Ritger Bowling Camp Testimonials
Our reputation over the years has been built on the quality of our educational program because it works... read new testimonials below!
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Ritger Grad and
Kelly Kulick
began the Ritger program at age 12, in 2009 she is still one of our most famous
graduates and currently on our staff as a Lead Instructor! She
is famous for being
the first woman ever to be exempt on the Denny's Men's
PBA Pro Bowling Tour! Current accomplishments
include earning the right to be the first
woman to bowl in the Professional Bowlers Association
Tournament of Champions! She qualified on Sunday
October 25 by winning at Thunderbowl Lanes outside of Detroit in the
inaugural PBA Women's World Championship!
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| Dennis Elwell- Ferndale, WA - March 2010: Father of Dan Elwell, informed us that Dan is the Washington State Champion for HS Boys Bowling! What a feat, the four day program really helped! He had to bowl 8 games, the top 5 qualifiers would move to the finals. Dan bowled an average of 265 during qualifying, and 242 in the finals! He also told us that another Ritger graduate, Ali Riecke, won second place for the girls! Thanks for helping make them Champions! |
| Conan Mackey of Ireland has made the the Irish team where he will represent Ireland in World Youths July 23rd - August 1st, 2010. Being with you (Ritger Bowling Camp- Canandaigua, NY July 2009) has helped him so much that I can't thank you all enough. He has started to bowl more in Europe. I want to thank the staff of Ritger Bowling Camp and appreciate all you did for Conan. He is on the Irish panel for world men's team and is hoping that he will make that team, too. Chris Mackey; Mother of Conan wrote to us. |
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Michael Babb |
| December 2009 - Michael Wilson has informed us that he has bowled his first 300 game! Needless to say - he attributes the success to his experiences from the Ritger Bowling camps! Thank you. |
| Russell O. attended the August 2009 four day program in Lincoln, NE: "My son and I thought we would learn as much as we did, the Instructors were the BEST there are! The lanes were clean and the Staff was wonderful! Thanks. |
| David W. - Summer 2009 wrote "There was outstanding balance between knowledge, entertainment, and caring constructive criticism. The most helpful to me was improving my form, balance, and learning a better targeting method! Thanks for everything!" |
| Kathleen- NY has taken advantage of the "repeat" program in Canandaigua, NY. She writes to us "The coaches work very hard and are extremely generous with their knowledge. Very patient. I appreciate the personalized instruction - the coaches ask what you are working on and then give you help with that topic!" I will come back for another "repeat" program in 2010. |
| March 2009 Judy E. wrote to us via e-mail about her son's success! "Just wanted to share with you the exciting news that we came in first place last weekend in a JBT Junior/Adult tournament and Coby got a $500 scholarship prize. (His second time placing first in a JBT tournament this season.) Camp paid off in a big way. Thanks for all the great instruction. See you again this summer." |
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Carl L.
wrote to us this week - January 2009 |
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Daphne Williams wrote to us AUGUST 2008-Las Vegas, NV
"I am very glad that you encouraged me to attend the clinic. That was money well spent. I had a fantastic time, met some pretty special people and learned a lot. Don and Bob are both excellent instructors. I left there with a better understanding of how to apply the Ritger system of bowling to my own game. I was familiar with the system, but needed clarity around some of the methodology.
I have bowled a tournament and sweepers since getting back home
and I am very, very pleased with my results. While I shot decently
(543) in the tournament (due to my own stubbornness), I waited too
late to change balls in the first game to salvage it. I came back
in the 2nd and 3rd games and shot 202 and 209 respectively.
Last night, in sweepers my goal taken from Don's mouth was to "Be in
the top of the field and cash" and I did just that! I was the
top female. I shot 628 scratch (171, 220, 237) 733 with handicap.
My winnings this week alone have just about covered the cost of the
clinic.
I am so thankful that I got a chance to work with Don and Bob and
attend this clinic. Thanks for providing me with such a fantastic
opportunity."
Please share my good news with Bob and Don. Thanks.
