The JTBA Cincinnati Championships were held this past Sunday April 22, 2007 at the Cherry Grove Bowling Center. Thanks to Alan Downs and staff for being great hosts. There were 41 players who took up the challenge of the Randy Hart pattern. Thanks Randy. Attendance was off due to the USBC Collegiate Team Championships in Wichita, Ka. and the Ohio High School Tournament. This event will be scheduled a different weekend next year. Congratulations to all the JTBA members that made it to Wichita and to the National Champs Saginaw Valley State and the Wichita St Girls. The JTBA was very well represented at this event with many present JTBA members and also some past members on teams at the Nationals.

Jessica Fleck of Kettering, Ohio lead the 6 game qualifying block at -48, then won all her matches to garner her 4th career JTBA title. She defeated Amanda Hammel of Pikeville KY, our JOG qualifier, in the Semi’s to advance to the championship match against Westervillle, Ohio’s Joy Arrigo. Fleck taking home the title with a 20 pin win 191-171. Arrigo had high game for the girls with a 255 in the round of 8. Arrigo reached the championship match by defeating Columbus, Ohio’s Ciara Cundiff in the round of 4.

On the boys side new Bowler of the Year point leader Chris Creeks of Zelienople, PA took home his second title of 2007 season by striking on his last 3 pitches to defeat last months doubles champ Earon Vollmer of Toledo, Ohio 196-187. Vollmar advanced to the finals by defeating qualifying leader Jonathan Schiller of Milford, MI in the semis 195-152, 203-232 and 224-213. Schiller was the sole player in the entire field to be in black numbers in qualifying at +49. Creeks reached the championship match narrowly defeating Jenison, MI John Kaashoek in the semis 221-217 and in a 9th and 10th frame roll-off after a 235 tie. Kaashoek had high game on the guy’s side with a 267 in the round of 16. Rounding out the top five was Aaron Richter of Miamisburg, Ohio.

Next month we will travel to The Palace in Columbus, Ohio for the final point’s event of this season. We will be awarding JOG spots for the 2008 USBC Championships (site to be determined) this event will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2007 at 9:00 A.M. (practice 8:45).

Keep in mind the end-of-year Championship criteria; bowled in 5 JTBA events, made match-play at least once, and attended 2 of the last three JTBA events or bowled in all the JTBA events. Invitations will be mailed to those who are qualified. If you have any concerns about your eligibility for this event please see someone on the staff at the Columbus event.