Nolan Barshinger: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Nolan Barshinger, 26, of Dover.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Teamed with Ken Dixon to the win the Pennsylvania State Bowling Tournament’s handicap doubles title.

I started bowling: At Lincolnway last season.

Bowler I have learned the most from: Ken Dixon.

Many people don’t realize that: I raised my average from 138 to 192 in one year. I received a lot good instruction from Ken Dixon and I rolled about 30 practice games a week.

Most memorable bowling moment: Competing in the national tournament at Reno this year.

Parts of my game I’m working on improving: Hitting my mark consistently and my footwork.

Bowling appeals to me because: I enjoy the challenge of trying to meet the goals I set for myself.

The toughest part about bowling is: Rolling strikes consistently.

Bowlers I enjoy watching: Rick Graham and Jason Weaver.

Future goal: Compete in scratch tournaments.

Note: The Pennsylvania State Seniors Tournament will be held Oct. 16 through Nov. 11 at Sheffield Lanes in Aliquippa, Pa. Entry fee is $20 per bowler and $80 per team. For more information, call (412) 375-5080.

Plessinger blisters the lanes for 245 average

Jimmy Plessinger blistered the lanes at Suburban Bowlerama during the 2009-10 season to post a 245.9 average for 90 games. The average is the second highest in York County history.

Plessinger, a 30-year-old right-hander, challenged Mark Crawford’s record of 246.6 for 99 games at East Lincoln for the 1995-96 season.

“It was definitely one of my best accomplishments,” said Plessinger, referring to his 245-plus average. “I’m not sure, however, that I’ll ever be able to do it again.”

Plessinger achieved his impressive average with amazing consistency. In 30 weeks, he rolled just three games under 200 and six series under 700. He tallied six perfect games and three 800 series, including a high of 835.

“It was a heck of a year,” he said. “The lanes were very consistent and I didn’t have to make many adjustments. The challenge was making little tweaks to my game to make sure I continued to carry pins.”

Denny Runkle, who averaged 232 at Suburban Bowlerama last season, marvels at Plessinger’s accomplishment.

“You can’t just rely on your spares to average 245,” he said. “You need to string together five or six strikes every game and that’s not easy. Plus, you can’t afford to have many off nights.”

Ben Marvel, who averaged 233 at Suburban Bowlerama last season, added, “The fact that Jimmy achieved his 245 average bowling one night a week makes it even more impressive. He’s a very consistent and accurate bowler. But, you have to be at your best every week. It demands a lot of concentration and stamina.”

Plessinger easily distanced himself from the crowd with his performance during the 2009-10 season. His average was nine pins higher than Chuck Geesey’s 236, which ranked second highest in the county.

Plessinger became just the seventh York County bowler to average 240 or higher. Other bowlers to reach that level include Tim Zelger (245.1 in 1988-89), Mark Crawford (240 in 1992-93 and 246.7 in 1995-96), Terry Miller (241 in 2008-09), Joshua Coleman (241 in 2008-09), Rick Mitchell (240 in 2008-09), and Dave Kareis (240 for 96 in 2004-05).

Men’s Top Averages for 2009-10 season

(Minimum of 66 games)

Bowler Avg. Games Center

1. Jimmy Plessinger 245 90 Suburban

2. Chuck Geesey 236 96 Colony Park North

3. Bob Hollingshead 235 105 Hanover

4. Matt Schaszberger 235 90 Suburban

5. Dave Kareis 234 96 Colony Park North

6. Terry Miller 234 102 Colony Park North

7. Kevin Ward 234 72 Colony Park North

8. Steve Carbaugh 233 105 Hanover

9. Dave Zelger 233 93 Lion Bowl

10. Tim Zelger 233 90 Lion Bowl

11. Ben Marvel 233 99 Suburban

12. Ken Dixon 232 93 Colony Park North

13. Denny Runkle 232 90 Suburban

14. Don Smith 232 96 Colony Park North

15. Greg Elicker 231 99 Lincolnway

16. Joey Price 231 93 Lincolnway

17. Brandon Maxfield 231 93 Colony Park North

18. Wayne Stahl III 231 93 Suburban

19. Broc Lawrence 231 105 Hanover

20. Chad Green 230 96 Colony Park North

21. Rich Heilman 230 96 Suburban

22. Jake Hawkins 230 102 Suburban

23. Kyle Jameson 230 84 Traveling League

24. Greg Leaman 230 87 East Lincoln

25. Rick Mitchell 230 78 Colony Park North

26. Mike Morse 230 66 Suburban

27. Dane Slenker 230 99 East Lincoln

28. Kevin Sollenberger 230 99 East Lincoln

29. Brian Zinn 230 108 Hanover

Plessinger earns PBA East Region title at Lancaster

After two grueling days of competition and a seemingly endless series of pressure-packed shots, Jimmy Plessinger couldn’t help tearing up after winning the PBA East Region Leisure Lanes Open in Lancaster on Sunday.

“It was a very exciting and emotional time when I realized what had happened,” said Plessinger, who became only the fourth York County bowler to win a PBA East Region title.

“I worked so hard over the past two days. It seems like there was pressure on every shot, every game and every match.”

The 30-year-old right-hander, however, minimized the pressure in the championship match against Tommy Gollick, a southpaw from Oberlin, Pa. Plessinger took command early as he nailed seven consecutive strikes.

Gollick, the PBA East Region points leader, couldn’t keep pace as Plessinger coasted to a 265-200 victory. Plessinger had the match locked up by the ninth frame.

“It’s been an intense two days,” offered Plessinger, who collected $2,500 for the win. “I had to come through in so many ‘must do’ situations. I felt such a sigh of relief when I knew I had won.

“This is definitely my top bowling moment,” he added. “It’s a great feeling.”

After qualifying 14^th in a field of 86 bowlers, Plessinger had to battle to reach the championship match. He defeated Terry Miller of York, three games to two, to advance. Miller, who owns two PBA East Region titles, qualified third.

“I didn’t want to have to bowl Terry, who is my best friend,” said Plessinger. “But, we knew one of us had to lose.”

Plessinger won the decisive fifth game against Miller, 214-194, to earn the right to face Jeremy Elder of Clayton, Delaware. Plessinger defeated Elder two games to one.

Plessinger’s toughest challenge Sunday came against Kevin Smith of Harrisburg in the semi-final match.

The two entered the 10^th frame tied at 183. Smith opened the final frame with a strike and then left a four-pin split. He chopped two pins off the split to finish with a 221.

Plessinger opened with a 9-pin spare and needed a strike to win or nine pins to tie. Although he tugged his final shot, he cashed in a strike to finish with a 222.

“Winning a PBA East Region title is a huge boost to my confidence,” said Plessinger, whose previous top finish was 11^th. “It definitely gives me more motivation to compete against these guys.”