Your Bowling Coach, Aleta Sill and Michelle Mullen stories

Wanda Mierzwinski, took her game from a 3-step to a 4-step delivery and improved her average to 148. She took 5th place last month in a Senior Tournament in Lansing, MI!

John Keselring of West Bloomfield, MI. (9/5/2002) I took a Your Bowling Coach (YBC) clinic at Century Bowl last week. You told us to send in success stories, so here it goes: I am 53 years old and have a 2001 year book average of 201. Last night was our first night of league bowling. I rolled a 776 series which included my second sanctioned 300 game (the other two games were 248 and 228). I don't think I will be able to maintain the 258 average but it was certainly a night to remember and a lot of fun. I really enjoyed your clinic. Thanks for everything.

Robert Rhodes came back to another clinic to learn more and show off his 299 and 800 series rings since attending a prior PBI Clinicwith Michelle Mullen in Columbus, OH.

Travis Mewton recently bowled a 182 game in the league roll off to help his team take the league championship. (His average is 138.) Thanks for your help. We look forward to future lessons. Travis and Roy Mewton

Dave Thoresen: Aleta, if you and Michelle ever need an aging "Poster Boy" for your outstanding bowling clinic, I will be more than happy to oblige. After having participated in your August 23 Clinic at Country Lanes (after nine holes of golf in the morning), I managed to put together a 208-221-188 = 617 series that evening at Country Lanes League Bowler's Appreciation Night. I used the Hammer the first game, the Brunswick Quantum the second game, and both the third game. Based on what you taught me, I'm much more relaxed and consistant. The possibilities are mind boggling once I get a glove to firm up my wrist and take to the lanes well rested. From one south-paw to another, best wishes to you both in this new endeavor.

Pat Okerstrom , came to a helf-day clinic to work on her game and weeks later led the Tri-City Tournamelt All-Events!

Note from Your Bowling Coach: Julie Todd, an Illinois high school bowler has been taking private lessons and participating in clinics. Recently Julie bowled a record 800 series, including a 299. The next week, she bowled her first 300 game. Congratulations!

YBC student Christine Martin, a 20-year-old, who traveled to Michigan for lessons with Michelle in October. Christine shot a 300 on November 2, 2003 after one of her sessions with Your Bowling Coashes.

Vernon Peterson, who has been working with Aleta for years, became the National Amateur Champion and earlier this year took some private lessons from Aleta and Michelle and cashed in for over $7,700 in a single tournament!

CONGRATULATIONS to Markell Wells on his Mid States Masters Victory, the 2003 Bonanza Lanes Open Division Classic! The MSM Open Division Newsletter mentioned that "Mr. Wells also stated that he owes a lot of his success to Michelle Mullen and Aleta Sill, for fine-tuning his game with the lessons he has taken from them."

I did well at the Coca-Cola tournament in Grand Rapids. They used my December average of 70. I bowled an 87, 110 and a 99. Your instruction really helped me with my game. Lydia Poloni

Just a note to let you both know how well the four "seniors" have done since attending your clinic in January. Our four man team has moved from 24th spot at the end of the first half in the Senior Classic League at Mayflower to 2nd in the second half. We have a position round next week. We are all pleased with the results of our lessons. Our team average has gone up and we are happy with our "new games". I personally have little problem with pain in my fingers and wrist as I had before you both showed me how to correct my approach. I have had three 700 series, three 279 games and a 289 game. We all thank you again and would recommend that anyone, regardless of age, attend one of your clinics. Ron Hellier

Thomas Bialecki says - Aleta and Michelle - I told you I would let you know how I did after my lesson on Monday. I shot a 681. My ball had more rotation, more hook, better carry, I felt more balanced, had better accuracy and I could hardly feel the weight of the ball. Putting the weight of the ball in my non bowling hand at delivery was the biggest help. Something so simple and yet very basic. It helped me to relax and that allowed the ball to react better. The higher back swing also helped me stay balanced at the line. I would like to come back in a few weeks and compare my videos to the pros again to see the improvements or find more bad habits. Thank you both for all your help. It was the best instruction I have ever had, and I've had a few.

