John McCarron: Zbierski back at Mahoney’s

Thursday, Jan. 30, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

MAHONEY'S BOWLING Center at the Silver Nugget in North Las Vegas has been revitalized with the addition of Donna Zbierski. The 47-year-old New Jersey native brings to Mahoney's 40 years of bowling knowledge and enthusiasm.

Zbierski has been involved in every phase of the bowling industry, including the Special Olympic Bowling Program. She has also competed at the national level in the 600 club and national WIBC Tournament. Her husband Walt also is an accomplished bowler.

One of the first changes Zbierski made at Mahoney's was to buy a new lane machine called the Chairmen. This was the latest upgrade helping the center meet the highest standards of bowler expectation. A new pro shop also is planned.

A novel innovation, featured only at Mahoney's, is Cosmic Bowling. Combining bowling with popular music, lights and fog illusions, it's a show unto itself and makes for a fun evening.

Having become a member of the Nevada Tournament Bowling Alliance, the modern 24-lane center also is being booked for tournaments.

Trivia Time: What year was the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) formed? How many members were there and how many tournaments did they compete in?

Santa Fe scratch

Jim Ewald dominated the field at the Santa Fe to win a Senior Scratch Bowler Tour Title. Ewald's total of 1222 netted $513. John Greco's 1159 was good for second place money of $210. Greco and John Munson took the optional doubles with 2239 ($120).

Other top cashers: third, Larry Rumple (1128, $191); fourth, Tony Marine (1102, $105); fifth (tie), Vinnie Atria (1080, $85) and John Munson (1080, $85); seventh, Charles Edwards (1072, $70); eighth, John Handgard (1064, $60); ninth, Gunter Wrase (1053, $50); 10th, Del Driver (1048, $45); 11th, Harry Mickelson (1045, $40); Super Senior, Vaughn Doody (1025, $40). High games went to Jim Ewald (289) and John Greco (279).

The next SSBT event is set for Feb. 9 at Sunset Lanes. For information, call tournament director Gary Walters (646-8466).

Gold Coast shootout

Chris Szpyrka defeated Jim Sholing 211-177 to win the Gold Coast Thursday evening shootout. Finishing third and fourth were George Sanders and Gary Crosen. The shootout is held every Thursday at the Gold Coast at 11:30 p.m. with a $22 entry fee. Call Jason Gupton (367-4700) for details.

Gant prevails

Mike Gant defeated Mike Aulby 208-187 to capture the Brunswick PBA Tournament of Champions held in Reno. Gant pocketed $60,000 while Aulby took home $33,000. Parker Bohn ($24,000), Jason Couch ($18,000) and Rick Ward ($12,000) rounded out the top five.

The tournament created many unhappy players given there were five lefties in the finals. Only 10 percent of tour players are left-handed, which suggests lane conditions favored the southpaws. The PBA has said it will try to even out conditions in future tournaments.

Scores

Gold Coast: Derek Alexander 298, 766; senior Mike Barzyk 288, 711; Regis Petri 267; Steve Harms 300, 805; Bob McVey 297, 768; Mike Monyak 279; Bob Hughes 298.

Sam's Town: Clarissa Munoz 289, 766; Neil Bratton 288, 708; Glen McCombs, 289; Troy Bridges 300, 704.

Mahoney's: Hattie Taylor 214; Dan Kirkwood 275, Ronique Ransom 243; Jeff Horad 244; Katherine Joseph 243; Brennan Bennett 225, 619; Maureen Helm 239; John Marshall 236; Paul Salas 234; Gary Trosen 236.

Showboat: Betty Morris 290; Vic Wharton 279; Zeke Torok 279; Lorrie Garrison 254; Wilton Lane 253.

Trivia answer: The PBA started in 1959 with 33 members and three tournaments. Among the elite members were Don Carter and Dick Weber.