BRENT SIMS AND ERIN WALL PROMOTED
Lake Wales, FL – December 2024: Kegel is proud to announce that two new Vice Presidents have been added to their Executive Team. Brent Sims has been promoted to VP of Chemicals and Coaching Technologies while Erin Wall will serve as VP of Business Administration.
“Brent and Erin are two employees who have been consistently delivering value on a high level,” shares Chris Chartrand, Kegel CEO. “This promotion is a well-earned acknowledgment of the strategic contributions they have made to Kegel.”
Brent has worked at Kegel for over 20 years, first starting in the Kegel Bowling Center before he began coaching at the Kegel Training Center in 2001. He is a trained Pro Shop Technician and has been regularly selected as one of the Bowlers Journal International Top 100 Coaches. He earned his MBA and Bachelor’s degree from Webber International University. In addition to his role in the Kegel Training Center, Brent has expanded into other areas of the Kegel business including marketing, project management, event planning, and his most recent role as Director of Chemicals and Coaching Technologies for Kegel. He has overseen all aspects of Kegel’s line of Coaching Tools including the release and development of Specto, Torch, and Arrow. Brent regularly travels to assist FOX with their use of Specto at PBA events to enhance the bowling experience for television.
Erin began working at Kegel in 2009, first starting in the Accounting Department before accepting a position in Marketing the following year. Since then, she has been involved in content creation, website development, packaging design, tradeshow planning, and product launches across all of Kegel’s divisions. In 2015, Erin’s continued her Marketing role while taking on new responsibilities as the Executive Coordinator, serving as a support system for the Executive Team. Wall graduated with honors from Rutgers Business School with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a minor in Psychology.
RANDY STOUGHTON SELECTED AS THE 2022 JOHN DAVIS AWARD WINNER
In a bittersweet announcement, Randy Stoughton was named as the 2022 recipient of the prestigious John Davis Award. Randy’s niece, Lindsey Stoughton, and longtime friend, Ted Thompson, received the award on Randy’s behalf. This was the 22nd time the Award was presented, and it was also the first time that the voting was posthumously. Randy passed away on January 8, 2023, after a long illness. He was 68 years old.
CEO Chris Chartrand awarding the 2022 John Davis Award to Randy Stoughton accepted by Lindsey Stoughton and Ted Thompson on his behalf.
John Davis, the man who founded The Kegel Company, was involved in bowling for nearly his entire life. At an early age, his father taught him (and all his siblings) how to bowl. That “love affair” with the sport would span more than half a century, as Davis contributed his time, knowledge, and money to help better the sport of bowling on several levels. Even though Kegel was a relatively small company at the time, Davis’s investment in the industry was always unselfish and unmatched. His selfless innovations, inventions and contributions have been well documented, and his leadership in technology and humanity (in the United States and worldwide), made him perhaps the most sought-after figure in the game.
Randy was a USBC Gold Level coach and started at Kegel in 2003. He later became the Head Coach of the Webber International University Women’s team and immediately took them to its first of three ITC Championships. They also won the NAIA Titles in 2013 and ‘14. Prior to going to work at Kegel, he made a name for himself by bowling on the PBA Tour. then being the ball driller for Player Services on the traveling PBA “truck” for a few years before going to work for Ebonite International in the Southern Region. As part of those duties, he was also a Tour Representative for the PBA and PWBA tours. In 1997, he also squeezed in being the PBA Player Services Director on the PBA tour.
Del Warren, Vice President of the Kegel Training Center and long time friend of Randy, said:
“We are deeply saddened by Randy’s passing. He has been a vital part of the success of the Kegel Training Center. Randy was deeply devoted to bowling and to everyone he worked with and coached. He certainly was our gentle giant.”
Randy will forever be remembered by his coworkers for his passion for coaching, the great (real) scientific sport of bowling and for being a tireless worker. It is estimated that in his lifetime, he drilled over 100,000 bowling balls. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Davis’s behind-the-scenes committee work was always welcomed. Because of his vast accomplishments and devotion to the sport, the John Davis Award was established by Kegel to perpetuate his memory. Started in 2001, It has truly become a most prestigious honor that is presented annually to a deserving person (or couple) actively involved in trying to advance the sport. A beautiful, one-of-a-kind perpetual plaque, bearing each recipient’s name, is permanently displayed at Kegel in Lake Wales, Florida.
