This week, I will be preparing for the PBA Spring Hill Regional, my second PBA event. I have been practicing on the pattern for the last three weeks and I’m still not sure about a few things. I know that the oil pattern will play different, but I have to make some ball choices. I would like to able to take two balls and run them over, but that isn’t going to happen. Those guys are great bowlers and it is very difficult to win one of these events. It will take everything I have learned about this sport from lines to play, making quick adjustments to equipment changes and mental toughness. Luck doesn’t hurt either, lol.

At my first regional, all I wanted to do was get the first shot off my hand and strike and I did that. I finished in the middle of the pack because I made most of my spares and although I didn’t cash I did learn a few lessons. The first lesson I learned was that I belong out there bowling with the best. If you don’t believe you should be there, then you don’t belong there. The second lesson I learned was my mental focus has to be on the task at hand and clear of all other things as my wife says…..no mind.  I remember rushing to get to the center because I was in the shop drilling a ball for a customer who was also bowling on my squad. He made the cut so it wasn’t a loss, but I might have bowled a little better if I was completely focused on my goals. As a proshop, I want to see ALL of my customers do well but I have to make time for what I am trying to accomplish as well. The third thing I learned was how fast these guys can break an oil pattern down and I need to make the adjustments quicker than I am used to.

Take note that I never mentioned that I needed better equipment. Once I settled down, I was able to use one ball for the final 7 games. We were on the Chameleon pattern and I was able to get into where I wanted to be with a RotoGrip Cell pearl. If I hit my target, I would hit pocket. So we shall see how it goes and hopefully I will have some good news next time. Remember, "Skillz pay Billz" and always have fun.

Vince Kuzmicki

The thought of bowling a tournament can be brought on for many reasons. The attraction of money, the allure of competition or just the getaway from everyday life. We all bowl for many reasons but one thing is for sure, if the mental focus isn't there, winning isn't going to happen. When I first started bowling tournaments, the only thing that mattered was the money. I was not very good, but someone told me I would get a lot of handicap and all I would have to do is average 180 and I would do well. Was that all? I was a 160 average bowler at that time and didn't have a clue about timing or lane conditions. I had two balls, both drilled very badly with a bad fit. I was also short a ball, one that didn't hook and would prove to be a huge factor in reaching my goal of averaging 180 and therefore walk away with a bunch of money. Combine all those issues with the fact that I had no experience and no guidance, I was sure to become a donator in short time and donate I did.

 That first year was rough but very valuable. I would not give it back for anything. Every dollar I lost was teaching me how to be a better bowler. Every tournament I entered had a lesson to learn and I would stay and watch until the final match was over and look forward to the day I would be a champion. I bowled as much as I could afford trying to achieve what was said to be easy, just average 180. It took that first year before the light went off and took the best step I would ever make, I found a coach and took a lesson.

Fast forward 9 years and things have changed. I have won more than a few tournaments, shot the honor scores and even made a few dollars. I've gained the respect of other bowlers and now run my own tournament. Not bad for a guy that started with bad gear, a bad fit and bad advice, but the one thing that stands out the most to me is that I have become a better bowler. I put the time in to learn the game, to understand what it takes to win and know where I'm going with this sport. It has become more than just about making money; it is a desire to become the best I can be.

My advice to anyone wishing to bowl tournaments, go and get a lesson from a quality coach before you donate. Find your game before you find that entry form. Learn all you can before you take that step towards the sign up desk. Be prepared to practice not on a strike ball, but rather timing and release points, wrist positions, speed control, ball surfaces, pin placement and oil patterns. Then once you learn all that, practice some more. League is not practice, it's competition because it counts. Once you think you're ready, shoe up and go get it, just don't be surprised if we meet in the finals.......................Vince K.