Curry turns in another outstanding senior feat

Frank Curry, 72, of York is bowling like someone who has discovered the Fountain of Youth.

Curry recently rolled back-to-back 300s after starting with a 196 game at East Lincoln Lanes. He became the first county senior bowler to accomplish the feat.

Earlier this season, he sandwiched a 174 game between two perfect games at East Lincoln Lanes. He has tallied six perfect games this season, while averaging around 215.

“This entire season has amazed me,” said Curry, a member of the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame who owns 16 career perfect games. “I’ve never had a year like this, and I’ve been bowling for more than 50 years. I’ve had more 300s this season than in any five-year period in my career.”

He continued, “I haven’t been as consistent this year, but I’ve rolled more high single games. A lot depends on my physical condition and how I feel on the days I bowl.”

After opening with a 196 game, Curry made a slight adjustment by shortening the spot on the lanes where he focused during his delivery. He reeled off 24 consecutive solid strikes during his record-setting performance.

“I found the right spot about the 10^th frame of the first game,” he said. “The spot where you focus on the lanes affects how you release the ball. It wasn’t a big adjustment, but it paid off.”

Curry said he never expected to roll two 300s in a series once during his career much less twice in one season.

On both occasions, however, he failed to reach the 800 plateau, generating a lot of good-natured ribbing from his teammates and opponents.

“That just adds to the enjoyment,” commented Curry, who has done his share of ribbing.

As if the six perfect games this season aren’t impressive enough, consider that Curry also has registered nearly a dozen 279 games.

Even though the veteran right-hander said it’s easier than ever to roll high scores, it doesn’t explain why bowlers half his age aren’t matching his accomplishments.

“I compete against myself more than my opponents,” he said. “I want to do better today than yesterday. I want to keep improving.”

While Curry may not be able to improve upon this season, he said, “It’s been a great experience.”

Robert LeCates: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Robert LeCates, 13, of Hellam.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Won his age division at the Pepsi District Tournament, qualifying him to compete in the state tournament in Butler.

I started bowling: At Suburban Bowlerama when I was 11 years old.

Bowler I have learned the most from: Rich Heilman.

My most memorable bowling moment: Winning the Pepsi District Tournament.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Becoming more consistent.

Bowling appeals to me because: I enjoy the individual aspect of the game.

Advice I would give to someone just starting to bowl: Relax and have fun.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How much you can improve from the time you start bowling.

The toughest part about bowling is: The pressure you put on yourself.

Future goal: Increase my average.

Note: The Pennsylvania State Bowling Championships are being held in Altoona on weekends through June 19. Final entry deadline is midnight, June 1. Bowlers can compete in team, singles and doubles categories.

Bowler of the Week is submitted by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association.

Greg Bruff: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Greg Bruff, 29, of West York.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Finished third in the Bud Light York County Match Play Championship.

I started bowling: At a military base in England when I was four years old.

Bowlers I have learned the most from: Bill O’Neill and my Saginaw Valley College coach Don Dorion.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Stay down on the fourth step of my approach.

Most memorable bowling moment: Setting the house record with an 845 series at a center in Burke, Va.

PBA bowlers I enjoy watching: Bill O’Neill and Anthony Lacoste.

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

Advice I would give someone just starting to bowl: Have fun, practice and ask league bowlers for advice.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How big of a difference there is between an average league bower and the best bowlers, and the difference between a house lane condition and a sport lane condition.

Future goals: Bowl well at the national tournament and win either a state or regional title.

Note: A two-day King of House tournament will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 21, at Colony Park Lanes North and 10 a.m., Sunday, May 22, at Colony Park Lanes East. Qualifying consists of six games and the top eight will advance to match play. Entry fee is $20.

Bowler of the Week is submitted by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association.

Justin Emig: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Justin Emig, 29, of York.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled games of 299, 269 and 300 for an 868 series at Colony Park Lanes North, setting the house record.

I started bowling at: Lincolnway Bowling when I was eight years old.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Ninety percent of bowling is mental.

PBA bowlers I enjoy watching: Bill O’Neill.

Most memorable bowling moment: Winning the county tournament for the first time.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Being more consistent.

Bowling appeals to be because: I enjoy the competition and camaraderie. I’ve made many close friends through bowling.

Advice I would give someone just starting to bowl: Be patient and work to understand the game.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How challenging the sport is.

Future goal: Win the state singles title.

Note: Lion Bowl hosts a York Area BPA 700 Club Over 40/Under 40 tournament, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sunday, May 8. Entry fee is $25 per person.

