While we did not shatter any entry records at Texas Station on Saturday, due to a couple of other events around town, our devoted regulars and another 8 new Members competed in our second 'Best 3 of 4' event this year.  Thanks to our regulars for your ongoing support each and every week and a hearty 'Welcome to the Tour' to our new Members.  Last week we had the unintended lane conditions and the HUGE scores that came with it... this week was just the opposite, with tantalizingly low and reachable scores all day.  Surprisingly, on our 2 previous Texas Station visits, the scores were a little on the high side.  Despite the smaller entry numbers Saturday, 13 Members made the Cash List, with a healthy $1,300.00 check going to 1st Place.  The 9-Tap Jackpot bounced back above 1k, currently at $1,072.00 and the Progressive Pot remains solid at $1,270.00, so coupledwith some ADDED-MONEY next week, that means the payouts should be strong at the 1QC (1st Quarter Championship).

 

In contrast to last week's scoring frenzy, the early leading score was 788 from the first squad of the day shot by new Member, Alena Adrianse.  Still leading at the completion of the second squad, the final and largest squad ofthe day saw a handful of bowlers having a shot at passing Alena and a chance to take the title.  Only one, however, found the way to the top.  Guy Hirsimaki's GREAT FINISH carried him to the Title with an AWESOME 815 series, with only 2 pins of handicap.  With his full entry into the Progressive Pot, he took home a WHOPPING $1,300.00 for 1st place.  With 50 years of bowling experience, Guy used his Radical 'Guru Mighty' bowling ball, drilled by Brian Tribruro at Suncoast Bowling Center, to shoot his winning score. A retired postal worker and an avid bowler competing in 3 three leagues, Guy got in 'THE ZONE' on a re-entry. Commenting that his first entry score was 'awful', he found something and got lined-up in the last squad, to earn his first Tour victory.  Sharing in the excitement of the day, his partner Wayne Bumhour was there cheering him on.  But, when Guy first arrived to bowl, he discovered that he'd left his bowling shoes at Santa Fe Station.  He first tried House Shoes, then added a bowling sock, then Wayne loaned him his shoes.  I suspect that Guy may not give those lucky shoes back!!  Guy is the original member of the Las Vegas Tour, having joined us back in November when he secured Membership #1.  Our bracket table gal, Charlene Patton,holds that same honored membership number back in Seattle and she earned 5 Titles & over $20,000.00 before moving to LV!  Here's hoping that being Member #1 in Las Vegas, brings the same success to Guy as it did for Char!  Guy also shared with us that he really enjoys bowling on the Tour and has found it to be very professionally run and everybody to be very nice.  Thanks for the kind words Guy and congratulations on your first Tour Title!

 

Alena's first Tour entry, a fine 788 series, was good enough for the early lead.  It held up for 2nd Place and a COOL $440.00 check, despite having only $10 in the Prog. Pot.  In addition to being a Texas Station bowler, Alena is also one of their League Secretaries.  Congratulations Alena and thanks for joining the Tour.  Ron Christensen took 3rd Place with an excellent 772, finishing with gusto... his two best games (including a 278) came in his final two games.  He picked-up a very nice $372.00 check for his effort.