Hello ladies. Boy have your lessons paid off big time. Amanda ( the little one) has had nothing under 540 since she started wearing the wrist support. No more thumb burns either. Her average has gone up 5 pins in 3 weeks. Crystal is also now picking up spares much more consistently and had the following games: Tuesday night during practice while I was bowling league she shot 201-220-178- 297 The counter person witnessed the last game. Crystal said every strike was in the pocket. I was shocked and VERY VERY happy.!!!! She was speechless. Thanks Again. Mike Brooks

Things continue to improve. I made the semi-finals of my last MidStates tournament (Oak Lanes), 219 average for 9 games. I just wanted to thank you both for your considerable coaching expertise. You have helped my game so much in the few sessions we've had over the last couple of months; these results would not have been possible without the two of you! (February 26, 2002) Thanks, Scott Kapke

I attended your clinic in Farmington on February 1. At that time, my league average was 81. Since that clinic, my league average has improved to 96. I have had a high game in practice of 166, a series (in practice) of 481, and I won the over-average jackpot at my league yesterday! I did have my ball regripped at Bowler's Aid, by Derek Retan, per your recommendation. My teammates were so impressed with the results, that my boyfriend took two balls to Derek for adjustment, and another teammate took her ball to Derek for drilling, travelling all the way from Warren and Roseville.I strongly recommend your clinic, and I hope to take another one from you sometime soon. I truly did not believe I was capable of bowling much above 100 -- ever. The thing that helped me most from the clinic was the mantra "step, out, down, back, slide." (March 4, 2002) Thank you! Kayne Wisniewski

First Sanctioned 800 series for Dan Nicklin: I am very pleased to tell Your Bowling Coach that the time we spent together in Chicago in August 2002 has finally paid off. Two weeks ago I won an old-timers tournament in Brazil, IN. I led the qualifying and shot 248 in the finals to win by 26 sticks. Tonight, I rolled my first sanctioned 800 series. I had games of 279, 279, and 247. I left four 10-pins and one 8-pin. I missed the 10 in the first frame of the 3rd game, and I missed the 8 in the 11th frame of the last game. Guess I better be attending one of your spare shooting clinics. On a more serious note, I want the two of you to know just how much that I appreciate what you have done for my game, both physically and mentally. I promised you I have worked my tail off to be able to throw the ball the way that you wanted me to. It really works, and I never had any thoughts that it would not. I am proud to tell people that I have two of the finest coaches in the world. Appreciatively yours, Dan Nicklin

Thanks for the tip on the Ebonite TPS III, the guy we got it for is a 170 average bowler and he put up games in the lower 190's the first day using it. To say he is pleased is an understatement. He wanted me to pass his thanks to you both. Dave Jacobs

Steven Jacobs is lighting up the lanes. He has taken everything to heart from you showed him in the lesson that you gave him. Here are a few of his scores lately. Carol and I are so pleased. Not just with his scores and form; he is looking so good on the lanes and the pins are just falling his way now. So we owe you two a very big thank you. Michael Jacobs is doing well, also. His average is climbing every week since he saw the both of you.- Dad, Dave Jacobs

My name is Tony Slezak, and I was at your seminar at Oakforest Bowl in February. I just want to thank you both for all the help. The professionalism you both showed to all the bowlers was amazing. Since I have been to your camp, my consistency with direction, release has improved, and the comfort I feel getting to the line feels effortless. Instead of throwing six or more errant shots in a three-game set, now it is down to 2 or 3. I recently shot a 756 series. Also, the releases that you showed me are definately helping. (March 9, 2002) Thank you! -- Tony Slezak

Shana Buckley took a couple private lessons and increased her average from 110 to 153 in the second half of the league season!

Vincent Beasleycame to a clinic and reported to Your Bowling Coach that a few weeks later he shot his first 300 game!

Aleta & Michelle, both Carol and I can not thank you both enough. You not only got both of them back on track, but you did something even better - you both gave them confidence. No matter how much Carol and I tell them that they are good bowlers, hearing it from you two and having you show them more about the game has boosted their confidence to another level. Thank you both. Carol and Dave Jacobs, Michigan

Note from Your Bowling Coach - LE$$ON$ Pay Off: Virgil Chandler took one lesson from Your Bowling Coach and won over $1500 in jackpots during a league week in 2002.

