CANADIAN JUNIOR 2011 CHAMPIONSHIPS AT MONTREAL

The WESTMOUNT LAWN B.C. will be hosting the 18 and Under Championships starting on Wednesday August 3rd and running to Saturday the 6th.

It is a strong field of young bowlers featuring 13 male teens, including the Ontario 2011 champion and defending Canadian gold medalist Jake Schuknecht , he also won Canadian gold in 2008. On the female side sister Christine Schuknecht is this year's Ontario champ and looking to make it a double, double against her 7 other competitors from across the country. Christine ,just 14 and a recent graduate of elementary school, has had some bowls year already. Besides her Junior prowess, she qualified for both Pairs and Singles to play in the current Provincials out of District 8. 

The offspring of Steve and Barb Schuknecht, their bowling interest is a natural with Dad and Mom both keen and successful bowlers out of the Chesley Club.

" I started when I was 9", said Jake. " I wanted to start before that but Dad  wouldn't let me start until I could make the bowl to the hogline. Both Mom and Dad bowled and we all had to go down and watch, so rather and sit around and do nothing I thought I might as well bowl. So I kept trying and at 9 I made it. I signed up and became a member and Dad started taking me out to tournaments my first year and that just started it all.  Even though I was bowling Dad wouldn't let me do juniors until I was 16. Sean, my older brother, started bowling when I was 7 and he did juniors against Ryan Bester, Andrew Wagner and other great bowlers so Dad didn't want me to get blown away." [ED. Excellent Juniors, wise Dad.]   

It is obvious the grounding in basics, the gradual development towards exceptional competitive bowls and the sportsmanship the family displays was nurtured at a young age by modeling their parents.

      I found this photo of Jake in the WOBA 2010 files. A fun loving guy with a smile that gives sunshine to a cloudy day. He and Michael Pituley had chosen chapeaus with a little more ' flair'. Always a  'give his all ' player, Jake rides the waves of success and losses with the same demeanour, the same acceptance when the luck is on the other side and the same recognition that it is but a game.

Off to Montreal the Ontario contingent will go. Along with Christine, will be Kaitlin Ryan who was the Canadian gold medalist in 2009 in Saskatoon and won a Bronze last year at Fairmont in London. Ashley Green will be the other Ontario entry.

For the boys, Mitchell Dack and Josh Cameron  head east as well to give Ontario a full roster for this National event.

It will be competitive. Besides Michael Pituley , Sask. are sending Grant Wilkie who won silver last year in the Under 18. I had a first hand look at his ability in Edmonton when he played Pairs in the Major Championships. These young bowlers are good. They are a lifeline for our growth as a sport.

Profiter, de bien jouer.

The Difference Between Women And Men Bowlers

A slight twist from a note from James D Smith
Wife’s Diary:

Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a nice restaurant for dinner. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much.
I asked him what was wrong; He said, 'Nothing.' I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving.
I can't explain his behavior I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep; I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.

Husband's Diary:
A four; who the hell is 3 up in the last end and gives up a four?

ONTARIO SINGLES AT KINGSTON 2011

GOLD GAMES
D1 Michelle Whitehead 21 D15 Pauline Hill 13
D6 John Bush 20 D11 Fred Wallbank 21

Two dandy matches on tap. Michelle won Ontario gold last year in the Pairs   and skipped her Novice team to gold in 1998. Pauline won a Canadian bronze medal in Singles in 2003 and skipped a Fours team to Provincial gold in 2009.

Fred has been so busy playing lead on the ultra successful Steve McKerihen Fours team at the Canadians , 6( 4 gold medals ) of the last 8 years, he has had little chance to fly solo. John has been there too and successful. A Canadian gold in 2006 in Seniors and a bronze in the 2009 Majors in Fours. He also was on the Triples Senior team who won Ontario gold in 2008

