Tuesday, March 26, 2013

PUTINBAY.COM NEWEST TOURNEY SPONSOR AND TOURNAMENT UPDATES

The LBA would like to welcome PUTINBAY.com as the newest sponsor of LBA tournaments and events this season.  Speaking of new...the LBA has added a fifth tournament this season, in our efforts to support our local propietors and provide even more fun and bowling challenges for our bowlers.  So far the tournament schedule has included the 800 at Park Lanes, the 700 Tournament at Lake Erie Lanes and recently completed the City Championships tournament at American Slovak Lanes.

Coming up next will be the Annual Seniors over average Tournament presented by First Federal and MOTIV bowling.  Open to all local Lorain USBC bowlers 55 years and up the action gets underway at 2:00 on Saturday April 13th at Rebman Recreation.  This year bowlers will be bracketed against those bowlers in their own average divisions.  Plenty of prizes, drawings and raffles to add to the fun.  Entry forms are out at all centers now or see Gary Z or Adam at Rebmans.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK:  The NEW:  Year Ending Tournament is scheduled for Saturday April 27th at Spevock's Nautical Lanes.  All bowlers should look to get into this one...Bowlers will compete in divisional play against bowlers in their average class.  168 and under, 169 to 189, 190 to 209 and 209 and up divisions will match bowlers in this Over Average Championship tournament.  But wait there's more, much more...there will be cash prizes for the top games in each division as well...and one final enhancement to bowl...even if you have an off day, you can still win with a prize pot set aside for under average...that's right...have a bad game and just miss average and the championship, there's still hope to cash with the under average prize fund...but don't think about sandbagging...the under prize will be a blind draw for either the absolute worst under average or the closest to average, we'll let you know after bowling in completed.   So this Tournament offers a great chance to win a city title, win more money more ways than ever...and to TOP IT ALL OFF, the great staff and Spevock Familty at Nautical have big plans in store as our hosts...you can be sure it'll be a great time!  Entry forms will be out this week.  Joe Gummo is the man in charge.

OH!....did I mention special thanks go out to PUTINBAY.com as tournament sponsor, We know that at Nautical lanes they put the fun in bowling....and our new partner PIB.com are the folks to 'Put an Island in your Life'!  Be sure to check them out prior to your island hopping plans this spring,summer and fall.

Good luck to all the LBA bowlers heading to Reno for Nationals, with the new USBC on-line registration formating and scheduling many of our bowlers will be competing this year on different dates, so good luck to all.

The LBA had 20 teams as part of the squad at the State Tournament and one of the highlights of the weekend was the performance by the B's Car Stereo Team.  Joe Dominguez fired a 300 during the team competition much to the excitiment of team members Brad Saegert, Jeremy Duley, Brett Locher and Gary Burz.whom by the way went on to set the standard to date firing 3,522 to take over the team scratch lead in the tournament.  Back in 2009 the team captured the state team title, good luck guys hope the score holds up for #2 title.  Chaz Velasquez coming off the DL, did a great job on behalf of the squad, so here's props to Chaz.

With an early Saturday squad time, traffic snarls and late Friday & Saturday nights which always pose issues, this year was no exception...Chaz has already submitted time changes for next season with the state associaition, so we hope to have better times next year in Columbus.  I wish to personally thank Dan Martin USBC State Tournament Director and manager for his support and courtesy this year! 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

LBA Updates, High Scores, Sponsors and Tournaments

For bowlers, we are all in the let's get over the hump time, spring is 'nearly' here...oh yes as of this writing it is snowing, tournament time means the season is winding down and there is approximately one quarter left of bowling.
I am a bit apologetic that I haven't posted in a while...as with many of you, I got hit with the dreaded 2 week flu bug...tournament work has kept me and the LBA crew busy and with the addition of the Chronicle Telegram covering Lorain Bowling I am spending double the time writing and placing scores in the papers.   But with the Chronicle coverage this season and the Journal stepping up a bit more, I think news and scores are getting out to the masses, which is great for bowling and the LBA,
Remember the Chronicle posts scores and news generally in Saturday mornings paper and the Journal on Tuesdays.

Let's take a look at the first half:  LBA has crowned a new 800 champion:  Mark Frazier, Mark established a new house record at our host center Park Lanes including a Perfect game and outlasted a final 5 of Rick Delserone (2nd), John Gregory, Mike Plato and Brian Hensley to capture the title. The Amherst Eagles stepped up big time to be our Title Sponsor and Chris Loschetter and Ronnie Russel provided Brunswick and DV8 equipment to be our Equipment sponsors.  The LBA welcomed Ed Money Live as a new local sponsor so check him out and his show via facebook.