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Larry S,
Nevada - Las Vegas, NV 2008 |
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"Boy, am I glad I signed up for your camp up here last spring at Country Lanes in I finished out last year on Monday night averaging 189. This year I’m averaging 202 so far. My spare shooting has gotten much more consistent, especially after the guys told me to shoot left side spares with my hook ball. It actually works. Moving farther up on the approach and aiming at a target closer than the arrows really helps, too. Please tell anyone who’s wondering whether to do the camp that it’s well worth it!" |
| James Hamilton from our Canandaigua 2008 program reports he was a 160 average and he is now a 192! He is bowling well this year on his High School team! He is definitely coming back for the repeat program during the summer of 2009! James was so impressed with the program he has been very instrumental in getting a program to Clarksburg, WV this year! |
| From Marilyn who attended Dayton, OH 2008 - "This was the best four days of my bowling life! I enjoyed every moment. The instructor was great, thorough and specific and honest about what was needed. I hope to be a repeat." Thank you! |
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Jason & Ray From MA -Repeat program summer 2008; (See their original note from 2006 below updated from their experience of 2008) wrote "Just wanted to let you know how well the boys are doing. Jason on his Saturday AM league bowled a 1015 for 4 games with a 209 average and on his high school he is carrying a 222 average. The high school format is 2 head to head and 5 Baker. Jason is the one who picks the line up for the baker. The team bowled 989 for 5 bakers. Ray who joined the adult league this year bowled a 299 in Nov and then has hit several 700's but just last wed night he bowled a 819. They both used all the tools the camp gave them to adjust to the lane conditions. |
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In the summer of '06, Jason and Ray Duryea attended camp in Canandaigua, NY. The following season Jason bowled his first 300 in a county tournament! This was the first 300 game in OVER 46 years for this tournament! Your camp has helped us a great deal; Raymond went from 180 to 215 average and Jason from 175 to 195! We are signed up for the repeat program in '07 and can't wait to come! Jason and Ray Duryea, July - '06 |
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I just want to say THANKS Again... Both my sons made the school team again this year & have been doing great. They're bowling 170-220.. Not too bad... Kyle shot a 104 just before he came to camp the first time. Ouch. Two seasons of camp & its doubled. WOW. I extend my COMPLETE satisfaction with your program to everyone. Tracy from Howell, NJ December 2008 |
| "I've learned more in this camp then my whole high school and collegiate career! The formulas to play angles will help me in the future." Brett - Summer of 2008 |
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From Newsday - Long Island, NY
newspaper - 2007 Here is an update regarding one of our recent Graduates. This is quoted from the Newsday - Long Island, NY December 2007 "Perfect game for Munoz. Junior Mark Munoz bowled a perfect game in Game 3 of a 735 series for Island Trees in a 837-808, 862-856, 852-657 win over Wantagh. "I couldn't believe that I did it," said Munoz, who rolled his first sanctioned 300 game. 'Since I had one in practice two years ago, I wasn't that nervous, but about the eighth or ninth frame, I was thinking I had a great shot of it.' Mark Munoz-Summer '06 & '07 |
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Spring 2008 - Lansing, MI Bob Rea was a great instructor and the class was great. My daughter left the bowling alley on Sunday and said she loved it and would do it again. The other 2 girls from my high school team said it was the best bowling instruction they have ever gotten. I learned lots of valuable tips to pass on to my high school team from just watching. Rob Ploof - High School Coach & father April '08 |
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Summer 2008 Joey Wulfrum came to the five day camp in Canandaigua, NY in the summer of 2007! Several students form the Hoosick Falls, NY area had been coming for several years! Joey was pleased, after coming to camp, to make the Varsity High School team as an eighth grader, start, and received the "Rookie of the year" award! His average went up over 30 pins after attending camp! |
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Dan Samson - Summer 2008, Canandaigua, NY Wrote us an e-mail last week, stating the following "I just wanted to let you know that since the two weeks after camp, which I used for a lot of practice, I've been averaging 210 (started at 200.) Also, last night in my league I shot a 290 game beating my old high game of 279. I just wanted to thank you all for everything again and I can't wait until next year." |
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Summer 2008
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A recent update via an e-mail: "I went
to both the new and repeat camps a few years back and learned so
much! I went from an ok youth bowler to the best woman in my
association and one of the top five in the state of Arkansas. I now
carry a 215 average, have had more 700's than I ever could have
imagined and just today I shot my first 300!!!!!!! Thanks so much, I
know I couldn't have done it without skills I learned at your
camps."
