Ebonite

Feb 14, 2012

Susan Schellhardt doesn’t depend on power to win the game, thanks to great coaching she received early in life.

Bowling since the age of ten, Schellhardt was the daughter of a Navy man and moved around a lot. One thing many military bases have in common is a bowling center, so it was an easy sport to pick up. Coach Bill Marsh set her in the right direction, though.

“Coach Bill told me to stay true to myself and my game,” explained Schellhardt. “He said I would last a lot longer and be more successful if I would play more direct, and not try to overpower the lane.”

That instruction proved true over the years. A member of the Ladies Professional Bowlers Tour in the early 90’s, Schellhardt won an LPBT Regional Title in 1992. Being on tour was tough at that time, and the competition was difficult. It was here that Schellhardt made her first connection with Ebonite equipment, in the form of Ebonite staff player Aleta Sill.

“Aleta was always so kind to me,” said Shellhardt. “She would check up on me at times to make sure I was okay, and as a young bowler, I really appreciated that.”

Sill went on to become the first woman bowler to achieve $1,000,000 in earnings.

Schellhardt eventually settled in Nashville, Tenn. When she met Doug Hayes, an Ebonite amateur staff member, he encouraged her to try the Ebonite equipment. In the last three years, Schellhardt has thrown Ebonite exclusively. 

“It’s added a whole new dimension to my game,” Schellhardt admitted. “I have more carrying power, and can finish stronger. I’ve rolled two 300 games and 2 800 series in the last year with Ebonite.”

Those great stats also include her second Tennessee State Queens Championship, earned in the fall of 2011. After that win, she was contacted by Ed Gallagher, Ebonite Brand Manager, to participate in advertising and video for an upcoming Ebonite product, the Pursuit.

“We wanted to represent amateur bowlers of all types,” explained Gallagher. “We have a great new product that is suited specifically for a bowler with low revs, who throws it down-and-in like Sue does. With her experience she was a perfect match.”

Schellhardt joined the Ebonite team in Smyrna, Tenn., in January to film for the ball promotional video.

“I love that ball!” exclaimed Schellhardt. “It really reads the transition in the midlane, and gives me a crisper angle to the pocket. I’ve actually got a little margin for error with this ball – no matter how I throw it, I’ll still get good carry!”

The Pursuit is part of a two-ball introduction by Ebonite which was designed to satisfy the needs of two different types of bowlers. The Pursuit was designed for bowlers who roll down-and-in like Schellhardt, and the Pursuit-S was designed for bowlers who hook the ball coast-to-coast.

Both balls will be available March 6, 2012, and the video of Schellhardt is posted on the Ebonite website. Bowlers can find which ball is right for them by visiting pursueyourgame.com.

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