November 16, 2004

Link wows 'em in prep tournament

Hardin's Josh Link wasn't missing much Saturday morning.

The Hardin sophomore reeled off games of 254, 267, 235 and 258 for a sizzling 756 three-game set and a 1,014 four-game mark to walk away with the 9th and 10th singles' division at this past weekend's Montana High School Bowling Championships, held at Elks and Little's Lanes.

"This was a great condition," said Link, shortly after wowing onlookers in Saturday's finals at Little's. "I'm used to bowling on a little drier condition and the oil on these lanes was perfect."

Later, Link's efforts weren't quite enough in the boys' team event as he and teammates Aaron Chavez and brother Joshua Link fell to Bigfork in the title match, 620-504.

Bigfork, with Chris Richter, Isaiah Welch and Chance Keller, avenged last May's loss to Hardin in the first-ever prep tournament.

The Vikings went through the double elimination bracket unbeaten, before falling in the championship round to Hardin, setting up an if-necessary match.

The final match ended an exciting day of bowling in which the three-person teams rolled an all-Baker format — alternating frames — in Saturday's finals.

"The format is the equalizer in an event like this," said tourney organizer Tom Brendgord. "A dominant bowler is only one-third of the team."

In the girls' team event, Helena Capital, with Rachel Ellmaker, Kelsey Carter and Terri Johnson, was also pushed into an if-necessary match before prevailing, 478-438, over rival Helena High, made up of Kendra Cornell, Stevie Cunningham and Kendra Boyd.

In other singles' results, Helena High's Boyd took the 9-10 girls' division with a 705 total. Capital's Johnson was a double winner adding the 11-12 girls' singles to her team title. Helena High's Zach Lukenbill won the boys' 11-12 with a 775. Three out of the four singles' titles went to Helena bowlers.

The top local finish was turned in by the CMR No. 1 team, with Mike Lawrence, Jay Hanes and Austen Shampo, who battled all day in the loser's bracket to come out a respectable third.

Brendgord, the executive director of the Montana Bowling Proprietors Association, was pleased with the tourney, which will serve as a gauge on whether the association will continue to pursue its efforts to make bowling a recognized varsity sport in Montana.

"You can't beat the format and the competition that was created," Brendgord said. "We drew teams from as far as Glendive and Whitefish and all points in between.

"I'm sure we will draw even more teams next year."

The second Fall Invitational Ladies Classic will be held this weekend at the Elks.

Tourney director Duane Zeier reports some of the top women bowlers in the state, as well as most of the top local talent are entered.

"The best bowlers in Great Falls are entered along with Billings' Julie Redfern, Missoula's Mary Porter and Whitefish's Wanda Wooten," said Zeier. "It has the makings for an exciting tourney."

Shift times on Saturday are at noon and 4 p.m., with a calcutta to follow at 7:30.

Head-to-head competition begins at 9 a.m. sharp Sunday, with a stepladder final concluding the championship.

Unfortunately, defending champion Tina Hanninen of Missoula, is not entered and will not be defending her title.

Catching up on a few things: Bruce Steffani returned from an eight and half month layoff with a victory in the Dick Wolfe Memorial, held in Calgary two weeks ago. Steffani defeated former U.S. Amateur champion Andrew Caine in the finals. "The win was pretty surprising," said Steffani. "I really wasn't expecting it." Also making the cut from Great Falls were Rich Crawford, who finished 10th, and Ryan Moody, who was 29th. ... CMR's Austen Shampo and Billings' Chris Dunbar claimed titles in the Jack and Elsie Murphy Scholarship Tournament held last weekend at Pin & Cue. Shampo defeated Helena's Jacob Brask, 190-179, to win the handicap title. Dunbar edged Great Falls' Heidi Vukasin, 154-152, in the scratch division. First-place winners received $400 scholarships. Second-place finishers earned $100 stipends. ... Missoula's Mary Porter downed Helena's Michelle Anderson-Schrerer, 179-174, to win the latest stop of the Montana Mountain Glass Ladies Traveling Club held at Helena's Sleeping Giant Lanes. Butte's Laurie Tripp finished third, Helena's Thelma Willems was fourth and Bozeman's Karen Bockemuehl was fifth. The next stop for the club will be Dec. 12 at Dillon's NedEva Lanes. For information phone about the league phone Arnie Kraus, 491-4085. ... Openings remain for this weekend's Miller Trio Tournament at Little's. Phone 452-4116 for more info.

