2nd Annual Billy Hardwick Memorial Aslan vs. ZDawg Southern California Inviational

[Aslan]

Well, it's that time of year again!!

First off, for any of the new folks or those that just want to relive greatness, you can go check out the leadup and follow-up to last year's innaugaral tournament here (http://www.bowlingboards.com/threads/15889-1st-Annual-Billy-Hardwick-Memorial-ZDawg-vs-Aslan-Southern-California-Championship?highlight=billy+hardwick+memorial):

You can also check out actual FOOTAGE of this great event...NOT on Bowl.tv....NOT on XTra Frame...but on Aslan's very own youtube account which is easily accessible by clicking on my USBC# in my signature! Totally Free service!!

But...it's now time for the 2nd event...and as a non-cliff notes Mudpuppy non-approved teaser...

Last year saw a truly great display as relative unknowns (Aslan and ZDawg) were joined by bowling sensation (debateable) MWhite at the 1st Annual Billy Hardwick Memorial Aslan vs. ZDawg Southern California Invitational in Temecula, California. A town known for it's country bars and Indian casino...played host to one of bowling's most coveted tournaments!

MWhite was the favorite in the event by a 3 to 2 margin...but had a disasterous start on what he claimed was a "reverse-block" pattern. He recovered nicely in Games 2 and 3 but could not catch the youngsters and their hefty amounts of handicap pins. The exciting tournament came down to the final frame of the 3rd Game as ZDawg had Aslan in his sights...but ultimately Aslan held on to the narrow margin to take home the prize!

As tournament winner, Aslan chooses the next venue for the 2nd Annual event and has chosen Brunswick Cal Oaks Bowl in Murrieta, CA.

Event Date is currently TBD.
Proposed dates are as follows:

- February 14th (St. Valentine's Day Massacre!!)
- February 16th (President's Day Massacre!)
- March 7th (it would need to be much later in the evening on this date; probably 6PM or after)
- Any day April 6th through 10th (weekdays)

Other possibilites are:
- March 8th, 15th, 22nd, or 29th (all Sundays though)
- February 21st or March 8th (if I DON'T do the OC Open)
- March 14th or 28th
- April 4/5 or 11/12 (holiday weekends so lane conditions may be questionable...may or may not be open the 5th, Easter Sunday)

Dates that are OUT:
- March 21/22 because thats my sweeps weekend in Vegas.

Late night Fridays are also a possibility...but to get to Murrieta in the evening on a Friday from Orange County will add an extra couple hours due to traffic...so it'd be pretty late; like 9PM-ish.

Since I'm sure MWhite wants to avenge his horrible and humiliating defeat...he's probably going to want a Saturday because thats his one day off usually. So he's welcome to chime in with his schedule. Since it IS an invitational...ALL are welcome...if you're in San Diego, Anaheim, L.A...or want to make the drive.

But we should start planning now so I can get a couple dates, call Cal Oaks Bowl, and make sure we don't pick a date where they are hosting an event or something.

[Aslan]

Also...in case Chris Hardwick reads this...it'd be awesome if he came as well!!

Cuz THAT would be cool. Might distract me though because I'd be constantly talking to him about his dad and Breaking Bad...but I only need to partially concentrate to beat ZDawg and MWhite...so it shouldn't be a big deal. :p

[zdawg]

but I only need to partially concentrate to beat ZDawg and MWhite...so it shouldn't be a big deal. :p

Haha, we shall see. I'd prefer a Saturday as well, the weekend of Feb 21st is definitely a no go for me as I have a friend visiting from out of town, but that's the only conflict I can think of right now for me.

[Mike White]

Haha, we shall see. I'd prefer a Saturday as well, the weekend of Feb 21st is definitely a no go for me as I have a friend visiting from out of town, but that's the only conflict I can think of right now for me.

I've got friggin Jury Duty during the 2nd week of February.

March/April sounds like a better time frame.

[Aslan]

Scheduling Update:

Event Date is currently TBD.
Proposed dates are as follows:
- March 7th (it would need to be much later in the evening on this date; probably 6PM or after)

Other possibilites are:
- February 14th (St. Valentine's Day Massacre!!)
- February 16th (President's Day Massacre!)
- March 8th, 15th, 22nd, or 29th (all Sundays though)
- March 8th (if I DON'T do the OC Open)
- March 14th or 28th
- April 4/5 or 11/12 (holiday weekends so lane conditions may be questionable...may or may not be open the 5th, Easter Sunday)

Dates that are OUT:
- March 21/22 because thats my sweeps weekend in Vegas.
- February 21st (ZDawg has a friend visiting from out of town)
- Any day April 6th through 10th (weekdays); (turns out I'm not off that week after all).

Why don't we aim for Saturday March 7th at 6:30PM. I've already called Cal Oaks Bowl and they are open that day (duh, it's a Saturday), no tournaments/events scheduled, and it doesn't even look like there's cosmic/glow bowling going on.

So you two gentlemen (and I use that term loosely) take a look at your monthly planners and see if Saturday, March 7th at 6:30PM works for you. IF it does...we'll lock in the date...I'll even give Cal Oaks Bowl a call to let them know we're coming (not that they'll care or probably take reservations or anything)...and we'll get started on the tournament rules, handicap, details, etc....

[Mike White]

How much Handicap are y'all going to need?

Lets use the USBC (Bowl.com) 2013-2014 season composite average for non-sport conditions.

[zdawg]

Saturday March 7th looks good for me. Hopefully Randy Pedersen has enough time to adjust his schedule this year :cool:

[zdawg]

How much Handicap are y'all going to need?

Lets use the USBC (Bowl.com) 2013-2014 season composite average for non-sport conditions.

Fine by me, my Sports average was higher than my non-sports average last year :cool:

Do we use the entire year average which from what I can tell counts Winter and Summer seasons?

[Mike White]

More games should give a more accurate picture of your ability for the time frame.

BTW ZDawg, what is your USBC #?

Mike is 1560-11073, Aslan is listed in his signature.

[Aslan]

How much Handicap are y'all going to need?

Lets use the USBC (Bowl.com) 2013-2014 season composite average for non-sport conditions.

I'm proposing 90% of 220 just to make it fair across the board. All 3 of us now have actual sanctioned averages to work with...AS WELL AS our Virtual Bowling Tour averages!!! (sponsored in part by bowlingboards.com).

Here are my proposed averages for myself, ZDawg, and MWhite based on 2013/2014 sanctioned averages AND the VBT averages (not counting the entering average situation). I would go out on a limb and say that "even Mike will agree these are fair"...but as Rob recently learned....that is a terrible limb to go out on!

ASLAN: (172*12) + (166*66) + (165*66) + (173*24) + VBT (170*18) = 31,122/186 = 167. ((220-167)*0.90) = 47 pins.

MWHITE: (199*290) + VBT (222*18) = 61706/308 = 200. ((220-200)*.90) = 18 pins.

ZDAWG: (145*93) + (168*39) + (183*8) + VBT (169*18) = 24543/158 = 155. ((220-155)*0.90) = 58 pins.

So, last year we had:
Aslan + 26 pins/game.
Mike + 0 pins/game.
ZDawg + 50 pins/game.

This tournament;
Aslan goes from getting 26 pins to getting 47 pins (+21).
MWhite goes from getting 0 pins to getting 18 pins (+18).
ZDAWG goes from getting 50 pins to getting 58 pins (+8).