SILVER/BRONZE GAMES

D12 Shirley Ko 21 D15 Pauline Hill 12

D7 Mike Wagner 21 D13 Ron Geniole 14

WOMEN
Round 5
'B'
D13A Elaine Stevenson 11 D12 Shirley Ko 21
D14 Laura Hudson 19 D15 Pauline Hill 21
Round 4
'B'
D13A Elaine Stevenson 21 D5 Joan Way 17
D12 Shirley Ko 21 D9  Fran Todd 4
D14 Laura Hudson 21 D4 Jo Anne Bugler 15
Round 3
'A'
D1 Michelle Whitehead 21 D14 Laura Hudson 17
D15 Pauline Hill 21 D5 Joan Way 11
'B'
D13A Elaine Stevenson 21 D6 Katherine Smith 10
D12 Shirley Ko 21 D13B Cindy Higgins 12
D9  Fran Todd 21 D7 Jean Brighton 5
D16 Joelle Russell 18 D4 Jo Anne Bugler 21
Round 2
'A'
D1 Michelle Whitehead 21 v D13B Cindy Higgins 18
D6 Katherine Smith 19 D14 Laura Hudson 21
D4 Jo Anne Bugler 16 D15A Pauline Hill 21
D7 Jean Brighton 8 D5 Joan Way 21
'B'
D10 Jan Ferguson 16 D13A Elaine Stevenson 21
15B Sylvia Poulain 13 D12 Shirley Ko 21
D9  Fran Todd 21 D2 Marge Potter 13
D16 Joelle Russell  21 D8 Christine Schuknecht 16
Round 1

D10 Jan Ferguson 11 D1 Michelle Whitehead 21

D13B Cindy Higgins 21 D13A Elaine Stevenson 18

15B Sylvia Poulain 10 D6 Katherine Smith 21

D12 Shirley Ko 15 D14 Laura Hudson 21

D4 Jo Anne Bugler 21 D9  Fran Todd 15

D15A Pauline Hill 21 D2 Marge Potter 9

D7 Jean Brighton 21 v D16 Joelle Russell 5

D5 Joan Way 21 D8 Christine Schuknecht 16

Top two(blog rankings) right off the bat. Big win for Hudson over Ko who had a strong run at the WOBA Open Singles.

A couple other high ranking players in Whitehead ( at Nationals last year in Pairs ) besting Ferguson.

Lots of experience and wins in the Round 2 match between Bugler and Hill.

Tough to play your District foe ( 2nd entry ) in Round 1 for Stevenson and Higgins. The 'A' player always will have more pressure to replicate the earlier victory. Seems to me it would be logical to redraw the first round if this happens. The free draw purists will disagree but I also believe there should be at least a 4 seed process.

MEN 
Round 5
'B'
D14 Robert Steffen 18 D13 Ron Geniole  21
D7 Mike Wagner 21 D6 John Bush 9
Round 4
'B'
D14 Robert Steffen 21 D9 Bob Woods 11
D13 Ron Geniole  21 D2 James Covell 10
D7 Mike Wagner 21 D3 Kody Olthof 20
Round 3
'A'
D6 John Bush 21 D3 Kody Olthof 15
D11 Fred Wallbank 21 D9 Bob Woods 14
'B'
D1 Martin Henly 7 D14 Robert Steffen 21
D13 Ron Geniole 21 D4 Jurgen Fessler 4
D2 James Covell 21 D12 Sum Tang 20
D7 Mike Wagner 21 D15 Steve Miller 12
Round 2


D6 John Bush 21 D4 Jurgen Fessler 18
D3 Kody Olthof 21 D14 Robert Steffen 13
D15 Steve Miller 11 D11 Fred Wallbank 21
D2 James Covell 10 D9 Bob Woods 21
'B'
D16 Brian McCartney 18 D1 Martin Henly 21
D5 Greg Wilson 11 D13 Ron Geniole 21
D12 Sum Tang 21 D8 Mike Bester 8
D7 Mike Wagner 21 D10 Peter Wong 10

Round 1

D6 John Bush 21 D16 Brian McCartney 20

D1 Martin Henly 17 D4 Jurgen Fessler 21

D3 Kody Olthof 21 D5 Greg Wilson 13

D14 Robert Steffen 21 D13 Ron Geniole 20

D12 Sum Tang 7 D15 Steve Miller 21

D11 Fred Wallbank 21 D8 Mike Bester 14

D7 Mike Wagner 18 D2 James Covell 21

D10 Peter Wong 13 D9 Bob Woods 21

Two thrillers - Bush, a deft lefty, edges McCartney, a deft lefty. McCartney just completed winning the Pairs at WOBA. The report out of the D6 playdowns was the sizzling play of Rooster.

Side by side District players not separated by many KM. nor ability. Steffen & Geniole , both quiet and efficient, the score no surprise.

Very important 2nd round match with winners Wallbank (#1 blog) and Fessler ( 2010 Singles Edmonton ). Both with international experience.