A celebration of life was held at the Kegel Training Center on Feb. 12. God Bless Randy.
FORMER RECIPIENTS OF THE JOHN DAVIS AWARD
2001 Joyce Deitch
2002 John Weber
2003 Ted Hoffman Jr.
2004 Jim Dressel
2005 Mark Gerberich
2006 Carmen Salvino
2007 Linda Davis
2008 Gary Parsons
2009 Len Nicholson
2010 Walt Steinsiek
2011 Gary Beck
2012 Kim Thorsgaard Jensen
2013 Barbara and Bill Chrisman
2014 Mark Davis
2015 Kevin Dornberger
2016 Chris Chartrand
2017 Lisa and Pat Ciniello
2018 Don Agent
2019 Tom Clark
2020 Frank DeSocio
2021 Dennis Sheirs
2022 Randy Stoughton
KTC STAFF RECOGNIZED WITH IBPSIA BILL BUNETTA LIGHTHOUSE AWARD IN BACK-TO-BACK YEARS
Orlando, FL – June 2023: We are honored to announce that KTC Instructors Del Warren and Randy Stoughton have earned the IBPSIA Award in consecutive years. Randy Stoughton is the winner of the 2023 Bill Bunetta Lighthouse Award. Randy showed incredible dedication in his field through his various positions with PBA, Ebonite and ultimately Kegel Training Center. Del accepted the award on Randy’s behalf. Randy passed away Jan 8, 2023.
Del Warren was the winner of the 2022 Bill Bunetta Lighthouse Award but had not previously received his award. Del has made significant contributions to the Pro Shop Industry through his positions at AMF, Track and Kegel. Del was elected to the IBPSIA Board of Directors in 2008, then served as the President in 2009 and 2010. He has been an advocate of IBPSIA since serving on the board, teaching multiple Hands-On Training Seminars (HOTS) in the United States and Japan.
The IBPSIA Bill Bunetta Lighthouse award is presented annually when applicable to:
· Person or business that has made significant contributions to Pro Shop Industry
· Currently or has been active in the bowling industry
· Currently or has been involved in bowler retention
The Lighthouse Award is named for Bill Bunetta, a member of the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame for Superior Performance. He was a top competitor for nearly two decades and a respected coach. He conducted instructional clinics and exhibitions and gave advice to many players in the early stages of their career.
NEW MASTER TEACHING PROFESSIONAL SYDNEY BRUMMETT JOINS KEGEL TEAM
Lake Wales, FL – May 2023: We are thrilled to welcome our newest addition to the team, Sydney Brummett. Sydney will be joining us as our new Master Teaching Professional, serving as the Associate Head Coach and Director of Recruiting. With an impressive five seasons of collegiate coaching experience on the men's side of the coin, Sydney has proven to be an excellent addition to our team.
During Sydney's college career, she accomplished amazing feats, such as being a 4-time All American with Wichita State, winning the 2015 Collegiate ROY award, and being named the 2017 Collegiate POY & MVP. Additionally, Sydney was a 7-time member of the Team USA program and has won more than 20 international medals, including 10+ gold medals.
With such an impressive background, we are confident that Sydney will bring valuable insight and experience to our team. We are eager to see how she will contribute to our company's growth and success.
“Sydney’s passion and competitive drive is infectious! Her unique skill set will help the Kegel Training Center and the Webber International Programs reach new levels of education and excellence,” shares Del Warren, Vice President of the Kegel Training Center.
To learn more about Sydney, feel free to visit our website or contact us directly. We are excited to have Sydney on board and look forward to the great things she will accomplish with our team.
KEGEL MOURNS THE LOSS OF RANDALL “RANDY” STOUGHTON
Lake Wales, FL – January 2023: It is with great sadness that we inform you that Randall “Randy” Stoughton passed away on January 8, 2023.
Randy was a USBC Gold level coach and had worked in the Kegel Training Center since 2003. Along his tenure, he was the Head Coach of the Webber International University Women’s team. Starting in 2010, the first year of the program, he led the team to the first of its ITC Championships followed by two more in 2012 and 2016. He also coached the team to victory in the NAIA Championships in 2013 and 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oakPpMkmzUk
Prior to his work at the Kegel Training Center, he served in other roles throughout the bowling industry.
