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• Inside the ITRC with USBC Technical Director Steve Kloempken

  11/20/09

  As the countdown to the grand opening of the International Bowling Campus continues, readers will hear directly from some of the men and women who will work inside the International Training and Research Center on a day-to-day basis.
  
  This week, USBC Technical Director Steve Kloempken, the leader of the USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications team, weighs in on how the ITRC will benefit his expert staff, USBC members and the sport of bowling as a whole.
  
  Provide some background on the Equipment Specifications and Certifications team. Who are the team members? What are their areas of expertise? What will their roles be within the ITRC?
  
  SK: We have two research engineers, Nicki Mours and Donald Benner. Both have degrees in mechanical engineering. They are active with a lot of the testing that goes on in our department. The Ball Motion Study, which was completed in 2008, could not have been done without research engineers.
  
  The same goes with our research coordinator, Jim Jaryszak. He is our most senior member of the team as he has more than 11 years of experience in this department. He helps with testing and also is heavily involved with the development of the different oil patterns used in our championship events, which include the Open Championships, Queens, U.S. Women's Open and Masters. He also works closely with the World Tenpin Bowling Association to help create fair and balanced conditions for international competition.
  
  Lanna Longorio is our research chemist; she performs testing and analysis of lane conditioners, ball polishes, ball cleaners, pin materials and ball materials, to name a few items. Her work is extremely precise.
  
  Stefanie Nation is our technical assistant; she helps with communication both within our department as well as throughout the rest of the building. She also collects all the scoring data from our wide number of tests going on at any one time.
  
  Dave Nestor works closely with both Stefanie and Lanna as he coordinates and conducts the product testing, which requires both scoring data and lab analysis. Dave also is responsible for testing all of the pins each year as part of the permit renewal process.
  
  Jason Milligan is our test technician; he measures all of the bowling balls that come through our department each year.
  
  The final member of our team is Steve Boyle; he is our center inspections analyst. In that role, he processes all the center certifications for our 5,300-plus certified bowling centers. He works with the associations and proprietors throughout the inspection process.
  
  
  As USBC Technical Director, you are the leader of the Equipment Specifications and Certifications team. What is the team's purpose, and what are some of the goals it hopes to accomplish as it works within the walls of the ITRC?
  
  SK: Our vision is to be the number one source of technical information in the bowling industry. Our primary goal is to perform tests and conduct research in order to gain and maintain the highest level of technical knowledge. We also have the goal of becoming a world-class research center, which will allow us to promote and share the knowledge we have acquired.
  
  Research is needed in our sport just like any other. It could be argued that it is needed even more since we have to understand the movement of our athletes as well as the interaction of the ball and the playing field. Last time I checked, our sport was the only one where you put your hand inside the ball. So, how does the grip affect the dynamics of the ball and ultimately the ball reaction or interaction between the ball and the lane? Those are the types of questions we address and are constantly seeking a better understanding of.
  
  USBC is the National Governing Body of our sport; that carries a variety of responsibilities, which our department attacks head on. Those responsibilities include the management and enforcement of the playing rules, the presence of a coaching program and the dissemination of technical information about our sport. The Equipment Specifications and Certifications team is the Science of Bowling. It's what we do and who we are.
  
  
  What will the ITRC have to offer that the research facility in Greendale, Wis., did not? How beneficial will the new facility be to your department's work (i.e. What will they be able to do now that they couldn't do in the past? How much higher will their quality of work be?, etc.)?
  
  SK: The research center in Greendale was truly great. I don't believe there was a lot of attention given to that facility over the years, but most people who visited the back building were awe-struck with the capabilities and technology.
  
  A lot of people don't know that C.A.T.S. - Computer Aided Tracking System - was developed by the Equipment Specifications and Certifications department in the early 1990s. More recently, thanks to the work of several key people, our department has been able to apply for four different patents in the last two years. I bring this up because I don't want to give any impression that the work done in Greendale was anything less than remarkable.
  
  The Ball Motion Study was truly the most scientifically accurate study done on ball motion in our sport. It brought things to light like the critical role the coverstock's surface roughness plays in regard to ball motion. So with that said, we have some big shoes to fill down here.
  
  The International Training and Research Center will provide unprecedented opportunities in coaching and training, and that's something that was never done in Greendale. That will bring a large number of bowlers through the training center. We will observe some of those bowlers to help us set up the proper criteria for some of our testing initiatives. This process may play itself out as we continue to develop biomechanics tools such as grip pressure and foot pressure, which we hope to refine in order to make them more readily available for coaching sessions.
  
  Last, but certainly not least, we will have a new robot in the ITRC. Compared to Harry, our former robot, this device will be capable of higher ball speeds, increased rev rates and greater axis tilt and rotation. These capabilities will allow us to test under a wider range of parameters than in the past. That's very exciting for us.
  
  How will your department's work within the ITRC benefit USBC members, proprietors/manufacturers and the sport of bowling as a whole?
  