The 700 Tournament lived up to all the pre-tournament hype, with well over 150 bowlers competing at our host center Lake Erie Lanes.  For the second year Bowled Solutions and Griips Gloves were title presenting sponsor of the 700. Lake Erie welcomed Superior Beverage and Miller Lite. Coors Light as sponsors and did a great job hosting. Welcome gifts, prizes and a hospitality party at the end of each squad as well as a chance to win a new TV greeted all bowlers.  Brad Uhl continued his hot bowling by capturing the Scratch Title and Rick Adkins won the handicap side.  Chet Kelling fired the tournaments lone 300.

The LBA partnered with a number of new sponsors this season to support our tournaments, bowlers and charitable giving causes.  To that end, the LBA and LWBA teamed up with our member bowlers to present over $2,600 this year in support of our Lorain Bowlers for Vets charity.  The LBA in coordinated effort with the Amherst Eagles and Baldo's Bash contributed $1000 in scholarship support to the youth association.

Other sponsors on board for the first half this year with the LBA include:  Turbo Grips, Intralot and OH lottery, ACE Mitchell and Dean Billings, Lorain County.com, LC visitors bureau, First Federal, Moosehead Grill, Ole Roys, Adam Mishak for all your equipment needs and Special Presenting Sponsor MOTIV Bowling and Rick Zakrajsek.  The list continues to grow as we continue to Grow our Sport, so stay tuned for more updates in the following weeks.

Good Shooting first half highlights:  Perfect Game 300's for Rick Barry, Vic Bellan, Ron Bowman, Jack Cook, Tim Daub, Rick Delserone, Dave Difilippo and Mark Frazier.  Chris Hester was on target as well as; Brett Locher, Steve Loos, Jay Lute, Billy Mannillo, Chris Neiding, James Nunnally, Adam Pettry, Mike Plato, Brian Denman and Duane Sagert.  On the ladies side reported we have Shelly Bodak who went 300 on back to back nights.

800 Honor Series include:  Ron Bowman, Jason Falish, Mark Frazier, Joe Ksenich, Billy Mannillo who went back to back on consecutive Wednesday nights, Dempsey Miller, Duane Sagert and Brad Uhl. 

Be sure to check out lorainbowling.com for updated individual and league highlights and info.  As always our facebook page:  Lorain Bowling is updated daily with top scores and information as well pictures and videos from around the LBA.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Mutt & Jeff's Host's Classic League Bowlers, Tourney News and Turkey Shootout

Last night after the Mutt & Jeff's Classic League, Pat and Addison extended an invitation for all Classic League Bowlers to their Club and Restaurant for an after bowling social and wing buffet.  Nearly all the bowlers showed up to participate and enjoyed some of the best wings around, not 1, not 2, not 3 but 5 flavors including BBQ, Buffalo, General Tso were featured on the buffet complete with veggies and  homecut fries.  And you can be sure there was plenty of cold drinks to go around as well.

As this year's league sponsor, Pat and Addie have really stepped up to the plate to help support and help save a Classic League in Lorain County.  This years format is three man teams which go heads up each week.  Last week capped off the first third of the season and Cash bonuses were paid out.  The Classic league looks strong and should grow by leaps and bounds next year as the area's top bowlers will vie for a place to get into this LEAGUE...and with a great Sponsor like Mutt and Jeff's and fun events like last nite planned for throughout the season, the Classic League is the place to be on Monday nights for the Best Bowling around.

Tournament News:

The Lorain Women's Bowling Association's 500 Club Tournament is coming up December 1st at Lake Erie Lanes.  The committee has been working hard to put on an event to rival the Men's 700.  Good Luck gals.   The event open to all Lorain County ladies in the 500 Club will be a No Tap format...so it should be lot's of FUN!

Brian Hensley will be getting the LBA's 700 Tournament entry forms out over the next week.  I have dubbed this Tourney the King of All Local Bowling Events based on last years success at Nautical.  This year Maureen and George over at Lake Erie have picked up the ball and began to run, run fast to assure all our bowler another Great Time!  Bowled Solutions will be Presenting Sponsor, MOTIV hass come on board, our friends at the LC visitors bureau and loraincounty.com are on board for support this year as well.  And I can assure you there are some great surprises in store for this year as well.

MOTIV TO SPONSOR the Lorain City Tournament this February.  MOTIV Bowling will play a major role in this years city tournament.  We know for sure the Winners of Singles scratch and handicap will be walking away with a new MOTIV Ball and there are plenty of other plans to make the City tournament at Slovak Lanes one to remember!   Check out MOTIV on facebook as well...and enter your team for a stockpile of new bowling balls, yep MOTIV will outfit your entire team with a new ball if you win the promotion.

In the next week or so, I'll be doing a re-cap of some of the first half Highlights so be sure to check back!


Turkey shootout at Rebmans Thanksgiving EVE...a new format from the annual jackpot will roll out tomorrow nite at Rebmans' after league bowling.  Supporting LHS Bowling as a benefit...Bowler's will attempt to navigate all 24 lanes with a minimum 9 count to capture the JACKPOT Prize!

