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Chud December 16, 2003
Pittsburgh
PA

I was wondering if paige has a sister ? Thankyou from the frozen Tundra

Paige Replies:
Hi Chud,
I don't have a sister. Try to stay warm up there in the "frozen Tundra".



Richard November 30, 2003
Coos Bay
OR

What has happened this year? You are the best out on the tour.

Hi Richard,
I am having a little bit of trouble this year. Apparently making bad decisions on how to play the lanes and then not making enough quality shots, and the few tournaments I have bowled well in the guys are bowling well against me in match play. Hopefully I can have a few really good tournaments and make a decent year out of this.



Craig November 24, 2003
Fredonia
NY

Dear Walter Ray,
I was reading my Sports Illusrated this week and read that in college you had wrote a pysics paper on the Physics of Bowling, and i was wondering if it was published on the the internet or in a book somewhere, and if so where can i find it.
Thanks alot

Hi Craig,
I don't believe that my senior thesis is anywhere on the internet and it isn't a book. You could contact California Polytechnic University of Pomona to see if they have a copy. Sorry I wasn't able to help.


Perry November 21, 2003
Moosup
CT

Dear Mr. Williams Around 1966 I bought a Diamond brand pitching horseshoe set. The info booklet has a section on how to pitch shoes entitled Horseshoe pitching, a recreational hobby by Walter I. Williams horseshoe pitching coach, Mattituck High School. I was wondering if this Mr. Williams is any relation?
Thank You
Perry Rose

Hi Perry,
I don't believe that this Walter I. Williams is any relation to me. I have never heard of him, but Diamond wasn't a brand used by top players.



Steven November 19, 2003
Springfield
OR

Walter Ray, i have wrote you alot and you have helped me on my performance.thank you for all you have done. i'am going to the medford open to bowl with the pros. are you going to go to that one? i'am going to miss a whole week of school to bowl with the pros.we had a high school tournement at north bend in oregon.they are really good.we beat them at our house, but this time we got second place. i'am not complaning about it. north bend and us are the two best teams in the district.we shot the highest game out of the tournement a 263. the north bend guys were pretty mad aboat it. but we did not care what they think. we know that we have a better attidude then them. all of them are probubly better skill wise that all of us but we are close and we have a better attidude too. the top bowler on our team is tyler with a 200 something or close to that then there is his brother that has a 190 something.and i have a 185 average. we all are really big fans of you.we all think that there really is no better bowler than you. so when are you make a tv apperance, not being mean or funny, just asking how does it work. is it like there is a non tv and then the top bowlers bowl on the tv apperance. i know when you make the top bowlers apperance for tv that you will crush the compotition as usuall. last year was the record year you mad like 419 thousand dollers. three straight world champions in a row. player of the year last year. you will make an tv apperance i know that you will you are just in your slump.well better get going so i just wanted to tell you all of that stuff because my friends and i think you are the best bowler in the world. i'am sorry i had no question to ask but you have answerd all that i have ask you so far
bye walter good luck this year.

Hi Steven,

Nice bowling to you and your team. Have fun at the Medford Open. I am planning on attending the Medford event.

The format to get to TV is a bit complicated. The field is split into two squads. On Thursday each squad bowls 9 games in a row with no breaks (a little over 5 hours), 'A' squad starts at 9 am while 'B' squad starts at 5 pm. The top 64 players based on score advance to the round of 64 on Friday morning. They bowl another 9 games at 10 am. All of the qualifying games are bowled on different pairs with no practice in between games once the round starts. The top 32 scores from the 18 games advance to the round of 32 for elimination competition at 6 pm that evening. Those 32 players are then ranked according to the current 20 week point list. #1 plays #32, #2 vs #31 and so on. The winner of 1-32 plays the winner of 16-17 and so on. The matches are the best of 7 games. If a game is tied then a 1 shot roll off happens until one player knocks down more pins than the other. The first to win 4 games moves on while the other is eliminated out of the tournament. The winners of the round of 32 advance to the round of 16 at 11 am on Saturday morning. The winners of the round of 16 advance to the round of 8 at 5 pm that evening. The 4 winners of the round of 8 advance to the TV finals. The loser of the round of 8 who was the highest qualifier advances to the TV finals in the wildcard match against the player who had the lowest qualifying score of the 4 winners. On Sunday, normally at around 1 pm EST, the wildcard match takes place first, then the semi-final match which didn't have the wildcard player is the 2nd match. The 3rd match is other semi-final match which includes the winner of the wildcard match. The Final match is the 4th match of the TV show and has both the winners of the semi-final matches competing against each other. All of the matches on TV are 1 game.



