Columnist John McCarron: David Hayes dominates Terrible’s Town tourney

John McCarron

Thursday, Aug. 21, 1997 | 9:37 a.m.

DAVID HAYES had a day that a lot of bowlers only dream about on Sunday. For his $100 entry fee at the WildDOG Sweepstakes at Terrible's Town, Haynes became a three-time NTBA champion. He won $1,245 in cash and another $275 worth of sponsor merchandise.

Hayes also grabbed five of the eight two-game sweepers and finished second in two others. And to top it off, he took all 10 skins in the Terrible's Skins Game.

Hayes' 1,939, eight-game pinfall dominated the field by 142 pins. Paul Renteria (two sweeper wins) and Tim Schwerdtfeger (one sweeper win, three seconds) shot very respectable 1,788 and 1,770 totals, but came up short.

Tim's $485 payday and Paul's $475 take-home total (including a polo shirt) helped ease the pain at little bit. Billy Hillers got into the cash for $235 with two sweeper second-place finishes while Jim Moran salvaged $125 with a sweeper runner-up. John DeBenedetta's 1,701 total got him a free entry into the next WildDOG Sweepstakes.

The field averaged just 192 on the tough shot that forced a deep inside line -- not the preference of most bowlers. Again, a super job by Terrible's Town Steve Beckman and staff kept things going in perfect order.

Trivia time

What does stepping over the black line when rolling a ball and having a Turkey have in common?

Haynes ices field

David Haynes continued to sizzle for his second NTBA win of the weekend and his fourth of the year in the five-game Mahoney's Summer Shootout Monday night. Haynes held on for a four-pin squeaker win over Joe Gentile on a condition that was a lot different from Sunday's WildDOG Sweepstakes. In this one, David had to swing each shot out to the gutter to grind out his 1,090 total -- just enough to fight off Gentile's 248 last-game charge.

Gentile's 1,086 total served notice that he's coming back strong after hand surgery a few months ago.

PBA rookie Pat Nolan stayed close with a 1,036 total, just ahead of Bob McDonough's 1,028 and previous Shootout champ Frank DeFilippo's 1,021.

The Mahoney's Shootout is contested every Monday at 9 pm. Call tournament director Garry Griffin (657-2750) for details.

Tricky conditions

These NTBA tournaments are beginning to test the mettle and versatility of the players, as they must move inside then outside on successive days to find the best line to the pocket.

AT this rate, we're going to have some very savvy local tournament players by year's end.

After 40 tournaments, there is $3,350 in the NTBA Championship Prize Fund. Call the NTBA information line (451-7474) for schedules and championship tournament eligibility information.

Elsewhere

Greg Laughman took first place at the WildDOG Match Point Summer competition at the Showboat, squeezing by top competitor Joe Salvemini. ... Tyler Wright became the first junior (19 years old) bowler at Sam's Town to roll a 300 game. Wright, who maintains a 211 average, received a $100 scholarship award from Sam's Town Director of Bowling Operations Mike Kaufman.

Coming up

Big Al's Challenge at The Orleans, 10 a.m. Sunday. Entry fee is $65. Call tournament director Mike Monyak (365-7400) for details.

Mountain View Pahrump 8 Gamer, 9 p.m. Sunday. Entry fee is $45. Call tournament director Rick Fessler (702-727-7007) for details.

Gold Coast Shootout 11:30 p.m. tonight. Entry fee is $25. Call tournament director Jason Gupton (367-4700) for reservations or information.

Fall reminder

Here's a last call to arms for those undecided players who plan to join a fall league at your favorite bowling center. Spots are filling very fast. With the influx of new residents (many of whom are bowlers) getting a choice day and time will become difficult.

Also, all centers feature junior programs. Most bowl on Saturday mornings, but there are after school sessions available in some centers. Although there is no age limit, most youth can start very young with the bumper system. Most league activity starts right after Labor Day.

Trivia answer

They sound the same. But foul (stepping over the line) and fowl (turkey) have different meanings.