Determination To Get Better, Was The Key For Heather Wood's Success During The 2014-2015 Season.
2011 MMA Queens Champion, Also Adds High Average Honors To Her Bowling Accomplishments List.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor The Ten Pin Express.Com- Director Mesa Metro Association
Mesa - - - What a difference a year has made for Mesa right-hander Heather Wood.
At the end of the 2013-2014 bowling season, Heather fell just short of capturing the high average among the women in the Mesa Metro Association by four pins, to Liz Kellogg, 219-215. At the completion of the 2014-2015 campaign she finished ahead of Liz by three pins, 217-214.
"I was surprised to learn of this achievement. I had no idea until Mesa Metro called to notify me, and ask for an interview for this article," she said, during a recent interview at Mesa East Bowl. "I am excited that I could achieve this honor!."
Ever since her teenaged years, Heather has always been very athletic. She attended Red Mountain High School from 1993-1997, where she participated in: basketball, volleyball, softball, and track and field.
"I have always had a natural athletic ability," she said.
So, it would seem only fitting that she would become a natural when it came to bowling as well. Heather has been bowling in leagues at Mesa East Bowl for many years. But, she admits she struggled in the game in the beginning.
"I always wanted to be a great bowler, but the game consisted of a way more than just athletic abilty," she remembers on looking back in the early years.
Try as she might, she struggled in the game until she met her husband Rusty Hahn.
"Rusty and I spent countless hours on lane 32 at Mesa East, working on changing my approach from three steps to four, and playing the same line over and over again! Rusty has not only been my coach for 13 years, but he is my best friend and he believes in me," she says, on her success in the game. "I have also had lessons from Dave Leverage in the past. I am a very competitive person,and I will do what it takes to be the best version of me in everything I do."
Rounding out the top ten in the MMA average race last season are: Sandra Stevens, 216; Ericka Berg, 215; Valerie Caron, 215; Stacey Silaghi, 215; Liz Kellogg, 214; Christina Niles, 214; Rachel Carr, 213; Judy Gurney, 211; and Laska Readette, 211.
"Now that I am on top of my game, I will have to put in some work to stay there," she says, of having the top average among the women in the MMA until 2016. "Unfortunately, with our schedules, I don't have a lot of time to dedicate to my game."
In addition to her high average honors this past season, Heather also has some notable bowling accomplishments in the MMA. She recorded a 300 game in the 9 to 5ers league on October 16, 2008 and an 800 series in the same league on May 3, 2012.
She bowled an 802 series when it counted the most - during a position round to help lead her team to first place. Heather was also the Mesa City Queens Champion in 2011.
"It was my first Queens tournament," she said. "And I was stoked (excited), to take home the title!"
The MMA's 60th Women's Tournament will be held at Mesa East Bowl next year. It will commence on the weekends of February 6 and 7, and 13 and 14. This will no doubt, give Heather the home field advantage if she participates.
"As my boys Thayne and Gunnar get older, I should have more time for tournaments," she stated. "But, I do like the fact the tournament is being held here. I love my bowling family here at Mesa East! The center is, and has always been, very supportive of their league bowlers. They care about their bowlers. We are a family here!"
Mesa Bowling News December 16, 2015