McKenzie wins first NABI bowling title

Sheritha McKenzie of Joppa, Md., earned her first career National Amateur Bowlers (NABI) title when she won the Baltimore-Washington Region NABI Club Tournament conducted at AMF Bowie (Md.) Lanes, March 22-23.

It took a handicap series score of 673 or higher in the semifinals for the top five contestants to advance to the finals.

In match 1 of the stepladder finals, fourth seeded Cyndia Chouinard, Alexandria, Va., sent fifth seeded Michael Madero, Pasadena, Md., to the sidelines, 217-212. Madero left with the $125 5th place prize. In match 2, third seeded Derick Jackson, Joppa, Md., stopped Chouinard from advancing to the next match, 195-167. Chouinard received $150 for finishing in 4th place. Second seeded Eric Elliott, Glenn Dale, Md., defeated Jackson, 216-211, in match 3. Jackson pocketed the 3rd place check worth $250.

In the championship match, top seeded McKenzie, a club member since 2000, triumphed over Elliott, 221-219. McKenzie garnered the top prize of $1,000, was presented a championship jacket with a paid entry into the 2003 NABI National Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas, Nev., and secured reserved seating to the Tournament of Champions Banquet. McKenzie also collected an additional $664.41 when she won the Progressive Side Pot.

“To win my first title at AMF Bowie Lanes was exciting,” said McKenzie. “This is where I joined NABI. I can hardly wait to bowl in the Tournament of Champions.”

Elliott put the $500 runner-up check in his wallet. Elliott netted an additional $284.76 for taking 2nd place in the Progressive Side Pot event.

Other cashers: Nathan McMackle, Jessup, Md., and Jeff Pyles, Lanham, Md., tied for 6th place with a handicap series score of 660, $97.50 each; Les Gay, Upper Marlboro, Md., 654, 8th place $85; Sharon Collier, Forestville, Md., 649, 9th place $80; and Brad Payton, Oxon Hill, Md., 648, 10th place $75. 11th-15th place, Eddie Armstrong, Bowie, Md., 647, Diane Blake, Landover, Md., 635; Joe Gill, Pasadena, Md., and George Hunter, Washington, D.C., tied with a handicap series score of 626; and Lawan Smith, Silver Spring, Md., 621, $70 each. 16th-20th Place, Houston Bigelow, Upper Marlboro, Md., and Tracy Montague, Upper Marlboro, Md., tied with a handicap series score of 620; Marlon Chouinard, Alexandria, Va., 611; Linda Garner, Landover, Md., 605; and Philip Hines, Silver Spring, Md., 604, $60 each. 21st-24th place, Ted Kolar, Baltimore, Md., 598; Dorothy Williams, New Carrollton, Md., 597; Marcia Glaspie, Lanham, Md., 592; and Tiffany Scott, Waldorf, Md., 573, $50 each. Charnita Robinson, Mitchellville, Md., 556, 25th place $47. 26th-30th place, Steve Evan, Millersville, Md., 554; Paul Rivers Jr., Gaithersburg, Md., 546; Joe Moore, Oxon Hill, Md., and Lesa Moore, Oxon Hill, Md., tied with a handicap series score of 520; and Fraizer Atkinson, Clinton, Md., 496, $45 each.

MACK WINS CATHY BOWL SUPER CLASSIC

Tim Mack, 31, of Garfield, N.J., a 2003 TEAM USA member, defeated Finland’s Kimmo Lethonen 256-196 in the stepladder final of the 15th Cathy Bowl Super Classic in Singapore on March 24.

The victory was worth $8,465 that was on top of the $56,600 he earned for his 300 game to open Day 3 qualifying action on March 21.

Mack qualified first for the stepladder and watched as Lethonen beat Biboy Rivera of The Philippines 235-187 in the first stepladder match at Cathy Bowl. Lethonen earned $4,290 for 2nd place and Rivera $2,650 for 3rd.

The event featured 73 local and 42 overseas bowlers.

JACKSON. MORMANDO ENTER ABC HALL OF FAME

The American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame grew by two on Thursday night, March 13, when the late Lowell Jackson, an outstanding bowler in the 1930s and ’40s despite being almost blind, and International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame advocate Nick Mormando of Levittown, N.Y., were inducted.

Jackson, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1909 and died in 1979 in Dallas, Texas, unofficially became the sport’s first “professional” when he was signed by Brunswick to bowl exhibitions and promote the company’s products at age 20.

Despite a childhood accident that left him completely blind in one eye and 80 percent visually impaired in the other, Jackson won match game and all-events championships in St. Louis, New Orleans, Dallas and Houston during his colorful career.

