Listen to the On The Gutter Podcast:
Exclusive Insights with Tom Clark
In an exclusive interview, PBA Tour Commissioner Tom Clark shares insights into what fans can expect in the 2025 PBA season. The conversation highlights the shift from Portland, Maine, to Thunderbowl Lanes and the strategic focus of the Battle of the Brands, marking a pivotal moment for professional bowling. Tom explains how the 2025 PBA season will work. He also goes into detail about the PBA’s contract with Fox.
PBA Elite League Updates
The PBA Elite League is undergoing exciting transformations as it makes a significant move to Thunderbowl Lanes. One of the most anticipated changes is the introduction of the Battle of the Brands format, designed to spark intense rivalries among top brands like Brunswick, DV8, Hammer, Ebonite, Storm, 900 Global, Roto Grip, and Motiv. These strategic moves promise a captivating new era for the sport.
Celebrating Champions and Rising Stars
This episode also celebrates the achievements of recent champions who have dominated bowling tournaments nationwide. Here are some of the notable victories:
- Ken Shealy: Winner of the PBA60 Wilson & Sons Pest Control Open.
- Dan Higgins, Newt McClellan, and Mikey Tang: Winners of the Who’s Got the Look Trio at Sequoia Bowl in Ohio.
- Dallas Leong: Winner of the Lucky 7s Sweeper at South Point.
- Nate Garcia and Ethan Fiore: Winners of the TBT Doubles Tournament at Maple Lanes.
- Adam Barta: Winner of the Second Annual Troy-Allen Scratch Classic.
- Mike Anderson: Winner of the South Point Senior Shootout Haynes Bowling Supply Challenge
- Mellissa Perez: Winner of the Mount Vernon Ladies Singles Tournament at Riverside Lanes.
Honoring Hall of Fame Inductees
We take a moment to honor the recent inductees into prestigious bowling halls of fame:
Isabelle Rioux and Frank Buffa: Inducted into the Canadian Tenpin Federation Bowling Hall of Fame for their remarkable contributions to Team Canada and international coaching.
Tom Clark, Randy Peterson, Shannon O’Keefe, Bryan Goebel, and Keith Hamilton: Inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame, recognizing their exceptional achievements and impact on the sport.
Game-Changing Innovators
We spotlight influential figures like Mo Pinel, known as the father of the modern bowling ball, and Bill Chrisman, the late founder of Storm Bowling. Their innovative designs have significantly shaped the bowling ball market. Additionally, Jason Belmonte, or “Belmo,” is celebrated for popularizing two-handed bowling, bringing media attention and growth to the sport.
Female Bowling Legends
Prominent women in bowling, such as Kelly Kulick, Liz Johnson, Jillian Martin, Jordan Richard, and Shannon O’Keefe, have made significant contributions to the sport. Their achievements underscore the importance of skill mastery and the resurgence of the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA).
The Future of Bowling
Looking ahead, the excitement builds for the 2025 World Series of Bowling, where emerging stars like Deo Benard and Boog Krol are set to clash on the international stage. With increased visibility on major sports networks, bowling’s future looks brighter than ever!