Bowlers Journal International - April 2008 - (Page 51)

STATE OF THE SENIORS where I was competitive, and I had no desire to make that commitment.” Holman says he was smart enough to save a lot of his winnings, investing in a tax preparation franchise that he now “attacks with the same kind of passion I did as a bowler.” And he adds that, “I’m doing better [financially] as a businessman than I did as a bowler.” Sobering words from a man who won more than $1.7 million in prize money during his career. But if the lack of profits in professional bowling is a problem for twenty-something dreamers, imagine what it’s like for guys who have paid their dues and are still competitive, but have mortgages and maybe even have to fund a college tuition or two. “The Senior Tour is more of a club for me,” admits Baker. But a lot of the players wish it were more than a club. One of them is Doyle Israel, one of the PBA’s most vocal critics. He feels betrayed by Seattle (and especially by then-President Steve Miller) for “promising us a real Tour, just to get our vote [to turn over assets to the current owners].” After two knee surgeries, the three-time Regional champion is no longer competitive, but he was during the late 1990s, and he laments what might have been. “They promised to take care of the seniors,” he charges. “It’s been seven years, and things are getting worse. It was a flat-out lie.” Weber hears the complaints and sees them on internet message boards. “Those who complain just love bowling,” he says diplomatically. “They just want the best, and they want the industry to support them.” That’s not realistic, he says, given the current state of affairs. “The proprietors and the industry are trying to find answers, but each organization must be financially healthy today while investing in the future.” Weber does say that things are getting better, this year’s major detour notwithstanding. “We’re in a pretty good spot, especially in terms of the majors,” he says. “We have a longterm contract with Pete Tountas for the Masters in Tucson, and we’re working on a long-term deal with the Suncoast [for the Senior U.S. Open].” Also, the popular Ladies and Legends tourna- WEBB: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS ONE QUESTION ON A LOT OF minds is what kind of impact the 2008 rookie class will have on the Senior Tour. After all, these guys have combined for nearly 40 PBA Tour titles. And they've been licking their chops in anticipation. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” says Wayne Webb, who alone accounts for 20 of those titles. “I haven’t been real competitive with the kids, not the way they break down the lanes. But with the way the seniors break them down, I know I can compete.” That thought is echoed by Mark Williams, the owner of seven titles, three of them majors. With a surgically-repaired knee that’s now 100%, Williams is ready to rock and roll. He bowled three leagues this past season, including one late shift — where the tougher condition still didn’t keep him from a 220-plus average — and he had a first and third in a pair of Senior All Star Bowling Association events. Sullins, of course, amassed five national trophies and won more than a dozen Regionals. A year ago, he came in a respectable 41st in the Denny’s Tour Trials, finishing ahead of D.J. Archer — and just behind Del Ballard Jr., Lonnie Waliczek and Andrew Cain. Randy Lightfoot won twice on the regular Tour, but gained his notoriety when a botched attempt at humor came out as a slam against the tournament sponsor, Burger King. While not a touring player for some time, Ted Hannahs has been one of the Midwest’s top weekend warriors, winning not only Regionals in his late-40s, but scads of scratch tournaments. What motivates these players? Says Hannahs: “I’m looking forward to being back with the guys I toured with.” Baker says he enjoys the seniors because the pressure is much lower than on the Denny’s Tour. “The guys want to win, but it’s more fun and relaxed,” he says. But for Webb, it’s all about the Benjamins. “Bowling hasn’t been fun for me for a long time,” he admits. “The only reason I’m bowling is to beat them, and to win the money.” — D.B. ment will be back. But Weber admits losing four stops was a blow. “I know my job is to schedule 12 tournaments a year. I thought I had some proprietors who would come back, but the finances make it difficult.” He admits that, “2008 didn’t work out the way I’d hoped,” but says he's confident about having a strong season — next year: “Hopefully, we’ll have at least 12 tournaments.” Is there a chance that one or two events could be added in 2008? “There are a couple of hosts who have expressed interest, but they need sponsors,” and sponsors have been hard to come by, given that the Tour has not been televised for more than a decade. “Getting the seniors on TV is always on the top of our mind,” Weber says, adding that something like the Women’s Series is a possibil- ity, although he concedes that no talks have been held with USBC or others on that kind of format. With nearly 1,500 Senior PBA members, there seems to be a lot of interest. Senior Regionals, especially east of the Rockies, are attracting 70- to 100-bowler fields, when fewer than 50 was common 10 years ago. And the PBA is seeing more activity among the over-60 set, known as the super seniors. In fact, for their benefit, the checks for the 10 supers out of the money on the Senior Tour have been boosted this season by $100, to $700. The State of the PBA Senior Tour? It unquestionably has suffered a hit in terms of the number of events on the schedule. But its fields, jam-packed with Hall of Fame members, will likely be a treat for bowling fans possessing a keen eye for history. APRIL 2008 bowlers journal international 51

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Bowlers Journal International - April 2008

Bowlers Journal International - April 2008 Contents Leading Off Letters Bowlitically Incorrect Calendar Par Bowling The Coach Frame of Mind Inside Line The Truth Be Bowled Tournaments Pro Bowling PBA Bayer Classic PBA Pepsi Championship PBA Don Johnson Classic Regional Roundup Cover Story Up Close Senior Tour The USBC Move USBC Convention Pattern Play Anniversary Flashback Time Capsule Media Beat No Holes Barred Shop Talk Spotlight Marketplace Hall Marks Profit Prophet Advertisers' Index Classified Advertising Intelligencer Business Calendar Business People Strikes Me

Bowlers Journal International - April 2008

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