Pitch Purple versus Pitch Black - Internal Review
The Pitch Purple has enough backend potential to hit steep angles and confidently make it back to the pocket.
In modern times, Storm has been internationally recognized as the brand who emphasizes the later portion of a ball’s reaction. However, the Pitch lineup has been uniquely different from the start. Looking to expand our performance palette, we started exploring different liquid materials (urethanes) that shifted ball performance. Namely, breakpoint distance, backend hook potential, and entry angle. Depending on who you ask, these factors are arguably the most important variables in modern bowling technology. Storm has the “clean with a kick” look covered, as well as early urethane grip which works exceptionally well on short patterns. Believe me when I say: we’ve been burning the midnight oil when it comes to testing. With Alex Hoskins leading R&D, our lanes have been consistently booked more than ever with new formulas and materials to investigate. There’s plenty of balls that fill the void between a Hy-Road and a Pitch Black, but that something special has been curiously eluding our gaze.
What would happen if we took the same benchmark-cozy Capacitor Core and combined it with a new type of urethane material? The result, as it turns out, was nothing short of amazing. Read in oil, stability in friction, consistency from foul line to head pin was the result. This unique fusion lets you dial in key performance parameters, responding to every input with absolute fidelity.
BOWLER STATS:
Launch Speed: 18mph
RPM: 490
Tilt: 6°
Rotation: 45°
PAP: 5” straight over
Layout Used for Test: 5 x 3 x 2.5 (35° x 5 x 35°)
Surface Used on Both Balls: 1000-grit Abralon®
Oil Patterns: Beaten Path, 41’, 1:4.04, 24.25 mL; Boardwalk, 35', 1:2.16, 28.25 mL
Our curiosity keeps us moving forward, exploring, experimenting, and opening new doors.
THE TEST:
For this study, I decided to use Kegel's 41' Beaten Path and 35' Boardwalk. I knew these patterns would showcase the differences between these two balls exceptionally well. I tossed 20 shots on SPECTO with each ball, averaged the results, and created composite motion paths for each along with a comparison chart utilizing the hard data SPECTO provided. Both balls were resurfaced prior to the test using a Surface Factory machine with fresh Abralon pads for each to achieve the most consistent finish possible.
41ft PATTERN TEST RESULTS:
Despite being set down two arrows deeper, the Pitch Purple not only covered more boards than the Pitch Black, but still split the 8-9 consistently. Typically, I would never use urethane on anything longer than 38 feet. But the Pitch Purple had just the right balance between the midlane and backend reaction that I could stand anywhere, with conviction, and watch it speed back to the pocket with tenacity. On this pattern, the Pitch Purple produced 17% more entry angle and 23% more length than the Pitch Black.
35ft PATTERN TEST RESULTS:
The most impressive thing about using the Pitch Purple on the shorter pattern was what it didn't do - which was overreact off of the dry. My optimal line was was adjacent to the line I was playing on the 41' Beaten Path pattern. The only adjustment I made was moving up six inches on the approach to dial my speed back smidgen. Furthermore, both balls fell into alignment in the last 1/3 of the lane thanks to the Rev-Controll Urethane cover. Had I been in the same area with even a weaker reactive, it would have been so aggressive off the breakpoint, I would have been leaving designs on the deck I'd rather not have to attempt converting. When my house shots get cliffed during league, the Pitch Purple will unquestionably be my go-to ball. On this pattern, the Pitch Purple created about 9% more entry angle and 14% more length than the Pitch Black.
CONCLUSION:
Have you ever been in a tournament where the top qualifier ran away from the rest of the field not by tens, but by hundreds of pins? Ever wondered how they were able to do that? They more than likely had a niche ball giving them insight into the pattern no one else in the building had. In the simplest terms I can depict, the Pitch Purple not only retains the phenomenal control and feel of its predecessor, the Pitch Black, but it also lives up to the iconic backend motion that Storm is renowned for. This high level of control will provide aggressive players with the license to swing for power. Finesse players will find their mark without fuss while the ball maintains ample power at the pins. The Pitch Purple has enough backend potential to hit steep angles and confidently make it back to the pocket. I was able to stay in my comfort zone on the short test pattern as if I was playing on the longer pattern; all I used was a simple change in speed. This rare combination of urethane midlane with reactive backend is a bonus that makes this ball once of the most “maneuverable” balls to date. If I use anything reactive on a short pattern, it would generally be too sharp/quick off the breakpoint. The Pitch Purple provides the cleanliness of a reactive but is undeniably more forward off the spot, but not to the degree a Pitch Black would be. This equals control not only on short and flatter patterns, but longer more demanding ones as well. I'm particularly impressed with how I can feel the mishits with my hand, but don’t see any drastic changes of ball motion down lane. House shots to sport shots, this ball will have a fixed spot in my bag for quite some time.
