The Foundation / The Foundation / Welcome to The Foundation

WORLD RANKING MASTERS - May 3-7.

Phantom — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:03:57 GMT

Beginning thursday May 3, live coverage of this prestigious event will begin at 2:00pm E.S.T.

You will be able to hear commentary, some play-by-play of the action, live updates of the standings (as they bowl), interviews with bowlers and much, much more.

Coverage will go on daily throughout the entire event on friday, saturday and sunday starting at 9:00am each of those days.

DON'T MISS IT !!!!

Quote of the year!

Bruce — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 11:44:58 GMT

Quote of the Year!
“The definition of an oil pump is a device that moves oil from one place to another. Therefore every bowling ball is an oil pump.”
Ross Gibson

Members Links

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:17:47 GMT

Members Links

Below are logos for our Foundation Member's websites. Feel free to click on any logos and check out their websites. If you are a member of The Foundation and would like your logo on the member's links page, click here to contact us. E-mail us your logo and website information so that we can add your link to our member's page.

Thank You for supporting The Foundation!

"America's Bowling Newsmagazine".

The Earl Anthony Excellence Award

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:26:31 GMT

The Earl Anthony Excellence Award

Foundation Establishes "Special" Award

Foundation Officials John Davis and Len Nicholson announced today that they are extremely proud and honored to announce: "The Earl Anthony Award Of Excellence" will be effective immediately in all Foundation Games events. The "Award" is being established to perpetuate the name of the greatest shot-maker of all-time. Anthony unexpectedly passed away last August.

"Foundation Games" are unique tournaments that are administered under the strictest guidelines, with multiple lane conditions being the primary challenge for the competitors. The use of more than one lane-conditioning pattern puts emphasis on a player's " shot-making" and " versatility" , which all great players must possess.

The "Award" will be given to those athletes who roll a "300"-game during competition in any official Foundation Games tournaments.

Ted Hoffman, former PBA Western Region Director and Member of the PBA Hall Of Fame (as well as Earl's partner), was contacted about the idea. He discussed it with Earl's widow, Susie, and she gave The Foundation her blessing. Her main concern was that the "Award" was to be something in "good taste", and we assured her that it would be. The exact type of award has yet to be determined, as The Foundation examines many options as to what the actual "symbol" will be. We can promise that whatever is decided, it will be unique and classy, and those who earn it will be more than proud to display "IT", for all to see.

Kat Travel To Sponsor The Award

Kat Travel, the "Official" Travel Agent of The Kegel Company, was approached about the possibility of sponsoring the award. Kathy Nicholson, the President of Kat Travel, welcomed the idea saying, "This is a wonderful idea and I'd be more than happy to be involved with this tribute. I knew Earl, and besides being a great bowler, he was a respected family man and a real gentleman. Additionally, he loved animals (as I do), and was a true ambassador of the sport".

300 Games

BOWLER TOURNAMENT LOCATION

David Traber Foundation Games VI Michigan

Kurt Pilon Foundation Games VI Michigan

Mario Quintero Foundation Games VIII Argentina

Marco Odio Foundation Games VIII Argentina

Mike Sopper Foundation Games IX Wisconsin

Paul Ashby Foundation Games XI Michigan

Eddie Williams Foundation Games XII California

Mitchell Beasley Foundation Games XV Texas

Philip Ringener Foundation Games XV Texas

Joe Mazuryk Foundation Games XVI New York

Dino Castillo Intnt'l. F.G. Championship Lake Wales

The Foundation Lane-Man of the Year

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:20:32 GMT

The Foundation Lane-Man of the Year

First Annual Honors Go To Randy Hart

Lake Wales , Florida.

In the Fall of 1996, Kegel President John Davis called together a group of highly experienced people that had been working professionally with the "art" of: lane conditioning . The sole purpose of that initial meeting was to exchange ideas and develop scientific solutions for the ever increasing problems that were afflicting the sport of bowling. It had become apparent that (over a period of time), the entire bowling environment of: balls, lane cleaners and oils, lane surfaces and bowlers styles had changed. It was evident that the lane-man's job had become more difficult, if not impossible.