Beyond his accomplishments on the lanes, Jackson altered the game forever when he introducted the idea of using “markers” on the lanes for targeting purposes because he was going blind. He “sold” the rights to his “Range Finder” concept to Brunswick in 1936 for $1. ABC approved the permanent lane dots and arrows, previously illegal, for sanctioned competition in 1939.

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is something my father would consider a great honor,” said Jackson’s son, Ricky, who spoke before the crowd of nearly 2,000 at the Knoxville Convention Center. “Bowling was his first love.”

Mormando, who is already enshrined in the Bowling Proprietors Association of America wing of the IBM/HF in St. Louis as a BPAA Victor Lerner Memorial Medal winner, has devoted more than 20 years of service to the Hall of Fame as its most successful fund-raiser.

He not only led efforts to get bowling manufacturers and proprietors involved, but he chaired the site-selection, design and construction committees.

Throughout his more than five decades of involvement in the sport, including more than 50 years as a proprietor, Mormando has been an outspoken advocate for sanctioned competition.

“As far as my bowling career goes, this is my biggest night,” Mormando said. “I love this business. Bowling is my life. Bowling is my family.”

WILLIAMS, BARRETTE VOTED BWAA BOWLERS OF THE YEAR

Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., was selected 2002 Male Bowler of the Year and Professional Women’s Bowling Association Member Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., was named 2002 Female Bowler of the Year by a select panel of the Bowling Writers’ Association of America, BWAA President Lyle Zikes announced.

This was the sixth time Williams has earned this honor and it was the second time for Barrette.

BWAA MEMBERS ELECT OFFICERS

Former American Bowling Congress communications executive Steve James, Fox Point, Wis., has been elected as the executive director of the Bowling Writers’ Association of America.

James’ election came March 13 during the 70th BWAA Convention in Knoxville, Tenn. Among those also elected to new positions were John Falzone, Rockford, Ill., as president and Mike Hennessy, Bluffton, S.C., as chairman of the board.

Also elected to new positions were Frank Barnhart, St. Louis, Mo., first vice-president; Bill Vint, East Troy, Wis., second vice-president; Pearl Keller, Chappaqua, N.Y., historian; and Darlene Pearce, Cypress, Texas; Bill Zuben, Largo, Fla.; and Victor (Frenchy) Letourneau, Las Vegas, Nev., as directors.

NATIONAL WOMEN BOWLING WRITERS AWARD WINNERS

The National Women Bowling Writers Association will honor four special award recipients at its annual meeting luncheon April 27 at the Reno-Sparks (Nev.) Convention Center.

The awards, named for honored members of the NWBW, are presented each year to members who distinguish themselves with their promotion through the field of journalism.

Honored for 2003 will be:

Eloise Cottrell of Eureka, Calif., will be presented the Mary Jannetto Award for the Outstanding NWBW Member in Promotion of Local Bowling.

Ruth Heath-Trott of Montpelier, Ohio, will be awarded the Jo Ettien Lieber Award for Distinguished Service to the Game of Tenpins.

Henry Fankhauser of Silver Spring, Md., will be the recipient of the Alberta E. Crowe Award for Distinguished Service in the Communications Field.

Gail Smith of Millbrae, Calif., will receive the Helen Duval AMF Award for Outstanding Service to the Young American Bowling Alliance.

Reservations for the luncheon may be made by using the form in the NWBW publication Knows for News or by contacting Chairman Kathy Bruegeman at [email protected] or by telephone (916) 213-5875.

INTERCOLLEGIATE BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULED

The 2003 Intercollegiate Bowling Championships will be held at Riverlanes in Tulsa, Okla., April 23-26.

The IBC is the pinnacle event of the collegiate bowling season. The annual tournament brings together the top 16 men’s and top 16 women’s teams in the country to compete for national titles.

ESPN 2 will televise college bowling’s national championships on Friday, June 6 at 2 p.m. EDT.

MINI-ELIMINATOR SET FOR ORLEANS BOWLING CENTER

The 10th Annual Mini-Eliminator will be held at The Orleans Bowling Center in Las Vegas, Nev., July 3-13.

The following playing divisions are scheduled: Age 39 and Under; Ages 40-49; Age 50 and Over; and Super Seniors, Age 60 and Over (as of July 3 for all divisions). A separate Women’s Divison (Women bowlers 50 and over may compete in the Senior Division) and a 205 and Under Division will also be held.

There are 5 ways to enter this event:

Mail entry to: Mini-Eliminator, P.O., Box 13853, Las Vegas, NV 89112 (Personal checks must be postmarked on or before June 9).

Fax your credit card entry to (702) 451-6135

Enter by credit card on-line www. minieliminator.com.

