Fond du Lac Bowling Association

Five times, Steiner has had the front eleven strikes to start a game only to come up short of 300 every time.

He wasn’t about to let it become a six pack as he rolled games of 276, 234, and 300 for an 810 series.

The practice session didn’t give Steiner much confidence as he struggled to find ball reaction.

“It wasn’t pretty in warm-ups,” he said. “I always have problems with my footing so it’s hard for me to find the break point which gives me the best possible chance to strike.”

Steiner found something he liked, starting the first game with nine consecutive strikes heading to the 10th frame with a chance at 300.

“It was like someone turned a switch on,” he said. “I was playing an aggressive line between the third and fourth arrow with my Hammer Bite and it matched up perfect with the lane conditions.”

But as has been the case numerous times before, Steiner let the opportunity slip away in the 10th frame.

“I hit my leg on the release of the shot in the 10th frame, and basically gave the ball no opportunity to get back to the pocket.”

With 510 going into the last game, Steiner had thoughts of redemption on his mind.

“I was thinking I had an outside shot at 800,” he said. “I was rolling the ball real well except for the hiccup in the tenth frame of the first game. I knew 800 was a long shot, but I felt if I executed my game plan and kept my nerves under control, it was a possibility to get there.”

The start of his third game was almost an exact duplicate of his first game.

“I started with the front nine again,” he said. “In the seventh frame I was thinking this could be redemption for hitting my leg in the first game in the 10th frame.”

Steiner struck on his first two shots in the 10th frame to set up the pivotal last ball. A last ball that has caused heartache in the past.

“I made two great shots to open the tenth,” he said. “The last shot felt great, and as it dove into the pocket, I thought it was money. The nine pin was rocking back and forth. I thought it would never fall. It felt like an eternity but a pin finally knocked it over. I felt like I threw King Kong into Lake Winnebago afterward.”

Steiner says the difference between the first and third game was more about his composure than his mechanics or his equipment.

“I kept my nerves under control,” he said. “I was big-time nervous the first game, but I was as cool as the other side of a pillow the third game.”

Steiner’s series shot right to the top of his favorite moments in bowling.

“Definitely number one,” he said. “My first career 800 series at Parkway Lanes and winning the FBA team tournament title last year round out my top three.”

Steiner’s lone other 800 series came on Jan. 18, 2005 when he rolled games of 269, 259, and 299 for an 827 series in the Businessmen’s Late League at Parkway Lanes.

Dave Wightman became the sixth person in the history of the Fond du Lac Bowling Association to roll consecutive perfect games during league play.

Wightman accomplished the feat last Tuesday night at Parkway Lanes in the L&R Construction League. He rolled games of 300, 300, and 224 for an impressive 824 series.

Wightman wasted little time in practice finding a comfortable line to the pocket with his Track Rule.

“The shot was great,” he said. “I was playing my normal line between boards eight and nine. The conditions never changed, which allowed me to stay there the entire night.”

Wightman started his night with nine consecutive strikes. He took a little extra time before he stepped on the approach in the 10th frame.

“I was a little nervous,” he said. “I think you always are a little excited under those circumstances. I was very relaxed from the start and was able to maintain that most of the night.”

Wightman caught a break on his second ball in the 10th frame as he recorded his 13th career perfect game.

“I came in a little light on that shot,” he said. “The pins mixed and pushed toward the seven and took it out.”

The second game was almost identical to the first game through the ninth frame. Then things got intense heading into the 10th frame.

“The pressure was on,” he said. “Back to back 300s is something I have never been close to accomplishing before, so I really was working hard to keep my head in the game. My teammates were great about keeping things light-hearted and the conversation going so I didn’t have to stand and think about it so much.”

Wightman sealed the deal in the 10th as he recorded his 14th career perfect game.

“I carried a light mixer on the first shot,” he said. “The last two balls felt good right off my hand.”

Wightman was overwhelmed a little bit after he converted on his last shot in the second game.