I feel this is the fairest way for the following reasons:
1) Aslan's 167 is actually a bit over his 165-166 averages that make up most of his composite. And the only things bringing that up are a < 21-game league he subbed in and a sport short adjusted average. All indications (sanctioned leagues and VBT) point towards Aslan being a 160s average bowler.

2) MWhite when you add all his leagues up, is a 199 average bowler. But in the short VBT...he managed to average 222 and take the championship. Given his potential to bowl well into the 200s...it doesn't seem unreasonable that we add a pin to his 199 and make it 200.

3) ZDawg STILL is going to come in as the favorite to win...because unfortunately...the bulk of his sanctioned scores seem to have been bowled before he "figured things out" and thus he ends up with a entering average of 155...yet his later leagues AND VBT performances clearly show that he's a high 160s bowler just like Aslan. So you add the 10 pins to that 145...due to his recent success and VBT successes...and it's still low...but not as bad.

So, using ALL of the data...even the sub leagues and the VBT scores...really only impact Aslan and MWhite by adding a pin to their true average...and while it affects ZDawg more...he still appears to have a 10-pin cushion due to him becoming a better bowler as of late.

[Aslan]

And before Mike asks...the reason I didn't break out his 290 games is that:

1) None of his averages were sport averages (he only joined the sport league THIS season)

AND

2) He bowls in like a billion leagues...so Mudpuppy would have cliff noted it.

AND

3) It gives you the same result.

[zdawg]

USBC Member ID: 8677-37848

[Aslan]

Saturday March 7th looks good for me. Hopefully Randy Pedersen has enough time to adjust his schedule this year :cool:

I was thinking of e-mailing Chris Hardwick's show and inviting him...but I don't want him using the e-mail during the show and making fun of the request. And I thought about trying to e-mail Randy Peterson as well...have him do the camera color commentary...but he's kinda grouchy sometimes and I wouldn't want him to take it as a slight and tell us to go ***k ourselves.

Another idea is pay Mark Baker for a 3-hour lesson...+ $ 0.20/mile mileage and having him come down and do bowling critiques and commentary during the tournament. THAT would be sweet. It would be a Hall of Famer providing tournament commentary...but also we'd all be able to watch it and see what his ideas are in terms of what we're doing right or wrong...why we missed a shot, etc... Tell me that wouldn't be the coolest thing of all time!!

Granted...that would be probably a $400 expense when it's all said and done...and thats assuming he'd even DO it...and the BIG assumption that he's not already booked that weekend at a camp or some event or giving lessons. But talk about sweet...to have Chris Hardwick bowl with us AND to have Mark Baker providing color commentary AND providing technique tips...tell me that wouldn't be a sweet Youtube video!! :cool:

[Mike White]

I'm proposing 90% of 220 just to make it fair across the board. All 3 of us now have actual sanctioned averages to work with...AS WELL AS our Virtual Bowling Tour averages!!! (sponsored in part by bowlingboards.com).

Here are my proposed averages for myself, ZDawg, and MWhite based on 2013/2014 sanctioned averages AND the VBT averages (not counting the entering average situation). I would go out on a limb and say that "even Mike will agree these are fair"...but as Rob recently learned....that is a terrible limb to go out on!

ASLAN: (172*12) + (166*66) + (165*66) + (173*24) + VBT (170*18) = 31,122/186 = 167. ((220-167)*0.90) = 47 pins.

MWHITE: (199*290) + VBT (222*18) = 61706/308 = 200. ((220-200)*.90) = 18 pins.

ZDAWG: (145*93) + (168*39) + (183*8) + VBT (169*18) = 24543/158 = 155. ((220-155)*0.90) = 58 pins.



Another limb cracking.

I don't know about the fair part, but the data as related to VBT isn't correct.

18 games?

That can't include after qualifying, because I bowled 2 more rounds after eliminating ZDawg and he is listed as 18 games.

It also can't include only qualifying because my week at the independent in Mo Val (I call it Cadillac because that was it's name when it opened.) my phone froze, and you wouldn't allow those scores to count without proof.

[zdawg]

Not that I feel like I should have more handicap, but I'm wondering where the (183*8) came from. My sports average was actually (159*8) unfortunately I had to drop out after two weeks due to the uncertainty of my staying in CA.

[Mike White]

Sorry Aslan, but you need to put your pencil down, and step away from the spreadsheet.

One season (VBT) of you're made up math is ENOUGH.

We'll do this one nice and simple, and straight forward.

USBC sanctioned leagues (non sport) from the 2013-2014 season.

Bowl.com is nice enough to calculate the composite averages for us. We'll use that.

The sport league average adjustment chart is crap.

We'll stick with non sport condition averages.


Aslan 8259-59071 Composite Average 166
MWhite 1560-11073 Composite Average 199
ZDawg 8677-37848 Composite Average 152

Simple calculations:
(199-199)*0.9 = 0 MWhite gets 0 per game, 0 for the series.
(199-166)*0.9 = 29 Aslan gets 29 per game, 87 for the series.
(199-152)*0.9 = 42 ZDawg gets 42 per game, 126 for the series.

It doesn't get any more straight forward, and simple than that.

[Mike White]

And before Mike asks...the reason I didn't break out his 290 games is that:


2) He bowls in like a billion leagues...so Mudpuppy would have cliff noted it.


What can I say.... People wanted me to sub for their team.

It's better than nobody wanting you to sub.

[Blacksox1]

Sorry Aslan, but you need to put your pencil down, and step away from the spreadsheet.

One season (VBT) of you're made up math is ENOUGH.

We'll do this one nice and simple, and straight forward.

USBC sanctioned leagues (non sport) from the 2013-2014 season.

Bowl.com is nice enough to calculate the composite averages for us. We'll use that.

The sport league average adjustment chart is crap.

We'll stick with non sport condition averages.


Aslan 8259-59071 Composite Average 166
MWhite 1560-11073 Composite Average 199
ZDawg 8677-37848 Composite Average 152

Simple calculations:
(199-199)*0.9 = 0 MWhite gets 0 per game, 0 for the series.
(199-166)*0.9 = 29 Aslan gets 29 per game, 87 for the series.
(199-152)*0.9 = 42 ZDawg gets 42 per game, 126 for the series.

It doesn't get any more straight forward, and simple than that.

This makes a lot of sense. Will it happen?

[Aslan]

All that to give ZDawg 2 more pins per game?? Because thats all it would net. I must be missing something or my math is off….OR…Mike is REALLY bored...

[Amyers]

All that to give ZDawg 2 more pins per game?? Because thats all it would net. I must be missing something or my math is off….OR…Mike is REALLY bored...

I have to say I agree with Mwhite much easier formula.

[Mike White]

All that to give ZDawg 2 more pins per game?? Because thats all it would net. I must be missing something or my math is off….OR…Mike is REALLY bored...

Or on the flip side, you performed all those mathematical gymnastics to remove 2 pins from ZDawg.

[J Anderson]

Sorry Aslan, but you need to put your pencil down, and step away from the spreadsheet.

One season (VBT) of you're made up math is ENOUGH.

We'll do this one nice and simple, and straight forward.

USBC sanctioned leagues (non sport) from the 2013-2014 season.

Bowl.com is nice enough to calculate the composite averages for us. We'll use that.

The sport league average adjustment chart is crap.

We'll stick with non sport condition averages.


