Well our return to Mesa East Bowl was a very interesting one! We had a lot of exciting differences from the last time we were there and a few other similarities that were also exciting. The first awesome difference was the fact that there were more entries this time. We had 110 entries, 26 non-exempt cashers, a 1 in 4.2 cash ratio and paid out over $4,000.00!
The bowlers bowled on the 41ft USBC Open Championships oil pattern. The interesting thing about this is that we have bowled on this pattern in other centers as well this season. This event was a reminder that the “oil pattern” doesn’t make the shot. The oil, lane surface, and oil pattern together make the shot. Although the oil pattern was the same, there were subtle differences that showed themselves at Mesa East. The big difference was the older, softer lane surface hooked much more than some of the other places that the pattern was bowled on. The pattern still seemed to be pretty even on both sides and for all styles.
Before we get into the results, I would love to introduce all of the new bowlers that decided to embark on an experience in to their first SFT AHT tournament. Those bowlers were Samantha Sesate, Tommy Dick, Sierra Aulik, Brian Huglin, Russell Diana, Tyler Robideau, and Richard Paxson. It’s incredible how many new faces we see every weekend! I want to thank all of you for your time in bowling with the SFT AHT. I hope it was enjoyed and we look forward to seeing you all again!
I would also like to give congratulations to the bowlers that did some pretty cool things this weekend. First to Tina Niles, Richard Paxson, and Chris Wheat for showing the POWER OF THE PARLAY! These bowlers bowled 3 good games to win the economy parlay tournaments and get free entries with progressive pots. Then they turned around and parlayed those free entries into quarter final checks! It’s not easy, so congrats to the 3 of you. Also congrats to the following bowlers for making their first quarter finals appearances; Richard Paxson, Eric Diana, Tyler Robideau, Jerry Bernardo, Daniel Cottrill, Brian Huglin and Val Caron. You all got the monkey off your back! A special congrats to Richard Paxson, Tyler Robideau and Brian Huglin who made their first quarters in their first ever SFT AHT event! Congrats guys! Every weekend, there is proof that anyone and everyone can do well at an SFT AHT event. Whether you are bowling your first event ever, or a seasoned veteran, you could take home $1,000!
The 22 quarter finalists broke down to the top 8 for the semi-final round. The top 4 in the A division were #1 seed Ben Dewberry taking on #4 seed Ron Gonzales, and #2 seed Tyler Robideau vs #3 seed Ryan Burt. The top 4 in the B division were #1 seed Daniel Cottrill taking on #4 seed Lynn Arthur and #2 seed Anthony Dang taking on #3 seed Aubree McKay. The interesting part is that both of the lowest seeds, Lynn Arthur and Ron Gonzales used exemptions to make the quarter finals. Which means that they had no chance against the #1 seeds that were doing well on the pattern all weekend, and bowled well enough to advance, right?....
It worked out to show how valuable the exemptions can be that are earned throughout an entire season. Ron bowled a surprising 280 after struggling all day to defeat the #1 seed Ben Dewberry. Lynn also defeated the #1 seed 203 to 170. Ryan Burt struck out in the 10th to defeat Tyler and Aubree was able to convert a spare in the 10th to shut out Anthony. This meant our A division championship match was between Ron Gonzales and Ryan Burt and our B division match was between Aubree McKay and Lynn Arthur. Ryan would defeat Ron 245 to 189 and Lynn would defeat Aubree 274 to 222. This meant that Ryan Burt would bowl for his first ever title against the reigning player of the year, Lynn Arthur.
Ryan was giving up 8 pins to Lynn, and they would prove to be important. The match went back and forth the entire game and led up to an exciting 10th frame. Ryan finished first and could strike out to force Lynn to strike out to tie him. Ryan threw the first two in the 10th, but then only got 6 on his final shot to give Lynn an opportunity. Lynn showed that if there is any player that you don’t want to give an opportunity to in a championship match, it’s the reigning player of the year. Lynn threw two good shots in the pocket and got 9 to defeat Ryan Burt in a clutch performance and take home his 3rd SFT AHT title. It was almost exactly one year from his last title at Glenfair Lanes on April 29th 2012. Congrats to both bowlers for a great final match!
I would like to take this time to re-emphasize the value of the exemptions that are up for grabs in the season point race. We have had three $1,000 winners who have earned those titles through exemptions, not to mention a ton of other money that has been won from exempt bowlers finishing outside the top 2. The season point race is on and you are never out of the hunt! It should be an exciting one! We look forward to seeing you all at AMF Mesa Lanes on May 1st, 4th or 5th!