The talented Covell back on the scene after an hiatus from bowls and Wagner who has quickly become a top flight competitor. James has won before, Mike will win soon.

W.O.B.A. 116 CONSECUTIVE YEARS AND STILL PURRING

A summary statement by Brian Fowler:

'Mick' Fowler 8:51am Jul 23 The 116th WOBA officially came to an end yesterday with the conclusion of the Mixed Pairs..a fantastic week of bowls and weather was had by all..special thanks to the members of both host clubs Fairmont and Woodstock for your hospitality..the volunteers at both clubs were amazing.. Sunday Fours at Fairmont honoured Jim Fernie as the recipient of Honourary Member with a social night sponsored by Brian Fowler Monday Fours resumed with finals at Fairmont and crowning the rink of Fessler, McLellan. Wagner and Johnson Tuesday Singles at both Fairmont and Woodstock..an 8 round haul for some before crowning the Champion Arnie Markowitz.. Wednesday Pairs and moving day for Bowlers Of The Week with 32 Men's at Fairmont and 12 at Woodstock were accompanied with 24 Women's teams.. Thursday by far the hottest day at WOBA in a long time and the conclusion of the pairs brought us the eventual winners Brian McCartney/Gord Terwillegar and Kelly McKerihen/Laura Seed Friday we were treated to a fantastic lunch as the Mixed at Fairmont concluded with winners Rosalie Parson-Brown and Jim Smith.. Through social media Facebook and Twitter we were able to post live updates to followers all over the globe.. The committee of Bob North Noreen Welsh Don Caswell Pete Mutter Wayne Wright Brian Fowler did a great job maintaining the WOBA as the number one tournament in Canada.. Special thanks to Carolyn Hoskin our residence draw co-ordinator for all your time and support.. Thanks to all the sponsors as always MVP Sports for your continuing support of the tournament and Gus and Sandy McKenzie not only for being our sponsor for BOTW but for your support to the tournament and last but not least to all the participants for your support at this years WOBA.. Hope to see you all back in 2012 WOBA

PROVINCIAL SINGLES PREDICTIONS 2011

WOMEN

1. D12 Shirley Ko 1.5
2. D14 Laura Hudson 3.0

3. D15A Pauline Hill  4.0

4. D1 Michelle Whitehead 5.5

5.D10 Jan Ferguson 6.0

6. D13A Elaine Stevenson 6.5
7. D6. Katherine Smith 7.5
8. D4 Jo Anne Bugler 8.0

8. D2 Marge Potter 8.0

10 D8 Christine Schuknecht 9.5

11 D16 Joelle Russell 11.5
12 D5 Joan Way 12.0
12 D9  Fran Todd 12.0

14 D7 Jean Brighton 12.5

14 D13B Cindy Higgins 12.5

16 D15B Sylvia Poulain 14.5

MEN

1. D11 Fred Wallbank 3.5

1. D2 James Covell 3.5
3. D13 Ron Geniole 5.0
4. D8 Mike Bester 5.5
4. D4 Jurgen Fessler 5.5

6. D16 Brian McCartney 6.0

7. D7 Mike Wagner 6.5
7. D5 Greg Wilson 6.5

9. D3 Kody Olthof 8.0

10 D14 Robert Steffen 9.0

11 D10 Peter Wong 10.0

12 D12 Sum Tang 12.0

12 D6 John Bush 12.0

14 D1 Martin Henly 13.5

15 D15 Steve Miller 14.0

16 D9 Bob Woods 15.5

JULY 22

WHOAAAA BAAAAAAAA

It's a beautiful thing.
Hot( no change ) and dry ( not calling for rain now on Sunday, Monday).
Many players have started their week with a Saturday warm up tournament.
The Classic Bill Boettger Men's Pairs at Heritage in Kitchener always draws a strong field with many of the participants heading straight to London after the day.
Over in Exeter the scene is a tranquil gathering of Mixed Triples/Women's Triples - that is until play begins.
And for those that are on the road and on the way, Fairmont have opened the greens this Saturday afternoon for a practice session.
Multi-tasking Brian will be on the scene doing some chef duties in preparation for the free SOCIAL NIGHT after completion of Four play on Day One. 
Our Sport Therapist son dropped in for a quick visit and reminded me that hydration begins the day before. If you feel thirsty, it is probably too late.
Sunday 8:30 AM the curtain rises.