Tom November 2, 2003
Tulsa
OK

On today's show a comment was made that you would not reach Earl's 41 wins. I just like to hear your comments about that.
Thank you.
Tom

Hi Tom,
I don't know if I will reach 41 titles or not. I figure that it is at least 3 years away and that would put me at 47. Hopefully I will still be a major contender out on tour at that time, but it is likely that I may not be. That doesn't mean that I am going to give up. I love to bowl and still want to win tournaments. So I will keep doing this until I am not an exempt player or something more important needs my attention.



Tom October 6, 2003
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania

Earlier this year you were in a tournament near Philadelphia. I gave a friend a brief letter for you. He gave it to one of the ESPN staff and I never heard anything from you. I had even enclosed a self addressed envelope.

I like to watch bowling and have for years. When Earl Anthony was bowling and now you I don't miss watching. I'm a one night a week bowler, averaging in the 180's.

When they were showing you're home (your trophy room) there was a picture that I saw of you that was sort a collage of drawings of you, that I really like. Is there any copies of that with your autogragh that I could buy.

Best of Luck with the 2003-2004 tour, I'll be watching.

Hi Tom,
I am sorry that I never answered the letter you tried to give me. Sometimes in my disorganization I misplace things. If your friend gave it to someone to give to me, it is even possible that the letter never got to me.

I don't have any pictures for sell which are a collage of drawings. We do sell a very nice 8x10 picture on the website which I can autograph for you if you would like. There is a collage t-shirt now available also! You can contact my website about getting an autograph. Thanks.



Glen September 12, 2003
Leavenworth
KS

Hi Walter Ray, I dont know why people think you are a doctor asking you questions on their knee and elbow problems when they need to seek a doctors help. I understand that you have those kind of problems too; but what works for you may not work for them . I'm glad to see that you don't give that kind of advice. I like watching you bowl on tv I also like to bowl and pitch horseshoes. I'm not that good at horseshoes any more or bowling because of the time and family. One other question; Why do you drink water during touraments instead of a soda? Is it because of the lights or is it that it may make you more thirsty? Good luck in 2003 -04
Glen
Hi Glen,
I do drink carbonated beverages when I bowl in competition, but I normally don't drink ones with caffeine. When we bowl on TV, they have a supply of water (usually cold), and water is probably better for quenching a thirst. The water is usually in a bottle which can be capped in case of spillage and when it warms up, it still tastes alright. Another advantage of water is that it doesn't make me burp! *smile* Basically it is easier to drink.



Leo August 27, 2003
Gilbert
AZ

Walter Ray, enjoy watching your bowling and your sportsmanship is very good. Keep up the good work. Two questions.
1. One when are you going to have a book written about bowling and your approach and views on the game? I have some 50 books on bowling having read stuff going back to Ned Day. If you need help writing or editing, I can get it. 2. How are you investing all that dough you won last year?
Best,
Leo

Hi Leo,
I keep thinking about writing a book about bowling, but I need lots of prodding. I just finished taping abowling video. Hopefully it will be something that many bowlers are looking for.

Taxes take up a good deal of my winnings. I have a nice house and motorhome to pay for. I do my investing through a local company where I live.




Daniel June 22, 2003
New York City
NY

i wanted to know at what age did u start bowling & also i would like to know who help u become such a good bowler like u are now

Hi Daniel,
I bowled one year when I was 11-12 and then started bowling again when I was 17. I think that my horseshoe arm swing helped me become a better bowler more quickly. I really didn't have much coaching with my bowling. This may be why I don't have what anyone would call a "textbook" game. Consistency and an ability to "repeat" whatever you are doing is, in my opinion, more important that having that "textbook" approach. Good luck!



