First off, I'd like to thank Jim Mars for coordinating and handling the 'bowling' stuff. Did a wonderful job to assure things went smoothly. Though I do not bowl as often (knee surgery from football), this was a real 'eye opening' experience. Here is my take on what I've experienced.
Many have already expressed how 'overwhelmed' they were. I can definitely relate. I've performed with and in front of people when I played football, but didn't feel as nervous as I did when I entered the Stadium. I guess the enormity of the Stadium can do this. I was really impressed to say the least. A lot of pressure was 'self-imposed' as I, like others, really want to do the best I could. Needless to say, sometimes it doesn't work like that.
After saluting, shoeing up and 2 balls of practice, I stood taking in the sites of this wonderful place. Bowlers everywhere. Seemed like many have been doing this for decades. For those going, it's nice to read what has been said/typed concerning where 'the shot' is, but I had to clear my mind of it and basically find it in my way. This I suggest (which you'll eventually do) you do as we all throw the ball differently.
I started with a scuffed (360 abralon) GP2 during warmup to see a reaction the lanes provided. Once we began, I switched to my polished Domination. I had found a good look from where I was playing but soon learned the backends were 'screaming' not flying! I've MAJOR loft incorporated in my game (near the arrows) therefore nullifying the heads to a degree. With the lanes as they were, I thought my inverted release would do well. Guess what, it did, but not without a steep price to pay (which I soon learned). I made adjustments (so I thought) after throwing several splits and the very few time I went a little outside, it left difficult spares to make. All of this happening during team events. Nerves were still jumping, but something else took hold as well. Follow me if you will/can. This I learned and realized later that evening.
During my conversation with Rick (tenpinspro) and Carl (C-G Proshop), I stated the environment was kind of 'visually askew'. Meaning, the spacious environment made things look .... different. This of course in relation to your typical bowling alley. Don't get me wrong. I've bowled at Carolier (i.e. U.S. Open) Lanes in N.J. without a problem, but the very high ceilings, etc. needed some 'getting use to'.
Another observation was the very little room for error. LOL ... I've yet to bowl a tourny where room for error was as minimal as this. Trick is not to leave multiple pin spares! (which I quickly learned
) Had to shoot the majority of multiple pin spares using plastic which can sometimes equate to a chop if you're not accurate enough. What appeared to be makable, the ball simply 'hooked' passed what you were aiming for. Needless to say, it was an adventure
During D&S, I faired much better. Feeling as though I got the 'nervous monkey' off my back and would relax helped a great deal. Didn't sleep a lot as I was still daydreaming about my first day (which scores sucked, but they continued to climb
). Had an extremely positive vibe knowing I would do better after the previous day. After seeing everyone again and wishing good to all relaxed things a bit. During doubles I did ....ummm.... okay. Nothing what I'm capable of doing, yet first time guess okay. Better than Team!. Singles was better consistency wise, yet slightly lower scores (-11 behind Doubles)
Overall, I had a GREAT TIME! Met many people, gambled and enjoyed the excitement. Though I didn't bowl all that well, it was FUN!
To all the first timers, don't rob yourself of the fun. Interact with others. It helps a great deal!
Big Daddy 357 (aka FBM357)
Edited on 5/11/2007 11:18 PM