Highlights from the test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpGrNJ8xeSw
Storm has a full-time tech representative ready to answer any questions you have about the Pitch Purple or any other Storm product. Please call (800) 369-4402 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm MST) or send an email to tech@stormbowling.com (anytime).
Randy Pedersen Celebrates 20 Years With Storm
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Randy Pedersen has more than 40 years of experience in the bowling industry and he’s celebrating a monumental anniversary with Storm Products in 2020.
Pedersen was officially invited to represent Storm Products as a full-time touring player in 2001 and quickly found success with the equipment. In 2002, he earned his first title on national television as a member of Team Storm with the X-Factor and from there the relationship continued to flourish. Pedersen continued to represent Storm on the lanes throughout his career. When he decided to stop bowling full-time, he was able to continue to represent the company in appearances at Storm sponsored events around the world as a member of the PR Team.
“Being with Storm for 20 years has been an incredible run and I feel blessed to be part of the family,” Pedersen said. “After my bowling career ended on the lanes, they still saw value in me which is an incredible honor. The management at Storm cares about their people. The loyalty that they show to those who stay loyal to them is invaluable. Storm is the most loyal company I’ve ever been part of.”
Pedersen has 13 career Professional Bowling Association (PBA) Tour titles including a PBA Major title at the 1987 PBA National Championship. In 2002, he earned the Pepsi Open which pushed his career earnings over the $1 million-dollar mark, making him the 24th millionaire in PBA history. Pedersen was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2013, he joined the PBA50 Tour where he won the first event he competed in, the PBA50 Dayton Classic. Pedersen currently serves as a color analyst for Fox Sports on broadcasts of the PBA Tour and as he begins his 20th season, he possesses the second longest tenure for sport, only two years behind Nelson Burton Jr.
“Randy makes bowling a better place,” Dave Symes, President of Storm Bowling, said. “I appreciate what he’s done and continues to do for bowling. He’s a lot of fun to be around and the fans really like him. I think he brings a lot of positive feelings and goodwill to the bowling industry as a whole. I’ve really enjoyed working with Randy and look forward to continuing our relationship with him into the next decade.”
The new decade has marked many changes within the bowling industry and Pedersen is excited about the opportunities ahead for the PBA Tour and the entire sport.
“It’s a really good dynamic for the PBA Tour, that a bowling cooperation now owns the PBA,” Pedersen said. “There’s endless possibilities and they bring a lot to the table. We’ve already seen changes with prize funds, and I think the bowlers will continue to bowl for more money. I hope and pray we can get an expanded tour. I think it’s a pretty exciting time and they’re going to do a lot of really big things for the PBA Tour.”
As Pedersen continues to look forward, he also enjoys reflecting on where he’s been throughout his career. He joined the PBA Tour in 1981 and is nearing his 40th year of membership and his involvement within the sport.
“I feel very fortunate, blessed, and lucky to continue to be involved in television and be part of the Storm Family,” Pedersen said.
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm and Roto Grip Brands. For additional information, visit stormbowling.com
Shawn Ryan Named Staff Development Manager
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products, Inc. announced today that Shawn Ryan will join the Storm Tour Team as the Staff Development Manager.
“We are excited to add Shawn to the Storm Family,” Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Business Development said. “When choosing our team, we listen to feedback from our players. Some of the best players in the world endorsed Shawn and have already shared their excitement about working with him. Aside from developing the skill set of our top players, Shawn will be working with the business development team at Storm to create future initiatives that will continue to grow the brand.”
Since 2007, Ryan has been working full-time within the bowling industry and has studied the sport from a variety of perspectives. As a player, he has represented the United States as a member of Junior Team USA, and competed collegiately for the University of Central Florida. Ryan was named to the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association Second-Team All-American and helped lead his team to three USBC Intercollegiate Team Championship competitions throughout his college bowling career. After graduation, Ryan took his knowledge of the sport as a player to begin coaching, drilling equipment and sharing his passion to help others improve on the lanes. In 2009, Ryan began working at the USBC Open Championships in one of the sponsored booths where he spent four years assisting bowlers prepare for the national tournament. He also spent one year drilling on the PBA Tour for Player’s Services and spent three and a half years coaching Team Thailand.
