Carson on Cloud Nine after 843 series

Julie Carson was on Cloud Nine after rolling games of 279, 299 and 265 for a dream-like 843 series at East Lincoln Lanes. It’s the third highest series ever rolled by a York County female bowler.

“After it was all over, I was questioning whether it was real or not,” said Carson, who easily eclipsed her previous high of 789. “I was in such a zone, I wasn’t really sure it had happened.”

Going into the ninth frame of her third game, she had a shot at surpassing Jennifer Elicker’s 868, the York County women’s record, and tying Marvin Goldberg’s 878, the county’s highest series.

There was, however, plenty of drama before that. The 28-year-old right-hander missed recording her first perfect game when a 10-pin refused to budge on the last ball of her second game.

“I just tried to go through my normal routine prior to the last shot,” she said. “I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. I felt good about the shot, but I didn’t carry the 10-pin. I was a little disappointed. In the end, however, I was happy to have recorded my highest game.”

Carson started the third game with eight consecutive strikes. She cooled off in the ninth as she notched a nine/spare. She followed with an eight/spare and an eight-count in the 10^th.

“I was just trying to keep up with the transitioning lanes the second half of the last game,” she pointed out. “There wasn’t as much pressure on me because I had already gotten my 800 series. But, I did get more nervous as the night went on.”

Although an 800 series has always been one of Carson’s goals, she didn’t expect to accomplish it so soon.

“It was more of a long-range goal for me,” she offered. “After the second game, I knew I had a good shot at an 800. But, I wasn’t counting on it. I tried to take one frame at a time.”

The 843 series helped validate Carson’s efforts to improve her game and that she’s one of the county’s top female bowlers.

“It was a great feeling,” said Carson, who averaged 207 last season. “It was all very surreal, and it took a while for what I had accomplished to sink it.”

Carbaugh wins his first PJBT title

Cameron Carbaugh isn’t your typical 12-year-old bowler.

He takes the game seriously, competing on the Pennsylvania Junior Bowlers Tour (PJBT) and in the Saturday morning league at Hanover Bowling Centre. He carries a 145 average, owns a high game of 227 and a high series of 544.

Carbaugh recently fulfilled one of his goals when he won his first PJBT title at Colony Park Lanes North in York. The Hanover right-hander defeated Brett Shick, 153-128, in the handicap division.

Under the tutelage of his father, Steve, a member of the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame, Cameron is learning the finer points of bowling. These include reading lane conditions, understanding ball technology and knowing how to match the two for maximum results.

A lesson in the finer points of bowling helped pave the way for his first PJBT title.

After leading through five games of qualifying and winning his first three matches, Carbaugh was set to face Shick in the championship match. But, a change was in order.

Carbaugh explained, “I had been using my Backlash ball the entire tournament, but the lanes had started to dry up and it wasn’t working for me any more. I knew I had to change balls, but I wasn’t sure which one I should use.”

Although he’s only 12, Carbaugh already has an arsenal of a dozen bowling balls. Prior to the start of the championship match, each bowler gets two balls practice on each of the two lanes. As his father watched, Carbaugh rolled three different balls during practice, trying to determine which one would work best on the lane condition.

“After watching me, my Dad said he thought I should use The Natural ball,” said Carbaugh. “And, it turned out to be the right choice. Although I didn’t throw a lot of strikes with it, I did consistently make my spares.”

Carbaugh admitted he was nervous during the championship match, even though he was in command the entire time. “Switching balls was definitely the key,” he said.

He added, “Winning my first title was a neat feeling. Winning helped my confidence, but it didn’t make me overconfident.”

Carbaugh will continue to compete on the Pennsylvania Junior Bowlers Tour through the end of May.

Mitch Piskur: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Mitch Piskur, 48, of Shiloh.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled an 811 series at Suburban Bowlerama. It was his first career 800.

I started bowling: In Vermillion, Ohio, when I was nine years old.

Bowlers I have learned the most from: My dad, Jon, my youth coach, Keith Hall, and Daryl Dietz.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Forget the last frame.

Most memorable bowling moment: The day before my 18^th birthday I rolled the first nine strikes in an adult/youth league. I finished with a 279. I did, however, get my first 300 in April 2008.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Making my spares.

PBA bowlers I enjoy watching: Pete Weber, Walter Ray Williams and Nelson Burton.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How many factors go into being a good bowler.

Advice I would give to someone just starting to bowl: Think about every shot and concentrate.

Future goals: Roll another 300 and raise my 214 average.

