Crawford rolls third 300, first in home house
by Curt Backa
2-2-2010
Over the years, Rich Crawford has proved to be one of the most consistent bowlers in the area.
In addition, Crawford is usually on a short list of contenders in many of the tournaments around the state.
But last Wednesday night, Crawford finally added his name to the list of bowlers to roll a 300 game at Little's Lanes.
"It's kind of nice to finally bowl a 300 in my home house," said Crawford, a supervisor at the Fort Benton branch of the U.S. Post Office. "But it isn't something I was really worried about.
"In fact, last Wednesday I was more in tune to try and shoot an 800 series."
Crawford's 300, bowled in the MixMasters, was the third of his career, having bowled one in Kansas and more recently out at Murph's.
"Yes, I was nervous from about the eighth frame on, and you can ask Pat Terry, every one of the balls was in the pocket," said Crawford, who added games of 248 and 240 for a week-leading 788 series.
"I had a chance to get the 800 but I left a 3-6-10 split in the 10th frame of the last game and I missed it," said Crawford. "But, I would trade all of my 300s for an 800."
I have a feeling it won't be long before Crawford will finally achieve his 800 goal, and like I said earlier — it was bound to happen.
Crawford's 300 was the eighth perfect game bowled this season, and he joins Al Pearsall, who had two 300s, Duane Zeier, Dan Schaaf, Adam Thoroughman, Brian Lee and Jim Pickering in this season's perfect-game club.
If you didn't catch ESPN's broadcast of the Dick Weber Open Sunday, you missed a little drama.
Pete Weber, the late Weber's son, created a little tension among the television and PBA executives by unleashing a verbal attack on a person who took a picture of him while he was making his approach.
ESPN bowling analyst Randy Pedersen defended Weber's outburst, but a few minutes later another photographer tried to take another picture of Weber on the approach. This time, Weber stayed perfectly quiet.
It made me tend to believe PBA officials told Weber during a commercial break that they would take care of any more problems, and made sure Weber would keep his cool.
I will be the first to say the sport's relationship with television has grown stronger the past few years and could withstand an incident like this more than it could a few years ago. but Weber's outburst was a little uncalled for.
He certainly could have kept his emotions in check and discreetly informed officials of the problem.
But, in the heat of battle, especially in a tournament Weber so badly wants to win, his behavior could also have been warranted.
Nevertheless, it was good TV.
Crawford's 300 and 788 led the week for the men, and Charli White led the women last week.
White, bowling in the Short Short Season Trio league at Little's, shot games of 226, 211 and 233 for a 670 set.
At the Elks, Tony Degele was high for the men with a 682 set. Degele, bowling in the Elks Seniors, turned in games of 256, 221 and 205, and the series was 118 total pins over his average.
It was a close race for women's high downtown. Tracy Rigor, coming off her 299 game, shot the high game of the week, 248, and had a 605 set. Roxie Arps edged her out with a 607 set in the Early Birds.
Out at the base, Tim Warden recorded a 229 game on his way to a 677 series in the Thursday Mixed. Erin Moran's 226 game and 614 series led the way for the ladies at Aces High.
Nathan Beebe again was high at Black Eagle with a 719 series, on games of 254, 234 and 231.
Also deserving mention was Steve Quinby, who converted the unmakeable 7-10 split in the Straight-A-Way League at Little's last Friday.
Finally, Zanto Contruction, with Pete Newton, Chuck Zanto, Vince Schmoeckel, Ken Wiederrick and Pat Murray, took over the lead at the $2,000-added money Budweiser Handicap Tournament in Lewistown.
The fivesome, based out of Malta, shot a 3,342 and leads Harlem's Kennedy Bar, who has a 3,320.
Billings' Bobby Herring currently leads the six-game singles with a 1,442.
Tournament director Rex Coleman said most of the Saturday shifts are full for the next three weekends, with most shifts on Sunday open. Phone Coleman at 535-3473 for more information or to reserve a spot.
