What is your biggest bowling accomplishment and why?Being inducted into our local Bowling Hall of Fame has been my greatest accomplishment to date. Being a member of the Hall Of Fame means that you are being recognized for your career accomplishments and not just for one year or one tournament. Bowling for me has always been about fun and competition.
What would you like most to accomplish in your bowling career and why?
I would like to be recognized as one of the top bowlers in the sport and know that I made a different to the sport of bowling. I think I have pretty much done that one a local basis. I have a dream to some day be a member of Team USA. I notice this week on the PBA that they were talking about Juvenile Diabetes. That is something we have supported for a few years now. In my Pro Shop when someone wants a hole opened up, I don't charge people. I have a donation box and I ask them to make a donation. In 2008 we raised $705; in 2009 we raised $643 and we are over $200 so far this year. Knowing that there is a child out there with an insulin pump that we helped get is very rewarding. Using bowling to help make a difference in a child's life is to me the ultimate accomplishment.
What has helped you the most in getting to the level you are at as a bowler?
It would have to be coaching. The first thing I tell my students is practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent. I've been lucky enough to have access to one of the best coaches in the world (Rod Ross). I had an injury and developed some bad habits trying to bowl through it. After a few lessons with Rod my game was back better than ever and the rest is history. When I practice I never just throw balls, I like to take a part of my game that needs help and work on it. I never keep score when I practice, because score is not important. Then when I bowl league or a tournament, I just trust my game and go out and have fun. I try to make good shoots and don't worry about things that are for practice. Sport Bowling leagues are a good way of testing my progress. On the Sport Bowling condition you only get rewarded for a good shot and spare making is at a premium. Sport Bowling also helps your mental game by keeping it sharp.