Introduction

Who am I?

My name is Zak Becker and I am this year’s new Gutter to Glory bowler, but don’t worry, that Tim guy will be keeping you up to date with his progress as well.

I am 22 years old and graduated from UW-Madison with majors in Marketing and MHR just a few short months ago. I am an Assistant Project Manager at EPIC Creative, an ad agency in West Bend, WI where I also currently reside. I love live music and get to as many shows and festivals as I can and also play the banjo. I’ve always enjoyed sports as both a spectator, I am currently in several fantasy football leagues and have Badger season tickets, and a participant, I played football for eight years and have golfed since I was six. I did not own a bowling ball until this year and have never taken lessons or bowled in a league…until now.

Bowling Experience

 I have always enjoyed bowling, and my dad has been a bowler for as long as I can remember, but I never really took it seriously. Honestly, I’m not sure why now that I have my own equipment and am beginning to understand the nuances of the game. If anyone reading this is in a similar situation get yourself a real ball, get it drilled, get a few tips from someone who knows what they’re doing (or at least who knows more than you) and you will immediately notice the difference between actually bowling and just throwing a house ball at some pins.

Even before I knew I would be writing this blog I had planned on bowling this fall and have been able to get some practice in, however my current open bowling average of 131 leaves plenty of room for improvement and much to be desired. I have topped 200 twice, how I’m not quite sure, but am hoping to make that more of the norm and forget about those games in the low 100’s.

When I was approached about being the next Gutter to Glory bowler I was excited about the opportunity to improve my game and get to work with Roto Grip, but I definitely felt apprehensive about making the trials and tribulations I am sure I will be going through this season so public. But, in the end, this was not a chance to be missed and I realized that by making my struggles public I will not be able to hide behind excuses. Instead I will actually have to improve my game if I don’t want to have to post about another terrible score or stupid mistake. Everything I encounter on my path to becoming a legitimate bowler, be it good, bad, mundane, or exciting, will be shared in an effort to better my own game and hopefully provide opportunities for others to learn from both my mistakes and successes.

Goals

            Here’s what I would like to accomplish this season.

  • Bowl 250 for a game
  • Bowl a 600 series (real original first two goals, I know…)
  • 165 average for the season
  • Help out some fellow bowlers by sharing my experiences
  • Minimize personal embarrassment (probably a dream)

So here we are, the beginning of what I hope will be many seasons of league bowling with tons of improvement along the way. Everyone has to start somewhere, and it’s rarely at the top. Now if I could just get myself out of this gutter. Step 1: First night of league play, I’ll let you know how it goes.