“It was amazing,” he said. “When I released my last shot, I knew I had thrown a good ball, so I just hoped for good carry. When everyone started to congratulate me, I could hardly believe it.”

With 600 going into the last game, Wightman had several thoughts racing though his mind.

“I was thinking that I had a chance at the association scratch record of 878,” he said. “I also thought that 900 was still a possibility. I was also thinking, I better shoot 800 after this start, otherwise I’ll never hear the end of it from my teammates.”

Wightman started the third game with four strikes. He then left a 10-pin which ended his string of 28 consecutive strikes.

“I felt a little weight come off my shoulders,” he said. “It was a little disappointing, but the pressure level changed immediately.”

Wightman finished with a 224 as he fell six pins short of his career high series.

“I had a chance going into the seventh to still get the association record,” he said. “I was a little careful on that shot, and I paid the price by leaving the Big Four.”

Wightman open the next frame as he missed a seven-pin.

“I threw a good shot but left the seven,” he said. “(Once) again I was too careful, and I whiffed on the spare. That cost me a chance at my career high of 830. Fortunately, I struck out from there to salvage my 800 series.”

Wightman put his gem at the top of his list of favorite bowling moments of his career.

“Definitely, this tops them all,” he said. “Before then, It was probably my first 300 game and 800 series.”

Wightman, who is president of the FBA, has rolled six career 800 series.

Dave Roberts shook off a little pain Friday night as he recorded his fifth career perfect game during mixed league action at Parkway Lanes.

Roberts rolled games of 236, 194, and 300 for a 730 series.

Roberts almost got a substitute Friday night, but he decided to give it a shot even though he was experiencing some discomfort on his bowling hand.

“It was a struggle just to get through practice,” he said. “I broke the skin open on a crack on my middle finger, so I really couldn’t give it my best effort the first two games. The pain went away the third game, and I finally had a chance to play my own game again.”

With 430 going into the last game, Roberts was just looking to finish the night on a strong note.

“I was looking forward to the last game,” he said. “The conditions were ideal. I knew I could go high as long as I controlled my ball speed and could consistently hit my target.”

Roberts started thinking about rolling a perfect game after he started the last game with six consecutive strikes.

“It was kind of funny,” he said. “I joked around with my wife earlier in the evening before bowling about shooting a 300 and an 800. I knew I was halfway home.”
Roberts struck on his next three shots to set up the pivotal 10th frame.

“I got pretty nervous before I stepped on the approach the last frame,” he said. “I caught a break on the first shot as the four-pin tripped forward. The next two shots felt great off my hand. The only thing I was worried about was leaving a corner pin. Fortunately, both shots ripped the 10-pin out.”

Roberts admitted afterward that a minor adjustment was the key to his third game success.

“At the beginning of the night I was playing straight up the second arrow,” he said. “I then moved my target inside a board but started swinging the ball out to the eighth board. I found some great ball reaction out there.”

Roberts didn’t hesitate when asked to mention his favorite moments of his young bowling career.

“I bowled my highest all-events total at the USBC Nationals in New Mexico last year with a 1,918,” he said. “Bowling my first 300 game and 800 series rank up there along with being able to bowl mixed league with members of my family.”

Roberts, who bowls in three leagues throughout the season, enjoys his breaks away from the bowling center.

“I enjoy hunting, fishing, watching racing and spending time with my family,” he said.
Roberts sets modest goals for each bowling season.

“I always want the 300/800 combo,” he said. “Plus, it is a bonus if I can beat my uncle, Denny Schabel, on Thursday nights.”

Roberts rolled a career high 818 series at Tower Lanes in Beaver Dam during the 2005-06 season.

Roberts, second-vice president of the Fond du Lac Bowling Association, has rolled three career 800 series.

Al Abitz finally had the breakout performance he was looking for during men’s league action last Thursday at Karl Ray Lanes.

Abitz shook off his season-long slump as he rolled games of 300, 267, and 223 for a career-best 790 series.

Abitz wasted little time in warm-ups finding a comfortable line to the pocket.

