“I am humbled by it and what it represents. I have been on a journey and have always tried to be an ambassador of the game.”
These words of Brett Lee summarize the view that this writer and many in the bowling community have always had regarding Brett. I know that I am not the only person who has seen him as an individual who has never put himself above the game. Many of us have seen him do all that he can do to insure the integrity of the game.
In our recent conversation, the respect he had for the game and the people in it was once again very apparent.
“When the letter came, I was flat out honored and in truth, very surprised. I am now in even more of a position to stand beside individuals such as Don Boyed and Randy Schroeder. Like I said I am very humbled by the honor.”
It was barely a year ago that I had an extended conversation with Brett regarding the state of the game in our community, which we both deemed to be positive, and as importantly his absence from the rolls of the Hall of Fame.
He affirmed that conversation and added, “I just did not feel that the timing was right. In a way you might say that I was being bullheaded. It was Randy and my wife Misty that pulled me to the side telling me that it was an honor that I deserved. It is safe to say that they brought me to my senses.”
There are plenty in the community that concur with Randy and Misty and the Hall of Fame Committee. He will certainly have his share of fans in the room the night of the induction.
“It has been a great journey with more ups than downs. The game has changed a great deal. I can remember when I rolled my first 300 back in the 80’s I think there was only one more rolled by any bowler that season. Now there are so many more.”
Brett continued, “the changes in equipment and lane conditions has been significant as well as the evolution of the two handed power players.”
That specific take of Brett was interesting. Brett is intense and yet his game is not complex. It is interesting to watch him get ‘dialed in’ on league night. He has a touch of Ron Mericle in him, with his focus being what is the best path to the break point on the lanes. Once that direction is determined he is a master at making in game adjustments.
He is being honored for superior performance and is very at home competing with and against the elite bowlers in our area but shared this insight as well when we conversed.
“I really enjoy rolling with all bowlers. The average of the bowler does not really matter. I enjoy spending time on the lanes with an individual or a team of who roll in the 150’s as much as the upper tier of bowlers.”
It was then that the ambassador of the game tone again entered our conversation. “Bowling is such a great sport. I mean look around, we have individuals of all ages, creeds and genders involved. It transcends all cultures. Regardless of how the game has evolved, it is a still a sport that we can all do together.”
There was and is so much more to Brett. We are all looking very forward to what else he has to say in his induction remarks on September 23rd. Whatever those remarks may be they will be well worth what many feel has been too long of a wait.
Next week we will preview Vicki and Fred Wolber, this years honorees for Meritorious Service.
Wapakoneta’s Astro Lanes is the host this weekend for the PBA Autism Awareness Central Open presented by K&R Mower Derby.
The more that I thought about this PBA regional event the more the word Ambassador stayed in my conscience.
It is a characteristic that Brett shares with Brian Vanmeter and many others in Wapak to include Dave Axe and the committee for the Special Olympics. This event serves as a substantial fund raiser to meet their needs.
Vanmeter though seems very focused to take it to a different level. A level that cannot be mentioned here but will be very much in evidence by the time the finals are rolled by 2pm or so.
“We have some great things planned for the weekend with the raffles and different fund raisers that we hope can help make an impact for others in our community.”
Vanmeter will see individuals that he has mentored or coached at Wapak High School or UNOH in the field for the event. It will be a homecoming of sorts.
The appreciation that he has for the skills of the UNOH youth is one of two parallels that he is on with Brett who praised the young adults from UNOH when we spoke.
The other would be the importance that each place upon helping others when they see a need.
Please come to Wapak this afternoon and aid in that cause where you can.
See you at the lanes.
.neFileBlock {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
padding-bottom: 5px;
padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
font-size: 85%;
}
