Kadry on Bowling: Del Cerro comes back to win Modesto USBC Masters

Modesto USBC Masters champion Mark Del Cerro Jr. had to come from the losers’ bracket to take the title in the 20th annual tournament.

Del Cerro, bowling out of Hayward, qualified 19th with a 1,707 total, just making the cut of 24 advancing to the finals. Low to advance was Don Mathey of Turlock at 1,702. The high qualifier was Bill Tholke of Oakley with a seven-game score of 1,808.

The two-game, double-elimination rounds left Greg Thompson Jr. of San Jose in the winners’ bracket and Del Cerro in the losers’ bracket. Thompson, winner of the 2011 Masters, qualified 15th at 1,719 and didn’t lose a match in the final rounds. As it turned out, Thompson sent Del Cerro to the losers’ bracket in the sixth round of the finals in a 568-471 match.

Del Cerro had to win twice to take the title and $3,140 first prize. Del Cerro dominated the first match 495-383. The second two-game match was a nail-biter. Thompson led after the first game 279-238, but Del Cerro strung the next 12 strikes for a 300 game to Thompson’s 243 for a 538-522 final.

Thompson took home $1,603 for his second-place finish.

This year’s Masters was a high-scoring tournament with 15 300 games, eight 11-in-a-row awards and three 800-plus series recorded.

It took a seven-game score of 1,657, a 236.7 average, to receive a final check from the main prize fund totaling more than $16,000. Local bowlers grabbed eight of the 34 checks, including Raymond Coronado, Rich Custer, Jason Edwards, Raymond Waring and Myles Duty in match play. Other locals cashing in the main prize fund were Jim Taliaferro and Will Garber.

There were 137 entries from Northern and Southern California, Nevada and Oregon. The tournament was co-sponsored by Brunswick Bowling, Cal-West Roofing, Bowling Outfitters, McHenry Bowl, Yosemite Lanes and the Modesto USBC Association. ...

The second annual Bowler Appreciation Picnic is scheduled for April 16 at Enslen Park in Modesto from noon-4 p.m. Tickets are $5 per family. Meal includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies and soda. There will be games and prizes throughout the day. Tickets are available at the bowl desks. ...

The Central Valley Bowling Club is running its next singles tournament at 1 p.m. April 16 at Tracy Bowl. The tournament club is set up for men age 55 and older and women 50 and older to provide competition in the area. Tournament entry fee is $40. You can bowl as a guest for an additional $10 or join the club for $20. To sign up or for more information, call Dave Brown at 209-549-2510, Rick Lazaro at 209-531-8919 or email Vickie Briscoe at vickiebriscoe52@gmail.com. ...

Ron Gray topped the men’s list in the McHenry Friday No-tap Tournament, scoring a 917 set. Gary Pattee earned second with an 874, followed by Eddie Lewis with an 865. On the ladies’ list, Kim Heller was the winner with her 824 series. Janice Guenther placed second with an 816. Third-place Betty Gerritsen posted an 807 set. ...

April 15 is the last day to submit applications for Modesto USBC Scholarships. The Hall of Fame Scholarship is open to youth bowlers who are graduating seniors. It’s based on scholastic aptitude and bowling ability. The Director’s Scholarship is open to children or grandchildren of USBC members. See your youth director for an application.

This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Kadry on Bowling: Del Cerro comes back to win Modesto USBC Masters."