For the third straight week absolutely nasty, rainy, yucky weather was the story outside as Paradise Bowl played host to the Tour's 10th Annual Veterans Day Special.  We had bowlers who made the trip from Blaine, Bellingham, Eastern Washington as well as four (including this week's Champ) who made it from Yakima.  Not to go without mentioning, Hank &Gary Olson took the prize for traveling the most as they came all the way from Alaska!!!  In all, there were 143 entries and a HUGE Total Payout of $10,462.00, 30 bowlers made an extended Cash List as scores were very nice, ranging from a 1082 in the Top Spot to a Cut-line of 928. 

There were a few sporadic strings of 9-taps, but there were no significant runs at the 9-Tap Jackpot this week.  Earl Kleist &Hank Olson both were able to hit the front 4 9-taps for $100.00each in consolation.  The Jackpot is now at $7,041.00 as we return to Secoma Lanes next week. 

The Veterans Pot exceeded everyone's expectations as $1,872.00 was up for grabs, rewarding our Top 5 participating Veterans posting the highest game (w/handicap).  The results wound up very close with just NINE pins separating those Top 5!  Brad Reinke came out in the overall 1st Place Spot for the Vets Pot as he posted a 297 (see full results below). 

Pearl Sedeno, Kenny Tameno, Huyen Thai & Steve Ryan all had legitimate chances at the Title, finding themselves in 'the zone' at one point or another, only to run into a roadblock which derailed them. 

In 3rd Place this week was our Top Veteran Finisher, Joe Trinka who posted his Personal Best series (by 42 pins) 1021.  Joe joined the Tour in 2014 and this is his best finish so far after previously finishing 4th last year.  Joe earned $437.00for the 3rd Place finish and picked up an additional $468.00 in the Vets Pot.  Nice job, Joe! 

Kenny Tameno caught fire on Saturday and nearly earned his first Title in several years after firing 1064!  Kenny was going for his SIXTH Title and with the $795.00 earned, becomes the 14th Tour Member to join the $20,000.00 Club with Career Earnings of $20,234.00.  Way to shoot, Kenny!

It wasn't until getting all the way back home to Yakima whenChuck Gonsalez found out that he had won his 3rd Title and the White Champion's shirt.  Chuck shot his 1082 series early in the day then sweated it out until the Final Squad was finished!  He earned his first two Titles back in 2012 just a few weeks apart then ended the 'Dry spell' THREE years later!  The $1,737.001st Place check boosts his Career Earnings to $12,904.00.  When asked to provide some feedback about his win, Chuck wasn't shy and provided the following:  

"I lost my father in February. I made a promise to him in this tournament to donate 10% of any winnings to his favorite VA charity.  I will be taking family to Leavenworthfor a Winter getaway.  Need a new computer.  Christmas shopping early.  Joshua is normally with me but decided to not go at the last minute. I almost did not come over after that. Did not want to travel alone. Last minute an inner voice said go.  After my second game went south for the winter I needed to wear my fathers military cap for a moment and think of him being by my side. It gave me the confidence I needed. I did become concerned watching the second squad and decided whatever happens at least I did a great job. I left in the 3rd squad not knowing until I saw on the internet. I had to shed a tear of joy with my father while calling my family.  Thank you to the staff at 9-tap for our wonderful tournament style bowling and the friends cheering me on. A special thank you for the Veterans of our country for the sacrifices they gave to keep us safe.  God Bless You!"