BLOGS by Brian Regan

December 29, 2010 -- The sweepers start in just a few days.  I will still be working to book more centers to participate after this week, and now we are having some bowling centers offer it as an open bowling option as well.  Three Flint area centers will be offering open play for $12 for 2.5 hours, and $2 will still be going toward the rolloff prize fund, which means bowlers can qualify through the open bowling option as well!  This will offer even more flexibility for those who may not be able to make it to the scheduled sweepers.  This may be a more attractive option for more bowling centers and for bowlers as well.

While we currently have Brunswick on board as a sponsor, we are still talking with a few other companies in hopes that they will join us.  The goal is to have at least one bowling ball per sweeper to give away to the top performer(s) based on the point system.  The new point system has recently been added to the menu at the top of the website.

A FEW OF MY THOUGHTS ON THE GOAL OF THIS PROGRAM...

This program is not for everybody.  We are NOT trying to appeal to everyone here.  In most instances, the open play and the less expensive sweepers can benefit most bowlers, but the initial goal was to create a competitive bowling atmosphere for competitive bowlers.  For those who may not quite feel "good" enough to compete with top bowlers, this provides a venue for them to work on getting better without spending a lot of money.  Then if they choose, they can bowl in the rolloff and see what kind of progress they have made.  For those bowlers who are already competing at a very high level, this is an opportunity for them to stay sharp while competing against other great bowlers from their local area and from the entire state of Michigan.

I promise to do everything I can to grow this program with these things in mind.  Scratch competition that makes sense...this is the goal.  I consider myself one of those bowlers that has the potential to compete with the state's top bowlers, but in the past I have found it difficult to stay sharp and prepare for top tournaments.  This format motivates me to practice and compete more on these sport shots, and gives me something to look forward to in regards to bowling.  I figure if it appeals to me for these reasons that there must be others out there who feel the same way I do. 

In my letters to bowlers, to bowling center proprietors, and to ball manufacturers; I have asked everyone to invest in this program.  I asked the bowlers to give their time, their patience, and I've asked them to help spread the word.  So far, this has been accomplished.  Now I hope it carries over to the bowlers showing up.  I asked the bowling centers to offer an affordable rate.  I've also asked them to take the time to strip a few lanes and put out sport patterns for the sweepers and for open play.  The host centers listed under the "locations" link have all done their part and obliged.  I've asked the ball manufacturers to invest in a program that can boost the SPORT of bowling, and Brunswick has jumped on board, and I am hoping the other companies will do the same.

To make this program successful, we need leaders.  We need YOU to help out.

IN ANSWER TO THE SKEPTICS

I've had long conversations with a few people who are very skeptical of this program.  They make very valid points.  Let's face it...it is possible that it doesn't work out as well as planned.  But so what?  Isn't it worth the chance?  I can promise each person reading this that I have been and will continue to work my butt off to make this program successful.  I will continue to try to add more to this program.  I will contact potential sponsors and more potential host bowling centers.  I will try to get donated prizes for the sweepers and help other centers to do the same for their sweepers.

I know it sounds big, and I know it sounds like something that has never happened in bowling before...but why can't it happen for the first time right now?  For the people who will organize the sweepers, I realize you have to ask bowlers what they want.  What night is best for them to bowl?  Do they want a weekly payout, or should it just be lineage plus the rolloff money?  I get that.  But the one really important question here is simply...

Would YOU bowl in this? 

If we get 40 centers that only get 5 bowlers per week per center, then guess what?  That is 200 bowlers per week qualifying for the rolloff.  That is $400/week going toward the prize fund for the rolloff.  After 5 weeks (thinking of next season here) that is $2000 added to the prize fund of the rolloff.  This CAN happen!!!  And I still say those numbers are pretty low, because I think we could get a lot more centers and a few more than an average of 5 per center per week.  But this first run from January to April is the key.  This is where we kick it off and build momentum for next season.

So I am just asking even the skeptics to please just give this a chance.  We don't need prophets telling us of doom and gloom anymore.  For every 20 people that I've talked to about this program, I would say 1 person has been highly skeptical.  So the numbers are on our side, but it would be nice to get everybody working toward the same goal here.

HERE WE GO...

Sunday we kick off this scratch bowling program in 2 bowling centers--Hi Skore Lanes in West Branch and Stardust Lanes in Saginaw.  Please come out and help support these 2 events.  Check the schedule to see the other events that we will have during the week.  I'm sure there will be some adjustments to be made after the first week, so keep an eye on the website for updates.  And please help us to spread the word.  I will have a message board up soon, so that bowlers can discuss the sweepers and the oil patterns or whatever else, so keep an eye out for that.

Thanks to everybody for letting me bug them about this on basically a daily basis haha.  I hope to see you at the lanes soon!