Young bowler returns at the top of his form

By WAYNE GRUMET

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 15, 2001

One could call 22-year-old Garry Osgoodby a quick study.

Osgoodby returned to bowling last year after a four-year hiatus and rolled four perfect games.

Osgoodby has been even more impressive this season. He already has bowled five perfect games and has had five 800 series.

The Suncoast Bowling Association also ranks Osgoodby as the county's top bowler. He has twice as many points as second-place John Howell.

Osgoodby made up for lost time with practice. He played in three leagues last season and is playing in four this season.

He also has immersed himself in the sport. He works for a bowling equipment distributor, a job with many advantages.

"Working in bowling helps me meet a lot of companies and bowling reps," Osgoodby said. "I definitely have a little more of an edge than the average bowler. I get everything at cost, and it's still pretty expensive."

Osgoodby's first key piece of equipment didn't cost him a thing. His mother bought him a new ball for his birthday last year, and he returned with a different attitude to match his new ball.

"When I came back I just started watching people," Osgoodby said. "When I last bowled I was in youth bowling. I just threw it 100 miles an hour up the middle. I didn't care. I was just playing around."

Osgoodby has started looking to the future. He will compete in his first tournament March 25 in Spring Hill, and his connections have led to sponsorships. Next year he will cut back to three leagues, and for the first time he will bowl away from Hudson Bowl.

"People tell me that it will help to bowl at different lane conditions," he said.

Osgoodby has had great success at Hudson Bowl, averaging 232 in the Hi Rollers league. His lowest average at Hudson Bowl this season is 216.

Osgoodby dreams of a pro career but knows he's not ready. "People always ask me when I'm going pro," Osgoodby said. "I've only been bowling again for a season and a half. I've accomplished quite a bit but I'm not ready for that level.

"In a year or two, who knows?"

WHAT A WEEK: Bill Ferrie had a week to remember during league play at Lane Glo North last week. Ferrie began with a perfect game March 5 during the Monday Merchants Men's league. He finished that round with a 734 series.

On March 9, Ferrie bowled another perfect game during the Friday Nite Mixed league. Ferrie finished with a 721 series.

Sal Romeo also bowled a perfect game at Lane Glo North last week. He had 300 during the Carlton Arms league.

ACES: Anne Astles had a hole-in-one on the 105-yard second hole at Meadow Oaks on March 12 ... Robert Hayes had a hole-in-one on the 115-yard fourth hole at Meadow Oaks on March 10. Hayes used a pitching wedge for the ace ... Al Ratkiewich collected his first hole-in-one March 9 at Timber Oaks. Ratkiewich aced the 134-yard fourth hole with a 7-iron ... William Kazanas made his second hole-in-one March 8 at Meadow Oaks. Kazanas aced the 147-yard 13th hole with a 4-iron ... Nord Osland aced the 142-yard 15th hole at Timber Oaks on Feb. 19. Osland used a 5-iron.

UPCOMING GOLF EVENTS: Meadow Oaks will host the Fifth Annual Chasco Fiesta Tournament on April 1. The four-person scramble has a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Entry is $60. The proceeds will benefit Keep Pasco Beautiful. Call (727) 856-2878 for more information.

LIFEGUARD CLASS: The Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department is offering a lifeguard training class Friday-Sunday.

The class costs $25 and includes books. The class teaches first aid and CPR.

Orientation is Friday at 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson, and the class meets Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The class will certify a person to apply for a summer job with Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department pools and beaches. Call instructor Erik Nelson at (727) 861-3033 for more information.

UPCOMING RECREATION EVENTS: The Wesley Chapel Athletic Booster Club will hold a 5K run, 1-mile walk and a 50-yard truck pull Saturday. The event will be at Wesley Chapel High and Weightman Middle School. Proceeds will benefit the Wesley Chapel athletic department. Registration is $12 and covers entry in all three events.

There are men's and women's and age categories for each race. Children under 8 may participate in the walk for free. Each truck-pull team should have no more than four members. There are no age or weight restrictions.

Each participant will receive a T-shirt and goody bag. After the races there will be a party with food and business displays.

For more information, call Rick Morriss at (813) 404-0729.

SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT: The Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department and the Chamber of Commerce will hold the 2001 NSA Chasco Fiesta Softball Tournament on March 31-April 1. The event is a divisional qualifier.

The tournament will be held at W.H. Jack Mitchell Jr. Park in New Port Richey and at Veterans Memorial Park at Hudson.

T-shirts, trophies, player awards and team travel per diems will be awarded. Call (727) 934-4198 or (727) 942-7439 for more information.

-- Wayne Grumet can be reached by e-mail at bkhwlg@msn.com or by fax at (352) 521-0290.

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