Kim Caton
Mountain Home, AR |
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Summer 2008 Glen Fluitt, age 12 came to the 4 day camp in San Antonio, TX upon the encouragement from a Ritger instructor, John Fryman. Although he is age 12, John knew and understood how the program could enhance Glen. This past week. Glen was very excited to report that the skills and drills he learned at the program have helped him more than he(or his mother) could have imagined. He has bowled a 254 this past week, his previous high he had been about 150. Elizabeth Fluitt - San Antonio, TX June 2008 |
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Conni and I had a great time at bowling camp. Don & Dick did a great job and we have come back much much better bowlers. While we have no intention to be competitive bowlers it is nice to now fully understand (CORRECT) basics to build a good foundation. I know bowling will be even more enjoyable as our game improves. Bruce Mazzoli - Alexandria, VA March 2007 |
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This came to us from Jay and
Paula Mills! April 2008
They attended the camp a few years ago in Richfield, MN! Jay has a total of (9) 300 games so far, and he also got his first 800 series a few weeks ago in New Prague - 813. His highest final average this year is around 223.
I think Jay told you about my 2nd 800 series - the 824 in
Montgomery (which just so happens to be the highest series EVER
in that alley!). I also have a total of (3) 300 games, which
include (2) this year alone. One was even in a house I don't
bowl league at - it was during a scratch tournament (I'm
proudest of that one!). My final average this year is about
212.
Just thought I'd pass this bowling accomplishments along to you
- thanks for everything!
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| Tracy and Kathy Schultz - Reno, NV 2007 My Wife and I just completed your four day camp in Reno. The information, training skills, strategy, and science of bowling that was taught was everything as advertised and applicable to all skill levels! My wife is a bowler of over thirty years and I have less than one year under my belt and yet, the camp was beneficial to both of us! Not only was the camp successful with the materials being taught but was greatly enhanced with the wonderful teaching styles of Bob and Rich. ...On the final day of camp, Kelly Kulick, fresh off her participation in the USBC Women's Championship round, was one of the guest instructors and it was a thrill for all of the campers. ...We look forward to using the skills taught in our bowling as well as remaining in contact with several of our classmates and attending your five day session in New York. Thank you for a wonderful event! |
| Morgan Reid has done it again! This time the Sherbourne-Earlville bowler didn't just break a record - she shattered it! Jan.11...Morgan bowled a 776 series that included a perfect 300 game. Morgan attended the Dick Ritger bowling camp last summer. "I think the summer bowling camp really helped her keep her cool under pressure!" said Donna Stratton, proprietor of Hi-Skor Lanes in Earlville. She has gone on to bowl magnificent and is thrilled with her success, which she attributes to the Dick Ritger Bowling Camp! |
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Paula Krebs - "Diary of a Student" Paula Krebs attended the Dick Ritger Bowling Camp with her mother and kept a diary of her week at camp. Visit slate.msn.com to read her diary. |
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"Thanks, my son
Joshua loved the camp! THANKS FOR COMING TO FLORIDA IT MADE OUR
SUMMER.." |
| Jason Maulbeck, age 14 came to the Ritger bowling camp in the summer of 2006. He bowled his first 11 strikes in a row, and had a 296! His then gained his personal high series with a 780! Jason is so excited about his new found strengths and skills! |
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Jeff Piroozshad was named 2000 Collegiate Bowler of the Year by the Bowling Writers Association of America. Jeff is a former staff member of the Dick Ritger Bowling Camps. |
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Michelle Feldman bowled the first sanctioned 300 game on national television by a women. She has won 8 national titles on the PWBA tour. |
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After Gary Hunsucker attended the Charlotte clinic he won $10,000 in the Crown Bowling Association Tournament out of 1200 entries. He now averages over 200. |
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Kelli Rapp was the 1995 Collegiate Bowler of the Year. She was the 1996 National Coaches Association Rookie of the Year. Kelli was a member of the San Jose State women's bowling team. She just completed her rookie year on the PWBA tour. |
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"I would recommend this camp to bowlers of all averages. My average has improved from 164 to 186 and more 600+ series than I ever dreamed. NABI Tournament Champion and ABC Most Improved Bowler Bret Brack, Fritc, TX |
