We talked earlier in the year about how the 9-Tap Jackpot seems to get hit in bunches.  Eric Smallman, coming back from hip replacement surgery,made the Jackpot Conquest this week, hitting the Pot for the THIRD time in seven weeks.   Though the 'Smallman Pot' was relatively small, Eric was still excited about the $800.00, which was not the smallest Jackpot ever paid.  In 2008, the Jackpot was hit 3 times in just 5 weeks and the 3rd payout was only for $703.00.  The Cut-Line at Secoma was about 20 pins higher than normal for a 'Best 3 of 4' format, which wasn't a surprise as we adjust to Secoma's fancy new Oil Machine.  The BIG news is that the Progressive Pot will start 2014 at a GIGANTIC $3,277.00, which will make a great way to start the New Year.

 

Talk about finding that Famous ZONE... 76 year old Gilbert Johnsongot SO HOT that he shattered the Record for a 'Best 3 of 4' format and that Record might never be broken.  Gilbert who averages 175 in League atImperial Lanes, looked like a PBA Tour Pro in his last 3 games.  His 976 series was so HUGE, if he were bowling with ZERO handicap, he still would have won the Tournament by 20 pins.  He had a 113 pin marginover a 2nd place score (863), that normally would've been enough to win any other '3 of 4' Tournament!!  It had to be the 'Fountain of Youth' and the 'Zone' combined, to explain the SUPERMAN performance.  Since joining the Tour in 2012, Gilbert's best previous finish was a 7th place finish last June.  That helps to explain why he decided to put zero into the Progressive Pot, which is what makes the Pot grow to such an Enormous value ($3,277.00).  But, you just never know when it's going to be your day!  Superman used a Hammer 'The Chalk', drilled by Ron at the Imperial Pro Shop, for his miraculous series.  Gilbert asked us to thank his Best Friend, coach and bowling buddy, 87 year old Wess Hall Jr, who bowled with him Saturday.  CONGRATS on Win #1 and a Super Hero performance Gilbert!!!

 

Michael Carlile will turn 72 on Wednesday!  He's another Senior who's been very HOT lately, with his 2nd - 2nd Place finish in four weeks.  This one was worth a hefty 2nd Place check of $994.00, which makes for a nice Birthday present.  His 864 series would have won 9 of the 10 other '3 of 4' formats this year.  In 3rd Place, a relative youngster James Black (32) added a nice finishing touch to a fantastic year.  His 827 was worth a sweet$537.00, pushing his 5 year Career Earnings to nearly $17,000.00.