2024 Old Timers Tournament
The 53rd annual Old Timers Bowling Tournament is a time-honored event for bowlers aged 50 and up. Originally founded by Howard and Ethel Setter, it has become a multi-generational tradition led by their daughter, Debbie Deane. Held at Hazel Dell Lanes, the tournament maintains long-standing customs, including a chicken dinner and champagne served during the final game. Deane shared in an interview that many players are family members of past participants, keeping the tournament’s legacy alive. The event honors the dedication of loyal bowlers, including some in their 90s, and has built a strong community over the years.
October 13, 2024
Ramshaw Delivers In Eugene
Eugene, Ore. -- Matt Ramshaw drove 160 miles to capture the October OBA title at Firs Bowl in Eugene.
Ramshaw was 5th following after 6 games of qualifying. In match play, he won 3 of his 4 matches to earn the #1 seed in the step ladder finals.
Last months winner, Ryan Nikolas was the number 4 seed and defeated Kian Pryor and Chelsea Sporkia before facing Ramshaw in the championship match.
Ramshaw was not slowed down by his waiting for his opponent blasting a 276 to Nikolas' 212 to walk away with the title.
Tournament Director Sean Daniels is working on a more detailed tournament recap.
Congratulations Matt on your big win!
October 13, 2024
$2,500 In Scholarships Paid At Superplay On Sunday
Beaverton, Ore. -- Congratulations to several youth bowlers for their finishes at the October SuperPlay Scholarship Series.
October 12, 2024
It's A Win For Bretthauer In Salem
Salem, Ore. -- For the first time, RTB Bowling hosted an event specifically for senior bowlers, bringing 44 men (aged 50+) and women (aged 40+) to AMF Firebird Lanes on Saturday to compete for an RTB title and a $675 first-place prize. The tournament saw a range of new and returning participants, with many expressing interest in future events.
Early Highlights and Qualifying Rounds
The tournament kicked off with impressive scores. John Docker of Milwaukie bowled a perfect 300 in his opening game, while Bob Davenport from Salem nearly matched him with a 298. Steve Bretthauer of Hillsboro followed closely with a 289. These top performances set the tone for the day and kept the competition intense.
Throughout the qualifying rounds, these bowlers stayed in the top rankings. Bob Davenport moved into the lead in Game 5 with a 254, ultimately securing the top spot by the end of qualifying with a total of +310. Steve Bretthauer and Docker rounded out the top three. The cut for the money bracket ended with 11 bowlers, with Terry Andersen of Sherwood securing the last spot.
Final Qualifying Standings:
- Bob Davenport - Salem, OR (+310)
- Steve Bretthauer - Hillsboro, OR (+228)
- John Docker - Portland, OR (+195)
- Shawn Meads - Ridgefield, WA (+194)
- Griffin Kinney - Oregon City, OR (+189)
- Bill Eddleman - St Helens, OR (+185)
- Gerald Stacey - St Helens, OR (+184)
- James Pedersen - Salem, OR (+177)
- Chuck Orton - Springfield, OR (+169) - $165 prize
- Lanny Thomason - Eugene, OR (+154) - $140 prize
- John Wells - Eugene, OR (+152) - $125 prize
Match Play Bracket
In the match play bracket, bowlers faced off in two-game total pin matches. The top seed, Davenport, narrowly defeated Pedersen 440-437 to advance. Bretthauer, Kinney, and Eddleman also advanced to the next round.
The final four included Bretthauer, Kinney, Davenport, and Eddleman. Bretthauer defeated Eddleman with a score of 449-398, while Davenport won against Kinney 434-413, setting up a final match between Davenport and Bretthauer.
The Championship Match
In the finals, Davenport and Bretthauer faced off, each vying for the RTB title. Bretthauer took an early lead with a 212 game, while Davenport, struggling with ball issues, managed a 166. Despite a strong comeback in the second game, Davenport could not overcome the gap. Bretthauer secured his third RTB title, winning the match 418-394 and claiming the $675 prize. Davenport took home $425 as the runner-up.
Additional Highlights and Announcements
A raffle, sponsored by Brunswick Brands, awarded John Barth a prize, and event organizers thanked Firebird Lanes staff for a well-run tournament. The success of this senior-exclusive event has led to plans for a return in May at Mt. Hood Lanes.
The next RTB event will be the highly anticipated Baker Doubles at Cottage Bowl, expected to draw nearly 120 bowlers across two squads. This event marks the return of the Baker format, which hasn’t been featured since 2016.
October 10, 2024
Team USA Bowlers Win Eight Medals on Final Day of 2024 Champion of Champions
Lima, Peru. -- Team USA closed out the 2024 PANAM Bowling Champion of Champions by winning eight medals on the final day, bringing their total to 10 medals out of a possible 12. The competition was held at the VIDENA Bowling Center, where the team competed in singles, doubles, and all-events categories.
On the last day, each of the four Team USA bowlers earned two medals. Bryanna Coté of Tucson, Arizona, took home the gold in women's all-events and a silver in women’s singles. Crystal Elliott from Palm Bay, Florida, won gold in women’s singles and a bronze in all-events. In the men’s categories, Matt Russo of Ballwin, Missouri, secured gold in all-events and bronze in singles, while Chris Via of Springfield, Ohio, earned gold in men’s singles and bronze in all-events.
Earlier in the tournament, Russo and Via had also captured silver in men’s doubles.
In the women’s singles competition, Elliott led the way with an eight-game score of 1,602, finishing with a 16-game total of 3,202, while Coté finished 21 pins behind with a total of 3,181. Colombia’s Juliana Franco won the women’s singles bronze with 3,112.
Coté’s performance in all-events over three days resulted in a 24-game total of 4,758, giving her the all-events gold. Aruba’s Kamilah Dammers earned silver with a score of 4,735, and Elliott took bronze with 4,721.
For the men’s singles, Via scored 1,666 in his final eight games, achieving a two-day total of 3,393. Francois Lavoie from Canada won silver with a score of 3,372, while Russo earned bronze with a total of 3,312. In men’s all-events, Russo topped the field with a 24-game total of 4,935, followed by Canada’s Mitch Hupe with 4,911 for silver and Via with 4,902 for bronze.
PHOTO: Bowl.com
October 8, 2024
Team USA Bowlers Head into Final Day of 2024 PANAM Champion of Champions in Medal Hunt
LIMA, Peru – Team USA bowlers are well-positioned for medals as they enter the final day of the 2024 PANAM Bowling Champion of Champions. Chris Via leads the men’s singles field with a score of 1,727 across eight games, while Matt Russo holds fifth place at 1,677. Canada’s Francois Lavoie, Bermuda’s David Maycock, and Colombia’s Jaime Gonzalez follow closely behind, promising an exciting finish on the tournament’s challenging 39-foot oil pattern. Russo and Via are also second and third in all-events, following Canadian leader Mitch Hupe with 3,322.
In the women’s field, Bryanna Coté and Crystal Elliott placed second and third in singles on Tuesday. Coté rolled a total of 1,613, and Elliott 1,600, both trailing Aruba’s Kamilah Dammers, who led with 1,625. All three women also occupy the top spots in the all-events standings, with Coté and Elliott at 3,190 and 3,119, respectively.
Singles resumes Wednesday at 10 a.m. Eastern with women’s competition, followed by the men’s block at 4 p.m. The medal race remains competitive, and Team USA looks to reach the podium in singles and all-events
October 8, 2024
Team USA Wins Silver in Men’s Doubles at Pan-Am Bowling Champion of Champions in Peru
LIMA, Peru – Team USA’s Matt Russo and Chris Via achieved silver medals in men’s doubles on Monday, October 1, during the 2024 PANAM Bowling Champion of Champions. Competing at the VIDENA Bowling Center, the pair outscored Peru’s team by just 17 pins with a total of 3,132. Russo and Via, who scored 1,623 and 1,509 respectively, were edged out for gold by Canada’s Mitch Hupe and Francois Lavoie, who posted a combined 3,302 – the only score averaging above 200 per game on the tournament’s challenging 39-foot oil pattern.
