AKRON — Later this week, 54-year-old Akron right-hander Don Hogue will be flying to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as part of Team Canada in the PANAM Bowling Male Championships.
It almost didn’t happen.
Earlier in 2023, Hogue finished sixth overall in the Canadian Tenpin Federation Team Trials, leading the senior standings and finishing sixth overall in the men’s division. It should have been enough to place him on Team Canada for the event, which begins May 21 at Sebelen Bowling Center.
“They sent me an email saying I was not one of the people they picked to go,” said Hogue, owner-operator of North Star Pro Shop at AMF Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn.
The first two players to pull out were Professional Bowlers Association regulars Francois Lavoie and Mitch Hupe due to conflicts. Then, a third person withdrew to give Hogue his opportunity.
“They went around me to seven and eight to pick, and they picked two, and it wasn’t me,” Hogue said. “Then someone else couldn’t go so they sent an email and said you’re in. Golly, gee, thanks.
“It looked like they were trying to go young and were not big fans of me making the regular team.”
Now, he will join Nathan Ruest-Lajoie, Jean Francois-Brassard, Austyn Ducharme, Jordan Jung and Graham Fach on the squad that leaves May 20.
There are 20 teams in the field, with the top seven advancing to the World Championships, set for October in Kuwait.
“It bothered me, but I totally get it,” Hogue said. “You want to have the best out there. But I just wish it would have been more transparent.
“They could have said they were picked these five because they can compete against the youngest and best bowlers in the world because of their rev rates and speed because of what they have done in international competition in the past instead of ghosting me.”
But Hogue had one person in his corner — Team Canada gold-level bowling coach Frank Buffa.
“There are only a few gold level coaches in the world, Fred Borden and Hank Boomershine being two of them,” Hogue said. “He wanted me to come because he knows my worth.
“It’s not always about your bowling, but also about your chemistry and how you get a team together. So if I do well, I have a chance at other events.”
Hogue estimates he has at last 10 years on the next youngest competitor.
“I bowled in that center last year so I’m familiar with it, which is good. They told us it would be the same pattern all week,” Hogue said, adding Clutch Lanes and Sports Center has volunteered to put the pattern out to assist in his equipment selection.