Note from Your Bowling Coach - LE$$ON$ Pay Off: Melanie Greene has taken private and group lessons with Your Bowling Coach, and she won $500 in jackpots in league in 2002.

Kyle Christy (age 13) bowled in his league recently after a lesson with you, and even though his three teammates failed to show, he was still able to win three points. He won one game and actually won overall. He bowled a 158, 162, 168. This was quite an improvement being that his average was 139 going into the match. You mentioned that he seemed a little distracted while the lesson was going on. I asked him about it and he said he was watching the clock because he didn't want the lesson to end. He's young and willing and I think he could handle it. He enjoys learning to better himself. (December 29, 2001) Father of Kyle -- Kevin Christy

Linda Weber says - "I would like to thank you both (Aleta and Michelle) for a wonderful bowling experience. I left that day with some understanding and knowledge about bowling. When I practice I now have a plan and what to work on. I am also writing this letter because, my ball finally fits my hand. My thumb has never looked this good. The ball feels really comfortable in my hand. I bought the apex adrenaline and practiced with it on oily lanes and can you say hook. I have never experienced that kind of hook. I love the ball, and I love how its drilled."

Michelle and Aleta - I finally had a chance to look you up on the website. Wow! Its been a while since I've done any bowling or followed any bowling. I can say that I had no idea of the caliber of instructions we were getting and who we were getting them from. Guess I didn't do my homework. I truly appreciate the time that you spend with my boys, Lee and Joe (General Lee and Bullethead) on Wednesday mornings. I can see their confidence grow each week. I will look forward to our next training session with eyes wide open. With you help I can see great things in their future. - Carol Pierson

Dear Aleta & Michelle: I wanted to personally thank both of you for helping my daughter, Nicole Orbik at Burr Oak Bowl in Blue Island last Sunday. Nicole is bowling even better now, and appears to have more confidence in her game. Both of you are THE BEST instructors around, and I hope you continue to come out to Chicago area. I wish Nicole was residing closer to you so she could get more lessons. Michelle, I took your advice, and I got Nicole some Dexter SST1 bowling shoes. I hope to see both of you on TV again beating those youngsters! Greg Orbik

On Sunday, December 14, Thomas Bialecki of Lambertville, MI shot a 300 and a 782 series thanks to Aleta's coaching and the Phenom she drilled up for him. Thomas also mentioned that the lane play advice he received was valuable in an oily condition. He has been working hard to keep his armswing from wrapping around his back and "the results have been spectacular". "Thank you for the time, lessons and encouragement. You two are the greatest." Thomas Bialecki Lambertville, MI.

"I just wanted to let Aleta and Michelle (Your bowling Coaches) know that my average was 136, and on 2/7/04 I took the spare shooting clinic, and I just bowled four fantastic games - a 157, 156, 172 and my personal best - a 184. Thank you so much for all your help ladies. I look forward to seeing you again and getting even more tips." Bob King

BeforeBonnie Hubbard took a 4-hour Your Bowling Coach class she averarged 172. After the clinic, Bonnie shot her high game of 244. UPDATE: Also, Bonnie shot 190, 227 & 204 for a 621 series a month after the clinic!

Andy Osip, Sr. bought a V2 particle ball at Aleta Sill's Bowling World and shot 300 and 299 games.

"I just wanted you to know that the three times we met resulted in my averages in both leagues going from high 130s to low 140s to 162 average in both of my leagues. Thank you very much!!" Good luck and once again thank you." Sincerely, Rick Christian.

"Michelle, I want to thank you again for the awesome clinic you and Aleta provided for us. We all learned so much! The kids are very excited about their new focus. Having you come out could save me weeks of conditioning in the months before the actual practice season is allowed to begin. You both are wonderful teachers. You are very patient, kind and specific with each student. I hope you will be willing to return way out to Romeo." Nancy Simon ~ Romeo High School Bowling Team Coach

"Hi Aleta - I wanted to let you and Michelle know how much I've been improving. I told you that i bowled my best series ever a few weeks ago: 190, 187, 199. This past Wednesday I bowled a 145, 162, 192. After my lesson with Michelle on Thursday, on our Saturday league I bowled a 145, 203, 162. That is only my 2nd 200 game! And to think, I was a 120 average bowler just a year ago. My average is now 144. I can't thank you enough and believe me, people ask me all the time what I've done to improve, and I point to your banner hanging at Superbowl and tell them, 'Aleta & Michelle are the best!' So, thanks again, and as I want to keep improving, I'm sure you haven't seen the last of me." Sincerely, Janeen Foreman