“I always try the same line in practice as I do in league,” he said. “I was playing straight up the eighth board with my Robo Rule. I had great ball reaction. I knew that I could have a big night if I could consistently hit my mark.”

Abitz started the first game with seven consecutive strikes. He caught a huge break in the eighth frame that kept his perfect game alive.

“I pitched that shot out farther than I wanted to,” he said. “I turned around immediately and started walking off the approach. I was thinking washout all the way. I was amazed when I turned around that all the pins were down.

“The ball apparently must’ve caught the dry part and dove back to the pocket.”

Abitz struck on his next three balls, setting up the pivotal last shot.

“It was almost a snapshot of the eighth frame,” he said. “This time though I watch it roared back to the pocket.”

Abitz had a huge smile on his face when he turned around and his son, Brian, was the first to congratulate him.

“It was a very special moment,” he said. “There are not too many times during your bowling career that you have the opportunity to share something like this with one of your children.”

With 567 going into the last game, surprisingly Abitz wasn’t thinking about the possibility of rolling an 800 series.

“It never dawned on me until a teammate told me in the sixth frame that I needed to run the sheet for 800,” he said. “I stoned an eight pin on the next shot.”

Abitz struck on his last six shots of the night as he eclipsed his previous career-high 787, which he bowled at Dan’s Village Bowl in the early 1990’s.

Abitz didn’t hesitate when asked to mention his favorite moments of his long bowling career.

“Watching my son roll several national honor scores,” he said. “My team also won the Thursday night league at Karl Ray Lanes in consecutive years. It is very hard to defend a league title, and it felt good when we did it.”

Abitz enjoys the summer breaks between long bowling seasons.

“I look forward to going camping as much as I can during the summer,” he said. “It is nice to get away and spend some time with my wife and our grandchildren.”

Abitz was elected to the Fond du Lac Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2000 in the Meritorious category.

Abitz, a past president of the FBA, has seven career perfect games to his credit.

Phyllis Mertins, Kathy Scharping and Karen May Martin won Divisions I through III, respectively, in the 18th annual Women’s Singles Scratch Tournament held Saturday and Sunday at Karl Ray Lanes in Fond du Lac.

Mertins rolled a 679 series and won Division I, which is for bowlers with an average of 190 or higher. Scharping won Division II with a 640 and Martin won Division III with 520.

The tournament, which attracted 96 bowlers, also had a doubles feature as well as a pre-tournament attraction. Holly Manteufel won the Division I pre-tournament attraction, while Kathy Dobrinski won the Division III attraction.

2009 Women’s Singles Scratch Tournament

Division I
First — Phyllis Mertins 679; Second — Wanda Sternat 675; Third — Netti Schmitz 668.
High game — Amber Loberger 254. Pins over average/second game winner — Loberger 216 avg., 254 game, 38 pins
Division II
First — Kathy Scharping 640; Second — Becky Frane 593; Third — Mary Blumke 569.
High game — Scharping 237. Pins over average/second game winner — Marie Gruenberger 167 avg., 213 game, 46 pins
Division III
First — Karen May Martin 520; Second — Donna Freund 515; Third — Liz Suprenand 508.
High game — Freund 208. Pins over average/second game winner — Freund 152 avg, 208 game, 56 pins
Doubles
Division I
First — Amber Loberger/Wanda Sternat 1,330; Second — Amber Loberger/Nettie Schmitz 1,323; Third — Lori Muentner/Sternat 1,318
Division II
First — Debbie Law-Weigel/Carol Wetzel, 1,148; Second — Phyllis Mertins/Maria Kennedy 1,143; Third — Sternat/Cathy Hefter 1,132
Division III
First — Becky Frane/Tina Kaiser 986; Second — Donna Freund/Kelly Schmitz 977; Third — Karen May Martin/Vicki Steinhardt 971.
Honor scores
Phyllis A. Mertins 211-234-234-679; Wanda Sternat 248-247-675; Nettie Schmitz 225-208-235-668; Amber Loberger 254-223-655; Janis Birschbach 243-220-649; Lori Muentner 226-236-643; Holly Manteufel 215-223-204-642; Kathy Scharping 209-237-640; Debbie Law-Weigel 203-244-632; Lidna Bard 234-627; Vickie Nett 237-205-623; Paula Suemnicht 245-207-623.

