Neff in Oregon to defend Northwest Classic title

By ANTONYA ENGLISH

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 1, 2000

Neffer's Bowling Center owner Steve Neff is in Oregon this week preparing to defend his PBA Senior Bowling Tour title in the Northwest Senior Classic at Valley Lanes in Beaverton.

The tournament will be held June 3-8, beginning with a special pro-am benefit on Saturday. Qualifying will be held in nine-game blocks June 5-6.

Match play for the top 24 players begins June 7, with the top five qualifiers competing in stepladder finals June 8.

Last season, Neff won two PBA titles -- at Beaverton and the Senior National Championship last October.

Among the challengers Neff will face for this year's title are Pete Couture, last year's tournament runner-up and 1998 PBA Senior Player of the Year; Dale Eagle, the 1999 PBA Senior Player of the Year; and PBA Hall of Famers Gary Dickinson, Dave Soutar, George Pappas and Johnny Petraglia.

MANATEE SUPER SUNDAY: Manatee Lanes will be hosting two big events Sunday that are open to bowlers of all ages and experience.

The Absolutely Pets Nine-Pin No-Tap Tournament will be held at 3 p.m. The entry fee of $12 includes pizza and side pots.

Based on 24 teams, the approximate prize list is $90 for the first-place team, $65 for second, $50 for third, $40 for fourth, $30 for fifth, $25 for sixth and $20 for seventh. There also will be $100 in extra prize money.

Then later Sunday, Manatee will host its first Youth Night of the summer. And this one is on the house.

Youth Night will be held from 9:15 p.m. until midnight every Sunday for $6 per person. But Sunday's kickoff event will be free and will include unlimited bowling to the music of Rock 300, laser lights, contests and prizes for kids ages 10-17.

Anyone under the age of 16 must be signed out by an adult 18 or older to leave the building. The lounge will be closed and a uniformed sheriff's deputy will be on duty to monitor the evening's activities.

For more information, call (352) 795-4546.

HOT GAME, COOL HOUSE: That's the slogan for bowlers at Parkview Lanes. The center is holding open bowling every afternoon except Tuesdays and Fridays and summer pricing is in effect.

The year-around Coffee Clubs welcome new bowlers on Monday and Friday mornings, with free coffee and pastries for all participants.

PARTICIPANTS WANTED: Parkview Lanes will host a fundraiser Saturday, June 17, to benefit scholarship programs of Estarl and Sheaf of the Eastern Star.

Anyone interested in participating can contact Joan Cothern at (352) 489-0782 or Parkview Lanes at (352) 489-6933.

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