The day started out with 14 original 2002 Members bowling (30 for the day) and the Tour founder Jon Schneider throwing the ceremonial 'First Pitch'.  It was truly poetic that Jon got a 9-count on that opening ball.  The scoring was moderate, but the competition was pretty HOT!  Numerous bowlers had early big games, putting themselves in great position to bump-off the leaders' relatively low scores.  But, no one had the big final game to pull it off.  The day didn't lack for exciting moments... there was plenty of adrenalin rushes on the lanes when FIVE Members had SIX Taps in-a-row.  Four of them were in the middle of the game and one had the first SIX, with a shot at the Magic #7.  In the 2nd squad, the crowd held their breath as the shot at that Magic #7 looked like it had possibilities, but just like last week, a 6-10 leave derailed the effort.  Mary Hastings confessed to a severe case of nerves, but she still made a great shot.  The day wasn't over yet, with 4 more bowlers taking aim at seven-in-the-middle, which would have bumped Mary off the Consolation.  Mary,, and husband Mike Hastings, had re-entered the final squad and Mike was one of the four with a chance to take the consolation away from his wife.  He smartly chose the politically correct and safer road, by missing the seventh tap, leaving Mary with the $750 Consolation, while Mike held on for 3rd Place and $715.00 of his own. 

Our THANKS to FARRELLI'S PIZZA for providing the Pizza before each squad!  It certainly was popular and all we heard were raves about how good it was!

 

Bob Blakeslee captured his first Tour Championship with a 1014 in the 2nd squad.  He threw a nice 930 in the 1st squad, but thought he could improve on that score with a re-entry.  Obviously, he made that move payoff, but he confessed that he didn't think the score would hold up with two squads to go.  It hung on, for a huge payday of $2,926.00, which Bob said would help pay for some new equipment he's been eyeing.  It's been a Hot couple of weeks for Bob, after hitting the 9-Tap Jackpot Consolation for $750 last week.  Bob lives in Birch Bay (between Bellingham & the Canadian Border), as does his friend Carl Nichols, both regularly making the trip down to the Tournaments.  His Roto Grip 'Grenade' and a Brunswick 'Target Zone' were both drilled by himself at the Riverside (Mt. Vernon) Pro Shop.  When asked what his secret was this week, he said, "I've been working on breathing in my pre-shot routine, to help my concentration".  (Sounds like a little Zen to me... I might have to try that myself)  Bob works for the Bellingham School District and enjoys working with the Varsity Athletes to stay Positive and Focused.  CONGRATULATIONS Bob on Win #1!

 

Joe Miller joined the Tour in March and had the only other score over 1000 with a nice 1007 which was good enough for 2nd Place and a hefty $1,280.00 bounty.  Mike Hastings was close behind with a fine 999 for his $715.00 and peace in the family.  Al Fawcett Jr (my Doubles partner for the State Tourney next week) was another 2 pins back with a 997 and $310.00 for 4th.