Kimmy June 21, 2003
You are the favorite for the ESPY this year.. a shoe in parden the pun, but last year Pete Weber won over my selection C. Ballard. Do you think it's a popularity gimmick or on the level? Thanks, Kimmy

Hi Kimmy,
Even though Pete wasn't who I thought should have won the ESPY last year I can see how he won the award. In the past, a committee of athletes and others voted on all of the awards. They were given a list of players with a short description of what the player had done. Under Pete's resume was a stat which said that he had 8 wins on TV, meaning that he won 8 games on TV. Considering that he had all of the extra airtime on ESPN and other sports shows it isn't a surprise that this committee which doesn't follow bowling would vote for Pete. The previous year I won the award over Player of the Year Norm Duke since my resume had me listed as the #1 computer ranked player in the PBA, which I was. This year the fans vote, so I guess anything is possible. Especially with some fans voting who don't follow bowling. So I would say that the awards are on the level, but it might be a bit of a popularity contest now.



Loreda May 24, 2003
Tustin
CA

You have helped me so much through the years! I saw you in a regionals pro-am release the ball and fall. You then stood up and spared. The next night in league I did the very same thing and people were so impressed. If Walter Ray can do it so can I. I love to watch you bowl and I am so thrilled with your journey so far. I missed seeing you in Fountain Valley, Ca. this year but I look foreward to seeing you next year. I work with Dev. Disabled adults and I tried to get them in to see you but it was just too crowded. I am going to plan ahead for next year and hope to see you then. I take them to play horseshoes every chance I get. Congratulations and I wish you continued success in the future. Where can I find horseshoe leagues? I have pitched when I was younger with my cousins and uncles but nothing regular.

Hi Loreda,
Every once in a while, when the approaches are a bit too slippery or sticky I might fall when I bowl. I will usually be very careful after a sliding incident. Usually I will walk to the line slower.

I am not familiar with horseshoe leagues. Here is a link to the Southern California Horseshoe Association, http://www.nhpa.net/indexF.shtml . There should be some information to help you. In horseshoe pitching, all of the competition that I play in is tournament play. If you check out the tournament schedule you will see that they have many events.



Bill May 21, 2003
Fishkill
NY

Walter Ray,
First of all .... congrats on the well deserved POY !!!!

Last Spring I was able to attend my first qualifying rounds of a PBA tournament (Las Vegas in January '03) and really enjoyed watching you and the other bowlers go through the first 2 rounds of qualifying. I stayed there until the end to make sure you made the "cut" and wish you luck when you did.

I was wondering if there is something that we fans of your's specifically can do to show our support for you during this phase of a tournament - beyond the normal cheering for good shots, wearing the WRW "face" masks and 'Deadeye' T-shirts, of course!!! Especially between shots and between games. Assuming that this support would be helpful to you in your bowling efforts; or if you would prefer nothing of this sort.

Thanks for the wonderful bowling example that you provide.
Bill .....
PS - I could really go for a WRW or 'DeadEye' "Polo" Shirt (I really don't "do" T-shirts).

Hi Bill,
I am glad that you enjoyed watching the tournament in Las Vegas.

I appreciate any support that my fans can give me. Just the fact that people have taken time out of their busy lives to come to a tournament to root for me makes me feel good! As far as specific actions, I can't really think of any.

Unfortunately we don't have any Polo type shirts right now. Maybe someday we will.



Bert May 18, 2003
Cleveland
GA

Walter Ray, Bert Johnson here, I'm a resident of Port Richey, FL but spend summers here on a private R.V. lot at Yonah Mtn. camping resort. Last year when you bowled here in Cleveland, GA., Ray Hudgins and I were talking to you about horseshoes when you informed us that the day before, you had been practicing over at the sand pits in Clarksville. You asked if we had any clay pits around and at the present we don't.

My first question is, When will you know if you will be confirmed for either Cleveland for the bowling or for the horseshoes at Erie, PA? (Your schedule shows both for Jun 27-29 - Unconfirmed) Second question is: If you do come to Cleveland as we are hoping, would you entertain the idea of coming to our backyard pit here to practice? It is just a couple of miles from the bowling alley here in Cleveland. It is built to specs and you are more than welcome to use it any time. We would respect your privacy in doing so and not spread the word or invite outsiders (except our wives and family of course). Would be very happy to hear from you and here's wishing you good luck in all your upcoming events. ....... Bert Johnson -

Hi Bert,
At this time, I don't think I will be bowling up in Cleveland, GA this year. I am leaning on going to a horseshoe tournament either in CT or PA, but I haven't finalized my plans as of yet. Maybe next time.



