CSTV to air IBC men's title match

http://www.bowl.com/articleView.aspx?i=10532&f=1

Lindenwood and Fresno State face off Wednesday in the 2005 Intercollegiate Bowling Championships men's title match.Wednesday night, CSTV will air the 2005 Intercollegiate Bowling Championships men's national title match between Lindenwood University and Fresno State University, beginning at 9 p.m. EDT and re-airing at 10 p.m. CSTV's coverage of the 2005 Intercollegiate Bowling Championships continues Wednesday, June 8 at 9 p.m. EDT with the women's national title match between West Texas A&M University and Wichita State University. Then on Wednesday, June 15, CSTV will recap the 2005 IBC with a Highlights Show beginning at 9 p.m. EDT.CSTV's 2005 IBC telecasts, emanating from The Cherry Bowl in Rockford, Ill., will include complete coverage of the championship matches plus additional tournament coverage, features on premier collegiate bowlers (including two-handed bowler Brian Valenta of Lindenwood University), interviews with All-Americans and a behind-the-scenes glance into the Fresno State men's and the Central Florida women's teams and their experiences at the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships.Coaches and players wore microphones during the championships, providing an intimate insider's view of the intense action.CSTV, the first 24-hour college sports network, has deals with distributors serving more than 65 million homes nationally, including the top six distributors: Comcast, DirecTV, Time Warner, Charter, Cox and Adelphia, among others. For information on CSTV availability in specific markets, visit www.CSTV.com or call your cable or satellite operator.

Tour Trials and Tribulations

Tour Trials and Tribulations
http://www.pba.com/news/default.asp?ID=3883
Merrillville, IN - June 2, 2005

Brandon brings it
Jon Brandon, who has bowled in just four PBA Tour events in his career, had a huge day Thursday to move right into the thick of the race for one of 10 exemptions up for grabs. Brandon, Santa Clarita, Calif., had the best nine-game set of all 77 bowlers Thursday, averaging 224.89 including a 257 and 269 back-to-back in games 13 and 14. Brandon’s big day helped him move up from 20th to 4th.

Rudy! Rudy!
Rudy Kasimakis, who finished 65th at the 2004 PBA Tour Trials, has made quite a turnaround so far in the 2005 PBA Tour Trials. Kasimakis, Tupelo, Miss., is currently 5th after two solid days of bowling. Kasimakis was 3rd after Wednesday’s first round of qualifying after averaging 232.89.

Kasimakis did drop off a little Thursday, averaging 208.22, but he stayed in the top five, finishing 5th with a 3,970 18-game pinfall.

“The lanes aren’t as easy as they were last year. The scores are a lot lower and the field is nowhere near as stronger as last year,” said Kasimakis, who was 9th after two days last season. “I’m just trying to play the lanes straighter early and as they open up I can go to my “A” game.”

International infliction
Two of the top 10 bowlers after two days are from outside the United States. Andres Gomez, Colombia, moved up nine places on Thursday, averaging 221.89 to move up from 12th to 3rd. His average Thursday was the third-best on the squad. Roberto Silva, Mexico, is currently 9th with a 3,916 18-game pinfall.

Other international players in the hunt are Canadian Bill Rowe, who finished 9th in the 2004 PBA Tour Trials to earn last season’s final exemption, and two-hander Osku Palermaa, Finland, who finished 5th in the 61st U.S. Open presented by Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service two seasons ago. Rowe is currently 23rd while Palermaa, who had one of three 300-games on Wednesday, is 28th.

Big Movers
Two bowlers who were exempt in 2004-05 made big moves Thursday to get back into contention. Four-time PBA title holder Dennis Horan Jr., who was 53rd after averaging just 203.22 on Wednesday, moved up 38 spots by averaging 224.78 Thursday, the second-highest total of the day. His was the biggest jump in the standings from day one to day two.