As Staff Development Manager, Ryan will be responsible for assisting the PBA, PWBA, PBA50, and all amateur staff players with bowling equipment during competition, coaching their physical games, developing their mental games, as well as collaborating with the Storm Tour Team. He will also represent Storm at events and clinics throughout the bowling season.
“The Storm Family has been a team I have admired since I started working in the industry,” Ryan said. “They always seemed to be ahead of everyone else in the industry with their forward thinking and creative ideas. I am extremely excited and proud to now be a part of that.”
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm and Roto Grip Brands.
Kyle Troup Extends Agreement with Storm
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products announced today that Kyle Troup has signed a contract extension.
Troup, a 3-Time PBA Champion, has become one of the most recognizable Team Storm players competing on the PBA Tour. In 2019, he finished 13th on the PBA Tour Points. He finished fourth in the PBA Scorpion Championship and third in PBA Players Championship. In addition, he helped the Portland Lumberjacks win the PBA League Elias Cup. Troup bowled successfully on the PBA Tour in the United States and also traveled around the world to compete in international competition.
“I am very excited and blessed with the opportunity to further my career with the Storm family.” Troup said. “Storm was the first company I signed a contract with back in 2016. They have treated me like family and been a huge part in my success. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Troup has grown up through the sport of bowling. As a child, he watched his father compete on the PBA Tour and developed a passion for competing. Though his father delivered the ball with one hand, Troup started at such a young age he needed both hands to carry the ball. He shattered youth records and was one of the youngest members of the North Carolina All Stars Team. As he grew, his two-handed style remained, and his success continued. At 18, he bowled his firs PBA Regional and by 19 he had earned his first PBA Regional Tour Title.
Kyle is a wonderful ambassador for the sport of bowling on and off the lanes” Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Business Development said. “He competes fiercely and treats people with respect, two things we appreciate at Storm. We are excited to continue our relationship for years to come.
Troup is dedicated to his craft on the lanes but spends his time making appearances around the world representing Storm Products. In January, Troup was featured in Sports Illustrated as “The Only Professional Bowler You Need to Know.” He was the featured guest who spent the weekend at the NASCAR Go Bowling at the Glen Race where he spent the weekend meeting fans and teaching some of the racers some new tricks. He continued his travels as an ambassador for Storm through the summer greeting pro shops at Industry Trade Shows and also met with bowlers at the Underground Bowling Association (UBA) Battle Bowl. Additionally, Troup spent Memorial Day weekend at the Storm Youth Championships in Smyrna, Tennessee. He helped educate young bowlers through our Q&A and seminars. He also spent time with the families playing whiffle ball at a party for all the participants at the park. He helped make the experience more meaningful for all the families who were in attendance and parents agreed that he was a great ambassador for the sport.
Troup is one of the rising talents on the PBA Tour and it’s an honor that he has chosen to continue to represent Storm Products in his career.
Ronnie Russell Joins Team Storm
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products is excited to announce that Ronnie Russell has joined Team Storm.
Russell has been a member of the Professional Bowling Association since 2003 and has earned four career PBA Tour Titles.
"We're thrilled to bring a talented player with big goals and support him in his journey to achieve these aspirations," Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Business Development said.
Russell is a true professional with many talents. In addition to his dedication to the sport of bowling, he also is an accomplished golfer and skilled guitar player and songwriter. When not competing, Russell works as a Product Specialist supporting pro shops and spreading his passion for the sport of bowling throughout his territory of Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
"Joining Storm Bowling is the top of the mountain for me," Russell said. "I wish I could explain how excited I am for 2020 and the rest of my career! Watching Storm's winning ways on Tour has me feeling like I’m 20 years old again. I know I’ll be a part of it again."
Russell is often traveling but when he’s able to be home, he enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle, and children Cayden, Cameron, and Taylor. He spends time sharing his love for the sport with his son Cayden who rolled his second 300 game with Storm Products this season.
Russell currently resides in Marion, Indiana.
2020 Storm Youth Championship Season Announced
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products is proud to announce that the Storm Youth Championships will have a total of eight events scheduled for the 2020 Tour.