Aslan 8259-59071 Composite Average 166
MWhite 1560-11073 Composite Average 199
ZDawg 8677-37848 Composite Average 152

Simple calculations:
(199-199)*0.9 = 0 MWhite gets 0 per game, 0 for the series.
(199-166)*0.9 = 29 Aslan gets 29 per game, 87 for the series.
(199-152)*0.9 = 42 ZDawg gets 42 per game, 126 for the series.

It doesn't get any more straight forward, and simple than that.

I agree with Mike. The sport league average adjustment chart is a vague approximation and if you read the USBC rules carefully is only used for bowlers who do not have any non sport USBC averages.

Throwing in the VBT averages shouldn't have that much of an effect on the composite ave. so why bother.

Ooh, I know, to get Mike riled up before the big event.

[Aslan]

We'll keep Mike's simplistic approach. I'm not going to be a stickler on giving ZDawg 2 more pins. It doesn't affect mine and Mike's averages at all really.

But I do contend my system is far more FAIR given Mike seeminly can average 222 and win the VBT and ZDawg can average in the high 160s post-June (including the VBT)...yet we're "pretending" he's a low 150s bowler. Mike just has some huge problem with admitting he's a 200+ average bowler...so he's clinging as tightly as possible to that 199...but at least this time he can't reasonably claim it shout be 190.

However, in NON-sandbagging news....Aslan continues to average in the mid-160s....in every league...on every league night...and will be taking that 160s average into the event...without any claims that this or that is a technicality...and it's too complicated and it should just be a 149.

[Mike White]

We'll keep Mike's simplistic approach. I'm not going to be a stickler on giving ZDawg 2 more pins. It doesn't affect mine and Mike's averages at all really.

But I do contend my system is far more FAIR given Mike seeminly can average 222 and win the VBT and ZDawg can average in the high 160s post-June (including the VBT)...yet we're "pretending" he's a low 150s bowler. Mike just has some huge problem with admitting he's a 200+ average bowler...so he's clinging as tightly as possible to that 199...but at least this time he can't reasonably claim it shout be 190.

However, in NON-sandbagging news....Aslan continues to average in the mid-160s....in every league...on every league night...and will be taking that 160s average into the event...without any claims that this or that is a technicality...and it's too complicated and it should just be a 149.

Well if you actually looked at the scores shot, my 222 average was for 15 games (no idea why you have 18).

In that 15 games was a series (837) on a condition were are most likely not going to see in Murietta.

Doing a little math, 222*15 = 3330 - 837 = 2493 / 12 = 207.

So with the exclusion of that one rare event, my average was nowhere near 222.

At this point with all your math-shenanigans, I have no idea if the 222, or 207 averages have any basis in reality.

[Aslan]

At this point with all your math-shenanigans, I have no idea if the 222, or 207 averages have any basis in reality.

Judging by your performance in the 1st Annual BHMAVZSCI...I'd say those averages have absolutely no basis in reality. :eek:

[Aslan]

Just a reminder folks (especially ZDawg and MWhite)…the event is still scheduled for March 6th at 6:30PM. Be there or be square. Aslan is still Mega-Slumping….perfect time for a defeat.

[Mike White]

Just a reminder folks (especially ZDawg and MWhite)…the event is still scheduled for March 6th at 6:30PM. Be there or be square. Aslan is still Mega-Slumping….perfect time for a defeat.

You can be there on the 6th if you wish, but you'll have to make another trip on the 7th which is a Saturday.

[Aslan]

You can be there on the 6th if you wish, but you'll have to make another trip on the 7th which is a Saturday.

Aww….&$*$.

Sorry guys, but I need to change the date to either the 14th or 28th. For some reason I wrote it down as Friday the 7th?…and I booked that Saturday night with something I can't get out of. Lemme know if either of those work….if not we'll look at April.

SORRY :(

[Aslan]

ZDawg?? MWhite??

Did you guys read this?

14th? 28th? April??

[J Anderson]

ZDawg?? MWhite??

Did you guys read this?

14th? 28th? April??

Perhaps they are sticking to the original Saturday so as avoid having to deal with your awesomeness.

[zdawg]

ZDawg?? MWhite??

Did you guys read this?

14th? 28th? April??

Sorry, haven't been around the last couple of days.

Either of those dates works for me

[Aslan]

Perhaps they are sticking to the original Saturday so as avoid having to deal with your awesomeness.

So they're ducking me?

MWHITE!! Are YOU Ducking me!!? JAnderson says you are!!

Wait…didn't JAnderson duck the entire VBT?? Oh SNAP!

Seriously though MWhite…check this thread and let me know which alternate Saturday you would like.

[J Anderson]

So they're ducking me?

MWHITE!! Are YOU Ducking me!!? JAnderson says you are!!

Wait…didn't JAnderson duck the entire VBT?? Oh SNAP!

Seriously though MWhite…check this thread and let me know which alternate Saturday you would like.

JAnderson hasn't posted anything in a long time, nor did he participate in the VBT.

I, on the other hand, did send in scores for the first month of the VBT. Then I realized that with out the chance of competing face to face with someone else from the boards this wasn't going to be much fun, and dropped out.

[Mike White]

ZDawg?? MWhite??

Did you guys read this?

14th? 28th? April??

Of those two dates, the 28th works best for me

[Aslan]

Of those two dates, the 28th works best for me

EXCELLENT!!!

Okay boyz...the new date is the 28th of March...a SATURDAY...(that was for ME)...and it'll be 6:30PM. Pencil that in your schedules. I still gotta verify my daughter doesn't have a horse show that day...but as of now it's free. If for some reason she (daughter) doesn't have a riding lesson that day...we might be able to move the time up to 9:00-10:30AM range...(before the lanes get too altered)...but for right now lets keep it 6:30PM. Once I know for SURE that is the time...I'll give Cal Oaks Bowl a call just to make sure there's no tournament or anything going on that day/evening.

[bubba809]

Will the Iceman be there?

[zdawg]

Will the Iceman be there?

Nope, he's afraid of Southern CA for some reason :rolleyes:

[Mike White]

Nope, he's afraid of Southern CA for some reason :rolleyes:

Iceman would melt in Sunny Southern Ca.

We would have to call him Puddleboy.

[Mike White]

EXCELLENT!!!

Okay boyz...the new date is the 28th of March...a SATURDAY...(that was for ME)...and it'll be 6:30PM. Pencil that in your schedules. I still gotta verify my daughter doesn't have a horse show that day...but as of now it's free. If for some reason she (daughter) doesn't have a riding lesson that day...we might be able to move the time up to 9:00-10:30AM range...(before the lanes get too altered)...but for right now lets keep it 6:30PM. Once I know for SURE that is the time...I'll give Cal Oaks Bowl a call just to make sure there's no tournament or anything going on that day/evening.

Friday night I usually work until 10pm. No way am I driving that far, and bowling at 9 am.

[Aslan]

Friday night I usually work until 10pm. No way am I driving that far, and bowling at 9 am.

The official time is 6:30PM…so we'll stick with that. I just thought if you guys wanted fresh oil AND my daughter didn't have a horseback riding lesson that day (which I am pretty sure she will)…we might be able to get in there early. But hey…the later the better for me…and the more broken down the lanes are…the BETTER!!!

Less than a month away! Start booking those talk show circuits!!

[Aslan]

No buzz yet.

I figured ESPN might want it to comepte with CBS for March Sadness (otherwise CBS will make me pay a fee to refer to it the other way) and air our epic tournament. But nothing yet.

