By Ryan Ernst
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Local bowler Nick Vogelgesang, originally of Lawrenceburg but now residing in Eastgate, joined the Professional Bowlers Association Tour last year.

Nick Vogelgesang bowls at Cherry Grove Lanes. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

He already has cracked the tour's top 60 in earnings and match-play appearances. Most days, Vogelgesang can be found at Cherry Grove Lanes in Eastgate, where he practices six hours a day.

He recently took time from practice to answer five questions from Enquirer reporter Ryan Ernst.

1. You said you've bowled around 60 sanctioned 300 games. What does that last ball feel like when you've been perfect the entire game?

Well, it's not as different as you might think. You can't get to 300 unless you throw the first ball. But it's an adrenaline rush - like you beat the lanes.

How can I compare it? It's like hitting a home run. It's an accomplishment that never gets old.

2. On the PBA, television appearances are counted like a statistic. How many have you had?

I just made it once this year at the Odor-Eaters Open in Louisville.

But I've been on TV in the past on the BPA "King of Local." That was more local. It used to be on Channel 9.

3. What was the ESPN appearance in Louisville like?

They have a new setting, like an arena, for ESPN. They have bleachers, and it's like you're in a tunnel with a bunch of people watching. The pressure was kind of extreme, because it was my first time in that setting. But it's fun to try to entertain the audience as well as win and make money.

4. What do you hope to accomplish on the PBA Tour?

My first priority is to win a tournament. My future goals are to win more tournaments and eventually give back to bowling what it's given to me - either coaching or owning a bowling center.

Also, one of my friends, a very good local bowler named George Hensley, passed away two years ago in a car accident. I don't want to say he gets a chance to live on through me, but I'm trying to do the things that he never got a chance to do.

5. Do a lot of people ask you to join their bowling teams as a ringer?

I bowl with a team at Cherry Grove that picked me up a few years ago. But mostly, I just do a lot of subbing in leagues, because I'm always gone on tour. Mostly, I just like hanging around friends in the bowling center.

E-mail rernst@enquirer.com