The Storm Youth Championships were created in 2017 and launched with two events. The vision for the SYC began as a way to give back to the bowling community, educate youth bowlers, and invite the whole family to participate.
“When the SYC was born, the goal was to celebrate the sport of bowling and create an event that families could enjoy together,” Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Business Development. “Through the support of all the families who have attended an SYC and their feedback, we’re excited to be able to expand the tour and visit four new bowling communities in 2020.”
As the SYC has grown, events have been added to the schedule each year. Two events were added in 2018, and the season was expanded to six events in 2019. Our events wouldn’t be possible without the support of the staff of each host bowling center and the families in each community that we visit.
In 2020, our schedule will expand to eight events.
2020 SYC Schedule:
February 15-16, 2020 – South Point Bowling Plaza, Las Vegas, NV
April 18-19, 2020 – Mermaid Lanes, Mounds View, MN
May 23-24, 2020 – Smyrna Bowling Center, Smyrna, TN
June 13-14, 2020 – Western & Expo Bowl, Indianapolis, IN
August 8-9, 2020 – Bowlerama, New Castle, DE
September 12-13, 2020 – Northrock Lanes, Wichita, KS
October 3-4, 2020 – Planet Fun & Little River Lanes, The Carolinas
November 7-8, 2020 – Boardwalk Bowl, Orlando, Florida
More information about each event will be provided on the Storm Bowling website as the tournament date approaches.
In 2020, the SYC events will continue to create a welcoming environment where youth bowlers and their families are invited to visit a new community, meet new bowlers, and learn by competing on challenging conditions developed by KEGEL. In addition to the tournament, each event includes a seminar filled with education led by one of our Team Storm members, a practice session on the patterns, as well as a SYC social where friendships are built. At each event, the top three bowlers in each gender and age-based division are awarded with bronze, silver and gold medals. At the conclusion of the tournament the overall champions receive a special SYC trophy, medal, and earn a banner that is showcased at every SYC event.
In addition, each season includes one “major” event where we award the top two overall youth bowlers in each division with a spot on the Storm All-American Team. In 2020, the Storm All-American Team will be named at the event in Indianapolis. These 12 kids earn a custom All-American jersey and jacket provided by the Official SYC Merchandiser, Logo Infusion. This event will be hosted at two bowling centers in Indianapolis and will have more than 400 entries available.
“Our owners, Bill and Barbara Chrisman, have given endlessly to bowling around the world and have always tried to inspire existing bowlers while developing new bowlers,” Hulsenberg said. “Their support of youth bowling always includes education mixed with fun to create lifelong bowling enthusiasts. No matter what age or skill level the youth player in your life is at, attending the SYC is sure to leave a positive impression on them. We welcome all and look forward to seeing you in 2020!”
We are very proud to award scholarships to our top finishers in each event. In 2019, we awarded $98,670 in scholarship to our athletes through the SMART Fund. Since 2017, we have awarded $203,065 in SMART awards to SYC bowlers. We look forward to continuing to reward bowlers and help them achieve their future educational goals.
Charity is a very special part of the SYC. Each event supports Ballard vs the Big “C” in numerous ways. Every entry includes a $10 donation to BVBC. On-site at each SYC, Carolyn and Del Ballard bring silent auction items for the SYC families to bid on. Since 2017, we have raised more than $50,000 to help fight the war on cancer through the SYC.
SYC Champions continue to demonstrate their dedication to the sport of bowling after the event concludes. Past champions have continued to excel at the youth level earning national titles and representing the United States on Jr. Team USA. Some of the athletes have also used what they learn to compete collegiately and even on the PBA and PWBA Tours. Their dedication to the sport is evident but SYC athletes also learn to be dedicated to giving back and staying committed to their education. Through scholarship and the opportunities to learn about college bowling, athletes develop a desire to continue to learn at a higher level and discover their passions. The opportunities available to these bowlers through the sport of bowling are endless. The SYC builds connections for these families that can last a lifetime.
Entries for the first event in 2020 which will take place on Las Vegas will open on December 2 at 12 pm Mountain Time on stormbowling.com/SYC.
This tournament would not be possible without the generous donation from all of our sponsors, Storm, Roto Grip, Logo Infusion, Kegel, 3G Shoes, Ballard’s Bowling Academy and Bowlers Journal International. In 2020, our scores will continue to be uploaded live through the official scoring system of the Storm Youth Championships, BowlMetrix.