  SK: Our work benefits USBC members and all bowlers because they can use our research as learning opportunities to become better bowlers by applying the science of our sport to their own game. We also help ensure that the products they spend money on have met our specifications relating to performance and quality. For example, all balls that come through our department are checked for roundness. This step helps ensure that the ball manufacturers have the right systems in place to produce round bowling balls. We're pretty confident that our members wouldn't be happy if they bought a new ball and it “hopped” down the lane!
  
  Another segment of our ball testing and approval process is the Mohs' Hardness Test, which checks the hardness of the particles in a ball's coverstock. During this test, we check to see whether the ball's particles will scratch a standard sheet of glass. This test protects proprietors by disallowing any ball that could potentially damage their synthetic lane panels at the point of impact because of very hard particles.
  
  Additionally helping bowling center proprietors, we test ball cleaners and polishes thoroughly. Only those which prove to not leave a residue are allowed for use during competition. If we did not do so, the proprietors' lane conditions and even machinery could be compromised. And the bowling pins which go through testing are reviewed for scoring and durability, making sure that the proprietor doesn't spend money on an inferior product that fails in a short period of time.
  
  Many proprietors don't realize we perform these tests, but it is definitely a benefit to them and their bowling centers for us to do so.
  
  The Equipment Specifications and Certifications team also benefits the sport by publishing scientific essays and studies that dispel misconceptions about topics such as ball motion and pin carry. Less than two years ago, there was still a lively debate raging about which components of a bowling ball had the greatest influences on that ball's reaction. Some thought the coverstock was the most influential element. Other people thought the core dominated ball motion. Our department put an end to that debate by coming out with a science-based study on ball motion. That study identified, in order, the impact different variables exerted on a bowling ball's performance on the lanes. Our department brings this type of information forward in order to lead bowling away from recreation and misconception and elevate it to the level of a scientifically-studied and understood sport.
  

   

  Read More Permlink to Inside the ITRC with USBC Technical Director Steve Kloempken

  
  

  Collegiate Ticker--Week of Nov. 16

  By Gene Kanak
  USBC Communications
  
  Valparaiso (NCAA)
  Inman’s Recreation Center
  Valparaiso, Ind.
  Nov. 13-14, 2009
  
  Women’s competition
  
  Minnesota State-Mankato put up 3,615 during its first five matches and 4,660 during its final five matches en route to 8,275, a 6-2 record and first place atop the five-team field. Wisconsin-Whitewater was second at 5-3 (8,261). The hosts from Valparaiso finished third, going 4-4 and notching 8,103. Adrian (3-5 - 7,500) and Elmhurst (2-6 - 7,922) rounded out the standings.
  
  Sarah Stettner of Wisconsin-Whitewater shot 850 for four games to notch the tournament’s high individual average, 212.50. Ashley Clinchoc of Minnesota-Mankato fired 1,037 for five games, which was good for a 207.40 average. Natalie Cortese of Valparaiso was third at 1,003 (200.60). Amanda Warwick of Elmhurst (999 - 199.80) and Katelyn Miles Wisconsin-Whitewater (774 - 193.50) grabbed the final spots in the top five.
  
  Complete team standings
  
  1. Minnesota State-Mankato - 6-2 - 8,275; 2. Wisconsin-Whitewater - 5-3 - 8,261; 3. Valparaiso - 4-4 - 8,103; 4. Adrian - 3-5 - 7,500; 5. Elmhurst - 2-6 - 7,922.
  
  Top 10 individual standings (Average)
  
  1. Sarah Stetner - Wisconsin-Whitewater - 212.50; 2. Ashley Clinchoc - Minnesota State-Mankato - 207.40; 3. Natalie Cortese - Valparaiso - 200.60; 4. Amanda Warwick - Elmhurst - 199.80; 5. Katelyn Miles - Wisconsin-Whitewater-Pacer - 193.50; 6. Ashley Busiel - Valparaiso - 193.20; 7. Amanda Cortese - Valparaiso - 192.00; 8. Sarah Izydorek - Minnesota State-Mankato - 192.00; 9. Shannon McKowen - Adrian - 189.00; 10. Kelsey Dunkle - 188.40.
  
  NEC #1
  Bowl O Rama
  Reading, Pa.
  Nov. 14-15, 2009
  
  Women’s competition
  
  After two days of competition, four teams sat tied with identical 5-2 match-play records, so total pins were used to determine places one through four. St. Francis (N.Y.) came out on top, narrowly topping Kutztown, 8,912-8,903, to capture the tournament title. Adelphi (8,822) was third, and New Jersey City (8,821) was fourth. Fairleigh Dickinson (3-4 - 8,789), St. Peter’s (3-4 - 8,587), Sacred Heart (2-5 - 8,739) and Long Island (0-7 - 6,781) rounded out the field.
  