A lot of pressure on Aslan to repeat as champion. Technically, nobody has ever repeated in the ABHMAVZSCI.

But with Zdawg coming in with his improved game and MWhite coming in off a VBT title…whew…this is gonna be EPIC!! Anyone unfotunate enough to live in the Indian reservations/cowtowns/vineyards/meth labs near Murrieta, CA…it's WORTH the drive!! <----that is not an actual guarantee that it will in fact be worth the drive. I'm just hoping it is at this point.

This is only 1 of 2 tour stops for bowling boards.com competitors…the other one being the Aslan vs. Iceman Challenge…which is still TBD by last year's winner Rob M. But, gonna be hard to field 5 people for that one now that Iceman has retired and Mudpuppy likely won't have a conincidental vacation scheduled that weekend. But, hopefully it'll happen. I definitely want to avenge my 5th place finish in singles competition.

[fortheloveofbowling]

No buzz yet.

I figured ESPN might want it to comepte with CBS for March Sadness (otherwise CBS will make me pay a fee to refer to it the other way) and air our epic tournament. But nothing yet.

A lot of pressure on Aslan to repeat as champion. Technically, nobody has ever repeated in the ABHMAVZSCI.



But with Zdawg coming in with his improved game and MWhite coming in off a VBT title…whew…this is gonna be EPIC!! Anyone unfotunate enough to live in the Indian reservations/cowtowns/vineyards/meth labs near Murrieta, CA…it's WORTH the drive!! <----that is not an actual guarantee that it will in fact be worth the drive. I'm just hoping it is at this point.

This is only 1 of 2 tour stops for bowling boards.com competitors…the other one being the Aslan vs. Iceman Challenge…which is still TBD by last year's winner Rob M. But, gonna be hard to field 5 people for that one now that Iceman has retired and Mudpuppy likely won't have a conincidental vacation scheduled that weekend. But, hopefully it'll happen. I definitely want to avenge my 5th place finish in singles competition.

Maybe you can find a independent tv channel to air the epic footage. You could add some commentary to the footage and submit it for approval and maybe become local stars/heroes!! :cool: By the way, what time of year was the iceman/aslan challenge and are you thinking about the same time of year in vegas?

[Aslan]

Maybe you can find a independent tv channel to air the epic footage. You could add some commentary to the footage and submit it for approval and maybe become local stars/heroes!! :cool: By the way, what time of year was the iceman/aslan challenge and are you thinking about the same time of year in vegas?

I was thinking the same time of year because thats when leagues tend to sweep...end of the upcoming season. Last year my league was a Laughlin league so I stopped in Vegas on the way to Laughlin. But that was a one time deal. Once leagues start up for the upcoming season, I'll see when my leagues are sweeping, and see if Rob has any interest in defending his title...then go from there to try and drum up a few more participants. Iceman probably won't make the trip again and I doubt Mudpuppy will either. MWhite hasn't said either way but he did mention that the drive from SoCal to Vegas seems to be getting longer and longer every time...so he's a "weak maybe". Classygranny said she was thinking about it at one point given that she is in Arizona. I'm optimistic between Vegas, SoCal, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas we might be able to drum up 5 players. If Rob is in, I'm in. We'd just need a few others to make it worthwhile.

If anyone still can contact Iceman...obviously one spot is his if he wants it since the tournament is named after him and all. And Mudpuppy and MWhite are certainly first on the priority list if they want their spots back to avenge their defeats. But after that...first come first serve. IF Rob is in...then I'll make a thread devoted to the tournament (2nd Annual)...maybe link to the previous year's video just to incite some interest...and whatever open spots we have we'll solicit for interested parties. I'd prefer if everyone that participated was a bowlingboards.com contributer...but given the close link between the users of this site and BowlingIntel...I wouldn't be too opposed if we were in need of a player or two to see if the folks over there might be interested.

Or maybe we mix the format up a little and do a best of 3 team event (Bowlingboards.com vs. BowlingIntel)...get 4 bowlers from each site...cap the average limit for the teams to make it fair...and start a little friendly competition between the sites. Many folks are members of both sites...so that'll make it easier to fill teams.

But...cart before the horse. The 2nd Annual Aslan vs. ZDawg Invitational is the first tour event of the season so I need to mentally prepare for that. "Two-time Undefeated Champion" just sounds too good for me to pass up.

[Mike White]

I heard that there is going to be a Junior Gold event at Cal Bowl earlier in the day, so if we don't ask ahead of time, we may get placed on a worn out WTBA Montreal condition.

[Aslan]

I heard that there is going to be a Junior Gold event at Cal Bowl earlier in the day, so if we don't ask ahead of time, we may get placed on a worn out WTBA Montreal condition.

I'll take a worn out WTBA Montreal condition. It'd stink to get a fresh one though.

6:30 Ladies and Gents!!! 6:30PM!!!

[Mike White]

I'll take a worn out WTBA Montreal condition. It'd stink to get a fresh one though.

6:30 Ladies and Gents!!! 6:30PM!!!

If we have to bowl on a worn out sport shot, we're bowling scratch.

The handicap you're getting isn't based on crap conditions.

[Aslan]

The handicap you're getting isn't based on crap conditions.
But it's still based on the same crap bowler!! :o

[manke]

So what happened to iceman?

[Aslan]

So what happened to iceman?

You're thinking of the other epic "Aslan Entertainment" production; The Aslan vs. Iceman Challenge.

Obviously with Iceman retreating into some type of cave or mudhut of some kind…never to be seen again…'possibly' deceased…we do not know...it has less "flavor/pizazz" than it did for the first event. But I'm still hopeful we can arrange another Challenge…with Rob getting to pick the location/date…I'd suggest sometime around 9/10 or 9/11.

This event (this thread) is about the epic Aslan/ZDawg/Mwhite battle…with MWhite representing the Citrus Belt USBC, ZDawg representing the San Diego area USBC and Aslan representing the Orange County contingent. Always an excellent event with entertaining video. Not so much a good, "how to bowl" video per se…but still entertaining.

[vdubtx]

If we have to bowl on a worn out sport shot, we're bowling scratch.

The handicap you're getting isn't based on crap conditions.

If crap conditions exist, they would obviously be crap conditions for all.

Man up and beat him no matter the condition of the lanes.

[Aslan]

Man up and beat him no matter the condition of the lanes.

Yeah!! Wait…no…don't man up and beat me. Man up and tie ZDawg for 2nd.

[Mike White]

If crap conditions exist, they would obviously be crap conditions for all.

Man up and beat him no matter the condition of the lanes.


Not, true... Aslan throws a ball that doesn't read the lane, so when they flood the lane, his ball still doesn't read the lane, but nobody else's ball does either.

So he wins due to handicap.

The only time he has even been close to shooting as well was when we were on that ridiculous splinter collection he called wood lanes.

[Mike White]

You're thinking of the other epic "Aslan Entertainment" production; The Aslan vs. Iceman Challenge.

Is that the event were the majority of the activity ended up on the cutting room floor, or never recorded?

[Aslan]

Is that the event were the majority of the activity ended up on the cutting room floor, or never recorded?

You're just mad because your gutter balls didn't end up getting edited!!

I think this year will be more competitive. I have a feeling that ZDawg and his handicap are going to prevail this year. Granted, I thought that last year…so maybe it's a good omen. But I have a feeling ZDawg has improved quite a bit since last year and is still getting some "carryover" handicap. Gonna be tough to beat.

