By Being Elected Into The MMA Hall, East Valley Bowler's Goal Becomes Reality
Valerie Caron's Hard Work. And Encouragement From Others, Gave Her The Determination To Get There.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg
Managing Editor - The TenPinExpress.Com
Director Mesa Metro Association
Chandler - - - Valerie Caron can still remember the first time she walked into Country Club Bowl.
It was late August 1983 when a co-worker needed to replace an injured player. The co-worker asked her if she had ever bowled before. She told her co-worker that her mother used to bowl in a league, and would give the sport a try herself.
At the time she was giving bowling a try to see if she would like to continue to participate in the game.She probably had no idea what the old American Bowling Congress (ABC) was. And what the Mesa Metro Association (MMA) did for bowling locally. Or what being inducted into a bowling associations HOF meant to a bowler.
So, with a pretty blue ball that she borrowed from her mother, Joy Kingsbury, to use. Her career in bowling began some 32 years ago. It was also a front counter attendant at Country Club Bowl who noticed the untapped talent she had, and the potential she had in the game to continue on in our sport.
And, as they say, the rest is history.
"My only regret is, I wish I would have started to bowl sooner. Jay Means was the gentlemen who was working behind the counter the first time I walked into Country Club Bowl," Valerie said, before getting inducted into the MMA HOF on February 20, at AMF Chandler Lanes. "He asked me if I have ever bowled in a league before, and I said no. He was the first person to comment to me, that I had the natural ability."
Ron Huemiller Sr. joined Valerie as the other inductee in the MMA Hall this year, for bowling superiority.
"I was shocked. Totally shocked when I received the letter from the MMA notifying me of this honor. I did not think I would qualify," added Valerie, who joined her husband Don, in the MMA Hall. He is also a member of the Arizona State USBC Hall (2010). And the Phoenix Hall (1990). "I still need to do a lot of work in certain areas, where I feel I need to improve my game."
Valerie met Don on March 31, 1996 at Brunswick Via Linda Lanes In Scottsdale. Together, they have become one of the most respected bowling couples in the Valley
"We met on March 31, 1996 at Brunswick Via Linda Lanes in Scottsdale," recalled Valerie. "He had just bowled an awesome 865 series (299-300-266), and on my way out of the building, I told him 'nice bowling Don'. He is a very talented individual. I still try to compete with him."
In 2013-14, she posted book averages of: 216, 209, and 209. Her 216 avearage earned her the fourth highest among the women in the MMA that year. Her highest average ever of 223, was established in 2015.
"The last couple of years I feel I have bowled really well. There was a period where I shot four straight 700 series in league play," she said, of her performance. "I feel my hard work has paid off, and it was a very exciting time for me. Last season I rolled three perfect games, and I have eight now. It felt good to get three last year, and it proved to me that it was not a lucky thing.
"My average when I met Don, was 193. My goal in bowling is to gain knowledge and improve. A 200 average has
always been my goal, and I am a competitive player," she added, on what it takes to average 200. "I practice a lot. I feel I have been able to repeat the shot well. I am also feeling more confident, staying relaxed and focused."
Valeries other five perfect games came in the:Monday Night Tailgaters League on December 19, 2005. The Inbetweeners on October 18, 2006. The Foxes and Hounds on November 11, 2008. The 640 Scratch League on June 3, 2009. And, the Brunswick Babes on December 10, 2009. The perfect games she rolled last year, where all at Brunswick Mesa in the: Brunswick Babes, Managers Invite, and Virtue 650 Scratch.
"The multiple 300 games I rolled have meant a lot to me. I have significantly been able to increase my average over the years as well. I also set a goal to average 215, and I made it," she said of the individual goals she has achieved. "I want to shoot an 800 series, and this is the biggest goal I want to accomplish. I have come so close, and I am getting closer every year. An 800 is a one time, one night event, and that is my next goal to achieve in bowling."
Her highest series to date is a 773. In addition to the eight perfect games, she has: two 299's. One 298, and multiple 700 series. She has also added three 11-in-a-row games. Valerie has five MMA titles including one in each event, plus she is the MMA Queens Champion in 2015. She has also participated in the Arizona Classic Bowling Association (ACBA, and won an event in 2000.
She has also been the Arizona Bowlerettes Bowler of the year in 1996 and 1997. Valerie also won the Queens event in 1999. She has been the tournament coordinator for the ACBA as well from 2003 to 2014. She added she had a rough night on Friday evening before her big day, by tossing and turning all night.
"I did not have an acceptance speech prepared," she admitted. "I would not know what to say, except that I am just honored to be elected into the MMA Hall. And, I did not want to bowl poorly in the team event in the MMA Open."
Needless to say, she didn't. She rolled games of: 201-226-233- for a 660 series.Valerie would also like to thank her husband, Don, for years of encouragement. Jay Means again, for support and encouragement in her first regional PWBA tournament. Ron and Karl Simonis for their encouragement, great talent and ball drilling. And Mike Calderon, for his expertise in ball drilling as well and his suggestions.
"This is a pretty special moment, and my mother, Joy, came down from Flagstaff for the ceremony. I feel really priviledged, and again, I never thought I'd really make it into the MMA Hall," she said, in closing. "I have the upmost respect for the other HOF members."
And now, the MMA membership, has the upmost respect for Valerie.
Mesa Bowling News March 28, 2016