A GREAT competition was the perfect way to end a year filled with so many new Records.  In the Bracket Finals, six Seniors took control of the Elite 8 and by the time we reached the Final 4 we had a narrow range of ages (69, 71, 72 & 73).  The unique and popular format produced a diverse group in the Finals, with 10 bowlers coming directly from the 3 game Qualifying and 6 more who joined them from the '2nd Chance' round.  Everyone making the Bracket Finals Cashed (16), with Low to Cash earning an impressive $150.00 each.

 

In SPECTACULAR fashion, 71 year old John Nissen returned to the Winner's Circle, after a 3+ year drought.  John admitted that he was 'lucky' to survive the first few matches with below average scores, but he got VERY HOT when it counted the most.  His Semi-Final 285 and Final 274 were two of the three highest games shot in the whole Bracket Finals.  He made it into the Bracket Finals by finishing in 2nd Place on his pair, then getting through the '2nd Chance' round.  John was the 2010 Bowler of the Year (white Pennant) and elected to the Hall of Famein 2012 (orange Pennant), so as the 2013 Year-End Champion (yellow Pennant), he now becomes the first Member to earn all three Pennants.  John's$2,141.00 payday Saturday, boosts his impressive Career Earnings to $29,087.00.  He said that he'd use some of that bounty, to buy a Special present for his wife.  For this Win, John used his Brunswick 'Danger Zone', drilled by Pat Johns at the HiLine Proshop.  He also offered his THANKS to the large crowd, who stayed through the Finals.  CONGRATS John for another BIG Win!

 

Putting up a solid 241 in the Final Match just wasn't enough.  Gary Woldt put up the good fight, but settled for 2nd Place and a very nice $989.00 check.  He was trying for Win #3 and like John, hadn't Won since 2010.  Michael Carlile and Wes Puishis shared 3rd Place and each earned $350.00 for their efforts.  Michael lost his Final 4 match by just 8 pins to Gary.  Wes ran into the Nissen steamroller, after earlier shooting the 2nd highest game of the Bracket Finals (279).