| Personal | ||
|---|---|---|
Personal Q&A [21-40] [41-60] [61-80] [81-100] [101-120] [121-140]
 Jake Aug, 2001 Hickory NC Comments: I am a 15 year old in my second year of league bowling, as a kid did you bowl leagues and if so were you a stand-out bowler and when did you realize just how good you were I bowled a bantam league when I was 12 and did end up with the highest average of the league of about 121. I didn't bowl in a league for about 5 years and then I was averaging around 170. A couple of years later I was well over 215 (on an easy house shot). After that I started to think that I was pretty good, but knew that there were plenty of better players in the area at that time. A couple more years and I went on tour I think I turned out to be a bit better than most of those good bowlers. John-Paul Toronto Ontario Canada Comments: Hey Walter, one of my fondest memories of you was when the PBA came here to Toronto. I was in attendance for the tv finals. You are the single reason why I started bowling. My question for you is what do you think is the part of your bowling career that was the turning point where you felt you will become one of the greatest? John-Paul Laciak Hi John, I am glad that you enjoyed the tour when we were in Toronto. I don't remember any specific point in my career, but probably in 1986 when I made several TV shows I thought I could be one of the best players. But it wasn't until many years late that I felt that I was one of the best. Jim Coldwater OH Dear Mr. Williams, I have been a fan of yours for five years and love your game. I got a chance to interview you for our school's television network in Toledo two years ago and I appreciated your comments. I only live 25 miles from Greenville, Ohio and I will be there July 1st to see you win the horseshoe tournament. Many people don't know how difficult it is to bowl in a pro event. My athletic director at school doesn't even think bowling is a sport! Two years ago, Me and our bowling proprietors started a high school team as a town sport to try to make it a club sport for school. Last week, the school made it a club sport. You have to be mentally and physically fit to be a good bowler. The main injury in bowling, I think, is knee injury. You put all your weight on your knees when you release the ball and it will start to hurt. Sorry about the long letter, but here are my two questions. First, when did you want to become a professional bowler? And two, why did you change ball companies from Brunswick to Hammer? Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Jim Hennessey Hi Jim, I will try my best at Greenville this summer, but I don't guarantee anything. You ought to invite your athletic director at your school to bowl 6 games one day. Then ask him to do that 6 more times in 2 & ½ days. That is the amount of actual games we bowl in competition (42 in 3 days), not counting practice sessions. Bowling may not be as physically demanding as some of the other sports, but it is demanding in its own way. You may be right about the knee injury. I wanted to become a professional bowler when I first started to average over 200. I switched from Brunswick to Faball (Hammer) this winter after Brunswick didn't want me and Faball did. Kurt April, 2001 Gainesville GA You are by far and away my favorite bowler b/c of the level of your bowling you have been able to maintain over the last 15 years. I was just wondering if you ever thought about joinging the senior PGA tour when you become of age? You obviously are multi talented. Thanks. Hi Kurt, Thanks for the compliment. I will probably bowl on the PBA senior tour when I turn 50. I am a decent golfer, but no where good enough to get on the Senior tour. But there are still 9 years left and I am still improving. John Auburn NY Hi Walter, My girlfriend, Amy, and I have enjoyed watching you bowl for many years. We got your autograph when you were in Canandaigua in the mid-90s. Here are the questions: Who is your best friend on tour? Who, in your mind, is the best bowler out there? Thanks Hi John, I guess my best friend on tour would be Tim Criss. He has a motorhome, and I have a 5th wheel trailer so we tend to park at the same places. He's also a pretty nice guy. The best bowler is always changing. Obviously you mean besides myself. I would say that Norm Duke (player of the year 2000) and either Jason Couch or Parker Bohn. Then again Ryan Shafer and Chris Barnes have been doing pretty well also. It should be interesting to see how the fall changes things. Gary April, 2001 Webster New York Walter I am a huge fan of yours and I am doing a project in school about role models. And if it is ok with you I would like to ask you a few questions. One, what is your highest average? Second, what are your hobbies? Third, how many titles have you won in all and in a row? Last, what kind of ball do you use? My high game is a 229 my average is a 140. I want you to be my role model because I want to be in the PBA Too. Oh yea I am 13 how old are you? I would very appreciate if you could answer all of my questions for my project THANKS!!!!!!!! Hi Gary, 1. My highest average in a tournament is 244 (I think) for 42 games. 