Leoni takes reigns as new Blossomland Bowling President

Gus Leoni was recently elected to replace longtime Blossomland Bowling Association president, Pat Haney. Haney stepped down after 19 years as president, but will maintain his position on the State Association Board. Leoni has been a board member 25 years and hopes to rebuild local membership during his tenure.

            Membership is at 850, down from close to 3,000 back in the early 1970’s. “Our long-term goal is 1200, but we’d like to get back to 1000.” Leoni said. “We’re working with the women’s association to bring non-bowlers in over the summer. They would get to bowl free and we would offer free instruction.”  The Association has applied for a state grant that could bring up to $5,000 to offset some of the costs for the August event.

            “We want to get the enthusiasm back,” Leoni noted. The Association is already at looking at its 2014-2015 tournament schedule to see if anything might be added. Next up is the annual City Tournament this January. The team event will be at Coloma Lanes January 10/11, the Doubles/Singles at Lakeshore Lanes January 17/18.

            The Blossomland Association took a big hit on membership when AMF Blossom Lanes closed in the spring of 2013. Nationally, close to 6000 centers have closed since 1962. Blossomland is hoping that Lakeside Lanes in South Haven accepts an offer to join.

            Leoni wants every board member to serve on a least one committee. There are 17 committees currently posted. With the USBC getting out of the awards business next year, the Association is exploring can be purchased locally for bowlers achieving new plateaus, especially for seniors.  “We have people in the 32-team Wildlife Seniors averaging from 47-216 and ages 51-91. When they get a good score they deserve the recognition,” Leoni added.

            In the meantime, AMF Bowlmor is rolling out its new software for Qubica known as BESX (Bowler Entertainment System-X) as the industry tries to reposition itself to attract younger bowlers.

            Players will be able to put their image on the screen, using a camera built into the console. Your picture is then imported into the scoring animation as hilarious characters on the screen.

            There will be new games such as Vintage, targeted toward seniors, Bubble Gum for families with children, Rocky Road Race and Bowlopolis . BESX offers “Mad Games” with each ball determining count or damage inflicted on an opponent in Battle on the Lanes, Monster Factory and Bowlin’ Hood.

            BESX is being used at Mike Aulby’s Arrowhead Bowl in Indianapolis, but Kelley’s Bowl owner Bill Froberg says it’s in his five-year plan if reports are favorable.