Approximately two years ago, an organization was formed to combine all of the principal integers of the bowling industry. It was appropriately titled "Bowling Inc."
The principal objective was aimed at streamlining and incorporating the ABC and WIBC workload under one united system. It also included a closer relationship with the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America, a situation that heretofore was lacking and developing into a grave concern.
Numerous BPAA members threatened to bolt the governing bodies and form their own association. As a matter of fact, they formed their own youth programs.
The near break climaxed at a BPAA convention several years ago in Reno, Nevada. BPAA President Sonny Franz, addressing the delegates, explicitly declared, "Bowling is our business, and no one is going to tell us how to run it!"
This, no doubt, was in response to ABC's rejection of questionable high scores that were being posted around the country. BPAA threatened to form their own regulatory body and drop their ABC/WIBC affiliations. Moreover, as a convention feature, BPAA engaged the services of George Allen, an extremely gifted and charismatic speaker. Mr. Allen, who since has passed away, denounced the services and procedures of ABC/WIBC. These acts of defiance further fractured relationships between BPAA and the governing bodies.
Although it was not officially stated, ABC/WIBC seemingly relented under the intense pressure applied by BPAA. They relaxed their rules for lane maintenance procedures. Needless to say, this has given rise to such preposterous skyrocketing scores that 300 games, 800 series, and averages hovering in the 230 to 245 range have become the norm, rather than accomplishments of skill and talent.
And now, with the advent of Bowling Inc., ABC/WIBC and BPAA seem to have reached an amicable state of existence. Through their combined efforts, they contracted the services of Steve Ryan, a former executive of the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins, to expand and advance bowling.
This gave birth to Strike Ten Entertainment, the promotional arm for Bowling Inc., an organization funded through loans from ABC, WIBC, and BPAA. WIBC contributes $1 million; ABC, $900,000; and BPAA, $100,000—a yearly total of $2 million.
And what has been accomplished in nearly two years by Strike Ten Entertainment?
How far has bowling progressed?
What, if any, new inroads has the game made in asserting itself in the business world?
How many new bowlers has Strike Ten lured into the game?
Inasmuch as television is the most formidable and effective manner for marketing products, what has STE accomplished in this area?
Although STE has actively operated for almost two years, the results of their endeavors may require a little more time to reach fruition.
The verdict is still out on Mr. Ryan and STE.
PBA Hall of Famer John Jowdy is a past president of the Bowling Writers Association of America.