2. My hobbies are golf, computers (programming, internet, business & games), horseshoe pitching, and golf. 3. I have 33 PBA National titles and 16 regional titles. The most I have won in a row is 2. I did win 3 in a row last fall, but one of the tournaments was not a PBA sanctioned event, but it was a JPBA event (Japanese). 4. I use Faball equipment (Hammer's). The 2001, Spike and 4D HPT are my favorites right now. 5. I am 41 Good luck and study hard! Dominic AURORA IL Comments: Hi, My name is Dominic Partipilo, I am 8 yrs. old and my dad showed me your website for the first time. You are my favorite bowler. I watch you all the time on TV. I love to bowl myself. I am in a YABA league and an adult/child league. Recently in my adult/child league I bowled a 203 game(my all time high game EVER). My average is 114. Last November my dad took me to see a qualifing round at the T.O.C. in Lake Zurich, Il. and I got to see you and all the other pros. It was a lot of fun. Good luck in your next bowling event. Hope to see you on TV soon. Your Bowling Fan, Dominic Partipilo Thanks Dominic. Congrats on your high game of 203. I didn't bowl my first 200 game until I was 16. I really only bowled for a year when I was 11 and then started bowling again when I was 16. I am glad that you had fun at the tournament in Lake Zurich. I hope to be on TV again, but it won't be until at least September. Steven Birch Kendall Park NJ Comments: Is it true that you always win at Carolier Lanes near my house because of the notes from me that you keep in your pocket?? all the way with walter ray Steven Birchage 8 ½ Hi Steven, Thanks for the notes you give me. I don't know how I would ever compete in NJ without them. *smile* Ron State College PA Comments: Hi Walter Ray. I was excited to find your site. I really like the tour talk and history parts of the site. I have been a big fan of yours since 1993. Ironically, your loss in the 1993 US Open what was spurred me to become a fan. I started pulling for you because I didn't think it was fair that you had led so many tournaments by large margins, then either had bad luck or ran into a hot player on TV. It's been great to see the relatively good record you've had from the top spot the last few years. I was wondering if you'd ever consider writing a book about your career. I'm sure it's one of those things that sounds good in theory but is difficult or unrewarding (or unprofitable) in practice. I think it would be a nice complement to Aulby and Bohn's recent books. If you are considering anything like that, I at least would be more interested in a memoir-type book than an instructional book. I think you have a neat perspective on the tour from all the years you've performed at a high level, and all the changes that you've seen over those years. Also, hearing more about your horseshoe career would be interesting. Also, I was wondering what you thought of the new ownership and management of the PBA. I thought their acquisition of the PBA was a hopeful sign, but I felt a little bad about Gerberich, etc., losing their positions. Do you feel the same? -Ron Hi Ron, Thanks for your kind words. I have a book in the beginning stages. But I am not much of a writer. I don't know how well a personal book would sell, but it is something to think about. I think that the new leaders of the PBA have a lot more resources available to them than the old leaders. I probably won't agree with every thing they would like to do or will do, but I think that the future of the PBA is looking great. Ladd New York City New York Comments: Mr. WRW, Other than your activities outside of bowling, what do you do between PBA tour seasons (what regionals, any league participation, practice routine, personal appearances, etc.)