TNBA Historical Display

Check out the outstanding article shown on Bowl.com's  front page.  Written by USBC communicator Mark Miller, this article talks about the new International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in Arlington, Texas and highlights TNBA as an important chapter in U.S. bowling history.

Mr. Miller points out that International Bowling Museum highlights the significant milestones in TNBA history by taking a pictorial narration down TNBA's inception and growth as it tells the TNBA story.

Just log on to www.bowl.com and click on the highlighted picture display of the ‘TNBA bowlers.’  This will take you to the article.  Or click on to this link -

 http://www.bowl.com/news/xmlburner.jsp?xa=./webapps/ROOT/news/main/data/010510CampusSpotlightMarkMiller.xml

- for a direct link to this article.

Happy New Year and I hope to see you in California the May at our national convention, tournament and TNBA Week.

TNBA's Bowling This Month's Subscription Discount:

TNBA Family, hope you and yours are having a joyful holiday season. As the Christmas season is upon us, I would like to put this out as a great Holiday Gift idea.  One of our national sponsors, Bowling This Month magazine is offering a $5 off subscription coupon for all TNBA members.  BTM always has a lot of interest in subscriptions this time of year, so I thought I'd give you a heads up so you could get on board before the rush begins!! The code is TNBA0909. Just log onto their website, place a subscription in your shopping cart, and where they ask for a coupon code, just type in the code.  Real simple. Or you can just call them toll free -- 800-282-7043.

Here's a link to their shopping cart:

Another idea, senate officials.  Pick up a subscription for your senate to share at your meetings, etc.    Lets demonstrate to our sponsors that TNBA support those who support us.

TNBA Partner's with High School Grant:

TNBA has partnered with BPAA and The Bowling Foundation to secure bowling equipment for high school students.  This committee formed while I attended the International Bowling Expo in Las Vegas this past summer.  Our charge was to develop a "Diversity and Inclusion" program that would provide bowling gear to high school athletics that may not have the financial resources to purchase quality equipment.

While we are still in the formative stages, we will move quickly.  It is TNBA's intention to get the word out fast. We will soon have a procedure on our website to provide a link and instructions that will allow our bowlers and family members to take advantage of this program.  There will be an application for students to complete that will allow quick and direct delivery.

Utilizing TNBA's resources is a great way to open doors for our sport and provide a great service to our membership.  Our next step is to complete the application process and perform some troubleshooting.  This will allow the program to be up and running during this school season.

Finally, the Dexter shoe grant project is also on board and available to high school athletics.  We will provide more information on this program as well.

TNBA is alive

TNBA and its HISTORY Displayed at the

INTERNATIONAL BOWLING MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME:

The National Bowling Association, Inc. will showcase its History, Tournaments, and our "Modern Era" to the public at the new Arlington facility.  That’s right, Arlington, Texas, home of the International Bowling Campus, has begun the process of highlighting the TNBA story.

TNBA will be represented in several areas of interest to the Bowling World.  First, our History in the Museum section will be displayed and carefully depicted.  We've authorized the use of historical pictures, artifacts and literature to ensure an accurate account of TNBA to its visitors.  In the Modern Era, TNBA’s unique tournaments of will be on display. 

This is an exciting moment to provide the Bowling World an understanding of TNBA, and (again) another opportunity to increase our Membership.  We will provide every opportunity for a Bowler who is interested in TNBA the chance to sign up right there.

The grand opening of The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is scheduled for January 25, 2010 and TNBA will be there.  This effort has allowed me the opportunity to seek input from past Presidents, Program Directors, Curators, and (most importantly) our Bowlers.  

TNBA can feel proud to know our History; as well our ongoing successes, will be showcased for all the world to see. 

TNBA is alive

Summer Executive Committee Meeting

Dear members of TNBA, I would like to take this time to address you and also recap some important issues covered during and after our Summer Executive Committee Meeting.  For simple formality, the 2009 SECM was held August 7-9, 2009, in Atlanta Georgia.  Unbeknown to the planning committee, the selection site not only accommodated the "Brothers and Sisters" of TNBA but also the African-American motorcycle club of America's 32nd National Bikers Round Up.  Over fifty thousand (50,000+) bikers converged in Atlanta to have their annual roundup.  The historic impact of this timing allowed us the opportunity to Fellowship with another proud organization and what a time it produced.