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Sean Evans became a member of Team USA |
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Amanda Burgoyne is currently averaging 210 in youth league, 206 in travel league and has had 4 700 series. She was Bowler of the Year for the Minnesota Junior Bowlers Tour and at age 14 the youngest to win an event. Since then, she has won 5 more titles. In January 2000, she rolled 238, 268, 275 for a 781 series. |
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Tyler Jensen won the Colorado State finals in the Coca Cola Tournament becoming the youngest ever in Colorado to qualify in the scratch division. At age 12, he bowled the highest sanctioned game in his center for the season - a 299. He has advanced to the National finals in both the JOG and Team USA. |
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The past World Bowling Writers Amateur Bowlers of the year, Cara Honeychurch of Australia and Annemiek van den Bogaart of Holland were trained in the Dick Ritger basics technical education programs. |
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"Thanks to your program I have become a more consistant bowler. I have worked some of my own little things back into my style but not changed the basics that your camp taught me. I would never have bowled these fantastic scores if I hadn't gone to your camp." Tom Jordon Paterson, New Jersey Jordan rolled games of 300, 299, 300 and 299 for a 3 game series of 899 and a record four game series of 1198 |
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Marianne DiRupo has won six titles on the PWBA tour |
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John Losito was a two time National Collegiate Champion. He had many top 24 cashes on the PBA tour. He was a member of the Dick Ritger staff and coached the Phillipes national team. |
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Just wanted to drop a line to you and the coach's that helped Jes along the way. Jes ended her high school bowling career on a high note this weekend. She took the BCIAA Girls High school title for a 2nd year in a row. Then this weekend she also took the PA girls high school title for a 2nd year in a row. She was again named 1st on the PA All-state team. She is the first girl in Berks County to hold both the County and State titles for 2yrs in a Row! Thanks again for helping her along the way! Phyllis Lesagonicz, Reading, PA |
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I wrote to you about two months ago telling of my 300. This time I am writing to you about how your camp helped me through the pressure of shooting 800. On March 24th I shot my first 800 series at age 15. I had games of 278 245 279 for a 802 series. I remembered many thing from your camp that helped me through this experience. The last five frames I kept reminding myself to stay square at the line a roll the ball not throw it. If it wasn't for your camp last summer I may not have been able to deal with the pressure of shooting 800. Thank you, Nick Kallner, Albany, NY |
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With me (Andy) going to your program in Ithaca,NY, I have improved my mental aspect of the game along with the physical part of the game. With me being only 15 years old, I enjoy the game more and more everyday, and also enjoying the great sucess at a young age. I have had more 600's since I have attended camp, I also have improved my avg from a 185-205. I'm in 4 bowling leagues, and I carry 200+ avg's in everyone of them. One of my many accomplishments was shooting my first 700 series, which was a 728! In which I left a pocket 7-10 split in the first frame and took it off the sheet for my 3rd 279 of the year. With attending camp I have shot many high games along with many high career sets including 279-728, 287-686, and also a 289-694. I devote all of my sucess to you Mr. Ritger and also to your wonderful crew who helped me to get rid of my bad habits along with the kinks in my game. My father also attended the camp at the same time as I did. He too also has improved his avg alot. He went from a 170 to a 190 average. He also made the local paper for his first time, in which he shot 256-666. He is averaging 189 in one league and 192 in another league, he greatly appreciates going tothe camp. He too also has had more 600's this year than he has had in past years We would like to take the time to thank you one more time for helping us become better and improved bowlers. :o) Looking forward on seeing you in July Andy Ochal (son),Wayne Ochal (father) |