Horan started the day slow, shooting 168 and 198 in his first two games, but shot over 200 in his final seven games. He fired a 246 and 253 in games 13 and 14 and later shot a high of 263 in game 16. Horan finished with a 244 to end the day 15th.

Shannon Buchan also had a big day, moving up from 40th to 19th. Buchan averaged 207.89 on Wednesday and 214.89 Thursday, highlighted by a 254 in game 12.

Here’s a look at the biggest risers and fallers from day two of the 2005 PBA Tour Trials:

Largest Improvement in Round Two

Bowler		Rd. 1 Rank		Rd. 2 Rank		Pos. Improved
Dennis Horan Jr.		53		15		38
Brian Waliczek		58		31		27
Chris Marshall		57		33		24
Del Ballard Jr.		44		21		23
Shannon Buchan		40		19		21

Largest Decline in Round Two

Bowler		Rd. 1 Rank		Rd. 2 Rank		Pos. Fell
Elliot Ten		10		50		-40
Mathius Arup		20		52		-32
Nick Smith		39		67		-28
Kelly Kulick		11		32		-21
Liz Johnson		19		37		-18

Family Matters
Husband and wife Del Ballard Jr. and Carolyn Dorin-Ballard must have given each other a pep talk last night. Ballard was 44th after day one, averaging 206.89, while Dorin-Ballard was 28th, averaging 213.11. They moved up 23 and 11 spots, respectively, as Ballard moved all the way up to 21st and Dorin-Ballard moved up to 17th.

Dorin-Ballard, the highest ranked of the four women competing, had an up-and-down day, shooting over 240 four times – including a high of 257 in game 18 – but also shot under 200 four times.

Jeff Lizzi, who is married to Dorin-Ballard’s sister Cathy, is also in contention, finishing the day 11th with 3,883.

Woman’s Worth
Speaking of women, three other females besides Dorin-Ballard are in contention heading into the final three days. Kelly Kulick shot over 200 in three of her first four games Thursday, moving up as high as 12th at one point. She did shoot under 200 in her last five games, but she’s still in the hunt, finishing the day 32nd.

Kari Schwager is right behind Kulick in 36th with 3,698 while Liz Johnson, who finished 2nd in the 2005 PBA Banquet Open, is 37th with 3,692. Johnson, who defeated Ritchie Wolfe in the round of 8 in Grand Rapids to become the first woman to make a televised finals appearance, will bowl on the same pair as Wolfe during Friday’s competition.

USBC Announces New Web Site Addresses for Open and Women's Championships

USBC Announces New Web Site Addresses for Open and Women's Championships

6/2/2005

http://www.bowl.com/articleView.aspx?i=10533&f=1

The United States Bowling Congress has announced new Web site addresses for two of the world's largest participatory sporting events - the United States Bowling Congress Open and USBC Women's Championships.

For entry information and event news, the USBC Open Championships (formerly the ABC Championships Tournament) Web site will be USBCopen.com and the USBC Women's Championships (formerly the WIBC Championship Tournament) Web site will be USBCwomenschampionships.com.

During the transition, bowlers will continue to be able to obtain event news and entry information by visiting abctournament.com and wibctournament.com.

The 2006 USBC Open Championships and Women's Championships consist of team, doubles and singles events and will be conducted in Corpus Christi, Texas and Reno, Nev., respectively.

Open Championships entrants will compete in Corpus Christi's American Bank Center from Feb. 11 through July 1. The USBC Women's Championships will be conducted March 16 through July 2 in Reno's National Bowling Stadium. Both events may be extended if entries warrant.

Open to bowlers who hold USBC adult membership (except Professional Bowlers Association Tour professionals), the Open Championships has two divisions: Classified for bowlers with 180 and under averages (360 combined doubles average; 900 combined team average) while the Regular Division is for those who average 181 and higher. More than 65,000 bowlers are expected to compete for a prize fund approaching $5 million.

Open to women bowlers who hold USBC adult membership, more than 65,000 participants are expected to compete for a prize fund approaching $3 million in the Women's Championships.