Be sure to check out the Lorain Morning Journal each Tuesday morning for league top scores and Saturday's Chronicle Telegram for LBA top scores and action!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Mark Frazier Crowned LBA-Amherst Eagles 800 Champion


  1. Well, the LORAIN USBC BA / AMHERST EAGLES 17TH ANNUAL 800 TOURNAMENT is a wrap. It was a long but exciting weekend. We had a total of 51 bowlers from Lorain County participate. For an entry fee of $35 and a first place check of $500 it was a good investment. On Saturday evening Mike Plato started off with a very nice 300 game. He finished the first night of qualifying with a 923 series which was leading. Sunday came and some bombs were being tossed. Mark Frazier started the afternoon off with a 300 game and the whispers began. Was it Mark's year. Rick Delserone bounced back the second game with a 300 of his own. Mark's second game was a not too shabby 270. Mark then started his 3rd game with the front 10 before a messenger failed to take down the 10 pin and Mark settled for a 289 game and a first 3 of 859. Mark then hit his next pair and struggled to start but ended up with the last 5 for a 193 game and the leader in the clubhouse. This lead us to a five person stepladder final of Mark, John Gregory, Mike Plato, Rick Delserone, and Brian Hensley.
    Rick beat Brian the first game 238-197. Rick then started the second game off strong and took out Plato with a 257-218 match. Rick once again came out striking as well as John, but a couple of splits slowed up the match. But the match came down to the 10th frame with John needing to strikeout to beat Rick.. John left a smash 10 pin on his 11th ball to lose 236-226. This left a final of not so rev challenged bowlers Mark V Rick. They both came out the gate pounding the pocket. It all came down once again to the 10th frame, with Mark needing a double and really good count to shut out Rick. Mark got the first one in the 10th and on his next ball threw some nasty wood and carried the 7-10 split and to go ahead and beat Rick 237-222 and won the $500 check and bonus items...
    This had to be one of the most exciting events that I have been part of in my bowling career. The spectators came out and supported this amazing final. We even had some jackpot bowling going on after the Saturday night qualifying round and LOTS of money flying around bringing back memories of old. People ask me why I don't bowl anymore, this is the reason why. I enjoy being part of events like this. Hopefully we can make this event even bigger next year.
    I would like the following people for making this event possible this year. First of all, our sponsors. Amherst Eagles, Brunswick / DV8 bowling, Ace Mitchell bowlers supply and EDMONEYLIVE.COM. I would also like to thank Park Lanes Bowling & Brew for hosting this years event ( to any of my friends here on facebook, if you have not been to Park Lanes, you need to get there, this place ROCKS!! ) and John Shreve for bringing in 15 of his closest friends from his center. Finally, I would also like to thank the LBA board members for helping out this weekend, we have a great group of guys.. and to Dan Metelsky, for his hard work and dedication to helping bring back the "fun and excitement" to the game that we all love.. It's a pleasure working side by side with you!!
Dan's Note:  Chaz Velasquez Tournament Director for the LBA-Amherst Eagles 2012-13 800 Tournament provided this summary piece.  Chaz worked tirelessly to put on one heck of a tournament.  With a 100% increase in bowler particiaption over recent 800 tournaments, Chaz should be recognized and commended for his leadership and effort.  As noted in the body of the text, thank you to all our sponsors, expecially to our friends at the Amherst Eagles Club, their support included a matching grant to the LBA's committment of $500 to the Lorain Youth Bowling Scholarship Fund!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Mutt & Jeff's steps up to Support a 'Classic' ... and new FB Motiv Promo

Pat and Addison, both avid and excellent Bowlers and co-owners of Mutt and Jeff's the iconic Bar-Restaurant and Entertainment Venue on Oberlin Avenue must have read  PBA member and current USBC Master's Champion Mike Fagen's recent views on the state of bowling, the handicap system and Scratch League play.  Mike states, "I've come to realize the only people that can save the sport are bowlers...." well that surely rings true to Pat and Addison, and having a great business (doesn't hurt either) which affords them the ability to step up and strengthen the sport and promote 'The Monday Classic League" at Rebmans.  The changing nature of the sport and the economy has taken it's toll on  Classic leagues...but recently, thanks to guys like Gary Z and now Mutt and Jeffs the Monday Classic League at Rebmans has new life.

Last night the teams and squad was full.  A new trio format is the foundation for success and future growth.   Implementing an eight week Total Pinfall Bonus Pot allows every bowler and team the ability to compete for the bonuses throughout the season.  Mutt & Jeff's sponsorship makes this league the most attractive around.  Each Monday 24 of the top competitors in the LBA assemble to go head to head in straight up scratch competition.  Perhaps the only remaining 'Classic League' around, the ability to grow and strengthen the league is a top goal.  While last night reflects full teams, subs and permanent subs are welcome and expansion is a definite possibility and with the eight week bonus rounds affords all bowlers the ability to cash.  See Adam or stop down Monday evenings at 7 to get on board.