If you are interested in becoming a supporting sponsor of the Storm Youth Championships or would like more information, please contact our SYC Team at syc@stormbowling.com.
Francois Lavoie Wins 2019 U.S. Open
Just 12 bowlers have been able to wear that coveted green jacket multiple times.
On Wednesday night, Francois Lavoie joined that class of champions by earning his second U.S. Open Title at Victory Lanes in Morresville, North Carolina.
In the final match, Lavoie defeated Sean Rash, 221-172 to win the title and $30,000 top prize. This is his fourth career PBA Tour title and second major.
“I realized a childhood dream when I won my first PBA major in 2016,” Lavoie said. “Since then, there have been some good times and some bad times. Earlier this year, times were tough. But I'm so glad we were able to turn things around and end the 2019 season with a huge win. A few years apart, different hairstyles, but still the same US Open green jacket. Feels surreal at the moment. My whole body is sore and I'm exhausted, but it's well worth it when this is the end result.”
After qualifying, Lavoie earned the #2 seed for the stepladder finals which were broadcast live on CBS Sports. In his first match, Lavoie faced Team Roto Grip athlete, Anthony Simonsen. The brutal lane conditions proved to be a challenge as both athletes tried to fill frames and stay consistent through the match. Lavoie stayed clean to defeat Simonsen 214-164 to advance to the title match.
In the final match, Lavoie started with five consecutive strikes adding a little extra pressure as his opponent snuggled to get comfortable.
"I had a hard time getting my hand to do what I wanted to get the right ball motion, but we stuck with it and stayed in it," Lavoie said in the official USBC Press Release. "Throwing the front five in the final game was huge, especially since our plan was just to try to hit the 1-3 every time. That pair was really hard."
Throughout the event he consistently filled frames on the demanding conditions which allowed him to rise to the top of the leaderboards and eventually win the title.
The U.S. Open was the final major of the 2019 PBA Tour season. The 2020 PBA Tour Season kicks off in January for the PBA Hall of Fame Classic in Arlington TX. To view the full schedule visit pba.com.
In addition, Storm Products joined Logo Infusion to create the 2019 Storm USA Collection where fans at home can add an All-American themed jersey to their collection to honor the most challenging event of the PBA Tour season. To view the full collection, click here.
Team Storm at the 2019 US Open
It’s official! The field at the 2019 US Open has completed 56 games on four challenging conditions at Victory Lanes and three Storm and Roto Grip athletes have qualified for the stepladder finals.
The top five PBA bowlers who qualified will bowl live on CBS Sports Network on Wednesday at 8 pm Eastern.
Francois Lavoie earned the #2 seed after qualifying averaging 212 for the tournament. He used a combination of the Phaze II, Hy-Road, All-Road, and Roto Grip IDOL.
“It’s a great feeling being back on TV,” Lavoie said. “’I’ve had some struggles earlier in the year, but I’ve worked through them and I feel much better physically and mentally at the moment. It’s a win in itself to put up such a good performance in such a demanding tournament. Now I have two games to go after another title.”
Jason Belmonte finished second the final round to earn the #3 seed. Belmonte, a 22-time PBA Tour champion will be bowling for his 12th major title and first US Open title. Earlier this season, Belmonte won the 2019 PBA World Championship to move past PBA Hall of Famers Earl Anthony and Pete Weber on the all-time major list. Belmonte used a combination of the Pitch Black, Hy-Road Nano, Hy-Road and Roto Grip IDOL Pearl.
“Making the US Open TV show is extremely rewarding,” Belmonte said. “It is a tournament that requires the best of you and I’m happy to have done enough to get this far. The job however is not done. Time to bowl the best games of my life for the title. It’s the ultimate test in bowling.”
Anthony Simonsen will join these two players to represent the brands of Storm and Roto Grip. He earned the #5 seed after qualifying and has the opportunity to become the youngest player to win three majors. He used a combination of the Phaze II, !Q Tour Emerald, Alpha Crux, and Roto Grip HALO to qualify for the show.
"In all my years, on Tour this was definitely the most demanding event I have ever worked," Jim Callahan, Storm PBA Tour Manager said. "The players that could repeat their speed control and launch angle definitely excelled. History can be made tonight. I'm looking forward to a great night!"
