Pete of mind

Bowling Digest, Fall, 2004 by Justin Irvine

It's been very upsetting to read articles about how Pete Weber is not a good role model and that the PBA has dropped their standards by allowing him to show his emotions. It's a guarantee that if you walk into a bowling center during league play, you'll see a lot of bowlers who swear and kick ball returns. The difference is that Weber is bowling to win $40,000, and the league bowlers may be bowling for $1,000.

Weber's intensity shows how much he loves this sport, and his charisma on TV allows the fans to start loving it as well. I love watching the TV shows, and I seldom have a favorite during each telecast. But if Weber makes the show, I get a bit more excited. He's singlehandedly put the tour in the mainstream, and I think the PBA's TV ratings will continue to rise.

Lastly, I feel that Weber has been over-looked for Player of the Year for far too long. Regardless of the outcome of the World Championship, Weber deserved the honor in 2003-04. He is the best bowler in the world, and it's time he stated getting recognized for it. So the next time you think he's the only bowler who ever gets upset on the lanes, remember he's also the only bowler who makes sure he thanks every single sponsor on every show he makes.

Justin Irvine

Honolulu