  The individual crown went to Jen Daunno of New Jersey City, who broke 200 four times in seven games en route to a first-place total of 1,407. She was the only player in the field to average over 200 (201.00). Alexandra Stein of St. Francis (N.Y.) was second with 1,352 (193.10). Steph Ray of Kutztown (1,348 - 192.50), Amanda Borger of St. Peter’s (1,335 - 190.70) and Danielle McEwan of Fairleigh Dickinson (1,321 - 188.70) grabbed third, fourth and fifth place, respectively.
  
  Complete team standings
  
  1. St. Francis (N.Y.) 5-2 - 8,912; 2. Kutztown - 5-2 - 8,903; 3. Adelphi - 5-2 - 8,822; 4. New Jersey City - 5-2 - 8,821; 5. Fairleigh Dickinson - 3-4 - 8,789; 6. St. Peter’s - 3-4 - 8,587; 7. Sacred Heart - 2-5 - 8,739; 8. Long Island - 0-7 - 6,781.
  
  Top 10 individual standings (7 games)
  
  1. Jen Daunno - New Jersey City - 1,407 - 201.00; 2. Alexandra Stein - St. Francis (N.Y.) - 1,352 - 193.10; 3. Steph Ray - Kutztown - 1,348 - 192.50; 4. Amanda Borger - St. Peter’s - 1,335 - 190.70; 5. Danielle McEwan - Fairleigh Dickinson - 1,321 - 188.70; 6. Kristina Terpo - St. Francis (N.Y.) - 1,297 - 185.20; 7. Kayla Jones - Kutztown - 1,291 - 184.40; 8. Candice D’Angelo - New Jersey City - 1,269 - 181.20; 9. Sarah Pelletier - Sacred Heart - 1,250 - 178.50; 10. Kayla Stamm - Kutztown - 1,248 - 178.20.
  
  Raider Classic
  Poelking Woodman Lanes
  Kettering, Ohio
  Nov. 14-15, 2009
  
  Men’s competition
  
  Wright State-Red jumped to the top of the standings by shooting 5,040 during team play. The Raiders followed that up with 3,710 during Baker to establish a grand total of 8,750, which was more than enough to secure first place ahead of the 8,680 authored by second-place Pikeville-Grizzly. Saginaw Valley State (8,671), Morehead State-Blue (8,645) and Martin Methodist-A (8,435) also cracked the top five.
  
  Nic Sutherland of Davenport-Red took first place among individuals after tallying a five-game total of 1,111, which was good for a 222.20 average. Chris Walden of Urbana-Blue was second with 1,089 (217.80), while Matt Godbold of Saginaw Valley State placed third with 1,079 (215.80). Adam Voth of Morehead State-Blue was fourth (1,074 - 214.80), leaving Toby Sambueno of Saginaw Valley State (1,072 - 214.40) to secure fifth.
  
  Complete team standings
  
  1. Wright State-Red - 5,040-3,710 - 8,750; 2. Pikeville-Grizzly - 4,755-3,925 - 8,680; 3. Saginaw Valley State - 4,966-3,705 - 8,671; 4. Morehead State-Blue - 4,872-3,773 - 8,645; 5. Martin Methodist-A - 4,683-3,752 - 8,435; 6. Urbana-Blue - 4,709-3,643 - 8,352; 7. Davenport-Red - 4,667-3,635 - 8,302; 8. Morehead State-Gold - 4,705-3,575 - 8,280; 9. Pikeville-Kodiak - 4,604-3,592 - 8,196; 10. Grand Valley State - 4,455-3,741 - 8,196; 11. Wright State-Black - 4,535-3,659 - 8,194; 12. Urbana-Gray - 4,431-3,688 - 8,119; 13. Ohio State-Scarlet - 4,647-3,442 - 8,089; 14. St. Catharine-Purple - 4,485-3,539 - 8,024; 15. Morehead State-White - 4,415-3,603 - 8,018; 16. Morehead State-Black - 4,344-3,625 - 7,969; 17. Davenport-Black - 4,491-3,462 - 7,953; 18. Notre Dame College - 4,345-3,589 - 7,934; 19. Martin Methodist-B - 4,173-3,754 - 7,927; 20. Ohio State-Gray - 4,493-3,285 - 7,778; 21. Pikeville-Panda - 4,271-3,478 - 7,749; 22. Wright State-Green - 4,430-3,284 - 7,714; 23. Virginia Tech - 4,299-3,385 - 7,684; 24. Ball State - 4,266-3,338 - 7,604; 25. Notre Dame - 3,993-3,592 - 7,585; 26. Campbellsville - 4,107-3,451 - 7,558; 27. Ohio State-White - 4,228-3,324 - 7,552; 28. St. Catharine-Gold - 3,918-3,220 - 7,138.
  