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

Baer becomes first back-to-back match play winner

Adam Baer dominated match play on Sunday, winning all eight of his matches at East Lincoln Lanes, to coast to a 327-pin victory over Jerred Poff.

Baer, a powerful right-hander from Gettysburg, became the first bowler to win back-to-back Bud Light York County Match Play Championships in the tournament’s 15-year history. He also became the first three-time champ, having won three of the past four years.

“I felt like I dominated today,” said Baer, who averaged 250. “I bowled really well. Winning back-to-back match play titles rates up there with winning the PBA East Region tournament last year.”

Baer capped off the stellar performance with a 252-206 victory over Greg Bruff in the final match of the day, which turned out to be a battle for second place. Poff defeated Mark Jones, 257-211, to move ahead of Bruff into second place.

Baer led the 61-bowler qualifying field and held the lead for all but one game during the two-day, 16-game match play competition.

Trailing by 29 pins entering Sunday’s competition, Baer delivered a bold statement with a 267 his first game to regain the lead and a 93-pin cushion.

“I wanted to shoot a big game to start the day,” said Baer. “That along with the fact that Don Harbaugh (who had been in first) and Jerred Poff (who was in third) shot games under 200 and didn’t win their first matches was a big help.”

Baer said being in first and having a comfortable cushion decreased some of the pressure and allowed him to free up his swing.

“I didn’t feel I had to shoot a big score every game,” he added.

Baer tallied critical victories against his closest competitors, Jerred Poff and Greg Bruff.

In game four, he defeated Poff, 280-249, and the following game he topped Bruff, 257-247.

Baer admitted that he feared Poff, who regularly bowls at East Lincoln, more than any other bowler in the field.

Poff, who finished second for the third consecutive year, said, “Adam’s win against me changed the momentum. And, it took me out of the game mentally.”

Bruff forced Baer to strike out in the 10^th to secure a narrow victory.

“That was a huge win,” offered Baer. “At the time, Bruff was only 160 pins behind. I had to make two great shots to pull that game out. It could have gone either way.”

That win stretched Baer’s lead to 203 pins, and he coasted the rest of the way. Baer earned $1,200 for the victory.

The final standings and pin totals are: Baer (1,579), Poff (1,252), Bruff (1,223), Jones (1,211), Denny Runkle (1,155), Jeff Daubert (1,124), Eric Smith (1,123), Jimmy Plessinger (1,111), Neil Smith (1,033), Don Harbaugh (977), Steve Carbaugh (858), Rick Bretz (797), Barry Whorley (775), Duane Martin (774), Dave Kareis (699), Justin Shearer (661).

Baer sitting where he wants entering match play

Defending Bud Light York County Match Play champ Adam Baer is right where he wants to be entering match play this weekend—at the top of the heap.

Baer, a 29-year-old right-hander, paced the field of 61 bowlers in the two-day, 12-game qualifying session by averaging 240 and tallying 2,881 pins. He is trying to become the first bowler to successfully defend his title in the tournament’s 15-year history.

Match play competition begins 2 p.m., Saturday, at Colony Park Lanes North and concludes at 10 a.m., Sunday, at East Lincoln Lanes.

“I threw the ball great all weekend, and it feels good to be in the lead,” said Baer, one of 16 competitors who advanced to match play. “My goal was to make the match play. It didn’t matter if I qualified first or 16^th.”

With only 101 pins separating first place from 16^th, Baer knows there isn’t a big advantage to being in first at this point. The standings can change quickly.

In match play, each bowler receives plus or minus the number of pins above or below 200 each game and 30 bonus pins for a win.

Each bowler rolls one game against every other bowler in the field. The final game is a position round, pitting 1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4, 5 vs. 6 and so forth.

“The 30 bonus pins for a win is huge,” said the two-time match play champ. “With 16 games, that’s a lot of potential bonus pins.”

As the leader, Baer knows he’s in the sights of the other 15 match play competitors. But it doesn’t change his approach.

“During qualifying, my mental approach was one game at a time,” he offered. “And, it’s the same for match play. You can’t afford to look too far ahead.”

Baer expects intense competition from talented field of match play bowlers, which includes two-time champ Steve Carbaugh (2003 and 2005).

First place is expected to be worth at least $1,000.