Phone in your credit card entry (877) 900-MINI.

Walk into The Orleans and pay before you bowl (checks will not be accepted).

THIS COLUMN

Comments, questions or recommendations concerning this column are welcome. Telephone Ted Gruszkowski at (703) 590-2444.

TOURNAMENT TRAIL

The following tournamens are scheduled for the month of April:

PBA East Region Senior Open is scheduled for Port Watson Recreation Center in Cortland, N.Y., April 4-6. For more information, telephone the PBA East Regional Director at (315) 253-2527.

NABI Tournament will be held at AMF Woodlawn Lanes, Baltimore, Md., on April 6. This is a one day event only. Squads are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with the semifinals to follow the last squad and finals immediately thereafter. For more information, telephone the Bowling Center at (410) 944-6000.

PBA East Region Open has been programmed for Rockaway (N.J.) Lanes, April 11-13. For more information, telephone the PBA East Regional Director at (315) 253-2527.

NABI Tournament is set for AMF Seminary Lanes, Alexandria, Va., April 12-13. Squads are scheduled for 1 and 2:30 p.m. on April 12, and at 12:30 p.m. on April 13, with the semifinals to follow the last squad and finals immediately thereafter. For more information, telephone the Bowling Center at (703) 823-6200.

VIR-MAR Scratch Bowlers Tour Tournament will be hosted by AMF Ritchie Lanes, Glen Burnie, Md., on April 20. For more information, telephone the VMSBT Tournament Director at (410) 679-7670.

PBA East Region Open will be conducted at Hoe Bowl in Catskill, N.Y., April 25-27. For more information, telephone the PBA East Regional Director at (315) 253-2527.

NABI tournament is scheduled for AMF Alexandria (Va.) Bowl, April 26-27. Squads are scheduled for noon, 1:30, 4:30 and 6 p.m. on April 26, and at 12:30 p.m. on April 27, with the semifinals to follow the last squad and finals immediately thereafter. For more information, telephone the Bowling Center at (703) 765-3633.

HIGH ROLLERS

The weekly high scores bowled in league competition are published below:

AMF DALE CITY LANES

Sunday Night. Men: Greg Wilhelm 234; Brian Bartelt 230; Dan Lorenz 212; Tony Sewell 207. Women: Pat Prasad 202; Gabi Lorenz 192; Dara Sewell 185; Kam McGaughey 170; Christina Becher 168.

Kings & Queens. Men: Jay Latney 217-217-225-659; Doug Woodberry 211-215-233-659; Martin Allen 217; Larry Ross 213; Mike Burlovich 210. Women: Jayme Johnson 164-179-202-545; Sheila Allen 152-162-224-538; Penny Woodberry 167-177-489; Elaine Bedard 162-165-473; Bonnie Guzman 172; Marian Scharp 163; Linda Smith 162; Ginni Gutridge 157; Phylis Vickers-Smith 157.

Tuesday Seniors. Men: John Lyon 237-635; Louis Achille 203-561.

Strikes, Spares & Mrs. Doris Lenyon 224-228-186-638; Donna Koczot-Grant 190-189-176-555; Eva Hatch 181-169-195-545; Suzanne Lance 181-220-541; Nancy Higgins 183-202-521; Kathy Hasiak 199; Tina Cech 178; Nancy Ford 173; Judy McGee 170; Betty Greene 168.

Preps, Youth. Boys: Malcolm James 119-171-89-379; Trevor Green 88-131-124-343; Kevin Garman 103-99-129-331; Ricky Wallace 124-99-106-329; Matt Majors 126; T.J. Pattillo 124; David Worden 123; Vinnie Sablone 121. Girls: Becky Haskins 134-130-147-411; Dawn Zinda 127-120-128-375; Brandy Austin 124-103-133-360; Amanda Watt 98-109-127-334; Laura Achille 143; Jacqueline Johnson 114; Dominique Davis 112; Jessica Wallace 112.

Juniors, Youth. Boys: Matt McCormick 175-153-186-514; Raymond Noel 135-147-97-379; Peter Lujan 171; Steven Lee 170; Jason Demsko 167; Matt Dillon 164; Scott Nalley 163. Girls: Melissa Fletcher 158-140-236-534; Kristen Mark 177-163-454; Angel McGuire 177.

Majors, Youth. Boys: Chris Merrill 201-225-195-621; Jon Merrill 220; Eric Collins 203; Adam Fleming 203; DeMarr Moton 166. Girls: Amy Stewart 182-171-179-532; Dawn Fletcher 233.