Note: The Glenn E. Bair tournaments at Hanover Bowling Centre conclude on Sunday, Nov. 28. Bowlers can compete in singles, doubles and team categories. The tournaments paid out more than $113,000 last year. For more information, go to www.HBCbowl.com.

Bowler of the Week is submitted by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association. To nominate a bowler, send email to bowleroftheweek@gmail.com.

Ricky Bennett: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Ricky Bennett, 32, of Emigsville.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled his personal high series of 781 at Lion Bowl.

I started bowling: At Colony Park North when I was 18.

Bowlers I have learned the most from: Dave Zelger and Randy Ruby.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Don’t lose your temper.

PBA bowler I enjoy watching: Parker Bohn III.

Most memorable bowling moment: Bowling in an adult/youth league with my sister Nichole.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: My timing.

Advice I would give to someone just learning to bowl: Practice as much as you can.

Non-bowlers don’t realize that: You have to match the right equipment with the oil pattern.

Future goal: Roll an 800 series.

Note: Colony Park Lanes North is hosting an eight-game marathon on the Kegel Route 66 pattern, 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 21. Cost is $60 and top prize is $800, based on 40 entries. For more information, visit www.colonyparklanesnorth.com.

Bowler of the Week is submitted by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association. To nominate a bowler send an email to bowleroftheweek@gmail.com.

Hombach's 857 sets house record

Ed Hombach likened rolling an 857 series, which featured 34 of 36 possible strikes, to an out-of-body experience.

“It was surreal,” said Hombach, who recently registered games of 300, 279 and 278 at Colony Park Lanes East, setting the house record. He erased Chuck Geesey’s mark of 847, which had stood since 2001.

“It was like I was looking down, watching myself bowl. Everything was very easy, and it was as if I didn’t feel anything.”

Few bowlers ever experience being in such a zone.

The 43-year-old, right-hander from Mt. Wolf was two strikes away from a perfect night.

In the first frame of the second game, he pulled his initial shot, left the 3-10 and chopped it. In the first frame of third game, he recorded an eight-count.

“For some reason, I wasn’t relaxed the first frames of the last two games,” he said. “But I settled into a groove after that.”

Entering the third game, Hombach was focused on an 800 series, not the house record. After a shaky first frame, he quickly returned to his striking form.

He clinched his 800 series in the ninth frame. He wasn’t aware, however, that he needed the first two strikes in the 10^th to tie Geesey’s house record.

“I’m glad I didn’t know,” he confessed. “I would rather just bowl and not worry about my score.”

A large group of bowlers had gathered behind Hombach to witness his 10^th frame. His first shot didn’t come off of his hand the way he wanted it to, but it produced a strike. His second shot was solid, and the crowd roared when all the pins scattered.

“That’s when I knew I had tied the house record,” offered Hombach. “I knew the last ball would be the icing on the cake.”

Afterwards, Hombach exchanged high fives, hugs and handshakes with his fellow bowlers. Chuck Geesey was one of the first bowlers to congratulate him.

Although Hombach said it was a “cool feeling” to set the house record, he’s doesn’t think about records. He would rather have his team win than set personal records.

“Chuck’s record lasted for nine years. Who knows how long mine will last? It might only last nine weeks,” said Hombach.

Emily Sweitzer: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Emily Sweitzer, 10, of York.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled her personal high game of 136 in the Bantam Division at Colony Park Lanes North.

I started bowling: At Lincolnway when I was seven years old.

Bowlers I have learned the most from: My dad, Bill, my mother, Kristina, and my brother, Billy.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Keep your arm straight.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Hooking my ball.

The toughest part about bowling is: Learning what works best for you. What works for one person may not work for another.

Bowling appeals to me because: You get to meet new people and learn new things.

Non-bowlers don’t realize that: Bowling is a very enjoyable sport.

What I would tell other kids about bowling: It’s a good sport that gives you an opportunity to accomplish something.

Future goal: Beat my high score.

Note: Colony Park Lanes North hosts a King of the Hill Extravaganza, 10:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 24. The format features a single elimination single bracket with a consolation bracket. First place is expected to pay $500, based on 128 entries. Entry fee is $30. For more information, call 848-6262.

Bowler of the Week is submitted by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association. To nominate a bowler send email to bowleroftheweek@gmail.com.

Bair flirts with 300 twice en route to 840 series

Nine surgeries to his right eye kept Mike Bair off the lanes for more than five years.

