A very sad time for me

[RobLV1]

After suffering from degenerative bone disease and arthritis for many years now, it's finally come time for me to step away from scratch and almost-scratch leagues where I can no longer be competitive. I plan on bowling in two recreation leagues beginning this year. This will allow me to either use a plastic ball to compensate for my lack of speed, or use a more aggressive ball with a one-step approach which is much less painful. This makes me very sad, but I still love bowling as much as ever, so I will continue to bowl in leagues where 150 games are not a cause for humiliation. God bless you all, and make sure that you never take your physical ability to bowl for granted.

[C J]

Man, i'm sorry to hear this. Glad to see you are making the most of it and not quitting all together. Many people would do that. Good luck to you.

[santos314]

Wishing you the best amigo! Let us know when you hit that 300 game with the plastic ball!

[J Anderson]

Sorry to hear that you're having to give up the competitive leagues, but glad that you're not giving it up all together.

Will you still be coaching?

[RobLV1]

Sorry to hear that you're having to give up the competitive leagues, but glad that you're not giving it up all together.

Will you still be coaching?

I'm really not sure. I will definitely continue coaching Jr. Gold, but many of my students come as a result of my articles, and my articles are often the result of observations during competitive leagues. I'm letting my web site go, but I may still write an occasional article for BTM. Unfortunately, the demise of my bowling, caused by the demise of my body, has seriously affected local bowlers perceptions of my ability to coach. It's kind of like golfers realize that there is a difference between skills needed to perform and skills needed to coach, but bowlers... not so much!

[djp1080]

It's sad to hear your story Rob. I've learned a lot from you and your articles.
I've learned over the years that life itself is very fragile.
We had a group of us that participated in an event (not bowling) each year due to the love of the activity. We competed well enough to achieve the highest honor as a group of five. After many years there are only two of us left now.
Just think you're here with us and just as full of knowledge and love of this sport. It's valuable to all who will listen and take you seriously. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your posts and future articles on BTM. May God bless you...

[bowl1820]

Sorry to hear this Rob, Good that your not totally stopping bowling. Who knows maybe this will present other avenues of the sport for you to investigate and report on.

[Davidjr113]

Really sorry to hear that Rob, hope you can still so some bowling for years to come and that the coaching stays on & successful. I remember when Bowling Intel folded, a lot of great writing you did disappeared forever. How long will your website stay up so those of us who want to, can print or save your work?

[RobLV1]

Really sorry to hear that Rob, hope you can still so some bowling for years to come and that the coaching stays on & successful. I remember when Bowling Intel folded, a lot of great writing you did disappeared forever. How long will your website stay up so those of us who want to, can print or save your work?

I'm not exactly sure, but I'd estimate at least another week or so. I have to cancel contract tomorrow, but I believe that I'm paid up through the end of the month.

[Davidjr113]

Better get to work then

[mc_runner]

Sorry to hear that Rob. Hopefully you'll be able to enjoy the bowling you are still able to do... and know that your advice is always appreciated here.

[Amyers]

Sorry Rob I was out last week so just now seeing this. The decline in out bodies effects us all and at different rates I hate to see that yours is forcing you to step away from more serious competitive bowling. I hope you continue to write and coach as I've always found you insightful even if we've occasionally disagreed. Maybe you should look into being a league secretary to keep involved in the competitive side of the bowling world and I'm sure any youth league would happily have you assist both of which could keep you involved enough to continue with your coaching hopefully.

[Aslan]

It's an eventuality we all will eventually face.

I got my first ball from my grandfather when he was forced to stop bowling due to a combination of bursitis in his shoulder and arthritis in his wrist. He was never a great bowler and didn't ever have Rob's talent...but he loved bowling recreationally 1-2 times a week as much or more than anyone I've ever known. He was always active...bowling, bike riding, walking, golfing...and to lose that ability was as tough to watch as watching my grandmother lose her mental capacities.

Fortunately for bowling...there are senior opportunities that aren't as competitive...where a person can at least get out there and throw a ball. And Rob has a tremendous advantage given his knowledge base and understanding of technology.

[manke]

Sorry to hear this, im glad to see that your thinking about still coaching.

[BowlingBoards.com]

Sorry to hear about this, Rob. You are always welcome here! :) Hoping that it is not causing you any physical pain.

[Tony]

It's a rough day when you have to give up something you love like that, I watched my Dad have to quit playing golf when he couldn't play any longer at 82.....

Good luck with your continued involvement in the sport and all activities you can continue to enjoy.

[imagonman]

I'm not exactly sure, but I'd estimate at least another week or so. I have to cancel contract tomorrow, but I believe that I'm paid up through the end of the month.
Sorry to hear that amigo. Your articles on your website are a treasure. Though many may not agree with some of your assessments I find them invaluable! Just finished copying all of them & archiving for future reminders as 've read them several times already. You will sorely missed & I wish you well. Thanks for your contributions over the years. Godspeed coach!

[RobLV1]

Thank you all for your well-wishes. I'm kinda looking forward to bowling recreationally, giving the occasional lesson, and working with the Jr. Gold kids on the weekend!

[santos314]

Thanks RobLV1 for the help, tips, and positive energy you have provided for the game we all love!

[classygranny]

Although I know competitive bowling is in your blood, sometimes when we slow down a bit (and as my momma would say-"smell the roses") we find that it's time and things actually work out better than we were anticipating.

Here's hoping the best for you and anyone lucky enough to be involved in your bowling world.

[foreverincamo]

That's a bummer. Still glad to hear that you're not just hanging it up for good. I hope you make some new friends

[RobLV1]

I'm actually going to practice tomorrow with my wife for the first time in years. I don't have much ball speed, and the lanes are really dry right now, but I'm able to hit the pocket consistently with a plastic spare ball with a 500 abrasion surface. Once others dry out the track with their reactive balls, I can even carry with it! LOL

[Hammer]

After suffering from degenerative bone disease and arthritis for many years now, it's finally come time for me to step away from scratch and almost-scratch leagues where I can no longer be competitive. I plan on bowling in two recreation leagues beginning this year. This will allow me to either use a plastic ball to compensate for my lack of speed, or use a more aggressive ball with a one-step approach which is much less painful. This makes me very sad, but I still love bowling as much as ever, so I will continue to bowl in leagues where 150 games are not a cause for humiliation. God bless you all, and make sure that you never take your physical ability to bowl for granted.

Sorry to hear what is happening to you. I had bladder cancer in may of 2015 and had an operation to remove my bladder. I caught it early so didn't need chemo. Then about a year later I had to get my left hip replaced. So I couldn't bowl for a little over a year. I got back into bowling the end of October 2016. So now I am 70 and still throwing my ball again. I am not giving up yet. So I am still bowling league. I will go as long as I can. So good luck to you and your bowling.