The JTBA’s annual Adult-Junior Championship made its November debut at the Southwyck Lanes in Toledo, where 81 teams looked to claim the heightened scholarship prizes and the JTBA Adult-Junior crown. We’d like to thank Sherri and the staff at Southwyck for being extremely accommodating during our long day there. Additionally we’d like to thank Randy Hart for his design of the modified condition we used, as well as all of the adults who gave up their Sunday to make this event a huge success. We hope all of you enjoyed your time with us and will come back next year.

In qualifying, it was 6 time JTBA Champion Jason Wunderlich and his youth partner Tim Pfeifer who paced the field at +317. Second went to Paul Benedict of Wyandotte MI, and his partner Alex Oswald at +304. Oswald and Steve Jacobs tied for the individual lead at +239. Our cut score was +77, by the left-handed team of Jon Schiller and Steve Kosier. The high game for the men was 300, by Jake Putnam, who actually had back to back 300’s during qualifying. Also shooting a perfect game was Rob Foote. Greg Thompson Jr. and Josh Burkhardt

The match-play baker format provided an interesting look at team chemistry, as each team had to communicate the slight differences in each lane, in order to form one game. In our Semi-Finals, it was the team of Richard Galya, North Braddock PA, and recent JTBA retiree Chad Close of Toledo taking on two time Champion this year Josh Burkhardt and his partner Greg Thompson Jr, both of Dayton. After a slight game one victory, Burkhardt and Thompson didn’t blink in game two, shooting a perfect baker 300 to advance to the finals. In our other semi-final, it was an all Robert Morris University matchup, alumni Lee Eighmy Jr. and Jason Wunderlich teamed with current team members Adam Metzger and Tim Pfeifer. It was Eighmy Jr. and Metzger who got the upper hand, eliminating the #1 seeds, and advancing to the finals. The finals were a back and forth matchup, going three games, with Thompson and Burkhardt doubling in the 9th and 10th to take home the title. It was Burkhardt’s fourth title (3 this season!) and Thompson’s second.

On the ladies side it was the mother daughter team of Mary Wells and Julie Wells of Westerville pacing the field at -41. Second went to Danielle Rohr of Troy OH, and Jodi Sabalauskas of Pittsburgh at -60. High individual was Sabalauskas at +152, followed by Julie Wells at +73. High game went to Wells with a 258.
After the break, it was the 8th place qualifiers Marissa Matassa of Verona, PA and her partner Diane Jones of McKeesport, PA marching their way to the finals, defeating Wells/Wells, and the team of Joy Arrigo and last year’s Bowler of the Year Jessica Fleck. Meanwhile, it was the 7th seeded team of Pamela Gorny of Rossford, OH and her partner Brooke Summers of Holland, OH making their way to the finals with a semi-final victory over Heidi Sanders and Lisa Graham. In the final it was all Matassa/Jones shooting 268 in game one, and then taking game two 200-168. It was the young Matassa’s first career title. Marissa Matassa and Diane Jones

In other news, the JTBA named its first four Junior Board Members in Toledo. Ben Galloway, Bobby Bures, John Kaashoek, and Joy Arrigo will be our representatives. These four players will be responsible for ensuring the high level of class and respect which we expect from our players, and will have the ability to fine any member who is in violation of the rules.

Our next event will be the Pepsi/Park Lanes Open at Park Lanes in Mansfield. Park Lanes did a fine job of hosting our Championship Tournament in June, and is looking forward to our return on December 2nd. Note the date as some schedules were accidentally printed showing the event as being on Friday the 7th. Additionally, we’d like to remind everyone that any non-member who has cashed in a JTBA event this season must become a member prior to bowling in another event. We hope to see everyone in Mansfield on the 2nd!