HiJoy Bowl has again 'raised-the-bar' with their biggest turnout ever, a fantastic 180 Entries producing 36 spots on the Cash List.  A big welcome to the dozen New Members and another 7 returnees on Saturday!  We had very well balanced scoring all day seeing four bowlers cracking the 800 mark, with at least one big set fired in each squad.  The 'Cut-Line' was very slightly on the high side at 740 and the diversity of handicaps was about as wide as you can get, ranging from a low of -10 and a high of +62.  After Tom Weber hit the 9-Tap Jackpot at HiJoy during our last visit, this time it was Tong Nguyen who had a shot at 7-Middle Taps and $500.00.  He actually went airborne trying to help the shot, which unfortunately went through the nose on #7 ending his string, one 9-Tap short.  Instead John Hart & Joe Ferrara both had the Front-4 Taps and since Ties are being paid in Full, they each received the $100.00 Consolation.  The small payout this week, left the Jackpot to make a BIG JUMP to $7,297.00 for next week at Paradise.  CONGRATS also to Charles Daughery (19th) for his first 9-Tap 300 game.

Our HiJoy Champion was 80 year old Ponciano Rudio who won his THIRD Tour Title Saturday, only NINETEEN years after Win #2.  Title #2 came at old Cascade Bowl in Renton, on 1/9/2005 and Title #1 at Seattle's old Magic Lanes 2/5/04.  Ponciano's Membership #424 gives a hint that he joined the Tour before it was even one year old (early 2003).  In less than 2 years he had already earned TWO Tour Titles.  He made a brief comeback in 2007/08 before returning to the Tour again in 2023.  Up until two weeks ago, he'd had little success since his return... but his determination certainly has paid off, in his last two entries he's finished 7th at Bowlero and returned to the Winner's Circle this week after 19+ years.  The huge 855 series earned him his largest Career payday of $2,482.00.  His first game Saturday was his highest by nearly 20 pins, since returning 11 months ago and his series was obviously a Personal Best in that period.  Ponciano has created a GREAT COMEBACK story, overcoming some health challenges.  His family said that bowling has been helpful therapy for him!!  The 'tools' Ponciano used for this Win were his Raw Hammer ball, while wearing his Dexter shoes, all from the Somoff Pro Shop at Secoma.  Son, Philip, often bowls with him, but unfortunately not at HiJoy.  His comments after the Tournament were to thank everyone for being so friendly and supportive.