Curt Backa, an emotional burst away from being booted out of bowling, is a Tribune sports writer, copy editor and resident kegling malcontent. Backa, went not in counseling, can be reached 791-6569, 800 438-6600 or e-mailed at cbacka@greatfallstribune.com
Here are the rest of last week's honor scores from around the region:
Snowy Lanes / Lewistown
Women's scores
Wednesday Afternoon Ladies— Carol Strander 201
Thursday Money— Terri Waltari 214-618
Sunday Mixed— Kelly Bracha 235
Men's scores
Monday Commercial — Ryan Benes 237, Tyler Thomas 235, John Nilsen 209(+62)
Monday Doubles— Dewey Rosman 259, David Wood 205
Tuesday Trio— Tim Anthony 246, Merl Coats 231, Dave Gates 224(+57), Mark Kucera 223(+56), Shawn Casebolt 215(+53)
Tuesday Skyliners —David Wood 229(+92)
Thursday Money —Dewey Rosman 244, Scott Bassett 549 (+111)
Thursday Merchant —Ike Waltari 257, Rex Coleman 248-706, Jim Rasmussen 227, Ryan Benes 220(+91), Jon Larson 213(+57)
Sunday Mixed —Dewey Rosman 255, Tom Koski 235, Rex Coleman 234-671
Elks Lanes / Great Falls
Monday AG League—Rick Cummings 236; Roger Beck 226(+56); Larry Cummings(sr) 226/215/637; Nick Konen(sr) 202. Jerry Bergstad picked up 2/7/10.
Monday Jack & Jill Mixed —Don White(sr) 228/225/205/658; Rod Hackett(sr) 225; Burt Tschetter(sr) 214; Adam Kanning 224(+72); Dave Gifford(sr) 211; Thomas Osborn 208(+67); Jerry Brown(sr) 205.Women — Tracy Rigor 248(+76)/605. Dorothy Vukasin picked up 5/6/10; Barry Fields picked up 3/6/7/10; Rachel Rayl picked up 6/7/10.
Tuesday Nite Men — Mike Bowles(sr) 257(+65)/614; Jerry Ferderer 246(+71); Larry Cummings(sr) 246(+69)/204; Wayne Maurer(sr) 244(+61); Gale Swanson(sr) 242(+63)/628; Bill Brown(sr) 236(+51)619; Lynn Taskila(sr) 235(+64)/200/604; Jake Jacobs 226(+53); Ron Miller(sr) 225/219/609; Ron Harris 223(+62); George ODore(sr) 220(+51); Ken Ferguson(sr) 215/214/600; Darwin Reeve(sr) 214; Rich Rossberg(sr) 214; Millard Ketterling(sr) 212; Talbert Bryan(sr) 211/201/604; Bob Rioux(sr) 203; Richard Ferderer(sr) 200
Wednesday Bull Elks— Dave Keil 266(+84)/232; Rich Reeve 259(+80)/665(+128); Jim Pickering(sr) 256(+75); Reid Michel 248(+61); Randy Guill(sr) 236/214/625; Tim Lewandowski 235(+68)/622(+121); Gary Jensen 234(+58); Dave McGillis(sr) 233; Rod Hackett(sr) 228/225/644; Ken Ferguson(sr) 227214/627; Rich Charlson(sr) 225(+57); Don Thrush(sr) 223(+68); Norm Miller(sr) 214; Darwin Reeve(sr) 213/210; Lynn Taskila(sr) 212; Dave Gifford(sr) 207; Jack Howard(sr) 201.
Elks Seniors — Tony Degele 256(+68)/221/205/682(+118); Rod Hackett 227/209; Don Kuntz 220(+58); John Ferda 214(+56)/213/609(+135); Bob Ramstad 205; Millard Ketterling 204; Darwin Reeve 203; Len Buls 201/201; Steve Lyczewski 200; Dan Hjelvik 192(+60; Lloyd Allee 184(+51)
Thursday Ladies— Lisa Dunn 211(+55); Lauretta Gifford 210; Bev James 185(+56); Debbie Walsh 168(+54).
Friday Mixed — Chuck Bartels 254(+69)/666(+111); Doug Casity (sr) 229(+67); Robert Smith(sr) 221/200; Greg Spangelo(sr) 209; Jim Dick(sr) 207; Kevin Vernon 206(+58)/547(+106); Josh Lyle 212(+51). Women — Heather Helmbrecht 244(+73)/214; Barb Baumgartner 225(+52); Sheila Egged 219(+68); Jeri Bartels 211; Lana Norris 168(+55).
