I was reading through the message boards the other day and someone pointed out that based on routine, I'd be posting a blog today. I guess it's worked out that since the tournament began, I've been posting a new blog entry every 10 days, which is a little less often than when I first made the trip out to Albuquerque, but just often enough for me to stay on track both behind the scenes and on the front lines here at the tournament.
Today, I'd like to introduce a new feature that I created for USBCopen.com called ON THE LANES WITH. ...
During the next few months, I am going to talk to some of our tournament champions, USBC Hall of Famers and other recognizable folks throughout the bowling community to get their thoughts, memories and secrets about the Open Championships and their time on the championship lanes.
The first official post will be from two-time champion John Janawicz, who rolled the highest-series in tournament history on the way to the 2004 Regular Singles and All-Events titles, but I thought I'd get things started with my own version here. And unless I somehow can win a title, this is where it will stay.
But before I do that, I'd like to wish a speedy recovery to my good friend, Steve Brinkman, who is down for the count after having his appendix removed earlier this week.
On the lanes with Matt Cannizzaro, USBC Open Championships Media Relations Manager
OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS APPEARANCES: This year will be No. 10.
OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLES: None
BOWLING BALL WEIGHT: 15
ONE all-time favorite host city: Corpus Christi, Texas
TWO best Open Championships memories: 1. Getting hired to work for USBC and being assigned to the management team at the tournament. 2. Bouncing back from 522 in team and 525 in doubles to shoot 716 in singles in 2006.
THREE keys to success at the Open Championships: 1. Block out all of the obvious distractions (friends, brackets, high ceilings, bright lights, co-workers watching, etc). 2. Relax and stay slow, it's not a house shot out there. 3. Make your spares.
FOURgettable Open Championships moment: I missed a 6 pin to cost me 30 Clean in singles in 2006.
FIVE bowlers in history on your Open Championships fantasy all-star team: Bill Lillard Sr., Steve Fehr, Dick Weber, Nelson Burton Jr. and Mike Aulby.
SIX bowling balls currently in your Open Championships arsenal: Total NV, Complete NV, Gamebreaker (2), The One, Maxim.
SEVEN cities you'd like to see the Open Championships go to/return to: Atlantic City, N.J., Tampa, Fla., Niagara Falls, N.Y., Orlando, Fla., Honolulu, Seattle and Metropolis, Ill.
EIGHT favorite bowling balls ever: Ebonite V2 Pearl, Ebonite TPC Warrior, Ebonite NR2 (re-release in 2005), Columbia Piranha (jade), Columbia Piranha (orange), Columbia Power Torq, Brunswick Danger Zone and Storm Eraser.
NINE other current/eligible bowlers you would choose to join you on your ideal pair of companion teams at the Open Championships: Steve Fehr, Wendy Macpherson, Todd Savoy, Doug Becker, Jeff Richgels, Mike Shady, Lennie Boresch Jr., Steve Brinkman, Derek Eoff.
TEN seconds or less, who is your favorite bowler of all-time?: Mike Aulby
ELEVEN strikes in a row to start a game at the Open Championships, what's going through your head?: I might get the chance to write a story about myself. Get more than seven, get more than seven.
TWELVE years from now, where do you hope to be in your bowling career?: Hopefully averaging more than 200 at the Open Championships. Also, I'd like to have new career highlight besides my runner-up finish at the Hoinke Super Classic in 2006. I think people are tired of hearing that story.
Laughed out loud when I read this. When do you bowl?