And obviously…if you bowl all 3 games the way you bowled the final 2 last year…we're dead in the water regardless.

I think my game is the wild card. I could easily go out there and roll a 478 series or I could go out there and roll a 593.

I'm gonna keep it simple and just play somewhere around 2nd arrow and just make my adjustments laterally and with my arsenal. Usually I like to try different lines and see what they give me…but I'm gonna keep things simple and just hit my shots and see what happens. Gonna make you and ZDawg beat me rather than beat myself. We'll see.

[vdubtx]

I'm gonna keep things simple

https://shockwaveinnovations.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/yeah-right.png

[zdawg]

I like how I'm being overlooked, fortunately I obviously suck at bowling and have no pressure to perform tomorrow.

See you gentleman there, and yes I use the term loosely.

[Aslan]

I like how I'm being overlooked, fortunately I obviously suck at bowling and have no pressure to perform tomorrow.

See you gentleman there, and yes I use the term loosely.

You use the term "there" loosely? Then how the heck are we going to find you? You can't bowl in the parking lot. Not to mention Mike will make me bowl scratch if it's in the parking lot claiming I have some type of pavement advantage.

And how is me picking you as the favorite "over-looking" you?

Only 8 hours and 38 minutes until the ultimate bowling event of the first half of the year!!

[Aslan]

(199-199)*0.9 = 0 MWhite gets 0 per game, 0 for the series.
(199-166)*0.9 = 29 Aslan gets 29 per game, 87 for the series.
(199-152)*0.9 = 42 ZDawg gets 42 per game, 126 for the series.

Just thought I'd bump this post so everyone can see the agreed upon handicap for the tournament.

Timer: 8hrs 30 minutes!

[zdawg]

You use the term "there" loosely? Then how the heck are we going to find you? You can't bowl in the parking lot. Not to mention Mike will make me bowl scratch if it's in the parking lot claiming I have some type of pavement advantage.

And how is me picking you as the favorite "over-looking" you?

Only 8 hours and 38 minutes until the ultimate bowling event of the first half of the year!!

I thought you had me and Mike battling for 2nd? I'm trying to stay under the radar here :cool:

[Aslan]

I thought you had me and Mike battling for 2nd? I'm trying to stay under the radar here :cool:

Wait…who are you again?? Oh…the 'other guy' in the tournament. I completely forgot you were even bowling…totally overlooked you. But yeah, should be a good time. And at the end of the day, if you and Mike come away learning some techniques or skills that you can take back with you…thats really the important thing. :eek: :cool:

[Mike White]

I put these here since you seem to have lost the context.


So what happened to iceman?


You're thinking of the other epic "Aslan Entertainment" production; The Aslan vs. Iceman Challenge..


Is that the event were the majority of the activity ended up on the cutting room floor, or never recorded?


You're just mad because your gutter balls didn't end up getting edited!!

No gutter balls in Vegas because the conditions weren't highly unusual.

It just seems like there was a lot more video taken than what showed up on youtube.

[Aslan]

The 2nd Annual Billy Hardwick Memorial Aslan vs. ZDawg Southern California Invitational is now in the books.

Given how interesting and entertaining THIS tournament actually was this time around…I'm gonna hold off posting results until I've had time to edit and post the video in it's entirety. I'll try to post one video (Game 1, Game 2, Game 3/follow-up) per night.

I'm having some guests over next week so I really need to clean my apartment this weekend so I can't put together a huge video production right this second. But BELIEVE ME…this'll be worth the wait!! I mean, this event was SO much better and more entertaining than last season. There were highs, there were lows, there was excitement, and cheering, and even a bad fall during a shot. The commentary was more entertaining and the actual bowling was a lot better to watch than year 1.

So, no spoilers MWhite and ZDawg!!! Lets let the kids watch this one play out because it was a roller coaster ride!

[Aslan]

Here is game 1. I had to split it into two videos because Youtube was being annoying about the file size/length or something.


https://youtu.be/8wJCCZdlT8s

Obviously after the first 5 frames Mike was off to a commanding start. ZDawg and I were about dead even and both accomplishing that in the same way…whenever we didn't strike…we opened. ZDawg on 2 splits, me on a split and missed single-pin. It seemed that this THS that I'd say was medium volume oil…a very typical house shot…maybe a 'tad' longer…was perfectly suited to Mike's game. But, it coulda just been a hot start…maybe he self destructs in the last 5 frames…(to follow)...

[Aslan]

Last 5 frames of Game 1...


https://youtu.be/atWOkJfqLF0

Mike continued his torrid pace but finally left ZDawg and myself at least a 'chance' to catch him when he opened on a split in the 10th which dropped him to a solid 240 rather than a potential 276!!

ZDawg was within striking distance when you factor in his handicap (+42) with a 206 handicap. And despite me turning a potential 201 game into a 170 game by missing 3 single-pin spares including one in the 10th…I wasn't too far back at 199 handicap.

Game 2 to be posted later today...

[vdubtx]

Does Mike ever smile? Seems to have a permanent scowl on his face. Or was that just his game face?

Looks like you all had a good time.

[Aslan]

Does Mike ever smile? Seems to have a permanent scowl on his face. Or was that just his game face?

Looks like you all had a good time.

Wait till you see his face in game 2!! (more coming…)

[zdawg]

Funny, I just watched my first shot and noticed a MASSIVE flaw that I had worked hard to eliminate last year. Looks like some of my bad habits have worked their way back into my game - probably time for a coaching session.

[Mike White]

Does Mike ever smile? Seems to have a permanent scowl on his face. Or was that just his game face?

Looks like you all had a good time.

Lets just say the environment was a bit annoying.

We had to keep an eye wherever we stepped because of either a dried spill, or a fresh one.

Add to that, the people around us had never heard of lane courtesy.

Bowling centers have become very lax on keeping the floors clean since I quit bowling years ago.

It's probably due to them wanting the party bowlers, and let them make as much mess as they want, then they will clean up just before closing. (if even then)

The approaches had some kind of black substance ground into them. Didn't effect the footing, just looked bad.

The right lane had a dried shoe print at the beginning of the approach. But I was playing well left of it.

[Aslan]

First half of Game 2...


https://youtu.be/qVCUeq-hEPw

This was probably the most crucial 5 frames of the match. Aslan starting off with the front 5 and MWhite having an approach issue in the 2nd frame that threw his game off. He was still solid on spares, but seemed to have lost his strike shot. And ZDawg slumped big time in the first part of this game.

[Aslan]

Last 5 frames of Game 2...


https://youtu.be/Y9AiUz4DOUY

Obviously this game changed EVERYTHING in the match. Aslan finished clean and not only tightened up the standings, but took a commanding lead in the match. ZDawg fell to 3rd with his sub-150 performance, but managed to slightly close the gap between him and MWhite. MWhite found his strike ball again in the 2nd half of Game 2 and salvaged a decent score but now was under a great deal of pressure.

Mentally speaking, the dynamic had completely shifted.

