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I could rightfully make the featured player Parker Bohn III but I think Parker will get plenty of recognition for his accomplishments over the next couple weeks. I think I want to tell you a little about his opponent in the title match.

Rhino Page

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I have known Rhino for a few years now and since day one there was no doubt what he wanted to do with his future. Rhino calls Topeka, Kansas home and for those of you that do not know that is my hometown as well.

I first met Rhino about 4 years ago. I have to admit that I had heard of him before that, but had never met him. When I would go home and hang out at WestRidge Lanes I began to notice how there were so many new faces I did not know in Topeka. Keep in mind I thought I knew every bowler in the area since most were customers of mine from my pro shop days. The conversation usually gets around to who is who and how good they are or aren't. You can imagine the gossip.

The gossip about Rhino was how loud and cocky he was. He was a member of a team of bowlers from Kansas University that came to Topeka to bowl the best scratch league in town called the Ultimate Scratch League. Remember this is Topeka, Kansas not New York City. I just had to check out this group of hotshots so I decided to stop by on league night.

People in Topeka, Kansas are competitive but typically they are not in your face type of individuals. The team that Rhino bowled on was for the most part the same team he bowled with at college tournaments. If you have ever been to a college bowling tournament you have a feel for the noise and team atmosphere surrounding the event.

 I could see what the gossip was about, but really it looked to me as if they were just practicing their team approach as if they were bowling a collegiate tournament. More noise and intensity than your typical league was use to.

I remember that evening the intensity and confidence Rhino expressed was obvious. Since that time I have gotten to know Rhino as a bowler and as a person. Let me tell you this...what you saw of Rhino is just a glimpse of what he will be. There is more intensity and emotion in Rhino than you got to see and when it is all said and done there will be some that like it and some that do not.

Rhino has a fire inside of him that burns for competition. It doesn't matter what he is doing. He gets away with a lot of that intensity because he is quick to show his respect for others and flash that smile of his. But don't think for a second he is going to back down in a pressure situation. He lives for those moments and his expectations are high.

His early success may create an animal in the near future. It isn't very often that a bowler can come out on tour and make it look as easy as he has. I am sure he will take his lumps along the way. I have watched Rhino develop and have seen the determination in him. I have no doubt he will have success, time will only tell the amount of success he will have. One of the most interesting things to monitor will be the perception of his determination and intensity.

Rhino will work, he doesn't miss too many opportunities to gain as much knowledge as he can. I actually invited Rhino to participate in our Brunswick Training Camp this summer as the only non-staffer...I did this because I appreciate his passion and determination for our sport. There is a part of Rhino I can identify with. At his age I was very competitive and didn't like to lose at anything. I am a little reluctant to jump on the Rhino band wagon until he shows me what he is like when things are not so good. I want to see that the respect and attitude he shows when things are good is still there when things are not so good.

I have enjoyed a lot of good times with Rhino on the golf course, in the bowling center, or just hanging out...I have always been there to offer advise and support but there is something that keeps telling me to be cautious.

To be honest, I am not sure what it is yet. Rhino has done everything expected of him and he has proven his talent. I told him to keep doing what he is doing and I will keep my eye on him...when things aren't so good to come see me. One of the things I have learned out here is to stay out of the way of somebody in a zone.