Of note:  the LBA has approximately 40 leagues within the association with a composite average of 179.  The Classic Leagues' composite average is 208. 

Fagen was right, it takes bowlers to step up and help save and support the sport.  Recently the LBA has implemented this philosophy with upgraded tournaments, promotions and bowlers services and our bowlers become the beneficiaries.  Be sure to thank and remember all the sponsors that support our sport, in all the leagues and all the tournaments!

Just in...Cool promotion!
For a great chance for some great prizes, Motiv is running a promotion on facebook, you can win an entire arsenal of equipment and accessories...so visit Motiv on facebook and enter.

Monday, October 1, 2012

LBA B2B Raffle Winners Announced, Tourney Info update

First a big thank you goes out to all the bowlers, leagues and centers that helped support the Innagual Back to Bowling promotion in support of the LBA.

Over 2,200 tickets were purchased during the 2-1/2 week promotion.

As an incentive for leagues to participate Bonus prizes were awarded, of the 37 sanctioned leagues within the Lorain USBC BA, 29 sold tickets making them eligible for cash bonus prizes to be used for their leagues.

Congratulations to:  Friday Mixed at Park Lanes, Senior Friendship at Rebmans, Rudy's Bar League at Lake Erie, Tuesday Men at Nautical and Delmonicos Barbershop at Rebmans on winning Bonuses.
Odds to win a participation award were 1:29 for top prize and 1:9 for all.  100% bonus had chance of winning at 1:29 and Bonus Bucks at 1:438 with Delmonicos having sold 72 books over base for winning odds of 1:6.

Bowling Ball winners include:  Scott Novak (Zgraphics league entry), Brian Hellinger (Am Slovak Lanes entry) and Debbie Stroud (VOL-Lake Erie)

Proceeds from the Raffle will go towards LBA Tournaments and Promotions and LBA charitable causes.   Recap sheets are posted at all centers.

The 800 Tournament is slated for November 10 & 11 at Park Lanes.  Sponsored by the Amherst Eagles, $500 Top Prize is up for grabs.  Entry forms at all LC bowling centers.  Any bowler with a sanctioned 800 within Lorain County is eligible for entry.

Mark your calanders for October 21 and 28 as the Lorain USBC Youth City tournament held at Rebmans for the youngsters is set.

The Lorain Womens' Association has scheduled their 500 Club Tourney for December 1 at Lake Erie Lanes.

And the King of all Local Tournaments the LBA's 700 Tournament is scheduled for January 19 and 20 at Lake Erie.  Even more surprises in store this year for this one!



Monday, September 17, 2012

Early Season Rings for James Nunnally, Chris Neiding and Brad Uhl

Chris Neiding fired the first 300 of the 2012 Season at Lake Erie Lanes and James Nunnally shot 300 last week at Rebmans.  Brad Uhl is off to a hot start and shot 834 with very nice 277,278 and you guessed it 279 games.

The LBA's Back to Bowling Ball Raffle ends this upcoming Friday, be sure to get your tickets at all LBA bowling centers.  Up for grabs is a new Ebonite, Motiv or Brunswick bowling ball and for just 50 cents a chance..what a deal.   All proceeds will benefit the LBA tournament promotions and prize funds as well as our charitable giving throughout the year.

The 800 tournament is slated for November 10th and 11th at Park Lanes.   Presented by the Amherst Eagles and the LBA, Tournament Director Chaz and his committee have been actively seeking sponsors and support for this tournament.  We hear Chris Loschetter and Ronnie Russell through Brunswick and DV8 have stepped up for some great prizes to supplement what is a Guaranteed $500 Top Prize Fund!  The 800 is open to all bowlers that have shot an 800 series in Lorain County.

Speaking of Lorain County, the Lorain County Visitors Bureau has joined the ranks of supporters for this year as well.

Plans are already underway for the 700 Tournament in January...With great expecations following Don Sagert's extravaganza last season, be sure the goal for this year is to have an even bigger and better tounament, more prizes, more fun, more excitement and more money!  George and Maureen at Lake Erie Lanes are working hard with the planning for this great Bowling EVENT!

Our friends over at Nautical Lanes will play host this Saturday September 22nd for the 1st Annual Bowling for the Cure bowl-a-thon in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Tickets are just $20.   Stop by and get some practice in at Nautical for the upcoming year ending LBA tournament to be held at Nautical all while supporting a great cause.  Even if you can't bowl stop by this week and see Jimmy or Joel or Steve Kimmel and make a donation to help out.  I know I plan on it.  The event runs 4 to 7 pm.

Best wishes for Good Bowling and high scores this week,
Dan