The Indianapolis native bowled on the PBA tour from 1982 to 1986 including a TV appearance on the 1986 Lite Beer Open: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_juukGN2xro
Between 1987 and 1990 he was the Ball Driller for Player Services. During this time, it was estimated that he drilled over 100,000 bowling balls.
From 1991 to 2002 (excluding 1997) he was the Sales Manager for Ebonite International for the Southern Region. As part of this he was also a Tour representative for the PBA and PWBA tours.
In 1997 he served as the Player Services Director on the PBA Tour.
Del Warren, Vice President of the Kegel Training Center and long-time friend of Randy shares, “We are all deeply saddened by Randy's passing. He has been a vital part of the success of the Kegel Training Center. Randy was deeply devoted to bowling and to everyone he worked with and coached. He was our gentle giant!”
Randy will forever be remembered by his coworkers for his passion for coaching and the sport of bowling.
There will be a celebration of life on Feb 12 from 11am - 4pm. To RSVP visit: https://www.kegeltrainingcenter.com/randycelebration
KCMP PROGRAM 3: THE ART OF SCORING
Kegel Training Center, Lake Wales, FL – May 2022:
The Kegel Training Center continues to expand the KCMP (Kegel Coaching Master’s Program) with the launch of Program 3: The Art of Scoring. The first class of this new course was hosted May 12-15 at the Kegel Training Center.
This course, an unprecedented four-day course with a 5th day of live testing, saw some mainstay students return for their third program as well. “The Art of Scoring” was designed with both coaches and players in mind – taking into account all the elements of the bowling that relate to scoring and demonstrating how to put them together in a practical setting.
This course took the classroom theory and demonstrated it with practical on-lane exercises each day featuring some of KTC’s own employees and Webber International bowlers, including David Lance, Stephen DeLong, AJ Wolstenholme, and Daniela Gonzalez. The Art of Scoring begins with the theory – discussing the elements of the bowling environment as well as the tools used to knock down pins. Then the focus shifted to how those elements dictate what the bowler does. This course is ideal for any bowler that wants to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate scoring in bowling.
The class also featured several on-lane segments with live demonstrations by Kegel staff and players. Pictured here, Mark Davis, Kegel Vice President of Mechanical Development & Support, explains the Kegel LaneMapper and how it is used to measure topography and verify changes Kegel can make with their proprietary adjustable lane beds. The following days featured several bowlers demonstrating how changes with bowling balls and lane play can dictate how well a player is able to score on any condition. The final day, test day, the course attendees applied their knowledge from the class in a practical setting with live bowlers. There’s no truer test than practical application of helping a player score!
For more information about the Kegel Coaching Master’s Program and to learn about upcoming KCMP course, visit www.kegeltrainingcenter.com/kcmp.
Kegel mourns loss of long time coach - Maryfran Milbank
It is with great sadness that we inform you that Maryfran Milbank passed away on February 13, 2021. Maryfran was one of our long term employees at the Kegel Connection Pro Shop – Cypress Lanes in Winter Haven, Florida. In 2000, she was named the USOC Developmental Bowling Coach of the Year. In 2003, she was hired by John Davis, not only for her coaching abilities, but also for her passion to help bowlers become their best. Throughout her life, Maryfran trained players of all ages and skill levels and we are sure will be dearly missed by all.
There will be a Celebration of Life hosted at the American Legion in Winter Haven on February 28th:
Gathering for Family and Friends: 2pm
Celebration of Life ceremony: 3pm
Leave your favorite memories in the comments below.
FIRST CLASS OF KCMP SPEED & RELEASE GRADUATES
Lake Wales, FL – 1/7/2021: Having held several classes for Direction, it was time to usher in the next phase of the KCMP. Back in September, the KTC announced plans for the introduction of part 2 of the KCMPs. Program #2, which covers speed and the release, was given live from the KTC in November.
As the COVID-19 pandemic still looms, we have come to adapt a new way of life and new forms of conducting events safely. While still encouraging social distancing, mandating face coverings, and frequent sanitization of touched surfaces, the Kegel Training Center was able to safely conduct another in person class. Coaches from around the world traveled to Kegel to attend the next step on the journey of KCMP.
