Bob Goerl and Keith Bender topped all bowlers in the recently completed Butler County Bowling Association singles tournament held at Mars Lanes.

Goerl checked in with a 686 scratch series to take home the top prize, while Bender rolled a 772 handicap series to claim first place.

Jeff Suchonic, (659), and Chuck Heshler, (652) finished second and third respectively in the scratch division. David Schultz (752), Goerl, (737), Tom Reep (703), Chris Owens (694) and Randy Herbe (693) finished second through sixth in the handicap division.

Up next for the BCBA is the annual county tournament at Sherwood Lanes Feb. 13 and 20. Thanks to Brian Bruce for the information.

Tip of the Week

Many bowlers forget about the front part of the lane as being critical to getting their ball online to their intended target.

After practice before league play, the lane oil in the front area of the lane might begin to break down, or dry out. A simple one-board move to the center of the lane might be all that’s necessary to get the ball into the needed skid toward the target.

If the move to the center fails to provide the necessary skid, simply look a little farther out on the lane to achieve the desired result. The ball should go through the skid-hook-roll movement needed to get maximum results.

Tornado on a roll

The Butler High bowling teams are off to 2-0 starts this season. After an opening week sweep of Knoch in nonsection action, the Tornado beat New Castle to remain undefeated. The Butler girls have won 12 varsity matches in a row dating back to last year.

Against New Castle, Alisha Fisher rolled games of 175, 183 and 188 to lead the way. Heather Paul (185), Brea Suchonic (180) and Nicole Balk (182) all pitched in to lead the Butler girls.

In the boys win, team captain Nick Cooter fired an impressive 686 series with games of 254, 186 and 246. Nick Born (257), Austin Gagliardi (208), Garret Sexton (201) and Brandt Fleming (200) also bowled well.

King of the Hill II

Bruin Lanes has been hosting a monthly King of the Hill tournament. The one-day event is open to both scratch and handicap divisions.

Each bowler will roll a three-game qualifier, then the field will be cut in half before another game is bowled by the survivors.

The top three scores of the fourth game will bowl head-to-head in match play to determine a winner.

All bowlers who reach the one-game shoot-out round will qualify for the finals at 12:30 p.m. April 3. Entry fee is $25 and there are brackets available. Bowlers who average 195 or higher must bowl in the scratch division.

The next scheduled event is Jan. 16.

Top Scorers

Armco C: Bill Fragale 246 (683), Chuck Dight 255 game, Jack Elliott Jr. 279 (770), Trent Slater 266 (721)

Troy-Alan League: Dave Miller 245 (680), Bill Krause Jr. 256 (663)

Coins League: Barb MacDonald 188 (518).Ron Willison is the bowling columnist for the Butler Eagle.