Columnist John McCarron: A 270 in last game lifts Starks to 1st senior win

John McCarron

Thursday, Dec. 18, 1997 | 12:53 p.m.

JIM STARKS won his first Senior Scratch Bowlers Tour title on the strength of a tournament high game of 270 at the Gold Coast. Gerald Baird (1218, $110) was the leader going into the last game until Starks passed him by 21 pins (1237, $240).

Other top places: third, Anthony Marine 1186, $95; fourth, Harold Allen 1158, $80; fifth, Roy Ferg 1118, $65; sixth, Nick Gampietro 1096, $45; seventh, Roy Meadows 1086, $40. The Super Senior winners were Orrie Smith and Ron Kolch, 1049, $40 each. Anthony Marine and Harold Allen (2344) took the doubles title ($90).

The next SSBT tournament is a special event. The Senior-Non Senior Championship Doubles at The Santa Fe is set for Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. Call tournament director Gary Walters at 644-8466 for reservations.

Trivia time

When and where was the American Bowling Congress formed?

Bowl: alliance

The first of two weekends to determine the Nevada Tournament Bowling Alliance championship has been completed. Multi-NTBA winner David Haynes is the top qualifier as the top 16 players head into the final round at The Orleans this weekend.

Haynes (289) averaged 221.7 on four different lane conditions to lead the qualifying by only 32 pins over Harold Mountain (279). Chris Schwartz had the high game of 300 but failed to make the final cut by 7 pins.

Other finalists include: Ken Wolcott 3438, 299; Paul Renteria 3423, 290; Mike Clemence 3421, 279; Ron DeGroat 3419, 257; Rick Peter, 3401, 255; Keith Kolozsi, 3389, 279; Billy Hillers, 3378, 299; Ken Knee, 3347, 290; Joe Gentile, 3346, 266; Rick Benard, 3327, 259; Tim Schwerdtfeger 3324, 278; Bob Barnowsky, 3310, 265; Jay Nakaya, 3308, 258; and Paul Amway 3300, 248.

Those players will compete The Orleans this weekend in a match-play format. The winner will be declared the NTBA 1997 champion and receive $2,500 from a prize fund.

On tap

The Gold Coast will host a Winter Shootout event at 11:30 tonight. Entry fee is $25. Call tournament director Jason Gupton for details at 367-4700.

Coach's corner

With Christmas around the corner, here are some gift ideas for the bowler on your list.

Let's start with balls. If your loved one is a serious tournament player, anticipate spending $170-230, with drilling and inserts. This group of balls includes the Hammer 3D, Concept Xtraa, Quantums, Zones, Boss, Thunder Road and WereWolf.

For the serious league player, the above choices are applicable plus the Concept EFX, Aftershock, Turbos, Hammer 3D, Firestorm, Sensors and Beast. These balls are priced from $100-200.

The novice shopper has a difficult task making the right choice because there are so many. Hopefully, this information will help.

After balls, new shoes always make a good gift. The all-around sneaker type for a once a week recreational bowler go for under $40. But the serious tournament player will be looking to wear either Dexter or Linds at $110 or more.

A new bowling bag is another good choice. Single ball bags range from $20-60. Double bags go from $30-100. Three-ball bags range from $95-140. There is also the option of the multiple ball carrier with wheels, ranging from $50-140.

Stocking stuffers include gloves, wristbands, tape, towels, videos and books. Visit your favorite pro shop to see the full menu of items.

Trivia answer

The ABC was formed in Chicago in 1895.