Coach Ruben Ghiragossian presented this three-day course in a (socially distanced) classroom setting. Due to the intense curriculum and in-depth material, Coach Ruben was adamant that this course was best taught in a live setting. However, when was all said and done, the students had the option of taking the test in person or online as the Virtual programs have provided new insights in conducting online testing.
The KTC congratulates all those who passed the test and is proud to recognize the first group of KCMP Program #2 Graduates below. Each graduate will receive a diploma and listing on the KTC website showing which masters classes they have passed. KTC plans to hold another live class for Speed & Release in March. KTC also plans to another Virtual Direction Class before the Summer.
Our Program #2: Speed and Release graduating class is:
LaShaune Darden
Clara Guerrero
Erin Beck
Jim Merrell
Ashly Galante
Andres Gomez
Antonio Solla
Dean Buchanan
Sheila Buchanan
Danny Berardi
Walt Alexander
Carlos Tobon
WEBBER BOWLING AND STORM FINALIZE NEW SPONSORSHIP
With the collegiate season looming, Webber International’s bowling program has some exciting news. Amidst a season being cancelled and another being delayed, many changes were on the horizon. One of them being a decision of sponsorship in light of Brunswick’s acquisition of the EBI Brands. After weeks of deliberation, the decision is in
Webber International University and Storm Bowling Products have confirmed a new collegiate bowling sponsorship agreement. Storm Bowling Products has been a leader in the bowling products industry for years as has the WIU Bowling Program which has earned eleven collegiate national championships. The new sponsorship will allow the Webber International bowlers to have access to the best bowling balls on the market to continue their championship quest
“Del Warren and Randy Stoughton are two of the most knowledgeable and respected coaches in our sport, and we are really excited to partner with Webber International,” says Steve Kloempken, Vice President of Marketing at Storm Bowling Products. “With their team of talented, young players and experienced assistance coaches, not to mention the cutting-edge resources at the Kegel Training Center, the sky’s the limit.”
“Everyone on the team is thrilled about all the possibilities of working with Storm and taking the Webber International Bowling Program to new levels of success,” says Del Warren, Vice President Kegel Training Center and Director of Bowling at Webber International University.
“Storm truly cares about the collegiate sector of bowling and we are so honored to have an amazing group of talented collegiate programs on our team this season,” says Diandra Asbaty, Storm Collegiate Manager.
The USBC collegiate season is set to start in January as it was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
KEGEL CONNECTION GREENACRES
Lake Wales, FL – November 2020: Gator Pro Shop in Greenacres Bowl will now become the Kegel Connection Greenacres. This will be the newest Kegel run Pro Shop located in Greenacres, Florida.
Chris Arbour, Bowling Center Manager, shares, “Greenacres Bowl is excited to partner with Kegel, the leaders in bowling technology and coaching. We feel this relationship will bring the best experience to our bowlers both on and off the lanes.”
Kegel Connection Greenacres will feature a full spectrum of modern coaching tools and pro shop services. The location is set to add a Specto Ball Tracking System and Arrow 3D Reference Tool to its arsenal in 2021. The shop is stocked with a full supply of inventory on hand to help customers match up to today’s challenging conditions.
Chris Dyar
28+ years of Pro Shop experience
Chris Dyar will remain on as Pro Shop Manager and brings along 28 years of Pro Shop experience. Dyar has been running the existing Pro Shop in Greenacres Bowl for the past three years. Prior to that, Dyar worked at Precision Pro Shop in Strikes of Boca and the Strikeforce Pro Shop in Don Carter All Star Lanes.
Dyar has been bowling since he was five years old and also has a unique connection to Kegel. “I hired Chris Chartrand at his first job in bowling,” Dyar shares about the current CEO of Kegel.
FULLY VIRTUAL KCMP A SUCCESS
Lake Wales, FL – 9/2/2020: The “New-Normal” brought on by COVID-19 has driven many businesses to embrace technology in unprecedented ways. The Kegel Training Center has expanded their offerings to new platforms and recently hosted their first Virtual Kegel Coaching Master’s Program (KCMP) class.
By utilizing the Zoom video conferencing platform, the KTC coaches taught the course in its entirety online. After four online sessions, the coaches then had the option to take the test online for their KCMP Direction diploma.
