| Miscellaneous | ||
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Miscellaneous Q&A [1-20] [21-40] [41-60] [61-80] [81-100] [121-140] [141-160]
[161-180] [181-200] [201-220] Gertie April 10, 2005 Sanford MI Howdy. It's sad to see another PBA season come to an end. I must also say the Super Six tournament will not be so "super" without you in it. Ok enough gushing. I just wanted to know how you feel about Liz Johnson's accomplishments this year in Grand Rapids. Being a female bowler, I always found it fun to beat guys in tournaments, but also felt like I had a little advantage because they didn't think I could compete at their level. Just wondered what you thought? I'll put a curse on Wes Malott and Ryan Shafer for you for next year! Just kiddin. Hi Gertie, Liz Johnson bowled very well this year and I was impressed that she was able to finish 2nd in Grand Rapids. Unfortunately I think that the format we use will take away from her great bowling as there is a fair amount of luck in our format in who you bowl. But she did bowl great and beat some very good players to get to the title match including Chris Barnes who bowled a great match against her. Ray March 23, 2005 Monterey MA Do you think if you make the Televised Finals in the last two tournaments, you will be a possible player of the year contestant? Hi Ray, I didn't do that…but even if I had I don't think it would have mattered very much. Unless I had won them both! Mike March 23, 2005 Williamsburg MI Dear Walter Ray, Is it possible to use a wrist guard that improves revs on the ball without the drawback of it interfering with spare shots? Hi Mike, I don't use a wrist device. Therefore I don't really know much about them. I would suggest you talk to your local pro shop operator. Pat March 3, 2005 Florissant MO I just want to start off by saying that you are a big, inspiration to me. I have been bowling for about 15 years, I'm 21 now. I have only recently been watching the PBA telecasts on tv, about the last 3 years. I do enjoy watching guys like Pete, Parker and Brian Voss, but you are the most fun to watch because of your approach to the game and the consistency both on the lanes and off. Now to my question, I know that you are extremely good at horseshoes, and I was wondering. Did horseshoes help with bowling or vice versa, as far as training goes? Hi Pat, I started playing horseshoes first and finished 2nd at the 1970 Jr. World championships when I was 10 years old. So I think that my good underhanded armswing helped me to become a better bowler much quicker. Unfortunately it seems to me that the release of a bowling ball has interfered with my horseshoe release and my horseshoe game isn't what it used to be. By the way, there is a major tournament in your area at New Melle on April 30-May1 that I may be participating in. Alan Francis who is the current men's world champion normally competes in this tournament. Chuck February 12, 2005 Lima OH yes i need the specs for drilling the hammer burgandy Hi Chuck, I am not a ball driller. You might want to contact your local pro shop operator or a hammer representative to help you. Bryan February 10, 2005 Lomira WI Hi, i just wanted to know what the hardest split you have ever picked up before. Hi Bryan, The most difficult split that I have picked up would be the 7-10 or 4-6-7-10. I have never picked up the 5-7-10 which I consider more difficult. Michelle February 09, 2005 St. Louis MO I am currently the captain of a team in the St. Louis Womens All-Star Traveling League. I have been a captain for two years along with two years captaining a collegiate team. Last week the 18 year old rookie on my team was not bowling well the third game. In the seventh frame she left a 7-10. While bowling against the league president, the sergent of arms and a hall of famer, she said she didn't give a **** and pushed the reset button. The league officers brought the incident to my attention after league had been completed. In an effort to show that our team and myself will not condone such actions and to deter any future urges she may have to act in such a manner, I started the following week with her on the bench. She proceeded to complain to everyone in the league and "boycott" our team. She would have been brought into the lineup when another bowler was struggling, however she refused to bowl since she didn't start. I feel that her refusal to bowl should then keep her out of the starting lineup for next week, until she wishes to compete as a team and not a single bowler. Unfortunately due to her immaturety, I forsee this going round and round with her refusing to bowl when she is asked to come in. The week of her sitting ended with other members of the league trying to put their two cents in on why I was wrong in my actions. I responded simply that they can put up with whatever actions they want to from her if they pick her up next year, but on my team they will not be tolerated even if it causes a loss in points or position in the standings. I would like your opinion on whether I have handled this manner in a professional way and any suggestions you may have to put out this fire. Thankyou. Hi Michelle, It is a shame that your team member decided to act in the manner in which she did. As captain of your team you have every right to bench a player if you have enough players or don't mind being a bowler short. Some people don't like to play by the rules and get upset when others try to play by the rules. I would say that you probably did the right thing, but I don't know all of the facts. Unfortunately it sounds like you have created ill will between the both of you that may be around for awhile. Hopefully it won't be a problem in the future, but it may. Best wishes to you and your team. Ray February 9, 