Rusch and Tobey went undefeated through match play as they took home the first place prize of $500. The champions advanced to the title match with a 480-384 win over Steve Kocos and Dave Wightman.
The tournament runner-ups advanced to the championship match by defeating Kocos and Wightman, 440-407, in a match that went down to the wire.
Bard and Barker took home the second place prize of $375 while Kocos and Wightman finished in third and received $275 for their effort. Nettie Schmitz and Janis Birschbach finished in fourth place.
The tournament champions, seeded second in match play, where never really threatened as they won their four matches by an average of 79 pins.
“We really bowled well,” said Tobey. “The whole day we stayed out of trouble. It always seemed that if someone made a bad shot, the other one picked the team up with a strike the next frame. It was definitely a team effort the entire tournament.”
The tournament runner-ups got knocked into the loser’s bracket early, but came up with some clutch shots when needed as they rolled all the way back to the title match. “We just ran into a hotter team,” Barker said. “We lost earlier in the match play to them also. We battled our way back to the final match but we just ran into a better team. Their anchor bowler (Rusch) struck on every shot in the championship match.”
The tournament used Baker system play, where teammates switched off bowling every other frame. Baker play was used for both qualifying and match play. The top sixteen teams advanced to a double elimination match play bracket. Match play consisted of a two-game team total with the highest score being declared the winner.
Rusch and Tobey became the fourth different team to win the Holiday Classic. Tournament Directors, Tony Demos and Tim Pickart won the inaugural tournament in 2005. Mark Clinton and Scott Dietrich won the title in 2006.
Last season, Team Somewhere won the title, 501-445, over Bob Hopp Jr. and Tony Jagdfeld.
The cut line was 1,300 to advance to match play competition.
Jesse Parentau and Craig Hull led the six-game qualifying block with a score of 1,438. Rusch and Tobey qualified second with a 1,410, while Norb Wetzel and Beth Blanck rounded out the top three qualifiers with a 1,396.
The tournament was a success this year as a record 48 participated in the event. The tournament directors thanked those involved with the annual event held each year at Parkway Lanes.
“We felt it was a good tournament,” Demos said. “All we are looking for is that it was a fun-based tournament and everybody from the scratch bowlers to the handicap bowlers will have fun doing it.
“I would like to thank Holiday Automotive for being the major sponsor of this tournament for the third consecutive year,” Pickart said. “I would also like to thank all the other fine businesses in the Fond du Lac area for making our tournament a huge success each year. Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to offer the amount of prize money we do for this tournament.”

Jeremy Larson, of Sheboygan, and Curt Coenen, of Sheboygan Falls, won their respective divisions in the Second Annual Budweiser Tri-County Classic Bowling Tournament on Saturday at Ledgeview Lanes.

The tournament became a reality last season as members of the Sheboygan, Ozaukee, and Fond du Lac Bowling Associations joined forces to form a competitive tournament that would unite the three local associations once a year.

The tournament had two divisions for bowlers to compete. The Scratch Division consisted of bowlers with averages of 210 and higher, and the Handicap Division placed bowlers with averages of 209 and below.

The Tri-County tournament drew 91 participants to Ledgeview Lanes. The tournament format included four games of qualifying across eight lanes. The top eight bowlers in each division then advanced to a two-game combined total, single elimination tournament.

The top eight qualifiers in the Scratch Division were: Darryl Traber (Ozaukee) 1,086; Scott Wieck (Sheboygan) 1,060; Craig Hull (Waupun) 1,022; Tony Koeck (Fond du Lac) 1,013; Larson 996; Richard Koeller (Sheboygan) 970; Carey Slater (Fond du Lac) 955; and Todd Filter (Ozaukee) 954.