Traditionally, the test would be taken on paper with the students able to circle or write in their answers. To accommodate this portion of the program, the KTC utilized Google Forms to create the test online in a shareable link that was distributed to the students. The KTC Staff thanks all participants for their eagerness to learn and willingness to adapt to make this first virtual course a success.
The KTC congratulates all those who passed the test and is proud to recognize the first group of Virtual KCMP Graduates below. Each graduate will receive a diploma and listing on the KTC website showing what masters classes they have passed. KTC plans to hold another Virtual Direction class before the end of the year. KTC also plans to host, in person, the first class on Program #2: Speed and Release from November 13th – 15th.
Our Virtual Direction graduating class is:
Jason Waters
Erin Beck
Gregg Taliercio
Eric Jang
Robert Alexander
Daren Knightsbridge
Ken Kasprzak
Iga Ryngwelska
KEGEL MECHANICS KLUB IS LAUNCHED
Kegel releases a new website, The Kegel Mechanics Klub (KMK). kegelmechanicsklub.com
Lake Wales, FL – 09/15/20: Kegel releases a new website, The Kegel Mechanics Klub (KMK). KMK is a platform that Kegel plans to grow into an extensive knowledge base for mechanics. KMK includes maintenance and installation videos, written technical tips and articles, troubleshooting flow charts with videos attached showing specific adjustments, and more. This free website will initially focus on GS® and A2 pinsetters from a mechanical, electrical and safety standpoint: https://www.kegelmechanicsklub.com/.
The goal of this site is to be a place where people from all backgrounds, cultures and skill sets can access information that may be helpful, but to be able to do it in a safe and professional manner. They will provide pertinent and accurate information dealing with a variety of pinsetter and lane machine related topics. This website is ideal for mechanics who are just starting or have less than 5 years of experience, though even experienced mechanics may find a new process, tool, or jig that may be useful.
Don Agent, head of pinsetter parts R&D shares, “In today’s current technological environment, information is everywhere. However, some information is good and accurate, and a lot of information is incorrect. For a pin chaser, “C” - Mechanic or even a “B” - Mechanic, the internet, without a good mentor, can be a detriment to learning the proper skills, training and safety that is required to become a laneman or pinsetter mechanic. Here at Kegel we have always prided ourselves on sharing information and knowledge that could make day to day operations in the bowling center much easier and more efficient. We hope you will find that the Kegel Mechanics Klub does just that!”
Sign up for a free account today at: https://www.kegelmechanicsklub.com/.
VIRTUAL TESTING PAVES WAY FOR NEW GRADUATES
More KCMP graduates announced after virtual retest.
Lake Wales, FL – 7/2/2020: Back in October of 2019, the Kegel Training Center launched a new coaching initiative dubbed the Kegel Coaching Master’s Program. This is a different kind of coaching course that is designed for coaches to more intensely cover very specific topics of the game. The initial class focused on Direction. The coaches came to the KTC to attend the inaugural 3-day.
Attendees of the inaugural KCMP course.
Coaches had the option to test for the diploma which consisted of a written test accompanied by a video analysis of multiple players. The intention of this test was for it to be difficult, due in part to the breadth of the content and to the closed-book testing procedures. Some coaches from the inaugural class did not pass the first round of testing.
A retest was promised to those that took the inaugural test and did not pass in the first quarter of 2020. As lesson bookings kept rolling in and the travel of the college bowling season saw the retest get pushed to the backburner. Then, the COVID-19 crisis struck and the world was put on pause. The KTC now had the time to formulate the retest, but the method to do so proved difficult. Breakthroughs in information technology, namely the new video conferencing platform called Zoom, provided the necessary medium to make the test possible. One by one, the students were able to retake the portions of the test they did not initially pass. The results are in and the Kegel Training Center is thrilled to announce the second wave of graduates from the KCMP Program 1 on Direction!
Our 2nd wave graduating class:
Ivan Burian
Walter Alexander
LaShaune Darden
Bob Caputo
Jim Merrell
KEGEL PARTNERS WITH BOWLING BUDDIES
Kegel announces relationship with Bowling Buddies as the sales and distribution partner for their disposable shoe cover, Bowling Buddies.
