The new United States Bowling Congress has been approved by death-bed bowling organizations, so it's time to think of what to do next.
It will be business as usual for associations through the 2004-05 season, but plans should begin to determine how associations will transition into the new organization that launches Jan. 1, 2005. Some associations will merge with others and some will remain separate.
Every state and local association must begin the process of becoming chartered with USBC either through merging with other associations, remaining separate associations or becoming chartered affiliate associations. Ultimately, the local ABC councils of delegates, WIBC members and YABA boards have the final say on local mergers and state delegates have the final say on state mergers, not just the local and state boards of directors.
All associations will be sent letters of intent in August and associations have until May 31, 2005 to sign and return the letters to USBC. Associations not returning the letters will receive headquarters support only for the remainder of the 2004-05 season. Services and supplies will not be provided thereafter.
A temporary USBC charter will be issued to state and local associations for the 2004-05 bowling season.
The USBC's first meeting is in the spring 2006 and both merged and nonmerged associations that have submitted the letter of intent may attend.
The USBC transition manual can be downloaded at www.bowl.com
TRIALS OPEN: The inaugural PBA tour trials opened Tuesday at Merrillville, Ind., and end Sunday with the top eight players gaining an exemption for the 2004-05 PBA season.
The competition features two squads bowling nine games each day. After the final day, the top eight with the most cumulative pinfall will receive a season-long exemption to the tour.
The trials are open to any PBA member who has participated in at least five PBA events (PBA tour, senior tour, regional tour) from Aug. 11, 2003 to May 31, 2004. The entry fee is $1,500 and a prize fund will be paid after each day, based on entries. There are 110 participants signed for the Merrillville trials.
The top 50 players from the recently concluded tour already have qualified for the 64-man exempt field for the 2004-05 season, which opens Oct. 24 in Milwaukee. Another 14 players will be selected through the trials and by other means.
Among the trial entrants are Palm Harbor's Steve Hoskins, Del Ballard , Bryan Goebel, Randy Pedersen, Wayne Webb, Jeff Lizzi, Eugene McCune, Dave Arnold, David Traber, RickyWard, Ritchie Allen, Blaise Bedolla, Jess Stayrook, and former senior player of the year Dale Eagle.
Now that women are included in PBA competition, Missy Bellinder, Kelly Kulick and Kendra Gaines also have entered.
PAPPAS, FINALLY: Veteran PBA Hall of Famer George Pappas broke a seven-year drought by beating Tim Kauble 2-0 to win the Senior Manassas (Va.) Open on May 19.
Pappas won his second senior title and his first since capturing the 1997 Senior Tournament of Champions in Sheboygan, Wis.
"Quite often in the last few years I would finish second or make it very close and lose," said Pappas, who won $8,000. "This win for me is huge. I tried to maintain a positive outlook and it's just a great feeling to finally bring home a title."
Pappas rolled seven consecutive strikes to win the first game against Kauble 257-213. Kauble had a number of splits in the second game, including a missed 3-10, to give Pappas the win 214-187.
Pappas defeated fellow hall of famer Roy Buckley 2-0 to gain the finals. Kauble defeated Ted Staikoff 2-1. Kauble received $4,500; Staikoff and Buckley $3,000.
The tour resumes Aug. 1 with the Don Carter Classic at Davie.
