This is my first column since returning from the American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame induction at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno. Once again, it was a great event.
In addition to the Hall of Fame, it also was ABC Convention Week and the week the Bowling Writers Association of America meet.
I guess if I had to pick a favorite time, it would be the Hall of Fame induction. If you claim to be a fan of bowling, you have to treat yourself to this great event. Regardless of who is being inducted, there is a wonderful feeling that comes over you when you see the greatest bowlers in the world being escorted down the aisle and hear the deep tone of the announcer as he introduces such greats as Glenn Allison, Earl Anthony, Barry Asher, Nelson Burton Jr., Don Carter, Dave Davis, Don Johnson, Bill Lillard, Mike McGrath, Ernie Schlegel, Dick Weber, and many more.
Seeing the faces of the family members of those being inducted that evening as they smile, laugh and cry through the ceremony. Listening to those being honored tell of the friends who helped them along the road to the Hall. Giving thanks to their family for their support and love through good, and some not so good, times brings out the spirit of the honor.
This year, one chair sat empty beside the great Dick Weber. Affixed with a black bow, the chair was there in honor of the Iron Man of Bowling, the legendary Joe Norris. There wasn't a dry eye to be found during the short video and narration by Hall of Famer Chuck Pezzano as he chronicled the bowling life of Joe Norris.
It's a magical moment for everyone, young and old. I hope it never changes, and I hope I can attend many, many more.
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The Bowling Writers Association of America Convention is always a hoot. I shake my head sometimes in amazement, but I am also proud to be among some of the best writers in sport. Notice I didn't say bowling writers. Although they do write bowling, many members also cover many other sports, have been sports editors and magazine publishers throughout the United States and love to reminisce about nearly any sport.
The Southern Bowling Writers Association also conducts its annual meeting and luncheon in conjunction with the BWAA Convention. Arranging these things is not an easy task, and if I tried to name all the folks responsible for making this a success, I would surely miss someone. So, I'll just say thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make that one week in March special.
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If there was anything negative about that week, it would have to be the flight and the aggravation of having well-behaved children and grandchildren of my own and wishing others did also.
Flights were late and overbooked. To my right were three seats with four people. Mom and three kids, each trying to out scream the other. Mom used my favorite term—"Time Out"—far too many times and always unsuccessfully. Having raised well-behaved kids without ever using a "time out," I lose patience quickly. I think people with unruly, undisciplined kids should have their own flight-or the kids should be in the overhead storage bins.
Now, now, before you all call the curmudgeon police, ask yourself, Has this happened to me?
Did you feel like me?Next year, the flight will be to Billings, Montana. I am already planning for it and know that whether I have a good flight or bad, that week will be special.
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A two-page panoramic photo of Chris Barnes competing in the outdoor arena finals at The Villages PBA Open in Florida appears in the "Leading Off" section of the April 2 issue of Sports Illustrated.
I think it's great that bowling is finally being seen in publications such as Sports Illustrated. I also am glad to see that it was the Professional Bowling Association rather than some clown act from a movie long forgotten.
I would have liked it better had the picture been of the winner of the tournament and the current leader in the power rankings, Jason Couch.
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Well, there are a lot of things ongoing and getting underway that should please most bowlers and give them all they can deal with for a while. The ABC Tournament is going full steam at the National Bowling Stadium, and the WIBC Tournament starts this month.
The Professional Women's Bowling Association will kick off the Spring/Summer season May 7-11 with the WIBC Queens. ESPN2 has agreed to televise all the PWBA events. Check your local listings for times and dates in your area.
Don Wright is a member of the Bowling Writers Association of America. Visit his home page.