AUBURN - Emotions ran high when Sharon Shoemaker defeated defending Citizen Masters Women's champ Sandy Vertz last year.
The Citizen File Photo
Sharon Shoemaker won her third title at The Citizen Masters in 2005.
Sharon Shoemaker won her third title at The Citizen Masters in 2005.
“Sandy is a tough bowler,” Shoemaker said. “I can't take anything away from her. I lost my first match and I knew I was going to have to bowl her again and I knew I was going to have to fight to beat her.”
And fight she did. Shoemaker fought her way right into the history books becoming only the third woman, along with Shirley Tenity and Sally Mentillo, in tournament history to win three titles.
“To be a part of that record is a great honor,” Shoemaker said. “Shirley was always very supportive and a great bowler.”
Shoemaker said it doesn't matter if it is the first or the third win, the emotion is still the same.
“I mean what can you say? That is why everyone is in this tournament,” Shoemaker said. “It is still a thrill and a lot of hard work.”
But winning hasn't changed anything for Shoemaker, who has taken her accomplishments in stride.
“It has been an OK year,” Shoemaker said. “It hasn't been anything spectacular. There is so much going on that it puts it all into perspective. I just found out a friend has lung cancer. I have three grandchildren and another on the way. That puts it into perspective; it is just a game and certainly not the end of the world if I don't win.”
With everything else happening in her life, Shoemaker said it has been hard to find as much time to dedicate to her game as she might like, but that she still bowls every Monday night in Cedar House's Coca-Cola Classic League.
“I've been sticking with my normal routine,” Shoemaker said. “I should practice more than I do, but there just never seems to be enough time.”
Even after all the success she has had in the tournament, Shoemaker said it is the competition that keeps her going.
“I like the Masters,” Shoemaker said. “It's about survival, and you have to grind it out day to day and it is just good head-to-head competition.”
Shoemaker said since the tournament moves from house to house, just getting a feel for the lanes from day to day can be a challenge but is part of the excitement.
“I always look forward to bowling in the other centers,” Shoemaker said. “Every match is tough. But you have to adjust to the conditions. They are different every single day. Even in the same center it is not always the same conditions. You have to adjust accordingly.”
But this has gotten Shoemaker used to making quick adjustments.
“You acclimate and it gets more normal,” Shoemaker said. “You get used to the way the lanes are going to break down. But there is so much you have to figure out and you have to figure it out quickly and still be seriously focused on your matches.”
If Shoemaker can pull off a victory this year, she will be the first woman to win four titles and while she is excited by the prospect, she said she can't get ahead of herself.
“I'd love to win again,” Shoemaker said. “But you have to take every day as it comes. You have to keep it in perspective.”
And fight she did. Shoemaker fought her way right into the history books becoming only the third woman, along with Shirley Tenity and Sally Mentillo, in tournament history to win three titles.
“To be a part of that record is a great honor,” Shoemaker said. “Shirley was always very supportive and a great bowler.”
Shoemaker said it doesn't matter if it is the first or the third win, the emotion is still the same.
“I mean what can you say? That is why everyone is in this tournament,” Shoemaker said. “It is still a thrill and a lot of hard work.”
But winning hasn't changed anything for Shoemaker, who has taken her accomplishments in stride.
“It has been an OK year,” Shoemaker said. “It hasn't been anything spectacular. There is so much going on that it puts it all into perspective. I just found out a friend has lung cancer. I have three grandchildren and another on the way. That puts it into perspective; it is just a game and certainly not the end of the world if I don't win.”
With everything else happening in her life, Shoemaker said it has been hard to find as much time to dedicate to her game as she might like, but that she still bowls every Monday night in Cedar House's Coca-Cola Classic League.
“I've been sticking with my normal routine,” Shoemaker said. “I should practice more than I do, but there just never seems to be enough time.”
Even after all the success she has had in the tournament, Shoemaker said it is the competition that keeps her going.
“I like the Masters,” Shoemaker said. “It's about survival, and you have to grind it out day to day and it is just good head-to-head competition.”
Shoemaker said since the tournament moves from house to house, just getting a feel for the lanes from day to day can be a challenge but is part of the excitement.
“I always look forward to bowling in the other centers,” Shoemaker said. “Every match is tough. But you have to adjust to the conditions. They are different every single day. Even in the same center it is not always the same conditions. You have to adjust accordingly.”
But this has gotten Shoemaker used to making quick adjustments.
“You acclimate and it gets more normal,” Shoemaker said. “You get used to the way the lanes are going to break down. But there is so much you have to figure out and you have to figure it out quickly and still be seriously focused on your matches.”
If Shoemaker can pull off a victory this year, she will be the first woman to win four titles and while she is excited by the prospect, she said she can't get ahead of herself.
“I'd love to win again,” Shoemaker said. “But you have to take every day as it comes. You have to keep it in perspective.”
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