The challenging lane conditions made for some tight competition all day.  We used exactly the same oil pattern as our last visit, however the re-conditioning of the oil machine made for dramatically different results Saturday.  Our highest compliments to Skyway Park's new management, for all the upgrades made to the Center, and they promised that even more changes are on the way.  I was most impressed with the quality of the new restaurant food!  Saturday's early leaders had scores of only 767 & 770, until the lone 800 of the day was shot in the 4:30 squad.  The $10,161.00 Paid-Out this week, pushed the 2011 total to an awesome $203,294.00.  An unbelievable 17 of the 37 Members on the Cash List were involved in ties, including another tie for the last spot, which caused another extra bowler to be added.  The 9-Tap Jackpot got a bit of a scare when last weeks winner, Dan Boelling, left a solid 9-pin in his 6th frame, but a 'messenger' took it out late to spoil his run.  His 5-Taps held up for a $375.00 Consolation, which left the Pot to grow to new Record of $9,746.00 for next weeks Doubles & Dad's Day Special at Narrows Plaza.

 

Tour veteran Rey Alvarez returns to the Winner's Circle for the first time in two years.  He got in a nice groove in his last two games with his HAMMER Taboo, shooting the ONLY 800 of the day, a great 822.  Rey joined the Tour in 2003 and has been a regular participant, except for brief periods on the Injury List with knee issues.  This is his 4th Career Title (gold shirt), his 2nd one at Skyway Park and the 2nd time he's won on a 'Best 3 of 4' format.  The hefty $2,293.00 payday pushes him into the '$10,000 CLUB', with $10,763.00 in Career Earnings.  Rey said that the winnings would help with his daughter's College Tuition and maybe a new ball.  One of his future goals, when his daughter graduates, is to own a 9-Tap Tour Franchise.  Rey lives in Everett, bowls at Majestic Lanes in Lynnwood, but had his Taboo drilled down at Tumwater Lanes by Mike Clemens.  A arm injury five months ago caused Ray to drop down to a 13 lb ball for a while.  He just started throwing a 14 pounder again, saying it felt much better getting back to the heavier ball.  Rey asked us to thank his good friend Dorrie Quirante, plus Thang Duc Thai and Mai-Lee Bowyer for being such supportive and friendly lane mates during his run.  Rey is a retired Warrant Officer from the Navy, after 23 years, and has worked for Boeing since 1996.  He also enjoys Karaoke, golf & fishing in his spare time.  CONGRATS Rey on #4!

 

Keith Huntoon took 2nd Place in only his 2nd Tour entry.  He also finished with two strong games to give him a solid 785, worth a nice $789.00 ($10 Pro Pot).  A RED HOT Daniel Boelling added to his huge payday from last week, with the $375.00 from the Jackpot, plus another $562.00 for 3rd, giving him $3,513.00 earned in the last two weeks.