 The Business affairs began with our Cabinet/Directors Breakfast, Friday morning.  This customary and important process also allowed TNBA the opportunity to bring a guest in for business partnering.  Fontana Wines opened our morning with a power-point presentation.  Their mission was to demonstrate to TNBA how Fontana Wines could become a vital partner with TNBA and our members.  I also appreciate their seriousness of the potential venture by their effort to present a check to TNBA for compensation of the Breakfast Meeting.

Once the official SECM opened, reports were read and issues of interest were produced.  While all important issues will be presented (our minutes) to each Senate, here are some highlights:

•    The major theme stressed by myself and our Executive Secretary-Treasury was that TNBA must clearly prepare for a  very lean year.  I also stressed this Administration will be the first to reduce spending.  Furthermore it is clear I will lead the effort.   

•  

•     A recommendation adopted at the SECM, was to increase in our Annual Registration Fees.  This increase will be for All Delegates, and Life Members of TNBA. 

•  

•      The Hall of Fame Committee and our body voted and awarded two inductees into the TNBA Hall of Fame.  We await to celebrate the induction ceremony next May in Orange County, CA. 

•  

•     Next May will be an election year and an Election Chairperson and committee will be necessary.  Mr. Ronald L. Simms Jr., past Senate President from Richmond, VA. was my selection.  Mr. Simms had the opportunity to address the body and present his committee.  We thank the Election Committee for their upcoming important task!

 The Awards Department provided our body with important information and findings:

        1.    Due to excessive escalating cost, our body voted on changes to the awards program

        2.    These changes will allow TNBA the chance to still produce quality awards.

        3.    TNBA will require our leagues and tournaments to be Certified in order to receive awards bowled. 

I commend Ms. Annette Samuel on the selection of the newly designed lapel pins.  Unlike some other organizations, TNBA members will continue to receive these unique pins and chevrons for honor scores.

Kudos to our Cabinet for all their hard work and commitment.  To Annette, Greg, and Luther (our Cabinet) I thank you all for your knowledgeable efforts and complete dedication to TNBA.  To my Directors and Chairpersons, (who all are returning for our Second year in office) continue your mission to propel TNBA into the forefront of bowling. Let us continue to knock on doors and speak proactively for TNBA.  I look forward to this year's work and what we've begun, and with your Prayers and continued Support, TNBA will Flourish, we will Flourish.

 TNBA is alive

The Next Revolution Two-Handed Coaching Classes

As a commitment to our bowlers, TNBA, and I personally, endorse the upcoming events USBC is promoting for all bowlers enjoyment.  More and more bowlers has adopted the two-handed style of bowling.  Indeed, many are carrying 200+ averages.  We have had two-handed bowlers participate (and win) in our annual Junior Bowler Roll-off event during our national TNBA tournament and TNBA Week.  As bowlers see the positive results of this technique, they are asking more and more questions about this bowling style.

The email printed below is from Ms. Valerie Stilen, Youth Marketing Specialist from USBC talks about two-handed bowling classes sponsored by USBC.  I ask those Senates and Regional bowlers, especially those in the Michigan, Illinois and Texas areas, to mark your calendars and support these great programs showcasing bowling's new talent. 

  "Hello Doc!
As promised, attached is the information pertaining to the two-handed coaching classes being offered to coaches and other volunteers that are interested in learning how to properly coach the two-handed style. In the two attachments, you will find a write-up of all of the information for the classes, and a .pdf file of a registration form. The registration for these clinics is being handled directly by USBC Coaching. To register, coaches should print the registration form, complete, and either mail or fax back to USBC Coaching, along with payment. Space in the coaching classes is limited to the first 40 registrants.

Additionally, we are proud to announce that there will also now be equipment demo days at each of our Next Revolution events. They are as follows:

Saturday, October 31st in Detroit-- Ebonite Demo Day

Sunday, November 1st in Chicago-- Brunswick Equipment Demonstrations
Saturday, November 7th in Houston-- Columbia 300 Demo Day
Sunday, November 8th in Euless-- Storm Matchmaker Session

Our Creative Design team is in the process of finishing the flyers, posters, and registration forms for these events. I will forward them to you towards the end of next week.

Again, I appreciate your willingness to help USBC promote this event to your bowlers! We are very excited and hope that we reach as many bowlers as possible with this program.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me at (817) 385-8368 or by email.

Thank you!