- Aslan went from last place, wondering if he could climb back in it…to a 55-pin lead with another 29 pins of handicap. This meant all he had to do was bowl 'decent' and he was likely untouchable.
- ZDawg was only 25 pins back of MWhite in 2nd place and could finish in 2nd for the 2nd straight year if he could put together a decent game in Game 3.
- And MWhite went from a commanding lead to now being under a great deal of pressure (listed below):

1) MWhite obviously wanted to win and even the series at 2-2 in official head-to-head play against Aslan. Aslan had the 1ABHMAVZSCI and the Wood Lanes Challenge and Mike had the Aslan vs. Iceman Challenge in Vegas.
2) MWhite was now not only under pressure to lose, but was looking at possibly losing scratch to Aslan who was only 3 pins back of Mike scratch.
3) MWhite would need to beat ZDawg by 18 pins in Game 3 or he (MWhite) was facing his 2nd straight THIRD place finish in this tournament.

So, as we inch towards the final conclusion…will Aslan ride his lead to his 2nd championship? Or will he collapse and open the door? Will Mike find his mojo from Game 1 and re-take the lead? Will Mike at least finish ahead of Aslan scratch? Will Mike hold off ZDawg and his 42 pins of handicap? Or will ZDawg finally find his game; perhaps even rolling HIS 240s game?? Stay Tuned for the exciting conclusion!!!

[NewToBowling]

Exciting stuff. I think it's great you guys are doing this.

Did you three know each other prior to these boards or did you all meet on bowlingboards.com?

[NewToBowling]

And I've had two falls just this week. It was pretty brutal as I feel into the lane and got oil all over my arms. Those approaches are pretty bad sometimes.

[zdawg]

Exciting stuff. I think it's great you guys are doing this.

Did you three know each other prior to these boards or did you all meet on bowlingboards.com?

I "think" Aslan and Mike knew each other, or at least had met prior as they live in the same general vicinity. I live further South, so I met them via the site and in person for the first challenge last year.

[Mike White]

And I've had two falls just this week. It was pretty brutal as I feel into the lane and got oil all over my arms. Those approaches are pretty bad sometimes.

I woke up Sunday with a nasty bruise on my knee.

Thank You Party People.

[Mike White]

I "think" Aslan and Mike knew each other, or at least had met prior as they live in the same general vicinity. I live further South, so I met them via the site and in person for the first challenge last year.


Aslan came out to the shop once or twice before the first challenge, but that was after he was on the board.

[Aslan]

Yeah. I met Mike because he was the only one locally that drilled balls using Bill Hall's Tri-Grip method and I wanted to give that a try. I had him drill a ball with a conventional grip and then had him drill a couple balls tri-grip. Then I had him drill a couple balls for an experiment/project I was working on regarding differences in ball motion due specifically to drill layouts. Then Mike and I were teammates in a 3-person sport shot league a season ago.

But I didn't know Mike before I was on bowlingboards.com.

[Blacksox1]

Nice game 2 Aslan. You are making many improvements in your bowling. Video is good as well. :)

[vdubtx]

Game 3? COME ON MAN!! The suspense is killing us. :cool:

One random thing I noticed in the video is that Aslan and Mike holds their towel in their left hand while maneuvering the ball with their right to wipe it. Maybe it's just me, but I don't want any oils to get on my bowling hand so towel goes in my right and I spin ball with my left to wipe it.

[Mike White]

Game 3? COME ON MAN!! The suspense is killing us. :cool:

One random thing I noticed in the video is that Aslan and Mike holds their towel in their left hand while maneuvering the ball with their right to wipe it. Maybe it's just me, but I don't want any oils to get on my bowling hand so towel goes in my right and I spin ball with my left to wipe it.

Aslan is like the lawyer who tries to make the best part of his case just before the break for a weekend, so the jury has that in their mind for the longest time.

As for cleaning the ball, it's probably a coordination issue, I don't think I can spin the ball with my left hand.

Since I don't throw equipment that flares, there isn't any oil on the side of the ball that my right hand touches.

I even tried drilling up a C-300 Scout, pancake weight block, and minimal reactive resin cover.... When I got it up to the hold area, it snapped Brooklyn off the end of the pattern. Outside of the hold area just makes it snap earlier.

Next experiment is trying conventional grip.

Major summer task... get rid of the damn bounce.

[vdubtx]

Aslan is like the lawyer who tries to make the best part of his case just before the break for a weekend, so the jury has that in their mind for the longest time.

As for cleaning the ball, it's probably a coordination issue, I don't think I can spin the ball with my left hand.

Since I don't throw equipment that flares, there isn't any oil on the side of the ball that my right hand touches.

I even tried drilling up a C-300 Scout, pancake weight block, and minimal reactive resin cover.... When I got it up to the hold area, it snapped Brooklyn off the end of the pattern. Outside of the hold area just makes it snap earlier.

Next experiment is trying conventional grip.

Major summer task... get rid of the damn bounce.

How's the knee bruise?
Summer is great time to tweak your game.

[Mike White]

How's the knee bruise?
Summer is great time to tweak your game.

Best way to describe the look is imagine taking a line drive off the knee with a softball (not really soft)

At least it's not my sliding knee.

I practiced a little on Monday morning after I drilled a ball for a guy.

Shot 266 getting warmed up, then 195 trying to reduce the bounce (it only got worse), then the guy having just shot 258 with his new ball wanted to play for $$$.

I shot 269, spare, eight bagger, spare, strike to his 235.. Cha-ching

It's nice to be in a place that keeps the environment clean.

It appears Aslan has been instructed on ball surface options, and a better system for moving his target and feet.

The ball he was using looked like it was sanded with either 500 or even 360 grit.

His release isn't much better, but the surface makes the ball roll, and being able to keep the ball closer to the oil line keeps his 1st ball in play more often.

As for his commentary.... it's just a solid wall of nonsense.

Like when I left a solid pocket 9 pin (in game 2), and he said it was just like his 9 pin (in game 1).. I guess he forgot his 9 pin was a brooklyn hit.

The one I think that hurt the most was game 2, frame 7. Where he looked like he was going to leave an 8-10 split but got the 10 to fall, then I went up and tugged the ball slightly, and left my own 8-10. Urethane HATES the amount of oil that is needed to hold back resin balls, and I paid the price.

[Aslan]

Here is the first half of Game 3:


https://youtu.be/Qh9uB1iCd1E

At this point, MWhite led Aslan scratch by a mere 3 pins (419 to 416) with ZDawg far behind (scratch) with a 310.

However, adding in handicap, I had a 474 to 419 advantage on Mike and ZDawg was not nearly as far behind at 394.

The first 5 frames were rough for everyone. Mike and I opened with doubles, but also opened. And ZDawg opened twice. After the 5th frame, Mike was still < 10 pins ahead of Aslan scratch and ZDawg was about 44 pins back of Mike for 2nd (however, he gets 42 pins in handicap). So barring a complete collapse by Aslan in the final 5 frames…the championship was his to lose…but still battles were left to win as ZDawg still was putting pressure on Mike for 2nd place and Aslan was still in striking distance of Mike for a scratch victory.

[Aslan]

And the FINALE!!


https://youtu.be/VKZCZVZBVdc

The slow start gave way to a flurry of strikes in the 2nd half. ZDawg started it off in the 6th with a 4-bagger. Aslan put up a turkey starting in the 7th frame. And Mike definitely 'got it done' by striking out (5-bagger) starting in the 8th.

At the end of the day, Aslan's big 246 performance in Game 2 made it nearly impossible for Mike to catch him. Obviously I was hoping to beat him scratch…but I had two frames where I left and chopped the 2-4-5-7-8 and then just like in Game 1…I couldn't pick up a 10-pin in the 10th frame. At the end of the day, those two missed single 10-pins in the 10th (Game 1 and Game 3) were the difference between beating Mike scratch or settling for a handicap victory. Aslan finished well ahead (+62 pins) of the competition to REPEAT as Champion!!

