Thirty years ago NASCAR couldn't compete with professional bowling for popularity. Pro bowling had a solid TV slot on Saturday afternoons on ABC with legendary announcer Chris Schenkel. Everyone knew the names of bowling's superstars, Dick Weber and Don Johnson.

Pro bowling has recently had resurgence, and now enjoys a national television audience thanks to a contract with ESPN. Bowling fans will certainly agree that there is plenty of room for improvement. Bowling and its fans can learn a few things from NASCAR. Brand loyalty is one of those things.

Bowling also has a stable of sponsors such as: Denny's Restaurants, Motel 6, Pepsi, Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service, Brunswick Bowling Products, Bayer Aspirin, Ebonite Bowling Products, Ace Hardware, Geico Insurance, Odor Eaters, Dexter Shoes, Columbia, Vise Grips, Dyno Rooz, Storm Bowling, AMF and Bowlers Paradise dot com.

This tournament used to be called the Firestone Tournament of Champions. Chris Barnes defeated defending champion Steve Jaros of Yorkville 234 to 227 to capture pro bowling's final major of the year, a two-year tour exemption and the $100,000 first prize. Barnes is finally back after missing several weeks early in the year due to a back injury suffered during filming a Super Bowl ESPN commercial.

If you watched ESPN's telecast you noticed the distinctive four down lane markings. These markings make it easier for the viewer to see if the bowler consistently hit their breakpoint.

Park Bowl's transformation is scheduled to start May 22nd and should be completed by the end of the month. Owner, Butch Olsen, plans on having a full slate of summer leagues if you want to bowl on the same surface as the pros before anyone else gets to.

That's what makes this scratch tournament so great, on any given day anyone can win or be beaten. Congratulations go out to Cindy Taylor on a fantastic accomplishment! In order to make the cut it took a 222 average to get into match play. Top qualifiers were Bob Niehaus with a 782, Rick Reynolds had 779 and Taylor had 745. High games were Reynolds with a 300, Taylor had 298 and Niehaus had 286.

Don't miss out on a rare chance to see and hear one of the top bowlers in the country. Tickets will be available until sold out. For more information you can call Ron Hall at 815-978-3610.

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