Hatfield offers clinic, advice

     Renowned bowling coach Ron Hatfield had some advice for a dozen or so Monticello youth who attended an Oct. 5 clinic at Legacy Lanes.

     It was this: Don’t let the clinic be the end of your learning.

     “Just being there (at the clinic) doesn’t make you a better bowler,” Hatfield said during a phone interview that took place while he was heading back to his home in Columbus, Ohio. “They really need to increase the practice. They spent a lot of time with me, and I don’t want that to go to waste for them.”

     Hatfield, 54, is certified as a Gold-level bowling coach. A former Ohio State University All-American bowler, he has a long resume of coaching positions, including the USA Junior team in 2002-03, and co-coaching the team at Arizona State University in 2006-07, He is currently head coaching professional of the RKH Coaching Group.

      He has also co-authored a book, “Bowling Beyond the Basics,” with James Freeman.

     The book indirectly led to Hatfield coming to Monticello. Brian Meyer, head coach of the Monticello High School bowling teams and owner of Legacy Lanes, was looking to buy several copies.

     “A mutual friend connected us on Facebook six months ago,” Hatfield said. “We stayed in touch.”

     Meyer learned that Hatfield was planning to give a series of clinics in Dickeyville, Wis., which is less than an hour away from Monticello.

     “He thought it would be a nice opportunity, since I was already in the area, to bring me over for a day,” Hatfield said. “I said, ‘Absolutely.’ ”

     For three hours, Hatfield worked with the bowlers – most of whom are members of the Monticello High School bowling team – through observation, computer programs, video clips and more.

     Hatfield said he has been a full-time coach for 15 years. He provides 20 to 25 clinics in a normal year (he has done fewer this year due to COVID-19).

     “I don’t feel like it’s a job,” he said. “I feel like I’m just having fun and doing what I love to do.

     “But more importantly than that, it’s helping people achieve more of their goals in the sport they love. And when I see the look on their faces of ‘getting it,’ understanding what we’re doing, it’s that kind of feedback that (shows) I’m helping to make a small difference.”

     Hatfield was first sought for bowling advice shortly after his collegiate career ended. That led to him starting to take coaching seriously. He earned coaching certifications, and gained some opportunities to coach from a man he calls his mentor, Fred Borden.

     “I just ran with it,” Hatfield said. “If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

     Private lessons and clinics make up the bulk of his work. And each time, he emphasizes practice when offering pieces of advice.

     “Practice with a purpose,” Hatfield said. “Go into every practice and have a goal. I think that’s really the best advice.”