Kadry on Bowling: Window closing for Tournament of Champions qualifiying

Joe Petrovich of Tracy won back-to-back championships in the Scratch 6-Gamer at Yosemite as the window shortens to qualify for the year-end Tournament of Champions.

Two-time winner Petrovich took home $312. Craig Donaldson placed second for $230. Local Rich Custer was the only other multiple winner in this year’s series, taking the January, February and July events. Custer also is the top bowler on the money list for the year, earning nearly $2,000. Will Garber is second with more than $1,000.

The Tournament of Champions is open to the past 24 monthly champions and top money winners. Competition will run Jan. 4. The tournament has added more than $1,000. With the last sweeper Dec. 21, the current list of local qualifiers includes Custer, Scott Boyle, Rick Francis, Wayne Garber, Jim Gordin, Chris Kraft, Nick Kelley, Ed Silva, Will Garber, Don Erickson, Freddy Irvin and Myles Duty.

On Friday, the Yosemite Ladies Luncheon tournament begins at 9:30 a.m. Check-in is at 9. The no-tap tournament is open to women’s teams of three.

Friday afternoon is the Turkey Shoot at McHenry. The senior no-tap tournament starts at 1 p.m. A potluck lunch begins at noon. Bowlers can win turkeys by making strikes in pre-designated frames during each game.

Reservations are being taken for the annual New Year’s Eve in Paris bowling party and tournament Dec. 31 at McHenry. Festivities start at 11:30 a.m. with a catered meal. Competition starts at 12:30 p.m. At 3 p.m. Modesto time – midnight Paris time – celebrants will ring in the new year with party favors and a champagne toast. The event sells out every year. Call Terry at (209) 571-2695 to reserve your spot.

The NorCal Junior Adult Tournament is this weekend at West Lane Bowl in Stockton. The doubles event runs at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The team event will be Saturday at noon and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. The doubles format is 20 divisions based on age but also divided by boy/man, boy/woman, girl/man and girl/woman. The team event is divided into three categories based on team average. Each team must have two youths and two adults. See your youth director if you are interested in a spot.

Saturday, the Modesto USBC will host its annual Awards & Installation Dinner. The event is at the Elks Club on Charity Way starting at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will include the installation of new board members, two inductions into the Modesto Hall of Fame and recognition of scholarship and annual award winners. The 2014 Pioneer Award will be presented to Patton Music for its many years of support to the local bowling community.

With the 2014 Senior State Tournament being held in Modesto on Saturdays and Sundays, there may be limited lane availability. If you are making plans to bowl with your friends or family during the day, call ahead to check for lane availability – Yosemite at (209) 524-9161 or McHenry at (209) 571-2695.

Bring canned goods or non-perishable food to McHenry for free bowling. For every five items, you can bowl one free game, including shoe rental, right then or receive a coupon for later. All food collected will be donated to the Interfaith Ministries food programs.

This story was originally published November 11, 2014 at 7:52 PM with the headline "Kadry on Bowling: Window closing for Tournament of Champions qualifiying."