The JTBA’s first stop of the 2008 calendar year took us to Sunrise Bowl in Zanesville. We’d like to thank the staff at Sunrise for working with us through a slight scheduling error, as well as our girl’s match play finalists for their understanding. Additional thanks go out to the folks at ABI Phone Systems for their sponsorship of the event. Tim Pfeifer

On the men’s side it was Tim Pfeifer of Cranberry Twp PA winning his sixth JTBA title, and second straight, defeating John Essenmacher III in the title match. Essenmacher, who was looking to follow up his MJMA title the prior weekend by winning in Ohio as well, defeated Earon Vollmar of Toledo in the semi-finals, while Pfeifer advanced past Cleveland’s Brandon White in the semi-finals. Adam Metzger of Erie PA paced the field during qualifying at +40, and also had our high game of the event at 288. Vollmar and Ben Galloway of Moon Twp. PA were our Junior Gold Qualifiers, who will be representing the JTBA at the 2008 National Championships in suburban Detroit.

On the ladies side, Heidi Sanders of Fremont OH took home the title defeating Pepsi/Park Lanes Open Champion Sarah Germano of Rochester, NY in the finals. Sanders defeated Melia Bennett of Charleston WV in the semi-finals, while Germano defeated Wright State University’s Danielle Rohr in her Semi-Final. Qualifying was led by Natasha Martin at +89 and Martin also had our high game at 269. Heidi Sanders

Our next event will be the JTBA Doubles Championships at Rebman’s Recreation Center in Lorain on March the 30th. Please note the date change from the original schedule. Check in will begin at 7:30AM for this doubles event. If anyone is in need of a partner, please contact the JTBA office, and we will attempt to match you up. Just a reminder that all teams must be girl/girl, or boy/boy, there are no mixed teams allowed for this event. Be sure to enter early, as with the conclusion of the high school bowling season in both Ohio and Michigan, there is sure to be a big crowd at one of the most popular events of the year.

Additionally, entry forms for the Netserv Group LLC Columbus Open are included in the current mailing, as that event takes place only 6 days following the Doubles. This special Saturday afternoon event will have a 1PM start time from AMF Main Lanes. Both events count toward fulfilling the requirement of bowling two of the last four JTBA events, in order to qualify for the Championship Tournament in Urbana.