Striking Leaders

Interview Questions for Striking Leaders

Thank you Michael Puzo for taking the time to answer a few personal bowling questions:

• Many athletes begin their sport at a young age, but there’s often a distinct point when they decide to take it seriously. For you, when did bowling transition from a pastime to a passion? Was there a particular event, achievement, or realization that sparked that change?

I started at age 5 or 6. Then I began seriously in 2021. I had done youth leagues, was in the Army, served in 2019 and honorably discharged in 2020. Bowling really clicked in 2021 and began NEBAs, then my first PBA regional November 2022 and more often in 2024. Favorite events have been in regionals and my work on Nationals.

• What is your overall bowling history?

See former question

• Who have been the most influential people throughout your bowling journey, whether coaches, mentors, teammates, competitors, or others who helped shape your development as an athlete?

Top 2 are Chris Monroy  and John Zawalick (John Z)

• How many Titles, if any, do you have?

I have a NEBA title with Brian June 2024 in Cranston RI.

• What is one of the most memorable moments of your bowling career, and what made it so significant to you?

Winning 2024 NEBA Title with Brian. Never bowled together and we had never even thought of bowling together. His partner had the drop. We had basically perfect chemistry all through out. Same score +78 for both of us in qualifying. That was really interesting. Took top 8 in finals. I remember in the round of 8, I started, 9 open, he struck and struck, then I went 4/4, then he struck, then we ended up going  “sheet” that game [**Mike, on editor’s note, can  you explain what going “sheet” means for bowlers who don’t know?]] then game after that shot a Baker 300. Next match we had a super tough pairing against Bruce Hall and Brendan Boyer, those two together a force to be reckoned with. But we managed to make it thru that match.

For the Title match we were against Mark Bouchard and my good friend Matt Brockett. Those two, like you don’t want to let them get a chance on you. Brian and I were up by 30 on first game, then the second game…well I don’t remember much of second game because it was all a blur to me. You know when you’re in the moment!? However, I just remember getting up in the 9^th needing the strike to shut out and win title, and Brian needed 2 in 10^th . What I CAN remember is that shot I threw in the 9^th was probably the best shot I’d ever thrown so far in my career!

• How do you feel about Pro bowlers?

Pro bowlers work their a$$ off to get to where they are. A lot of people feel that they are arrogant but they have to remember, those Pro bowlers are at top-,TOP-tier. They live, eat, breathe, and do everything bowling! I absolutely love professional bowling and I want to get to that level one day, will it happen who knows? We’ll see. There’s a lot of professional bowlers I look up to. The first professional bowler I ever looked up to is Pete Weber. I remember watching the 2012 US Open, the ‘Who do you think you are I am?!’ telecast. I was just like ‘damn, this dude is as cool as hell!’ I mean there’s a lot of pro bowlers that I look up to and local pros like Chris Monroy being one of them. He has a PBA regional title, a lot of credentials, and all that fun stuff. Another one is a good friend of mine Andrew Hall. He’s out there living his dream.

• Would you consider yourself a “Covid” bowler, that is, beginning bowling during the pandemic years 2019-2022?

That is a very interesting question! In terms of bowling itself, no, but in terms of taking bowling seriously 100% yes!

• Do you remember Bowlero Worcester when it was AMF Auburn, or even before that? What was it like and how would you like to see the alley grow?

I mean I used to work here at AMF Auburn! I was a cook! Miss those days. Not a fan of Bowlero franchise, but this is the center closest to my house. Not going to step foot in Shrewsbury (laughs). Gardner is too far. Ever since Eric took over it has gotten so much better. I heard a rumor it might go to AMF Auburn, I don’t know how true that is. Hopefully it may go back the glory days as AMF Auburn. I don’t know what it was before.

• What would you do if this location decided they wanted to move to String bowling?

I’d still bowl. I 100% support string bowling. I’ve bowled much on strings, and there was one regional I even bowled on strings. I was very skeptical at first, but it’s not as bad as everybody thinks. It’s very weird in that it’s so much quieter than ten pins that we are used to. They don’t have machines going in the back at all times. So the center is a lot quieter. It also makes shot making key. There’s a lot of hits in ten pen that you’re not going to get in strings, and vice versa. I mean a lot of people are quick to judge and bring it down, but give it a try! It’s not as different as you might think it is.

• Who are some of the current or former employees you’d like to acknowledge for their service to the center?

First and foremost Eric Mahoney. It was a few years when he was gone and the place went to the sh*tter. Also the Pro shop owner John Zawalick. Thankfully he’s still drilling equipment and out of his house now.* He’s the one I always went to, even when I got my very first bowling ball!

*[Note: John Z. is operating the Pro Shop near Gardner Ten Pins, also offering guided lessons. All bowlers welcome anytime! He will bring you in on the red carpet!]

• What comes to mind with the words “bowling family”?

I’ve gotten a lot of my best friends thru bowling. A lot of these people you meet thru tournaments, or league. A lot of great people you see only once a week, but also a lot of people who will make the time to hang out outside with you on a regular basis. So much camaraderie!

• If you could be remembered for ONE thing regarding bowling, what would it be?

Oh Jesus that’s a tough one!  My ability to overcome all of the bullsh*t after getting back into bowling in 2021. When I bowled the Thursday nights leagues here (not dishing on the league here or anything) I had an attitude problem. I thought I was hot sh*t. Looking back on it, I had a piss poor attitude. I took a lot of sh*t for it, I’m not going to name any names. But, the ability to overcome a lot of that sh*t.

• Did you learn anything about yourself?

I learned a good amount. Like, damn, I’m not as good as I perceived to be! Looking back, I want to work my a## off so I can let my ball do the talking. That way I wouldn’t have to be doing the talking myself.

In a sport where confidence can sometimes be mistaken for mastery, he discovered the value of humility. Realizing he wasn’t as polished as he thought he was didn’t discourage him. It motivated him. That willingness to learn, improve, and outwork the competition has helped define his career, proving that the loudest statement an athlete can make is often the one made without saying a word.