The Women's Championships consists of five divisions: Classic for bowlers with averages of 190 and above; Division 1 for averages of 170-189; Division 2 for averages of 150-169; Division 3 for averages of 131-149; and Division 4 for averages of 130 and below.

The 2006 USBC Open Championships currently is accepting entries. The USBC Women's Championships will accept phone reservations at (414) 423-9006 beginning Sept. 19. Reservations for the Women's Championships also may be accepted through online requests, fax or mail beginning Sept. 19, however, phone reservations take precedence.

In addition to the new Web sites, entry information for the Open Championships may be obtained by calling toll free at (877) 539-7930 and the Women's Championships at (800) 514-2695, ext. 3173.

USBC Inks Orlando Hotel Deal for 2006 Convention

USBC Inks Orlando Hotel Deal for 2006 Convention
6/1/2005

http://www.bowl.com/articleView.aspx?i=10529&f=1

In a move to ensure attendees can secure the most competitive hotel rates the Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, Fla., has been selected as the official headquarter hotel for the 2006 United States Bowling Congress Convention. Room rates for April 19-23, 2006, are guaranteed at the special rate of $125 for a single/double room. The 24-story Rosen Centre Hotel is adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center, the host of the 2006 USBC Convention. Located 12 minutes from Orlando International Airport, the hotel's amenities include a large tropical pool, full-service spa, fitness center, tennis court and seven restaurants/lounges. Newly renovated guest rooms offer high-speed internet access, in-room safe, hair dryer, coffeemaker and ironing board. "Our convention is open to all USBC members and we want them to make their 2006 convention travel plans with ease," said Paulette Heney, USBC director of meetings and events. "USBC's travel program is a service for our members -- and we can guarantee them the same rates or better than they will find on the internet for the Rosen Centre Hotel." In addition to being open to all USBC members, convention attendees also will include delegates from USBC associations from across the country. These special rates are for USBC members only and are available on USBC's travel Web site, USBCtravel.com. Members can book hotel rooms online and receive instant confirmation. Downloadable forms also will be available after June 15 and can be faxed to (414) 421-9188 or mailed to: USBC Travel, 5301 S. 76th St., Greendale, Wis., 53129. Phone reservations will be accepted 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CDT at (800) 269-5885. Travel questions may be forwarded via e-mail to USBCtravel@bowl.com.

What are Your Thoughts on the USBC and its Proposed Changes?

With the proposed changes set forth by the USBC, what do you like or dislike about them? What changes to bowling and the equipment have they mentioned that you would like to see implemented, if any? What changes to the sport of bowling would you like the USBC enforce? Does bowling need this sort of restriction on bowling balls? Let us know what your thoughts are about the USBC and its proposed changes for bowling. Please feel free to voice your opinion! To view the full article, go here: http://birddogbowling.blogspot.com/2005/05/usbc-equipment-specifications.html

USBC Equipment Specifications Department to Hold Forum On Proposed Equipment Changes

USBC Equipment Specifications Department to Hold Forum On Proposed Equipment Changes
4/27/2005