  Top 10 individual standings (5 games)
  
  1. Nic Sutherland - Davenport-Red - 1,111 - 222.20; 2. Chris Walden - Urbana-Blue - 1,089 - 217.80; 3. Mat Godbold - Saginaw Valley State - 1,079 - 215.80; 4. Adam Voth - Morehead State-Blue - 1,074 - 214.80; 5. Toby Sambueno - Saginaw Valley State - 1,072 - 214.40; 6. Ricky Brown - Wright State-Red - 1,072 - 214.40; 7. Steven Zimmer - Morehead State-Blue - 1,066 - 213.20; 8. Curtiss Rasnic Jr. - Wright State-Red - 1,049 - 209.80; 9. Chris Cardinali - Ohio State-Gray - 1,023 - 204.60; 10. Chris Brown - Morehead State-Gold - 1,021 - 204.20.
  
  Women’s competition
  
  It was a banner weekend for Pikeville, which had squads finish first, second and fourth in this 18-team event. Pikeville-Britta captured first place, shooting 4,871 in team and 3,760 in Baker for a grand total of 8,631. Pikeville-Howie was second with 8,538. Wright State-Blue broke the streak by capturing third (8,006), but the Bears got back into fray thereafter with Pikeville-Primm grabbing fourth at 7,865. Ball State (7,827) secured the final spot in the top five.
  
  Kim Yioulos led the Pikeville-Britta effort with a five-game score of 1,019, which was good for a 203.80 average and first place in the individual competition. Nicole Burke, also of Pikeville-Britta, was just one pin back at 1,018 (203.60). Natasha Martin of Pikeville-Howie was third (996 - 199.20). Chantal Francis of Virginia Tech was fourth (993 - 198.60), leaving Megan Kyle of Pikeville-Britta (992 - 198.40) to claim fifth.
  
  Complete team standings
  
  1. Pikeville-Britta - 4,871-3,760 - 8,631; 2. Pikeville-Howie - 4,767-3,771 - 8,538; 3. Wright State-Blue - 4,435-3,571 - 8,006; 4. Pikeville-Primm - 4,443-3,422 - 7,865; 5. Ball State - 4,194-3,633 - 7,827; 6. Davenport - 4,240-3,493 - 7,733; 7. Martin Methodist - 4,226-3,398 - 7,624; 8. Wright State-Green - 4,117-3,234 - 7,351; 9. Notre Dame College - 4,134-3,145 - 7,279; 10. Ohio State - 3,922-3,211 - 7,133; 11. Urbana - 3,986-3,125 - 7,111; 12. Indiana - 4,052-3,026 - 7,078; 13. Virginia Tech - 3,819-3,079 - 6,898; 14. St. Catharine-Purple - 3,975-2,916 - 6,891; 15. Grand Valley State - 3,679-2,939 - 6,618; 16. Campbellsville - 3,436-2,934 - 6,370; 17. Spalding - 3,277-2,491 - 5,768; 18. Ursuline - 2,019-1,737 - 3,756.
  
  Top 10 individual standings (5 games)
  
  1. Kim Yioulos - Pikeville-Britta - 1,019 - 203.80; 2. Nicole Burke - Pikeville-Britta - 1,018 - 203.60; 3. Natasha Martin - Pikeville-Howie - 996 - 199.20; 4. Chantal Francis - Virginia Tech - 993 - 198.60; 5. Megan Kyle - Pikeville-Britta - 992 - 198.40; 6. Emily Witt - Pikeville-Howie - 978 - 195.60; 7. Jennifer Wright - Pikeville-Howie - 972 - 194.40; 8. Becky Sulligan - Pikeville-Britta - 968 - 193.60; 9. Heidi Sanders - Wright State-Blue - 961 - 192.20; 10. Kathryn Cox - Wright State-Blue - 961 - 192.20.
  
  Minnesota Invitational
  Memory Lanes
  Minneapolis, Minn.
  Nov. 14-15, 2009
  
  Men’s competition
  
  Wisconsin-Whitewater sat in third place after team play (5,818), but a field-best 2,453 Baker effort lifted the Warhawks past their opponents and into first place with a grand total of 8,271. Nebraska-Omaha was second with 8,239. William Penn-Statesmen finished third with 8,085. Iowa State (7,802) grabbed fourth. South Dakota State (7,735) was fifth.
  
  Sean Rangel of William Penn-Statesmen won the individual competition with a six-game total of 1,305, which was good for a 217.50 average. Jeffry Puchio of William Penn-Gold was second with 1,281 (213.50). Nick Riedler of Nebraska-Omaha-Red finished third with 1,274 (212.33), leaving Trevor Ruesch of Wisconsin-Whitewater (1,258 - 209.67) and Brandon Fietek of Minnesota State-Mankato (1,253 - 208.83) to settle for fourth and fifth, respectively.
  
