AN AMAZING DISPLAY OF BOWLING AND A WAKE UP CALL TO THE PBA WAS GIVIN BY RYAN CIMINELLI DURING THE PRO TOUR STOP HERE IN BUFFALO LAST WEEK. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO MISSED IT AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WERE THERE FOR EVERY FANTISTIC MINUTE OF THE SPECTACLE, HERE IS AN INTERVIEW WITH RYAN THAT LASTED THE THREE INCREDIBLE DAYS THAT HE BATTLED WITH THE BEST.
Interview with RYAN CIMINELLI
February 22-24, 2006
MyBowler followed Ryan as he advanced on through the week.
Flo: How did you feel about your chances coming into today?
Ryan: I felt my chances were pretty good because of the atmosphere, the hometown. I knew I had fans backing me, supporting me. And from what I watched on TV, I understood that the Cheetah pattern was probably my A game so I felt pretty good coming in.
Flo: When you were crossing lanes, did you have to do a lot of changing, did you changes balls a lot?
Ryan: Actually, I didn’t change balls at all. I just had to tweak my line just a little bit, five boards the most with the same ball. I never changed it.
Flo: I noticed that you got a couple bad breaks on some really great shots. Did those play into your game at all? Did they mess with your head at all?
Ryan: Because of league play, on house shots you get tapped so much that on this shot you’re just glad to keep poundin’ the hole. So you just gotta keep poundin’ the hole on a tough shot like this. And, you can’t let anything like that get to you.
Flo: What’s your game plan for tomorrow?
Ryan: I’m wingin’ it tomorrow.
Flo: What is your goal for tomorrow?
Ryan: Now the goal is to make it to matchplay.
Flo: And, what do you think your chances of that are?
Ryan: I’m feelin’ pretty good. Can’t really say. The field only gets tougher. So, you never know.
Flo: Good luck.
Ryan: Thanks.
February 23, 2006 (morning qualifying)
We continue to cover Ryan’s exciting ride on the PBA Tour. After his first seven games of qualifying Thursday morning (214, 239, 268, 238, 279, 247 and 216), Ryan is still a great contender.
Flo: Obviously things went well. Did you follow the game plan that you had?
Ryan: I decided to start off exactly where I was in the beginning and it just worked out that it was the same shot. So, I just had to repeat.
Flo: Did you feel more pressure today than yesterday?
Ryan: Actually, most of the weight’s off my shoulders. I’m a lot more calm, more relaxed and I’m making more quality shots.
Flo: I think I know the answer to this because I talked to your mom, but how did you sleep last night?
Ryan: I slept pretty well. The night before way worse. Now that I calmed now, my nerves aren’t on edge anymore.
Flo: So, what are you going to do between rounds?
Ryan: I’m gonna relax, go out with the guys and eat lunch. I’ll be back.
Flo: Good luck. Awesome bowling today.
Ryan: Thanks.
February 23, 2006 (evening qualifying)
After 14 games of qualifying, Ryan sits in 7th place at +553.
Flo: How do you fee?
Ryan: Mentally drained.
Flo: I saw you make a ball change around game four. Did you stick with that change?
Ryan: Game five actually. About 2½ games left, I decided that the ball I was using was just too much. So, I made a guess and it was pretty close and I ended up sticking with it. And the last game worked out well and I shot a 250 after shooting three 20s.
Flo: What ball did you change to?
Ryan: The Vibe.
Flo: What are your plans for tonight?
Ryan: I haven’t seen my girlfriend in two days. I need something to eat and some rest.
Flo: Plans for tomorrow?
Ryan: One frame at a time.
Friday, February 24, 2006
In the round of 32, Ryan bowls over Dale Traber in game seven and will meet Tim Criss in the round of 16.
Flo: I’m gonna start with the same question I always do. How are you feeling?
Ryan: Still nervous. I’m still shaking.
Flo: Feel good though?
Ryan: This is great.
Flo: I need to say something and I want you to respond to it if you can. You look comfortable in this environment. Is this what you envisioned it to be?
Ryan: Absolutely. The fans helped but even if the fans weren’t behind me, I love pressure. I love bowling under pressure and great competition.
Flo: Taking a break now. Are you gonna get out here to relax or stick around?
Ryan: I’ll probably stick around but still relax.
Flo: Keep goin’!
Pushing the round of 16 to game seven, Tim Criss prevails.
Flo: I hate to say this, but now that’s all over, what do you feel like?
Ryan: Relaxing. I’m going out to eat and then sleeping.
Flo: You got beat; you didn’t lose. Do you believe there was anything else you could have done today?
Ryan: Absolutely not. It came down to a carry contest. We were both zoned in and whoever carried more, was gonna win. And, the last three games, that’s what he did.
Flo: So, does this wet your appetite for your future on the pro tour?
Ryan: I can’t wait ‘til I’m out here. But not yet; in a couple years.
Flo: You’re continuing with school?
Ryan: Yes; going to Erie C.C. Then a few guys from Buffalo said they want to go down to central Florida or Florida State to make their own team. So, I’ll probably go down there with them.
Flo: That’s great. I’ve got to ask you a couple questions that I’ve been asking the pros. What pound equipment do you use?
Ryan: Fifteen.
Flo: Any particular reason?
Ryan: Sixteen hits too hard.
Flo: Okay, you don’t need that; I know that. What do you think of the tour format?
Ryan: I love the format. The qualifying to get to the top 32, they’re only cutting half of the field. And the best of seven is the only way to bowl.
Flo: You like the head-to-head?
Ryan: I love that.
Flo: What do you do to relax outside of bowling?
Ryan: I try to relax by golfing. That tends to get me mad too!!
Flo: Where do you see the tour ten years from now?
Ryan: Hopefully with me in it.
Flo: I think you’ll be here. Do you think it’s gonna be a bigger, better tour?
Ryan: It’s hard to say, but I would say so. It’s probably only gonna get bigger and bigger.
Flo: And, lastly, what do you want to say to the fans?
Ryan: Thank you for the support. There were so many people here pushing for me. It’s a great feeling having that many people behind you.