During the past few years, bowling has been plagued by continuous unfavorable announcements.

Fortunately, the events entering the current year seem to indicate a decided upturn in our sport. Prior to 1998, it seemed that every news release related to the declining state of the bowling game:

· Bowling Headquarters issued alarming drops in membership.

· Proprietors experienced lackluster open play and difficulties maintaining late-shift leagues and five-man teams.

· Although megabuck tournaments enjoyed a degree of success, they, too, realized a slight decrease in entries.

· Darold Dobs, one of the truly great leaders of our game, passed away at a relatively young age at a time he was needed most.

· The "Pro Bowlers Tour," bowling’s greatest promotional vehicle and a solid staple on the ABC network for 36 years, was canceled. This major setback left a gaping void in the game’s most important showcase.

· Bowling Inc., increased salaries in the upper echelon, but in doing so lost numerous key ABC and WIBC employees in its frenzied quest to downsize and cut expenses.

· Strike Ten Entertainment, the promotional arm of Bowling Inc., embellished most of the outgoing programs for the advancement of the game. However, its estrangement with the PBA and its agency, The Marquee Group, did nothing to secure a TV contract for the BPAA U.S. Open tournaments and had no success in obtaining any favorable television pact for the PWBA.

· The Brunswick World Team Challenge was rocked by a scandal that involved two teams accused of purposely losing a championship. The alleged accusation stems from the rules committee that prohibits any winner from further competition until the Grand Championships in Reno, Nevada at the end of the year. Brackets have become the major source of earnings for most of the participants. Consequently, the winner’s clause inhibits any further opportunity for lining their pockets in the lucrative (b)rackets.

This series of setbacks was undoubtedly detrimental to a game that had already descended to its lowest depths in a decade. The outlook for the future was at best rather bleak, but with the advent of the 1998 season, things have begun to look brighter:

· The PBA, together with the Marquee Group, decided to produce their own shows. They achieved this goal in incredible fashion, covering all costs for the ESPN-TV package. Additionally, the PBA will show a decided profit for this segment of PBA telecasts. Furthermore, they are on course to fulfill their desired goal for the Fall Tour on CBS.

· Strike Ten Entertainment, together with the ABC, have finally collaborated with the PBA to air the prestigious ABC Masters tournament on CBS.

· The ABC Masters will be contested the week of May 4 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno and will be the third of nine PBA telecasts on CBS. The event will be produced in conjunction with PBA Tour Productions and will mark the first time since 1981 that the Masters has appeared on network television.

· PBA officials had to reschedule the Wichita Open, an event that was being held the same week as the Masters. PBA Commissioner Mark Gerberich previously offered the time slot to showcase the Masters, but Strike Ten and the ABC were reluctant to absorb the production costs for this distinguished event. The acceptance of this time slot by Strike Ten and the ABC is evidence of a new attitude for promoting bowling’s premier events.

· One of the most significant press releases from Bowling Inc. was the announcement that Sandra Shirk had been dismissed from her duties as executive director. Ms. Shirk was the principal executioner in stripping the ABC and WIBC of many competent and experienced employees. This spectacular news was enhanced by the announcement that David Patrick, the assistant executive director of the YABA and USA Bowling, had been chosen to assume the position of acting president for a minimum of six months until a new CEO is appointed.

As a committee member of the TEAM USA Task Force, I had the distinct pleasure of working with Mr. Patrick on this particular project. Judging by his proficiency and leadership qualities, I feel certain the nominating committee will retain him on a permanent basis.

Adding to the encouraging 1998 news were two exciting announcements by AMF: the sponsorship of the men’s and women’s U.S. Open tournaments, plus the addition of Michael Jordan as spokesman for AMF products.

Not to be outdone, the Brunswick Corporation announced a $1 million contribution to the PBA prize fund, thus matching the similar amount committed by Sam’s Town to the PWBA.

Last but not least, as I mentioned last month, many top-rated amateur players around the country have opted to join the PBA, thereby enhancing that organization’s position on the American bowling scene. This inevitably will encourage other skillful youngsters to cast their lot with the professional group.

As Roth, Holman, and eventually Aulby, Husted, Voss, Williams, Monacelli, and other current luminaries withdraw from PBA competition, they will be followed by future newsmakers such as Chris Barnes, Robert Smith, Pat Healey, Lonnie Waliczek, Sean Swanson, Warren Guernsey, and others who ultimately will gain fame and fortune on the professional level.

PBA Hall of Famer John Jowdy is immediate past president of the Bowling Writers Association of America.