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Professional House Bowlers

Professional House Bowlers

by WCSM Radio

Season 1

Season Wrap-Ups, PBA Puzzles, and Used Gear Guidelines

Welcome back to another episode of the Professional House Bowlers podcast! The guys kick things off with a tired but energetic shoutout to all the moms for Mother's Day before diving right into a jam-packed end-of-season recap. The local and national bowling scenes are buzzing, and the hosts cover it all: Local Center Upgrades: Celina is making big moves, expanding their facility with a new bar window, an updated scoring system, and a brand-new patio. High School Coaching: Taylor reflects on his first year coaching the Parkway high school team. He emphasizes the challenge and importance of teaching student-athletes to have genuine passion, take accountability, and focus entirely on the game in front of them. PBA Tour Madness: The guys break down the recent Cheetah Championship, celebrating Packy taking home his very first TV title. However, they quickly fall down a rabbit hole trying to understand the PBA Player of the Year standings, completely baffled by how EJ Tackett holds an enormous 6,000-point lead without a single tournament title this season. Pro-Shop Talk: Thinking of buying a used ball from a buddy? The hosts stress the importance of getting the ball checked and re-drilled for your specific layout and positive axis point (PAP), warning that throwing someone else's layout is a quick way to tank your score. Looking ahead to the summer break, the hosts are thrilled for the return of the PBA regional trifecta tournament hitting Minster, Delphos, and Coldwater. Finally, they officially welcome Brandon Raymer to the podcast family as an assistant producer, promising more guest interviews and fresh ideas in the future.

The McBo's Legacy and Wood Lane Wisdom with Aaron Bohman

In this episode of the Professional House Bowlers podcast, hosts Lee and Taylor sit down with Aaron Bohman for a deep dive into his unique bowling journey and his family's deep ties to the bowling community in Versailles. Aaron shares the rich history of his family's bowling center, McBo's , which was built in 1973 over the foundation of a burned-down skating rink and still proudly features its classic wood lanes. Growing up homeschooled , Aaron missed out on traditional high school bowling programs. Instead, this path led him to join adult men's leagues at just 16 years old. He reflects on how he honed his skills by watching experienced local veterans and details his early tournament experiences—from subbing at the state tournament in Dayton to realizing he could turn a profit by entering brackets. The conversation also covers the technical and administrative sides of the sport. Aaron explains his transition to 14-pound equipment to alleviate hip and knee issues , and he discusses his 16-year loyalty to MOTIV bowling balls because of their American-made manufacturing. Beyond his personal game, Aaron details his administrative roles, including his nine years of running the city tournament and serving as the local USBC association manager. The crew wraps up by tackling broader bowling topics, such as the commitment required for modern 30-week leagues , the importance of succession planning for bowling center proprietors , and the wild story behind the taxidermy elks mounted on the walls of McBo's.

Copied & Pasted: Jasmine Schulze on the Coldwater Legacy, Wright State, and the Mental Game.

In this episode of the Professional House Bowlers podcast, we’re joined by Jasmine Schulze, a standout bowler from the legendary Coldwater program and a current third-year student-athlete at Wright State University. As the first female guest on the show, Jasmine takes us through her journey from being "conned" into a bowling league in the sixth grade to becoming a State Champion and a three-time MAC Bowler of the Year. Jasmine provides an insider's look at what she calls the "copy and paste" coaching style of Rick Hartings, which has turned Coldwater into a powerhouse of technical precision. She reflects on the intense focus required to perform in the 10th frame, sharing a "cold chill" inducing story about needing a strike to beat top-ranked Nebraska at the collegiate level—a shot she knew was perfect the moment it left her hand. The conversation dives deep into the mental side of the sport, with Jasmine admitting she struggles with being a "nervous test taker" but finds her calm in team-oriented baker games. She also shares her experience stepping into the coaching box to lead the Coldwater girls to a second-place finish while Rick was ill, proving that the Cavalier tradition is in good hands. From discussing her "illegal" favorite bowling ball to the "on-fine" realization that she has to miss sectionals for a cousin's wedding, Jasmine offers a humorous and grounded look at the life of an elite bowler. Whether it’s talking to cops in Orlando or navigating the strict sportsmanship rules of the NCAA, Jasmine’s passion for the game and her hometown remains the strike-throwing center of her life.

"Just Try Harder" – State Champs, The Hammer Effect, and Reno Dreams with Hayden Beougher

Welcome to Episode #6 of the Professional House Bowlers podcast! Co-host Taylor is out for the afternoon, but Lee Keaser is holding down the studio with a special guest representing the younger generation of bowlers: Coldwater, Ohio's own Hayden Beougher. In this episode, Lee and Hayden kick things off by celebrating Team USA's hockey gold medal before pivoting to a hilarious comparison between bowling and curling—complete with thoughts on curling's recent cheating scandals. The conversation then shifts to the pro circuit, where they debate the heavy reliance on urethane bowling balls and share a funny story about the high school bowling team trying to ask PBA broadcaster Kimberly to prom. Hayden opens up about his personal bowling journey, which surprisingly didn't begin until the 7th grade. He takes us through the intense nerves of his high school career, culminating in an unforgettable freshman year where Coldwater captured the state championship thanks to some incredibly clutch strikes from MVP teammate Michael Schoenherr. They also discuss the mental grind of the game, the frustration of ringing ten pins, and Coach Rick's legendary, blunt advice to "just try harder". To wrap up, Hayden recounts the sweaty-handed thrill of rolling his one and only 300 game using his trusty Hammer Effect bowling ball. Plus, he looks ahead to his very first trip to Nationals in Reno, which kicks off right after his 21st birthday—meaning the blackjack tables are just as highly anticipated as the sport shots!

