A romantic Valentine's Day marriage proposal and the crowning of Joe Bowler opened the 101st American Bowling Congress Championships Tournament last week at National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev.
Robert Gemignani, Nevada City, Calif., was selected Joe Bowler. He threw the ceremonial first ball to signify the opening of the tourney.
The event, which continues through June 28, is the second largest in history with more than 16,550 teams and a $6-million prize fund. Before action began, Bruce Biedrzycki, Burlington, Wis., proposed to girlfriend Kim Nolan at center aisle. She accepted.
Storm of Utah, Brigham, Utah, took the Regular Division lead with 2,997. Connections No. 3, Vallejo, Calif., grabbed the first-week Classified Division lead with a 2,775 pinfall. Classified teams have a 900 cumulative average. The annual Women's International Bowling Congress Tournament begins April 15 in Wichita, Kan., and ends July 6. Many players from the Suncoast are scheduled to compete. On the agenda at both conventions is the revised proposal to merge the ABC, WIBC, YABA and USA Bowling into one organization called the United States Bowling Congress. For daily tournament results, go online to www.bowl.com A 192-page manual on the proposed merger is available. SUNCOAST ON DECK: The Suncoast Bowling Association opens its annual tournament Sunday at Dunedin Lanes with multiple and walk-in entries encouraged.
The tourney continues through Feb. 29. Squad times start at noon all four days, and entries are accepted up to 30 minutes prior to team times. For information, call director John Spicer, (727) 724-9015.
The association will play host to the Florida State ABC Championships next year, and it is looking for board members. Contact Spicer, who will become state association president in October.
KIDS IN ACTION: David Broughton fired a 675 handicap series to help open the Greater Pinellas YABA's city tournament Saturday at AMF Kenneth City Lanes. The tourney ends Sunday, and entries are closed.
Jeremy White and Broughton teamed for an A Division 1,342 doubles lead, and TCS No. 2 totaled 2,589 pins for the team lead.
DEAN A WINNER: Largo's Carl Dean defeated Largo's John LaFond 184-175 to win the NABI Club Tournament and $255 on Sunday at Southland Lanes. Lori Lloyd finished third and Marcus Armstrong fourth. Both are from St. Petersburg.
AROUND THE LANES: High scorers - Sam Ardillo, 300-795, Brian Korcak, 300-823, and Michael Wetherell, 809, at Countryside; John Taft, 300, AMF Kenneth City; youth bowler Jon Brady, 289-815, AMF Clearwater; Rich Lancaster, 300-690, Scotty Gormley, 299-780, Victor Montes, 299-727, Thurston Card, 298-691, Chris Holly, 290-690, Jim Sowers, 300-721, Rich Begtrup, 811, and Gary Shibley, 290, Dunedin; Jerry Tippett, 300-753, Darryl Dempsey, 300-748, Keith Glasgow, 299-743, and Lou Alessi, 289-739, Southland; Russell Stratton, 300-749, Steve Felsman, 300, Keith Glasgow, 299-798, Steve Weyand, 300-755, and Bill Axley, 300-763, Seminole; Rick Langton, 804, Darryl Dempsey, 300-749, William Ortiz, 300-738, Dale Paulson and Jack Scandaglia, 300 games, and Justin Veitch, 299-691, Liberty; Pete Sahner and Rob Harris, 300, Ten Pin; and Dave Suggs, 300-763, and Eric Williams, 299 game, Sunshine.