But there still was a story…ZDawg was still within striking distance of Mike. Last year, ZDawg fell barely short of taking 1st place and had to settle for 2nd place. This year, he was right there with Mike in those last 5 frames…and when the smoke cleared…Mike's valiant effort to strike out garnered him a SHARE of 2nd place as they TIED with 621s. Mike's was a 621 scratch. ZDawg bowled a 495 +126hcp = 621.

So…sweet, sweet justice as Mike's "altered/simplified" handicap calculation…that gave ZDawg more handicap not taking into account his performances as of late…ended up costing him sole possession of 2nd place. And Aslan's "prediction/trash talk" where he merely hoped that MWhite and ZDawg would tie for 2nd…well…most people can't be right ALL of the time…but some of us can.

Three very different styles on display when you watch the video. Mike and his high rev release with noticeable slide using weaker, lighter equipment. Aslan with a much straighter shot, lower revs…maybe a bit more ball speed and 16lb, 500 surfaced, medium strength equipment. And then there was ZDawg and his lower speed, moderate rev release…15lb equipment…but nothing too strong. I think he was just throwing a Cyclone.

The turning points:
1) Mike falling in the 2nd frame of Game 2. It's very hard to recover from a foul or a ball sticking on your hand or a fall. But for Mike it was doubly terrible because he's the only one that has a pronounced slide in his approach.
2) Aslan's 6-bagger to start Game 2 not only gave him a commanding lead, but it came at the perfect time as Mike was not only recovering from the fall…but also facing a juggernaut at the same time.
3) Mike's strong finish in Game 3 allowed him to stay competitive with ZDawg. It would have been wasy after the fall and Aslan's 246 to just pack it in…but he competed to the very end and his shots were actually best in those final frames.
4) ZDawg finally coming to life in Game 3 rolling a 185 really saved him.
5) Open 10th frames!!! Aslan opened in the 10th of Game 1 missing a single 10-pin. MWhite left a 6-7-10 in the 10th of Game 1, ruining what could have been a 280s game. And in Game 3, Aslan AGAIN missed a single 10-pin in the 10th and then ZDawg opened in the 10th as well.

Better luck next year kids!! Not sure where we're having it next year. I might have to work out a deal with MWhite to give up some handicap in exchange for him making a trip closer to San Diego. I hate to repeat at Murrieta back-to-back…but I really don't like the prospect of bowling at Temecula again. So either ZDawg makes the 2-hour trip to Orange County or Riverside County…or Mike and I bite the bullet and meet ZDawg closer to San Diego. I heard there's a bowling alley at Pechanga…like a bowling alley for their tribe's private use. That might be an option if I can charm them into letting us host the event there…and it would be a rare opportunity to bowl somewhere you usually don't have access to. But…lots of time to think about that and just really to enjoy the moment…idolize Aslan a bit…recognize his massive talent…and go from there. :cool:

[Mike White]

And the FINALE!!


https://youtu.be/VKZCZVZBVdc

The slow start gave way to a flurry of strikes in the 2nd half. ZDawg started it off in the 6th with a 4-bagger. Aslan put up a turkey starting in the 7th frame. And Mike definitely 'got it done' by striking out (5-bagger) starting in the 8th.

At the end of the day, Aslan's big 246 performance in Game 2 made it nearly impossible for Mike to catch him. Obviously I was hoping to beat him scratch…but I had two frames where I left and chopped the 2-4-5-7-8 and then just like in Game 1…I couldn't pick up a 10-pin in the 10th frame. At the end of the day, those two missed single 10-pins in the 10th (Game 1 and Game 3) were the difference between beating Mike scratch or settling for a handicap victory. Aslan finished well ahead (+62 pins) of the competition to REPEAT as Champion!!



If you want to play the "If I'd A" game then if I'd carried the 4 pin in the 1st game, the solid 9, and the ring 10 pin (all of which I spared) in the 2nd game, I would have shot 673 scratch.

Those weren't shots I was way off the mark, like throwing the ball into the gutter half way down while trying for a 10 pin.

Add to the "If I'd a", with an "If I hadn't a" stepped in a water puddle threw a strike (like I did on the spare shot) I would have shot higher.



If we do this again, we have to find a time that isn't a zoo atmosphere.

Notice when we went to Vegas, it was clean, calm, and you got crushed.

[NewToBowling]

Good stuff. Great game by all. Mike you still have a very smooth release and form

[Aslan]

IIf we do this again, we have to find a time that isn't a zoo atmosphere.

Notice when we went to Vegas, it was clean, calm, and you got crushed.

Some of us…we can bowl in a multitude of centers and environments. Others of us…have to ensure that the conditions and ambience and lighting and carpeting, etc… are absolutely perfect…or we can't bowl.

Don't be too upset. I'm sure we'll face off head-to-head again and maybe then I'll be giving you the handicap to make things fair. :cool:

[Mike White]

Some of us…we can bowl in a multitude of centers and environments. Others of us…have to ensure that the conditions and ambience and lighting and carpeting, etc… are absolutely perfect…or we can't bowl.

Don't be too upset. I'm sure we'll face off head-to-head again and maybe then I'll be giving you the handicap to make things fair. :cool:

Oh yeah you can bowl in many conditions, but you bowl bad in those conditions, which explains why you average 160's.

I tend to bowl where the game is taken a bit more seriously, and therefore average much higher.

Yet since I've bowled better, some how you deserve help to improve your chances of winning.

With the exception of the time we bowled on lanes so bad they were removing them, you've never bowled better than I did.

In all the weeks at Norco, even with their **** pour cleaning of the approaches, you never beat me for the series.

So I guess it makes sense to search out the extremes for conditions which you are "used" too.

[Hampe]

Looks like fun.....wish I could join you guys sometime. It'd be a bit of a trip for me though :).

[Mike White]

Looks like fun.....wish I could join you guys sometime. It'd be a bit of a trip for me though :).

Based on what we've run into during open bowling times, it might be worth it to fly out to your neck of the woods.

[NewToBowling]

I'll be honest, you should only brag when you beat someone scratch.

[Mark O]

Very entertaining, especially with Jibber Jabber Randy Pedersen providing commentary, and it looks like you guys had fun! Well except for Mike, but I can sympathize with him because I bowl at a Brunswick Zone too and their approaches are often very tacky and it can be extremely frustrating trying to bowl when you are a slider and you are fighting with the approaches every frame. And that isn't including the sticky spots on the floor and the general party atmosphere surrounding you guys, that's a situation that definitely isn't conducive to high scoring but you guys still managed to put up some pretty nice scores. Mike has a dynamite first ball and you can see the improvement in both Aslan and Zdawg's games from when they filmed last year's tournament. If you guys decide to do it again next year things could get very interesting scratch. Congrats on the back to back wins Aslan!

[vdubtx]

Oh yeah you can bowl in many conditions, but you bowl bad in those conditions, which explains why you average 160's.

I tend to bowl where the game is taken a bit more seriously, and therefore average much higher.

Yet since I've bowled better, some how you deserve help to improve your chances of winning.

With the exception of the time we bowled on lanes so bad they were removing them, you've never bowled better than I did.

In all the weeks at Norco, even with their **** pour cleaning of the approaches, you never beat me for the series.

