This was our first 4 squad event of the year and we found ourselves competing with a beautiful Washington day outside.  The sun was out, the weather was warm, and just like the temperature outside, the scores continued to rise throughout the day.  Each squad produced a new leader and new high scores, along with a very reasonable 'cut-score' of 925 for the day.  Before the day got started we took a moment to say good-bye to our Member #1 Char Patton.  Char had the honor of being the 1st 9-Tap Tour member, for our first Tourney, back in May 14, 2002.  Now that she's retired, she's decided to make the move to sunny Las Vegas.  Char, we'll miss you... Enjoy Vegas!  Char Patton and Dale Coleman did manage to Top the Jackpot for $150 each, with the first 4 9-Taps.  The Top 5 on the Cash List were all seeking their first Tour Titles and a respectable 6 bowlers topped 1000 Saturday.  The day started with Stephen Kincannon shooting a 996 in the first squad to lead the pack, only to bowl again in the second squad and besting his own score with a 1023.  But, Bob Berryman got on a roll, topping that with a 1028 to lead after the 2nd squad.  Judy Snow came thru with a huge 1032 to take the lead in the 3rd squad.  The 4th squad was the largest of the day with 57 bowlers packed onto just 14 lanes, due to a league making-up a 'Snow Day'.  But, that's where the ONE HUGE SCORE of the day emerged.

 

For the 3rd week in-a-row, our Winner is a first time Tour Champion.  Leo Aguiling has been bowling with 9-Tap Tour for 6 years.  His good friend, Lee Turner, won his first Title just over a year ago, so Leo's excited to join him on the Elite list of Tour Champions.  He used his Columbia Big Bully,drilled by Pat Johns, at Hiline Bowl, to masterfully shoot a spectacular 1094 (279-278-272-237 scr).  Leo leaves for a vacation in the Phillipines Thursday and had so much to do to get ready, he wasn't sure he'd have time to bowl Saturday.  Then traffic slowed him down, not leaving time for him to get anything to eat.  Leo re-affirmed what we often say, that "You NEVER know when you're going to get Hot"!  He didn't expect to get Hot Saturday and so he didn't enter the Progressive Pot.  He was nonetheless VERY happy to be taking home a check for $1,100.00, which he refered to as "Nice pocket money" for his upcoming trip.  We asked him about his 'secret', he responded with "Hungry".  Apparently he was so focused on his hunger that he didn't have any time to think about getting nervous or to worry about his score.  Leo said that he, "Wants to thank the Tour for the opportunity and to let everyone know that anything can happen".  I guess you just have to be hungry first!  CONGRATS Leo!!

 

Judy Snow had her best ever score with a 1032 and her Best Finish, taking a hefty $1,244.00 for 2nd Place.  Bob Berryman's big 2nd squad score of 1028 held on for 3rd Place and a healthy $657.00.