2005 Greenwood IN First of all let me just say that your wife looked beautiful when I saw her on the 2-6-05 telecast. My question is about "track". What is the difference between a "high track" and a "low track"? Thanks, for the help! Hi Ray, To the best of my understanding, a high track is a track which is close to the fingers and thumb while a low track is farther away (more side spin). Jeff February 6, 2005 Lafayette NJ Hi Walter Ray, Sorry if this is a little off topic but since you play horseshoes and have probably been to a number of state and county fairs, you might have some advice. Every year at our county fair, they have this game where the object is to stand up a beer bottle by hooking it with a milk jug ring that is attached by string to a fishing pole type stick that the player holds. They give away some nice prizes to the winners, and I'm told the game can be beaten with the right technique. Are you familiar with this game and have you picked up any knowledge of it you can pass on? Hi Jeff, I am not very familiar with the carnival game you are talking about. I am sure that there is a way to do it, but like everything it takes practice to be good at anything. Kevin January 14, 2005 Virgilina VA When will you be in this area i am about 65 miles north of raleigh nc i saw where you bowl in farmville and south of here at in rocky mt just like to know if you are going to be in this araea thanks for your time Hi Kevin, I will probably be in Rocky Mount, NC in the beginning of May for a regional tournament unless something else comes up. I probably won't go to Farmville though. Ramil November 26, 2004 Daly City CA Hi Walter Ray, Been a fan of yours since I picked up bowling as a Junior in 1991. One thing I really miss from you on the telecasts is your verbal reaction to pin reaction! I miss hearing you say, "CARRY!!!," or "Get Up There," or "C'MON," or "Yeah!!!." Man, you kept me entertained especially when you said "CARRY!!!" Is there any reason why you stopped "Screaming at the pins," on T.V.? Keep up the good bowling WRW! Hi Ramil, I don't know that I have stopped 'screaming' at the pins. But sometimes on the telecast, there are problems with my microphone and I may take it off during the match. Bob November 22, 2004 New Alexandria PA I WAS VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED WHEN I SAW YOU WALK AWAY FROM RICK LAWRENCE IN THE TOURNAMENT ON 11/21/04. I WAS ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST FANS UP UNTIL THAT POINT, BUT NOW I THINK YOUR SPORTSMANSHIP LACKS ALOT. I KNOW HE HAD A COUPLE OF QUESTIONABLE STRIKES TO WIN WITH, BUT IN YOUR LONG CAREER IF YOU THINK BACK, YOU CAN PROBABLY THINK OF A FEW LUCKY ONES YOU HAD. I THINK YOU OWE A FEW PEOPLE AN APOLOGY! Hi Bob, I did congratulate Rick Lawrence and shake his hand after he was through in the 10th frame and before I bowled the 10th frame since he had locked me out. When they showed the highlights of the previous matches before the title match they actually showed us shaking hands. Just because you didn't see it happen doesn't mean it didn't. For some reason this particular incident caught many peoples attention. But they missed it as the camera was showing Rick's family being really happy when we actually shook hands. What looked like Rick wanting to shake my hand was Rick raising his left arm a bit, but most people shake hands with their right hand. He was probably acknowledging me or somebody else in that direction. What didn't happen is our shaking hands immediately before the match. The PBA used to show that on TV and would let the players know when the camera was ready to catch that. However the last couple of the years the PBA has made it clear that they don't want to show the handshake or any other comradely behavior of players towards each other during the matches. I usually make an effort to shake hands with all of the other players before the match right before we are announced, but that is off camera. They interview the players right before the match and believe it or not I get a bit nervous. Before the match with Rick last week I was a bit preoccupied with how I was going to play the lanes and didn't make the extra effort to shake hands with him before the match. It certainly wasn't because I was 'snubbing' him. So it seems that maybe a few people owe me an apology. Bill November 22, 2004 Rainbow City AL Walter Ray, Now that the skills challenge has aired, please tell us more about it. The rules, etc etc. I'm assuming the TV broadcast was edited so what shots did we not see so forth and so on. Bill Hi Bill, Each player had 9 shots, 8 regular and a special one. I was selected to go first. My first shot was to throw a back up ball and strike. I ripped the rack, but left the 5 pin. Brian then had us shoot the 1-2-3-7-10 which he missed. I again threw a back up ball and left a solid 7 pin. Brian again shot the 1-2-3-7-10 which he made, that was shown on TV. I missed at that shot. Brian then shot at the 1-7-10. We both made that. He missed on some shot and I shot at a target (a piece of tape) for a strike. I hit the target, but left the solid 10. Brian then had us go around the 3 pin and knock over the 9 pin. He did and I didn't as you saw. Then Brian had us go for his special shot, covering the 5-7-8 spare all with the ball and as you saw he did and I didn't. I believe that we were the quickest done of the first 4 matches. I think that one of the matches went through about 20-30 shots to get the 3 'strikes'. Kevin November 21, 2004 Goodyear AZ Right now I am 16 years old and am averaging in the high 220's in my house and am wondering if I am on good pace to one day get to the PBA tour? I was wondering what you were averaging at my age and if it had any effect on your going to the tour? And