THE BIG LEAGUES
they’ve entered, bowling at least 36 games, or having an overall average of 190 or better. To participate in the PWBA, bowlers must have a scoring average of 190 or higher in any recognized United States Bowling Congress (USBC) league. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE You may see a professional bowler score 190 at a regional tournament and think, “I can do that.” That’s the beauty of bowling! Anyone can score high, but comparing your Wednesday night league average to a pro is like comparing the score from your pickup game of soccer to the scores at the World Cup. For starters, unlike what you’d find at any standard bowling alley, the lanes in a professional setting are oiled specifically to create a more difficult path for the ball, forcing the pros to toss mechanical-like throws. This takes time and dedication to perfect. FIND MONETARY SUPPORT Unlike many other professional sports, bowlers make very little money. The average bowler makes more than $40,000 annually, but they often have to provide their own funds for lodging, travel, and tournament entry fees. Some professional bowlers even have side gigs to supplement their income from the sport. However, many bowlers admit that it’s not about the money. Instead, it’s the friendly competition and the glorious sound of the pins that bring them back for more.
Bowling is a fun activity for all ages, and the game has been providing good times since 5,000 B.C. in Egypt. In modern history, bowling has had its fair share of glory, but if you think you have the aptitude to join the ranks of professional bowlers, then consider what it takes to become the best of the best. JOIN THE PROS The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) are the premier leagues for professional 10- pin bowlers in the United States. Unlike the NFL or MLB, in which players are drafted onto teams before participating professionally, it’s fairly simple to join the PBA or PWBA. Members either pay an annual fee or have to meet certain requirements: scoring a 200 or higher at each tournament
Learn more about these professional leagues at PBA.com or PWBA.com if you’re interested in picking up bowling as a professional sport or just a hobby!
FOOTRACE FUNDRAISERS GO VIRTUAL MEET THE MASTERMIND BEHIND THE ONLINE FIREWORKS 5K CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT:
Every June, hundreds of people in Richmond, Indiana, put on their running shoes and hit the pavement to earn their Fourth of July fireworks. The annual Fireworks 5K is hosted by Whitewater Broadcasting, and its proceeds benefit the Richmond City Fireworks Fund. Usually, the participants’ sweat is rewarded on July 4 with an explosive display in Glen Miller Park, but this year things were different. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fireworks were pushed back and the 5K went virtual. “For the full month of June, you could go out and run,” race director Rick Duncan explains. “You just had to sign up to register, and within that month you had to finish 3.1 miles. Then you just submitted your name and time online to finish the 5K.” For the last four years, we’ve worked with Rick to print T-shirts, race bibs, and bags for the Fireworks 5K, and this virtual race was no exception. In fact, the 2020 T-shirt design just might be our favorite one yet. It’s a throwback to the ‘90s TV show “Friends.” “It says ‘Fireworks 5K’ in the ‘Friends’ font, and then it says, ‘The One With the Pandemic,’” Rick says with a laugh. “Then on the back with all of our logos it reads, ‘I’m not slow, I’m social distancing.’”
A virtual 5K might not be as exciting as an in-person race, but it’s a great way to raise funds while keeping people safe. For his race, Rick used the promise of our T-shirts to motivate attendees with great success. “We only order a certain number. If we have more people sign up than we do T-shirts, the later people don’t get one, so that encourages people to sign up early,” Rick says.
We’ve truly enjoyed working with Rick, and the feeling is mutual.
“For a long time, we were trying to find different vendors to use for shirts and whatnot, and when I took over as race director a few years ago, I found Lynnpro and I’ve been thrilled!” he says. He loves our custom race bibs and bags pre-stuffed with T-shirts, which he calls “the handiest thing in the world.” We’re happy to see our clients getting creative during this pandemic. Hopefully things are back to normal soon, but until then, we’re here to help with your virtual events!
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