We thought the Scoring would be Wide-Open at Magic, due to our inexperience with the lane conditions. We didn't expect the scoring Free-For-All that materialized, with the BIG scores coming from all 3 squads. Only THREE times in the last 4 years have we had such an extremely high Top score, coupled with such a high volume of BIG scores. For example, back in January 2008, Jeff Scott shot a record 1216 at Paradise Village, while 4 bowlers topped 1000 without making the Cash List. Magic Lanes this week, produced VERY similar statistics. A near record breaking 1194, led a RECORD SIX bowlers who cracked 1100, with THREE Members topping 1000 without making the Cash List. What a contrast to the previous week, when only ONE bowler shot over 1000. There was a VALUABLE lesson in "Competitive Attitudes" demonstrated by many of our Members Saturday. Two of those examples were Cal Fisher and Paul Marcello, both bowling with negative handicap, so they had no realistic chance to win against such a Mega High Score. Instead of presuming that they COULDN'T DO IT, they said, NEVER SAY NEVER!!! Cal took up the challenge of needing to be nearly perfect and came within just two shots of pulling it off. He SHATTERED his Personal Best by 94 pins, taking 2nd Place with an 1150, good for $837.00. Paul was matching Cal shot for shot, beating his own Personal Best by a whooping 83 pins, to take down 3rd Place and $449.00. AMAZINGLY, the Top 12 Finishers all beat their Personal Best scores. I can't think of a better demonstration of why Winners WIN... It's Attitude! CONGRATULATIONS to all the Members who shot their Personal Bests this week!

Our Magic Lanes MAGICIAN (Champ) is Matt Plemmons. This is his 1st Title, after over a year on the Tour. Matt has only been bowling for two years, showing steady improvement over that time. We've talked about finding that mysterious "Zone" many times. Most bowlers have experienced it for short stretches, when you just can't miss. But, when you find yourself LOCKED into the Zone for 4 games, that's an almost scary feeling. Until Saturday, Matt's highest game on Tour was a 275. In his 1196 series, he had TWO 300 games, BLOWING AWAY his Personal Best by 154 pins. WOW!! When asked what he's been working on to improve his game, he said he's been totally focused on, "Improving the consistency of the 'Tempo' of his approach". This Title comes at a really good time for Matt, who is currently unemployed. He said he'd use the $1,843.00 he won, for his house payment and groceries. He does his League bowling out of West Seattle Bowl, where Pete Ekonomakis drilled his ball, an AMF Code that he used for his win. Matt asked us to thank all of the "New Friends", that he's met on the Tour, for their constant encouragement and also his friend Aaron Tatum for being there Saturday. CONGRATULATIONS Matt for win #1!!

EQC/MGD Quarterly Championship Invitations will be emailed, a little later than usual. Margie and I are headed to Las Vegas this week for our son's wedding! I'll have the EQC Invites out after next weekend.

OTHER PAYOUTS

NEW PROGRESSIVE POT TOTAL: $1,857.00
NEW 9-TAP JACKPOT TOTAL: $1,072.00

STRIKEPOT CONSOLATION WINNER:
4 No Taps - B.Rouse-D.Botha-D.Nudelman-C.Overall ($50ea) ($200.00)

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION