Bob Arnbrecht
 

I started bowling when I was about fifteen. I lived in the country and could only get to town when my parents would take me. I would get to bowl a few lines at the "Old Bowlorado", located where Best Western Rambota is now. I don’t know if any Junior Leagues existed at that time.

When I was nineteen, a friend asked me to bowl league with him at the Greely Bowling Club located on 8^th Avenue and 12^th Street. I averaged about 137 without any help or coaching, good coaches were difficult to find.

I continued bowling and eventually had about a 165 average. I wasn’t familiar with any one who could help me improve my bowling skill. When I was 28 years old I went to California for a vacation. While I was there I went bowling with my uncle who was an excellent bowler. He asked me some basic questions about hand positions, targeting, and drilling of my bowling ball. I didn’t know the answers to any of the questions so he gave me a crash course.

When I returned to Greeley I went to Columbine Bowl and asked a man named Len Bramwell to help me. He drilled a new ball for me and gave me some help and instructions. Within a year I was averaging 185 which doesn’t seem very high today, but when you are rolling a rubber ball on lacquer lanes that were oiled with a spray bottle and a mop that was a pretty high average. Over the years lane conditions and equipment have improved and so have averages. I am sure that a large amount of my higher average can be attributed to these improvements. I do however, talk to people who are very knowledgeable about bowling, read books and magazines, and of course watch the Pros on Television.

I have bowled in many National Tournaments, Colorado State Tournaments and City events, along with various other tournaments. I have won a number of events, including the Greeley Masters and have had several 2^nd place finishes in the Masters. The highest average I have carried was 227. My latest personal achievement was winning the Colorado Senior All-Events for my age bracket over the past 2 years.

Bowling is a sport that can be played for a lifetime. I really enjoy the competition, but the best part is meeting people. I have met people from all walks of life and have established many friendships ~ friendships that will last a lifetime.

Article by Bob Arnbrecht