  Complete team standings
  
  1. Wisconsin-Whitewater - 5,818-2,453 - 8,271; 2. Nebraska-Omaha-Red - 5,975-2,264 - 8,239; 3. William Penn-Statesmen - 5,820-2,265 - 8,085; 4. Iowa State - 5,436-2,366 - 7,802; 5. South Dakota State - 5,505-2,230 - 7,735; 6. North Dakota State - 5,488-2,237 - 7,725; 7. William Penn-Gold - 5,568-2,123 - 7,691; 8. Minnesota State-Mankato - 5,563-2,097 - 7,660; 9. Iowa - 5,512-2,129 - 7,641; 10. Minnesota-Gold - 5,259-2,219 - 7,478; 11. Minnesota-Maroon - 5,106-2,210 - 7,316; 12. Nebraska-Omaha-Black - 5,174-2,062 - 7,236; 13. William Penn-Blue - 5,006-2,217 - 7,223.
  
  Top 10 individual standings (6 games)
  
  1. Sean Rangel - William Penn-Statesmen - 1,305 - 217.50; 2. Jeffry Puchio - William Penn-Gold - 1,281 - 213.50; 3. Nick Riedler - Nebraska-Omaha-Red - 1,274 - 212.33; 4. Trevor Ruesch - Wisconsin-Whitewater - 1,258 - 209.67; 5. Brandon Fietek - Minnesota State-Mankato - 1,253 - 208.83; 6. Jason Corbaley - Nebraska-Omaha-Red - 1,233 - 205.50; 7. Kyle Vanderloop - Wisconsin-Whitewater - 1,221 - 203.50; 8. James Miller - William Penn-Statesmen - 1,204 - 200.67; 9. Mike Dolan - Wisconsin-Whitewater - 1,190 - 198.33; 10. Bill Mettee - South Dakota State - 1,179 - 196.50.
  
  Gator Collegiate Bowling Shootout
  Splitz
  Gainesville, Fla.
  Nov. 14-15, 2009
  
  Men’s competition
  
  Santa Fe College shot 6,296 during team and 3,512 during Baker to grab first place in the Power Point standings with a grand total of 9,808. Central Florida-Black (9,676), Florida International (9,581), South Florida (9,293) and Florida State-Garnet (9,008) also cracked the top five.
  
  Once the bracket finals began, Central Florida-Black showed itself to be a step ahead of the rest, downing Florida International, 2-1 (180-232, 236-203, 192-160), and Santa Fe, 2-1 (203-159, 158-256, 213-204), to collect the tournament title. Florida International (1-2) and South Florida (0-2) finished third and fourth, respectively.
  
  The battle or individual supremacy went to Dale Coleman of Santa Fe, who fired a six-game total of 1,415, which included a 300 in Game 6. For the day, Coleman averaged 235.83. Clinton Andrews of Florida was second with 1,376 (229.33). Ryne Stone of Central Florida was third with 1,315 (219.17), while Zak Rogers of Florida International was fourth with 1,312 (218.67). Zach Senter of South Florida shot 1,256 (209.33) to claim fifth place.
  
  Bracket results
  
  Final
  (2) Central Florida-Black def. (1) Santa Fe 2-1 (203-159, 158-256, 213-204).
  
  Semifinals
  (1) Santa Fe def. (4) South Florida 2-0 (213-154, 211-192).
  (2) Central Florida-Black def. (3) Florida International 2-1 (180-232, 236-203, 192-160).
  
  Complete team standings
  
  1. Santa Fe - 6,296-3,512 - 9,808; 2. Central Florida-Black - 6,244-3,432 - 9,676; 3. Florida International - 6,126-3,455 - 9,581; 4. South Florida - 6,118-3,175 - 9,293; 5. Florida State-Garnet - 5,835-3,173 - 9,008; 6. Florida State-Gold - 5,779-3,050 - 8,829; 7. Central Florida-Gold - 5,707-3,082 - 8,789; 8. Florida-Orange - 5,519-3,093 - 8,612; 9. Florida-Blue - 4,954-2,639 - 7,593; 10. Allen - 4,346-2,277 - 6,623; Miami - 4,083-2,199 - 6,282.
  
  Top 10 individual standings (6 games)
  
  1. Dale Coleman - Santa Fe - 1,415 - 235.83; 2. Clinton Andrews - Florida - 1,376 - 229.33; 3. Ryne Stone - Central Florida - 1,315 - 219.17; 4. Zak Rogers - Florida International - 1,312 - 218.67; 5. Zach Senter - South Florida - 1,256 - 209.33; 6. Donny Bartlett - Santa Fe - 1,247 - 207.83; 7. Enrique Quinoa - Florida International - 1,232 - 205.33; 8. Alex Klemp - Florida State - 1,231 - 205.17; 9. Tim Mirowsky - South Florida - 1,230 - 205.00; 10. Jeremy Mooney - Santa Fe - 1,227 - 204.50.
  
  Women’s competition
  
  Central Florida-Black ran away with the Power Point competition, shooting 6,567 during team and 3,499 during Baker to finish with 10,066, which put it well ahead of the 9,650 put up by second-place Central Florida-Gold. Florida State (8,439) and Florida (7,576) rounded out the standings.
  
