After a bit of 'scrambling' to get such a large group checked-in and a few adjustments to offset some no-shows, the unique format seemed pretty popular with the bowlers. This Tournament was intended to celebrate the 9-Tap Tour's Top Performers, both Past and Present. In the Final 16, we had some young & some older, some past and some recent Champions, and some high & middle & no handicap bowlers. We saw a little bit of everything at this one, including 4 ladies in the Finals. We also had an unusual twist of fate, in the Elite 8. We had FOUR past Champions, bowling against FOUR Top Bowler of the Year finishers seeking their first Titles. ALL FOUR Past Champions won their matches, setting up an ALL Champion Final Four, Gary Woldt (1994), Greg Burdsall (1997), Willie Downing (1998), Paul King (1998). Several members of Neil McAndrews family (who sponsored this event)attended the Tournament, including his wife Therese. At the end of the Tournament, Therese commented that she knew Neil was watching and was confident he had a BIG smile on his face.

Willie Downing won the 1st McAndrews Year-End Championship and his second career Title. As you can tell by his member #58, he's been a part of the Tour since 2002. Late in 2007 and again early in 2008, Willie commented that he didn't think he'd ever win a Tournament. He proved himself wrong TWICE in 2008. But, he didn't get into the Winner's Pot since he hadn't been bowling all that well. In the case of the Winner's Pot, that money passes to the next bowlers down the list, which made the next four finishers paydays a little nicer. Still he took home a nice $1,200.00 for the win. "Witch Doctor" Willie had a secret weapon for this Tournament, that he showed me after the 1st round. A lucky charm 'stir stick' that he named "Jaboo" (as in the movie Major League), that worked better for Willie than it did in the movie. He then proceeded to sweep ALL FOUR games in the Finals, without ever shooting over 203. The ball Willie used for this win, was a Columbia "Scout" drilled by Pat Johns at HiLine Lanes. His girlfriend Kim was there to root him on Saturday. Willie has worked for APM Terminals for almost 40 years. CONGRATULATIONS Willie on a GREAT win!

Greg Burdsall was RED-HOT going into the Final match, but a tough pair (or Jaboo) slowed him down, after games of 274-272-296. He said that not making a ball change in that last game was costly. But a huge $1,380.00 2nd place check minimized the pain. Paul King & Gary Woldt tied for 3rd place and $575.00 each, after both had some very nice games. Gary lost in the semi's despite a strong 247 game and Paul got felled by an untimely split in the 10th frame, losing by only 2 pins.

Final matches - 'Elite Eight': Greg Burdsall 272 d. Jessica Wy 237, Gary Woldt 224 d. Ray Sedeno 196, Willie Downing 188 d. Ben DuMont 182, Paul King 238 d. Jason Collins 220. Final Four: Greg Burdsall 296 d Gary Woldt 247, Willie Downing 203 d. Paul King 201. Final: Willie Downing 201 d. Greg Burdsall 184.