Lake Wales, FL – April, 2020: Kegel announces relationship with Bowling Buddies as the sales and distribution partner for their disposable shoe cover, Bowling Buddies.
Bowling Buddies is a patented single-use shoe cover designed specifically for bowling. With a sole that has slide material and grip material, these covers allow customer to wear their own shoe if they prefer to do that instead of wearing rental shoes. Kegel has acquired all inventory of this alternative to bowling rental shoes previously being sold on bowlingbuddiesshoecovers.com which will be available for immediate sale to bowling centers on www.kegel.net/bowling-buddies.
Bowling Buddies are sold in packs of 240 and available in four different sizes to accommodate different customers.
Chris Chartrand, Kegel CEO shares, “Amid the growing concern over sanitation due to COVID-19, our team of engineers and chemists have been focused on solutions that may face the bowling industry in coming months. One concern is the use of shared items like rental shoes and bowling balls. Bowling Centers should not risk losing a single customer over the discomfort of using these items and we feel it’s important that they give customers this new option.”
“We’re so proud of the success Bowling Buddies has already achieved,” states Founder, Sean Doyle. “We’re happy to partner with a company like Kegel to expand the reach of this great product and excited to see how it will continue to grow.”
WEBBER AWARDS GIVEN OVER VIRTUAL BANQUET
Thanks to some of the latest technology, the Webber International University bowling team was able to hold their annual banquet virtually using the video conference service called Zoom.
Babson Park, FL – 21 April 2020: Thanks to some of the latest technology, the Webber International University bowling team was able to hold their annual banquet virtually using the video conference service called Zoom. This service has been made popular by the social distancing orders ushered in by COVID-19.
The awards given out to one male and one female player at the banquet are named after the three pillars of the WIU bowling culture, coined as the “Webber Way.” They are made up of being patient and present, constantly learning, and striving for excellence. The most coveted award, the Bill Heath Webber Way award, is a culmination of those three pillars. That award is also aptly named after WIU’s former (retired) athletic director, Bill Heath, who was instrumental in the inception of the bowling program at Webber.
The winners of this season’s Patient & Present awards were Tyler Wilson and Kristin Hilker. Wilson was on the developmental squad this season, but was credited with always having a positive attitude and always being ready to work when practice time came around. It takes patience and presence of mind to maintain a good attitude while being on the developmental squad. Kristin was awarded the honor for similar reasons. As a player that was on the bubble the whole season between varsity and JV, her perseverance and patience at perfecting her craft led to her to being promoted to the Varsity team for the entirety of the late season.
The Constant Learning awards went to Tom Hankey, Jr. and Emelie Neidenmark. Hankey, in his sophomore season, had been thrust into the leadership role since starting at Webber. This season proved to be a challenge, balancing an ever-increasing workload from school while also maintaining his leadership duties with the team. Coach Del credited him with constantly learning throughout the process and ultimately learning more about himself and what he is capable of. Emelie was credited by Coach Randy as being a “slave to the game,” never ceasing in her quest to working to improve her game and get better as a person.
Striving For Excellence, the final pillar, was awarded to Austin Okazaki and Lauren Snipes. Okazaki, having begun his freshman year on the developmental squad, had worked his way to the varsity team in his Junior year. The only way one works their way to the top like that is through constantly striving for excellence, which the coaches felt Austin embodied this season. Snipes, finishing her 4th and final year, received this as a culmination of her entire career at Webber. An emotional Coach Randy decreed that no one worked harder than Lauren at tearing down and rebuilding her game into what it was, a feat that requires constantly striving for excellence.
The final and most prized Bill Heath Webber Way awards went to Stephen Delong and Caitlyn Johnson. Stephen earned this award by always being willing to help out the team, and Kegel as a whole, any way necessary. Volunteering help at camps, events, and in the pro shop, Stephen embodied the Webber Way in every aspect possible. Caitlyn Johnson, fresh off making college bowling history with Hankey, earned this award for the second season in a row. Again emotional, Coach Randy could not say enough about Caitlyn and her commitment to the team, to Kegel, and to the sport of bowling. Referencing her interview with Storm Bowling the prior week, Caitlyn is a true ambassador for the sport and for Webber.
