The Budweiser Michigan Majors Bowling Association’s traveled to Sterling Lanes on February 15th. Hall of Famer and Executive Director Ken Wyatt of Sterling Heights followed up his win at Thunderbowl in January with another victory at Sterling Lanes, winning his 12th title defeating Frank Snodgrass of Roseville 244-235. Wyatt received a check for $1,000 along with the championship trophy while Snodgrass settled for 2nd place and received a check for $500.
Jeff Edwards paced the field of 57 bowlers with a six game qualifying round of 1497. The cut score to make the 14 man semi-final round was 1339. This month’s tournament featured Kegel’s Sunset Strip condition, part of Kegel’s Challenge series. This lane pattern was a little more forgiving that last month’s condition and Brian McMahon took advantage with the only 300 of the tournament in the first game of qualifying.
The stepladder finals began with fifth seed J.R. Raymond of Bay City facing fourth seed Carleton Chambers of Detroit. Raymond struggled early with opens in frames 3 & 4, however still had a chance to make the match interesting in the 10th with a double. Raymond went high leaving the 6-10 spare ending his day with a 181-173 loss. Raymond received a check for $300 with his 5th place finish. Chambers then met qualifying leader Jeff Edwards of Sterling Heights. This match was tight all the way. Edwards had a chance to put Chambers away in the 10th with a mark and good count, however, Jeff went through the nose leaving the 4-6 split. Chambers stepped up with a chance to win with a double and got the first strike but went high on the second leaving the 6-10 spare. Chambers needed both pins to tie and was able to convert, leaving the match tied 216-216. In the 9th & 10th frame roll-off Chambers was able to throw a double in the 10th and win 49-40. Edwards, last year’s defending champion and owner of 2 MMBA titles, received $350 for his 4th place finish.
Next up for Chambers was Frank Snodgrass of Roseville. Snodgrass jumped out to an early 25 pin lead. Chambers tried to close the gap late, but he left an 8 pin in the 9th frame which ended his run at the title. Snodgrass went on to 211-195 victory. Chambers received a check for $400 for his efforts.
Snodgrass then met top seed Ken Wyatt. This match looked like it might be a runaway early as Snodgrass opened in the 4th frame and Wyatt striking in six of his first seven frames. Snodgrass battled back into the match throwing a 5 bagger in frames 5-9. Wyatt spared in the 8th & 9th frames and threw three strikes in the 10th to finish with 244. This meant Snodgrass could win the match with a double in the 10th. Snodgrass through the first strike but left a ringing 10 pin on the second shot. Wyatt survived to win 244-235.
Thank you to Dave Tomaszewski and the rest of his staff at Sterling Lanes for their hospitality. Thank you to our Budweiser sponsor Petitpren Distributors for sponsoring another successful tournament. Again I would like to recognize our newest MMBA sponsor General Maintenance Works - thank you MMBA member Bill DeFrance.
Our next tournament will be held at Mayflower Lanes in Redford on March 15th& 16thwith a start time of 10:00 a.m. This is our annual Match Game Championship, the first leg of the MMBA triple crown. The entry fee for this tournament is $100.
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Ken Wyatt (Sterling Heights) $1,000
2. Frank Snodgrass (Roseville) $ 500
3. Carleton Chambers (Detroit) $ 400
4. Jeff Edwards (Sterling Heights) $ 350
5. J. R. Raymond (Bay City) $ 300
6. LeRoy Anderson (Saginaw) $ 200
7. Justin Nieman (Warren) $ 180
8. Brian McMahon (Saginaw) $ 160
9. Abed Daher (Dearborn) $ 150
10. Kurt Pilon (Warren) $ 140
11. Lonnie Jones (Ann Arbor) $ 130
12. Dan Kelsey (Novi) $ 120
13. Adam Dee (Birmingham) $ 110
14. Steve Novak (Bay City) $ 100
For information on participation or joining the Budweiser Michigan Majors, contact the tournament Office at (586) 871-7651 or visit the official website at
www.michiganmajors.com.