Rich Hildebrand never thought he would hold the distinction he did entering last weekend.

Through two weeks of the 65th annual Pennsylvania State Bowling Association Tournament, Hildebrand was the lone Butler County bowler among the top 10 in any category.

"I guess that's a good sign," the 29-year-old Butler resident said. "I've never finished in the money before."

Entering last weekend's action at Family Bowlaway and Sherwood Lanes, Hildebrand was seventh in all-events scratch with 1,896. Bob Dail Jr. of Bucks County led that category with a 2,084.

Hildebrand is bowling in his fourth PSBA tournament.

"It's exciting because it's a challenge," he said. "It's a good tournament because all of the top bowlers come in. Hopefully, I'll be up there with their ability and I'll cash."

Hildebrand has enjoyed tournament success before. Two years ago, his team finished first in the handicapped team event at the Butler County Bowling Association Tournament.

That winning squad consisted of Rich and Herb Hildebrand, Gary Duncan, Tim Zier and John Duncan Jr.

Hildebrand is averaging 202 this season. His career high game is the 290 he recorded in 1993, while his career high series was a 727 two years ago, which is the only 700-series of his career.

Hildebrand began bowling at age 8 and spent eight years in the YABA program. He has been a league bowler since he was 18.

The only league Hildebrand bowls in is the Trees and Flowers Mixed League on Wednesday nights at Family Bowlaway.

In other state tournament news:

Among the more veteran bowlers to come through Butler thus far is Bruce Therminy, 68, of Bradford. He competed in his 36th state tournament last weekend.

Therminy was president of the PSBA in 1985-86. He was chairman of the site committee that selected Family Bowlaway and Sherwood Lanes as the host houses for this year.

"We looked at the size of the houses, the cleanliness, management staff and their cooperation," Therminy said. "Their close proximity to each other certainly helped, too.

"Butler's doing a fine job with this tournament. The hospitality has been tremendous," he added.

Therminy placed eighth in doubles when Mercer hosted the PSBA tourney in the 1970s. He won the all-events scratch division of the Seniors state tournament last year.

Therminy said PSBA membership has dipped below 100,000 now after being well above 100,000 at one point, but added that "bowlers have declined nationally. The sport used to be industrial-based, and the closing of steel mills had a lot to do with its decline."

Five bowlers from the Central Pennsylvania Association - Doug Walter, Jason Kizis, Michael Laverty, Carl Kizis and Greg Walter - held the top five spots in all-events handicapped after the first two weeks.

Bob Janicki of the Beaver Valley Bowling Association bowled a perfect game during the tournament's second weekend.

The tournament runs each weekend through June 20 at Family Bowlaway and Sherwood Lanes.