SIMON SEZ: The Numbers Are In

BOWLING HOOD has always been fascinated by numbers, especially the ones reported about the number of people who bowl and how many do it in an organized league.

In the St. Louis USBC Association, the current number is an interesting story.

Dale Bohn, the association's executive director, reported at Saturday's membership meeting the total number in St. Louis (on the Missouri side of the river not counting St. Charles County and Jeffco) is a little over 11,000.

But about 1,300 of them are first time bowlers. BOWLING HOOD isn't a math expert, but newcomers account for a little more than 10 percent. That's pretty impressive.

BOWLING HOOD doesn't believe St. Louis will ever be the "mecca of bowling" as it was in the 1950's through the mid-80's. The market region's growth is slower than other areas. In 1970, St. Louis was the 10th biggest television market (measured by number of homes) by Nielsen.

40 years later, St. Louis is ranked 20th. Memo to bowling leaders in the region - grow from what you have - and forget comparing ourselves to other cities.

READ UP SUPER SHOOTERS: Plans are being made for a St. Louis USBC sanctioned scratch singles tournament next summer. Preliminary details are to have four qualifying rounds in the area at different centers. Bowlers could enter any of the four qualifying tournaments for cash prizes or be content to bowl just one if they qualify for the finals.

It's a great idea - there are several events for medium-average bowlers, it's ok to address the high end of the game.

ST. LOUIS CLOUT AT USBC: Yes, USBC President Jeff Boje's roots are here in the 'Loo. But did you know that the USBC board - the national USBC, not the St. Louis USBC - has two members with strong roots here.

Steve Moehrle (above) can count the coins. Dr. Steve is a professor of accounting at UMSL. Yep, a full PhD. Can't get any smarter than that.

Nope, Tom Bluth gets the education hardware award. Tom is a Juris Doctor (lawyer to you and me) and a CPA. Yes, Tom's proud daddy is Our Town's Hall of Famer Ray Bluth. Tom now lives and works in the Tampa area.

I knew I should have paid closer attention to what was being taught when I was in high school and college. That's why I always read and listen to the Really Smart Guys. They know more. For a reason.

WE'LL MISS YOU DAN SHIELDS: Unfortunately, Dan was a casualty of the automotive manufacturing disaster (are you driving something not made in the U.S.? Tsk tsk). That' s why we hadn't been seeing him as much lately at local tournments.

Well, there's good news - Dan is going back to work and in the automotive field. He goes to GM's plant in Kansas City, Kansas and starts work Tuesday.

One reason I looked forward to tournaments was because Dan was there. Truly one of the nicest guys in the game.

Dan - having worked and bowled in KC, you will like it a lot. They have some pretty good talent and leagues close to where you live and work. Check in with us from time to time to let us know how you are doing - and I'll catch up with you on my next trip there.

SMALL WORLD DEPARTMENT: Another casualty of the automotive recession was Reuther Jeep in Creve Coeur. Chysler yanked it's franchise this summer and didn't make BOWLING HOOD very happy (the owners aren't Democrats so we know why the government punished them).

But they are still in business, doing repair, maintenance and pre-owned vehicle sales. I needed some work done on my car, go to the cashier, and lo and behold, I see Kim Richter. We bowl the St. Charles Trio Scratch league on Mondays.

For my money, she's easily one of the best 10 female bowlers in the region - and truthfully, I think she's one of the five best, period.

I like seeing bowlers away from centers and leagues doing normal everyday stuff. I think we need to let businesses who employ bowlers that we are a good market and can be their customer if they show a more active interest in us.

St. Louis USBC Men's 2009 Awards: Two speeches in this video for men's top honors - Don Griffin, bowler of the year, and Ron Krippelcz, high average for the year.



2009 USBC YOUTH AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

 

THANKSGIVING TOURNAMENTS: There's a ton of 'em. You can check 'em out at http://www.stlbowl.info/. BTW, I do know there is a 9-pin no tap scheduled Thanksgiving Eve at Olivette Lanes that's under the radar. $30, starts at 7 p.m.

And Jim Bulinski continues his holiday tradition with the handicap doubles Turkey Day, 9 a.m., at Shrewsbury Lanes. I'll be bowling that - if I can get off work that day. Yes, no rest here for the weary.

TROY MORTON, LONG DISTANCE AWARD WINNER: Troy was a casualty of the recession - was laid off, but did find a new job - in Springfield, Illinois. Here's the endurance test - Tuesday, drive to work (from St. Louis) - then bowl the Tuesday Trio Scratch at Laketown Lanes. Wednesday, from work back to St. Louis, 1:45 drive to bowl the Wednesday night league at Hazelwood Bowl.

Do they have frequent driver miles available?