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Sunday, January 12, 2003

By Phil Axelrod, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Michelle Feldman of Skaneateles, N.Y., who won three titles this year, was named the Professional Women's Bowling Association 2002 player of the year.

A veteran of nine years on the tour, Feldman led in tour earnings this year with $80,905 and finished fourth with an overall average of 213.93.

Leanne Barrette, who also won three championships that included the Three Rivers Open at Princess Lanes, was runner-up.

Perfecto

It took Bill Nott 30 years to make it a clean sweep for the Coors Light team, an elite group of bowlers competing in the Beirhaus League sponsored by Jerry Lorenz.

Nott, 49, threw his first 300 to join the other five members who have combined for 35 perfect games over the years.

"Finally," said Nott of South Fayette. "I've been close, with five or six 289s and a 299."

Nott's 300 was the middle game of a personal-best 793 series for the Wednesday Coors Light team at Noble Manor Lanes.

"I'm not disappointed I didn't get an 800 series," said Nott, who averages around 210. "I'm more disappointed we lost the game I threw the 300.

Henry "Hoagie" Goetzman posted the first 300 in the 30-year history of the Graveyard Grille League at Sharpsburg Lanes.

Terry Kuehn fired his first 300 in the Bar X League at Lokay Lanes.

Ramon Estrada rolled his second 300 of the year and 15th of his career in the first game of a 731 series in the Bud Lite $12,000 Classic at South Hills Bowl.

The tournament trail

Doug Gregory of Weirton, W.Va., defeated Dennis McGrath of Steubenville, Ohio, in the final match, 220-168, to win the weekly Head-to-Head tournament at All American Lanes in Steubenville.

Don Stahl picked up $1,000 by winning a scratch tournament sponsored by the Tri-State Bowlers Tour at Manor Lanes in Uniontown.

Art Oliver Jr. took home $600 by winning a scratch tournament at Lokay Lanes sponsored by the Pittsburgh Bowlers Tour.

Everything's ducky

Sam Reich of Pittsburgh defeated Joe Sawyer of Sewickley in a two-game roll off, 321-299, at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association to win the first regular-season event of the Western Pennsylvania Duckpin Tournament Association. Reich earned $250.

The next tournament in the series will be at 1 p.m., Jan. 25, at the PAA. For more information, call Patti or Sam at 412-391-3700.

On a roll

Jeff Poholsky had games of 278, 266 and 247 for a 790 series in the Thursday Men's Classic at Princess Lanes.

Nick DeMine rolled a 297/762 in the Junior League at new Great Valley Lanes.

Ray Palacha had a 278/791 in the Bar X League at Lokay Lanes.

John Fichter's 278/752 topped the Bud Lite $12,000 Classic League at South Hills Bowl.

League leader

Jason Muller tops the charts with a 225 average for Coors Light in the Thursday Beirhaus League at Miracle Lanes.

John Fichter's 220.44 average leads the Coors Light $10,000 Classic at South Hills Bowl, followed by Ed Keefe's 219.67 and Griff Williams' 215.19.

What's happening

The Tri-State Bowlers Tour is sponsoring a scratch singles event today at West Pike Bowl in Canonsburg, with $1,000 for first place. The high series and high game posted by the 9 a.m. squad will receive either $100 or a free bowling ball.

The Pittsburgh Bowlers Tour is sponsoring its Mid-Year handicap event today at Brunswick Playmor Lanes, with $2,000 for first place. Entry fee is $60. There will be a scratch tournament next Sunday at Freeway lanes, with $1,000 to the winner. Entry fee is $40.

The Greater Pittsburgh Ten Pin Association and the Pittsburgh Women's Bowling Association will co-sponsor the 18th annual Mixed Doubles tournament Feb. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16 at North Versailles Bowling Center. Entry forms can be obtained at bowling centers in the district. For more information, call 412-824-4850 or 412-823-2118.