Page to have company on left side at Pan American Games

When the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, commence later this month, Team USA left-hander Rhino Page will have the company of a teammate on the left side for a change.

Page, a four-year Team USA veteran, will be joined by fellow left-hander Cassidy Schaub of Polk, Ohio, who will make his international debut at the tournament.

"I'm so used to doing my own thing most of the time - reading the breakdown and trying to stay on top of moves," said Page, a San Diego native who is in the process of relocating to Topeka, Kan. "It will be fun to have another lefty there with me. That could be an extreme advantage for us."

The XV Pan American Games, which run July 13-29, are an Americas version of the Olympic Games which includes the Olympic Program sports and others that are not part of the Olympics. The bowling competition, consisting of singles and doubles events, is scheduled for July 23-26 at Barra Bowling Center, a 20-lane facility located in the Barra Shopping Mall.

The last time Team USA fielded two left-handed men in a tournament was at the 2005 American Zone Championships when Page and Andrew Cain were among the six to compete in Costa Rica.

Page, who turns 24 on July 10, has evolved into an international star in recent months - thanks to a four-medal haul (team gold, singles and all-events silver and Masters bronze) at the Men's World Championships in Korea last September, followed up by his three-medal performance at the Men's American Zone Championships in Guatemala this May that was highlighted by a Masters gold medal.

"Gaining experience year after year and our outstanding coaches - getting us lined up and putting the right ball in our hands - deserve a lot of the credit for my success," said Page, referring to Team USA coaches Jeri Edwards, Gordon Vadakin and Ken Yokobosky. "It's been a pretty awesome ride so far. It's hard to believe I've been on the team for four years already."

Page also has transitioned from wide-eyed newcomer - one who turned to Team USA veterans Bill Hoffman and David Haynes for advice - to a knowledgeable mentor for less-experienced players on the team. He hopes to serve in that capacity for Schaub (pictured right), who uses a two-handed delivery.

"We're really good buddies so that is going to help us," said Page, who is competing in the Pan American Games for the first time. "Hopefully, my experience will keep us loose. The Pan Am Games can be overwhelming. This is one of the biggest tournaments for us out there."

This October, Page plans on joining the Professional Bowlers Association, thus forgoing his amateur eligibility. Depending how upcoming legislation to allow professionals to compete in World Tenpin Bowling Association events turns out, this could be Page's Team USA farewell.

Currently, Page has an exemption onto Team USA 2008 due to his performance at this year's United States Bowling Congress Team USA Trials. He would be able to keep his spot on Team USA should the WTBA legislation pass.

"I'm trying not to think about it too much," said Page, who plans on competing in the Tour Qualifying Round at each Denny's PBA Tour event this upcoming season. "I'm going to approach it like any other tournament. I'll put any thoughts of my future aside and enjoy my experience while I have it."

Page and Schaub also will be joined at the Pan American Games by Team USA's Diandra Asbaty of Chicago and Tennelle Milligan (l-r) of Costa Mesa, Calif.

An estimated 5,500 athletes from 42 countries will compete in 28 sports at the XV Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. Conducted every four years, the first Pan American Games were held in 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.