So I guess it makes sense to search out the extremes for conditions which you are "used" too.

Can we say sore loser?

You agreed to the center and to give handicap. If you don't agree with it, don't bowl. A 200+ average bowler almost getting beat by a 160 bowler scratch? Was only 25 pins between the two of you scratch correct?

Regardless of the conditions, whether it be approaches, oil pattern, kids running up on approach, a good bowler will put those things aside and compete at all levels. You could have gotten close to beating Aslan including Handicap, but you missed several makeable spares. Also bad break with that 8-10.

Not sliding at the end of the approach was an issue, but I didn't see you test slide at the end of approach after you fell. You tested your slide in the middle of the approach. If you have issues at the line, that is where you should test your slide.

You bowled well though, 621 series with the fall/foul certainly put you off for a frame.

Aslan has certainly upped his game and has improved quite a bit since a year ago.

On any given day anyone can be beat.

Way to go Aslan! 596 scratch is a great set. Congrats on your victory. Next time you will beat him scratch if you keep improving like you have been.

[Mike White]

Can we say sore loser?

You agreed to the center and to give handicap. If you don't agree with it, don't bowl. A 200+ average bowler almost getting beat by a 160 bowler scratch? Was only 25 pins between the two of you scratch correct?

Regardless of the conditions, whether it be approaches, oil pattern, kids running up on approach, a good bowler will put those things aside and compete at all levels. You could have gotten close to beating Aslan including Handicap, but you missed several makeable spares. Also bad break with that 8-10.

Not sliding at the end of the approach was an issue, but I didn't see you test slide at the end of approach after you fell. You tested your slide in the middle of the approach. If you have issues at the line, that is where you should test your slide.


If the competition is about pure ability, then yes, anywhere, anytime.

But when handicap is involved, you're based that handicap on specific conditions.

When the competition is on completely different conditions, those handicaps aren't valid.

I'm really not sure why we use handicaps at all. The "Winner" isn't necessarily the one who bowls better.

Just better relative to what they have done in the past.

The worse their past, the better they appear to be now.

Several makable spares?

I left a 3-6-10, and shot it the way I normally would, I just didn't compensate for brunswick lanes (not oil) being lower friction than AMF.
I left a 1-2-4 and again, lower friction lane made it hook a bit less than I anticipated.

The only other "makable" spare would be the washout 1-2-4-10, and I was within a fraction of an inch of making it.


As for the testing the approach, the problem was what was on the bottom of my shoe, not what was on the approach.

If it doesn't stick midway to the foul line, it wasn't going to stick out there.

The people next to us had their food and drinks right up by the approach, and since I start far left on the approach, I get close to them.

I had to stop and clean up about a 2-3" diameter puddle of water just behind where I would start my approach.

Aslan also edited out the 4-5 minute wait for a ball return when I left a 10 pin.

My ball came back with a large patch of black gook, that took a good deal of elbow grease to get rid of.

[NewToBowling]

Yeah I understand Aslan beat you with handicap and those rules were agreed upon. Aslan won the match but did not out bowl you. Total pinfall is what really matters to me IMO

[vdubtx]

Several makable spares?

I left a 3-6-10, and shot it the way I normally would, I just didn't compensate for brunswick lanes (not oil) being lower friction than AMF.
I left a 1-2-4 and again, lower friction lane made it hook a bit less than I anticipated.

The only other "makable" spare would be the washout 1-2-4-10, and I was within a fraction of an inch of making it.


Yep, several. Had it been 2 I would have said it was a couple makeable spares. Close only works with horseshoes and hand grenades. :):p:cool:

[Aslan]

Yeah I understand Aslan beat you with handicap and those rules were agreed upon. Aslan won the match but did not out bowl you. Total pinfall is what really matters to me IMO

First (and foremost)...lets just repeat the obvious...that Aslan is the 2-time, back-to-back champion of the BHMAVZSCI. That is undisputed.

Next...yes, Mike is a sore loser. But it's cool. Everyone has their personality "pluses" and everyone has their personality "minuses". I know I'm in the minority...but I think Mike is an interesting cat and I like him. But no...if I purely judged my friends on their sportsmanship...I'd have to cut Mike loose...because I've never seen him shoot a bad game and not blame something or someone for it. And thats, believe it or not, NOT that uncommon in bowling. It's very rare actually to hear bowlers admit they just didn't throw the ball well.

Next...handicap. Newtbowl and MWhite are COMPLETELY missing the point...as did Iceman when we were discussing the Aslan vs. Iceman Challenge. You see...handicap is absolutely VALID and NECESSARY...because Mike and Rob (used in the same sentence just to poke the anthill with a stick) have what? 35? 40? years of experience in league level bowling?? So how do we compensate for guys like me and ZDawg that started bowling in 2013 and a guy like Mike that started bowling in 1979? Do we just "spot" him 34 years of experience?

You see...I agreed to bowl scratch in Vegas in the AVI Challenge ONLY because 'technically' Iceman had only been bowling seriously for maybe 1-2 years longer than me. So while he had an elevated average...it wasn't because of 3 decades of experience. And I felt that on any given day I could bowl my butt off and beat bowlers of the calibre of MWhite, Rob, and Mudpuppy. But...I finished dead last. With handicap...I probably still would have lost because Rob was in FIRE during the stepladder finals.

So yes...Mike is right...I never came close to beating him in an entire series in our sport shot league. And I don't think I'm at the level yet where bowling Mike scratch on standard lane conditions is going to result in a victory. And yes...my average up until now has been set bowling on lane conditions that have been very, very challenging. Where as, Mike's average is from one of the easier house conditions that I've bowled on in the southern California area. Remember, I average 12 points higher at Mike's home center than I do at my own. I would say of all the centers I've bowled at...now that my home center has gone to synthetics vs. wood...his home center is the easiest with Tustin Lanes being a close second. If AMF Carter keeps 'tinkering' with their pattern...they could easily surpass both Arlington and Tustin in terms of easy conditions...but that remains to be seen.

But like VDub said...the handicap was fair and agreed upon beforehand...and ZDawg got way more pins than I did...so it's all good. WITHOUT handicap...the problem would be that Mike really wouldn't need to bowl well to win. He could go out and throw a few 175 games...which he could easily do regardless of conditions and noise and everything else...and he'd put up a 525. ZDawg would have to bowl much better than he usually does...and I'd have to bowl better than I usually do...just to be competitive...but Mike could throw a couple 200 games and then throw a 150 not even trying and beat us. Handicap puts PRESSURE on guys like Mike or Mudpuppy or even VDubtx to bowl at their best ability. Mike, for various reasons, didn't have his "A"-game. I brought my A-game. ZDawg brought his "B"-game. So I won. The evidence is all there in video in cyberspace. It wasn't like I was getting brooklyn strikes left and right. I was pounding the pocket at close to 80%...which is very good for me. And had my spare game not collapsed in Game 1, we wouldn't be having this conversation because Mike would be in some unibomber cabin in the woods sulking about losing to me scratch...AGAIN (Aslan Wood Lanes Challenge 2014).

I mean, where are we going with this?? Does Mike think I "hustled" him? That I've always been capable of putting up near 600 series and 240 games...but I was trying to lure him into some hustle? For what? There's no money on the table. What...I spent 3 seasons bowling in the 160s just so I could establish a 162 average and defeat Mike in the 2nd Annual BHMAVZSCI???

Mudpuppy Cliff Notes: Aslan = WINNER!!