  People expecting an all-UCF bracket final got a rude awakening when Florida State upset Central Florida-Gold, 2-0 (201-171, 191-174), during the semifinals. The Seminoles then went on to defeat top-seeded Central Florida-Black, 2-0 (183-181, 193-181), during the championship match.
  
  The individual battle was largely one-sided as Central Florida bowlers captured the top eight positions and nine of the top 10. Kristie Petravich took first place with a six-game total of 1,361, which included games of 279 and 257. Dayna Galganski was second with 1,327 (221.17). Kaidee Sutphin (1,327 - 221.17), Stephanie Moore (1,306 - 217.67) and Jenn Boiselle (1,297 - 216.17) completed the top five.
  
  Bracket results
  
  Final
  
  (3) Florida State def. (1) Central Florida-Black 2-0 (183-181, 193-181).
  
  Semifinals
  
  (1) Central Florida-Black def. (4) Florida 2-0 (212-140, 222-201).
  (3) Florida State def. (2) Central Florida-Gold 2-0 (201-171, 191-174).
  
  Complete team standings
  
  1. Central Florida-Black - 6,567-3,499 - 10,066; 2. Central Florida-Gold - 6,386-3,264 - 9,650; 3. Florida State - 5,600-2,839 - 8,439; 4. Florida - 4,844-2,732 - 7,576.
  
  Top 10 individual standings (6 games)
  
  1. Kristie Petravich - Central Florida - 1,361 - 226.83; 2. Dayna Galganski - Central Florida - 1,327 - 221.17; 3. Kaidee Sutphin - Central Florida - 1,327 - 221.17; 4. Stephanie Moore - Central Florida - 1,306 - 217.67; 5. Jenn Boiselle - Central Florida - 1,297 - 216.17; 6. Catie Mullen - Central Florida - 1,274 - 212.33; 7. Kara Bunting - Central Florida - 1,251 - 208.50; 8. Nikki Lozzia - Central Florida - 1,213 - 202.17; 9. Corinne Kelley - Florida State - 1,199 - 199.83; 10. Sara Kramer - Central Florida - 1,176 - 196.00.
  
  MEAC-Southern Division
  Nov. 13-15, 2009
  
  Women’s competition
  
  South Carolina State, Norfolk State and Florida A&M all finished 4-1, but the tournament title went to South Carolina State by virtue of the tiebreaker, which was team average. South Carolina State averaged 1,008. Norfolk State claimed second place by virtue of its 942 average. Florida A&M was third with 932. Bethune-Cookman (2-3), North Carolina A&T (1-4) and Winston-Salem State (0-4) rounded out the standings.
  
  The individual crown went to Kimberly Roe of Bethune-Cookman, who fired a five-game total of 992, which was good for an average of 198.40. Darcie Evans of South Carolina State was second with 972 (194.40). Jazmin Bingham of Florida A&M was one pin back at 971 (194.20). Fourth and fifth went to Sheila-Marie Smith of Norfolk State (965 - 193.00) and Samantha Mighty of Florida A&M (962 - 192.40), respectively.
  
  Complete team standings (5 standings)
  
  1. South Carolina State - 4-1; 2. Norfolk State - 4-1; 3. Florida A&M - 4-1; 4. Bethune-Cookman - 2-3; 5. North Carolina A&T - 1-4; 6. Winston-Salem State - 0-4.
  
  Top 10 individual standings
  
  1. Kimberly Roe - Bethune-Cookman - 992 - 198.40; 2. Darcie Evans - South Carolina State - 972 - 194.40; 3. Jazmin Bingham - Florida A&M - 971 - 194.20; 4. Sheila-Marie Smith - Norfolk State - 965 - 193.00; 5. Samantha Mighty - Florida A&M - 962 - 192.40; 6. Sarah Taylor - North Carolina A&T - 961 - 192.20; 7. Marina Akers - South Carolina State - 954 - 190.80; 8. Stephanie Sinclair - South Carolina State - 899 - 179.80; 9. Khrystal Richardson - Winston-Salem State - 893 - 178.60; 10. Mariah Hebbe - South Carolina State - 887 - 177.40.
  
  MEAC-Northern Division
  Nov. 13-15, 2009
  
  Women’s competition
  
  Delaware State put up 9,193 (4,663 team, 4,530 Baker) en route to a perfect 10-0 record and first place in this conference tussle. Maryland-Eastern Shore finished in second place at 8-2. Hampton and Morgan both finished at 5-5, leaving Howard (2-8) and Coppin (0-10) to round to the standings.
  
  Adrianna Jaime of Delaware State won the individual competition with a five-game total of 1,021, which was good for an average of 204.20. Martha Perez of Maryland-Eastern Shore was the only other bowler to average over 200. She shot 1,002 to average 200.40 and finish in second place. Jazmyne Hefflefinger of Delaware State was third with 973 (194.60). Keisheena Waldon of Morgan was fourth with 937 (187.40), leaving Kristina Frahm of Maryland-Eastern Shore to claim fifth with 878 (175.60).
  