Despite facing challenging lane conditions, both American bowlers emphasized the importance of teamwork and maintaining focus. “Chris and I worked well together,” Russo noted, emphasizing the role of strategy and support in achieving their finish. Via added, “It’s a great feeling to bring home a silver medal, and we’ve gathered some insights from today that will help us in singles.”
On the women’s side, Team USA’s Bryanna Coté and Crystal Elliott fought hard in their eight-game series but fell short of the podium by six pins, finishing fourth with 3,096 points. El Salvador’s team took bronze, while Venezuela secured the gold.
The tournament continues with singles rounds, where competitors will complete two eight-game blocks over two days. Beyond singles, medals for overall performance will also be awarded, with Russo and Coté both currently ranked in the top three for all events.
PHOTO: USBC
October 6, 2024
Keith Figueroa and Rich Stocks win October BBI at AMF Firebird Lanes
Salem Ore. - The October BBI took members to AMF Firebird Lanes in Salem. After 5 games of qualifying, Steve Bretthauer and Paul Coates finished at the top qualifiers.
The field was cut to the top 16 pairs and in the end, the team of Keith Figueroa and Rich Stocks came out on top.
A full write up of the action will be added at a later date.
October 6, 2024
JBT Tournaments at Kingpins Portland and Beaverton See Big Wins for Kwon and Others
PORTLAND, OR – The Junior Bowlers Tour (JBT) held two exciting tournaments over the weekend, with notable wins at Kingpins Portland on Saturday and Kingpins Beaverton on Sunday. Do Hoon Kwon took home two titles in the Scratch and U17 divisions in Portland, with Michele Westmorland also securing a title. Piper Chalmers won in the Girls division.
On Sunday in Beaverton, Kwon dominated again, winning both the Scratch and U17 divisions, including a perfect 300 in qualifying. Laelah Tiquia won in the Girls division, and Tobie Holcomb claimed the Handicap division.
Complete results will be posted soon on the JBT website.
October 4, 2024
Federal Charges Filed in Connection with 2019 Bowling Ball Factory Fire
JENNINGS, MO – Federal prosecutors have filed charges against John S. Wonders, the owner of a former bowling ball factory that caught fire in October 2019. Wonders, who purchased Faball Enterprises, Inc. in the late 1980s, had been operating the factory at 8700 Xograph Avenue in Jennings under the name Visionary Bowling Products, LLC.
In 2018, the City of Jennings acquired the property due to unpaid taxes, and the business ceased production by 2019. By August of that year, the city notified Wonders to vacate the property by October 20. Prosecutors allege that from July to October 2019, John Wonders and Jason Wonders improperly stored or abandoned hazardous chemicals at the facility without a permit, violating federal environmental laws under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
A significant fire broke out at the vacant facility on October 21, 2021, prompting evacuations of nearby homes and businesses due to potential hazards. More than a dozen fire departments responded, and the Jennings School District issued a shelter-in-place order. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources later discovered hundreds of decaying containers of hazardous materials at the site.
Both John and Jason Wonders have been charged with unlawful storage of hazardous waste.
PHOTO: KTVI
October 2, 2024
USBC Open Championships to See Record Participation in 2025; Announces Key Changes for 2026
ARLINGTON, TX – The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Open Championships is on track to record its largest team participation since 2012 at the 2025 event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This growth comes after consistent improvements to the tournament structure, including the addition of a third division in 2017 and ongoing feedback from participants and external working groups.
For the 2026 event in Reno, Nevada, several key changes will be implemented to further enhance the tournament:
Division Average Adjustments: The average ranges for the tournament's three divisions will change, making competition more balanced. Bowlers will be classified as follows:
- Classified Division: 160 average and below (185 or lower on a typical league condition)
- Standard Division: 161-181 average (186-210 on a typical league condition)
- Regular Division: 182 average and above (211 or higher on a typical league condition)
Entry Fee Increase: Entry fees for each event (team, doubles, and singles) will rise by $10, and the all-events optional entry will increase by $5. All additional fees will go directly to the prize fund. With these adjustments, the 2026 prize fund is expected to exceed $9.2 million based on current participation levels, up from $7.3 million in 2024.
Team and Doubles Composition Rule Changes: Starting in 2026, bowlers aged 60 and older, as well as those who were part of junior national teams, will no longer be subject to restrictions under Rule No. 21. Collegiate bowlers will also be free from this rule, encouraging full team or doubles participation. The updated rules will also affect past adult national team members and professional bowlers.
In addition to these changes, the USBC Women’s Championships will introduce a new category—Team All-Events—in 2025, giving teams a chance to compete for a title based on combined performances in team, doubles, and singles events, similar to the Open Championships.
For more details on the USBC Open Championships, visit BOWL.com/OpenChamp. More information about the Women’s Championships can be found at BOWL.com/WomensChamp.
October 1, 2024
Oregon State USBC Looking To Hire New Association Manager
The Oregon State USBC has announced that Rebecca Cole has stepped down as Association Manager. The organization thanked her for her dedicated service and passion for bowling, wishing her success in her future endeavors.
The OSUSBC is now in the process of hiring for two key positions: Association Manager and Open Tournament Director. The organization is seeking candidates with a passion for bowling, strong communication, and organizational skills. Those interested in applying can find more information on the Oregon State USBC website.
October 1, 2024
Bowling Set to Return to 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with New Go Bowling Float
ARLINGTON, TX – Go Bowling is bringing bowling back to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® for the 98th edition of the iconic event in New York City. Go Bowling, the consumer-facing brand of the International Bowling Campus (IBC), will premiere a new float, Strikes Again, at this year’s parade. The float will feature an animatronic bowler and vibrant visuals, showcasing the excitement of bowling.
Go Bowling has been a partner in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 2018, and this year's float will highlight the energy of the sport while reminding viewers that bowling is a fun, family-friendly activity.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Go Bowling to roll out an exciting, action-packed float for this year’s parade,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The new float is expected to engage millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide.
In addition to the float, Go Bowling will support the parade partnership with digital marketing initiatives, offering over 3,400 member bowling centers posters and promotional assets. Contests will also be held on social media throughout November, offering followers limited-edition bowling balls and pins.
The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on NBC and stream on Peacock on Thursday, November 28. For more information, visit macys.com/parade.
For details on how to join the bowling fun, visit GoBowling.com and follow them on social media.
Triangle Bowl Gets Modern, While Staying Vintage
Longview, Wash. -- Triangle Bowl has completed a major renovation, replacing its vintage pin setters with the latest Brunswick GS NXT models.
The bowling center had been relying on the original pin setters for over 60 years. In the 1960s, they had upgraded to the first generation of Brunswick A pin setters, and later the faster A2 models.
This year, the decision was made to invest in the newest pin setting technology. The GS NXT models offer faster strike cycles and the ability to set single pins, enabling new interactive bowling games.
The center worked with Brunswick to keep the classic wood-paneled design masking units that pay homage to bowling's golden era.
The upgrades aim to modernize the Triangle Bowl and provide a premium bowling experience for the community, which has seen other local alleys close in recent years.
September 30, 2024
Gunn and LaPerriere Win RTB Plastic Ball Doubles
WOODBURN, OR – The third edition of the RTB Plastic Ball Doubles Tournament took place at Woodburn Lanes, drawing 27 teams for the unique event where competitors could only use polyester balls.
The event featured a challenging 29-foot light oil pattern, which tested the skills and patience of all participants.
Barbara Howard Hanten and Tom Hanten set the pace early, leading after game 1 with a score of +56. However, James Bretthauer and Ryan M. Cross took over the lead after game 2 and held on through game 4, increasing their advantage to 80 pins. But the competition tightened as the lanes continued to shift.
