It was another BIG turnout with 151 entries Saturday for the Tour's first visit of 2014 to Kent Bowl.  Four Bowlers went over the 1,000 mark while 30 cashed with the cut line at 929.  The $2,000+ Champion's Check Streak continued, making it 7 for 7 this year with the strong possibility of  it going to 8 for 8 next week at Roxbury Bowl!
One of the big stories of the day was in the 1st Squad when Jerry Hendricksonmade a run at the 9-Tap Jackpot during his 2nd game when he made the decision to go for 9-Taps 'Brooklyn' Style. After making that decision, Jerry proceeded to hit the front 6 only to be derailed by a 7-count on his 7th shot.   Although disappointed, he happily took home $500.00 for his troubles. Also in the 1st Squad, Mark  Hitchcock made a run at his 3rd title.  After shooting a 145 in his first game, Mark came back BIG, posting an impressive 1016, eventually finishing 3rd, taking home $572.00.  Ron Campos, trying for his first Tour victory, had his best series ever by 34 pins, posting a nice 1027 taking 2nd place and a nice $1,070.00 check.  Judy Buchanan was the only other bowler (besides our Champ) to break 1000, posting an impressive 1006, finishing 4th and after hitting the 9-Tap Jackpot last year in Kent, it's safe to say that Kent Bowl has been good to Judy!  The Progressive Pot for next week at Roxbury is at $2,530.00 while the 9-Tap Jackpot grew to $3,615.00.
The hottest bowler of the day turned out to be none other than our newest and 1st Time Champion, Will Cotton.  During the 2nd Squad, Will was on fire, shooting a career best 1131, shattering his personal best by 124 pins and was104 pins over 2nd place.  With the win, Will took home a very nice $2,400.00 1st Place check.  It was just 4 weeks ago when Cotton shot his highest ever game on the Tour with a 258 while this week THREE of his four games were even higher than that!  Will had FIVE previous Top 5 finishes led by a 4th & 5th last year.  Cotton, who has been bowling for over 30 years, credits the victory to his decision to make a ball change during warm-up to his Storm 'Sync'.  Will wanted to thank Matt Surina (& Joyce) from Daffodil Bowl for all their help along with the Tour's Wes Puishis because "I seem to bowl well when I bowl with Wes".  Will said that he's planning to use his winnings on a family vacation (cruise) to Vancouver, B.C.   Well Done, Will!