Valerie Stilen
Youth Marketing Specialist
United States Bowling Congress
621 Six Flags Drive
Arlington, TX 76011
(514) 800-BOWL ext 8368 (toll-free)
(817) 385-8368 (direct)"

Remember to spread the word and support these great programs.  Thanks for your support.

TNBA is alive

TNBA PARTICIPATES IN ROCSI'S CELEBRITY BOWL A THON:

Rocsi, founder of Rocstar Rebuilds and co-host of BET's 106 & Park, brought  'Jocks and Gems' together for fun and excitement while supporting the efforts to rebuild New Orleans.  This past weekend, during the 15th Annual Essence Fest Celebration, BET's own Rocsi hosted her 3rd Annual Celebrity Bowl A Thon.

Through the Rocstar Rebuild Foundation, the event's mission was to raise funds for those areas devastated by poverty, disaster and other tragic occurrences.  A plethora of celebrities, entertainers, NBA and other sports jocks were on hand to make this event a success.  The Rocstar Rebuilds will be providing necessary tools to help New Orleans students achieve and assist schools in their endeavors to rebuild the great city of New Orleans.

The National Bowling Association, Inc. (TNBA) presented Rocsi with a check for $500.00 towards this great effort.  We also showered Rocsi with our TNBA apparel which she loved!  In her words, "you have really touched my heart with this check and this will greatly help our effort.  I thank you and TNBA."  Rocsi encourages TNBA to watch her show;  "I'll be giving TNBA a big Shout-Out."

I personally want to thank Ms. Annette Samuel and TNBA headquarters for making this project happen under such short notice.  A special thanks to Ms. Kya Clark who tied up all the loose ends making TNBA's knot strong.   I thank you all. 

Be sure to spread the word to your fellow TNBA family members and friends to tune in to BET's 106 & Park tomorrow (July 8) for that TNBA Shout-Out (maybe she'll wear our shirt!!!)

TNBA is alive

  Sincerely, 

 Dr. Michael L. Boykins, President
The National Bowling Association, Inc.

Dear TNBA Family:

            I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our Delegates, Members, Directors, Chairpersons, Family, Friends, and especially our Bowlers for making our 70th Annual Convention and 68th National Tournament a success.  While it is so very clear the behind-the-scene efforts of our members to put on the Convention and Events of TNBA Week is highly valued and appreciated, we fail to thank the so many people who made all the valuable last minute errands, the late night table settings, the many hours of extra efforts that is over and beyond the call of duty, and the variety of unforeseen tasks each day brings.  I, we, TNBA, wish to thank everyone that made this event the success it was.

            Please visit our website TNBA Week 2009 page to view just a few of the great events and activities that took place during our stay in Ft. Lauderdale.  In the days ahead, we will continue to update this page.  As we conclude the bowling season, this is a reminder of how great we are and what's in store for 2010 and the years ahead.

            Again, I thank you for the honor to serve you and the confidence you bestow upon me to lead this great organization, The National Bowling Association, Inc.

         Sincerely,

 Dr. Michael L. Boykins, President
The National Bowling Association, Inc.

“It takes more than just a new ball”

Recently I sat down with one of Ebonite’s own, Mr. Ron Hickland Jr., to talk about bowling balls, proper layouts, and pro-shop responsibility.  Ron is the development engineering manager for Ebonite. He is their ball designer and has created the likes of “The One”, “Total NV” and Hammer’s “Black Widow.”  Mr. Hickland has even patented bowling products and is the perfect source of knowledge for our bowling-related questions.

          I presented to Ron a project I had wanted to try and asked for his help. During the Southern Region Tournament, I proposed to Ron to demonstrate the proper layouts, correct fitting, and accurate equipment selections that would be essential keys for good bowling results.  Ron viewed and videoed my bowling technique to determine important specifications:  Ball speed, revolutions and determining my positive axis point (PAP).  The importance of the PAP in today’s game, Ron explained, is crucial.  This affords the technician the ability to accurately prepare layouts for a bowler with predictable results. The PAP is defined as the axis (the rotation point or the point about which a object spins around) that is created by the bowler at release (see Ebonite at http://ebonite.com/resources/bowling_tip_detail/the_positive_axis_point ).  