Legacy on the Lanes: 50 Years of Pla-Mor with Linus Hartings

Join host Lee Keaser & Taylor Tussing for a landmark episode of the Professional House Bowlers podcast as we celebrate a golden milestone: the 50th Anniversary of Pla-Mor Lanes! We are honored to sit down with the man who started it all, Linus Hartings, for a conversation that spans five decades of strikes, spares, and business evolution. In this deep dive, Linus takes us back to 1973, sharing how he transitioned from a construction worker to a bowling proprietor after getting his start cleaning coolers and oiling lanes. You’ll hear the fascinating story of how Pla-Mor quickly expanded from 12 to 16 lanes to accommodate a massive waiting list of teams and the strategic pivot to add a drive-thru window—a decision that not only increased revenue but became the business's lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the business, Linus opens up about his personal love for the game. He discusses his simple, effective approach to bowling and his upcoming trip to Reno, Nevada, where he will celebrate his 50th year competing in the USBC Open Championships. We also explore his lasting legacy as a pioneer of High School Bowling in Ohio, detailing his fight to get the sport recognized by athletic directors who initially turned him down. From the days of hand-oiling lanes to the fateful broken leg that accidentally paved the way for the next generation of ownership, this episode is packed with history, humor, and heart. Whether you’re a league regular or just love a good underdog success story, tune in to hear how Linus Hartings built a community staple that has stood the test of time.

The Southpaw’s Journey: YABA Patches, Urethane Tactics, and the Big 4-0 with Josh Hawes

In this episode of the HBP, the guys sit down with Josh Hawes, a left-handed veteran who recently hit the "big 4-0" and has over 30 years of experience on the lanes. Josh shares stories from his early days sleeping in bowling alleys to his time in the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA), where earning patches for every achievement was the highlight of youth bowling. The conversation gets technical as Josh, a self-described "urethane guy," defends his use of the controversial equipment on house shots. He provides a masterclass on: Pattern Manipulation: How he uses urethane to "stretch the pattern" and carry oil down the lane to benefit his reactive equipment later.Surface Adjustments: Why he frequently hits his Purple Hammer with a 500-grit pad to maintain a consistent base.The PBA Decision: An honest look at why he is canceling his PBA card after four years to avoid being tiered into higher divisions at USBC Nationals. Josh also reflects on his evolution as a bowler, moving away from his "speed-dominant" days and the heavy-drinking culture of his 20s in Toledo toward a more focused, strategic approach in Coldwater. From winning tournaments with a "plugged" Jackal Ghost to navigating the physical challenges of age, Josh offers a raw and insightful look at the life of a dedicated house bowler.

The Grind, The Luck, and The Elvis Knees

In this edition of the Professional House Bowler podcast, host Taylor Tussing & Lee Keaser were joined by guest Brandon Rehmert for a candid look into the world of competitive bowling. The duo dives deep into the evolution of a bowler’s journey, beginning with Ramers’ early days at Woodcrest Lanes and his experience as an "OG" member of the inaugural bowling team at Mississinewa Valley, where they were immediately thrown into the gauntlet of the Western Ohio High School Bowling Association. They reminisce about the brutal learning curve of competing against powerhouse teams like Coldwater and the misery of two-and-a-half-hour bus rides. The conversation shifts to the "eye-opening" transition to collegiate bowling at Wright State and Urbana. They discuss the humbling reality of moving from high school success to a world where "every single pair has three or four guys shooting 240s," and the mental toll of bowling on complex PBA patterns versus standard house shots. Rehmert shares the heartbreak of a near-perfect game on a cheetah pattern—losing a 300 to a "6-9" leave on the final shot—and the "Elvis knees" that come with the pressure of a silent bowling center. From discussing "burnout" and taking time off to the frustrations of missing ten-pins and the "lucky" runs that define tournament wins, this episode captures the essence of the sport. Whether it's state titles, the "discount window" of opening in the ninth frame, or the legendary status of drinking hose water on a hot day, Taylor, Lee & Brandon offer a raw, humorous look at what it truly means to be a professional house bowler.

Lanes, Life & Lima: the Phil Austin Story

This week on Professional House Bowlers, we’re rolling deep with one of Lima’s most respected names on the lanes — Phil Austin. From his first throw to his latest 300, Phil’s story is equal parts grit, passion, and Midwest stubbornness. We kick things off with how he got hooked on bowling in the first place — those early nights at the alley when it was more about community than competition. Then, we get into the wild stuff: the time he bowled through a broken thumb, the learning curve of “just chucking balls” until he figured out real mechanics, and what it actually takes to string together perfection frame after frame. Phil opens up about how lane oil patterns and ball release can separate a good bowler from a great one, the records he’s chasing, and what’s next for him in both the local and national scene. Whether you’re a league regular, a casual weekend roller, or just someone who loves hearing a real Ohio success story, this episode hits right in the pocket. Tune in, grab your shoes, and get ready for a few laughs — because Phil Austin doesn’t hold back. 🎳 Professional House Bowlers – Presented by WCSM Radio

Introductions & How We Got Here

The guys update the world on what defines a House Bowler. If you wanna know if you fit the bill, this episode will let you know quickly! They talk Century Club and their favorite club moments. If you would like your bowling question heard, email leekeaser@wcsmradio.com & the guys will answer them, unfiltered and honest!