Northpinellas: Pinellas centers ready to get the ball rolling

AMF Clearwater Lanes general manager Elaine Wilhelm says numbers will be up slightly. "Our YABA program is looking very good, as are many of the night leagues," Wilhelm said.

The NCBA men and Cash-A-Lady scratch leagues highlight action at the house. Wilhelm said AMF's recent Chapter 11 declaration hasn't affected operations.

AMF Kenneth City Lanes' new ABCWIBC Sport Bowling experiment starts next week, offering a tougher challenge. GM Tom Milton said his YABA members are enlisted in the scholarship program and that regular league attendance will be higher. Countryside Lanes has made a positive turnaround since being purchased by Sochia Enterprises of Lakeland two years ago.

"We've spent over half a million dollars to renovate, from new air-conditioners to new lanes and scorers," general manager Keith Nichols said.

Nichols is a tournament-oriented PBA regional competitor and has booked a senior regular stop, several large youth tournaments and the Florida Queens. The county's largest YABA program has more than 250 members.

Dunedin Lanes longtime owner Helen Smith recently invested a bundle in new AMF Frameworx scorers and other renovations. Plus, she anticipates an increase in attendance.

"I'm trying constantly to improve my center little by little," Smith said.

The 24-lane house offers the scratch Dunedin Pro Shop League, the Highland Lassies and the men's Contractors League. Four women have rolled 300 games at the center. Liberty Lanes owner Bob Hanna learned the business while building one of the county's highest scoring centers. "We've renovated again this year with updated scorers, new seating and carpeting, and I'm looking for a very good season," Hanna said.

The YABA scholarship ranks will increase under Ron Mowbray with a special scratch league. Paul Victory set the county men's scratch series mark of 878 here four years ago.

Chuck Wong's 24-lane Rainbow center should have a good season, says house spokesman Lew Fradkin.

"Our leagues are filling up quickly, and our YABA program may run three shifts on Saturday," Fradkin said.

Two leagues occupy every lane, and daytime open competition continues to attract a good turnout. Renovations include new carpeting, a remodeled lounge and control desk. Wong's son, Gene, is managing the center.

Southland Lanes coordinator Judy Allen said the season is shaping up "very strong," including the revamped YABA scholarship leagues under teaching pro Cliff Weston. Marti's Bail Bonds Scratch Mixed League makes it home there, and a monthly Sunday no-tap event is sure to attract.

At Seminole, Sunrise and Sunshine Bowl, the Jerry and Kevin Krauss-owned centers have for years set the area standard for clean, modern centers, and they're filled again. The NCBA scratch leagues and the Florida Senior Stars Leagues are standouts, and a large YABA scholarship league attendance is expected.

"We have renovated all our centers in the past several years and soon plan minor renovations at Seminole Lanes," Kevin Krauss said.

Tarpon Lanes, the home center for 10-time PBA winner Steve Hoskins of Tarpon Springs, added glamour to attract and keep bowlers.

"Yes, Steve does bring a certain positive atmosphere here, and we're delighted," said owner Tracey Smith, the daughter of Helen Smith. "I'm very optimistic about the season, especially the popular NFL and NASCAR leagues." Ten Pin and Twedt's Lanes owner Bobbie Stealy said "it's shaping up fabulously, so good in fact, it's scary."

PREP TRYOUTS: Tryouts for the Pinellas County High School League continue through Wednesday. The 28th season starts Sept. 6 at Seminole Lanes.

Interested players should contact their coaches, centers or league administrator Matt Stevenson at Seminole Lanes, 392-2271.

A six-game tryout will determine team members and entering averages. The registration cost is $70 per bowler, which covers the sanction fee, a team shirt, trophies and the awards banquet.

NABI: St. Petersburg's Ronda Masanotti captured her second title and $240 on Aug. 12 at Sunrise Lanes. She defeated St. Petersburg's Joe Wilkes 205-194.

Pinellas Park's James Mackie was third, and St. Petersburg's Les Foerster finished fourth. St. Petersburg's Craig Gurney won the Platinum championship and $175.

Pinellas Park's Bill Heym stopped Clearwater's Judi Fincher 223-192 to collect his ninth crown and $210 on Aug. 19 at AMF Clearwater Lanes.

Clearwater's Arlene Gross was third, and St. Petersburg's Gary Halstrom took the Platinum title and $160.

St. Petersburg's Don Keller beat St. Petersburg's Jeannine Hanley 200-190 to win his first championship and $235 last Sunday at Sunshine Bowl.

Donna and Dan Kulb, Bradenton, were third and fourth, respectively.

AROUND THE LANES: Scott Howard rolled a 300-730 at AMF Kenneth City Lanes. ... Jack Anderson nailed a 300 game and Mike Pittman a 299-816 at Liberty Lanes. ... Coach Cliff Weston invites youngsters to sign up for the YABA leagues Sept. 8 at Southland Lanes. For information, call 545-0943. A meeting for the scratch doubles league is scheduled for 9 p.m. Wednesday. The football fever league will roll at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, and a handicap match-play event starts Sept. 10.

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

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