During the past year, I have been critical of the inflated scores, averages and records posted by the current PWBA players.
Nonetheless, I want to express my greatest respect for PWBA Chairman of the Board John Sommer, and John Falzone, PWBA president. I want to particularly salute John Sommer for his patience, perseverance, and financial support of the PWBA. I can think of no individual anywhere in the bowling industry that has done or given more of himself to keep afloat one of the most important segments of the bowling game.
With all due respect to Chris Peters and his former Microsoft group for purchasing and "saving" the PBA; Peters and his associates made what they considered and continue to believe, a good investment. They were aware of the past success of the PBA Tour on ABC and ESPN and felt that the small investment (small to men of this wealth) had immense possibilities, particularly considering the vast connections they had in the sports world and communications field.
At any rate, John Sommer continues to be the greatest crusader in the game. While not exactly a pauper, Sommer's investment has been, if not a losing proposition, a nonprofit project. More important, Sommer was not afforded the luxury of worldwide links in the sports and communication fields, as was the former Microsoft wizards. Nevertheless, PWBA has, with its limited personnel, continually outshone the PBA (prior to its present ownership) in numerous ways.
Every year, almost without fail, PWBA featured a superior yearbook. It initiated the registration fee for bowling products on TV. It led the way for fan clubs. It was the first to use six- and eight-player fields for TV exposure. PWBA was the first group to include incentive monies in total earnings. And now, Kim Adler turns the ad world upside-down with her auctioning stunt on the Internet, a coup and stroke of genius that created a major stir in USA Today and for all of bowling!
One thing sport fans must realize: Women's sports do not have the strong appeal of men's sports. This is not a male chauvinist view or conviction. These are hard facts, supported by TV ratings of all athletic events. With the possible exception of tennis, which once featured Lendl, McEnroe, Connors, and other controversial stars and now displays the incredible talents of the Williams sisters. Evidently, Sommer, Falzone, and Company are doing something extraordinary and are beating the odds for survival. PWBA ratings have risen steadily during the past year.
And now comes word that the new PWBA schedule for 2003 will feature fewer tournaments with larger prize funds. This is certainly another step in the right direction and further demonstrates PWBA's will and determination to strengthen their position in women's sports.
More power to them! My sincerest wishes to John Sommer, John Falzone, and all members of the PWBA for greater success in the coming years.