In match play, bowlers start with the number of pins more than 2,400 that they tallied in qualifying. Bowlers and their point totals are: Baer (481); Denny Runkle (461); Neil Smith (457); Don Harbaugh (454); Jerred Poff (451); Barry Whorley (446); Greg Bruff (437); Dave Kareis (434); Jeff Daubert (413); Mark Jones (410); Eric Smith (402); Duane Martin (399); Justin Shearer (390); Rick Bretz (389); Steve Carbaugh (389) and Jimmy Plessinger (380).

Emig sets Colony Park North record with 868 series

Justin Emig recently tallied 33 of 36 possible strikes as he rolled games of 299, 269 and 300 en route to an 868 series at Colony Park Lanes North.

The 29-year-old right-hander from York erased Adam Mobley’s house record of 866, set in 2008. His 868 series is tied for the third highest in county history.

Emig admittedly threw one bad shot all night. But, of course, that’s the one he can’t get out of his mind.

On his first ball of the second game, he was left of the pocket and the four-pin stood steadfast. He converted the spare and put together six strikes before leaving the nine pin in the eighth frame. He struck out to finish with a 269.

“If I strike on the first ball of the second game, I finish with an 878, which would have tied the county record,” said Emig. “I was a little wide with that shot, and it was the only one I would have liked back.”

The only other blemish on Emig’s near-perfect night was a seven pin on the final ball of the first game.

“I felt great,” said Emig, who is averaging 229. “Everything was flowing well, and I was consistently in the pocket.”

As the night progressed and the strikes continued to pile up, Emig made sure he kept his focus and followed his normal routine prior to every ball.

Reaching the 800 plateau midway through the third game lifted most of the pressure off of Emig.

There might have been more pressure, however, if he had realized the house record was 866.

“I didn’t think I had a chance to break the house record because I thought it was 868,” he offered. “Given that, I figured the best I could do was tie it. I mainly focused on trying to finish with a 300 game.”

His final strike unleashed a barrage of high fives and congratulations. He texted many of his friends and the news was quickly posted on Facebook.

“It (the 868) didn’t really hit me until I went home, and particularly the next day when I drove by the center. I thought, ‘No one else has ever rolled a higher series there.’ It gave me goose bumps.”

Bowler of the Week: Lori Ann Bossom

Bowler: Lori Ann Bossom, 43, of Hanover.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled a 666 series at Hanover Bowling Centre.

I started bowling: At South Hanover 15 years ago.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Strive for consistency.

Bowler I have learned the most from: Mark Myers.

I’m proud that: I’ve raised my average from 169 to 180.

PBA bowlers I enjoy watching: Norm Duke, Parker Bohn III and Liz Johnson.

My most memorable bowling moment: Rolling a 279 game.

Bowling appeals to me because: It’s a great stress reliever and I enjoy the team environment.

A lot of people don’t realize that: My husband, Randy, and I bowl two nights a week.

Future goal: Average 200.

Note: Colony Park Lanes North hosts the Kegel Challenge Series, 9:30 a.m., Sunday, April 17. The format is eight games on the Middle Road pattern. Top prize is $800, based on 40 entries. 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.

Baer can make match play history

When it comes to the Bud Light York County Match Play Championship, Adam Baer is a student of history.

Baer knows that he is one of only three bowlers to win the prestigious 15-year tournament twice, and that no bowler has been able to win in back-to-back years.

Baer, a powerful, 29-year-old right-hander from Gettysburg, captured the tournament in 2008 and 2010. If he’s victorious this year, he’ll be the first back-to-back winner and the first to win the tournament three years out of four. The accomplishments would separate him from a handful of the county’s elite bowlers.

The tournament opens this weekend with six-game qualifying sets at Hanover Bowling Centre at 2 p.m., Saturday, and Lincolnway Bowling at 10 a.m., Sunday. The top 12 bowlers from qualifying advance to match play the following weekend. Six-game match play sets are scheduled at Colony Park North at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 16, and at East Lincoln Lanes at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 17. The winner collects $1,000.

Despite his past accomplishments, Baer isn’t taking anything for granted. He knows all too well that the past provides no guarantees for the present.

After winning the 2008 title, he failed to qualify for match play in 2009. As a student of history, he hopes to learn from his past.

“You can’t win until you’re there (in match play),” he said. “You have to make it through 12 games of qualifying first. Being a past champion doesn’t mean anything.”

Although the first six games of qualifying are at Hanover Bowling Centre, where Baer rolls regularly and averages 237, it isn’t necessarily an advantage.

“When I failed to make match play in 2009, Hanover hosted six games of qualifying, and I bowled very poorly there. I think I was trying to do too much,” he pointed out.

