Since 1997, several thousand bowlers from the U.S and abroad have come to this intensive school to learn and have fun in a unique setting with a star-studded cast of coaches. The Super School concept was created by BTM’s founder, Bob Summerville, who created the school to fulfill his dream of offering bowlers from around the world quality instruction in a relaxed and informational environment.

The 2009 Bob Summerville Memorial Summer Super School, sponsored by Tech-Line, takes place at Eastern Lanes in Middletown, Ohio, located between Dayton and Cincinnati. Eastern Lanes offers 36 wood lanes, an expert pro shop, and snack bar. Middletown is a convenient destination by car, less than an hour from Cincinnati and Dayton. The Dayton airport is closer, but connections may be easier through the Cincinnati airport.

Coaching staff
The coaching staff are all headliners: John Jowdy, PBA and ABC Hall of Fame coach and instructor to hundreds of top bowlers; Bill Holt, a USA silver-level instructor; Jim King, BTM editor and noted instructor; Rich Williams, a USA silver-level instructor, Jim Merrell, a USA silver-level instructor, Ron Clifton, renowned instructor and Dr. Dean Hinitz, clinical sports psychologist who has helped the mental game of numerous members of the pro tour. Other coaches will be added, if needed, to keep the instructor-to-student ratio as low as possible.

Tuition and enrollment
This year’s Super School runs from July 30-August 1st. Early enrollment is $670 with the deposit paid by May 1. After that date, enrollment is $695. To reserve a space, there is a $200 deposit; the remainder is due by July 15. Take an additional $25 off for if you attended in 2008. Tuition must be paid in full before arriving at Super School. We accept MasterCard, Visa or Discover credit cards, and checks or money orders in U.S. funds. School enrollment is limited, so be sure to sign up early. We reserve the right to cancel Super School should the enrollment requirements not be reached, with a full tuition refund. Students under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult at the hotel and school.

Refunds
If a registered student is unable to attend, the refund schedule is as follows: A full refund will be given to any student 30 days or more in advance (up to July 1st); a 50 percent refund 10 to 31 days in advance of the start of Super School. No refunds will be issued after July 20th.

Curriculum
Super School combines on-the-lane analyses by coaches with classroom instruction to provide the student with the most complete instruction possible. All skill levels of bowlers are welcome at Super School. The course will be divided equally between classroom and on-lane instruction. Hours are 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour lunch break. The evening before the Super School starts, there is a reception and grip check at Eastern Lanes from 5:00 – 7:30 pm. Even though you are evaluated throughout the week by your instructor, you will go through a grip analysis on the first morning or at the reception on the preceding evening.

Classroom
Classroom sessions will include mental game, equipment, ball dynamics and lane play adjustments, while on-the-lane coaches teach physical game and lane play. Dr. Dean Hinitz, clinical sport psychologist and competitive athlete, will be your mental game instructor.

Mini-Courses are back!
A popular feature added to Super School the last few years, Mini-Courses, is offered again. Mini-Courses are separate one-hour classroom sessions offered by our coaches and instructors during the three-day school. You will be able to choose from several different topics which you would like to attend. This means you can custom tailor the curriculum to fit your individual needs. A listing of mini-courses will be sent to you at a later date.

On-lane
Super School does not have a rigidly set format, so different students on a pair may be learning something different than students on another pair, depending on the student’s needs. Also, each coach has their own teaching methods based on their personal orientation and experience, and each coach brings with them their own teaching tools, which may include bowler video and mapping and other teaching tools. We will try and match students by average/ability and their personal goals. If you specifically want a coach with videotaping abilities, please request it. The lane condition put out for Super School will be a sport condition, with varying patterns toward the end of the school. Bring as many balls as you wish, but we recommend at least two: one for medium oil and one for medium-dry.

Freebies
All students will receive one free Tech-Line bowling ball (drilling not included). The ball offered will be announced at a later date. Your Tech-Line ball will be given to you before you leave the school. Everyone will receive a free Level 1 Arsenal Report, provided by Jim King’s www.buildanarsenal.com. Your free Level 1 ball Arsenal Report can be arranged during or after leaving Super School. An optional feature is a custom designed Level 2 arsenal report, which would include layouts designed to fit your bowling style. There may be other free products and services offered by other companies to students during Super School. Lunch will be provided each day during the School. You may leave and eat elsewhere if you wish, but the price of lunch is included in your tuition.

Hotel
We will have a designated host hotel with a special rate for Super School students, families and friends. We will post the host hotel on our website and inform callers with the info when final agreement is reached.

Our improvement guarantee
Our Super Schools have had more than their share of success stories. But in reality, it is the students that are responsible for their achievements. Super School provides the tools and assistance to help you bowl better, but in the end, the results will be up to you and your individual coach. Since the first Super School, many students have gone on to win their first tournament or become regular finalists in tournaments. Still others have seen 10, 20, and a few, even 30-pins and more improvements in average. Our guarantee is that we will make sure that the tools and the coaches are the best possible so that you will have the best chance possible to be the one who goes home to shoot the honor scores, win a tournament, or jump up a notch or two in your league. We want you to reach the goals that you have set for yourself. Be sure to fill out and return promptly the pre-questionnaire we will be mailing out to you before Super School begins.

Other things
If you have specific questions or concerns not addressed here, please e-mail us at btm@bowlingthismonth.com or call 800-282-7043 (US), 512-353-8906 (outside of the US) between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (Central Time Zone). A printable online registration form is also available for enrollment at www.bowlingthismonth.com. Call if we can answer any other enrollment questions.

Respectfully,
Jim King
Super School Administrator