Curt Backa, who will quickly join buddy Pat Terry in the Monday Senior League at Little's, is a Tribune news, sports copy editor and sometime columnist. Backa, who types a regular bowling column each week during the season, can be reached at 791-6569, (800) 438-6600 or e-mailed at cbacka@greatfal.gannett.com

Here are last week's honor scores:

Snowy Lanes/Lewistown

Women's scores

Tuesday Skyliners — Dorthy Erlandson 158(+58)-417(+117)

Wednesday Afternoon Ladies — Becky Olson 201, Kandy Walton 187(+50), Theresa Lamphier 195(+50)

Wednesday Doubles — Cherie Errecart 210

Wednesday Pinetoppers — Dolly Wells 224-575(+110), Roseanne Hicks 147(+66), Diana Wilbur 205

Thursday Seniors — Doris McCorkindale 181(+55)

Thursday Money — Fran Coats 203

Sunday Mixed — JoAnne Ward 175(+61)

Men's scores

Monday Commercial — Bob Hanson 657, Ike Waltari 244, Travis Jaynes 234

Monday Doubles — Gary Mane 650, Mike Monfils 226-599(+185), Greg Matzick 234(+73)

Tuesday Skyliners — Dave Pillar 223-640, Andrew Bridgman 194(+52)-532(+106)

Thursday Seniors — Floyd Jenni 177(+46)

Thursday Money — Merl Coats 224(+53)

Thursday Merchant — Dean Person 229-659, Rex Coleman 657, Shane Balthazor 196(+50)

Sunday Mixed — Rusty Hall 206(+66), Mike Otten 233, Tom Bersuch 190(+51)

K-Lines/Rudyard

Women's scores — Lynn Lonbeck 225, Kristi Kline 206, Shirley Kline 200 and made the 4-5-7 split, Linda Foster picked up the 5-10 split

Men's scores — Dusty Kline 225

Murph's

Women's scores

SkyRaiders — Karolee Pearson 204

Friday Alibi — Judy Morran 207

Men's scores

Christian Intramural — Del Erickson 203-205(sr.)

Wednesday Men — Steve Vukasin 226, Robert Rioux 246-235-653, Dennis Vandenberg 235, Jerry Wagner 233, Wayne Quinby 228, Josh Calvert 231, Ryan Moody 239, Jim Chassion 216(sr.), Brandon Storrusten 221(+74)

Friday Alibi — George Sayers 215(sr., Del Erickson 225

Black Eagle Lanes

Women's scores

Friday Fallouts — emma Pnegilly 210-181(+50), Dorri Holzheimer 145(+50)

Howard Ghee Thursday Mixed — Mary Reuter 217, Patty Capps 180(+53)

Black Eagle Seniors — Stretch Richards 200

Men's scores

Friday Fallouts — John Missioni 236, Alan Hauer 217(+59) Jason Miller 202(+56), Larry Eide 200(+50)

Howard Ghee Thursday Mixed — Leonard Peterson 268-235-663, Rob Schwedler 184(+52)

Volunteers — John Albertini 233

Black Eagle Seniors — Elwood Sayler 232, Frank Thompson 225-225-201-651, Bob Chesko 212, Boomer Bruner 210, Don Richards 202, Don Gray 182(+59)

Clubhouse 55 — Ray Voeller 202

Elks

Women's scores

Jack & Jill Mixed — Lindy Crocker 243, Sharon Gribble 200

Elks Seniors — Betty Noble 167(+46), Shirley Adams 188(+59)

Thursday Ladies — Pam Holtom 224, Collette Amato 203, Leslie Davidson 192(+51), Darla Hoover 141(+53)

Friday Nite Mixed — Karin Osborn 244-224-649, Lisa Dunn 222, Jan Olson 192(+53)

Early Birds — Barb Baumgartner 257-226-628, Ardi Holefelter 218

Men's scores

Jack & Jill — Burt Tschetter 268, Tony Gribble 244

Tuesday Men — Bernie K. Dickman 269-238-722, Darrin Schreder 257, Mike Beggs 255-656, Shannon Ostlie 252, Donnie White 247, Rod Hackett 246, Al Ridder 244-232-666, Steve Soria 236, Chuck Bartels 235, Steve Vernon 229, Bud Place 222(+66), Martin Treis 221(+52), Ben Flanagan 218(+57), Ken Love 210(+64)

Bull Elks — Gale Swanson 266, Bernie K. Dickman 257-237-700, Tim Levandowski 256-237-665, Rod Hackett 247-233-652, Scott Rodger 245, Randy Guill 245-662, Randall Reeve 244, Jim Pickering 237, DAve Woolsey 234, Willie Heupel 226, Lance Olson 217-211-605(sr.), Joe Franchois 188(+53), Mike Hagen 181(+56)

Elks Seniors — Mel Wardell 224-223, Harlan Lartch 223, Willie Heupel 220-212-627, John Ferda 214-212-204-630, Mel Kerbs 211-203, Don Thrush 211-200, Dom Fontana 209, Jim Remsh 209, Roger Sherman 205, Rich Ferderer 204, Ron Levandowski 201, Byron Morse 200, Ron Sado 200, John Kelly 186(+54), Billy Hilton 177(+47)

Friday Mixed — Rod Hackett 247-661, Joe Murray 235, Loren Snider 224(+66)

Early Birds — Bernie K. Dickman 269-675, Darrin Schreder 245-662

Pro Alley Bowl/Belt

Pro Alley Mixed — Larry Howes 210(+59), Merlon Alcorn 222(+94), J.C. Lindeman 213(+58)

Little's Lanes

Women's scores

Teachers Mixed — Janet Widaman 167 triplicate, Kelly Brodeur 190(+71), Laurie Migneault made the 6-7 split