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Thought you might want another note on how well 2 of your students are doing. Matt and Ben Geffken attended camp this past summer. Their high school averages were 197 for Matt and 176 for Ben. They just finished the season, Matt bowled in the number one position with a 218 average (4 - 700's series.) His won/loss record was 49 and 5. We believe it is 2nd in NJ but info is scarce. Ben bowled at the number 2 spot, with a 201 average (1-700). His won/loss record was 41 and 13. Matt was top's in the conference and Ben missed second by one tenth of a point (he is a sophomore so his gets 2 more tries. The states are coming up but the team is depressed in that the number 4 bowler blew his knee out in gym yesterday - they will sacrifice 50 pins per game - and so it goes. Camp was a wonderful experience for them and they are actively planning how to attend this year. They have handed out quite a few fliers and have high hopes of get some additional friends, teammates, and other bowlers from their high school conference to attend. Keep up the good work. Regards, Geoff Geffken. New Jersey |
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Long Overdue Thanks Hi Everyone ! A couple months ago when I saw Scott, Sue, and Toad at the Team Challenge it reminded me of the great experience and long time friendships that I made from attending the Dick Ritger Camp. I think I first attended the camp way back in 1985.15 years later, I still use the knowledge that I gained everytime that I step up on the approach. I've never formally thanked all of you for all the accomplishments that you helped me achieve and thought it was long overdue. In case you were wondering, here's a brief list: I won the Singles of the ABC tournament in 1992 with an 801 series. 1996 New York State Doubles Championship 3 time Syracuse City Tourney Champion 9- 800 series 10- 299 games 4-298 game This week I just shot my 24th, 25th, and 26th 300 games in 3 different bowling centers. Your friendship and the knowledge you gave me will last a lifetime.When anyone asks me what I learned at the Dick Ritger Camp,I always tell them the most important thing that I learned, was that I LEARNED HOW TO LEARN ! 15 years later, I'm still learning ! Thanks Again, Bob Youker |
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Just wanted to say thank you to all the instructors at the bowling camp they do a wonderful job. After I left the school I came back to my bowling center to average well over 25 pins better prior to the schooling I went through, not to mention I have had 2 800’s and 2 300’s. Thanks for all your help hope to see everyone in Ithaca for the advanced class. Jason Sollars |
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After only 11 years of bowling, Scott Gearsbeck of Oswegatchie, NY rolled his perfect 300! The night started out on a good note with nine strikes toward a 234. Second game, there was little let up as he rolled seven strikes in a row for a 224 game. The third game of 300 gave him a 758 total!! |
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Last year my entire family attended the basic program. Not only did you make us all feel a part of YOUR family, we grew. During the winter league my average jumped 24 pins, and Ben's went from 151 to 186. This year we attended the advanced course and in the month that followed Ben has rolled 30 league games, averaging 205 across 4 different houses (2 synthetic & 2 wood.) His last three series were 689, 760 & 707. Not a bad 10 days for a 13 year old who only started bowling 27 months ago! The 760 is an all-time high for our local YABA association, and is second all-time for our state in his age group. Bruce Slade, Pawley's Island, South Carolina |
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At 71 years young, Chip Hauser is working harder at her game than ever before. After going through camp, she and her friend Diane Stokes went on to win the Division II team title of the Bergen County Women’s Bowling Association Championships with a 1,275 total. Her cardiologist loves it too. He said "Whatever you are doing, keep doing it" ... what wonderful words after open-heart surgery! |
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I feel that since my family and I attended your school in July 99, we all have been doing much better. I recently during the city tournament, bowled my first 700 series. It felt great. I was close in the team event with 696, but in doubles and singles had 738. Oh what a feeling! Herman Glenn, Bowling Green, OH |
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Camp made tremendous improvements in my game both physically and mentally. I now average 215,213, 201 (from 190) and have rolled 9 700 series since August. I feel more confident, have shot my high series, and have been helping others improve as well. Joseph Dillon, Michigan |
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We live in an environment that demands quick fixes. In the history of bowling, skill development came slowly with much practice and most improvement was gained through trial and error. Recent exotic new equipment has allowed the average bowler to improve with little effort. "The Ritger method" is the only carefully designed program of skill drills which enables bowlers to gain necessary tools to constantly improve their game. The bowler can quickly regain balance, timing, consistency and accuracy, with scores going up accordingly. Just wound up my league with a 184 average. My first 731 set, 279 and 2 ‘300’ games back to back but unfortunately in practice only. Barbara Anderson |
