Hello, fellow bowlers!

[Bowling Wonder]

Let me introduce myself. I have been a bowler for the past couple of years or so. I began like quite a few of you; I wasn't truly passionate about the sport, and was simply rolling a ball in utter boredom. However, in the middle of the last season, this changed completely. At that time, I had an epiphany. I realized that I excel in every activity that I do, from other sports to school. I became frustrated and disgusted with my careless attitude, and decided that a drastic change was needed. From there, I sought any available resource and began to study every aspect of bowling, both physical and psychological, tirelessly. My fervent work soon paid of in my league, as I shot my highest sanctioned score- 146. Everyone was impressed with my newly acquired skills. One other bowler, a very friendly man, asked me how I was doing so well. "I've been reading up on bowling", I told him. He then enthusiastically replied, "You must have been doing a lot of reading!". As I was very new to serious bowling, I became over-emotional before the 2nd game, and then regained my composure for the third game. In the following weeks, the other more experienced bowlers realized my dedication and potential, and gave me coaching whenever I needed it. A couple of weeks later, I found a small notepad. I realized that I could use this to benefit my bowling, and started using it as my "bowling journal", recording my performances, what I needed to improve, and various tips that I received- something that I recommend to every bowler. I continued to bowl well to the end of the season, posting my highest season average at that point. When summer came, I was invited by some bowlers on my league to attend a national tournament! There, I met some very friendly, highly skilled individuals. Before this season, I decided that, in addition to my Ebonite Maxim, I would buy another ball- a Brunswick Avalanche Pearl. I now use this as my strike ball, and my Ebonite Maxim for spares. So far this season, I am very excited by the challenge of learning to bowl with this new equipment, and learning to use both balls in conjunction. As I end my post, I must reveal something that I debated with myself whether or not I should say. I am a bowler in a wheelchair. Some may use the term "wheelchair bowler". However, although it characterizes me, I do not believe that my wheelchair defines who I am. I consider myself a very capable individual for many reasons: I have graduated high school, currently attend college, and have been involved in numerous forms of wheelchair activities, most notably wheelchair basketball, in which I have participated for more than a decade. Thank you for reading my post; I look forward to talking with all of you about the wonderful sport of bowling, and a richly varied stay at www.bowlingboards.com!

[hondo]

Welcome to bowlingboards.com fellow bowler. I have bowled in what was called an Up and Down tournament with bowlers who used wheelchairs. Part of the tournament was to throw a ball from a wheelchair. OMGoodness. Three in gutter before finally getting 6 pins and my arm and back were aching. I used muscles I never knew I had. Anyway, it was a very cool tournament, I met bowlers from all over the United States. The person that won the tournament was a bowler who was written about in the Bowlers Journal awhile back, Al Utecht. Al has won more sanctioned events that anyone else - period. He has won over 100 tournaments. In the event that I saw him bowl he averaged 219 for the tournament and then romped through match play. Well that is my only story that ties into the story that you yourself use a wheelchair when you bowl. Kudos to you my friend and best of luck and good bowling.

[Bowling Wonder]

Nice to meet you, hondo! When I bowled at the 2011 AWBA (American Wheelchair Bowling Association) National Tournament in your very welcoming city of Boston, I only bowled in the singles event, but I have heard about the Up & Down. Anyway, when I went to the 2011 Nationals I met the very many great bowlers, Al among them. He's quite a guy both on and of the lanes, isn't he? When I met him, he was completely friendly, and gave me some great advice. Good luck in your league(s), hondo!

[hondo]

Nice to meet you as well. We were part of the corporate sponsor when the AWBA came to Ormond Beach Florida. I now live in Florida. Don Bruns who was a good bowler organized many of these events with his wife Jane. Don passed a few years ago. Would like to see the AWBA do a memorial event for Don. I am sure Al would be on board. Another bowler I meet just went by Ziggy. Young man who would intimidate many on the lanes. Just didn't work on Al. Al is a great ambassador for the sport of bowling, no doubt about it.

Proud member of www.bowlingboards.com

[StormGirl]

Wow, this was a great introduction. Welcome to the site hondo. I must say, I admire you for still giving it your all regardless of the circumstances. I hope you enjoy the site as much as I have, and learn many new things here. See you around on the boards!

[hondo]

Thanks "StormGirl". I like that, sounds like a superhero. LOL

[StormGirl]

Haha now that you mention it, it sort of does! I chose the name because I love the fact that Storm makes those scented balls. The first ball that I buy will probably be a Storm

[The Mayor]

Welcome to the site BW! I too have "attempted" to bowling in a wheelchair in a few tournaments. Difficult is an understatement. I also have had the privilege of watching Al bowl and it is quite amazing. The fact of the matter is that if you've got a talent for something, you can be successful. I've also been to the tournament when it came to Ormond Beach and these bowlers can compete with anyone. Keep up the great bowling and I look forward to talking bowling with you as well!

[HunterRunsIt]

Welcome to the board!

[the mom]

Welcome Bowling Wonder. I, too, have had the honor of meeting Al and working on several tournaments with the late Don Bruns and his wife Jane. They came to me many years ago when they proposed a tournament in Daytona. They asked if our youth bowlers would be willing to help at the tournament. Of course we agreed. The next time they scheduled the tournament I asked if the wheelchair bowlers would be interested in bowling with the Youth, a new tournament was born. The kids adored the bowlers, learned about them and those wonderful people answered all the questions! We were able to host 3 such tournaments and we truly miss them.
We made some wonderful friends, I too tried to bowl from the wheelchair....wow that was something!
This great sport is for everyone!