Pictured Is: Josh Blanchard Of Mesa, AZ. Photo Courtesy Of PBA.
The Mesa East Regional Which Was First Staged At ME In 2016. Has Grown Into One Of The Must Bowl Tournaments In The West/Northwest Region.
The Event Will Take Place This Weekend At ME On Nov 1-3. A Pro-Am Will Open The Event On Friday Afternoon And Evening At The Bowling Center.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor thetenpinexpress.com - Director Mesa Metro Association.
Mesa - - - Three years ago when Josh Blanchard of Mesa, AZ., had an idea to bring an annual PBA Western Regional event to Mesa East Bowl in 2016. He did not know what to expect that first time around in terms of entries and sponsorship support. He took it upon himself that first year to be the promoter and chief marketing strategist for the tournament.
Three years later in 2019, the PBA West/Northwest regional has grown into one of the must bowl events in the region. Compared to three years ago, it is now a nice problem for Josh to have. As the bowlers are coming to him and asking if they could bowl in the event. And sponsors are lending their support without second thoughts of doing so.
"I try not to surprise myself with anything that I want to accomplish. The event has sold out every year thus far on the professional side. The most exciting part of the event is the Pro-Am that runs on Friday night, and continues to grow year after year," he says, of how the tournament has grown over the last three years. "Last year we reached a tournament high, 182 Pro-Am entries which tells me that the community is asking for this and wants it. Without their support, this event would not be possible."
Mesa East Bowl will again host the tournament from November 1-3. Mesa East Bowl is located at 9260 East Broadway Road in Mesa. The center is a 32 lane Brunswick bowling center that includes a full-size bar, snack bar, and pro shop.
"When I brought the event to Mesa East, I was looking for a center to host and grow the event into a National PBA stop eventually," said Josh, of the great support he has gotten from Mesa East. "Mesa East has welcomed us with open arms and has done a great job as a host, and I wouldn't want to leave there anytime soon."
In the first three years of the event, Josh was able to get national touring pros to come to Mesa and lend their support to the tournament. USBC HOF Tommy Jones, bowled in the regional in 2016. And Ronnie Russell, of Marion, IN., competed in 2017. Last year it was E.J. Tackett and Tom Daugerty.
"This year due to scheduling conflicts, we have no big National Tour player attending besides myself, Jakob Butturff, and Darren Tang. We look to bring someone in every year, but this year it did not work out," he said, of the national support the last three years. "Every pro that attended previously has loved bowling the event, and raves about our tournament year after year."
This year the regional will have no changes in its format. The pattern that Josh chose for the tournament this year is Chameleon. It is a shorter pattern from the previous three years, but with that said, he hopes to find a new Champion who meets the demands of the challenge.
Previous champions crowned in the regional have been: Josh Blanchard, 2016; Russ Oviatt, 2017; and Jim Pratt, 2018.
Josh, joined the PBA tour in 2011, and has won three national titles. His first tour win, was the 2015 Brunswick Euro Challenge in Munich, Germany. He defeated Sin Li Jane of Malaysia, 248-211, for his first title. Nine days later he won his second title in the Main Shootout by defeating Jason Belmonte in the three-game championship match. And in 2017, won his third title in the EXTRA Frame Reality Check Classic by defeating A.J. Johnson 232-204 for the championship.
"My contract extension with Columbia 300, is a testament to my loyalty and passion for the Brand of Columbia 300," he said, of the extension that was done earlier this year. "The brand gave me a chance eight years ago when I had no titles and catapulted me into the shadows of Chris Barnes to learn from. Without these vital times, I am not sure where I would be today in my career."
He has bowled in 19 events on tour in 2019, an has cashed in 13 of them He finished fourth in the Tournament of Champions and lost to E.J. Tackett 264-236 in the second step ladder match. Also in 2019, he finished tied for 17th at the end of the PBA Playoffs.
"My decision to move on from the Pro Shop business was a family decision. My children are getting older and are requiring more time with their father," he said, of the four Virtue pro shops he co-owned in the valley, with Craig Spencer. "My family has always been number one for me and it was time to move away from my previous passion and move into a roll of Dad more."
He has a therory of why he has had a good year on tour so far this year.
"I have competed in every tour stop this season. Without the stress of the Pro Shops on my shoulders, it has made a big impact on my game this year," he said, of the 2019 season thus far. "But, just like anyone who has other obligations besides their job, it takes a good balance to be good at doing two things."
Josh, also became an author for the first time two years ago. He wrote a book titled 'Energy in Motion' that describes his experience in bowling.
"Being an author is one of the coolest accomplishments I have had in my career," he said, of writing his first book. "I found a topic I was passionate about. I put the words on paper and shared my experiences with the bowling world. I can't wait to write another in the coming years."
For more information, please contact the bowling center at: 480-984-1158.
State Of Arizona Bowling News October 28, 2019