Team Storm and Roto Grip had several top finishers amongst the field of 144 players and we’re proud of how hard our athletes worked all week on the challenging conditions.
In addition, Storm Products joined Logo Infusion to create the 2019 Storm USA Collection where fans at home can add an All-American themed jersey to their collection to honor the most challenging event of the PBA Tour season. To view the full collection, click here.
The 2020 PBA Tour Season kicks off in January for the PBA Hall of Fame Classic in Arlington TX. To view the full schedule visit pba.com.
US Open Spotlight | Brad Miller
Are you ready? The 2019 US Open, considered one of the most challenging events of the year, begins next week at Victory Lanes in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Our Team Storm players have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming event. Over the course of the week the players who make it to the TV finals will bowl 56 games on challenging conditions.
Team Storm Athlete, Brad Miller, recently visited Storm Headquarters and rolled some of the latest releases. You can watch his review of the new All-Road on the Official Storm YouTube Channel by clicking here. So far in 2019, he’s in 18th in points on the Go Bowling! PBA Tour Point list. Brad Miller and Kyle Sherman are also hosting a 10-Day Bowling Ball Giveaway on their website and you can sign-up to win here.
Want to learn more about Brad Miller? Here’s five fast facts with Brad:
What's your favorite song right now?
Rebel Girl - Angel and Airwaves
What are the Storm or Roto Grip Bowling Balls you refuse to leave at home?
Phaze II, IDOL, and IDOL Pearl
What’s something people might not know about you?
I was a competitive soccer player before a bowler.
What are some of the things you are doing to prep for the upcoming US Open?
I worked with Coach Jasnau to get my hand on the inside of the ball and my head not moving when I release the ball.
Do you have a favorite memory from a Pro-Am?
When I was a kid, I had the front 8 in my hometown Pro-Am. It was on the tournament pattern and I felt like the coolest person ever.
If you’re in the area, plan a trip to the US Open and you’ll be able watch the greatest players in the world attack the most demanding event. Victory Lanes, in partnership with the Mooresville Convention & Visitors Bureau will also be hosting a Pro-Am where fans can bowl with some of their favorite players. There will be two squads and an exclusive Storm VIP Pro-Am on October 24. For more information visit this website. If you’re interested in signing up, please contact Victory Lanes at 704-664-2695.
Stay tuned to the Storm Blog and our Storm Social Media Channels for more news from the 2019 US Open event!
The SYC Returns for a Weekend on the Beach
When the Storm Youth Championships was created one of the main goals was to give every bowler in the field a welcoming environment to learn, build friendships, and have fun on and off the lanes throughout the weekend.
The SYC Coastal Classic has always been one of the events where youth bowlers build new friendships, compete, learn and explore the beach together. The 2019 SYC Tour had a mixture of new bowling communities as well as some we’ve visited in past years to help welcome families from all across the United States! It’s fun to introduce new bowlers to the SYC Family and watch their friendships grow. Through modern technology and all of the youth bowling opportunities, these athletes can stay connected and support each other even after the event is complete.
As the calendar turned to October...
192 youth bowlers and their families packed up their bags and traveled to the SYC Coastal Classic on October 4-6. The event was held in two bowling centers, Little River Lanes in Little River, South Carolina and Planet Fun in Shallotte, North Carolina. The staff at both bowling centers helped ensure that the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
All SYC athletes competed in two rounds on two challenging lane conditions designed by KEGEL. Each round consisted of five games and the tournament is composed of five different divisions determined by gender and age (U20 Boys, U20 Girls, U15 Boys, U15 Girls, and U12). The top three bowlers in each round were presented a gold, silver, or bronze medal.
After both rounds were complete, each division was cut in half and those competitors who advanced returned to bowl five additional games on Sunday morning on a new pattern.
After the third round of competition was complete, tournament champions in each division based on their total pinfall were awarded the SYC Shield Trophy, a banner, and a gold medal. In addition, the SYC awarded $17,325 in scholarships to the youth bowlers.
This field included 17 past SYC Champions, several past Junior Gold champions, members of Junior Team USA, and other talented athletes from all over the United States. In addition, there were many bowlers competing in their first SYC and some who were competing in their very first tournament. It’s fun to watch the younger players watch the older players compete in the same field and start to learn about tournament competition.