Roberto May 11, 2003
St. Petersburg
FL

comments: I just needed to ask you these questions after I found out about these tournaments:

1. Why aren't you scheduled to bowl in the World Ranking Masters or The Foundation Games at the Kegel Facility this year? I have noticed that you have something else confirmed on your schedule and I think many people would love to see you bowl in both.

2. Have you ever bowled in a tournament at the Kegel Facility and if you did how did you do?

Thanks again for your time.

Hi Roberto,
I don't believe that I am eligible to bowl in the World Ranking Masters. I am the defending champion at a PBA regional tournament at Spring Hill, Florida the same weekend as the Foundation games. The PBA doesn't feel that I should miss this tournament as I am defending champion. So if people want to see me bowl that weekend they would have to go up to Spring Hill.

I bowled at the Kegel Lanes in Sebring in 1997 on challenging lane conditions and I think I finished 3rd.



Kimmie May 7, 2003
Saginaw
MI

Of all the UNited States guys have traveled, where has been the most scenic? That you wanted to get back to as soon as possible? It's a no brainer that you picked Fla., but over Cali. I'm from the coldest climate there is and hate it but if you have a territorial update please pass it along. Thank You

Hi Kimmie,
Some people like the cold weather you guys up in Michigan have in the winter. I don't. I grew up in California where it seldom gets below freezing, unless you live in the mountains. Florida has some really nice weather in the winter time, but the summers can be a little warm, which don't bother me. As far as the best weather I would say near San Diego and not too far inland. But if you are really looking for beautiful country, there is plenty of that across the US. I have never been to Alaska, but I would imagine that there is pretty country up there. I guess most people would think that mountains and trees are very pretty which are all over. Here where I live in Florida it is very green most of the year due to the large amount of rainfall, over 50 inches per year, with some small rolling hills. I grew up in Eureka California which is also normally green. Except in August and September which are the nicest months to be there. It doesn't get hot there very often, even in the summer. I prefer the warmth so that is one of the reasons my wife and I live in Florida.




Nicholas March 30, 2003
Key West
FL

Hey Walter Ray, im15 years old and my highest score if 185 and my average is 109. Do you think that is good. Hae you ever been to Key West,Fl. If you come down you should go to Boca Chica Naval Air Base and its the only place where they have a bowling alley.If you there mayber you can give me some pointers. Theres not that many bowlers in Key West I go bowling every wens day and sunday. I hope i see you there.You are the best bowler out there.

Hi Nicholas,
It sounds like you are having fun and that is the main thing. I am sure that there is somebody there who should be able to give you some tips to help you improve. I don't have any plans to go down to Key West, but thanks for the invite.


Chuck March 13, 2003
Mt. Morris
NY

Walter Ray, Congratulations on winning the PBA World Championship and having such a great season. I expect you will be named P.O.Y. for the sixth time, tieing the great Earl Anthony. I know you are reluctant to compare your accomplishments with Earl Anthony but I believe the way you are bowling you have a chance to break all his records, including major championships, in the next 5 or 6 years. After having such a great year, do you now think you can break all of his records? Also, would you then be so bold to finally admit you are as great as Earl Anthony? Enjoy your off season.

Hi Chuck,
Thank you for your compliments. I may some day be able to pass Earl's record of 41 titles, but this is my 21st year while Earl was on tour for 14 years. Not exactly the same thing. I am very proud of what I have done bowling and hopefully I can do some more.




Bo March 11, 2003
Colorado Springs
CO

Dear Walter Ray,
You are a good looking man who is not improved by the beard. Your mustache is great. The beard is not - it makes you look much older. Paige must like it - that's got to be it. Get rid of it. The best bowler in the world must not look like an old man. I'm an old man so I know.
Secondly, are you going to come out with a book showing your style, technique, etc.
Thanks
Bo

Hi Bo,
I am sorry that you don't find me attractive. However I don't mind looking a bit older than my opponents as I usually am. I do realize that I would probably look younger without my beard, but I don't like to shave and I don't mind the way it looks.

Also my wife doesn't mind it. If she really objected to it she would tell me to shave it off and I might do that. There is a famous country singer who has a white beard, Kenny Rogers, but I don't think I would ever look as good as he does.

I don't know when or if I will be doing a instructional book or video. But thanks for your interest.




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