The top eight qualifiers in the Handicap Division were: Patrick Pentek (Sheboygan) 998; Coenen 991; Jeff Andrews (Fond du Lac) 951; Mark Clinton (Fond du Lac) 950; Tim Wieland (Fond du Lac) 936; Brett Fowler (Fond du Lac) 933; Colin Reinehr (Beaver Dam) 926; and Brian Miller (Fond du Lac) 919.

The lower division of the tournament had handicap included in their qualifying and match play scores. Handicap for the lower tier was based on 100 percent of the top average of 209.

Larson defeated Traber, 497-482, in the championship match of the Scratch Division, while Coenen beat Pentek, 402-389, in the title match of the Handicap Division.

The tournament was highlighted by back-to-back 300 games in the Scratch Division during qualifying by Traber. Koeck also had a chance at a perfect game, but he settled for a 297 during qualifying.

Pentek rolled the highest scratch game during qualifying in the Handicap Division as he rolled an impressive 279 game.

Larson averaged an impressive 248.5 during his championship run while Coenen averaged 231.4 with handicap in taking home the lower division crown.

The Tri-County Classic Bowling Tournament will be held in Ozaukee in 2010 and in Sheboygan in 2011 as the tournament will rotate on a yearly basis.

The winners of the Tri-County Tournament received cash, a traveling trophy, and an embroidered championship shirt.

Chris Groesbeck took his frustration out on the pins Tuesday night at Parkway Lanes in the L&R Construction League.

He came home from work that afternoon and found that his dogs had a Christmas party while he was gone.

Groesbeck didn’t let a little fun and cleanup at his household bother him, though, as he rolled games of 300, 226, and 245 for a 771 series.

Groesbeck made a quick adjustment that night in practice, and it turned out to be a good one.

“I was struggling in warm-ups with my Brunswick Twisted Fury,” he said. “I was having problems getting the ball to finish hard, so I pulled out my Brunswick Fury. The ball had better reaction on the back ends, so I decided to go with it.”

Groesbeck made the right decision as he started his night with 12 consecutive strikes, and he recorded his ninth career perfect game in the Fond du Lac Bowling Association.

“It was a great way to start the night,” he said. “I caught a break late when I tugged one down the middle. The ball held and kicked the seven-pin out late. I think that helped settle me down and make great shots the rest of the game.”

Groesbeck didn’t miss the pocket the first two games as he had 526 going into the last game. The thought of rolling his eighth career 800 series was in the back of his mind.

“I knew I had to have a big game for an 800,” he said. “I was the only lefthander on the pair, and the lanes pretty much were holding up. I knew if I kept rolling the ball like I did the first two games, that I had a chance.”

After starting the last game with a strike, Groesbeck tossed his only errant shot of the night.

“I tugged the shot in the second frame way inside,” he said. “The ball dove right through the head pin leaving the Big Four. It was not a very good effort on my part.”

Groesbeck ran the table with the exception of a spare in the eighth frame. Afterward, he was still upset with his effort in the second frame.

“I knew I had room for one spare the last game,” he said. “Unfortunately, I made a horrible effort in the second frame, and it came back to haunt me. If I strike on that shot, it still would’ve kept my 800 alive.”

Groesbeck is like the majority of the bowlers and doesn’t set goals for himself for the season.

“I just go out and try my best each night,” he said. “If I don’t bowl well, I hope the team still wins. It all comes down to having a good time with your friends.”

Groesbeck has had a lot of good times on the lanes.

“My favorite moments were when I bowled my first 300 game and first 800 series,” he said. “The perfect game was back in 2001, and the 800 was in 2003. They both were on Thursday night at Ledgeview Lanes.”

Groesbeck rolled a career best 842 series on Feb. 17, 2005 at Ledgeview Lanes. He averaged a career best 231 during the 2004-05 season at Ledgeview Lanes in the Uecker-Witt Businessmen’s League.