The group met for almost an entire week. It was decided that the only way to solve the problem was to do some extensive scientific research and collect that data. In order to do this, Davis vowed to have a professional lane-man at every major bowling tournament in the world. At first, the group started out as a "Guild of Lane-Men". Davis promised to share this research and post all of the results on The Foundation web site for the whole world to see.

This venture was going to be an expensive one. Others, who truly cared about the sport, wanted to help. With that, The Foundation was formed. As of this date (2007), there are almost 1400 in the group, and a total of 46 Countries are represented. The time has come to identify those who have been instrumental in the advancement of lane conditioning. The Foundation "Lane-Man of the Year" Award will be given out annually to a deserving Member.

And the Winner is:

Randy Hart is the first winner of this prestigious Award. Randy is a devout family man who has all of his his priorities in order. Humble, unassuming, dependable, loyal, knowledgeable, are just a few of this man's assets. Besides running his trophy business in Ohio , he serves as Lane Maintenance Director and Player Services Director for the PBA Regional Program in the Central Region. Long-time Regional Director and Foundation Member Dan Ottman, stated: "Randy's value to that Program is immeasurable. If Randy wasn't here, I really don't know what I would do." (Unfortunately, Dan passed away and is missed in all of bowling).

Randy was at the very first meeting held by Davis , and his input was welcomed. He received the beautiful Award with the following inscription: Randy Hart: "Lane-Man of the Year Award". Presented by: The Foundation to the Member Who Exemplifies The Highest Degree of Integrity, Knowledge, Dedication, and Meritorious Service to The Sport of Bowling.

That was his trophy to keep. A perpetual plaque will be on display forever at the Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales, Florida and the home of The Foundation.

Congratulations, Randy.

Welcome to the Future!

Bruce — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:54:57 GMT

See Kegel Founder and CEO John Davis and Special Guest speaker Brian Voss introduce the game ball concept to the Bowling Writers Association. Filmed Summer 2006.

Welcome!

Bruce — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:33:05 GMT

WHAT IS "THE FOUNDATION" ?

The Foundation was started in 1998 by Mr. John Davis, Founder of the Kegel Company.

He called together most of the country's top lanemen in an attempt to find answers to what

Is perhaps the most controversial area in all of sports, the subject of: "lane conditioning".

Today, there are almost as many opinions on “how” the lanes should have been oiled, as

there are bowlers. This group of experts met in Sebring, Florida & formed a guild

of "lanemen” who were seeking answers to the existing problems that plague our sport.

Taking care of the lanes on the PBA Tour, the Senior Tour and providing machines,

patterns, oils, cleaners, etc; to the PBA Regional Program has enabled the Kegel Company and The Foundation some very important data. This gathering of pertinent information (along with data from many other scratch events around the World) is valuable research that can lead the way to solving some of the problems that we have already identified.

This, you may imagine, is a very expensive endeavor. Because of the tremendous expense involved, The Foundation was started. Many caring individuals inquired as to how they could help. As of this year (2007), there are almost 1400-Members who have joined this very prestigious Group. The Members’ realize that it is NOT really our responsibility to find the answers to the problems, but they also WANT to help. One of our sayings is:

~"You DON'T need to be a laneman to know that there are problems.

YOU just need to be a laneman to know how bad the problems really are."~

We, at "The Foundation", have established many short and long-term goals. We are

currently accepting new Members and welcome your support of this monumental &

necessary PROJECT. If you really care about our Sport, you can join The Foundation and lend your support.

~"IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?"~

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

What Happened?

