The Tour dropped in for a visit to Sam's Town yesterday and as usual Tom Pippenger Jr and his staff did an excellent job!  Our entry count of 65 coupled with a last place tie, added a 14th Member to the 'Cash List'.  The 'cut line' ended up being 930 and the diversity of averages on the 'Cash List' was right on target.  After a few weeks of higher than average scoring Sam's Town proved to be a fair yet challenging condition.  Last week's Champ,Terry Sherman took another $100.00 out of the Jackpot with his 4-Taps for back to back Jackpot cashes.  Leon Pitcher got dialed in for his 5th No Tap 300.  The Jackpot stands at a COOL $2,620.00 and the Pro Pot got healthier increasing to $1,161.00.  Great numbers to look forward to next week.

Leon Pitcher found the path to the pocket early on by starting out with a No Tap 300 for his first game.  He followed that up with a 228 and then a nice 285 but he struggled in his final game posting a 177.  His 995 series was good enough to take the lead in the first squad but would it hold up?  A strong second squad took to the lanes to knock Leon off the top spot.  One bowler, Brian Blackman strung 4 consistent games together.  Posting 253-269-273-241 for a 1036, Brian succeeded in overtaking Leon.  As we all know, its not over till its over and 21 Members in the final squad of the day tried to re-write the ending to this story.  Orrie Smith, also having a consistent day posted games of 224-278-265-235 but fell short with his 1002 series.  No one else found their way to crack the 1000 ceiling so Brian Blackman will be wearing a Red Champion shirt soon, thanks to winning his second Title.   His first title came back on May 22nd at Red Rock Lanes.  Brian takes home a very nice $1,178.00 to add to his Tour earnings.  Orrie pockets $325.00 for his efforts and a 2nd Place finish and Leon takes 3rd Place and $326.00.  In a very rare occurrence, 3rd place money was more than 2nd place by $1.00 as Orrie, normally a $10 Progressive Pot entry, changed it up and did not get in this time.  Very nice bowling from the Top 3, making it a close competition.  Congratulations!

Brian Blackman does it again!  Now a two-time Tour champion, Brian was using his new Snap Lock by Storm drilled up by Todd at the RedRock Pro Shop.  His brother, Lenard, who finally joined the Tour last week, was happy for Brian but he entered twice in his quest for his own Tour title.  The only sibling rivalry I saw going on was who was going to pay for the steak dinner after the tournament.  For all I know they might still be at the restaurant trying to decide.  One of 13 children, Brian commented on the fact that it was August 13th and maybe that played a part in his victory.  He also thanked his "good luck charm" Rob Victor, Tournament Director, as Rob was present for both his victories.  I was quick to point out that there was another Tour Director present, yours truly, and maybe I should get a steak dinner.  Brian is retired and enjoys drawing, painting and writing poetry.  Congratulations on your second Title and I am looking forward to meeting you at Outback this week.

On another note,  I was lamenting to John Paul Allarde about video poker and how "unlucky" I had been chasing a Progressive Jackpot this past week.  I heard through the grapevine that John hit a Royal flush for a $1000 bucks after the tournament.  Way to go John.....where do I signup for lessons?