  Complete team standings
  
  1. Delaware State (10-0); 2. Maryland-Eastern Shore (8-2); 3. Hampton (5-5); 4. Morgan (5-5); 5. Howard (2-8); 6. Coppin (0-10).
  
  Top 10 individual standings (5 games)

  1. Adrianna Jaime - Delaware State - 1,021 - 204.20; 2. Martha Perez - Maryland-Eastern Shore - 1,002 - 200.40; 3. Jazmyne Hefflefinger - Delaware State - 973 - 194.60; 4. Keisheena Waldon - Morgan - 937 - 187.40; 5. Kristina Frahm - Maryland-Eastern Shore - 878 - 175.60; 6. Tylencia Selph - Morgan - 876 - 175.20; 7. Erica Martin - Coppin - 863 - 172.60; 8. Ashley Milbourne - Morgan - 858 - 171.60; 9. Kalyn Washburn - Delaware State - 856 - 171.20; 10. Rebecca Glazier - Hampton - 838 - 167.60.
  
  2009-10 season high scores Men’s high team series

  1. Wichita State - S.I. Elite - 3,421; 2. Lindenwood - Midwest Collegiate - 3,365; 3. Saginaw Valley State - Orange and Black - 3,358; 4. Robert Morris University of Illinois - Midwest Collegiate - 3,304; 5. CSU-Fresno State - Midwest Collegiate - 3,281; 6. UNLV - Sin City - 3,275; 7. McKendree - S.I. Elite - 3,237; 8. Webber International - Brunswick Southern - 3,236; 9. Newman - Midwest Collegiate - 3,212; 10. William Paterson - Penn Classic - 3,203. Men’s high team game 1. Lindenwood - Midwest Collegiate - 1,234; 2. Wichita State - S.I. Elite - 1,205; 3. Saginaw Valley State - Orange and Black - 1,201; 4. CSU-Fresno State - Midwest Collegiate - 1,198; 5. McKendree - S.I. Elite - 1,176; 6. Rochester Institute of Technology - Midwest Collegiate - 1,172; 7. Nebraska-Omaha - Midwest Collegiate - 1,149; 8. Robert Morris University of Illinois - Kegel Collegiate - 1,146; 9. Calumet College of St. Joseph - Orange and Black - 1,144; 10. Wright State - AHIBC II - 1,125. Men’s high individual series 1. Andy Mills - Viterbo - Midwest Collegiate - 783; 2. Justin Hargrave - Louisiana-Lafayette - SWIBC I - 760; 3. Ronnie Sparks - Wichita State - S.I. Elite - 747; 4. Joe Sabo - Toledo - Orange and Black - 744; 5. Nick Pahr - Wichita State - S.I. Elite - 742; 6. Kyle Keegan - Rochester Institute of Technology - Midwest Collegiate - 739; Derek Hartnell - Newman - Midwest Collegiate - 739; 8. Mikey Hill - Robert Morris University of Illinois - Midwest Collegiate - 738; 9. Eddie Schaub - UNLV - Sin City - 726; 10. Kevin Fanter - Newman - Midwest Collegiate - 725; Dave Sweet - Southern Illinois - Brickyard Classic - 725; Greg Patz - Wright State - Orange and Black - 725. Women’s high team series 1. Robert Morris University of Illinois - Orange and Black - 3,323; 2. Pikeville - Orange and Black - 3,315; 3. Webber International - Brunswick Southern - 3,269; 4. Wichita State - S.I. Elite - 3,171; 5. Lindenwood - Orange and Black - 3,079; 6. Bellarmine - Midwest Collegiate - 2,912; 7. Ball State - Orange and Black - 2,905; 8. Martin Methodist - Orange and Black - 2,902; 9. Urbana - Orange and Black - 2,874; 10. West Texas A&M - SWIBC I - 2,839. Women’s high team game 1. Wichita State - S.I. Elite - 1,225; 2. Pikeville - Orange and Black - 1,164; 3. Webber International - Brunswick Southern - 1,155; 4. Robert Morris University of Illinois - Orange and Black - 1,131; 5. Central Florida - Brunswick Southern - 1,102; 6. Vanderbilt - UCM Ozarks - 1,096; 7. Lindenwood - Orange and Black - 1,062; 8. Wright State - Kegel Collegiate - 1,051; 9. Ball State - Orange and Black - 1,041; 10. Urbana - Orange and Black - 1,036. Women’s high individual series 1. Jennifer Wright - Pikeville - Orange and Black - 777; 2. Jenny Petzoldt - Lindenwood - Orange and Black - 724; 3. Jenn Boisselle - Central Florida - Brunswick Southern - 696; 4. Samantha Kelly - Robert Morris University of Illinois - Orange and Black - 695; 5. Michelle Secours - Bellarmine - Orange and Black - 693; 6. Brittni Hamilton - Vanderbilt - UCM Greater Ozarks - 682; 7. Heather D’Errico - Robert Morris University of Illinois - Orange and Black - 680; 8. Cindy Buckner - Martin Methodist - Orange and Black - 677; Nicole Burke - Pikeville - Orange and Black - 677; 10. Hannah Wrenn - Robert Morris University of Illinois - Orange and Black - 673.

