Six years ago I didn’t
know there was oil on the lanes. I did
my best to sound like I knew what I was talking about on-camera, but behind the
scenes I was asking a lot of questions and soaking up as much information as I
could. Bowlers and proprietors all over
the country were very welcoming and helpful and I thank you all for that.
To those who have worked
for USBC – fight on! Your passion is
contagious. It’s easy for those of us
who come from outside the sport to enter into the campus and get a bit lost in
the politics and the association structure and get discouraged by what can seem
like an impossible task. Your love for
what you do is the best asset the company has.
It makes believers out of those of us who didn’t grow up with
bowling. You make us all want to do
better.
And don’t YOU get
discouraged! Yes, membership may be
falling, but it’s NOT YOUR FAULT. Most
of the outside world has no idea what you’re up against. These are the people who ask “what am I
getting for my $20?” They don’t
understand that more than half of that money never gets to Arlington. They see their fees go up but don’t realize
that it’s been nearly a decade since USBC asked for a dues increase. Never forget that you give them the
standardization of the sport, rules, protection of their money, certified
averages, tournaments, Team USA, a scholarship program, coaching, live
streaming of events, continuing research, support of wonderful charities…
the list goes on and on - and you do it all for nine dollars! It’s
the best deal I’ve ever seen and those who don’t see it simply aren’t paying
attention. You’re always going to hear
from the vocal complainers, but I’ve been in bowling centers all over the
nation and there are so many people who light up when they see that logo on my
shirt. Keep doing what you’re doing for
those people.
I hear it all over the
country – “how do we fix bowling?” The
truth is, that’s the wrong question.
Bowling doesn’t need to be fixed.
The game is fine... it's the perception that has to change. You just need to find a way to let the rest of the world see bowling the
way you see bowling. The rest will take care of itself. I should know. You convinced me.
And finally, to the
bowlers – somehow this is the hardest part.
I feel like an honorary member of a very special club. I’ve been down there on the lanes with you in
your finest and worst moments. I’ve
shared victories and failures… dinners and drinks… card tables and the grind of
the road with you. You always made me
feel like I belonged in those moments.
Your honest answers when the camera was on, and your friendship when the
camera was off, made all of my work better.
You welcomed me with open arms and for that I will always be grateful.
So now it’s on to a new
chapter, but don’t worry, bowling… I’ll be watching. Thank you so much for allowing me into your
world for a little while. I know I’m
better off for it.
