The energy & enthusiasm during the Finals Sunday was amazing. One BIG reason... 6 out of the 8 members in the Quarterfinals were seeking their 1st Tournament Title. The 2 members in that group, with previous Titles, Shannon and Bill Peterson (daughter & dad), came within a few pins of facing each other in the Semifinals. We had several very exciting matches, such as Bill Peterson vs Mike Bristol finishing in a tie that was decided by only ONE pin in the roll-off. Or, Lorna Flannery vs Ed Gomes, both with higher handicaps (32 & 37 pins), bowling like scratch bowlers, in a match that was only decided when Lorna split in the 10th frame, ending up 267 to 278. We really appreciated the many members that stayed to root on the finalists. The turnout was a little lighter than expected, but that didn't stop anyone from having a good time!

Our Champion, taking his FIRST 9-Tap Tour Title, is John Nissen. John is a popular, always positive member, who has been a regular on the Tour for the last year and a half. His league bowling teammates Curt Sanborn and Neil McAndrews are also Tour regulars. John asked us to thank Neil for his encouragement and reminding him that he CAN win. He also had a cheering section of friends Edgar, Mholee, Rollie and Maribel. John has been bowling for 50 years and he used his Roto Grip "Cell" from Pat Johns Pro Shop at HiLine, for the win. The win was good for $1,910.00 and John says that some will go for a new Driver to help his golf game and some will go to buy something special for his wife, for putting up with him and his hobbies. John also enjoys gardening and a little gambling at the casino's, which is appropriate for an Emerald Queen Casino Champion. John's closest match was a 6 pin win over Jaime Retchless. CONGRATULATIONS John on your 1st Title.

Our 2nd place finisher, Mike Kravitz, takes a nice $950.00 check home. This makes the 4th time that Mike has finished 2nd on the Tour. He knocked-out both of the Peterson's along the way to the Final match. The 3rd place finishers Bill Peterson and Ed Gomes had great runs and both got $500 checks for their efforts. The Top Qualifier Mholee Divina got $100 (Saturday Bonus), the Hammer "Black-Widow Red Pearl" and a 9-Tap Tour Jacket, in addition to his 9th (tie) place finish.

NEXT WEEK: The last Tournament before our 2 week summer break.
HiLine Lanes - ONLY 3 SQUADS - 12:00 - 2:30 - 5:00