"I just want to thank you, Aleta and Michelle for helping me with my game. You have helped me in just about every aspect of the game. Last Saturday I bowled a 175, 255, 234 for a 660 series. I could never thank you enough for what you have done for me; you two are the best in my book. After four of your classes, I feel more confident in myself, and this was one of my main problems - not believing in myself. But you believed in me every step of the way, and that really means a lot to me. THANKS ALETA AND MICHELLE! I'll be back for another one of your sessions in Grand Blanc around April." - Kyle Hughes

"Well last week I hit my highest series yet with a 164-190-190 ,with a 45 handicap this year and from 121 to 144 average. And our team came from 10th to tying for 3rd place. Your coaching was a big help in making me more consistent, and I, in turn, gave some pointers that maybe helped our team out. With more practice and getting a new ball from your place this year, I hope to see more 200 games. I only had two - a 212 and a 214 this year. You got me off to a great start. Thanks a lot." Sincerly, Larry Alcorn, Oxford, MI.

"Aleta, I just bought the Wired (ball) from you, and I would just like to thank you for the time you put into making sure that was the ball that fitted what I wanted it to do. I would also like to thank you for fixing the problem that someone else had messed up on my span. I would just like to tell you to keep up the good work, and you will see me back because I will not buy from anyone." Ryan Burk

Michelle "I am 10 over average on my Mon. nite league, 20 over on my Tues. nite league. I just shot a 686 on my Mon. nite league. Out of the gate I shot a 266. A 193, and a 227 followed. This is the first 600 series I have shot during a league; not only is it my first but dang near a 700 (a 686). I also won the first over average jackpot and the 190 and under jackpot. My Mon. nite team is undefeated we are 20-0-1, and in first place by 7 points. I can't thank "Ricky's Angels," enough. You, Lisa, and Aleta have really helped me come a long way with my game." Thanks,Rick Christian

Dear Aleta: "At the time my one-hour lesson at Country Lanes in October, 2004, my league average was 190. In the seven weeks since that lesson, I have increased my average to 199, and in the last three weeks of league competition I have averaged 222. The scores during this three-week span have been 716, 655, and 629 (3-game series scores). I continue to work on the assignment that was given that day of the lesson, and I look forward to another visit (with you) in the near future. This change in my game has me looking forward to tournament participation. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for your expertise and the ability to convey the proper changes to my game." Robert Tompos of Taylor, Michigan

"Michelle, I had a lesson with you this past Saturday (Dec. 11, 2004). Well, working on getting the correct start, release and adding an old ROBY (it was a brown one) to the mix seemed to help big time. (In league) we took all 7 and I shot 691, which is my 4th all-time series high in league play and my highest series this decade! Good to get the 2nd half off to a good start." TM Pappas

Jonathan Morof took Your Bowling Coach's 2-hour Clinic on Jan 29, 2005 and on Feb 19, he bowled a 118 game & 294 series, almost 100 pins over average! Jonathan's averages 66. Congratulations Jonathan.

Enzo Vennettilli's average in Jan 2004 was 162. Enzo took a series of 1/2 hour lessons with Michelle (Your Bowling Coach) & has raised his average almost 40 pins to his March 2005 average of 201! Great bowling Enzo!

Janeen Foreman has been bowling for six or seven years and began lessons with Your Bowling Coach in 2002 at a group lesson. She "saw improvement immediately," Janeen continued with the lessons and changed from a 'traditional' ball, to a finger tip grip with throwing a slight hook. In 2002, her average was around 120 - 125. In 2005, Janeen's current average is 162, and she continues to take lessons. "In November of 2005 I bowled my highest game so far, a 234 and my highest series so far, 192-178-208 for a 578. I say "so far," because I feel a 600 this year (2006). I know I can do it. I've become much more consistent AND you've (Your Bowling Coach coaching) helped me to learn to adjust to the changing lanes. I appreciate all your help, I seriously could not have improved like this without it." ~ Janeen Foreman of Canton, Michigan