After enjoying a blockbuster 2010 season when he won a PBA East Region title, Baer has been steadily recovering from a knee injury. Physically, he’s not 100 percent, but he’s getting closer every week.

Baer says the biggest difference from 2009 and now is his mental approach to the game.

“Ninety percent of my success last year was due to my improved mental game,” he offered. “I finally learned how to be patient.”

Looking ahead, Baer, one of six former champs in the tournament, said, “It won’t be easy for whoever wins. The competition is intense. You have to get through qualifying and things can change very quickly during match play.”

The student of history hopes to make some history beginning this weekend.

* * * * * *

BUD LIGHT YORK COUNTY MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

PAST WINNERS

1996—Dave Zelger

1997—Billy Heltzel Jr.

1998—Tony Lewis

1999—Jeff Hamme

2000—Dave Zelger

2001—Brian Lafko

2002—No tournament

2003—Steve Carbaugh

2004—Chris Lakatosh

2005—Steve Carbaugh

2006—Scott Farley

2007—Ken Dixon

2008—Adam Baer

2009—Terry Miller

2010—Adam Baer

Himes raises the bar for senior bowlers

Glenn Himes, 68, recently raised the bar for senior bowlers in York County when he rolled games of 300, 267 and 274 for an 841 series at East Lincoln Lanes. Himes of York erased Frank Curry’s senior record of 837.

“I wasn’t aware of the county senior record,” offered Himes. “But, I’m overjoyed with what I’ve accomplished.”

After tallying 567 pins the first two games, Himes reminded himself to concentrate on the third game in order not to mess up an opportunity for an 800 series.

His concentration must have been at its peak as he reeled off the first seven strikes in the third game before a 10 pin stopped the streak. He converted the spare and added three more strikes before his final ball.

Despite his record-setting performance, Himes said he should have added a few more pins to his total. He chalked up only five pins on his final ball.

“I wasn’t focused,” he said. “I was distracted by the other bowlers, and I knew I already had a heck of a day.”

Don Dietz, who bowls with Himes, said, “Frankly, I don’t think there’s any senior bowler close to Glenn right now. He’s having an incredible year. I believe he’s averaging 228 or 229, the highest of his career.”

When asked about Himes’ attributes on the lanes, Dietz said, “Glenn can make adjustments quicker than anyone I’ve ever seen, and he raises his game as the competition increases.”

Himes has been bowling for 52 years, but he’s never experienced a season like this one.

“I’ve never had more than one 300 in a season. But, I’ve had five this season, plus two 800 series. I can’t really explain it,” commented Himes, has bowled equally well at East Lincoln Lanes, where he has an 800 series and three perfect games, and Suburban Bowlerama, where he has an 800 series and two perfect games.

It seems as if Himes would have a better chance of explaining nuclear fission than his successful 2010-2011 bowling season. He hasn’t purchased a new ball; he hasn’t changed his approach on the lanes; and he hasn’t gotten any younger.

“It’s been an unbelievable season,” he said. “My approach has been to not over think what I’m doing.”

Dave Fares: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Dave Fares, 49, of Loganville.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled his first 300 at Suburban Bowlerama.

My reaction to the perfect game: I wasn’t nervous until after I rolled the final strike. I was shaking at the start of the next game.

I started bowling: In Baltimore in 1968.

Bowler I have learned the most from: Brian Voss. He used to visit a center in Baltimore and talk to Danny Wiseman a lot. I picked up a number of tips from him.

PBA bowler I enjoy watching: Walter Ray Williams.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Being more consistent.

A lot of people don’t realize that: I’m recovering from knee surgery.

Bowling appeals to me because: I like the individual competition.

Advice I would give someone just starting to bowl: Have fun; don’t be so intense.

Future goal: Roll another 300 game so I can prove it wasn’t a fluke. I also would like to roll an 800 series.

Note: Colony Park East hosts a five-game York Area 700 Club on a Cheetah pattern, 10 a.m., Sunday, April 10. Cost is $25 per person.

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

Shelena Paice: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Shelena Paice, 33, of York.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled a 277 game and a 713 series at Colony Park North.

I started bowling: In Maryland, when I was 10 years old.

Bowler I have learned the most from: My husband, Rich.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Don’t over think the game.

PBA bowler I enjoy watching: Norm Duke.

Most memorable bowling moment: Rolling my non-sanctioned 300 game 11 years ago.

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

Advice I would give someone just starting to bowl: Listen to your coaches.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How much of a team sport bowling is.

