Matt Cannizzaro blog: And away we go
March 09, 2010
This year, some slower days allowed us to ease into the 2010 USBC Open Championships. We had time to re-familiarize ourselves with the intricacies of the tournament and teach the new folks the ins and outs. But now, the days are getting longer and the scores are starting to climb.
In the last 36 hours, we've seen our first 1,400 in doubles, first 2,000 all-events total and first perfect game. If the past five years are any indication, I believe we can say that the floodgates are open.
We've worked hard in the media department to make sure the new USBCopen.com is as complete and functional as possible, successfully used our still camera, been over our video-making procedures and done a live streaming test. Standings are updating automatically, message board questions are being answered and stories are steady. We are ready for the long haul.
By month's end, we will see our first two 50-year guys (Norm Cummings and Hal Kaminski; March 13), our first 60-year bowler (Don Ellis; March 14); the fourth 65-year bowler in tournament history (Syl Thiel; March 25); Jeff Richgels and his band of merry men (March 26) and our first defending champions (Lind Limited; March 28). It is such a good variety of experience, talent, personality and excitement. It actually makes being at the National Bowling Stadium for 15 hours a day sound more like fun than a job.
But besides the notable bowlers, I've also had the chance to meet a lot of other bowlers, too. It's always nice to walk the venue and talk shop with people who simply love the event and want to share stories or just ask questions about how things work around here. It's also great to be sitting at a blackjack table or in line at a restaurant and run into a bowler who enjoys what I provide to BOWL.com and just wants to say hello.
Along with our duties at the Open Championships this week, Aaron Smith and I have been working on the new look for the Women's Championships page on BOWL.com. It should be ready to launch by the end of the week, just in time for Aaron to roll into El Paso, Texas, for his 100-day run in the Sun City.
Hopefully, he has learned a lot in the seven months we've worked together and is ready to make the Women's Championships the talk of Texas. His ambition and passion for the sport are refreshing. He reminds me of a skinny, right-handed version of myself when I was a youngster just getting my foot in the door.
Tomorrow will be Aaron's last day in the Reno bureau. On Thursday, he'll pack up his new suits, how-to-tie-a-tie instructions and AP Stylebook and be on his way. Check www.usbcwomenschampionships.com often for his thoughts and behind-the-scenes take on El Paso and the world's largest participatory sporting event for women. Good luck, Mr. Smith. Do work.
Right now, I am going to sort through some video of this week's action. Stay tuned for that as well as On the Lanes with Norm Cummings and Gail Myers Jr. Also, keep an eye out for the first live streaming event from the National Bowling Stadium.
That's the news for now. See you on the lanes.
In the last 36 hours, we've seen our first 1,400 in doubles, first 2,000 all-events total and first perfect game. If the past five years are any indication, I believe we can say that the floodgates are open.
We've worked hard in the media department to make sure the new USBCopen.com is as complete and functional as possible, successfully used our still camera, been over our video-making procedures and done a live streaming test. Standings are updating automatically, message board questions are being answered and stories are steady. We are ready for the long haul.
By month's end, we will see our first two 50-year guys (Norm Cummings and Hal Kaminski; March 13), our first 60-year bowler (Don Ellis; March 14); the fourth 65-year bowler in tournament history (Syl Thiel; March 25); Jeff Richgels and his band of merry men (March 26) and our first defending champions (Lind Limited; March 28). It is such a good variety of experience, talent, personality and excitement. It actually makes being at the National Bowling Stadium for 15 hours a day sound more like fun than a job.
But besides the notable bowlers, I've also had the chance to meet a lot of other bowlers, too. It's always nice to walk the venue and talk shop with people who simply love the event and want to share stories or just ask questions about how things work around here. It's also great to be sitting at a blackjack table or in line at a restaurant and run into a bowler who enjoys what I provide to BOWL.com and just wants to say hello.
Along with our duties at the Open Championships this week, Aaron Smith and I have been working on the new look for the Women's Championships page on BOWL.com. It should be ready to launch by the end of the week, just in time for Aaron to roll into El Paso, Texas, for his 100-day run in the Sun City.
Hopefully, he has learned a lot in the seven months we've worked together and is ready to make the Women's Championships the talk of Texas. His ambition and passion for the sport are refreshing. He reminds me of a skinny, right-handed version of myself when I was a youngster just getting my foot in the door.
Tomorrow will be Aaron's last day in the Reno bureau. On Thursday, he'll pack up his new suits, how-to-tie-a-tie instructions and AP Stylebook and be on his way. Check www.usbcwomenschampionships.com often for his thoughts and behind-the-scenes take on El Paso and the world's largest participatory sporting event for women. Good luck, Mr. Smith. Do work.
Right now, I am going to sort through some video of this week's action. Stay tuned for that as well as On the Lanes with Norm Cummings and Gail Myers Jr. Also, keep an eye out for the first live streaming event from the National Bowling Stadium.
That's the news for now. See you on the lanes.