He returned to the lanes last season with limited vision and expectations. He never dreamed that his biggest day on the lanes was ahead of him.

Bair, the proprietor of Hanover Bowling Centre, recently rolled games of 245, 299 and 296 for an 840 series. It was his first career 800 series.

Besides recording his career high series, the 55-year-old right-hander flirted with back-to-back 300 games.

“I never imagined I would be able to accomplish something like this with the limited vision in my right eye,” said Bair, who competed on the PBA Tour in the early 1980s. “It just makes it that much sweeter.”

In the second game, he barely missed a perfect game. On his final ball, nine pins scattered and the 10-pin wobbled, but refused to fall.

“I thought it was going to fall,” said Bair, who never suspected he would get another chance at a perfect game that night.

As he started to string together strikes in the third game, his first goal was to reach the 800 plateau.

“I knew I needed a 256 the final game,” he offered. “As I kept striking, my goal was to achieve the 800 before the 10^th frame. That way, some of the pressure would be off.”

Bair reached the 800 mark with his ninth consecutive strike. The tension increased, however, as he added two more. By then, 30 to 40 bowlers had congregated behind the approach to watch him.

Still excited about his 800 series, Bair rolled the final ball and it went through the middle leaving the 4-6-7-10.

“I think I was a little slower to the line,” he said. “I was a little disappointed not rolling a 300, but it’s tough to complain when you roll an 840 series. It was a great feeling.”

He added, “Not many bowlers ever have the opportunity of back-to-back 300’s. I would have liked to have gotten at least one.”

One of the most satisfying aspects of his special night was that he was bowling on a team with his daughter, Kristen, who encouraged him to return to the lanes, and his son, Steve.

“That made everything real special,” he said. “I really enjoy bowling with them. I’m having more fun than ever.”

Mike Bair: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Mike Bair, 55, of Hanover.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled games of 245, 299 and 296 for an 840 series at Hanover Bowling Centre.

My reaction to the 840 series: I never thought I would roll an 800 series, particularly since I’ve had nine surgeries on my right eye, leaving me with limited vision.

I started bowling: At Hanover Bowling Centre when I was three years old.

Bowler I learned the most from: My father, Glenn.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Be patient and don’t panic if you roll a bad ball or frame.

PBA bowlers I enjoy watching: Walter Ray Williams Jr., Marshall Holman and Earl Anthony.

Many people don’t realize that: I competed on the PBA Tour from 1980 through 1984.

Bowling appeals to me because: It’s a lifetime sport with few limitations.

The toughest part about bowling is: Learning the fundamentals. There’s less emphasis on them today.

Future goals: Help my daughter, Kristen, and son, Steve, improve their bowling, and it would be nice to win a PBA regional title.

Note: Suburban Bowlerama hosts a 700 Club singles tournament, Sunday, Nov. 14. Squad times are 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tournament features scratch and handicap divisions. Bowlers will roll three games. Entry fee is $25. For more information, call 848-1632.

Zelger misses county record by a single pin

It wasn’t a perfect night, but it was close to it.

Dave Zelger recently rolled games of 300, 277 and 300 at Lion Bowl for an 877 series, one pin shy of the county record set by Marvin Goldberg at Lion Bowl in 2000.

Zelger registered 33 of 36 strikes, including 21 in a row.

The only blemishes came in the 10^th frame of the second game. With a chance to put together back-to-back perfect games, Zelger left the 4-7, which he converted. On the final ball of the frame, he picked up nine pins.

“I’ll admit that having a chance of back-to-back 300 games made me nervous,” said Zelger, who was named Male Bowler of the Decade for the 2000s by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association. “With so much adrenalin pumping, I tugged the ball a little, plus I was probably a little slower to the line.”

The veteran right-hander didn’t let the disappointing finish slow him now. He started a new strike streak in the third game.

“I was focusing on an 800 series,” he said. “I never thought about the county record. After missing the 300 in the second game, I was more determined the third game.”

Zelger reached the 800 plateau in the eighth frame. As some of the pressure lifted, he relaxed.

His first strike in the 10^th was solid, but he needed some help on the second one. A messenger pin came across the lane to knock over the 9-pin. There was no doubt about the final strike as the crowd of onlookers erupted in celebration.

“It was an emotional moment for me,” said Zelger, “and I don’t usually show my emotions. I wasn’t disappointed that I didn’t tie or break the county record. After all, I didn’t have a chance at the county record after the second game. It was a super night.”

