Pictured Above Is: Josh Blanchard. Photo Courtesy of PBA Tour
Mesa - - - When it comes time for the PBA Western Regional Tour, to make its second visit to Mesa East Bowl from September 8-10. Josh Blanchard is hopeful for two things to take place. Double the size of the field it had last year. And repeat as champion of the event. If things come together the way he wants them to this year, he just might be able to accomplish both goals.
Last August the initial western regional had 77 players in the tournament field. And, when it was all said and done, Blanchard defeated Mike Haugen Jr., 257-197 to capture the weekend long tournament. It was only fitting that the person who secured the event at Mesa East, and the bowlers to bowl in it, would be crowned champion. The pro-am event was sold out on Saturday.
"I honestly haven't thought that far ahead," he said, on what he personally hopes to accomplish in this years tournament. "My first goal is to make sure this event is first class in every way possible. And second, is to compete and hopefully finish the event standing."
Josh hosted two Win-A-Spot events at Mesa East. One was on July 2, and the other one was on August 6. 42 bowlers entered the first Win-A-Spot event in which five bowlers won entries into the PBA western regional. On August 6, it had 51 entries and six bowlers won spots into the tournament.
"To have a premier event in the west is something special, and it takes time to accomplish," said Josh, of having a western regional in Mesa. "I would say that once we have our event on the schedule for five years, it will become a staple not only in the west. But, across the regional schedule in general."
There will be one format change in the tournament this year that spectators will notice.
"The format this year will slightly change. We will be trying out a total pin event with a Step Ladder finals. Every pin from game one to the end, will carry over with no bonus pins being used," explained Josh, of the format change. "This format was established this year by the PBA players committee in hopes of bringing back integrity to the 'best player' winning each week. We will see how it works this year, and look at possible changes based on feedback."
It has been a good year for Josh on the national tour this year as well. He had won his third PBA title in March, at the Extra Frame Reality Check Classic at Sawgrass Lanes in Tamarac, Florida. He also has 11 regional tour titles, too.
"This year has been going very well," said Josh, on how his year has been going. "Along with success on the lanes, I released my first video game for a Mobile Device called 'Bowling Champ-World Tour. And I am finishing my first book, that I co-authored. I hope to have a few copies to sell at this years regional.
Each year, Josh would like to bring in new pros to have at our event, and for the local bowlers to see and interact with. This year he will be bringing in Ronnie Russell from Marion, IN. Ronnie is a former Team USA member, and a four-time PBA Champion. Ronnie is also one of the few bowlers to ever bowl a 300 game on national television. Last Year, Tommy Jones, of Simpsonville, SC., bowled in the tournament.
"We are hoping to continue to grow, and provide a successful event for the Arizona Bowling Community," said Josh, of future goals for the regional. "I look forward to finishing this year off with a great performance at the U.S.. Open and World Series of bowling. Both are big events to cap off a successful year."
State Of Arizona Bowling News August 18, 2017