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Sunday, September 24, 2000

Jason Humphries was firing fastballs and the pins were flying around at a fast and furious pace last week at the Miracle Lanes in Monroeville.

He threw strikes on 34 of 36 tosses for games of 300, 266, 267 and an 833 series in the Tuesday Nite Trio League.

A little luck helped make it happen.

On the 12th and final pitch of his first game, Humphries needed a strike for a 300. The ball dove high into the head pin and for a moment the 4-6-7-9-10 were still standing.

"A pin came flying out of nowhere," said Humphries, a 6-0, 250-pound right-hander. "Something just knocked them all down, thankfully. I got real lucky on that final toss."

It was the second perfect game for Humphries, 24, whose first 300 put him in the record book. He and his older brother, Dale, became the fifth set of brothers in ABC history to bowl back-to-back 300s in league play when they did it as members of Pap's Choice at the Miracle Lanes.

"It was April 13, 1999," Jason said. "Our picture was in the ABC Bowling Magazine. My mom framed the score sheet and picture."

Jason Humphries' previous high series was a 790 at Miracle Lanes.

"I've been thinking about an 800. I was hoping I'd shoot one eventually," said Humphries. "Getting an 800 is better than a 300. It's a little more elite. There are no letdowns in an 800.

He opened the second game with eight in a row before leaving the 3-6 on a high hit in the ninth frame. He struck in the first seven frames of the third game and then left a 10-pin. He missed the spare to the left.

"After the second game I started thinking 800," he said. "My next goal? Maybe I can throw those other two strikes and get a 900. Anything's possible. I was just hitting my spot and I seemed to have so much area to work with."

Humphries, a graduate of McKeesport High School, is a member of two weekly leagues but doesn't practice often. He averaged between 215-220 last year.

Since the 833, Humphries had a 658 series that included a 170.

"Different nights, different shots," he said. "It's always fun. I enjoy bowling no matter what I'm scoring."

The 800 Club

Tim Efthimiades rolled games of 268, 257, 277 for an 802 series in the Coors Light Players League at AMF Noble Manor Lanes in Crafton.

Perfecto

Dave Davison and Mike Miller each rolled 300s in the Bud Lite $12,000 Classic at South Hills Bowl. Miller had a 759 series.

George Amrhein had a 300/786 in the Bud Lite $12,000 Classic League at South Hills Bowl.

The PWBA Tour

Wendy MacPherson, winner of two tournaments, continues to top the 2000 earnings list with $76,325 in 14 events. Michelle Feldman's 215.36 is high average, followed by MacPherson's 214.54 and Cara Honeychurch's 213.89.

District tournament trail

Jeff Germann, Wheeling, W.Va., picked up $1,000 and free entry to all Saunier Wilhem-sponsored open scratch tournaments this year by winning the open scratch event at Brunswick 51 Lanes in Belle Vernon.

He defeated Mike Repaksy, North Hills, in the two-game final, 526-418. R.J. Alman, Export, had the first 300 this year in a Saunier Wilhem tournament.

Duckpin bowlers needed

The Pittsburgh Athletic Association is looking for duckpin bowlers from Western Pennsylvania to compete against a team from Canada, Nov. 18-19, at the PAA. There will be various competitions with prize money. For more information, call Lorraine (412-621-2400) or Sam Reich (412-391-3700).

What's happening

Saunier Wilhem is sponsoring an open handicap tournament based on an average of 250 today at Princess Lanes in Whitehall. First place is guaranteed $1,000. Entry fee is $29.

AMF Mt. Lebanon lanes (formerly Bowling City) will start a weekly Sunday night Miller Lite-sponsored Head-to-Head tournament at 8 p.m. Oct. 1. The entry fee is $200. For more information, call Shawn Endler (412-590-8323).

Can you top this?

Rick Nitkiewicz converted the 7-10 split in the St. Ray's Men's League at Arsenal Lanes in Lawrenceville.