OREGON — Al Nordman, the head coach of the Oregon High School boys and girls bowling teams, has been in and around the sport a good part of his life. For the last 23 years he, along with wife Sandy, have been the owners of two bowling centers, Plum Hollow in Dixon and Town and Country Lanes in Mt. Morris. During that time, he’s helped countless kids and adults try to find some success in a difficult game.
“As long as I’m in the bowling business and someone wants to learn I’m more than happy to help get them there,” Nordman said.
Nordman continues to be a student of the sweet science and goes to workshops and clinics to gain knowledge to pass along to his teams. Over the summer, he attended the Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales, Florida and came back with some valuable instruction.
“They have created specific bowling related drills that I have incorporated into our practices that seem to be helping,” Nordman said.
By going the extra mile, Nordman has had continued success which has validated his teaching methods. So far this season, the boys' team is currently 14-2 in dual matches and have captured two tournaments including the hosted Hawk Invitational, and the LaSalle Peru Cavalier Classic. The JV team is just as impressive, posting a perfect 13-0 mark with many of their scores being better than a lot of varsity teams. The Hawks appear to have quite a bit of depth.
“It really helps and makes for good competition when we can put 7-8-9 guys out there that can average 175 or better and we pick the top six when it comes time for a match,” Nordman said.
Practices aren’t typical for the Hawk squads and probably have the most structured sessions of anyone who has a bowling team. The first 10 minutes is dedicated to stretching and warm-up exercises and the next 25 minutes the sounds of balls rolling and pins dropping echo throughout the lanes as a variety of shot making is worked on including; five shots from the foul line, five three-step approach, and five full live. Then Nordman has tools to work on specific things like arm swing, release and footwork. He’s also introduced state-of-the-art, new technology that is worth seeing.
“We put lights on the lane where I want the kids to follow the path and bowl on the lights,” Nordman said. “At Kegel, the most renowned independent training center for bowling, three quarters of the tools and equipment that they have, I have at my Mt. Morris location. I’ve spent a lot of time with high-end coaches watching their approach in order to pass it on.”
At Kegel, Nordman also participated in a clinic for two-handed delivery, something that continues to gain popularity.
“The two hands in general are about ball speed and rev rate,“ Nordman said. “The higher the speed the better angle at impact. It’s certainly advantageous, but not for everyone because it takes some athleticism and flexibility.”
Junior Gavin Surmo decided at the end of last season to switch to the two hands after a tough sophomore campaign despite qualifying for state.
“I worked very hard over the summer to make the switch which now feels more natural and comfortable,“ Surmo said. “I have to give props to Assistant Head Coach A.J. because he was the one that suggested that I try it. The biggest change that I’ve noticed is spare shooting has gotten a little easier and I feel more under control.”
Surmo got to experience first-hand the fruits of his labor bowling a perfect 300 game for the first time in his career at the Cavalier Classic.
“It was a big relief knowing that I can do it,” Surmo said with pride in his voice. “The coaching, instruction, and support from both coaches has been a big part of my success.”
Norman knew that Surmo would do well with the change.
“Gavin is motivated internally and has bowling in his family,” Nordman said. “He has natural athletic ability and a strong desire to succeed. I'm very proud of his progress.”
Surmo has led his six-man squad most of the season scoring-wise, while his counterparts have kept the Hawks near the top of the Illinois Bowling Conference standings which includes; Dixon, Christian Life, Dakota, Oregon, Rockford Christian, Rockford Lutheran, and South Beloit. The top six have consistently been Codey Dunbar, RJ Keene, Matthew Stahl, Surmo, and senior team leader Brady Davis, who felt that it was his duty to step forward.
“I figured that as a senior it’s my responsibility to lead for success. Not just individually, but as a team,” Davis said. “I know what it takes to be successful and that’s accountability and leadership. I want to be there for my teammates and make Coach Al proud.”
“Brady took it upon himself to lead our warmups and is the vocal leader,” Nordman said. “He’s the most coachable person that I’ve ever had. He’s open to anything which rubs off on the others and it’s been very enjoyable to work with him.”
The Hawks will be traveling to Freeport for regionals on Jan. 13, and if successful, Sectionals will be held at the Don Carter Lanes in Rockford on Jan. 20, with the state finals on Friday and Saturday Jan. 26-27 at the St. Clair Bowl, O’Fallon in Fairview Heights. 10 individuals can advance out of the regional and although according to Nordman it’s a tough road, anything can happen.
“Teams like Dakota who won our conference, along with Sterling, Dixon, and Freeport, will make it very competitive,“ Nordman said. “We certainly can win as a team and advance individuals. We will have to be at our best.”
