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Sunday, October 22, 2000

John Wagner sent letters and a videotape that explained what the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League is all about to approximately 80 athletic directors at high schools in the district.

About 10 replied.

Three new schools joined, boosting the total to a league-high 18 teams for the 2000-2001 season that begins in early December and runs for 10 weeks with matches every Wednesday at 3:30. Nearly 350 boys and girls will participate as the league enters its 29th season as a club sport not sponsored by the WPIAL.

The three newcomers are Winchester Thurston, Hempfield and North Hills.

"We got three more 3/4 Chartiers Valley, Moon and Connellsville 3/4 that almost joined but couldn't meet the deadlines. They'll definitely be in next year," said Wagner, who is secretary of the WPIBL and the coach at West Mifflin High School.

"Any time we get an additional school, we're happy. That means we're making a little progress. We've gone from 12 to 18 teams the last three years. Word of mouth is getting around, and we're actively recruiting schools."

Although the WPIBL isn't under the umbrella of the WPIAL, it is sponsored by the PIAA.

"We've tried to get the WPIAL to sponsor the league, but nothing comes back after we talk," Wagner said. "In a way it's disappointing. The kids have to raise all the money that's needed. Some of the individual schools help. Woodland Hills is the only district that completely funds its bowling program."

The 18 schools are divided into three sections:

EAST DIVISION 3/4 Winchester Thurston, Hempfield, Penn-Trafford, Woodland Hills, Serra Catholic and Greensburg Central Catholic.

CENTRAL DIVISION 3/4 Carlynton, Canevin, West Miffin, Baldwin, South Allegheny, Baldwin and Central Catholic.

WEST DIVISION 3/4 Montour, Ambridge, Quaker Valley, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, West Allegheny and North Hills.

The top two teams from each section and the two other teams with the best records will qualify for the team championships -- Feb. 28 for the girls and March 1 for the boys -- at sites to be determined.

Montour is the defending boys' champion and Baldwin is the two-time defending girls' champion.

"Last year we had a dozen boys average over 200 and one girl, Jodi Sabalauskas of Baldwin," Wagner said. "I'd say two-thirds of the boys were over 180 and probably half the girls were 165 or better."

The tournament trail

Tony Knuth, Pittsburgh, became the first back-to-back winner of Saunier Wilhem-sponsored scratch tournaments when he captured the scratch event at Lincoln Lanes in Latrobe. Knuth picked up $1,000 for first place with a 483-463 victory over Adam Barta, Boardman, Ohio, in the two-game finals. Knuth also was the high qualifier with a three-game series of 761. The low qualifiers were Mike Repasky and Jim Petzel.

Randy Dawson defeated Dennis McGrath, 197-192, to win Week 2 of the Miller Lite Head-to-Head tournament at AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes. The entry fee is $20. For more information, call Shawn Endler, 412-590-8323.

League leaders

John Fichter's 235.46 average for 24 games tops the Bud Lite $12,000 Classic League at South Hills Bowl, followed by Jim Petzel (225.43) and Pete Baumiller (222.00). There are 34 bowlers in the league with averages above 200.

Radio news

The "WBUT Championship Series" will have its second of eight qualifiers at Bon Aire Bowl today.

Can you top this?

Greg Tot converted the 7-10 split during the Strike & Spares League at Arsenal Lanes in Lawrenceville.

Perfecto

Wes Hawkins had a 300/776 in the Pittsburgh association of the Deaf League at Forward Lanes in Squirrel Hill.

Ray Pacacha had a 300 in the Mixed Doubles League at North Versailles Bowl.

What's happening

Saunier Wilhem is sponsoring a scratch tournament today at Plaza Lanes in Natrona Heights. The entry fee is $29. First place is guaranteed $1,000.