The PBA Western Region Returns To Mesa East Bowl, As They Will Host The Aquimo Open
Josh Blanchard, Of Virtue Bowling Supply, Puts In The Time And Effort To Bring Event To Arizona
By Michael 'Chip' Begg-Managing Editor thetenpinexpress.com-Director Mesa Metro Association
Mesa - - - Its not often in today's business world. Especially, in today's bowling economy. Where you will find someone who will take the initative to bring a high profile bowling tournament to a bowling center in the east valley.
And, take the initative to secure a sponsor, and get enough bowlers entered into the event to help support it. But, then again, to those of you who know Josh Blanchard. You know he is very capable of getting something like this done.
And, he did.
For the second time this summer, the PBA Western Regional Tour will return to the valley. As Mesa East Bowl will host the Aquimo Open, on August 26-28. Earlier this summer, FlipSide Lanes in Gilbert. Hosted the FlipSide Flippin Awesome Bowling Classic on July 1-3. A tournament in which Jakob Butturff, of Chandler won.
"It was very important for me to land a regional in the State of Arizona, for the bowlers to get to watch the best at our sport and learn," said Josh. "The men and women who compete in these events, are top notch players and offer a great show for the bowling community to watch."
Mesa East Bowl, which is located at 9260 East Broadway Road in Mesa, is a 32 lane Brunswick equipped bowling center. Complete with a full service: bar, snack bar, and pro shop.
"Actually, it was the management at Mesa East Bowl that wanted to bring an event like this to showcase their center. And, show bowlers that they support bowling at the highest level," he said, on how he was approached to make this event happen. "I have been working with the owners and management at Mesa East for a year now to get this event there.
"I hope it provides a tournament for bowlers to bowl, and also a chance for Mesa East to show off their newly renovated bowling center," he added. "With a good turn out this year, I hope to have this event yearly on the same weekend. The last time a regular regional was in the State of Arizona, it was at FlipSide in Gilber."
It has been a good summer in Arizona, as two PBA 50 events were also held in the state. One in Flagstaff and one in Sun City.
Josh and his business partner, Craig Spencer, own four Virtue Bowling Supply Pro Shops in the valley. Two in the east valley, and two in the west valley. They are located at Brunswick Mesa and Mesa East in the east valley. And at AMF Union Hills and AMF Deer Valley in the west valley.
"The success of Virtue, is 100 percent reliant on our employees and reputation. We offer customers a level of service they have not seen in the Pro Shop business before," he said, of Virtue Bowling Supply's growth. "Our employees develop a relationship with our customers, and a trust that no matter what location they go to, they will recieve the best customer service and professionalism we can offer.
"The pro shop business gets harder every year, with the strength of the internet," he added. But, without competition, you don't know how to improve your business and find new strategies to make money."
Josh did not have to go very far, to find a sponsor for the event at Mesa East either.
"The company that is sponsoring the event is a local Tech company in Mesa. The CEO and owner is a customer of ours, and wanted to see an event like this come to Mesa," he said, on how he was able to secure a sponsor. "He hopes to showcase his products to the bowlers and customers who attend the event."
The tenpinexpress.com was first made aware of who Josh was in November of 2014. Thanks to Don Caron, a Brunswick Mesa employee, who suggested to us we do a story on his bowling career.
"One of the most memorable moments I have ever been a part of in bowling, was our Team Gold Medal in the PABCON Youth Championships in Mexico in 2006," he said, of one of his early bowling memories. "Standing on the podium and hearing the national anthem played gave me chills down my spine. To be able to represent my country by doing the thing I love the most, doesn't get much better than that."
Since getting his PBA card in October of 2010, Josh has won nine career Regional titles and two PBA National titles. His two national titles were won at the Brunswick Euro Challenge, and the PBA Main Shootout.
"My career is at a plateau right now after winning two national titles. I am currently working on new releases to match the patterns and amount of oil that is on the lanes," he says, on where he feels his game is at right now. "The sport is ever changing and you have to stay on top of it at all times, or you will be left behind."
However, the two pieces of hardware that sits in his trophy case. Will always be a reminder of how hard he has worked to get to where he is in bowling.
"The one title that means the most to me, will always be my first national title in Germany," said the 2011-12 PBA Rookie of the Year. "That week I had thoughts in my head, that it was time to quit and find something else to do with my life. After winning that title, it gave me the conformation that I belonged out here with the best."
The State of Arizona is supposed to be well represented in the Aquimo Open at Mesa East on August 26-28. FlipSide champion Jakob Butturff is expected to be entered in the event. Along with: Dave Cirigliano, Mike Haugen Jr., and Stu Williams. Tommy Jones is one big name from the main tour who will be bowling. Josh is hopeful to secure a couple of other big names from the national tour, but nothing has been put in cement yet.
Arizona State Bowling News July 23, 2016