It's Tournament Time!

February 26, 2011

Larry Lanehart 700 Club Champion

Once again, it's that time of the bowling season when Alaska determines its local and state champions.  Beginning last weekend with the Alaska 700 Club Tournament at Eagle River Bowl won by Larry Lanehart, and continuing through the end of March, bowlers can complete virtually every weekend as local and state bowling associations conduct their annual championships.  Congratulations to Larry for capturing the premier event of the season.

The Alaska 700 Club, which allowed women to participate for the only the second time, was completed Sunday, February 20.  Larry Lanehart topped Don Marquart, manager at North Bowl in Wasilla, to capture the 2011 event.  Six of the seven female entrants made the cut into match play, led by Kristen Eggleton who qualified 11th out of 93 competitors.  Katie Lanehart (yes, Larry's better half) lasted the longest of the female entrants, ultimately finishing 13th.

And this weekend the GAUSBCA Open and Women's Championships kick off with Team event competition at Center Bowl and Singles and Doubles events at Jewel Lake Bowl.  Thanks in large part to Chris Clapper at Center Bowl, team entries for the 2011 championships will far surpass entries over the previous several years.  Most Team squads are full, but there are still open spots on the 11:00 Team squad on Sunday, March 6.  Several openings remain on all Singles and Doubles squads at Jewel Lake.

Beginning March 10 and continuing March 18-20, the Alaska USBC Women's Bowling Association Championships will run at North Bowl.  These Team, Singles, Doubles, and All-Events championships are open to all USBC-sanctioned women bowlers, and tournament and housing information, as well as entry forms can be found at www.alaskawba.com.  The annual convention will be conducted the first weekend (3/8-10), the details of which are also posted on their web site.  And even the annual 500, 600, and women's 700 club events will be conducted in conjunction with the Alaska WBA championships.  Much fun and many prizes are planned for all.

The Open Alaska State Championships is slated for March 19-20 and 25-27 at Eagle River Bowl.  These state championships are open to ALL USBC sanctioned adult bowlers (male and female), and is conducted by average divisions.  A separate prize list is also available for bowling wanting to compete scratch (without handicap).

Virtually every tournament listed is handicapped competition, meaning you don't need to be a scratch bowler or average over 200 to have a chance to win.  The local and state competitions each have separate divisions based on your bowling average so you'll only compete against bowlers of approximately your same caliber.  All bowlers are encouraged to enter and have fun!