Future goal: Roll a sanctioned 300.

Note: The Bud Light York County Match Play Championships will be held April 9-10 and 16-17. Six-game qualifying sessions are scheduled for Hanover Bowling Centre, Saturday, April 9, and Lincolnway Bowling, Sunday, April 10. Match play is scheduled for Colony Park North, Saturday, April 16, and East Lincoln Lanes, Sunday, April 17. Entry fee is $85 prior to April 2 and $125 after that date. First place is worth $1,000. Entry forms are available at local bowling centers.

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

John Fitz: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: John Fitz, 64, of York.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled an 809 series at Suburban Bowlerama.

I started bowling: About 12 years ago after taking 35 years off. I’m glad I returned to the lanes. It’s a lot of fun.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Focus on your mark and duplicate your shots.

Bowlers I have learned the most from: My teammates. I learn a lot from them just by watching.

Most memorable bowling moment: Rolling my first 300 game in October 2010.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Staying focused.

Bowling appeals to me because: You can do it all year round and it attracts a great group of people.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How dedicated you have to be to be one of the best bowlers.

The toughest part about bowling is: Converting the 10-pin.

Future goal: Roll another 300 game and 800 series.

Note: The Bud Light York County Match Play Championships will be held April 9-10 and 16-17. Six-game qualifying sessions are scheduled for Hanover Bowling Centre, Saturday, April 9, and Lincolnway Bowling, Sunday, April 10. Match play is scheduled for Colony Park North, Saturday, April 16, and East Lincoln Lanes, Sunday, April 17. Entry fee is $85 prior to April 2 and $125 after that date. First place is worth $1,000. Entry forms are available at local bowling centers.

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

Lynette Fink: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Lynette Fink, 44, of Dover.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled a 257 game and a 699 series at Colony Park East.

I started bowling: In California when I was 15 years old. I just started back bowling last year after a nine-year layoff.

Bowlers I have learned the most from: My father Tac Handa, Tony Schmitt and my teammates.

PBA bowler I enjoyed watching: Mark Roth.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Slowing down my speed.

Bowling appeals to me because: I grew up bowling and everyone in my family bowls.

Advice I would give someone just starting to bowl: Take lessons.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How competitive bowling can be.

Most memorable bowling moment: Rolling my 699 series.

Future goal: Roll a 700 series. I came so close, so I know I can do it.

Note: The Eighth Annual Pennsylvania State USBC Youth Association Championships will be held April 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and April 30-May 1 at Moshannon Valley Super Bowl (doubles and singles) in Philipsburg, Pa., and Clearfield Lanes (team event) in Clearfield, Pa. Entry deadline is midnight, Saturday, March 26. For more information, visit www.bowlpa.org.

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

A special night for the Mitchells

When Rick Mitchell stepped up to the podium to deliver his York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame induction speech last month, he looked into the audience and focused on his father, Hayden.

It was a special night for the Mitchells. It marked the first time in the hall of fame’s 47-year history that a son delivered an induction speech while his father, also a hall of famer, was in the audience.

The Mitchells became just the third father-son members of the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame. The elite group includes Ralph and Tom Dasher and Bob and Terry Huber. Tom was inducted in 2004, three years before his father, Ralph. Terry, part of the 2011 class of inductees, joined his late father Bob, who was posthumously inducted in 1997.

“It was definitely a special moment,” said Hayden, 71, of York, who was inducted into the hall of fame in 1998. The proud father started his son bowling at age four. “Bowling is something Rick and I have been able to share, and it has helped our relationship.”

As a youngster, Rick tagged along to watch his father compete in leagues, learning from him and others. “He was around the best bowlers in the county,” commented Hayden.

When Rick got older, he and his father bowled in leagues together.

“It’s an honor to join my father in the hall of fame because he’s been one of my biggest supporters,” said 40-year-old Rick of East Berlin. “It was nice to hear other hall of famers congratulate my father on being the driving force behind my success.”

Hayden served as a junior bowling instructor when Rick was growing up and learning to bowl. While he tried to impart as much knowledge and advice as possible, he resisted the urge to switch Rick from a left-handed bowler to a right-handed bowler.

“Dad allowed me to do what came naturally,” said Rick. “He didn’t force me to follow in his footsteps as a right-hander.”

Rick has made the most from rolling on the left side of the lane. He owns 35 perfect games and 33 800 series, including a high of 836. He achieved his high average of 240 during the 2008-09 season.