To Know Where We Are, We Have To Know Where We’ve Been

THE VISION:

In 1958 when Eddie Elias gave birth to the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), he didn’t realize how much a bowling ‘Tour’ would actually change the game. How could he possibly know? At that time, most of the top players were on sponsored teams that bowled in leagues, an occasional exhibition or two, and match games. All he wanted to do was to create an avenue for the better bowlers to have an opportunity to make a living. He honestly felt that this idea was going to showcase bowling right up ‘there’ with all of the rest of the major sports. He had seen that golf was on its way with a ‘Tour’, and the possibilities were endless for the bowlers in yet another individual sport. He would make sure that bowling would be on national television and the whole world would (and could) embrace the sport. This was a great idea, right? Well, it worked for a while until the sport became “ill”.

THE COMPARISON:

Prior to the golf ‘Tour’, those top golfers also had team-matches and exhibitions. But, golf is different in many ways. A lot different. Why didn’t golf get “ill”? Why didn’t “this” happen to golf? It didn’t happen to golf because of “styles” and “conditions”. There are accepted ways of playing the game of golf, as there are in bowling. However, the “conditions” are totally different in each game. The main difference is that golf (for the most part) is played in the “air”, whereas bowling is a game played on a surface; therefore, bowling is a game of “friction”.

THE CHANGE:

Perhaps the BIGGEST change that occurred in bowling (an obvious one) was taking a sport that was “team-oriented” to one that was now singles, in nature. This was perhaps to be the start of a social adjustment that the bowlers would have to make. In many ways, it never has. This “SOCIAL” problem is one that still, to this day, plagues our sport.

Almost immediately upon starting the Tour, bowlers began complaining about one “squad” or another having an advantage. Sometimes the lane condition would favor those who bowled “early”, and other times it would favor those who bowled “late”. The administrators listened and felt that if the bowlers would alternate squads from tournament-to-tournament, it would rectify this problem. This was possibly the first major “band-aid” that was applied to the Tour.

Actually, the sport has two (2) main problems, those being: “Technical” and “Social”. The “Technical” problems are those which deal with: lane-conditioning, bowling balls, pins, lane surfaces, formats, and those things that you can actually see. The “Social” problems are the most damaging, as they are the ones that you can’t actually see – like an invisible disease that can and will kill, if gone untreated.

TECHNICAL:

Technical problems occur in all sports. Rules are often adopted in an attempt to maintain “level” playing fields in all successful sports. Every sport must maintain a balance to keep the competition fair. Some examples of this are: A). Baseball: pitchers cannot throw an altered ball, and aluminum bats are outlawed on the Major League level. B). Basketball: under the basket (the “key”) has been expanded to keep the BIG man out of “that” area so that size will not be the determining factor of domination, and a 3-point shot has been added to benefit accuracy in an attempt to allow the LITTLE guys an opportunity to compete. C). Football: ALL rules are reviewed yearly in order to maintain a balance between offense and defense, and the “kicking” game is constantly altered so that kickers (who have improved their technique) will not dominate the action. D). Hockey: strict rules have recently been adopted against the defensemen to allow the “skill” players to skate more freely in an attempt to create more offense and enhance scoring, and the actual size of the rink has been expanded (more room behind the net) to help create more offense. I could go on and on about the changes in other sports regarding the technical aspects.

In bowling, there have been tremendous advancements in this “technical” area. However, the “social” problems have become so great, that often (too often), they become intermingled with each other and complaints about conditions occur when not warranted. In most cases today, it is almost impossible to know (based on bowler comments) if the lane conditions were fair or not.

SOCIAL:

The real “social” problems with bowling surely began with the inception of the Tour. Looking back, it is easy to recognize just “how” this could happen. The Tour consisted of all of the top-players from around the country. Each PBA Member was undoubtedly the best player in his respective city. Some of these players were used to bowling in a “dungeon” or “brickyard”. Those players liked the lanes to be tough and low-scoring. Other players came from bowling centers that were well maintained and the scoring paces (there) were relatively high. Some came from houses where the shot was “outside”, while others were used to playing “inside”. This difference in the mind-set of the players was huge. As time went by, some players would politic for their particular shot. At one time, players were applauded for their performances. Suddenly, (especially in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s) players demanded their “shot”. The “squad” problem was probably the start of it. Then it became a “righty-lefty” problem. Then it became a “straight player-hook ball player” problem. Then it became a “high score-low score” problem. Next, it was an “angle” problem with some wanting the shot to be “outside”, while others hoping for an “inside” shot. Then, the players wanted “multiple” angles. All of this has gone on far too long. It’s completely out-of-hand. A change is needed. A cure is needed, or the patient will die.