Saturday Van's IGA Mixed— Dan Woodcock(sr) 246(+67)/210/625; Mike Bowles(sr) 222/205/625; Terry Cross 213(+55)/593(+119); Greg Gordon(sr) 211; Brad Hayden 209(+53); BJ Bentley 202(+64)537(+123)
Sunday Early Birds— Gary Willits(sr) 257(+80)/616; Rod Hackett(sr) 228/208/200/636; Chuck Martin(sr) 224/215/601; Josh Lyle 218(+52); Bob Standley(sr) 212/201; Fid Fitterer(sr) 202. Women — Roxie Arps 228(+51)/607; Barb Zuidema 196(+53); Alice Romanchuck(sr) 188(+67).
Jack Lanes / Fort Benton
Dust Bowlers— Tom Willson 253-672; Randy Kerbs 242.
Monday Nite Mixed— Tom Willson 225
Tues Nite Mixed— Earl Taylor 235; Robert Olson 234
Ladies Triple "L" — Cindy Farwick 201
Aces High / Malmstrom A.F.B.
Christian Intramural— Lee Vernoy 198 (+55), Charlie Pepos 217 (sr.), Del Erickson 226, Bruce Steffani 226, Rich Crawford 200 (sr.), Tim Warden 231, Darlene Cashman 215
Wednesday Intramurals— Tanner Tilton 234, Rick Prater 209-209 (sr.)
Thursday Mixed— Tim Warden 229-677, Travis Woody 237, Nate Beebe 231, Jerry Rangitsch 223-602 (sr.), Robby Robinson 211 (sr.), Mike Halblieb 193 (+55), Brenda MaHeux 202, Victoria Hull 200, Shelly Rayl 202, Erin Moran 216-226-614, Gail Carroll 212
Pro Alley Bowl / Belt
Belt Valley Mixed— Cathy Maki 178 (+45, sr.), Bruce Hoyer 210 (+50), Linda Lewis 5-7 split
Black Eagle Lanes / Great Falls
BECC Friday Mixed— B Richards 227-221 (+56)-634 (+139), D Wright 204 (+77)-562 (+181), Larry Eide 202 (+51), Alexa Kohrt 178 (+55)
Thursday Howard Ghee— Leonard Peterson 210 (sr.), Cheryl Rounds 217 (+79)
Wicked Wednesday— Caren Wood 173 (+51)-480 (+114), Cheryl Gilbert 202
BECC Seniors— Don Mann 203 (+65), Dale Cooper 199 (+74), Bob Chesko 214
Black Eagle Bums— Nathan Beebe 254-234-231-719, Don Broughton 232, Hutch Spangelo 216 (+63), Cory Dailey 200 (+55)
Monday Volunteers— Robert Smith 223
Glacier Lanes / Cut Bank
Monday Night Ladies— Patricia A. Boggs 189 (+51)-547 (+133), Kandie LeMieux 211 (+63)
Happy Bowlers (Seniors) — Bob Smith 165 (+50), Vern Watson 217 (+71)-558 (+120)
Wednesday Night Ladies— Charlotte Barry 204, Diana Gobert 214, Stacey Roush 201
Thursday Commercial— Gary Henderson 221 (+55), John Kapp 200 (+52), Raymond Skunk Cap 203 (+56), Hank Weaver 205 (+58)
Sunday Night Mixed— Dawn Barrett 200 (+55), Chris Barsness 177 (+54), Duane Gobert 199 (+69)-498 (+114), Tom Gordon 212 (+87), Patty Taylor 168 (+57)-451 (+118)
Little's Lanes / Great Falls
Women's scores
Senior Citizens— Peggy Yetter picked up the 6-7-10 split, Leona Burns picked up the 3-6-7 split, Tina Buls picked up the 6-7 split.
Monday Ladies Classic— Lori Hopp 212, Deb Geiger 222, Tammy Cady 219, Tracy Eisenbarth 255, Carolyn Weber 174 + 55, Robyn England 184 + 65.
Casino League— Marsha Winn 205, Dawn Vernon 207, 207, Terry Tobiness 216, Crystal Dixon 138 +51.
Tuesday Night Mixed— Kay Nash 146 +50.
A to Z— Betty Mee picked up the 5-8-10 split.
Mix Masters— Barb Lankford 222, Kristen Dehn 218, Karin Osborn 202, 222, Doris Kimmerle 213, 201.
M.F.C.U. — Lindy Crocker 243, 202 - 619, Brenda Maheux 206, Terry Nall 202, Heather Helmbrecht 223.
