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.

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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.”