Columnist John McCarron: He’s coached the greats

John McCarron

Friday, May 30, 1997 | 11:44 a.m.

FRED BORDEN is considered the bowling world's foremost coach. The 55-year-old Akron, Ohio, native has authored 12 books, and produced three instructional videos.

Borden, a TV commentator for the Ladies Pro Bowlers Tour, recently was honored by three major bowling industry organizations for his contributions to the sport.

The United States Olympic Committee named him coach of the year. The Bowling Writers Association of America gave him the Meritorious Service Award for contributing most to the sport of bowling. The Billiard and Bowling Institute of America honored him with the Extraordinary Services Award for development of coaches and a bowling coaching system.

Borden began bowling at age 4 but became serious at 14 following five ankle injuries. By the time he was 20, he had become one of the elite players in the Akron area.

In 1972, he decided to make bowling his career and to become a bowling proprietor. Borden opened a small 20 lane center. In 1976, he built Stonehedge Place, a modern 48 lane center, which he still owns. The center has been updated with new lanes and technology.

During Borden's early teaching years, Akron was the capital of the bowling world. In those days, word spread of a highly talented coach. Top pro Harry "The Tiger" Smith sought Borden out and word spread even more.

Don Johnson was next. Borden took Johnson' s raw talent and molded him into a Pro Bowler of the Year. The list went on. Pappas, Laub, Asher, Anthony. Then onto the Olympic Bowling Team.

"I pinch myself," Borden said during a recent Las Vegas visit. "It's like a dream come true. I've had the opportunity to see the world and coach the best players on both the men's and women's pro tour."

One of the most thrilling memories of his coaching travels occurred in Cuba at the Pan American Games. Pat Healy had won the singles tournament and received the gold medal for his performance.

The national anthem was played after Healy received his medal. In the stands, Fidel Castro had to salute the American flag.

"The enjoyment of coaching is never-ending," Borden said. "I love hearing how a bowler has rolled his best game. Best series. First 300. Or done well in a tournament with lessons or tips I had a chance to a be a part of."

The future is just as bright for the most sought-after coach. The Olympics have become a big part of bowling's future, with Borden getting heavily into the scene.

The advancement of teaching and educating new coaches will never stop for America's most elite coach. Already in progress are the bronze and silver medal teaching certificate programs. Soon to be in place, the next step in the teaching evolution, is Gold Level, the coaching equivalent of a masters degree.

Borden has just finished writing two innovative bowling books, "The Winning Edge" and "Beyond the Beginner" for the national youth bowling association. He also is rewriting the instructional manual to help youngsters understand today's standards of play.

"The young people are our future," Borden said. "Bowling is an invisible game. It's difficult to understand the stages involved with reading a lane condition you can't see, or picking out the right equipment. Finding the right ball-drilling procedures and lane conditions to suit your game, and to have a mental game when offense is your only defense, is a tough task."

Borden has given unselfishly for the betterment of bowling. He has helped countless pupils become better instructors and players. And so it is nice to see him receive the recognition he so richly deserves.