KEV and the UNITY PROJECT

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." John Wooden Kevin Jones. A worn ball hat,dark glasses, a day old beard, no smile, no talk, a hurried gait to get it done. Intense on the green, a smug confidence bordering on arrogance , impatient when the game dragged, a man with a purpose, get out of my way. One of Canada's elite bowlers. He's won Canadian gold, the same in Ontario and is a dominant force at the prestigious W.O.B.A. Tournament. It's the only colour that matters. Winning motivates him, administrivia has frustrated him to the point of discord and withdrawal. Does this grant him entitled status. Is life's journey easier when you are skilled.Does he only care about himself?  It's a facade.  Under that armored personna beats a heart with compassion and caring about those less fortunate. A person who has himself carried the burden of joblessness in his survival responsibilities and still spends 15 hour days to make it better for those adrift in our world of hanging on. In Kevin's words, "Im tired, I was at Ark Aid at 7 this morning and was doing volunteer stuff until 10:45 tonight. I seem to work more now....than I did when I had a job. " But his request isn't for himself, it's for the homeless trying to survive and get back on their feet, for the visitors to have a warm and dry bed for a little while, for the hungry that seek sustenance in the next hours with no guarantees the next day. This is Kev's letter: To all WOBA players. I am currently volunteering at the Unity Project in London. The people, who use the service that Unity Project provides, are trying to get their lives back on track, and we offer free or very cheap services to them. Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and counselling to guide people back to being productive citizens. (See the website http://unityproject.ca/ about what we do for more information) Unity Project is able to help the people in need, in a large part by donations. If you can see your way to donate one or more of the items listed, I and the Unity Project would be very appreciative. Thank you, Kevin Jones Our “Needs" List. single bed sheets/blankets/pillows coffee cups laundry/dish soap shampoo/toothpaste/ bar soap/lotions/conditioner Q-Tips Feminine hygiene products bath towels razors/shaving cream/deodorant First Aid supplies (bandages/band aids etc) toilet paper spray air freshener pens oven mitts manual can openers soup bowls plastic juice jugs electric hand mixer gently used clothing new socks/underwear plastic knives/forks/spoons non-perishable food items Also, grocery store gift cards and personal cheques (made payable to “Unity Project”) will be accepted and a tax receipt for monetary donations will be issued. If you choose to give monetary or a grocery store gift card, please place it in a sealed envelope in the “drop box” with your name and address. Or, you can give them to James Covell, Bob North or my dad, Ronnie Jones. I will try to be at the Fairmont club as much as I can, but, I am scheduled to volunteer at Unity on Sunday/Monday and Wednesday from 4-10pm during WOBA. I wish you all the best in Bowls during the week. Thank you for helping if you can, if you can’t, that’s OK too. Kevin Jones 407-311 Wellington Court I can't beat him in bowls but we can help him with his cause. Can you lend a hand too?

CHALLENGE 11- SINGLES LAST ONE STANDING

We are down to one event remaining. 
Only the Lonely.
This event will determine the total dollars raised this year in our bowls campaign to support cancer research.

$735 in 2010. We are at $643 in 2011

A gratifying amount from a generous group no doubt. Small but mighty makes a difference.

Two things. Take a crack at predicting the order of finish in Kingston.

Secondly, place a 'bob' or two on your top picks. 

Most all who will play are already aboard our help team. A number don't play at all, just donate.  

It's not too late, if you want, that's great.

Reference CHALLENGE 11- A BOWLS FUND RAISER TO BEAT CANCER June 9th on the blog.

TOP 'bob' to date SL 135,000 with EB not far behind at 116,000 'bob'.

Fun to-day with lasting benefit.

SINGLES DISTRICT WINNERS 2011

WOMEN

1. Michelle Whitehead
2. Marge Potter
4. Jo Anne Bugler
5. Joan Way 
6. Katherine Smith
7. Jean Brighton
8. Christine Schuknecht
9. Fran Todd
10 Jan Ferguson
12 Shirley Ko
13A Elaine Stevenson
13B Cindy Higgins
14 Laura Hudson
15A Pauline Hill 
15B Sylvia Poulain
16 Joelle Russell

MEN

1. Martin Henly

2. James Covell

3. Kody Olthof

4. Jurgen Fessler

5. Greg Wilson

6. John Bush

7. Mike Wagner

8. Mike Bester

9. Bob Woods

10 Peter Wong

11 Fred Wallbank

12 Sum Tang

13 Ron Geniole

14 Robert Steffen

15 Steve Miller

16 Brian McCartney