? THANXXX, Ladd Hi Ladd, When the tour is off, I don't practice that much. For instance since the tour finished a couple of weeks ago I haven't bowled except for a practice session at the regional and the tournament itself. I am thinking of practicing this evening here in Bermuda as we have a tournament this weekend here. I will usually try to practice for about an hour a day for a week before a tour segment starts. I haven't bowled in leagues since 1982. I do play in a few regionals to keep some bowling activity and I do like the competition, one of the main reasons I joined the PBA. I live on a golf course, so I play a fair amount of golf. I also play horseshoes and play in a few tournaments around my bowling schedule. I alos fool around with computers. As of right now, Faball (Hammer) has me scheduled to make about 7 - 10 appearances from now until the fall tour starts. I will try and put my current schedule with locations on the WalterRay.com website in case you would like to see me. Thanks. Tricia Toledo OH Paige, can you give us some more information on how the two of you got hooked up? I first met you Paige when I was pregnant expecting our first child. We were at Imperial Lanes in Toledo OH for a National Championship. I was sitting at the top of the bleachers and got up to walk to the rest room and kind of passed out. You were very kind and assisted myself and a friend in the restroom. You even went and got some cool clothes. I thought that was pretty nice of you, but when I went back to thank you, you were already gone. Ever since that day, my husband has become a huge fan of Walter Ray and he hates bowling. I have tried getting him involved in it but to no avail. I have been bowling for the past 20 years (I'm 28) and have had much success. What are the steps that I need to take to become a professional bowler. I have averaged over 200 for the past 5-6 years with 4 300 games and 2 800 series. Also, do you have any children? I can't remember my email, I am school teaching right now but I will check back for answers! Paige Answers: Hello Tricia, I think I remember that incident in Toledo. It's not everyday a pregnant lady passes out in front of you. I am sure that whatever I did, it was minimal, nothing above what anyone would have done. I am happy that it made a Walter Ray fan out of your husband though! He needs all the support he can get. Walter Ray and I met in 1985 at a horseshoe pitching tournament in San Jose California. It wasn't "love at first sight". He was sort of goofy and a little bit of a geek. Definitely not my type. But, he moved to Stockton (where I was going to college at University of the Pacific) in October, and he started to grow on me. I guess I saw him as a challenge. Could I fix him? We were together for a very long time before we got married. We were married in 1996. Just recently celebrated out 5th wedding anniversary. I am very happy. I wouldn't change my life for anyone's. Wow, you sure are a good bowler. Everyone assumes that because I am married to Walter Ray, that I am a good bowler. However, I really don't bowl. I spend so much time in bowling centers across the country, that when we have "free" time the absolute last thing I want to do is go bowling. Besides, when he tried to coach me, I got cranky. The "couple coaching" thing just doesn't work (or didn't for us anyway). The women have their own organization, with their own requirements. You can contact them at www.pwba.com you should be able to get information there regarding turning pro. I would, however, offer you the same advice I often give to young boys who ask me about turning pro…try the "regional" program first! It is a great way to "get your feet wet" without giving up your "real-life". Regarding children, we don't have any. We have often talked about it. But, it is so difficult to be on tour with kids. I have watched the girls on tour, who have kids for years. It is TOUGH! I just don't know if I could do it. But, Walter Ray is slowing down now…so who knows….. Scott Preston Frederick MD Comments: Walter Ray- Is there anyone on the tour who you are kind of in awe of? I don't mean that you are intimidated, but do you ever say to yourself, "Man, I wish I had so-and-so's power, form, ability to make the big shot, mental game, etc."? I know that's a tough question for one of the best, but even Nicklaus and Tiger admire certain parts of their competitors' games. Thanks- Scott Preston Hi Scott, I am very impressed with Robert Smith and many of the power players out on tour. I learned to bowl a much different way which works very well for me. I sometimes wonder if I should try to learn to put a lot more speed and rotation on my ball, but if I did I might not be able to do what I do. Thanks for the question. Tyler February 2, 2001 Lamberton MN Comments: Walter Ray, your mother-in-law told me to go to here if I wanted you to reply to me. I hope you win the National Championships in Toledo. I will be watching and I hope that you win. PLEASE REPLY!!!!!!!! I am your #1 fan. Thanks Tyler Beermann Hi Tyler, I don't know why this message got lost for so long, but thanks for your