MacLelland back in action at 2016 USBC Masters
February 10, 2016
INDIANAPOLIS - At the end of 2014, Dan MacLelland was on top of the world, but the view could not compare to seeing his wife and daughter every day.
Shortly after winning the singles gold medal at the 2014 World Bowling Men's Championships, MacLelland stepped down from the medal podium and began his slow ride into the Canadian sunset. He now gets to spend most nights with his wife, Kristy, and their 8-month-old daughter, Harper.
"I wanted to be home a lot more, and I want to see my kids grow up," MacLelland said. "I've been fortunate to find a good job and not be on the road 200 days a year. Of course I miss the (Professional Bowlers Association) Tour, and I miss seeing some of the guys, but I don't miss the stress of having to bowl for a paycheck every week."
MacLelland bowled in a handful of PBA Tour events during the 2015 season, including the Barbasol Tournament of Championships, where he finished 10th. He also teamed with young Canadian standout Francois Lavoie to win doubles gold at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
And, while he has proven he still has what it takes to compete and excel, nothing can compete with family life.
This week, the whole MacLelland brood is in Indianapolis for the 2016 United States Bowling Congress Masters, and he is more relaxed on the lanes than ever before.
"I'm treating this like exactly what it is - a bit of a vacation," said MacLelland, who now resides in Kitchener, Ontario, and is the general manager at Brunswick Fredrick Lanes. "I'm away from my job and I get to spend time with my family and friends. But don't think I didn't prepare for this week. I knew it was going to be a lot tougher, and you can't expect to come out and compete against the best without putting some work in. I think I'm throwing it well, and I feel good mentally."
The 30-year-old right-hander found quick success against nearly 420 of the best bowlers in the world, leading the event's opening squad Tuesday before finishing the first round of qualifying fourth overall.
Leaving Woodland Bowl with some prize money or a USBC Masters title certainly would be nice, but the financial pressure to succeed is gone. Instead, he can enjoy the chance to catch up with old friends and satisfy his competitive side.
"I always wanted to be the first Canadian to win a PBA Tour title, but I can look back on my career and feel really good about it," said MacLelland, whose best Tour finish was a runner-up effort at the 2010 GEICO Shark Championship. "I made some TV shows, including a few majors, so I know I can compete. I definitely don't regret anything."
The three-time collegiate player of the year and two-time Intercollegiate Team Championships winner with Saginaw Valley State (2006 and 2007) will enjoy the opportunities this week brings, with earning a spot in the 64-player, double-elimination match-play bracket as the initial goal.
All players are bowling 15 games over three days to determine the match-play field. The top 63 will join three-time defending champion Jason Belmonte of Australia in the bracket.
Qualifying will run throughout the day Wednesday and Thursday, and match play will take place Friday and Saturday. The final five bowlers will compete in Sunday's stepladder finals, live on ESPN at 1 p.m. Eastern.
The 2016 Masters features a total prize fund of $295,000 and is a major event on the PBA Tour.
All qualifying and match play rounds of the Masters are being covered live on Xtra Frame, the PBA's online bowling channel. For subscription information, visit pba.com.
Shortly after winning the singles gold medal at the 2014 World Bowling Men's Championships, MacLelland stepped down from the medal podium and began his slow ride into the Canadian sunset. He now gets to spend most nights with his wife, Kristy, and their 8-month-old daughter, Harper.
"I wanted to be home a lot more, and I want to see my kids grow up," MacLelland said. "I've been fortunate to find a good job and not be on the road 200 days a year. Of course I miss the (Professional Bowlers Association) Tour, and I miss seeing some of the guys, but I don't miss the stress of having to bowl for a paycheck every week."
MacLelland bowled in a handful of PBA Tour events during the 2015 season, including the Barbasol Tournament of Championships, where he finished 10th. He also teamed with young Canadian standout Francois Lavoie to win doubles gold at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
And, while he has proven he still has what it takes to compete and excel, nothing can compete with family life.
This week, the whole MacLelland brood is in Indianapolis for the 2016 United States Bowling Congress Masters, and he is more relaxed on the lanes than ever before.
"I'm treating this like exactly what it is - a bit of a vacation," said MacLelland, who now resides in Kitchener, Ontario, and is the general manager at Brunswick Fredrick Lanes. "I'm away from my job and I get to spend time with my family and friends. But don't think I didn't prepare for this week. I knew it was going to be a lot tougher, and you can't expect to come out and compete against the best without putting some work in. I think I'm throwing it well, and I feel good mentally."
The 30-year-old right-hander found quick success against nearly 420 of the best bowlers in the world, leading the event's opening squad Tuesday before finishing the first round of qualifying fourth overall.
Leaving Woodland Bowl with some prize money or a USBC Masters title certainly would be nice, but the financial pressure to succeed is gone. Instead, he can enjoy the chance to catch up with old friends and satisfy his competitive side.
"I always wanted to be the first Canadian to win a PBA Tour title, but I can look back on my career and feel really good about it," said MacLelland, whose best Tour finish was a runner-up effort at the 2010 GEICO Shark Championship. "I made some TV shows, including a few majors, so I know I can compete. I definitely don't regret anything."
The three-time collegiate player of the year and two-time Intercollegiate Team Championships winner with Saginaw Valley State (2006 and 2007) will enjoy the opportunities this week brings, with earning a spot in the 64-player, double-elimination match-play bracket as the initial goal.
All players are bowling 15 games over three days to determine the match-play field. The top 63 will join three-time defending champion Jason Belmonte of Australia in the bracket.
Qualifying will run throughout the day Wednesday and Thursday, and match play will take place Friday and Saturday. The final five bowlers will compete in Sunday's stepladder finals, live on ESPN at 1 p.m. Eastern.
The 2016 Masters features a total prize fund of $295,000 and is a major event on the PBA Tour.
All qualifying and match play rounds of the Masters are being covered live on Xtra Frame, the PBA's online bowling channel. For subscription information, visit pba.com.