BOWL AMERICA WOODBRIDGE

Sunday Night Mixers. Men: Dave Sheffer 278-258-703; Ray Noel 256-234-203-693; Dick West 267-200-660; Jeff Fries 216-215-213-644; Jim Reeve 215-208-204-627; Randy Greer 245; Tamer McGuire 242; Doug Hammers 235; Al Massey 234; Pat Pinterics 232. Women: Janet Harrison 257-649; Kathy Phillips 231-215-625; Verna Swift 266-619; Kaye Deronda 234-605; Marcia Sessions 206-582; Debbie Collins 233; Jennifer Purcell 214; Sheila Cephas 212; Fran Hobson 206; Judy Seitz 202.

Monday Early. Men: Jim Campbell 268-209-659; Cliff Fisher 245-247-652; Steve Steiner 203-214-224-641; Butch McCulloch 233; Ken Owens 223; Tom Owens 220. Women: Charlotte Clemens 204-163-202-569; Marcia Sessions 182-178-179-539; Verna Swift 158-193-182-533; Quincy Chuquillangui 222, Sharon Smith 196; Roxanna Baumeister 183; Linda McGuire 183.

Merchants. Men: Ed Martin 245-224-257-726; Mike Wood 230-247-236-713; Al Morow 255-269-711; Matt Ayers 195-245-267-707; Joe Herman 253-228-216-697; Chris Hatcher 267; Jim Einhorn 258; Ricky Wallace 253; Harold Haycraft Jr. 248; Ken Catterton 245; Lee Stallsworth Jr. 245. Women: Tiffany Bell 225-224-207-656; Barbara Peters 246-173-196-615; Ruth Bache 213-207-166-586; Lynn Frechette 201-202-180-583; Linda McGuire 181-210-187-578; Rhonda Dickson 232; Dawna Taylor 217; Sherry Herman 213; Diane Osborne 209; Jean Roske 207.

Ladies Nite Out. Sherry McKinney 265-186-194-645; Lynn Frechette 214-226-182-622; Terri Franklin 207-173-228-608; Debbie Batchelor 213-191-182-586; Glenda Brown 176-199-206-581; Nancy Mankin 224; Shirley Ginwright 207; Sharon Poole 203; Sandy Friend 200; Sonya Wilson 200.

Thursday Nite Early. Men: Ken Catterton 205-244-237-686; Gene Holleman 214-213-243-670; Skip Barg 209-200-223-632; Joe Herman 235-226-629; Brad Strickland 190-243-196-629; Charlie McDonald 214-198-589; Rob Lawrence 254; Mike Scardina 241; Morris Lenyon 223; Danny Sams 218; Chuck Kenny 214; Matt Matsuda 214. Women: Rita Winston 278-202-169-649; Missi Strickland 214-215-181-610; Judy Poppe 204-160-211-575; Doris Lenyon 169-192-194-555; Lynda Watkins 170-186-193-549; Lela Casdorph 212; Patsy Corbin 206; Adele Durr 203; Val Greer 196; Barbara Peters 194.

FORT BELVOIR LANES

Belvoir Research & Development Center. Men: Dave Mallery 217-213-202-632; Dennis Kilpatrick 263-583; Jim Gutman 214-204-578; Don Neher 207-201-575; Greg Reed 235-201-575; Rick Sprague 232; Ron Sanders 221; Edward Purcell 213; Earl Cephas 211; Craig Spisak 204. Women: Janet Harrison 223-222-214-659; Judy Poppe 524; Sheila Cephas 515; Joanna Kamerer 515; Janice Cephas 508.

Friday Nite Mixers. Men: Daryl Sutton 237-616; Jim Lynch 237; Bill Wasner 223; Tom Waelty 211; Dennis Churchin 207; Kha Nguyen 204; Todd Adcock 202. Women: Judy Poppe 234-178-569; Diana Page 208-161-526; Cheryl Mims 179-170-514; Liz Moore 182-162-503; Deb Wasner 188-492; Dee Durant 193; Fran Churchin 180; Pet Maxwell 178; Theresa Sutton 173.

QUANTICO MCB LANES

Garrisonville Girls. Janet Alexander 191-206-155-552; Marilyn Griveas 180-150-168-498; Kim Hood 181-161-480; Wanda Andrews 182; Willie Short 180; Linda Chappell 175.

Thursday Doubles. Men: Skip Merryman 245-217-641; Gene Ginther 208-213-614; Ron Smith 205-213-602; Butch Schlegel 256; George Runkle 212; Jim Spellman 211. Women: Pam Spellman 170-179-181-530; Margaret Harmon 154-150-162-466; Bonnie Thomen 168-160-461; Chris Raniszewski 206; Dawn Meiers 192; Wanda Meador 169; Carol Van Horn 166; Maureen Sinon 165.