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I just finished your bowling camp in Las Vegas last week. My average was 168. I just bowled on my Friday night league. I bowled 223, 213 and 192. Thanks. Just thought I’d let you know. I stayed to bowl with my friends on my league for open bowling afterwards, bowled 268, 233 and 202. I couldn’t be more pleased. My bowling partners were stunned. Hope to see you again soon. William Sartoris, Flat Rock, MI |
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Camp was absolutely excellent on giving me a very basic and simple pattern of correction on my approach. It will not only give me a lifetime of instruction to fit my bowling needs, but also to have an opportunity to be helpful to others." Kelly Schmidt, Spearfish, SD |
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I attended your Ithaca Bowling Camps and I must say that I enjoyed every minute of it. Since the camp I have won a tournament ... rolled a 265, rolled a 637 and I am currently on the KJBT. Thank You! TJ Sliwinski |
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I can’t express how satisfied I am with the skills and knowledge that I gained at the camp and also what a wonderful time I had there. Everyone comments on how much smoother and consistent I am now and they also point out that my shots are more powerful too. Ryan Lovelady, Buchanan, MI |
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Please pass to Bob Rea that I thoroughly enjoyed the 3-day Instructor training. I was already familiar with the "Feelings of Bowling" (I have the Vol 1 videotape) but Bob expertly demonstrated and taught the material. I think I would not have done all of the exercises if it weren’t for this opportunity (Bob coming here to my bowling center). I am a believer of the Ritger methods and would highly recommend all bowlers, be it novice or scratch level, to receive this training. Again, thanks for providing a great service to all bowlers. I believe in the "Feelings of Bowling" so much that I’m considering instructing my youth league this coming session! Wayne Star |
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I attended your camp in Dallas and since then I have met two of my goals. I bowled 2 300’s and presently have a book average of 209 (from 190). I bowl 2 to 3 700’s a month. Using your system has brought me to be one of the top bowlers in my town, and has inspired me not to give up during a slump, which is becoming more and more rare. Jim Ramey, Abilene, Texas"I would and do highly recommend this camp to bowlers of all averages. My average has improved from 164 to 186 and more 600+ series than I ever dreamed about. NABI Tournament Champion and ABC Most Improved Bowler. Bret Brack, Fritch, TX |
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I have just returned from your Williamsburg, VA bowling camp and learned a great deal. Everything ran like clockwork, from the time I arrived until I left. It was the most educational bowling experience I have ever had. Anthony Holtzhauer, Woodbridge, VA |
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I attended the Dick Ritger Bowling Camp in Miami, FL., and I wanted to tell you that the week after the camp was over in my Thursday night league I bowled games of 233-237-279 to total 749. The 279 was my highest sanctioned game and the 749 was my highest sanctioned series. My goals for the camp were to increase my strike production, improve my spare shooting, (the 3-6-9 method has done this for me), and to be a more consistent bowler. I feel your camp has given me more confidence through the use of the free pendulum swing, proper finger rotation, acceleration, learning to play lane conditions and how to adjust to them has given me the proper mechanics. George Kim, Hallandale, FL |
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Thanks to you and your staff. To say the camp was worth the time and money is an understatement. Sharon and I are going to continue to do the drills and practice what we’ve been taught. Jeff David |
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Belated thanks for the training and instruction from your 1996 Camps. After recovering from my knee injury I was able to practice the techniques taught at Camp. I boosted from 190 to 195! Dale Reese |
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Your camp has helped me in my bowling a great deal, and I feel I’m a much better bowler for it. I look forward to returning to the camp next summer. Brian Shannon |
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Eric Mullis called to tell us he and his wife learned so much! "I thought I knew a lot about bowling, but Don and Dick did a great job explaining things and spending time with us!" Thank you!
Eric Mullis - Alexandria, VA March 2007 |