          Ron explained that this is too often overlooked by the bowler and their local Pro Shop. Without this measurement the bowlers full potential is never realized.  The Hammer team evaluated the specs and began the ball selections for this tournament.   The proposed layouts for 3 balls were selected.  The shot seemed to be a deep inside pattern with sharp backends (I describe it as the “backends were flying”.)  They felt I should go with a “Sauce”, Emerald “Vibe” and a "Razyr".  Just to note, the Sauce was also polished up to 2000 which provided extra length.  The layouts (for you techies) were as follows: the Sauce had a pin 5¾  inches away from the PAP, the Emerald Vibe had a pin 5.5 inches away from the PAP, and the Razyr’s pin was 4.5 inches away. 

          Results from the tournament  included competition in the team event, singles, and doubles with no time to compete in mixed doubles. My scores were: team 677, singles 656, and doubles 668.  While I would have liked to have shot in the 700’s, I admit that had I not left a split or simply doubled in the tenth, all 3 events would have been 700 series.  Once I determined my setup, the ball reactions were consistent and reliable. Furthermore, in two events I shot a 279 and 280 game; pretty good with 1^st time equipment .

          To summarize, I conclude that today’s game and today’s equipment require us, as bowlers, to have all the necessary tools in order to compete.  Too often bowlers watch the pros or their peers use equipment and expect the same results – good reactions.  However, a great product without the proper fit or layout is like Mario Andretti  driving a “Kia” in the Indianapolis 500; it’s a great driver (bowler) who can’t hit the turns  (carry a ten) or sustain a full block!  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of creditable knowledge and experience a technician brings to the table.  No longer should bowlers drop $200.00 to purchase high-end equipment, get the holes punched and grip loaded and never get asked a few questions.  First, can I see you throw a few shots?  Second, do you know your PAP?  Third, what is the intent of this ball you are purchasing? Is it to compliment your arsenal or to start a new one!

          Bowlers, how fortunate we are to have the Hammer Team on board. Hammer is prepared to meet TNBA’s need for better, knowledgeable bowlers. What better way to demonstrate their commitment than their “hands on approach” at this season’s Regional Tournaments.  As Hammer Brand Manager Jeff Ussery puts it, “we are here all day, for every bowler.”  Be it for our scratch bowlers who want layouts for 2-3 day tournament blocks, or (like me) bowlers who just love the game and want a piece of equipment that compliments their style, the Hammer Pro Staff and I agree, It’s More Than Just The Ball!

Dr. Michael L. Boykins, President
The National Bowling Association, Inc. (TNBA)

Dear Members of The National Bowling Association, Inc. 

We today have elected our 44th President of the United States.

While many may say why would this movement/experience be documented by your President, my reply would be this:

     This is why we are TNBA.

     This is is why in 1939 we became TNBA

     As we celebrate, we again recognize our forefathers of TNBA.

This day we have elected as the 44th President, a great man, who also happen to be Black. 

I know as TNBA moves forward, towards our new Era,  we, as Americans, also move this great country forward,  towards new heights never before realized by our ancestors.

I am so proud to know today Victory is ours, Victory for all America and yes Victory for TNBA.

God Bless you all and God Bless America.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael L. Boykins, President
The National Bowling Association, Inc. (TNBA)

Dear Delegates,

I want to petition your support to Educate, Enlighten, and Encourage

every TNBA member about our "TOOL KIT CAMPAIGN".

To Educate them on the importance of a marketing Kit:

This Kit will be presented to corporations for vital (sponsoring) Dollars.  

This Kit will also allow local Senates that same opportunity for marketing dollars.

To Enlighten members of the Kit's content:

Included in this kit will be a new DVD packed with pertinent TNBA information,

pictures of TNBA and our lifestyles.  A Roster of our events, listings of our

Programs and Committees, and a Calendar of our historic accomplishments. 

The Kit will provide informative pamphlets and useful demographics. 

Finally the Kit will provide strategic planning for the members to excel TNBA

and their efforts.  The product will be in a Notebook portfolio.

To Encourage our members to give ONE DOLLAR ($1.00):

Yes $1.00 to achieve the goal of $12,000.00.  This mission of $1.00

begins at our first Regional Tournament (October 31, 2008). 

The West will start our vision off and the Central will bring us Home....

Our Website will post weekly our campaign gains and will demonstrate our support throughout each region.

Delegates, I need your support and ask that you work with me; I ask that you stand with me,!!! 

As I've said before, our member/bowlers are our first concern and I'm confident the Project will

truly benefit them.

Thank you, and God Bless TNBA