USBC changes awards, rules

By Dallas Kadry

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The United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the governing body for bowling, has a few changes for this upcoming year. A benefit of USBC that affects most bowlers is their awards program. It seems each year the awards get tweaked a little, and usually not in a positive way. Adults now will earn either magnets or certificates in place of pins and emblems for many achievements. These will include Triplicates, All Spare, Dutch 200, Big 4 Split, and 7/10 Split.

Also on the horizon is a new group of oil patterns that will describe the lane conditions or "house shot" at a bowling center. The amount and placement of the oil on a lane contributes greatly to the scoring. "We know that lane conditions have a tremendous impact on the sport," said Neil Stremmel, USBC vice president-National Governing Body. "House shots can be very easy or reasonably challenging. Knowing the difficulty of the condition helps build credibility for the sport and adds a new fun element for bowlers." The new patterns will be designated as red, white, or blue conditions. The red condition is listed as being the most forgiving, or in other words, the scoring will be higher regardless of the skill level of the bowler. The white pattern will be more difficult and the blue will be the hardest of the new house conditions to score on. USBC Sport bowling that is in use now will continue to be the most challenging level of all oil patterns. Testing is scheduled for later this year, with the bowling centers having the option to designate their lane conditions next year.

Earl Purcell finished in the top spot for the men's list in the McHenry No-Tap with a nice 913 set. Purcell had no-tap games of 275-278-300 and added 20 pins handicap for the winning total. Rick Lazaro ended in second scoring an 853 that also included a no-tap 300 game. Roger Baker rounded out the third spot with his 846 set. Bea Cowan topped the women's side, rolling an 853 series. Jean Bertolosso was next in line with an 819 score, followed by Olivia Clinton in third at a 792.

The 4th annual Vanessa Brown Home 2009 PBA Western Region Tournament is returning to Yosemite Lanes the weekend of June 27-28. Pros will be shoeing up on Saturday morning for the qualifying rounds, and the top bowlers will return on Sunday for the final rounds. Pro-ams are running with the event and two times are scheduled, Friday at 3:30 p.m., and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The sweepers are divided into three divisions; senior, adult, and junior, each with their own prize fund. Entries are available at both bowling centers. For more information, call Wayne at 524-9161.

The Junior/Senior Firecracker Doubles Tournament is on the calendar at McHenry for July 4. A barbecue lunch will be served at noon, and tournament scoring will start at 1 p.m. A senior bowler, age 55 and older, will be teamed with a youth bowler under 18 for each doubles team. If participants don't have an average, one will be assigned. Cash prizes will be awarded to the seniors, and scholarships will be given to the youth winners. Call June at 571-2695 for more information.

The Peach Singles Classic Tournament at McHenry and the Save Mart Summer Doubles at Yosemite are in progress now through July 26. The Peach runs weekends only with squad times of noon, 2:30, and 5 p.m. The Doubles can be bowled anytime lanes are available. To sign up, check with Dave for the Peach at 571-2695, and Wayne for the Doubles at 524-9161.

Dallas Kadry can be reached at mchbowl@aol.com.