Mainzer...It will ceertainly be with me, but don't be too sure about seeing more volume at the stadium. Last year I practiced at Super 3 times before making the trip and we usually had about 8 guys so a fair idea of how fast the breakdown etc would/could be. At the Stadium we had the exact same look as we had seen at Super. So I would say they had it pretty close, and I'm while keeping an open mind for when I am out there next week trust it probably is pretty close this year also. I certainly do listen to what Ken, Tim, Wendt, Etc all have to say as they have won it twice, and I'm bowling State with them so I'll listen to them then and throw where they want me to.
The thing that tanked me last year was Being told I had to stay outside of 10 because that was how we planned to break the lanes down. A couple guys on the companion team started at 15 and I had a couple of sprinkler filling in that wern't comfortable playing up 8-9 because if they did miss wide it stayed REALLY wide so they also had the majority of their shots pulled way in as well. I had a good look there at 15 as well, but got chastized for it off a 3 bagger and moved back to outside of 10. Had a great first game but also knew when that was gone I was going to have major trouble catching up to the oil line that Cory and Mike where playing off. Plus I was pretty livid about it and wasn't fully focused at finding it. When we finished and Cory asked why I wasn't "in" with them and I told him, he said we are always chasing each other left and asked when I let another disctate where I was playing, especially if it was a slim to none chance of the team doing anything with my fill ins then. Also asked if I felt I was less knowledgable as that was the only time anyone would tell him where to play, if they knew more or where considerably better. Anyway Team is different and much stronger this year and I'm looking forward to the trip again.
As far as the Nano goes...Both Eric Vermallia who is at USBC and been on team USA told someone I know that there is more hook at the back of the pattern than it shows or reads. Also in Watching the Boost teams live Saturday Their leadoff Randy Russell mentioned they where seeing more hook off the back of the pattern than they expected and also If they threw surface saw Wiggle downlane and where leaving flat 10's. But it was funny I heard that twice in 12 hrs.... I had a good look Monday with it playing the same line and I left 7, 10 pins the first two games which is frustrating. When I changed hand position to get it to peek up a little sooner that look went away. In watching them I'm figuring I threw as much ball as a few of their guys. We'll see pretty quick I guess. But I'm at this time am thinking the biggest difference between Super and the Stadium is how fast they break down or open up and how fast you have to move left with the number of bowlers being doubled up plus. We should all have a good idea next Monday when Troy, Rich, Rauen, G, and Marn, and the rest of Dirty's crew weigh in as they all bowl this Friday and Saturday. If they are close at the beginning I can keep up with the moves and IF there are guys at 15 to start I will be as well, even though it would be nice to have all 10 outside 10 at first I know it aint going to happen... I can generally hit the pocket on about anything, carry has been the issue. And I hope the thumb pitch change and other tweaks Chris Sand made has given me enough change in my ball motion and hook to roll transition that It does lead to better carry. That was even hurting me in league and it has gotten much better.
Reason for being optimistic!!
theiceman