http://www.bowl.com/articleView.aspx?i=10346&f=1

An open discussion forum concerning equipment specification modifications under consideration will be held by the United States Bowling Congress on June 28 from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Fla. The USBC Equipment Specifications Committee has requested the forum in hope of gathering input from all interested parties regarding several topics, including three proposed specification changes. USBC is inviting two representatives from each ball manufacturer to participate. The industry forum will also include two IBPSIA board members and two BPAA Board representatives, to be appointed by their respective organizations. "USBC recognizes that manufacturers and other interested industry parties should have the opportunity to present facts and information, and provide comment and recommendations regarding proposed specification changes," said USBC Director of Sport Jeff Henry. "We value the industry's opinions. This forum will provide the means for manufacturers and others to address issues affecting the credibility and integrity of the sport." The proposals under review, but for which no decision has been made, are as follows:
Eliminating all balance holes in all balls manufactured/drilled after January 1, 2006. Elimination of balance holes in order to reduce the ability to manipulate the dynamics of the bowling ball. Bowling balls manufactured with balance holes prior to January 1, 2006 will be grandfathered in and will be able to be used in certified competition up until January 1, 2008.
Requiring all balls drilled after January 1, 2006 to have the center of gravity (CG) mark to be within one inch of the center of grip. In conjunction with the proposed change of the balance hole specification, this new specification would allow league and tournament officials to verify a ball is within the current specifications for static weights. Bowling balls manufactured prior to January 1, 2006 will be grandfathered in and will be able to be used in certified competition up until January 1, 2008.
Requiring all balls to be manufactured with the USBC logo and year made as of January 1, 2006.In addition, USBC is establishing a new Mohs' hardness specification for particles in the cover stock of a bowling ball. This scale was developed by Fredrich Mohs in 1812. This new manufacturing specification will become effective August 1, 2005. The current durometer "D" specification will remain in effect. While the forum will focus on the three proposed equipment specification changes set forth above, USBC also will seek feedback on recent specification changes (RG Diff and COR). USBC will explain why these changes were made and seek information on whether future changes are desirable. "As you can tell due to some other recent changes, we have been reviewing various aspects of the game and implementing specification changes," said USBC Director of Research Neil Stremmel. "However, we also feel that all interested parties need to have a voice in this. We want to make sure we have everyone's point of view before we move forward with any changes. The proposed specifications are under consideration due to considerable changes over the last several years." In addition to the industry forum, USBC is also conducting an open comment period on the proposed changes. USBC would like to receive comments from any and all interested parties and in accordance with this goal an open comment period will be offered from June 1 through June 25. Any objective comments may be forwarded to: USBC Equipment Specifications Department; 5301 South 76th Street; Greendale, WI 53129; Fax (414) 421-5860; E-mail TechComments@bowl.com. A final decision regarding all proposed specification changes will be issued by July 29. USBC Equipment Specifications Department The USBC Specifications and Certification testing facility, opened in 1977, is an eight-lane center in a climate-controlled building where team members regulate and standardize bowling equipment by concentrating on pin and product testing, research work, bowling center certifications and lane dressing inspections. The staff provides lane-conditioning support for a variety of tournaments and Sport Bowling events. The Specifications and Certification team consists of engineers, technicians and support staff. Since the mid-1980s, Specifications and Certification also has approved products for international competition such as the World Tenpin Bowling Association and the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs. United States Bowling Congress The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services and enhances the bowling experience. USBC officially launched Jan. 1, 2005, as an organization serving more than three million adult and youth bowlers in the United States. It resulted from the merger of the American Bowling Congress, Women's International Bowling Congress, Young American Bowling Alliance and USA Bowling. Bowl with US!

New Bowling Balls From Ebonite in Stock

We have added a number of new bowling balls from Ebonite. All these bowling balls are in stock and ready for shipment. Some of the new balls include the Ebonite XXXcel, Ebonite Cross Fire, Ebonite Big Time Pearl, and Ebonite Black Ice. Ebonite Bowling Balls can be found here: http://www.birddogbowling.com/bowling-balls-ebonite-bowling-balls-c-21_26.html

BirdDogBowling.com Blogger is Online!

Today we are pleased to announce the launch of the BirdDogBowling.com blogger. Through our blogger, we hope to provide our customers with current information on items added to our site, current specials, new releases, and special discount codes only available through visiting our blog. If you are signed up for our newsletter, you still will get the newsletter once a month.

BirdDogBowling.com stocks the latest bowling equipment from the leading manufacturers. Bowling balls, bags, shoes, accessories and more are available from AMF, Brunsiwck, Columbia 300, Dynothane, Ebonite, Hammer, Lane #1, Storm, Track and more. Look for new products to be added to our site later today.