David Gunn and Joseph LaPerriere made a big move in game 5, jumping from 4th place to claim the top spot with a 408 scratch score. This earned them a spot in the stepladder finals alongside Barbara and Tom Hanten, Sean Stacey and William Gillett, and Kian Pryor and David DuBois, who had made significant jumps throughout the day.
The finals saw David Gunn and Joseph LaPerriere secure their second RTB title, defeating Barbara and Tom Hanten in a close match. The duo’s win came after Gunn’s second RTB title of the year and LaPerriere’s first win since May 2022.
Final Results:
- David Gunn / Joseph LaPerriere – $525 each
- Barbara Howard Hanten / Tom Hanten – $375 each
- Kian Pryor / David DuBois – $275 each
- Sean Stacey / William Gillett – $225 each
- James Bretthauer / Ryan M. Cross – $190 each
- Dwayne Fagan / Bob Davenport – $160 each
The next RTB event, the Senior Classic, will take place on October 12 at AMF Firebird Lanes, open to bowlers 50+ for men and 40+ for women.
September 29, 2024
Inaugural RTB Columba George Tournament In Pendleton
Pendleton, Ore. -- Sunday marked the first RTB event in the Columbia Gorge, held at Quaking Aspen Lanes, located at Wildhorse Resort and Casino. The tournament saw a strong turnout, with 32 teams and 64 participants competing in the event. The tournament paid out prizes to the top 8 teams, following a 1/4 payout structure.
The competition started off with high scores in the 250-230 range, but as the day progressed, lane conditions shifted, and players had to quickly adapt. Aaron Hines and Nathan Som, local bowlers familiar with the venue, took an early lead in game 3 and maintained their advantage through consistent performance. They finished the cut with a lead of over 100 pins on the second-place team, Melissa Gray and Miguel Guzman-Orozco.
Despite Aaron and Nathan's dominance, Gray and Guzman-Orozco steadily held second and third positions throughout the six-game block. In the bracket finale, they narrowly defeated Larry Dankenbring Jr. and Chris Mott by just 4 pins in the first match. They continued their momentum by winning against Lee Ozuna and Lawrence Montez by 49 pins and then upsetting the long-standing leaders, Hines and Som, by 63 pins in the final match to claim victory.
RTB Columbia Gorge thanked the staff at Quaking Aspen Lanes for their smooth management of the event and announced that the next event will take place in Walla Walla on November 2. This will be a singles event with two squads scheduled for 9 AM and 1 PM. Registration is open for interested participants.
Interview with Kevin Hong.
Kevin Hong, is a youth and adult bowling coach in the Seattle area. He discussed his extensive involvement in youth bowling, including organizing tournaments and leagues.
He highlighted the importance of bowling as an inclusive sport for children who may not excel in traditional sports, noting its appeal to those with social anxiety and autism.
Kevin also emphasized the advancements in coaching and technology that have enhanced the sport.
Additionally, he shared his passion for vintage bowling, documenting historic bowling centers through his website, VintageBowling.net, and encouraging others to support and promote the sport.
September 24, 2024
3rd Place Finish For Kelso's Zack Stone At PBA Northwest Regional Drake Mechanical Open
GARDEN CITY, ID – The PBA Northwest Region Drake Mechanical Open at Westy's Garden Lanes ends with Lanndyn Carnate of Redding, California, securing the title.
Carnate led the field with a total of 6,103 pins, including an impressive record of 5 wins and 1 loss in the match play rounds, earning him the $2,300 1st place prize.
Riley Woodard from Orem, Utah, finished in second place followed by Zack Stone from Kelso, Washington,.
Lanndyn Carnate (Redding, CA) – 6,103 total pins (224.53 average, 5-1-0 match play record)
Riley Woodard (Orem, UT) – 5,965 total pins (222.16 average, 4-2-0 match play record)
Zack Stone (Kelso, WA) – 4,669 total pins (220.88 average, 2-2-0 match play record)
Nickolas Freiberg (Sparks, NV) – 5,795 total pins (222.78 average, 3-2-0 match play record)
Michael Fitzgerald (Phoenix, AZ) – 3,763 total pins (220.60 average, 0-2-0 match play record)
Evan Nash (Kennewick, WA) – 3,679 total pins (218.33 average, 0-2-0 match play record)
Giorgio Clinaz Jr. (Brigham City, UT) – 4,655 total pins (214.81 average, 1-2-0 match play record)
Nick Borgaro (Coeur d’Alene, ID) – 3,547 total pins (212.40 average, 0-2-0 match play record)
Strong showings by several other local Professionals including a 10th place finish for Craig Tuholski, 12th place Christopher Tuholski, 17th place Bill Machin, and 18th place Kyler Crevier.
Zack Stone
Chris Tuholski
Bill Machin
Kyler Crevier
Craig Tuholski
September 22, 2024
Team "Bye" Wins Summer Ending Mt. Hood Swiss
GRESHAM, OR – The Summer Ending Swiss Tournament at Mt Hood Lanes saw 24 teams compete in a two-day showdown marked by tight scores and exciting matchups. Team "Bye" emerged victorious, clinching the title and a $3,000 prize with a total of 57 1/2 points.
There were some impressive individual performances. Mike Armstrong bowled a perfect 300 game, while Chris Ertel came close with a 299. Other high scorers included Mike Devlin (287), Jeri Ault (266), Kristen Kawachi (265), and Courtney Nikolas (256).
Kern Park Floral set the bar high with the top team game score of 1236. However, Team "Bye" secured their championship by defeating Kern Park Floral in the final and decisive 12th match.
The top eight teams that cashed are as follows:
Team "Bye"
Stone Pro Shop
All About The Balls
New Direction
Kern Park Floral
MATORS
Surf Punks
Hood Rats
Mike Arronson claimed the high average for the tournament, finishing with an impressive 229.
Congratulations to all the teams and bowlers for an outstanding tournament!
Rob Kahle, Sue Unger, Travis Moyer, Sarah Spellman, Brian Deluisa-Anderson
September 21, 2024
Spit On That Thang Walks Away The Winners In Bend
BEND, OR – A special event hosted by Rebecca Cole and Play Well Pro Shop at Lava Lanes Bend successfully introduced 18 new bowlers to RTB events. The initiative, designed to expand participation in future tournaments, featured a discount incentive for teams bringing in two new bowlers, with seven teams meeting the criteria. Play Well Pro Shop contributed to the prize fund through this sponsorship and a ball raffle, adding $213, which was won by Jeff Brittle from Orchard Lanes in Hood River.
The event saw 21 teams competing for an RTB title and a spot in the Tournament of Champions (TOC) scheduled for December. Throughout the tournament, the top spots were fiercely contested. Teams "Spit On That Thang" and "Hit N Miss" led the field early, both going 5-0 before facing each other in game 2. "Hit N Miss" emerged victorious in that match with a clean 5-0 sweep, sending "Spit On That Thang" down the standings.
The competition remained tight, with new leaders emerging as "Benchwarmers Strike Again" and "FCB" moved into the top spots by game 3. However, by game 5, "Hit N Miss" regained the lead, setting up a crucial final showdown.
In the decisive game 6, strong performances from Ryan and Chris Mott led "Spit On That Thang" to a 4-1 victory over "Hit N Miss," clinching the title with a total of 22 points. This win marked Ryan Mott's first title, Chris Mott's second, and Larry Dankenbring Jr.'s sixth.
Final standings were as follows:
- Spit On That Thang – 22 points, 4,322 pins, $1,200
- Hit N Miss – 21 points, 4,366 pins, $900
- FCB – 21 points, 4,124 pins, $675
- No Thumbs Allowed – 20 points, 4,002 pins, $540
- Benchwarmers Strike Again – 18 points, 4,057 pins, $420
RTB thanked Lava Lanes Bend for hosting the event and Play Well Pro Shop for their support in recruiting new bowlers. The next RTB event will be the Plastic Ball Doubles in Woodburn, followed by the Senior Classic at Firebird on October 12.
