Senior winner Pacca at home at Southland

Mike Pacca Sr. knows the boards well at Southland Lanes.

He has a 192 average as proof.

Pacca, of Pinellas Park, won an in-house senior tournament and a $50 prize Monday by firing a 733 series.

"It's been my house for several years, and you've got to know the shot," Pacca said after a 290 no-tap game.

"You've got to baby the ball down there," he said, "especially if you're the first one on the boards."

Pinellas Park's John Battias finished second in the tourney.

Gail Jackson, Seminole, captured the women's title with a 728 series. Margaret Gossett was the runner-up at 670.

"We stage these occasionally to help keep the fun going and attract more senior bowlers," Southland Lanes manager Judy Allen said.

Some of the other players who joined the fun were Pighe Thompson, Jack Perrault, Don Baumann, Martha Peacock, Betty Brown, Geri Herbert and William and Irene Morris. "I wasn't sure how many would show, and it surprised me when so many did," Allen said.

The center -- owned buy Rocco Sarley Sr. and his son, J.R. -- is part of a 66th Street corner that includes the Sarley-owned Southland Roller Palace in Pinellas Park.

Rocco III is the chief mechanic at Southland Lanes, the site of several memorable PBA Southern regionals.

Because the center is so remote, it is easy to assume a lack of business, but Allen says otherwise.

"We have a great group of seniors here, and our youth program is really strong, too," she said.

"The seniors help fill up the daytime leagues, and we have a number of nighttime leagues that have been with us for a long time."

Sara Campbell and Judy Belt share the duties at the control desk. Allen and the pro shop will soon have a new proprietor.

HALL INDUCTION: Dann Sellers of New Port Richey and Edwin Duer of Port Richey were inducted into the Suncoast Association Hall of Fame during the annual league secretaries meeting in Tarpon Springs on Saturday.

Sellers was honored for his achievements and Duer for meritorious service.

Shannon Profit and Terrance Reeves were recognized for their YABA and Junior Gold accomplishments.

Ronald Averbeck earned the Suncoast President's Award for service, which includes his duties as webmaster for the association's site at www.suncoastba.org.

Suncoast president John Spicer presided at the meeting that drew representatives from the Clearwater Women's Association, Upper Pinellas Junior Bowling, Suncoast Women's Association, Suncoast YABA and various leagues.

The main purpose for the meeting was to prepare league secretaries for the start of the season next month, explaining rules changes and proper paperwork and offering helpful suggestions.

The associations represent five Pinellas County centers and four in Pasco County.

PREPS: Tryouts for the Pinellas County High School League continue today. Bowlers should contact their neighborhood centers.

The individual cost is $70, which covers YABA sanction, shirts, trophies and an awards banquet. Players should avoid paying a double sanction fee.

The season opens Thursday at Seminole Lanes.

After 29 years, league coaches and administrators will introduce a new format -- two regular games followed by two Baker games.

The league always has rolled three regular games, scored on scratch and handicap basis, with a 21-point system. A new 18-point scoring format will include all four games.

Each school is allowed one girls and one boys varsity squad and two junior varsity teams, with a maximum of six players per group per school.

However, Baker squads will consist of four players and substitutions. CWBA UPDATE: The Clearwater Women's Association has moved to 300 South Duncan Ave., Suite 217, Clearwater, 33755. The phone number stayed the same, (727) 462-8888.

Laura Mosley-May is the organization's president.

The association will have its first fall doubles tournament Oct. 20 at AMF Clearwater Lanes. The entry fee is $15 per player.

Tourney director Linda Spicer said the first team will roll at 11 a.m. It will be followed by the association's general meeting at 2 p.m., then the final squad at 4. One out of six will cash from the prize fund.

BWTC: Entries are open at $550 per five-person team for the return of the Brunswick World Team Challenge, Sept. 14-15 at Seminole Lanes.

For information, call 1-800-514-2695 or go online to www.bowl.com.

AROUND THE LANES: Brett Frisse fired an 811 series at Ten Pin Lanes.

-- Phil Gulick can be reached at xerxes8@msn.com.

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