Paula Carter is one busy lady bowler these hectic days.
The WIBC Hall of Fame member runs her Blondie's snack bar and Paula's Pro Shop at Kendall Lanes in Miami, Fla., takes care of ailing husband Don and mother Josie Sperber, and still finds time to go bowling once a week.
"But the main thing I do is help take care of my husband and mother. I spend more time at drug stories these days than I think the pharmacist does," Paula said with a laugh.
But like most successful people in life, she always can find time to do more. That's why she has agreed to speak at the National Women's Bowling Writers Convention April 22 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
"I was honored when they called last week and invited me to address the 300-plus writers," she said. "It's been a long time since I was really active on the women's pro bowling tour, so it's great they thought about me."
It was back in 1971 that the Miamian burst on the national bowling scene by winning the U.S. Open and was voted Bowler of the Year. Along the way, she made headlines for bowling with her colorful comments and was a photographer's dream with her long legs and short skirts.
"I'm not exactly sure what I will tell the writers since I won't be talking until April, but I have been giving it some thought," she said. "I think the one big point I want to make is that it took too long for the Women's International Bowling Congress to embrace and support the Professional Women's Bowling Association. If the WIBC had thrown its support behind the pro tour years ago and worked toward a big-time national TV coverage, bowling would have been much better off. Instead, we had friction in the game.
"So you know I was really elated when the WIBC and PWBA joined forces last year. It was long overdue."
To prove how far women's bowling has come in the past 18 months, PWBA is giving WIBC its first national ESPN television date next year.
That will be the prestigious WIBC Queens Tournament, which will be contested May 7-11 at Sawgrass Lanes in Sunrise, Fla.
"I hope to bowl in the Queens again," said Paula, who won the WIBC singles title 10 years ago in Tampa. "One thing is sure: I will have to start practicing and bowling in more leagues before then. Right now, time only allows me to bowl three games a week, and you're not going to win in the WIBC Championship Tournament averaging 203."
Paula revealed that former Miami junior bowler and ex-University of Miami bowling coach Barbara Peltz has invited her to bowl on her team during the WIBC competition, which starts April 17 and runs through June 27.
"I don't know any details yet, but we're going to bowl," Paula said.
Apparently there are many bowlers like Paula who does not know when her team is scheduled to bowl since WIBC keeps extending its tournament dates.
The 2001 WIBC Championship Tournament originally was scheduled to open April 17 and close June 15. But when the entry total hit 8,000 five-member teams, WIBC extended the tournament through June 24. When the entry total recently reached 8,905, WIBC added three more days to the schedule.
"Entries are coming in at about 20 teams per day," said a spokesperson from WIBC headquarters in Greendale, Wis.
Since entries do not close until Jan. 26, there is a good chance the WIBC Championship Tournament will draw 10,500 teams, which will make the 2001 event the largest ever held outside of Nevada in 82 years.
To enter, call 414/423-9006.
Gerberich to pursue new career in Ohio — Pro bowlers were quick to embrace and thank Mark Gerberich, who served as commissioner of he Professional Bowlers Association from 1995 until September, after they found out that Gerberich had just resigned from his new position as GM of Akron Operations.
During my interview with Gerberich before the PBA Hall of Fame ceremonies in Chicago Nov. 2, he stated that he harbored no ill feelings.
"Bowling and the PBA Tour have been good to me," he said.
Gerberich said he knew from the time he talked Microsoft executive Chris Peters into buy the floundering PBA last Thanksgiving eve that his days as commissioner were numbered.
Gerberich said that after being the top dog, he didn't want to step down to a lesser position, although he agreed to be retained as an industry consultant to the new Seattle-based management team of Commissioner Ian Hamilton and President Steve Miller for the next 14 months.
"I am anxious to pursue a new career in the Akron, Ohio area," said Gerberich, who joined he PBA in 1983 right after graduating from St. John's University, where he bowled on the collegiate team.
We wish only good things for Mark Gerberich. He fought the good fight and kept the faith and deserves only the best out of life.
Dick Evans is a member of the ABC and PBA Halls of Fame.