September 18, 2024
Highland Bowl in Corvallis Introduces String Pin Technology
Scott Yarrow, proprietor of Highland Bowl in Corvallis, Oregon, recently sat down with The Vanport Bowling News to discuss the bowling center's recent installation of USBC approved string pin machines, and the successful hosting of the Super Bowl Consolation Tournament.
The introduction of string pin technology at Highland Bowl, which was completed in early July, came with mixed initial reactions. According to Yarrow, some bowlers were hesitant about the change, with some teams opting out of the tournament due to preconceptions about how string pins might affect gameplay. However, once participants tried the new system, feedback was largely neutral to positive.
“Once people actually bowled on it, they realized it wasn’t as different as they thought,” said Yarrow. “It’s bowling, and after a few frames, they adjusted and just played the game.”
String pins, a relatively new innovation in bowling, feature strings attached to each pin, which Yarrow said improves machine reliability and reduces breakdowns. Highland Bowl has seen a significant reduction in mechanical stops, with Yarrow reporting only two to three stops per day, compared to frequent interruptions under the old 82-70 pinsetters.
Yarrow emphasized that while some subtle differences in pin action exist, such as occasional string trips or unique messenger pin behavior, the overall experience is similar to traditional free-standing pins. Additionally, he highlighted the benefits of improved pin-spotting accuracy and fewer disruptions, enhancing the bowler experience during league play and tournaments.
“One of the USBC requirements was that everything had to be on spot, and that’s what these machines deliver,” Yarrow noted, referencing the United States Bowling Congress’s approval of the string pin technology after extensive testing.
Since the installation, Highland Bowl has hosted its leagues and tournaments without any major issues. High scores, including a 299 game, have already been recorded, showing that the new system remains competitive.
Yarrow encouraged bowlers who are skeptical about string pins to come and try them. “You can watch videos online, but it’s really something you need to experience for yourself,” he said. “Once bowlers try it, they usually walk away feeling pretty good about it.”
Highland Bowl continues to offer open play and welcomes bowlers to come experience the string pin system firsthand.
September 15, 2024
Makayla Jensen Wins Inaugural NWWBT Event
Madras, OR – The Northwest Women’s Bowling Tour (NWWBT) launched its inaugural event on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Madras Bowl in Madras, Oregon.
The tournament featured 16 participants who competed in a six-game qualifying round, followed by four games of match play, culminating in a top-three step ladder finals.
Makayla Jensen led the qualifying round with a total score of 1377, followed by Chelsea Sporkia (1313), Brittany Nicole Bland (1250), and Jill Creamer (1248). Joy Parker finished fifth with a score of 1232, earning the last cash prize. Creamer also posted the high game of the day with a 256.
In the match play round, Brittany Bland’s strong performance secured her the top seed for the finals, with Jensen as the second seed and Creamer in third. Creamer’s 269 and 228 games in the final two match play rounds earned her a spot in the step ladder finals.
In the first step ladder match, Jensen defeated Creamer, finishing with a total score of 204 to Creamer’s 203, advancing to the title match.
The title match was a rematch between Jensen and Bland, with Jensen overcoming the 20-pin difference to win with a final score of 246 to Bland’s 187, making Makayla Jensen the first-ever NWWBT champion.
The next NWWBT event will take place at Woodburn Lanes on October 19, 2024.
After her win, Makayla posted the following to Facebook:
Today I was able to win the first ever Northwest Women’s Bowling Tour event at Madras Bowl! Huge shout out to Sean Daniels for giving us ladies something to bowl regularly! I’m very thankful for your efforts. Already can’t wait for next month at Woodburn! 💖
Thank you so much for all of the love and support! This is a special win for me. Feels like an awesome start to a new season of bowling.
Today I started the first few games with my Hammer Effect, switched to my Track Theorem in the middle, and went back to my old faithful to finish the tournament.
As always, thanks to Bowlifi for making sure I am always looking stylish on the lanes!
Couldn’t have the success I’ve had recently without the support of Milwaukie Bowl and Larry's Pro Shop behind me every step of the way. ❤️
Thank you so much to my in laws for keeping the boys while Eryk and I bowl in different cities across the state, yet again! Love you guys!
Quick shoutout to my Hubby and his partner Tim Meyers for taking 2nd this weekend in the NWST 90+ doubles!
Excited I got to steal my mom away for the day and have some much needed one on one time. 🥰
Thankful for this life I live. 🖤
#TeamBowlifi #NothingHitsLikeAHammer #TrackBowling #BrandsofBrunswick #TeamJensen
September 15, 2024
Nathan Gubele and Daryle Huff Win NWST at Walnut City Lanes
McMinnville, OR – Nathan Gubele and Daryle Huff emerged victorious at this weekend's Northwest Senior Tour 90+ Doubles event hosted at Walnut City Lanes. The event saw competitive play, including a standout performance by Lanny Thomason, who bowled a perfect 300 in Game 12.
The event was sponsored by John Huggett of Lovley Tire and Wheel, Larry Schwab of Larry's Pro Shop, Benny Salinas of Benny's Diesel Repair, and Brian Garland with Brands of Brunswick. Special thanks were given to Jerry Retkee and his staff at Walnut City Lanes for hosting the tournament.
September 15, 2024
Team #speakingtruths Wins RTB Superplay Quad Swiss
Beaverton, OR – Team #SpeakingTruths (Jason Smith, Sean Daniels, Chelsea Sporkia, and Bill Machin) took the top spot at the RTB Quad Swiss event held at SuperPlay, finishing with 39 points and 6,382 pins. They led most of the day, securing the $1,520 prize. Ebowla finished second with 34 points and 6,286 pins, followed by Drink Roll Repeat with 32.5 points and 5,979 pins.
Tristan Bailey had the day’s high game at 290. Other notable teams in the top six were Our Lefty Sucks, A-Team, and Hit N Miss.
Top 6 Teams and Prizes:
- #SpeakingTruths – 39 points, 6,382 pins – $1,520
- Ebowla – 34 points, 6,286 pins – $1,200
- Drink Roll Repeat – 32.5 points, 5,979 pins – $1,000
- Our Lefty Sucks – 31 points, 5,915 pins – $800
- A-Team – 30 points, 6,167 pins – $600
- Hit N Miss – 29 points, 6,191 pins – $500
The tournament also saw impressive individual performances, including a standout 290 game from Tristan Bailey. Other high scores were recorded by Jake Klemsen (front 10 until an 8-pin stopped his run), Matt Ramshaw (279), Bill Machin (278), Shawn Robertson (277), and Heather Williams (274).
In bracket play, #SpeakingTruths solidified their dominance, taking a 6-1 victory over The Gunn Club after briefly losing their lead. The team also defeated Ebowla 7-0 before clinching the title with a second 7-0 victory over The Gunn Club, securing their win before the final game even started.
Despite the already secured title for #SpeakingTruths, the rest of the field remained highly competitive, with spots 2-9 separated by just 5 points going into Game 7. Ebowla ultimately took second place, with Drink Roll Repeat finishing third. The A-Team made a huge push, winning 25 of their last 28 points to grab the 5th spot. Hit N Miss claimed the final cash position after defeating Dragon Ballz in a tiebreaker by total pinfall.
The tournament was hosted at SuperPlay, with Terry Pierce and his staff providing excellent service throughout the event. The next RTB event will be the return of the Plastic Ball Doubles at Woodburn Lanes..
September 15, 2024
Melissa Voytko Wins First PWBA Title
PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio – Melissa Voytko secured her first Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Regional title at the PWBA Cleveland Regional on Sunday at Yorktown Lanes, defeating top seed Samantha Knight, 229-213, in the championship match.
Voytko, a 36-year-old left-hander from Brunswick, Ohio, earned the $2,100 first-place prize and a spot in the PWBA Regional Showdown, set for Dec. 5-7 at Aloma Bowl in Winter Park, Florida. The win also marks her first career appearance in a PWBA stepladder final.