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About Kegel Training Center
The Kegel Training Center, first known by the name HERBIES was opened in 1997 in Sebring, FL. This private ten lane facility was the first of its kind. In 2004, the Kegel Training Center was moved to its current location in Lake Wales, FL and now features twelve fully adjustable lanes. The KTC coaches players from all over the world and serves as the Training Facility for the Webber International University bowling teams. For more information, please visit www.kegeltrainingcenter.com.
Webber's Johnson, Hankey Sweep MVP Awards
Arlington, TX – April 16 2020: Webber International University’s Caitlyn Johnson and Tom Hankey Jr. were recognized by the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA) as the Most Valuable Players of the 2019-2020 collegiate bowling season. In addition, both players received the Collegiate Player of the Year award from the International Bowling Media Association (IBMA). Johnson and Hankey were acknowledged on Wednesday evening, April 15, during the USBC awards ceremony for the 2019-2020 collegiate bowling season.
Caitlyn Johnson is a graduating senior from Webber International University. Johnson caps off her illustrious collegiate career by winning 1st Team All-American and Most Valuable Player honors for the 2nd time. In just her freshman year, she helped her team climb to a runner-up finish in the 2016-2017 ITC National Championship competition. Johnson has averaged over 200 for her entire collegiate bowling career, resulting in her having a top-5 average in three of those seasons as well. Johnson will end her college bowling career as a four-year team captain, having left an indelible impression on her team and the Webber program.
Tom Hankey, Jr. is finishing his sophomore year at Webber and has already accrued a long list of collegiate accolades to his name. Hankey’s winning ways began straight out of his freshman season, winning the 2018-2019 ISC National Championship and leading his team to win the ITC National Championship in the same year. Hankey will look to continue his success in the coming season and help lead the men’s team to new heights.
Both Johnson and Hankey, Jr. have also been on Junior Team USA and have had the privilege to represent their country in international competition.
The 2019-2020 college bowling season was cut short due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The virus forced the cancellation of the season just prior to the Sectionals competition getting underway. Many bowlers were left heartbroken by the decision to cancel the remainder of the season. This awards ceremony offered much needed solace during this difficult time. Sights are now set on reaching the end of the COVID-19 pandemic so the players can return to the sport they love in the Fall.
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About Kegel Training Center
The Kegel Training Center, first known by the name HERBIES was opened in 1997 in Sebring, FL. This private ten lane facility was the first of its kind. In 2004, the Kegel Training Center was moved to its current location in Lake Wales, FL and now features twelve fully adjustable lanes. The KTC coaches players from all over the world and serves as the Training Facility for the Webber International University bowling teams. For more information, please visit www.kegeltrainingcenter.com.
Kegel Introduces Specto Go, a portable version of Specto Bowling
Lake Wales, FL – February 2020: Kegel is excited to announce the release of Specto Go, a portable version of the Specto tracking and practice system for centers, bowlers, and coaches.
With all the great features of Specto and the added benefit of being able to take it on the go, this system is perfect for temporary set-ups and can be moved between different locations.
This system is ideal for coaches, bowling teams and groups, or anyone who does not have the ability for a permanent set-up. The unit comes with a hard case for easy storage and transportation as well as a laptop to run the system. This laptop will come pre-installed with the Specto Coaching Software and will operate through the computer’s Wi-Fi connection (internet access required). The sensor will be installed on a lane, and will cover up to 5 lanes for data collection.
SPECTO GO BALL TRACKING SYSTEM
Part Number: 157-8611
MSRP (US Only): $14,995 (+ $495 Annual Fee after the first year)
Customers receive continuous software and mobile app updates with the $495 annual fee.
Contact your Kegel Distributor to order Specto Go today or learn more at WWW.SPECTOBOWLING.COM
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About Kegel
Founded in 1981, Kegel has spent over three decades researching the sport of bowling while offering products, services, and systems to enhance the sport. The company is based in Lake Wales, Fla. where it operates its manufacturing, quality control, software development, chemical production and packaging, technical support, Kegel Connection Pro Shops, Foundation300 and its world renowned Kegel Training Center. For more information, please visit www.kegel.net.
INAUGURAL KEGEL COACHING MASTERS PROGRAM A SUCCESS
Lake Wales, FL – 12/1/18: Kegel Training Center recently hosted their inaugural Kegel Coaching Master’s Program (KCMP). This is a unique coaching course that is designed for coaches to more intensely focus on very specific topics of the game.
