Aaron Smith blog: What I've learned in 2010
May 30, 2010
Howdy.
As I'm typing, we are in the middle of day 65 here at the 2010 USBC Women's Championships.
Throughout these 65 days, I think it's safe to say that I've seen a lot. Maybe I've been here too much. Women's Championships Tournament Manager Eric Pierson says I'm the hardest working PR guy he knows...in El Paso...at the Women's Championships. Thanks, boss.
Despite a few long days and even longer nights, we actually do find some downtime while at the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center. I actually feel like I'm using that time somewhat wisely now.
I was fortunate enough to learn the tricks of the trade from the best, Open Championships guru and recently-promoted USBC Public Relations Manager Matt Cannizzaro. Even though his next blog entry will have him boasting about how he threw the last six strikes in singles to top my media team-leading all-events score at the Open Championships (until Emil Williams Jr. hits the lanes in June), I still appreciate that he showed me the ropes to time a well-placed dinner or how to get away from everything for a minute or two.
In the occasional weak moments when I don't mind my thoughts wandering away from bowling, I enjoy catching up with my favorite sports writer, Bill Simmons. Simmons has his own page on ESPN.com and reports on just about every sport in his own unique way.
In one of his recent articles, "Think, Know, Prove," Simmons reflects on the past NBA season and simply lets the reader know what he thinks, what he knows and finally, what he can prove from taking in the regular season.
So today, I'm going apply those very thoughts to the 2010 Women's Championships. Let the fun begin!
WHAT DO I THINK
Wait, isn't that the whole point of a blog? Oh well, carry on.
I think the switch to handicap has been a successful change. Since keeping track of the leaderboard is one of my duties, I've seen first-hand how the introduction of handicap has given everybody an equal opportunity at not only cashing, but to even take home a Women's Championships title.
So let's dig deeper by looking at some of the entering averages of ladies who are currently in the top 10.
In Diamond All-Events, Jodi Woessner, who is currently leading with her record-breaking total of 2,330, came into the 2010 event with a 232 average. Sandra Gongora, who is currently third, entered at 205. Lisa Graham, who is in eighth place, entered at 187.
That's some interesting disparity, don't you think?
Sapphire All-Events has bowlers in the top 10 with averages ranging from 96 to 143. Ruby has 151 to 172.
That's what we were going for, wasn't it?
I know there were mixed emotions on the change coming into the tournament, and that there will probably still be after the tournament concludes, but it's hard to argue against numbers like that.
Would a number lie to you?
WHAT DO I KNOW
I don't know much, but I do know that El Paso was the city we needed to enter this brand-new venue and era in Women's Championships history.
Would the convention-center build been as spectacular in another city? Yes. But the reception not only USBC, but the bowlers have received from the city has been amazing.
The people we work with at the convention center are wonderful, and do their best to fit our needs and help us in anyway they can. And the way they interact with our bowlers is phenomenal.
When I'm out in public and people see the USBC lapel pin, they ask question after question about the tournament. That's pretty cool. I'm surprised by how much they already know about the event.
And that's my cue to talk about the local media. They have embraced this tournament beyond my wildest dreams (which also makes my job much easier). From our initial press conference, both the local television stations and newspapers have been very responsive when big news is about to take place. The El Paso Times has even gone as far as to run a weekly feature on the event and our bowlers.
To top things off, a few weeks back the bowlers of the Women's Championships were presented the key to the city of El Paso by Mayor John Cook. If you haven't bowled yet, be sure to look for it in the squad room. That key was meant for you, ladies. But please, don't run off with it, though. Sharing is caring!
WHAT CAN I PROVE
This one is easy.
Watch these videos.
If you're not smiling after watching those, I'd be very surprised.
Emma and Mini prove that no matter age or ability, they know exactly what the Women's Championships is all about.
The Women's Championships is about going out and having a good time with your friends and family, all while enjoying the sport that brings them together.
See, I told you. Easy.
As I'm typing, we are in the middle of day 65 here at the 2010 USBC Women's Championships.
Throughout these 65 days, I think it's safe to say that I've seen a lot. Maybe I've been here too much. Women's Championships Tournament Manager Eric Pierson says I'm the hardest working PR guy he knows...in El Paso...at the Women's Championships. Thanks, boss.
Despite a few long days and even longer nights, we actually do find some downtime while at the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center. I actually feel like I'm using that time somewhat wisely now.
I was fortunate enough to learn the tricks of the trade from the best, Open Championships guru and recently-promoted USBC Public Relations Manager Matt Cannizzaro. Even though his next blog entry will have him boasting about how he threw the last six strikes in singles to top my media team-leading all-events score at the Open Championships (until Emil Williams Jr. hits the lanes in June), I still appreciate that he showed me the ropes to time a well-placed dinner or how to get away from everything for a minute or two.
In the occasional weak moments when I don't mind my thoughts wandering away from bowling, I enjoy catching up with my favorite sports writer, Bill Simmons. Simmons has his own page on ESPN.com and reports on just about every sport in his own unique way.
In one of his recent articles, "Think, Know, Prove," Simmons reflects on the past NBA season and simply lets the reader know what he thinks, what he knows and finally, what he can prove from taking in the regular season.
So today, I'm going apply those very thoughts to the 2010 Women's Championships. Let the fun begin!
WHAT DO I THINK
Wait, isn't that the whole point of a blog? Oh well, carry on.
I think the switch to handicap has been a successful change. Since keeping track of the leaderboard is one of my duties, I've seen first-hand how the introduction of handicap has given everybody an equal opportunity at not only cashing, but to even take home a Women's Championships title.
So let's dig deeper by looking at some of the entering averages of ladies who are currently in the top 10.
In Diamond All-Events, Jodi Woessner, who is currently leading with her record-breaking total of 2,330, came into the 2010 event with a 232 average. Sandra Gongora, who is currently third, entered at 205. Lisa Graham, who is in eighth place, entered at 187.
That's some interesting disparity, don't you think?
Sapphire All-Events has bowlers in the top 10 with averages ranging from 96 to 143. Ruby has 151 to 172.
That's what we were going for, wasn't it?
I know there were mixed emotions on the change coming into the tournament, and that there will probably still be after the tournament concludes, but it's hard to argue against numbers like that.
Would a number lie to you?
WHAT DO I KNOW
I don't know much, but I do know that El Paso was the city we needed to enter this brand-new venue and era in Women's Championships history.
Would the convention-center build been as spectacular in another city? Yes. But the reception not only USBC, but the bowlers have received from the city has been amazing.
The people we work with at the convention center are wonderful, and do their best to fit our needs and help us in anyway they can. And the way they interact with our bowlers is phenomenal.
When I'm out in public and people see the USBC lapel pin, they ask question after question about the tournament. That's pretty cool. I'm surprised by how much they already know about the event.
And that's my cue to talk about the local media. They have embraced this tournament beyond my wildest dreams (which also makes my job much easier). From our initial press conference, both the local television stations and newspapers have been very responsive when big news is about to take place. The El Paso Times has even gone as far as to run a weekly feature on the event and our bowlers.
To top things off, a few weeks back the bowlers of the Women's Championships were presented the key to the city of El Paso by Mayor John Cook. If you haven't bowled yet, be sure to look for it in the squad room. That key was meant for you, ladies. But please, don't run off with it, though. Sharing is caring!
WHAT CAN I PROVE
This one is easy.
Watch these videos.
If you're not smiling after watching those, I'd be very surprised.
Emma and Mini prove that no matter age or ability, they know exactly what the Women's Championships is all about.
The Women's Championships is about going out and having a good time with your friends and family, all while enjoying the sport that brings them together.
See, I told you. Easy.