Columnist John McCarron: Haynes wins NTBA title

John McCarron

Friday, Jan. 2, 1998 | 9:23 a.m.

JOHN McCARRON is a former Pro Bowler, International Coach and a member of the Massachusetts Bowling Hall of Fame. He can be reached via the internet at J300SUN@AOL.COM, or by fax at 702-254-7330.

Haynes dominated the elite field of Las Vegas keglers, averaging 224 for the 32 games with 300 perfecto during the finals. David's 7523 total was worth $2,500, and bested two-time high roller champ Paul Renteria's 7254 ($1,250).

In other notable performances, third place finisher Keith Kolozsi (7186, $850) rattled off games of 268 and 277 during the final round, while Tim Schwerdtferger (7107, $600), moved from 13th place to fourth position finish with nearly identical 8-game blocks of 1,726 and 1,727. Fifth place bowlers Billy Hillers (7091, $450), matched Haynes 12 match play wins.

The 32-games NTBA Championship Tournament broke new ground in the Las Vegas area with the 16-game qualifying round held in four different centers -- Mahoney's Silver Nugget, Gold Coast, Renata's Sunset lanes, and Terrible Town in Henderson. The format allowed for a variety of lane conditions and schedules so that the bowlers could be tested in a number of ways.

Other top players making the finals:

Rick Peters, Ken Wolcott, Harold Mountain, Ron DeGroat, Bob Barnowsky, Mike Clemence, Joe Gentile, Paul Amway, Rick Benard, Ken Knee, Jay Nakaya, and alternate Mike Foreman.

The NTBA a dream of founder Bart di Bartolo has become a huge success. The culmination of the Year end Championship is just another feather in his cap and the board of directors. The NTBA will resume activities in Late January with a streamlined and value packed tournament program for Southern Nevada's scratch bowlers.

All-Star team

David Haynes' stellar performance in 1997 earned him the captain's title for the inaugural Nevada Tournament Bowlers Alliance All Star year. Haynes is joined on the first team by Joe Salvemini, Bob McDonough, Rick Benard, and Ken Wolcott.

Haynes came on strong during the last half of the year and capped it off with this tenth victory the NTBA Championship at Orleans. Salvemini's 23 cashed and five titles got him the nod for the first team. Bob McDonough set the consistency standard of 12 cashes in a row and four wins in forum different centers. Ken Wolcott's (3 titles) 71% cashing ratio and Rick Benards 3 titles also earned them respective spots on first team.

The second team is led by its captain, the steady Tim Schwerdtfeger (3 titles, 51% cashing ratio), Rick Peter (2 titles, 62% cashing ratio) Billy Hillers (2 titles, 50% cashing ratio), Johnny DeBenedetta (3 titles, 43% cashing ratio) Jim Moran (one title, 53% cashing ratio), Paul Renteria (53% cashing ratio, 2nd place in the year end championships)

The alternate players receiving all star votes were: Hal Wilbur, Bob Barnowsky and Mike Monyak. Congratulations to all players.