09/08/05

Column 

John Jowdy to visit Columbia 300 Vienna Open

By John Jowdy

As Americans, sometimes we get big heads when it comes to our domination of tenpin bowling. We incorrectly assume the tenpin bowling world starts and ends with our league programs and the PBA (Professional Bowlers Association).

Many Americans would be surprised to learn that bowling is flourishing all around the world. I have been associated with Columbia 300 in San Antonio, Texas, for 43 years so I realize more than most that bowling has become truly an international sport with great champions spread across the world.

This is certainly evident by checking the PBA's record book. Two foreign bowlers - Venezuela's Amleto Monacelli and Finland's Mika Koivuniemi - have been voted PBA Players of the Year. And who can forget Sweden's Mats Karlsson, who was the first great foreign champion, with four victories.

And certainly the United States has not dominated the FIQ international competition.

So it is with a great deal of anticipation that I have scheduled a trip to the Columbia Vienna Open in Europe Oct. 19-23.

Naturally, I am proud that the tournament carries the name of Columbia, which will make me feel at home more than 6,000 miles away from my San Diego residence. And I am honored that promoter Wolfgang Lohschmidt has invited me to do three bowling clinics - one of which will involve European coaches.

Over the years I have done coaching clinics throughout the United States, starting with the PBA players and then moving on to the elite amateurs, Japan, Hawaii, Canada and in the Carribean Islands. United Arab Emirates invited me to coach their national team prior to their hosting the 1999 FIQ.

But, the Vienna Open will be my first coaching exposure in Europe. I can't wait for the experience. I am eager to observe my first European tournament. I respect the European tour because they are unafraid of professional rivals from America. PBA players are welcome. I know that one of the best, Pete Weber, and a few others are flying to Europe to compete in one of their events, prior to the start of the 2005-06 PBA season.

The Columbia Vienna Open will pit the best bowlers in Europe with a $66,800 (American dollars) prize fund with $9,785 going to the champion. Lohschmidt is the promoter. He is known throughout Europe as one of the best, if not the best, tournament promoter.

So, again, it is with a great deal of anticipation that I look forward to the Columbia Vienna Open. I expect to learn a lot and leave with even a greater appreciation for the European bowlers … both men and women.

I trust I can leave the European bowlers and coaches with a feeling they were glad I came over because they may have learned something from me. I also hope to have learned something from them.

I consider it an easy job. Somebody has to do it and I'm pleased to have the privilege to fulfill this obligation.

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