Voytko's victory was the result of a critical ball change after an open frame in the second left her trailing by 26 pins. Switching to a Phaze II ball in Frame 4, she rolled five consecutive strikes to take control of the match.
Knight, 28, from Muskegon, Michigan, opened the match strong but was slowed by a split in Frame 8. She made a late ball change and rolled four strikes in the ninth and 10th frames to apply pressure on Voytko, who needed a mark in the 10th frame to secure the win. Voytko responded with a strike to clinch the title.
The stepladder finals began with fourth-seeded Summer Jasmin of Beckley, West Virginia, defeating third-seeded Alyssa Pierson of Waukesha, Wisconsin, 177-162. Jasmin advanced to face Voytko in the semifinals but lost 205-162 after several missed spares.
Knight took home $1,100 for second place, while Jasmin earned $800 for third, and Pierson received $600 for fourth.
The next PWBA Regional event will be held in Greeley, Colorado, on Oct. 26.
For more information on the PWBA Tour and regional events, visit PWBA.com.
September 8, 2024
Ryan Nikolas Wins OBA Singles Title At Mt. Hood Lanes
Gresham, OR – This past Sunday, the Oregon Bowlers Association (OBA) hosted its monthly tournament at Mt. Hood Lanes in Gresham, with impressive performances and fierce competition. Hosted with the support of Storm Products, and Richard Lorey's The Pro Shoppe, the tournament saw a series of standout scores and a new singles champion crowned.
Tournament Highlights:
- Perfect Games: Berry Scruggs (300), Gary Lenox (300), and Josh Wills (300) each delivered perfect games, while Brian DeLuisa-Anderson (BDA) recorded an 814 series with games of 279, 256, and 279.
- Qualifying Rounds: After six games, Brian DeLuisa-Anderson led the field with a total score of 1496. Chris Springfels (1456), Josh Wills (1434), and Gary Lenox (1429) followed closely behind. The top 16 advanced to match play, with Rob Grimes securing the final spot with a score of 1334.
- Cash Prizes: A total of 24 spots were paid, with the last cash score tied between 21st and 24th place at 1302. Ricky Torchia was the top senior/woman, scoring 1266.
Match Play Recap:
- Early Leaders: The match play rounds saw multiple lead changes. Brian DeLuisa-Anderson led after the first game, followed by Marcus Winklepleck and then Chris Springfels, who maintained his lead to claim the top seed heading into the step ladder finals.
- Step Ladder Finals:
- Semi-Finals:
- Gary Lenox (231) defeated Brian DeLuisa-Anderson (168).
- Ryan Nikolas (279) defeated Gary Lenox (228).
- Finals: Ryan Nikolas claimed his first singles OBA win with a final score of 256, defeating Chris Springfels, who scored 162.
- Semi-Finals:
Final Standings:
- Ryan Nikolas – $900 (1st place)
- Chris Springfels – $650 (2nd place)
- Gary Lenox
- Brian DeLuisa-Anderson
This event marked Ryan Nikolas’ first singles win in the OBA.
Looking ahead, the OBA will host its next singles tournament in Eugene on October 13, 2024, with a non-points quad swiss event the day before.
Ryan Nikolas now leax Jake Klemsen in year to date points.
September 5, 2024
USBC Adds $50,000 Prize Fund Following Improper Posting of the 2024 Open Championship Super Brackets
A Facebook post by PBA member Alex Cavagnaro has raised concerns over discrepancies in prize payouts from the 2024 USBC Open Championships' Super-Brackets.
According to Cavagnaro’s post, he was supposed to receive $2,960 in prize money on August 16th, but when he received his check from USBC on September 4th, that amount was missing. He then checked the standings on bowl.com and found the Super-Brackets were no longer posted.
After contacting USBC, Cavagnaro was informed that there were "problems" and he would be contacted later. Shortly after, the brackets were reposted on bowl.com, but his winnings were still not listed. Following a second call, Cavagnaro says he was told his check was accurate and that a press release might be forthcoming.
On September 5th, USBC posted a statement on its Facebook page acknowledging issues with the payouts for the 2024 USBC Open Championships' 2K Super-Brackets in the Regular, Standard, and 50+ categories. USBC confirmed that prize checks were correct, but the originally posted bracket report on bowl.com contained errors, including disqualified or ineligible bowlers.
USBC has now published the correct bracket report alongside the original, labeled as an "alternate" report. To resolve the issue, USBC will pay bowlers the highest prize amount from either report, deducting any previously paid amounts. This adjustment totals approximately $50,000 in additional prize money.
USBC apologized for the mistake and directed affected bowlers to contact the tournament staff with any questions at usbcopenchampionships@bowl.com or by calling 888-910-2695.
FULL USBC STATMENT:
With prize checks for the 2024 USBC Open Championships arriving, the tournament staff has been notified that some of the yearlong payouts for the 2K Super Brackets in the Regular, Standard and 50+ categories did not match the totals posted on BOWL.com.
After additional review, it is confirmed that prize checks are correct. However, we discovered the report with randomized bracket matchups and prize totals initially posted on BOWL.com was outdated and incorrect. That incorrect report was a version including individuals who were ineligible due to disqualification or entering in the improper division.
The correct official bracket matchups and prize total report is now published: https://bowl.com/.../2024-yearlong-brackets-and-side-pots
Of course, the bracket matchups are different in the two reports since the correct official version removed the ineligible bowlers. Therefore, some bowlers have different prize totals in each report.
While USBC rules only require paying based on the official results, we understand many bowlers saw the initial report and were excited about their winnings. We do not want anyone to receive less prize money than expected. Therefore, in the interest of good customer service, USBC will pay participants their highest prize total of the two reports, minus any prize money already paid for that product. No bowler will receive less money than what was on the initially published report.
Both reports are now published on BOWL.com. Next to the official results report is the initially published version, now labeled as “alternate.” Bowlers with a higher prize earning on the alternate report compared to the official report will receive a supplemental check for the difference.
This is approximately $50,000 in additional prize money being added by USBC. We apologize for the inconvenience of this mistake.
If there are any additional questions or concerns, please contact the tournament staff at usbcopenchampionships@bowl.com or by calling 888-910-2695.
If you have also been impacted by the so called "problems", please reach out to me at info@vanportbowlingnews.com and share your story.
Dohoon Kwon Named To National Storm JR Team
Storm Products is excited to announce twelve new members to the Storm JR. Team (formerly known as Team Evolution). This team consists of ambassadors who participate in Storm's youth bowling initiatives, demonstrate an enthusiasm for the sport of bowling, and have shown loyalty to the principles of the Evolution Program.
The Storm JR. Team is reserved for a select group of exceptional youth players who have actively engaged in the monthly lessons of the Evolution Program and remain loyal to Storm Products through their equipment choices and brand support. The members of the Storm JR. Team are among the top players in their respective age groups nationwide. They maintain outstanding academic performance, engage in community service, treat others with respect, conduct themselves with the highest integrity, and actively encourage other young athletes to join the sport of bowling in their local communities.
Leanne Hulsenberg, a USBC and PWBA Hall of Fame Member who serves as the Tournament and Events Manager at Storm Products, leads the Storm JR. Team and Evolution Program.
"The Storm JR. Team continues to serve as a vital platform for ambitious young bowlers aiming to compete at the highest levels of our sport. It bridges the gap between aspiring youth athletes and our professional team, nurturing their dreams of future professional careers," Hulsenberg stated. "These junior team members are not just athletes; they're ambassadors who inspire their peers, showcasing how bowling can positively shape young lives both on and off the lanes."
The current athletes on the Storm JR. Team are Katelyn Abigania, Anna Antony, Malia Briggs, Alex Crowley, Brady McDonough, Matteo Quintero, Abigail Starkey, Eliana Occhino, Ernesto Reynoso, Rush Steen, Kaitlyn Stull, and Jos Weems.