Jimmy Plessinger said, “Dave’s a great bowler and it doesn’t surprise me that he rolled an 877. Rolling a pair of perfect games in one night is unbelievable. He probably hit the pocket on every ball. Certainly, he was in a zone.”

Frank Curry added, “An 877 series is impressive no matter when or where you roll it. It’s tough to throw that many perfect shots.”

“You have to be at the top of your game to roll an 800 series of that caliber,” said Ken Dixon.

David Kennedy: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: David Kennedy, 61, of Lancaster.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled an 805 series at East Lincoln Lanes.

I started bowling: At Lancaster Lanes 51 years ago.

Bowlers I have learned the most from: The Vitals—Chris, Rob and Neal.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Have fun; if you’re not having fun, quit.

Most memorable bowling moment: Rolling a 300 game while bowling with my son, Jimmy.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Making the 7-pin.

Bowling appeals to me because: I love the competition; I hate to lose.

Advice I would give to someone just starting to bowl: Make sure you get some good instruction. If possible, start in the junior league program.

The toughest part about bowling is: Learning how to adjust to lane conditions and knowing what equipment to use.

Future goals: I think I’ve done it all. I have rolled more than 40 perfect games and 25 800 series.

Note: The York-Adams USBC Annual Open Championships will be held Oct. 30-31, Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 13-14 at Colony Park Lanes East. Entry fees are $112.50 for team, $22.50 for singles and $45 for doubles.

Bowler of the Week is submitted by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association. To nominate a bowler send email to bowleroftheweek@gmail.com.

Whipple edges Decker for top women's average

Stephanie Whipple edged Lindy Decker for high average honors for York County female bowlers for the 2009-10 season.

Whipple compiled a 228 average for 96 games at Suburban Bowlerama, while Decker tallied a 227 mark for 72 games at Colony Park North.

It marks the third time in the past 10 years that Whipple has paced the county women in average. She has finished either first, second (five times) or third (twice) in the past decade.

“Lindy and I have a friendly competition,” said Whipple, who recorded her career-high average. “We like to push each other.”

The two bowled on the same team in the Friday night Traveling League this past season.

Whipple tries not to pay too much attention to her average during the season. “I think it puts more pressure on you,” she said.

The smooth right-hander believes the key to posting a high average is carrying as many pins as possible.

“To maximize your carry, you need to switch balls occasionally and move on the approach as the lane conditions change,” she offered “It can be frustrating if you’re not carrying. You try not to let it get to you.”

Teammate Tracy Bair praised Whipple’s mental toughness.

“After a bad ball or frame, Stephanie is able focus and quickly get back on track,” commented Bair. “She is very consistent, extremely accurate and knowledgeable.”

Jen Schaffer said, “Stephanie enjoys the game and has fun with it. But, she’s also a tough competitor. She has a very smooth style, is consistent to the line and doesn’t beat herself.”

What advice does Whipple have for other bowlers?

“Try to minimize your bad weeks, make your spares and stay calm.”

Whipple’s goal for this season is to average 230. It’s a lofty goal, but there aren’t many women who doubt she can achieve it.

Top Women’s Averages for 2009-10

(Minimum of 66 games)

Bowler Avg. Games Center

1. Stephanie Whipple 228 96 Suburban

2. Lindy Decker 227 72 Colony Park North

3. Jen Elicker 224 99 Lincolnway

4. Tracy Bair 217 74 East Lincoln

5. Becky Daigle 215 96 Suburban

6. Jen Schaffer 210 93 Suburban

7. Kristina Koller 209 90 Colony Park North

8. Michelle Tully 208 96 Colony Park North

9. Julie Carson 207 96 Colony Park North

10. Brenda Danfelt 204 84 Colony Park North

11. Chelsea Weik 203 75 East Lincoln

12. Tracey Rohrbaugh 203 99 Suburban

13. Denise Beachtel 202 66 Hanover

14. Angela Gotwalt 202 87 Colony Park North

15. Pam Ilgenfritz 199 99 Suburban

16. Roxanne Rand 199 96 Suburban

17. Deb Sipe 198 87 Suburban

18. Brenda Houck 197 96 Suburban

19. Alicia King 197 93 Colony Park North

20. Jill Fissel 196 105 Hanover

21. Angie Kauffman 194 87 Colony Park North

22. Sally McIntyre 193 105 Hanover

23. Abby Swisher 193 90 East Lincoln

24. Kristen Bair 192 108 Hanover

25. Arwana Groves 192 99 Suburban

26. Allison Reynolds 192 94 Lincolnway