The initial class focused on the topic of Direction. The coaches learned the elements of the game that can cause directional issues and how changes can affect the end result. They also studied troubleshooting techniques to help quickly make improvements for their students. The 3-day class was included a presentation by the coaches in addition to hands-on training. Each student also gave a group presentation to the class about one of the elements taught during the course.
Coaches had the option to test for the diploma which consisted of a written test accompanied by a video analysis of multiple players. Each graduate will receive a diploma and listing on the KTC website showing what masters classes they have passed. KTC plans to release another KCMP course in the late fall of 2020. Their next class will be scheduled for the late spring of 2020.
This class is ideal for coaches that are looking to study a specific topic in depth. The goal with the diploma is to verify that the coach is able to teach and trouble shoot the specific topic at an advanced level.
Our inaugural graduating class is:
Dan Bamford – New Hampshire
Danny Berardi - Florida
Dean Buchanan - Washington
Sheila Buchanan - Washington
Mike Dias - Colorado
Al Henderson - Florida
Megan McGinley – New Jersey
Susie Minshew - Texas
Robert Prymus - Florida
Antonio Solla – Puerto Rico
Carlos Tobon - Florida
You can see more information about our graduates at: http://www.kegeltrainingcenter.com/kcmp-direction-grads
Bill O’Neill Helps Norm Duke Lock Up Final Berth in PBA Clash
CHICAGO (Sept. 25, 2019) – The end-of-season PBA Clash field of the eight leading PBA players based on Go Bowling! PBA Tour earnings for 2019 is set in the aftermath of Saturday’s FloBowling PBA ATX Invite where Bill O’Neill of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, locked up Norm Duke’s berth in the Clash.
When O’Neill, the ATX Invite winner, defeated Kyle Sherman of O’Fallon, Missouri, in the first elimination round of the Invite, 280-212, Sherman’s hope to make the elite PBA Clash field also was over. Sherman needed to win the $25,000 first prize to overtake the PBA Hall of Famer from Clermont, Florida, for eighth place on the earnings list.
Duke, who didn’t qualify to participate in the ATX Invite, qualified for the Clash with $97,415 while Sherman, who earned $3,750 as a first-round loser in the final event of the FloBowling PBA Summer Tour, finished the Clash qualifying period with $85,965.
The second PBA Clash will be contested on Monday, Oct. 21, at Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales, Florida, for airing on FOX on Sunday, Nov. 3. Marshall Kent, who won the inaugural PBA Clash, didn’t qualify for this year’s event. The following players (with their 2019 earnings totals) will compete for the $50,000 first prize in the Clash:
1, Jason Belmonte, Australia, $275,290.
2, Jakob Butturff, Mesa, Ariz., $185,780.
3, Bill O’Neill, Langhorne, Pa., $177,148.
4, Kris Prather, Plainfield, Ill., $175,248.
5, EJ Tackett, Bluffton, Ind., $170,445.
6, Anthony Simonsen, Little Elm, Texas, $159,340.
7, Sean Rash, Montgomery, Ill., $127,968.
8, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., $97,415.
General admission and VIP tickets for the PBA Clash are available online. To order, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pba-clash-tickets-68818707607. VIP ticket packages are $50; general admission tickets are $20.
As posted on PBA.com
David Lance Joins Kegel Team
Lake Wales, FL – 5/31/18: David Lance has officially joined the Kegel Team as their new Training Center Coordinator. Lance will manage daily operations of the Kegel Training Center, including scheduling lessons, managing the pro shop supplies, and maintaining the Training Center’s social media presence.
Lance has been a bowler since he was physically able to pick up a bowling ball. He spent much of his youth bowling local tournaments including the Loschetter’s, KYPS, and FJBT, and has competed in National Events like Teen Masters and Junior Gold. His other hobbies include NASCAR and being an avid gamer.
Lance graduated from Webber International University in the Spring of 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sport Business. He was also a starting player all four years of his college bowling career with the WIU Men’s Bowling team, earning a National Championship, Collegiate All-American honors, and the 4th highest average for the 2016-17 season.
David is excited to be back at his “2nd home” in the Kegel Training Center and looks forward to sharing his experience and love for bowling in his new position.