StooltimeCounseling's Blog

It keeps getting better and better.

In 1975, I won a contest to bowl on TV at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, MI. It was for a show called, "Bowling For Dollars", hosted by Bob Allison. If I bowled four strikes in a row, I'd win a brand new 1976 Chevy Corvette. For two strikes in a row, I'd win the accumulated jackpot, which was $280.00 at the time. I settled for $10.00 and dinner for two at the Rooster Tail for my spare conversion.

Fast forward to October 28th, 2008. I'm at the same house, Thunderbowl Lanes, but for winning a different contest. This time, it's a contest offered by Fox 2 Detroit. What is originally called, "Rollin' With Roy",  is eventually renamed, "Rollin' With Calvin", because Roy Williams no longer plays for the Detroit Lions. In this contest, six lucky Fox 2 Detroit winners showed-up to bowl a game with Lions wide receiver, #81 Calvin Johnson.

In 1975, I felt nervous being on TV. On October 28th, 2008, I felt thrilled and excited to bowl side-by-side with Calvin Johnson. It was no less a thrill to have Jennifer Hammond in the same room with us. While Hammer graciously hosted the event, using her expert interviewing skills in the process, six lucky bowlers including me, got to bowl with, in my opinion, a future hall of famer in the NFL, #81 Calvin Johnson.

I want to remember Terry D'Esposito, director of Fox 2 Detroit Marketing, and the two camera men, who completed the Fox 2 team to make the event a successful one. It will be one I remember for the rest of my life. 

While Terry and Hammer presented themselves as warm, organized, beautiful, professional and fun-loving, Calvin showed-up in a LARGE, but lean, way. I'm guessing 6'5'', 239 pounds and 5% body fat. Not only does Calvin use his physical presence to play football like a champion, his personality is a sign of a man, who carries himself like a winner!

As far as bowling skills, Calvin, you did better during practice, but let not your heart be troubled, young man. If you ever want to hook-up again, I can teach you what I've learned on the lanes through the years. In that way, the next time you and the team go out to bowl, with a tweak here and there, your finger-tipped-grip-approach will have more accuracy.

It was a pleasure to meet Calvin Johnson, the Fox 2 Detroit team, Kathy King (manager at Thunderbowl Lanes) and fellow contest winners with their families, who came to root for us. I'm glad my fiancee, Kathy, and her mom, Lois, were there for emotional support. By the way, Calvin, Lois has adopted you as her new grandson. You made her day with how you treated her. You are a true gentleman, who has a terrific sense of humor.

The pizza, chicken wings and pop hit the spot. The Fox 2 gear, including the coffee mug I asked Hammer to autograph, was a pleasant surprise. The autographed NFL Wilson football by Calvin Johnson was extraordinary. The four tickets to a recent Lions game were awesome prizes included in this contest, too.

"Bowling For Dollars" in 1975, "Rollin' With Calvin" in 2008. I wonder what's next? I feel more than fortunate. I would describe the Fox 2 contest experience, "Rollin' With Calvin", as providential! 

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VSTY&pageId=6.1.1

Thank you, Fox 2 Detroit!

Sincerely,

Mark Rogers.