725 Classified— Kristen Dehn 237, 237-647.
Thursday Night Mixed— Patty Curry 214, 213-608.
Short Short Season Trio— Charli White 226, 211, 233-670, Teresa Solomon 221.
Classic Trio— Donna Wingard 197 + 59, Becky Bortnem picked up the 4-7-10 split, Renee Leveque 199 +59, Shirley Durran picked up the 5-7 split, Kay Kinzinger picked up the 5-7 split.
Satellite Mixed— Jayme Wonsick 159 + 53.
Men's scores
Senior Citizens— Chuck Dailey 204, Darwin Reeve 203, Chet Knab picked up the 4-10 split, Bob Bann 242, 234 -673, Pat Terry 204, 203-601, Jerry Alexander 233, Carl Kangas 248, Bill Oswald picked up the 6-7-10 split, John Ferda 224, Bill Yetter 221, 215-603.
Teacher's Mixed — Jordan Sundquist 227.
Casino League— Larry Debolt (sr) 225.
Little's City— Trevor Cummings 241, Chad Waltz 226, 244-661, Louis D'Antouno 229, Ron Fleming (sr) 237, 202, Frank Blaney (sr) 244, Steve Krattiger 242, Mike Picking (sr) 268-635, Paul Kinney 202 +62, Scott Mee 245, Reid Michel 225, Max VanHeel 221 +81.
Mix Masters— Terry Pearsall 236, Bruce Hruska 227, Al Fenner 257, Bob Orham (sr) 236, 211, Steve Martin 227, 234-650, Mike Brown 245, Mike Christensen 257, Marlin Cross (sr) 247, 220-643, Brian Christianson 225, 256, 245-726, Al Pearsall (sr) 207, 225-618, Mark Hewitt 230, Steve Volk 247, 235-658, Tyler Rames 258, Ryan Moody 237, Paul Dehn 259, Mike Arps 255, Chuck Lull (sr) 205, Mike Bowles (sr) 202, 201, Pat Terry (sr) 225, 212 -615, Rich Crawford 300, 248, 240-788, Kenny Volk 229, Don White (sr) 201, 201.
M.F.C.U.— Dan Woodcock (sr) 214, Casey McDowell 209 + 55.
725 Classified— Glenn Jeffrey III 249, Don White 247, 227-670, Mike Carrethers (sr) 213, Ross Rambo 237, Pat Terry (sr) 217, Al Pearsall (sr) 256, 227, 213 - 696, Duane Zeier 258-727, Fred Sadler (sr) 231, Doug Yates 234, Ron Corkin 268-684, Brian Christianson 241, 239, 254-734, Jim Kernaghan (sr) 202, Mel Willey (sr) 232-611.
Thursday Night Mixed— Ken Curry 248, Joe Paranteau 225, Ron Nelson (sr) 231-609, Dan Wilkerson (sr) 210.
Short Short Season Trio— Erik Guftason 249.
Alibi Mixed— Del Erickson 233, Al Debortoli (sr) 205, Mick Brown (sr) 214, Charlie Pepos (sr) 237, 200-615, Terry Brus (sr) 222, John Cochran 198 +54.
Straight-A-Way (PBA Experience)— Eric Crawford 235, 255-672-1056 (5), Bruce Steffani 246, 235, 229 - 658 - 1122 (5), Dan Jackson 225, Steve Quinby 236, picked up the 7-10 split, Don White (sr) 208, 208, 244, Willie McGee (sr) 206, 202, Mike Carrette 230-1063 (5), Wayne Quinby (sr) 212, 222-610, Lucas Cyr 248-658-1081 (5).
Satellite Mixed— Hank Rimkus (sr) 232, 229-639, Ron Blaquiere (sr) 278-616, Norm Miller (sr) 218, Jay Tuss 237, Ron Harris 196 +53, Abe Zigan 225, Bob Ramsted (sr) 211, Andy Schindele 225, Leonard Peterson (sr) 213, 219-630, Richard Ferderer (sr) 231.
K-Lines / Rudyard
Women's scores— Marjie Spinler 201, Shirley Kline 5-7 and 2-4-10 splits; Ann Wickum 5-6 and 9-10 splits
Men's scores — Frank Nerat 236, Fred Nelson 234, Dale Dahlke 234, Ted Brown 5-6 split