Competing in his very first Storm Youth Championships event, Donaven Kline of New Jersey earned the title in the U12 Division. Henry Hind, of Tennessee, earned the silver overall medal and Bradyn Brogan joined both boys on the podium earning the bronze overall medal.
Victoria Varano commanded the U15 girls division, finishing 280 pins ahead of the silver medalist to claim her first SYC title. Rachel Moore earned the silver overall medal and Jenna Hedgepath earned the bronze overall medal. In the U15 boys division, Jacob Ballenger of Georgia, finished 13 pins ahead of the defending champion Brandon Bohn. Two-time SYC champion, Rylan Breese earned the bronze overall medal.
The competition in the U20 division was fierce. No stranger to competition, Jr. Team USA member, Kamerin Peters, stayed consistent through all three rounds of competition to claim her first SYC title. Lara Kurt, who bowled her new high game (279) on the long pattern earned the silver overall medal and SYC Champion, Melanie Katen, averaged 202 in the final round of competition to take home the bronze overall medal.
Winning a title at the Storm Youth Championships isn’t easy.
It requires you to be consistent on multiple challenging patterns sometimes at multiple centers. In three years, we only have three players who have earned five or more SYC titles. At the 2019 SYC Coastal Classic, Spencer Robarge took home his seventh SYC title. Robarge supports his fellow competitors throughout the competition and constantly works to welcome younger players to the event. Joining Robarge on the podium was overall silver medalist Ethan McDonald and overall bronze medalists Nolan Blessing.
In addition to the competition, USBC Hall of Fame member, Kelly Kulick led the SYC Players through a Fitness FUNdamentals seminar with fellow Team Storm Player Chris Via demonstrating proper techniques for simple exercises youth players could incorporate into their routines.
Every bowler who entered the tournament received a Storm Crux Prime bowling ball and had the option to have it drilled by the pro shop staff at Planet Fun or Little River Lanes. Many youth bowlers had their Crux Prime ready for the practice sessions. Two practice sessions were held on Friday afternoon and the evening concluded with the popular SYC Beach Party in Ocean Isle, NC. The awesome staff at Planet Fun hosted a delicious BBQ for our SYC families while the bowlers met new friends, collected shells, played frisbee, corn hole and other games on a beautiful evening at the beach.
SYC Bowlers are featured in different ways throughout the weekend. The SYC bowlers were also invited to submit a name for each KEGEL oil pattern prior to the start of competition and were announced at the event. Austin Tungate chose the name for the Long Oil Pattern at Little River, Grand Strand, and Harrison Martin chose the name of the Medium Oil Pattern at Planet Fun, Riptide. SYC Bowler, Jillian Martin impressed the field by playing the National Anthem on her trumpet before the start of competition at Planet Fun on Saturday.
Our SYC Apparel partners, Logo Infusion, have created the Dan Keegan Scholarship for youth bowlers to earn scholarship to use towards their education throughout the year. The Logo Infusion Team were on site with SYC Gear and awarded two scholarships to SYC athletes based on their sportsmanship throughout the weekend. The winners were Parker Laubach and Brooklyn Gagnon.
Giving back is an important part of the SYC and bowlers come together to raise funds all weekend long for Ballard vs. the Big “C” which supports continued research in cancer treatment, specifically in head, neck and throat cancer through the sport of bowling. Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Del Ballard Jr., as well as their daughter Alyssa, joined us for the event. SYC families contributed to the cause through raffles and a silent auction in addition to the $10 donation that is contributed directly to BVBC from every entry.
This tournament would not be possible without the generous donation from all of our sponsors, Storm, Roto Grip, Logo Infusion, Kegel, 3G Shoes, Ballard’s Bowling Academy and Bowlers Journal International. Families were able to learn more about all of our sponsors throughout the event. Storm and the Ballard’s Bowling Academy partnered to host a BBA Surface Maintenance Center in the player’s room so that the athletes could clean and prepare their bowling balls for competition.
Friends and family can come to cheer on their favorite youth athlete in person or virtually through the Storm Facebook Channel. Every game of the event was livestreamed on Facebook. Storm Team Members share insights about the event and youth bowlers through commentary.
Scores were updated live each game through the official scoring system of the Storm Youth Championships, BowlMetrix. For final results of all rounds of competition visit this page.
The full 2020 SYC Tour will be announced soon. The first event will take place at the South Point Bowling Plaza in February. For more information on the SYC visit the Storm SYC page at www.stormbowling.com/SYC.