“I was never the super bowler that Rick is,” commented Hayden. “He has accomplished so much.”

In the end, however, Rick’s biggest achievement was to join his father in the hall of fame.

“It was nice to look into the audience and see my father so happy,” said Rick. “I just wish Terry’s father had been alive to see him inducted. It’s a night that will live with me forever.”

Micah Grilley: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Micah Grilley, 11, of York.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled his first 200 game at East Lincoln Lanes.

I started bowling: At East Lincoln Lanes when I was three years old.

Bowler I have learned the most from: Tracy Bair.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Hit your mark and follow through.

Parts of my game I’m working on improving: Focusing on the 10^th frame and hitting my mark consistently.

Bowling appeals to me because: My entire family bowls and I know a lot of other people who bowl.

Advice I would give to someone just starting to bowl: Keep the ball on the lane and follow through.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How exciting bowling can be. Most of them think it’s boring.

The toughest part about bowling is: Being consistent from week to week.

Future goal: Roll a 300 game.

Note: Hanover Bowling Centre hosts a six-game singles 700 Club Tournament at noon on Sunday, March 13. Cost is $25 per person. For more information, call 632-2695.

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

Bob Myers: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Bob Myers, 61, of East Berlin.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled his first career 300 game at Lincolnway Bowling.

I started bowling: At Weiglestown Lanes more than 20 years ago.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Don’t over think the game.

Bowlers I have learned the most from: John Fuhrman and Ralph Dasher.

PBA bowler I enjoyed watching: Earl Anthony.

Most memorable bowling moment: When my VFW team won the VFW tournament at Nellie Fox Lanes.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Making the 10-pin.

Bowling appeals to me because: It keeps me active in the winter.

Advice I would give someone just starting to bowl: Don’t give up.

Future goal: A perfect game had been my goal for a long time. Now that I have one, I can’t think of another goal. It’s a great feeling to finally get a 300. I had been close several times.

Note: The Calvin Campbell Memorial Youth Singles Tournament will be held March 26-27 and April 2-3 at Lincolnway Bowling. More than $5,700 in scholarships will be awarded. There are four age divisions. Entry fee is $13 per bowler. Entries must be turned in to the youth program coordinator/coach no later than Saturday, Feb. 26.

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

Hanover bowling team sets county record

Pella Corporation team members recently had their sights set on a big prize at Hanover Bowling Centre, but they unknowingly ended up with an even bigger prize.

The team of Barry Gulden, Neil Smith, Don Smith, Brent Hunter and Adam Baer knew they had a chance at the Hanover Bowling Centre team record of 3,656.

The Thursday night squad tallied 3,757 pins, shattering the house record by more than 100 pins and the county record by two pins.

Neil Smith led the way with an 814 series, while Hunter added a 782. Don Smith, Neil’s father, contributed a 724 series and Baer was close behind with a 722. Gulden chipped in with a 715.

The previous county team record was 3,755, set by Dan Ledwith, Ben Marvel, Rick Bretz, Bob Workman and Jake Hawkins at Suburban Bowlerama in 2009.

“We knew what the house record was, but we had no idea what the county record was,” said Hunter. “I don’t know if it would have helped us or not. I think we’re glad that we didn’t know. That took some of the pressure off of us.”

Don Smith added, “No one knew that we had set the county record until the next day. I’ve been bowling a long time, but I’ve never been on a team where all five guys rolled a 700 series.

“There are a lot of good bowlers in York County, and I’m just flattered to be part of team that set the county record.”

Gulden said, “I’m amazed what we accomplished. We’ve had some good matches this year, but the difference this night was that our light hits were carrying. We have five guys who are capable of rolling big games, and everyone had a good night.”

Neil Smith confessed that he was too nervous focusing on a possible 800 series to think much about the county record.

“Once I rolled the first strike in the 10^th, I knew I had my 800 series,” he said. “I was able to relax a little after that.”

He added, “Being part of a record-setting team with my dad is very special to me. It was an unforgettable night.”

Baer said the team missed a chance to substantially pad their county-record total. After getting off to a quick start, Baer said neither team member rolled a strike in the 10^th frame of the first game.

“After I rolled my first practice ball, I felt we were going to score big,” offered Hunter.

“There was a lot of area to play.”

Pella Corp.

Barry Gulden 252 216 245 715

Neil Smith 279 235 300 814

Don Smith 258 239 227 724

Brent Hunter 256 237 289 785

Adam Baer 218 269 235 722

Total 3,757