Sterner victorious in South Region PBA tournament

He credits his experience with helping him overcome nerves to win South Region finals.

By DEREK J. LaRIVIERE, Times Correspondent
Published October 9, 2007

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PORT RICHEY - Jason Sterner's experience made the difference in last weekend's 19th annual New Port Richey Open.

Sterner defeated Kelvin Wiggins in the playoff finals at Lane Glo Lanes North, 226-217 to claim the PBA South Region victory.

Sterner, of Roswell, Ga., earned $2,500 for the win.

Wiggins was making his first career professional finals appearance while Sterner already had won an event last season in Chesapeake, Va.

"It never really gets easier," Sterner said. "You are always nervous on a stage like this, but I think I might have had a little edge because I'd been there before."

Walter Ray Williams Jr., a member of the PBA Hall of Fame and most notable entry in the tournament, made the semifinals for the second consecutive time in a North Suncoast tournament.

In July, he also finished third in the Spring Hill Open.

Spring Hill resident Jason Mahr, who won the Spring Hill Open in July, finished ninth on Sunday with a 216.44 average.

He took home $500 for his efforts.

Other locals who were impressive in the tournament included Pasco County residents Stephen Rodriguez, Darin Hays, Jeffrey Roberson and Rich Garner, all of whom earned cash with top 30 finishes in the field of 91. Hays, Rodriguez and Roberson all earned $500 while Garner cashed with $400.

Rodriguez, a regular at Lane Glo Lanes North, was competing in his first professional event, making his 13th place finish all the more impressive.

He tossed a 299 game in the event to highlight his weekend.

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