The athletes joining the Storm JR. Team in our Fall 2024 additions are Alyssa Bechtol, Ryan Burgess, Alexa Escamilla, Lindsay Greim, Emmanuel Guevara, Micah Jensen, Taylor Kretz, Dohoon Kwon, Christian Mouton, Savannah Portillo, Larielle Tharps, and Aiden Watts.
"The Storm JR. Team have consistently demonstrated their commitment to bowling through their exceptional performance in the Evolution Program, their loyalty to Storm Products, and their pursuit of excellence in the sport," Hulsenberg remarked. "What truly sets them apart is their ability to inspire and motivate their peers, effectively becoming young ambassadors for the sport. Their passion is contagious, encouraging more youth to discover the rewards and opportunities that bowling offers."
The Storm JR. Team program involves each athlete's parent or legal guardian as an integral part of the process. Both the athletes and their support systems are fully engaged with the program as these young bowlers continue to progress toward their future in the sport.
DOHOON KWON
Accomplishments:
5-Time SYC Champion
PBA Jr. Nationals Champion
WYBT Champion
JBT Champion
7th Place in the 2022 PBA Regional Jim Kent Memorial Tournament
Home State: Washington
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Subject In School: Physics
Favorite Storm Ball: Summit
What are you known for: I always try to keep myself calm. I try to have a poker face because when I always get ahead of myself, I make silly mistakes.
Fun Fact: I started bowling because my parents owned a restaurant next to the bowling alley, so I went there everyday to practice. I speak Japanese, Korean, and English. When I become a professional bowler, I can travel to these countries and have no problem. When I was in Korea I did taekwondo for 6 years and I was the 2nd black belt.
“I always dreamed of becoming a member of Team Storm which will help me a step closer to becoming a professional bowler. It still feels really incredible and is just unbelievable, I am really thankful for this amazing opportunity.”
This story is written By Blair Blumensheid of Strom Bowling. To read more about the incredible Youth Bowlers selected to the team, CLICK HERE
September 1, 2024
High Scores End With A Victory For Mike Sprano At The 2024 Al Whiteman Memorial
Gresham, Ore. -- 89 bowlers took part in the Monthly BBI tournament at Mt. Hood Lanes. Scoring was high from the very first game with Jason Kriege's 288 followed by Rob Grimes and Jim Ferretti posted 279 games each. Roger Kreighbaum posted a 268, Amber Palmer-Ortner a 258, and Marco Israel a 257. High scores continued game 2 with Jim Ferretti's 290, Quenton Knight with a 289, Dorothy Breazile with a 266, and Amber Palmer-Ortner with a 247. Game 3 would see Jim Ferretti post a 269 for an 838 scratch 3 game set. Amber Palmer-Ortner continued her hot bowling with a 258, and Bob Farmer would join the plus 250 club with a 254.
Game 4 saw Mike Sparano join the high scoring party with a 279 game vaulting him to 3rd in the standings after 4 games. Jason Krieger added a 279, Quenton Knight a 275 and Brian Mumm a 258 game. In Game 5, Curt Moody used a 279 game to finish qualifying as the number 2 seed, Tim Oge jumped into the top 16 with a 256 game and Jim Ferretti finished with a 225 to lead qualifying at 1310 scratch.
The top 16 bowlers advanced to match play where Dorothy Breazlle and Mike Sparano would finished tied with the most total pins plus handicap. According to BBI Rules, first place is awarded to Sparano for the highest game plus handicap during the tournament.
Congratulations to Mike Sparano on his win. A full write up from Tournament Director Debbie Mendenhall will be available soon.
3 Female Finalist
Sue Herring, Amber Palmer-Ortner, Dorothy Breazile
Tied For First Place
Mike Sparano and Dorothy Breazile
Top Qualifier
Jim Ferretti
September 1, 2024
Jeffry Harkins Wins RTB Megabuck Mania At AMF Firebird Lanes
Jeff "BlindGuy" Harkins' victory at the second annual MegaBuck Mania at Firebird Lanes in Salem capped a weekend filled with intense competition and high scores. The tournament featured four squads, each offering bowlers a 1:5 chance to advance to the casher's round, followed by a stepladder final to determine the overall champion.
The tournament kicked off with the "Party Squad" on Friday night, where 26 bowlers competed. Joseph Andrew Rau-Young led the way with a 269 game, with Dwayne Fagan posting an impressive 279. Rau-Young held his position through the final games, earning a spot in Sunday’s casher's round. Other notable bowlers from this squad included Tyler Satter, Alex Adams, and Alexander Smith, who secured his spot by a single pin in his first RTB event.
Saturday morning’s squad saw Daniel Barrera dominate with a total score of +322, easily advancing to the casher's round. Buck Steffen, making his first RTB appearance in over five years, surprised the field with a +229 scratch score, securing the #2 spot. Brian Penn, Jeremy Wodesky, and Gonzalo Antonio Zamora rounded out the qualifiers from this session.
The Saturday afternoon squad featured smaller numbers, with just 23 bowlers competing. Brian Vigil took the lead with a strong 267 game in the second match and finished with a +216 score. Harkins, from Springfield, posted a +170 to secure his first-ever RTB career cash win, alongside Jay Long from Silverton, who qualified with a +147.
Sunday morning’s squad had the largest turnout, with 41 bowlers battling for the remaining spots in the casher's round. High scores were abundant, including a perfect 300 game by Will Tefft and a 289 game from Nathan Stephens. Ultimately, Jerry Graham III topped the squad with a +293, followed by Jake Rost, Mychael Samson, Clint Gibbs, Nathan Stephens, and several others.
By the end of qualifying, 22 bowlers advanced to the casher's round. In this round, Caleb Gay led early with games of 261 and 225 but stumbled with a 157 in his final game. Despite the setback, Gay advanced to the stepladder finals alongside Tyler Satter, Harkins, Rau-Young, Vigil, Barrera, Blake Copeland, and Graham III.
In the stepladder matches, Harkins, starting from the #3 spot, faced a series of tough opponents. He first defeated Brian Vigil in a tight match, then narrowly edged out Tyler Satter in the semifinal with a 253-228 win. In the final match against top-seeded Caleb Gay, Harkins started strong with four strikes in the first five frames and maintained his lead to win 278-230, claiming his first RTB title.
The full stepladder results were as follows:
- Jeff Harkins – $1,375
- Caleb Gay – $1,125
- Tyler Satter – $900
- Brian Vigil – $775
- Joseph Andrew Rau-Young – $675
- Blake Copeland – $600
- Daniel Barrera – $525
- Jerry Graham III – $475
In addition to the stepladder, other cashers from the casher's round included Jeremy Wodesky, James Donaldson, Clayton Netzel, Alex Adams, and Nathan Stephens, who took home various prize amounts.
Harkins' win was a remarkable achievement, not only for his on-lane performance but also for his determination to overcome the challenges of vision impairment. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Harkins relies on support from teammates for pin identification and lane adjustments, but his dedication and skill have allowed him to compete at a high level.
The MegaBuck Mania tournament saw an increase in participation this year, with 114 total entries, a 16-entry increase from the previous year. The tournament also raised $220 for the prize fund through a ball raffle, won by Justin Laney.
The next event in the series, the Superplay Quad Swiss, is set for September 14 and has already reached full capacity, with a waiting list in place for additional bowlers.
September 1, 2024
Season Opening WillyVille Monthly Trio Swiss Goes To Two Old Guys And A Leftie.
Congratulations to Two old guys and a leftie on winning the season opening event.
They defeated the newest franchise, El Choppo 656-632 to win $900 and 2400 points.
With that being said, we did lose a franchise today but El Choppo was the next one on the wait list, so welcome Scott Howell and his crew.
Other cashers were
3rd - Border jumpers
4th- Snap crackle and pop
5th- C U Next Tueday
6th- Shrek's Machines
It was nearly a wire to wire win for Eryk Jensen at the 2024 PBA NW Dave Husted Open at Milwaukie Bowl.
The annual tournament held August 17th and 18th featured 57 of the best bowlers in the Pacific Northwest.