THE FOUNDATION:

The Foundation has been actively (and publicly) pursuing a cure for this disease for a long time. We have tried every conceivable and reasonable anecdote. A BIG change is long overdue. The Foundation “Games” are most likely the answer. Will it be a new “format”? Maybe. Should it be multiple lane conditions? Possibly. Should it be more versatility demanded from the players? Probably. We need YOUR help. Stay tuned.

The Foundation

“Continuing Contributors”.

The Foundation is actually a group of dedicated bowling enthusiasts (from all over the World) who are sincerely interested in bringing integrity and credibility to the Sport of Bowling. The group is made up of different categories; Founding, Charter, Associate, Pro Shop, Bowling Center and Corporate members. If you care about our Sport, you should be in The Foundation.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching the problems that exist in our Sport. We report all of our findings on our website for the whole World to see. Basically, the Kegel Company funds the entire project. However, there are people who have wanted to help by doing something extra, in addition to their paid memberships. We classify this “Special List”, as: "Continuing Contributors". John Davis started The Foundation almost 10-years ago, and listed below are those individuals who have been able to help in an additional way through a variety of contributions to The Foundation. We sincerely thank them for their valued support.

F. Alayne Blomenberg, Cranston RI F. Vinnie Atria, Louisville Ky. US
F. Andrew Aiezza, Castleton F. Vic Sockrider, Ft Wayne IN US
F. Archie Hirashima, S. F. CA US F. Tom Blasco, Sat. Beach FL US
F. Bill Baker, Watauga TX US C. Tom Underwood, L. Bch. CA US
C. Brad Rusin, DeKalb IL US F. Steve Neff, Homosassa FL US
F. Bruce Forsland, Fairfield, AR US F. Shawn Evans, Sat. Beach FL US
F. Bryan Lipinski, Irving TX US F. Carmen Salvino Chicago, IL US
F. Butch Dangel, Maspeth NY US F. Sam Zurich, Palm Bay FL US
F. Dan Ottman, Troy MI US C. Phillip Cary, Oakland CA US
F. David Driscoll, Mt. Dora FL US F. Norm Duke, Clermont FL US
F. David Ozio, Beaumont TX US F. Nikki Gianulias, Vallejo CA US
F. David Prunty, Lg. Beach WA US F. Nick Hoagland, Bloom., IN US
F. David Traber, Woodstock IL US C. Michael Strano, Austin TX US
F. Dick Stevens, Council Bl. IA US C. Mary Chase, N. Easton MA US
C. Doug Chase, N. Easton MA US F. Mark Martin, St. Clair MI US
F. Fico Perez, Levittown Puerto Rico F, Mark London, Crest Hill IL US
F. Fred Borden, Akron OH US F. Mark Gerberich, Akron OH US
F. Fred Trickey, Summerville SC US F. Lindsey Wong, Mt.View CA US
F. Jim Dressel, BJ – Illinois US F. Linda Davis, Sebring, FL US
F. Gary Parsons, Suitland MD US F. Len Nicholson, Vacaville CA US
F. Pro Shop, Guru Ent. Suitland MD US F. Kurt Pilon, Warren MI US
F, George Sitterle, Lancaster CA US F. Jim Dill, Lincoln, Neb. US
C. Greg Novak, Oak Park IL US F. Kathy Nicholson Vacavl. CA US
F. Hal Kaminski, Oconomo. WI US C. Joyce Deitch, Las Vegas NV US
F. James Hall, Alliance OH US F. John Weber, St.Charles Mo
F. Jeff Richgels, Oregon WI US F. John Bickford, Ft Edward NY
C. June Davis, Sebring FL US C. Brandy Padilla, Sebring FL US
C. Brian Viator, Sebring FL US C. Bob Johnson, Chicago IL US
F. Dale Diamond, Springfield, IL. US

A BIG "THANK YOU" to ALL of our "Continuing Contributors"

The latest, is: Dale Diamond for his generous Donation on: 02-08-06.