Monday Ladies Classic — Jayne Rogers 220, Linnea Luttrell 193(+50), Tammy Cady 246

Casino — Marianne Sepich 215

Tuesday Nite Mixed — Angie Frediani 167(+62)

Wednesday A.M. Trio — Karen Feeler 192(+50)

A to Z — Grace Gregori 187(+55), Lori Brewer 179(+75), Mary Thronson 183(+56), Ruth Sharone 196(+75)

MixMasters — Barb Lankford 212-210-611, Doris Kimmerle 257-226-661, Guyla Streit 213, Judy Jackson 202, Karin Osborn 235-202-606, Kristen Egan 215-202-246-663

Business House — Sharon Kunz 225-234-641

725 Classified — Guyla Streit 213-221

Short Season Trio — Jan Lentz 209-202

Satellite Mixed — Judy Davison 203, Shauna Lane 213

Men's scores

Casino — Tarl Dixon 225

Tuesday Nite Mixed — Bill Claassen 229, Norm Miller 258

Little's City — Donnie Zuhoski 247-650, Ross Bartell 248, Ron Thronson 245, Sean Knox 222(+59), Steve House 232-658

MixMasters — Bob Orham 247-235-679, Don White 268-239-689, Donnie Zuhoski 225, Jim Aklestad 227, John Dixon 234, Joe Levesey Jr. 230, Mike Brown 253-263-685, Matthew Bundi 236, Mike Arps 258-257-674, Paul Dehn 238-246-682, Pat Terry 226-225-675

Business House — Norm Miller 244, Reid Michel 234-675

725 Classified — Brian Christianson 234, Bruce Hruska 244, Frank Maroney 235, Fred Sadler 267-235-722, Glenn Jeffrey III 234, Hank Rimkus 225, John Mission 240-243, Mike Carrette 239, Mike Christensen 246, Paul Dehn 2377-246-707, Steve Lyczewski 239, Tony Gribble 233

Thursday Nite Mixed — Fred Berry 232, Ken Curry 237-236-247-720, Kim Frank 209, Jim Rothweiler 243(+53)

Short Season Trio — Eric Aspeitia 222(+89), Bob Olson 234-671

Utility — Chuck Winn 278, Don Jordan 237, Norm Miller 225, James Oliver 232, John Peters 258

Straight-A-Way — Al Pearsall 259, Bernie K. Dickman 235-226-233-229-682, Bill Christianson 279-651, Dan Jackson 237, Mike Christensen 245-669, Paul Dehn 238, Rick Cummings 242-238-678, Ron Corkin 241-279-668-677-1,365(6), Tarl Dixon 257-225-672, Tim Stevens 226

Satellite Mixed — Cory Arps 233, Chad Waltz 247, Howard Strause 231, Mel Willey 236-245-660

Little's Seniors — Al Decker 236, Barb Bessler 212, Cal Hering 201, Dale Sirucek 214, Elwood Sayler 202-202, Kay Kinzinger 198, Maddy Anderson 206, Mel Kerbs 208, Pat Terry 223, Shirley Christianson 195-199

Aces High/Malmstrom

Thursday Mixed Doubles — Amy Mardis 201, Patty Morris 201-212-210-628; 243, Bryon Mullett 225-259-245-729; 234, Martha Beebe 212, Chuck Livingston 279; Tina Harem 203-207, David Haight 200(+60), Roger Ash 231, Brent Palmer 202(+60), Jerry Rangitsch 233, Larry Morris 268

Jack's Lanes/Fort Benton

Monday Dust Bowlers — Elmer Mertz 242

Monday Mixed — Jim Zanto 243, Jack Willson 227

Tuesday Nite Mixed — Guyla Streit 206, Lance Juedeman 225

Triple L Ladies — Cindy Hunter 224, Mavis Engellant 207, Cindy Farwick 203

Thursday Nite Men — Bart Diekhans 262, Cameron Tuss 237-236

Pin & Cue

Women's scores

Sunday Nite Mixed — Stacey Brower 201, Nobi Sirucek 227

535 — Linda Michel 211, Nobi Sirucek 204

Ladies Nite Out — Misti Bowles 205, Lauretta Gifford 222

Wednesday Night Mixed — Stacie Olson 205 and made the 6-7-10 split, Chris Dittus 202, Norma Miller 209, Donna Broussard converted the 2-7-10 split

Men's scores

Sunday Mixed — Dale Specht 235

535 — Bob Olson 255-868(4), Bob Orham 858(4), Steve Pettis 237-664-865(4), Don White 234-232-875(4), Paul Gerhardt 279, Nelson Massimer 229, Todd Depping 251, Rock Rayl 252-659-860(4), Leonard Peterson 254

Wednesday Mixed — Scott Olson 255

MFCU — Bill Manney 217(sr.), Bob McLeod 231, Bryan Riphenburg 237

Friday Men's — Chad Mans 226, Ron Stolle 232, Chad Halle 236

Friday Mixed — Kyle Grossman 227-249, Ducky Faler 204(sr.)

Saturday Mixed — Ducky Faler 225, David Hann 243, Don White 246

Copyright(c) 2004 Great Falls Bowling Association
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