Gresham, Ore. -- The "R Kids" youth bowling program, once a cornerstone of competitive youth bowling in the Pacific Northwest, is set to make its highly anticipated return in 2025. Under the leadership of USBC Silver Level Coach Chris Burnett, the program will relaunch at Mount Hood Lanes in Gresham, Oregon. It promises to provide young athletes with the tools and opportunities to excel while honoring the legacy of its founder, Coach Mick McMahon.

Originally founded by McMahon, "R Kids" became synonymous with elite youth bowling, shaping the careers of many accomplished athletes. Burnett, a former participant, expressed his gratitude for McMahon’s influence and his commitment to carrying the legacy forward.

“This program paved the way for a lot of bowlers you see today,” Burnett shared. “Bringing it back is my way of paying it forward and honoring Coach Mick’s profound influence.”

McMahon, reflecting on the program’s return, shared his thoughts: “Chris has frequently surprised me with the knowledge and coach’s eye he has developed over the years. He is the ideal man to revive the legacy. Meanwhile, I have 28 years of memories with the ‘R’s,’ and it’s wonderful to see the program come back.”

Burnett envisions "R Kids" as a platform to challenge young bowlers and prepare them for competitive success at all levels. The program will feature Saturday morning competitions with a four-game format designed to hone consistency and adaptability.

“The sport is on an uphill climb,” Burnett noted. “With the right coaching and opportunities, kids will only continue to improve. This is about giving them something to strive for—the competition, camaraderie, and legacy are all part of what makes ‘R Kids’ special.”

Burnett’s coaching philosophy emphasizes unlocking each athlete’s potential and maintaining a positive mindset. “Every athlete thinks they’ve plateaued at some point, but there’s always more to give,” he said. “It’s my job to help them see that and push their limits.”

Mount Hood Lanes General Manager Javier Ayala views Burnett’s involvement as a transformative step forward for their youth program. “Here at Mount Hood Lanes, we want to give kids the tools to be the best bowlers they desire to be,” Ayala said. “That might mean becoming a competitive league bowler, earning a college scholarship, or even going pro. To do that, we need the best coaching available, and Chris Burnett is exactly the person to help us take this program to the next level.”

Ayala praised Burnett’s passion for coaching and recounted how the partnership came to be. “I wasn’t even going to ask Chris to join because I assumed he would say no,” he shared. “But when I approached him on a whim, he was as excited as we were about the idea. Not only that, he suggested bringing back ‘R Kids,’ and I was blown away. Chris has a heart for coaching—it’s who he is.”

Mount Hood Lanes already boasts a strong foundation of youth coaches, including up-and-comers like Amber Ortner, who aspires to become a USBC Gold Level Coach, and seasoned contributors like Nathan Gublee, Wayne Noonan, and Bill Carr. Ayala expressed pride in the team and excitement for the program’s future.

“When youth bowlers in Oregon think of the best or must-bowl league, we want them to think of Mount Hood Lanes and ‘R Kids,’” Ayala said. “With Chris leading the charge, we are confident we can achieve that.”

Families interested in joining the "R Kids" program can contact Chris Burnett at 503-438-5554. The program is open to youth bowlers eager to learn, compete, and grow under the guidance of experienced coaches.

The relaunch of "R Kids" at Mount Hood Lanes promises to inspire a new generation of bowlers, offering a program that combines tradition, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. With Chris Burnett’s leadership and support from a dedicated coaching staff, "R Kids" is poised to reclaim its place as a premier training ground for elite youth talent in Oregon.