There was plenty of heat inside Karen Lanes in Pocatello, Idaho, even
though the snow was flying cold and heavy and the roads were icy outside. 79
bowlers braved the icy roads and wintery conditions to participate. If they were
looking for great bowling, they were not disappointed a two-thirds of those
participating rolled a 1000 score or better for five games - it took 1044 to
qualify for the 14th position. Unfortunately, that score was held by two - Norm
Johnston of Boise, Idaho, and Ed Strommen of Anaconda, Montana.
Usually, a one-game roll-off would have been held to determine who
would occupy the last position. However, Strommen had rolled his 1044 in the
first squad, and because there were no Super Senior qualifiers from that squad,
he was automatically seeded in the two-game match play round. Johnston, however,
was still able to cash as the tournament prize fund was able to pay down 18
places again.
Strommen took advantage of his position to beat out Harley Rish of
Idaho Falls, Idaho in the two-game roll-off. Then, after ousting Maury Hardman
of Ogden, Utah, in the one-game match, went on to meet Pat Pethtel of Meridian,
Idaho. Pethtel was gaining momentum, just eliminating Ron Hendricks of Fort
Hall, Idaho, and went on to beat Strommen and then dethroned top-seed John
Bertolina of Henderson, Nevada, to win his first SISBA tournament.
This is the THIRD SISBA tournament in a row
to field over 75 entrants. We could probably have had over 81 entries and cut to
18, but first squad bowlers thought the second squad was full and did not
re-enter. From now on, if the second squad has been advertised as full, but is
not, we will announce it as soon as possible to give those interested in
re-entering a chance. Always get on our waiting list, however, as the
possibility of no-shows is always there.
The winner of the STORM ball was Garry Thomas, an SISBA member from
Pocatello, Idaho. The Storm golf bowling ball was won by Jr. Lopez of Fort Hall,
Idaho, and the STORM ball keychain went to Jamie Falkner, also of Pocatello.
On Saturday, December 1, 2001, the SISBA held another doubles
tournament with the age for a doubles team being lowered to 100 combined years
of age. There were 27 entries with the top four entries being paid. Results for
this tournament can be found at December 2001 tournament
results. Among the highlights was a great 300 game rolled by Wes Mills of Idaho
Falls, Idaho. He finished with a 700 series, Ron Hendricks of Fort Hall, Idaho,
had a 741 series, and Gary Call of Pocatello, Idaho, also had a 702 series.
We had some new members join us at this tournament including: Don
McKay of Pocatello, Idaho; Brian Runz and Wes Mills of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and
Vardell Tait of McCammon, Idaho.
***** The second squad of the January tournament to be at Starlite
Lanes in Blackfoot, Idaho, was full before the tournament in Pocatello was
finished, and the first squad wasn't too far behind. With only 12 lanes, we will
not be able to go four tournaments with over 75 entries, but two full squads
would set a new record! *****
SO!! Who's Winning the Pots?