After 8 games of qualifying, Jensen posted a 1799 (224.88 avg), leading Nick Borgaro of Coeur d Alene, Idaho by 32 pins.
The top 12 bowlers moved on to Match Play action on Sunday.
After 19 games of Match Play, Cameron Weier of Seattle, was the leader, Jensen was in 2nd followed by Tyler Coates, Christopher Tuholski, and Nick Borgaro.
In the final position round match, Jenson's defeated Weier 245-181 to win.
The final standings are available at HERE courtesy of the PBA.
You can also watch the position round match on the PBA NW Region Facebook Page HERE
Eryk Jensen Wins The PBA NW Dave Husted Open
August 18, 2024
The Northwest Senior Tour opened its 2024-25 at KingPins Portland on Sunday. There were close matches and different leaders throughout the day, but when it mattered the most, Michael Kennedy came away with a win.
Tournament Director Sami Morris would like to thank the KingPins Staff, Larry Schwab, John Hugget with Lovley Tire and Wheel, and Brian Garland with Brands of Brunswick for sponsoring the event.
Michael Kennedy Wins NWST Portland Open
August 18, 2024
The Oregon State USBC has finalized the details for the 2024 State Queens tournament, which will take place at Northgate Bowl on November 16th and 17th.
This year, the regular Queens division is open to all competitors aged 18 and up. Additionally, a new Princess division has been introduced for female youth bowlers, who will compete for SMART scholarships.
The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, earlier than in previous years.
Participants can follow the event on TournamentBowl and find the entry form on the Oregon State USBC website.
Oregon State USBC Announces State Queens Tournament
August 18, 2024
The team of ReighAnn Oliphant, Jordyn Beswick, Dianna Hollingsworth, Makayla Jensen, and Courtney Couch, used a commanding day 2 of the Starlite Ladies Swiss to walk away with the 1st place check.
After finishing day 1 with 25 points, 4 points behind the first place team, "The Misfits" took 31 points on Sunday to win by 11 points.
Congratulations To "The Misfits" Winning The Starlite Ladies Swiss
August 18, 2024
August 11, 2024
Klemsen and Conner Victorious At OBA Baker Doubles
An amazing performance by Jake Klemsen and Ryan Conner at Sundays OBA Baker Doubles tournament leads to a win.
Klemsen and Conner finished first after 12 games of qualifying at +290. Craig and Chris Tuholski were second at +270 with Eryk and Makayla Jensen finishing 3rd at +267.
The cut to move on to top 12 match play was +159.
Klemsen and Conner would keep their hot bowling alive advancing to the step ladder finals as the number one seed. The teams of Bill Machin and Chelsea Sporkia, along with Mike and Nick Devlin would move into 2nd and 3rd place to advance to face each other in the first game of the step ladder finals.
Mike and Nick would dominate game 1 of their 2 game match 268 to 178 over Bill and Chelsea. Game 2 the tables would turn with Mike and Nick only managing a 172 while Bill and Chelsea turned on the gas for a 246. But it would not be enough as the Devlin's would move on to face Klemsen and Conner with their 440 to 424 victory.
The championship 2 game match was a close one with Klemsen and Conner taking game one 229 to 194. Game two, the Devlin's bounced back with a 211 however Klemsen and Conner second game of 187 was just enough to earn the 416 to 405 victory at KingPins Portland.
Tournament Director Sean Daniels will have a full write up of the day in the coming days.
August 11, 2024
Chris Tuholski Wins First AJ's 8 Game Sweeper At KingPins Portland
Congratulations to Chris Tuholski for winning the first 8 game sweeper held at KingPins Portland on August 10th.
Finishing the day at +339, Chris took home the $400 first place prize.
Matt Ramshaw finished second at +256, while Nick Devlin came in third at +227. Nick also shot 300 in the 6th game. You can watch is final shot by clicking here.
This was AJ Shocks first 8 Game Sweeper that she has run and said on her Facebook page that everything went "Pretty Smooth".
The next 8 Game Sweeper will be held at Hazeldell Lanes on December 1st.
August 8, 2024
Vince Schiro Bowling Ball Locker Program Helps Youth Bowlers
As a tribute to her late coach, Vince Schiro, Amber Palmer-Ortner has launched the Vince Schiro Bowling Ball Locker Program.
This donation-based initiative provides youth bowlers with essential equipment such as bowling balls, bags, and shoes. The program is inspired by Vince, who helped Amber continue bowling after losing her equipment in a fire, "Vince gave me a set of used equipment when mine was lost at sandy lanes in a fire. He had a locker at Hollywood Bowl and helped me continue in the sport I love. I want to continue the program in memory of Vince." Amber says the program aims to boost kids' confidence and ensure they have the gear needed to succeed in the sport.
Donations of gently used equipment are welcomed, particularly for bowling balls between 6 and 14 pounds and women's shoes in sizes 7.5 and 8.5.
For more information or to donate, contact Amber at amberpalmerortner@gmail.com or 503-810-4876.
August 5, 2024
Exclusive video interviews with Mike Humphrys and Jason Hollingsworth.
The 2024 USBC Open Championships Standard and Regular Singles Champions.
August 5, 2024
Cory Bayless and Andrew Mssinger Win BBI Season Opener
Congratulations to Cory Bayless and Andrew Mssinger for winning the KingPins Doubles BBI Season Opener on Sunday. A full write up from Debbie Mendenhall is on the BBI page.
Also congratulations to Nathan Gubele for his 300 game during the tournament and to Sami Morris with her highest game of her bowling career, 299 (DAMN TEN PIN!)
August 1, 2024
Milwaukie Bowl Home To Two New National Champions
Milwaukie, OR - Mike Humphrys and Jason Hollingsworth have emerged as champions in their respective divisions at the 2024 USBC Open Championship. Humphrys secured the singles title in the Standards Division with a series score of 745, while Hollingsworth clinched the Regular Division title with an impressive score of 825.
Humphrys bowled games of 244, 255, and 246 on May 28th, finishing the tournament with a leading score of 745. Reflecting on his performance, Humphrys said to bowl.com, “After the doubles set I had, I was just trying to relax and find something out on the lanes that would work for me.” He noted an improvement of 363 pins from his doubles score, attributing his success to adjustments made after consulting friends.
Jason Hollingsworth, another Milwaukie bowler, made headlines in the Regular Division. After recording scores of 651 in the Team event and 673 in Doubles, Hollingsworth delivered an outstanding performance in Singles with games of 289, 257, and 279, culminating in a score of 825. Speaking to bowl.com, Hollingsworth expressed his excitement: "It's one of those things you don't think's actually going to happen. You joke around with your friends, like, ‘We’re going to Vegas and win an eagle.’ And then when you realize you have a chance at it, it gets the heart beating a little faster."
The 2024 USBC Open Championship concluded on July 29th, with both Humphrys' and Hollingsworth's scores remaining unbeaten.
Photo: www.bowl.com
Photo: USBC Facebook
2024 RTB Queens And Senior Queens
Our annual Queens events are the time for all the ladies to shine on the lanes. We welcomed all the ladies, young and old, to the classic Milwaukie Bowl for the first time. Special thanks to Corey Husted and the entire Husted family and staff for welcoming us in. Big shout-out to Greg Bingham and Eryk Jensen for running the show all day and making things buttery smooth.
The Queens were up first on Saturday. 34 ladies took to the wood lanes, and while Hannah Wools shined in games 1-3, it was all Jasmine Peterson overall. She fired a pair of 267 games and once she overtook Wools after game 3, she never looked back. Even after a subpar 5th game, she still maintained the lead and cruised to a +143 scratch score and +251 overall for a 64 pin lead and the #1 overall seed. Local star Makayla Jensen, who has a ton of talent, was super consistent and fired a +103 scratch and +1387 overall score to take the #2 spot.
