The final results are in from the Denny's PBA Tour, and the numbers speak for themselves.

Storm bowling balls racked up 74 television appearances on the 2006-07 Denny's Professional Bowlers Tour, out distancing the nearest competition by 27 (appearances).

The season featured several memorable Storm moments including Pete Weber's fourth U.S. Open title, Ryan Shafer's perfect 300 game, and Norm Duke's three victories. More PBA Tour free agents used Storm bowling balls than any other brand. Bowlers using Storm equipment won five titles. Norm Duke (three victories) won the Lake County Indiania Classic, Columbia 300 Classic and Pepsi Championship, while Weber (two victories) won the Etonic Championship and U.S Open.

I've just recieved this email from Ebonite regarding the Columbia line of bowling balls, so I thought I'd share it with you.

COLUMBIA 300 ROLLING OFF THE LINES IN HOPKINSVILLE

Brand Begins Manufacturing at New Home under Ebonite International, Inc.

HOPKINSVILLE, Kent. – Within two short months, Columbia 300 has made itself at home in
Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Chad Murphy, brand manager, announced recently that all remaining
inventory that was part of the asset transaction has been transferred to Ebonite International,
Inc.’s manufacturing facility and that the brand’s signature White Dots are already rolling off the
production lines with Scouts to come in the near future.

We are also very proud to announce that in the near future, BBAM will be streaming the show. Welcome aboard Ken and everyone at the "Let's Go Bowling Show."

It happened last night. Ebonite has purchased Columbia 300 along with Track and Dynothane. This comes from a reliable source at Ebonite. And the big get bigger.

Brief History: The first major innovation in the manufacturing of bowling balls occurred in 1960 when Columbia Industries Inc. successfully utilized polyester resin for manufacturing the Columbia 300 bowling ball. At that time Columbia was a fledgling corporation headquartered in Ephrata, Washington, near the famed Columbia River. Its production capacity was about 40 balls per day.

And so ends an era.....

Here is a copy of the actual email I recieved.

It's Official: Ohio's Dennis is youngest 300 shooter

12/21/2006

By Mark Miller
USBC Communications

Chaz Dennis officially became the youngest bowler to roll a perfect game when his 300 Saturday morning in Columbus, Ohio, was approved by the United States Bowling Congress.

Competing with 14- to 17-year-olds in the Hillcrest Preps-Juniors League at Hillcrest Lanes, Dennis had his perfect game at age 10 years, 2 months, 27 days. That breaks the previous record set by San Francisco's Michael Tang by 20 days.

Dennis, who rolls the ball with both hands, opened his series with a 240 game. He followed with the 300 and ended with 232 for a 772 series.

By Debbie Juniewicz
Contributing Writer
Dayton Daily News, Dayton, Ohio

KETTERING — He is a student, a caregiver, an athlete and a chauffer. But Tuesday, Hunter Hobgood was all bowler.

The Fairmont High School senior started the afternoon with a spare and proceeded to roll 23 consecutive strikes to tally a 290-300—590 two-game series in the undefeated Firebirds' victory over Fairborn, 2,754 to 2,287. Hobgood's score is a school, conference and unconfirmed state record; the previous state high two-game series a 579.
Hobgood had been close to perfect two years ago, but settled for a 299 after leaving a stubborn nine pine.

"That time, I was shaking by the fifth frame," he said.

A Lane #1 ball by any other name is still a Lane #1 ball.

According to a reliable source, Brunswick's upcoming release of the "Fury" bowling ball, just may be the sleeper of the season. The weight block in this ball was designed by Richie S. over at Lane #1 when Brunswick was making their coverstocks. Richie had wanted Brunswick to make the ball for Lane #1, but was told that it was too expensive to make.

Will the bowlers respond? The pessimist in me says probably not, but perhaps the PBA's backing -- despite the USBC's efforts, the pro tour is the trend-setter for the sport -- and promotion of its weekly ESPN telecasts will give it a chance.