support. Richard Feb, 2001 Jacksonville Fl What is the name of your center in Ocala? Do you have any tournaments there? Congratulations on qualifying first, let Brunswick have it!!! Hi Richard, I don't have a bowling center in Ocala or anywhere else at this time. Thanks for the congrats on Toledo. It was a lot of fun. Dave Overland Park KS I was wondering if we MIGHT know someone in common. You have spent a major portion of you life in Stockton, CA. I was born and raised in San Francisco. For a while I spent a lot of time in Daly City at (the now defunct) Westlake Bowl. For a time it was managed by Chuck Seifert. Chuck also spent much time in Stockton (along with his wife Janie (sp?) and their daughters) managing bowling centers. I am assuming that you are (at least) aware of Chuck. If you have a close relationship with him, I would appreciate it if you would just mention my name to him and tell him I said "Hello". Trivia time... Did you know that Chuck Seifert is in the Guiness Book Of Records for being the irst person ever to shoot a 300 against automatic scorers? Tis true, tis true....Dave Hi Dave, I did live in Stockton for 13 years, but I didn't grow up there and never bowled any leagues there. When I was at home in Stockton I actually didn't practice a lot. So even though I did get to meet quite a few people there, I don't remember anybody named Chuck Seifert. Did I mention that I don't have a great memory with names or people. See you around somewhere. Tony Greer, SC Comments: I was just wondering if Paige bowls any? What is her avg.? How many times has she beat you bowling? Another thing....are you WRW on the PBA forum? I go there a lot. I really like that thing, maybe you could get a chat room on your site or at least a message board? Here's a bowling question for you....if the BEST BOWLER IN THE WORLD CAN'T HELP ME,I DON'T KNOW WHO CAN. Lately I've noticed that my ball track is getting lower (farther away from the thumb and finger holes) I'm not bowling any worse but, from everything I've read it's better to have a high-track is there anything I can do to get my track back up close to the holes or does that even matter? Hi Tony, My wife did bowl a little when we first started going together. She used to average about 130. When we used to practice together she actually beat me twice (I believe). Yes I am WRW who has posted a couple of times on the PBA community page. In regards to the chat room or message board on this site...we are considering it. We will have to see what develops. Thanks for the suggestion though. As far as your track I am not sure you need to worry about it. You might want to get the advise of a local professional instructor about your track and/or about any other game improvements. Good luck. Jerry Elmira NY Comments: Really love your webpage. I'm from the home of Ryan Shafer a decent bowler in his own right. I learned how to really pitch horseshoes from Carl Steinfeld and was a close friend to Mike DiMartino when he was starting out.Wish you good luck in the future in all of your athletic endeavors. I am glad you enjoyed the web page. Keep checking back with us. Ryan Shafer is far beyond a "decent" bowler. (smile) He has a wonderful game and will be successful for quite some time. You are lucky to know Carl Steinfeld and Mike DiMartino. Both are true gentlemen and it has been my honor to call them friends. Mike Monroeville PA Comments: Hi Paige , Congrats. on making it out of the Mud ! I heard the news about Walter going to Hammer! I never got a chance to say goodbye in Erie it was great to talk to you again even though we didnt get achance to have a drink ! Keep in touch ok! Hope the house is great in Fl. Good Luck to Walter and Make Brunswick eat some on dropping so many staffers ! Be safe and take care ! Mike Baudoux Paige Replies: Hi Mike, nice to hear from you. Yes, Walter Ray has started a relationship with Hammer. We hope it will be good for both them and us. We did keep missing each other in Erie. It was good to see you though. We will see each other somewhere else I am sure. Paddy Dublin Ireland Comments: Wishing you well with your new web site.From the Irish HorseshoePitchers Association. Thanks so much for the good wishes. I, too, wish you well with your Irish Horseshoes Pitchers Association. Bill Santa Rosa Ca Comments: You have to be the greatest player that has lived to this point in the combination of horseshoes and bowling. It has been a pleasure to watch you become this. Wow! I sure do appreciate you saying that. I am not sure you are correct, there are so many great players. But I do appreciate the support. Personal Q&A [21-40] [41-60] [61-80] [81-100] [101-120] [121-140] | ||