  Read More Permlink to Collegiate Ticker--Week of Nov. 16

  
  

  USBC developing Red, White and Blue conditions

  By Jason Overstreet
  USBC Communications
  
  This past June, The United States Bowling Congress introduced plans to develop a new series of lane conditions for certified competition. The group of patterns is designed to provide bowlers a better description for the difficulty of traditional "house" conditions.
  
  The plan will allow leagues and tournaments to have the option of using oil patterns falling into USBC Red, White or Blue condition categories.  USBC Red pattern is the most forgiving condition, USBC White is more challenging and USBC Blue is the most difficult of the new "house" conditions.  USBC Sport Bowling conditions will continue to be the most challenging level of oil patterns.
  
  "We know that lane conditions have a tremendous impact on the sport," USBC Vice President-National Governing Body Neil Stremmel said. "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 USBC Red, White and Blue patterns recently passed standards for difficulty and fairness in testing done with the cooperation of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America. The conditions should be available for tournament use in spring 2010 and for the fall 2010 league season.
  
  "This program can provide proprietors an excellent marketing tool to attract and maintain league bowlers," BPAA President Jim Sturm said.  "Red, White and Blue can be used like stepping stones to progressively increase a bowler's interest in the competitive side of the sport. We are eager to test the program and hear feedback from customers and proprietors."
  
  Use of the USBC Red, White and Blue conditions will be completely optional and the patterns will be available for download at no cost.
  
  "A primary goal of the project is to make the USBC Red, White and Blue conditions easy for bowlers to understand and proprietors to utilize," Stremmel said.  "The industry's lane machine manufacturers have been extremely supportive in making sure this program will work for nearly any center wanting to participate."
  
  As part of the effort to gain attention for the new condition categories, USBC is sponsoring the next stop on the PBA Tour - the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan., Dec. 7-13.  The finals telecast will air Jan. 10 on ESPN.

  Read More Permlink to USBC developing Red, White and Blue conditions

  
  

  Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open Approaching

  11/20/09
  
  As part of a campaign to introduce its new Red, White and Blue lane patterns, USBC is sponsoring next month’s Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan., Dec. 7-13.  
  
  One of just a handful of open events on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour schedule, the tournament will be the first opportunity for amateurs and PBA stars alike to gain experience on these new lane conditions.
  
  Several practice sessions are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 7. Qualifying begins on the USBC Red pattern Dec. 8, followed by a second qualifying block on the USBC White pattern on Dec. 9. After cutting to the cashers (top 53 based on a field of 160), qualifying resumes on the USBC Blue pattern on Dec. 10.
  
  The patterns range in difficulty from the least challenging (USBC Red) to more difficult (USBC Blue) and are designed to provide bowlers a better description for the difficulty of traditional "house" conditions. USBC Sport Bowling conditions will continue to offer the most challenging lane patterns.
  
  "We know that lane conditions have a tremendous impact on the sport," USBC Vice President-National Governing Body Neil Stremmel said when the development of these patterns was announced earlier this year. "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."
  
  Bowling fans around the country will get their first glimpse of the project when the Pepsi Red White and Blue Open finals telecast airs Jan. 10 on ESPN.
  
  The patterns will be used at many state and local USBC tournaments, and bowling centers around the country will be given the option to use them in their USBC leagues as well.

  Read More Permlink to Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open Approaching

  
  

  Ball speed tips for elite bowlers

  By Stephen Padilla

  USBC Coaching Specialist

  By this point, you've developed the ability to hit the pocket at will on most conditions, but scoring comes down to more than just hitting the pocket; you've got to hit it the right way. In order to do so, you have to find the right combination of ball, target and reaction. Ball speed plays a big role in this process.

  Effective control of ball speed is one of the hallmarks of an elite player. After all, slight variations in speed alter the ball's ability to skid, hook and roll into the pins from the proper angle to carry all 10 pins. With that in mind, it's crucial that you have a large bag of tricks to utilize when you're looking to change your speed up or down.

  There are many approaches you can use to slow down. Some of my favorites include the following: raising or lowering the ball during your setup, moving up or back on the approach, changing you wrist position, or singing a different tune in your head in order to slow your tempo; likewise, there are plenty of effective tricks for speeding things up and taking revs off the ball. They include: unloading your wrist position, lofting the ball farther onto the lane or moving your feet faster in order to generate more ball speed.

  Remember, to be elite, you have to strike and strike often. Practice the techniques listed above, and be sure to try others you've heard about as well. That way, you'll have plenty of options to choose from the next time you find yourself needing to change your look on the lanes.

  Read More Permlink to Ball speed tips for elite bowlers

  

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