(KEY: “F” = Founding Member “C” = Charter Member.)

If you are interested in upgrading your Foundation Membership, please let us know. We need your help. Please contact our Administrator (June Davis) to do so, at: june.davis@kegel.net

FOUNDATION "UPDATE”

OUR MISSION AND PASSION:

"The revitalization of the Sport of Bowling through the education and training of the world bowling community. Through the dedication of our Members, we are helping to standardize the Sport of Bowling worldwide. The Foundation brings a new level to any league or tournament, at any given time. The Foundation prides itself on engineering fairness and predictable ball reaction at any competition. The end result of this passion is the return of 'integrity' to our beloved Sport".

WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION?:

The Foundation began as a "Guild Of Lanemen" devoted to saving the Sport of Bowling. This group of dedicated people, quickly grew to include bowling proprietors, bowlers, worldwide bowling leaders and worldwide organizations, mechanics, corporations and other interested people all over the world. These people have either devoted their time, their resources or their talents to help us reach our goals.

THE FOUNDATION'S PURPOSE

The basic purpose of The Foundation is to provide a fair and consistent environment at Major bowling events around the world. We accomplish this by providing trained lane maintenance personnel, consistent conditioning machines, predictable lane conditions, and a commitment to make sure that lane maintenance is a priority of each and every Major bowling event. From these tournaments, we collect data, conduct research and document the results in order to further our Sport through the understanding of all maintenance problems and procedures.

WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION DOING?:

Training A Network Of Highly Trained Technicians

We have already trained countless numbers of technicians in this country and around the world, and we will continue to do so. Our ultimate goal is to Certify all lane personnel.

Sharing All Information On Lane Conditioning Research

Through our website, www.foundation300.com The Foundation publishes the latest data from most every Major bowling competition throughout the world. From oil depletion and topography to the actual lane conditions used at WTBA events. All of the pertinent information is there at your fingertips. Any and all questions regarding lane conditioning can be answered by visiting our very popular website.

Foundation Membership

JOIN TODAY

There are several “levels” of Foundation Memberships to choose from. The list below reflects the options that you have. Please choose one to help us to accomplish our goals. Thank you.

Charter Member:

This is our most popular form of Membership. The one-time donation of $75.00 includes a beautiful polo shirt with the embroidered Foundation “logo”; a Certificate and a Membership Card. Charter Members are also eligible for a 10% discount at any Kegel Training Center "Camp of Clinic". That discount also applies to all Pro Shop items.

Associate Member:

Associate Membership is “no charge”. This category was basically set-up for those who believed in our cause, but could not afford the Charter Member donation (such as; Juniors, Students, Military, disabled, fixed incomes, etc.). These Members lend their voices to our cause and show their support of The Foundation. (For those existing Associate Members whose personal “status” has changed, we urge you to upgrade your classification at this time).

Pro-Shop Members:

This one-time donation of $150.00 includes two (2) Foundation polo type shirts with the embroidered “logos”, and a Certificate with the name of your Pro-Shop. The 10% Kegel Training Center and Pro Shop discounts are also included in this Membership.

Bowling Center Members:

This Membership Classification is a one-time donation of $300.00, and includes four (4) Foundation shirts and a Certificate with the bowling center name.

Corporate Membership:

A $500.00 donation (or more) from your Company will entitle you to a beautiful plague and “special” recognition of your Company on our web site & in our monthly Newsletter.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail The Foundation Administrator; June Davis, at: june.davis@kegel.net or, you can call her, at: 1.863.382.2643

ALL Foundation Members also receive our monthly Newsletters via e-mail.

We appreciate your involvement and support of The Foundation