I was also wondering if you like the band Metallica? Hi Kevin, I didn't bowl that much up until I was 17. I didn't have my first 200 game until I was 16. You are definitely on the right track to bowling on tour, but you must remember that the tour bowls on more difficult lane conditions than most houses. If you really want to test yourself, see if you can get a sport pattern to practice on or league to bowl on. That will let you know when you throw a bad shot as opposed to the typical house shot which has room for error. I do like some of Metallica's music. I tend to like rock 'n roll from the 70's to this year even though I am 45 years old. I am not big into rap or country though. Jason January 5, 2005 Pensacola FL Hi Walter Ray, I'm a youth bowler in pensacola and I was wondering if you knew Ap or any of the other bowlers in our area here in pensacola. Hi Jason, I don't know Ap. I might know a couple of bowlers in your area, but probably not very well. B.J. December 16, 2004 Durant OK Hi Walter Ray... love watching you bowl on t.v. nothing better than sitting in my recliner drinking a beer watching you!!! my question is I know im good enough to be a pro. after i have bowled a 200 avg. for 2 yrs. then what do i do to become a pro... Best of Luck to you Walter and i Wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! Hi B. J., Averaging 200 for 2 years is the basic requirement for joining the PBA. You can contact the PBA at www.pba.com . There are regional tournaments to bowl. Also, you are eligible to bowl in the qualifier tournament at any of the National tour events even as a non-member. Jason December 2, 2004 Bloomfield NJ Walter Ray I am contacting you because I want some information about a coach Dr. Jeff Briggs. I have been talking to him and I am going to train with him. He had mentioned he worked with you. Could you please tell me some things about him? Hi Jason, My memory is not perfect, but I don't remember working with a Dr. Jeff Briggs, nor do I remember him. That doesn't mean that I haven't met him though. Ted November 5, 2004 Hastings FL The late great Earl Anthony has long been my hero in bowling, now I am happy to tell you that you rank right up there on my list aswell. I was just wondering if early in your career you ever crossed paths with Earl Anthony in a tournament. If so I would love to hear about it. Did you ever face Earl in a match play situation? One day that thought came to my mind and thought I would ask if it ever happened. Thanks I wish you all the best this upcoming season Hi Ted, I did bowl against Earl Anthony in match play several times. But it was so long ago, I honestly don't remember how many I won or lost. I never did bowl Earl on TV. Match play used to be 24 games in each tournament. Wins and losses weren't quite the life and death situations that they are in today's format. Jenn November 2, 2004 Rochelle Park NJ Walter Ray, I am a senior at Paramus Catholic High School and have been on the bowling team for the past four years. I began bowling at the age of six and have come to average a 204 towards the end of the 2004 summer. I'll be beginning my final season and was looking towards colleges that offer bowling programs. I was hoping to continue bowling for college as well as leagues outside of school and eventually join the tour. I know Farleigh Dickinson University has an excellent team, however, I do not believe they offer scholarships for bowling. Do you know of any schools which offer scholarships for female bowlers? I've done research and have not had much luck with the process. Any information you could give me would be terrific. I would greatly appreciate it. Sincerely, Jenn Hi Jenn, Here is a website which should have some information on Colleges and bowling, http://www.bowl.com/bowl/cbusa/index.html . I don't have any information on scholarships or know if this website has any. The last I heard, scholarships were offered to female athletes at some colleges due to them being NCAA sanctioned, but the men weren't. My understanding is that the men aren't sanctioned because then they wouldn't be able to bowl in the mega-buck tournaments. I hope you can find the information you are looking for and keep up the great bowling. Shannon October 18, 2004 Georgetown KY I MET YOU IN INDIANAPOLIS A FEW YEAR'S BACK.MY DREAM FOR MANY YEAR'S HAS BEEN TO AVERAGE A 200 OR BETTER AVERAGE FOR TWO YEAR'S IN A ROW.MY DREAM IS TO GO PRO ALL THE WAY.EVERYTHING IS ALL NEW TO ME.IF AT THE END OF THIS YEAR MY AVERAGE IS 200 OR MORE I WILL FINALLY SEE A DREAM COME TRUE.WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS SO MUCH BUT KNOWS SO LITTLE.MY DREAMS ARE BIG BUT MY BANK ACCOUNT IS SMALL.HOW DOES A POOR BOY MAKE A DREAM SO BIG COME TRUE.IT ALL SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE BUT MY DREAM WON'T GO AWAY.I AM 23 YRS OLD AND LIVE WITH MY PARENTS.THEY WANT SO MUCH TO SEE MY DREAM COME TRUE.THEY ARE BEHIND ME ALL THE WAY.YOU ARE THE BEST BOWLER THAT EVER WAS TO ME.I RESPECT YOU GREATLY AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE TO SOMEONE LIKE ME WHO WANTS SO MUCH BUT KNOWS SO LITTLE.WHAT DO I DO FROM THE START.HELP IF YOU CAN ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST FANS SHANNON SMITH Hi Shannon, I would suggest bowling in local tournaments. After having success there, I would move on to the PBA regional tournaments. You can bowl in regionals as a non- member. To go our on tour now a days, you need to establish yourself as a good bowler in the regionals first. Once that is done, then look to come out on tour, but remember it is best to be an exempt player and those are difficult to come by. Good luck. Miscellaneous Q&A [1-20] [21-40] [41-60] [61-80] [81-100] [121-140] [141-160] [161-180] [181-200] [201-220] | ||