: 826
Best collegiate tournament finish: 7th (twice) – 2008 AHIBC III, 2008 AHIBC IV
Bowling ball weight: 15
Favorite brand of bowling balls: Hammer
Favorite bowling ball of all time: Blue VibeONE all-time best collegiate bowling memory
My best memory is making the 7 – 10 split at the Illinois State BPA.TWO biggest keys to collegiate bowling success
1. Positive mindset
2. CommunicationTHREE things you bring with you to every tournament
1. Uniform
2. Pillow
3. Bowling ballsFOUR collegiate bowlers you most respect and/or admire
1. Mikey Hill
> 2. Derek Hartnell
> 3. Tim Pfeifer
> 4. Floyd “JR” RaymondFIVE bowlers (past or present) that would make up your fantasy Baker team
1. Bill O’Neill
2. Thomas Smallwood
3. Dan MacLelland
4. Anthony LaCaze
5. Brian WaliczekSIX bowling balls you’d bring to ITCs or ISCs
1. Spare Ball
2. Hammer Blue Vibe
3. Storm Reign
4. Storm T-Road Pearl
5. Columbia Bedlam
6. Storm HyroadSEVEN deadly sins of collegiate bowling – what should collegiate bowlers avoid doing at all costs either on or off the lanes?
1. Bad sportsmanship
2. No team communication
3. Looking at the opponent’s score
4. Getting frustrated with yourself and your teammates
5. Stop believing in yourself
6. Missing the transition on the lanes
7. Using your cell phone during tournament competitionEIGHT of my favorite songs are
1. Beat It – Michael Jackson
2. Body Language - T Pain and Jesse McCartney
3. We Be Steady Mobbing – Lil Wayne
4. I’ll Be There – Michael Jackson
5. Freeze – T Pain
6. Hustlin – Rick Ross
7. Beautiful - Akon
8. Mrs. Officer – Lil WayneNINE of my favorite snack foods are
1. Grape juice
2. Doritos
3. Chocolate chip cookies
4. Twizzlers
5. Tootsie Rolls
6. Fudge brownies
7. Funyuns
8. Hostess cupcakes
9. Slim JimsTEN minutes before the start of a big tournament/match, I can be found (doing what?)
I am preparing my mind for tournament competition and conversing with my teammates.ELEVEN strikes in a row still makes me a little nervous (True or false)
True. No matter how many times you have been in this situation, you are nervous.TWELVE years from now, I hope to be …
I hope to be pursing my career in criminal justice. I would like to be married to a wonderful woman and continue my passion for the sport of bowling.Read More
J.R RaymondThe Men’s Collegiate Spotlight is currently featuring McKendree University junior J.R. Raymond. With an Intercollegiate Team Championships title already under his belt with Saginaw Valley State University in 2007, he has the experience and drive to lead the Bearcats to their first ITC appearance. A National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association 2006-07 Second Team and 2008-09 First Team All-American, Raymond had the fourth-highest average in the nation last season, finishing at more than 213 a game.Name: J.R. Raymond
Age: 25
Year in school: Junior
Hometown: Gaylord, Mich.
Marital/dating status: Single
High certified game: 300
High certified series: 836
Best collegiate tournament finish: 1st (three) – 2006 Midwest Collegiate Championships, 2009 Blue & Gold, 2009 S.I. Elite Invitational
Bowling ball weight: 15
Favorite brand of bowling balls: Storm
Favorite bowling ball of all time: Storm Hot Rod Pro Stock ONE all-time best collegiate bowling memory
My best memory was winning the Intercollegiate Team Championships when I was at Saginaw Valley State.TWO biggest keys to collegiate bowling success
1. Teamwork!
2. Lane playTHREE things you bring with you to every tournament
1. Confidence
2. Street Rod Pearl
3. Coach’s debit card to pay for food!FOUR collegiate bowlers you most respect and/or admire
1. Josh Blanchard
2. Mike Snow
3. Toby Sambueno
4. Dan StrubelFIVE bowlers (past or present) that would make up your fantasy Baker team
1 Dan MacLelland
2. Bill O’Neill
3. Anthony LaCaze
4. Tom Smallwood
5. Chris BarnesSIX bowling balls you’d bring to ITCs or ISCs
1. Street Rod Pearl
2. Reign
3. Rouge Cell
4. Fast
5. Virtual Gravity
6. Virtual EnergySEVEN deadly sins of collegiate bowling – what should collegiate bowlers avoid doing at all costs either on or off the lanes?
1. Playing too deep too early
2. Arguing with coach/teammates
3. Making a fool of yourself by kicking and throwing things like I used to do!
4. Missing spares
5. Not communicating
6. Being selfish
7. Not eating something before a tournamentEIGHT of my favorite songs are
1. Break – Three Days Grace
2. Comatose - Skillet
3. Hero - Skillet
4. Faint - Linkin Park
5. Paranoid - Linkin Park
6. Riot – Three Days Grace
7. Forever - Drake
8. Sideways – Dierks BentleyNINE of my favorite snack foods are
1. Cheese and crackers
2. Kit Kat
3. Beef jerky
4. Lucky Charms
5. Fruit snacks
6. Snickers
7. Peanuts
8. Candy corn
9. OreosTEN minutes before a big match, I can be found (doing what?)
I’m usually stretching and listening to my iPod.ELEVEN strikes in a row still makes me a little nervous (True or false)
Yes, but I try to harness it and use it to my advantage.TWELVE years from now, I hope to be …
I hope to be traveling on tour and married with a couple kids.Read More
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