Growing family, economics of PBA Tour force out Harman
Nov 22, 2010
Steve Harman worked hard to gain his exemption on the PBA Tour.
The Camby resident had won an exemption for the 2007-08 season in the PBA Tour Trials in June 2007 and maintained it with his place in the points standings
Last month, the 36-year-old Harman resigned his 2010-11 exemption, which had allowed him to enter PBA Tour tournaments without qualifying.
There were several reasons for his move, including a growing family and a new job, but Harman also cited the economics of the tour.
"I think I'm done with it," Harman said. "Unless something really turns (the tour) around and someone pumps a lot of money into it, it's financially not worth the time and effort anymore for me."
Harman earned $32,200 in 17 tournaments last season. But travel and lodging costs drained much of that.
Most of the scaled-down 2010-11 tour stops are on the coasts, making it even more expensive. The tour closes in Indianapolis in March, the only Midwest stop this season.
"The only guys making money are those that are getting paid before they even throw a shot," Harman said. "It's all the guys that have the big bowling ball contracts. They are the only ones making the real money. The journeyman guys aren't making any money after expenses and taxes."
Harman's best season on tour was 2008-09, when he finished 17th in earnings with $68,570. He made two championship-round appearances. In 2007-08, Harman earned $41,877.
Family concerns also factored into his decision. Harman's wife Jennifer gave birth to their third son, Cashton, last month. His other sons are Layne, who will be 4 in December, and Camden, 2.
"I won't have to be away from my family two or three weeks at a time," Harman said.
Harman plans to bowl in tournaments around the Midwest on weekends.
"I figure I can make more money, getting a real job and bowling on the weekends," he said.
Making the decision even easier was his work situation. Since May, he has been employed by Backhaul Direct. The company's owner, Greg Harris, and chief operating officer, Nick Hoagland, are both former Indiana University bowlers.
Harman is bowling with the Backhaul Direct team in the Don Mitchell Pro Shops League at Expo Bowl. He also is competing in the Brunswick Masters Classic, a traveling scratch league that uses PBA oil patterns.
Harman had surgery on his right knee this fall. "I missed a few weeks (of league season) because of my knee surgery," Harman said. "So I'm still getting in the swing of things. I'm averaging right at 200, but I'm definitely not very sharp right now."
Harman said his knee feels fine, but he hasn't had much time to practice.
"I'm getting closer to throwing the ball the way I should be," he said.
Harman said the only thing he misses about the tour is the camaraderie with the other bowlers.
"I don't miss the bowling part of it a bit," he said. "I enjoy being home with my wife and boys. My oldest is starting to take an interest in other stuff, so I don't want to miss any of that."
Star reporter Mark Ambrogi's column appears every other Monday. Call him at (317) 444-6047 or e-mail mark.ambrogi@indystar.com.