The other finalists were as follows:
Jasmine Peterson, Hubbard, OR +251
Makayla Jensen, Portland, OR +187
Jessica Ayotte, Tillamook, OR +176
Amanda Whitcomb, Aloha, OR +170
Sarah Wilson, Hillsboro, OR +163
Taylor Wodesky, Oregon City, OR +142
Jade Diaz, Milwaukie, OR +136
Becky Rux, Mt Angel, OR +118
The single elimination bracket featured 2 game total pins matches. Each higher seed got to choose their starting pair. Jasmine had to give up the most handicap to Becky Rux, a total of 74 pins. But she was able to score well enough to get past the #8 seed Rux, winning 426-349. The closest match of round 1 was, not surprisingly, the 4/5 matchup between friends Whitcomb and Wilson. The match was nearly scratch, with Amanda getting 2 pins total. But she had enough in the tank to hold off her friend, finishing with a 402-364 win.
The long distance award winner, Ayotte, all the way from cheese country, was able to get an early lead on young Taylor Wodesky from just up the road in Oregon City. Taylor tried to come back, but Jessica was able to put her away 425-344. The biggest stunner of round 1 was the 2/7 matchup between a pair of Milwaukie regulars. Former RTB champion Jade Diaz took on friend Makayla Jensen. Jade was getting 32 total pins of handicap and surprisingly, she wouldn't need it. Although Makayla beat her by two scratch the first game, Jade still had a narrow lead. But she was able to pull away in game two and pull off a stunning upset over one of the favorites with a 496-459 final score. Each of the 1st round losers received $175 each.
The Semi-Final matches again allowed the higher seed to choose their pair, but they could not camp on the pair they were just on. Jasmine took on Amanda and Jade faced off with Jessica. Jasmine had a dogfight on her hands against Amanda. Both struggled in the first game, but Amanda's struggles continued and Jasmine was able to find just enough stroke to be able to hold her off. Final score was 459-417. The closest match of the day was the other semi final match between Jade Diaz and Jessica Ayotte. They both battled back and forth. Jade was getting a scant 10 pins, so she knew any mistake could cost her. It would come down to the final few frames. Jessica finished up with a score of 418 and that barely held off Jade's 409. That sent her to the finals against the top seed. Jade and Amanda received $275 each for the semi-finals.
Your Queens finals featured two non champions battling for their first title. Game 1 was a big battle. Jessica was getting 7 pins a game and she fired a huge 215. But Jasmine, who hadn't missed a beat all day, was right behind her at 209. This gave Jessica a 13 pin lead going to game 2. And that is where the wheels came off the trucks. Both ladies struggled with spares and splits. Jasmine in fact had two 4-10 splits and Jessica had a 4-6-7. Jessica was able to close out to 155 game and that forced Jasmine to strike on the first shot in the tenth to take home the title. She stepped up, as confident as she could be, knowing it was one ball for the win. But as the ball left her hand, it was a little left. The result was not the desired one, an 8 count. The score was 160, but that left her 15 pins short, Final score was 420-402. Jasmine recieved $375 for runner-up. She said she was happy with making the finals and that she bowled so well all day.
Jessica received $525 for the win and was presented her tiara from outgoing Queen Jenn McCrow. Also the RTB belt and a beautiful bouquet of roses from Holly Itami Springfels and Flower Shope Kern Park. She will take her crown back to Tillamook and has stated she will pay it forward next year and donate the tiaras to the champions.
The ladies also added $231 to their prize fund through the Radical ball raffle. We would also sell tickets Sunday and then draw the winner.
Sunday morning brought the Senior Queens to The Bowl. Again, a smaller field, but nonetheless an elite field :) And this field had a single shining star. Jayne Mahealani Sonognini rolled over the field in qualifying. Like Jasmine, she took the lead in Game 3 never looked back. She ended averaging 202 for the day, a +14 scratch and +182 total, 90 pins clear of the field. A stunning surprise followed in the #2 spot. Beverly Cady from Woodburn, who started with a 118 game, came back with 4 of her next 5 over average and a 188 in game 5 that propelled her into the #2 spot at +92 total. Another newcomer, Abby Mance from Salem, posted a +58 to sneak into 3rd place, just ahead of Joy Parker from Lebanon, who filled up the top 4 bracket at +50.
The first matchup, the 2/3 matchup, featured the two surprise finalists, Bev and Abby. Neither really lit the lanes on fire during the match, as they both grinded with spares, strikes being hard to come by. But Bev pulled our just enough, using her 32 pins of handicap to win the match and advance to the finals 427-383. Abby, who was so excited to make the cut, earned $175 for the semi-final finish. The other semi-final match was a battle between two friends, who were wearing the same shirt, as they are part of the same team for other events Joy enjoyed a 15 pin per game handicap advantage. Unlike the other match, these two showed the lanes who was boss. Joy shot a solid 182 while Jayne took her down scratch with a 188. That gave Joy a 9 pin lead going to the critical game 2. Both would light up the lanes, with strikes and spares. But then a critical error as Jayne missed a 10 pin in the 9th frame. It looked as though that would cost her. But Joy said no to that, closing with 5 straight strikes to shoot 225 and pull away from dominant leader. Her final score was 493 to Jayne's 456. The shocking defeat did not dampen her spirits. She was so happy to average 200 and make the finals, it didn't even matter. And she saw her friend go on for the title. She won bracket money and a nice $175 check helped keep that smile up.
The finals saw Joy vs Bev, who admitted later she only signed up for S & G, if you know what I mean. She was so nervous and her anxiety was through the roof. And game number 1 showed it. It started with a ridicluous pocket 7-9, and then two disastrous gutter balls showed her nerves, and she started off spotting Joy a 29 pin lead. Bev was getting 19 so that helped a little in Game 2. That and some comforting from teammate and RTB champion Dan Lancaster, who was on hand to watch. But Joy had the whole LebCrew watching her as well, so it was a rowdy final to be sure. Game 2 was a total role reversal. Joy started out looking like it was gonna be a cakewalk, after Bev had yet another gutter ball. But she steadied her nerves and started to get in the pocket. and started to feel better, Meanwhile, the wheels were coming off for Joy. 3 splits in 4 frames made things almost even. And then Bev had the finish of a lifetime.
She finally got a strike in the 8th, and then another in the 9th. One more in the 10th and the title was hers. She jumped up and down with excitement and then finished out with two more strikes for an exclamation point. She was so excited and showed some real emotion, tears were definitely flowing. The final score was 458-384. Joy went home with $260 for runner-up.
This was the first title for Bev in only her second ever event. She took home $425 for the win and the tiara from outgoing Senior Queen Melissa Gray. She also got the roses from Holly Itami Springfels and Flower Shope Kern Park, along with the RTB belt. She thought she would have to give the tiara back, but was assured it hers to keep. She is excited to try the TOC at SuperPlay in December.
We also added an extra $95 to the prize fund in the raffle. The randomly drawn winner by a local house bowler was none other than the Queen Jessica Ayotte!!! She wins a ball of choice from Brands of Brunswick.
We want to send a sincere thank you to everyone at Milwaukie Bowl. You were fabulous hosts and we look forward to coming back next year. Greg and Eryk did an excellent job, and the rest of the staff there made it a great time for everyone.
We head off to the coast for Coastal Combat in two weeks, and we open up the MegaBuck Mania.....well actually its already open at the time of this posting. Please salute your new Queens for the next year.... Jessica Ayotte and Beverly Cady!!!
July 31, 2024
2024 Kingpins Swiss
7th Annual KingPins Swiss Tournament ends with the Stone Pro Shop winning! Congrats to Mac Kaurin and David DuBois for bowling perfect games! Thank you to our sponsors Lovely Tire & Wheel Company, Beaverton Auto Body & Paint, Storm Bowling, Mary Stratton-Dahlke from Stellar Realty Northwest, Larry's Pro Shop! We can’t wait to have everyone back next year! KingPins Portland
Stone Pro Shop
Trent Zebelle, Sha Harvey, Samantha How, Luke Stone, Mike Nogle
July 21, 2024
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