Rio Rancho, NM., ---- If you have ever bowled in any of the major scratch tournaments in the Valley, and in the western part of the United States, you may have crossed paths with him on the lanes. But, did not know who he was? If you have ever bowled in any of the major scratch tournaments in the Valley, and in the western part of the United States, you may have routinely seen his name among the top five at the end of the tournament. But, did not know who he was.
Prior to the start of the New Mexico Open earlier this month in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Francois Lavoie, of Canada, did not know who Jakob Butturff was either. But, he has a pretty good idea who he is now. That's because Mr. Butturff, 21, of Chandler, became the youngest bowler to win this major tournament during its 12 year history. He defeated Lavoie in the double elimination finals 481-391. In addition to becoming the youngest to win the tournament, he also ended up getting a pretty good pay day as well. His $11,430 winner's share, also included $10,500 for the title. And an additional $930 for high games, and being the leading qualifier for 13 games. "I was the second seed going into the tournaments second day on Sunday. I then was the number one seed after 13 more qualifying games on Sunday," said Jakob, on his climb to the top. "After my first two games on Sunday, I felt like I had a pretty good chance to win the tournament. I lost my first two games to Lavoie, 487-458. I did not want to lose any more after that." Jakob missed a spare late in the second game during his first encounter against Lavoie. But, bounced back the second time around when he rolled games of 248,233. While Lavoie, who recently won medals for Canada in the Pan-Am Games, could only counter with a 196,195. "This was the first time I ever bowled against him in a tournament, and the first time I ever bowled in New Mexico," said Jakob, of his experience there. "This field was one step below competition-wise, on what you would bowl against on the PBA tour. It was a great feeling from start to finish. When I bowl with the best, I want to represent myself the best way I can."
Jakob became the third left-hander to win the tournament. Andrew Cain was the most recent in 2010. Mr. Cain, was a former Team USA member and USBC president. 189 bowlers from 15 states and Canada participated in this year's tournament. "By being part of a bowling ball contract with Global 900 since the middle of April, I also wanted to represent the company well at this tournament," added Jakob. "By all means. By being the youngest to win the New Mexico Open, it has made me feel a lot better as to where my game is right now. It proved to me that I am capable of keeping up with the big names bowling in the event, who are trying to win it, too." The likeable lefty is double jointed in his left hand, and has a conventional grip. He may then seem to the casual observer to have an unorthodox approach to the foul line. He holds the ball with his left hand well underneath it, then twists his hand counter-clockwise. Thus spinning it with a lot of torque. But, there is nothing unorthodox about the end results. At his young age, he already has 37 perfect games. It would take the rest of us, the rest of our lifetimes just to get one. "Since I have been with Global 900, I am learning how bowling balls are drilled, and learning how they react after I throw it," said Jakob, on having equipment drilled. "I am also learning how to throw these balls with different hand positions, too. I am overly picky on how much a ball hooks. If it hooks a lot, I will have it drilled towards the axis. If it does not hook a lot, then I will have it drilled away from the axis."
The ASU junior bowled with the Sun Devils for a year during the 2013-14 season. He says he learned a lot from the experience. He finished out the year by posting the high average on the team at 209. He also took first place in the GCO Classic in singles. "I am learning what the atmosphere
is like being around other PBA bowlers, and I just try to do the best I can in a tournament. If I throw a bad shot, I shrug it off, and come back and try to make a good one," he says about some of the oil patterns he bowls on. "If I am not comfortable with something, I will find something I am comfortable with." Jakob's first year bowling in the USBC Nationals was in 2013-14,where he recorded an 1838 for his debut in all events. "The Nationals were something new to experience," he said, of the exposure. "And realizing just how big it would be to win an eagle." This past summer he did a lot better by posting a 1995. Prior to winning the New Mexico Open, Jakob had won a couple of 10 game marathons at Golden Pin Lanes in Tucson. And an ACBA event at Brunswick Via Linda Lanes in Scottsdale. The New Mexico Open paid out a record prize fund of $72,210.
The 2016 tournament will take place at Tenpins & More during the weekend of August 19-21. Jakob has also been a member of the Mesa Metro Association since the 2012-13 season. His high average at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season was 239. He was third highest in the MMA among the men for the year. William Nedry, 247; and Brett Wolfe, 248; rounded out the top three. His highest series last year was an 834. He had three perfect games last year as well.
Mesa Bowling News
September 29, 2015