Well, it really sounds as if we have two current or former bowlers who feel they've been overlooked! I don't believe Mr. Marlin could have been any nicer, or explained the process any more clearly than he did, yet he still gets "thrown under the bus!" Let's look at this award another way: How wonderful is it that the TBPA takes money to pay for these awards each year? Very! And how about the committee members, who I am sure take time out of their lives to come meet, for NO compensation? Great people and "thanks" for what you do. As a parent of youth bowlers, I appreciate anyone who gives of their time to help the kids in ANY way.
To bowlingrules & pbabound0310, I believe the process for THIS award is fine. If you are looking for an ADDITIONAL award for the INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPION, then call TSSAA. They already give awards to the bowlers who excel in this ONE event. Additionally, the Tennessean newspaper gives honors each year for an "All-Midstate Team" and "Bowler of the Year" - and every year, the B.O.Y. award ends up being one of the Individual State Champions. I personally don't think a Bowler of the "YEAR" award should be given to a person for a great performance in ONE EVENT over two days...just my opinion. But I am not bashing the Tennessean, or asking them to discontinue the award, because it is a great honor for those who receive it! (Plus, I like reading about bowling in the paper!) And the MR & MISS BOWLER award should be given the same respect. So, why don't we all try to be a little nicer, respect what we have, and encourage all HS bowlers to practice and excel and hopefully, win some awards along the way!!
