Midwest report


Visit Our Sponsors

Midwest report
April 25 , 2008

Jeff Crowley

The Sponsors

What do the following have in common? Entenmann’s, Andrews’ Auto Sales, Coca Cola, Schroeder’s Vending, Good Time Refreshments, Taylor’s State Farm Insurance, Schroeder Wholesale, Old National Bank, Hullett Oldsmobile & GMC, ARC Lanes, Franklin Lanes, Diamond Lanes, River City Recreation, Jane Crowley RE/MAX Services, Westside Optimist Club, Rally’s Hamburgers, John Friend & Company CPAs, and the ISUE Bookstore.

They have all sponsored teams for which I have bowled.

I have often wondered why businesses are willing to hand over money for shirts and fees to bowlers. Leo Sweet, answered that question in the Tri-State T View, March 1961. Leo wrote, “There are two reasons why businessmen sponsor bowling teams. The first is quite obvious since bowling offers an inexpensive medium of advertising. However, anyone taking the time to closely examine the names of many of the leading sponsors of bowling teams will discover that the products sold by these companies are not used by the general public.”

“Many contractors who transact business only with big companies think enough about our beloved sport to help by sponsoring teams. These firms are spending money to gain the good will of bowlers. However, there is still a way for bowlers to reward these firms. Even if you yourself can’t do business with these companies, you probably have friends or family who can direct business their way. I believe it is the duty of every bowler to show these fine businessmen that what they are doing to help bowling, does not go unnoticed.”

“Returning to the first group, these firms certainly deserve our patronage. There are numerous mediums by which these firms can advertise and we can be justifiably proud that our patronage is being sought. When a businessman spends his money to sponsor a team he is actually telling us that we are the type of customers that he wants to do business. We can only show our appreciation by becoming his customer. Among the hundreds of bowling sponsors, you can find the names of firms that can supply your every need. When you spend your money, spend it with a sponsor of bowling. Remember, if there were no sponsors, there would be no bowling!”

But, why do firms sponsor teams today, with bowling numbers down, and less coverage from the media? Kathy Godeke-Diehl, Sole Proprietor of The Haircut, has sponsored the same team since 1988. Kathy said, “I started sponsoring a team when one of my customers asked me to sponsor his bowling team at Franklin Lanes. I said yes, but only if I could pick out the shirts. I picked out orange shirts. One of the bowlers said we looked liked Posey County melons.”

Kathy said, “My team has bowled at Franklin, ARC, and now at Diamond Lanes. When they bowled at Franklin, I would walk over and watch them bowl. I have traveled to Chicago, IL and Reno, NV to watch them bowl. I don’t think my business has increased, but it has been fun sponsoring them and becoming friends.”

Mark Senzell of Kor-X-All said, “We’ve been sponsoring bowling teams for the past five decades. It’s because of my Grandfather’s, Father’s, and my passion for the game of bowling. For us, its good business, it’s a chance to give back to bowling centers who have been our customers for years. We let our sponsorship go to the proprietors and recently that has been geared towards youth bowling. We are proud to support the next generation of bowlers.”

Jeanette and Glen Westphal, owners of the Racer’s Den Collectables, co-sponsor a league at River City Recreation with Shelby Wheel and Tire. Glen said, “The league needed a sponsor and my wife and I both bowl in the league, although we’re on different teams, so we decided to do it. We don’t do it for business, but rather for the love of bowling.”

Kirk Freeman, owner of Evansville Lithograph, has sponsored bowling for the past 15 years. Kirk said, “I sponsor two teams, both at River City. I don’t do it for business, but rather for bowling. It is the same thing with sponsoring Little League baseball, it is important to be involved with local sports.”

John Friend, President of John Friend and Company CPAs and sponsor of four teams and Jane Crowley, with RE/MAX Services, who sponsors two teams agreed, “Name recognition is important. Members of my teams know people and will mention my name. Being a bowler myself, I also get to know the bowlers on the other team. It’s amazing how many bowlers I have as clients. Plus if my team does well in our league or in the City Tournament, my business gets mentioned in the newspaper.”

Dick Dube, an Executive Vice President with Old National Bank Corp, said, “Old National sponsors two leagues, the Monday league at ARC Lanes and Wednesday league at River City Recreation. We support the community in a variety of ways. This is another form of advertising. It is important to give something back to bowlers and create more interest in league bowling. We have supported league bowling for the last eight to ten years, and have sponsored teams for much longer.”

The next time you need to purchase something, think about buying from a bowling sponsor. You will either know the owner of the company, because he or she bowls, or you will know someone on the team who knows them. You’ll receive excellent service, and you will support someone who loves bowling.

It was true when Leo Sweet wrote it 1961 and it is still true today, “We can only show our appreciation to our bowling sponsors by becoming their customers. Among the hundreds of bowling sponsors, you can find the names of firms that can supply your every need. When you spend your money, spend it with a sponsor of bowling. Remember, if there were no sponsors, there would be no bowling!”

Until next time, may the high scores be yours!

Jeff Crowley covers bowling for the Evansville (IN) Courier Press. He has graciously allowed AlabamaBowling.Com to republish his articles. Jeff can be reached by e-mail at CrowleyJA@thegleaner.com

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