Learning more about the game from the experts
Bowlers ranging in age from eight to 80 took advantage of the opportunity July 19 to receive some expert coaching in the game. Professional bowler AJ Chapman and his father and coach, John Chapman conducted a clinic at Locomotion Lanes (formerly Bowl Mor Lanes). This was one of only a half dozen clinics the pair put on in the state each year.
Both of the Chapmans hail from Manchester, IA. AJ joined the Professional Bowlers Association in 2017 and was named the 2020 PBA Southwest Region Player of the Year. He was member of the Wichita State squad that won the 2015 Intercollegiate Team Championships and was a 2015-16 Collegiate first team all-American. AJ is a three-time Team USA member. He won two golds and a silver medal in the 2016 PABCON Championships.
John is the longtime coach at West Delaware high school in Manchester. He has been AJ’s coach through all the stages of his career. John currently has over 50 bowling students.
The three hour bowling clinic covered the areas of Timing, Release, Spare Shooting, Lane Play and Equipment. There was time for both group and one-on-one coaching and the participants got in lots of bowling.
Said John Chapman, “We want to make sure all students get a good understanding of the game of bowling, from counting boards, to the physical game, and beyond.”