Strike Force Tour Enters Its Sixth Season With Expansion Plans, And Something For Everyone.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor thetenpinexpress.com - Director Mesa Metro Association.
It was six years ago, in March of 2012, when Craig Spencer purchased the Strike Force Tour Central Arizona Division. And held its first tournament at AMF Tempe Village Lanes. A lot of the bowlers who participated in the first event, were skeptical on whether or not a new bowling club could make it in the Valley.
But, six years later, the bowlers who participated in the first event have since replaced the skepticism with praise. Now the SFT Central Arizona Division has become one of the top bowling clubs in Arizona and in the Southwestern part of the United States.
Transparency of prize fund and quick payouts have helped it floursh. Entry fees to enter SFT events are reasonable, and reentries are available. The SFT visits a different bowling center every week. And a sport pattern is used every week to put bowlers skill level to the test. All of the above are factors which have kept bowlers coming back to bowl in SFT events the last six years.
"I honestly didn't have an expectation of a result. I was mainly focused on providing something that I felt was missing as a bowler myself," said Craig, on what he was getting himself into in the beginning. "I wasn't really sure how many other people wanted what I wanted, but I was more motivated by what I thought was the "right" thing to do, then what was necessarily going to be popular."
But, having consistency at tournament sites, goes along way in satisfying a tournament bowler. And it keeps them coming back. Most of the bowlers who bowled in the initial SFT event, are still members and still bowling in tournaments six years later.
"I think what has made the SFT work is the transparency and consistency with: prize funds, averages, handicaps, patterns, and our standards in general," said Craig, of the SFT's success. "Over time I think people realized they could count on a good quality event with no "funny business" or rules that swayed with each complaint."
A nominal membership fee is required to join the SFT, and it is good for a year. And once you become a member, there are benefits but, you don't have to be a member to be eligible to bowl the events.There are three divisions that a bowler can bowl in. Division A, 185 & Above; Division B, 184-171; and Division C, 170 & below. The SFT's entry fee options are: $25, Economy Parlay; $50, Qualifying Entry; and $75, for a Qualifying Entry & Progressive Pot Entry.
"The biggest challenge in the past is the same challenge now. Getting players to rethink and redefine what 'handicap' bowlers or 'scratch' bowlers are. If you average over 220, you are widely considered to be a scratch bowler. However, the truth is, if you receive handicap in an event, you are a handicap bowler," said Craig, of challenges running the tournament brings. "Because of the sport patterns we bowl on, many players that average 220 in league , average below 200. And since our handicap is based on 210, they get plenty of handicap. Once they bowl one event, they see that they can compete as a 'scratch' bowler, because in our events, they are not scratch bowlers any more. They get handicap. Its an education and information thing that we are chipping away at each year."
Despite the challenges that Craig has had to deal with in running the SFT the last six years. He began to sense that his bowling club was beginning to meet and beat its expectations.
"The first sign for me was having more and more events, and being able to pay out $1,000 for first place. Then I had bowlers tell me that they wish we had events on Saturdays or more often, because their schedule always conflicted with ours," said Craig, of the supply and demand for the SFT. "I was fortunate to meet Daniel and Shannon around this same time, and over the last year they have learned our systems. Learned them well enough to run our events, so it just naturally became viable to start thinking about expansion."
The expansion process will start to take place in January 2018, with the addition of Saturday events. The first event of the new year was held on January 7, at Brunswick Mesa.
"Logistical challenges. Getting results, events, and info updated and out on time. Getting Daniel and Shannon used to running the events without myself and Liz there. Getting the bowlers used to the new staff and schedule. We will overcome them by not being to worried about failing," said Craig, on expanding the SFT. "As long as we are visibly doing our best, and bowlers see that, then as we make mistakes they will be understanding and we will be able to make the adjustments. As long as they see those adjustments, their patience and trust in us and the changes will grow."
Reaction to the news that the SFT schedule was expanding was mixed by its members. With the expansion of the SFT this year, the membership fee and entry fee into an event won't increase.
"Well, the die hard regulars are a bit neutral on the news, because they can't really bowl any more than two events a month as it is. The members that are very excited are the ones that could only make it out once a quarter or less," said Craig, of the feedback he has received. "They are confident that they will be able to double or triple the amount of tournament experience they will be able to get in 2018. For me, that is the most exciting part. More people experiencing the sport in a way that showcases it's positive qualities."
The end of the year points race won't change either, due to the schedule expanding. It is going to be more exciting due to the fact that there will be more events which will impact the points race.
"Its not so much the success of the SFT. When I started it six years ago, I would have thought that would have been what made me feel the most happy or proud," said Craig, looking back on the last six years. "However, the thing that I enjoy the most that I didn't anticipate to enjoy, is all the friendships that get formed from the SFT/AHT. From our huge group dinners at the TAT, or our year end white elephant, I have seen so many strong friendships and relationships formed from people's mutual love and passion for bowling. Its pretty awesome to be part of that."
SFT Schedule For 2018
01/07/2018
Brunswick Mesa - Standard1754 W. Southern Ave
85202 Mesa , AZPhone: 480-834-0588
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
38ft Alcatraz
Format Info01/14/2018
Glenfair Lanes - Standard6110 N 59th Ave
Glendale , AZPhone: (623) 937-9225
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
41ft Turnpike
Format Info01/20/2018
Brunswick Via Linda - Standard9027 E Vía Linda
Scottsdale , AZPhone: (480) 860-1363
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
47ft Scorpion
Format Info01/21/2018
Tournament Partner - ACBA - Tri City1425 N Central Ave
85323 Avondale , AZPhone: (623) 932-3388
10am
40ft Brunswick Edge
Format Info01/27/2018
AMF McRay - Standard3825 W Ray Rd
Chandler , AZPhone: (480) 899-2171
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
43ft Dead Man's Curve
Format Info02/04/2018
TAT - Tourn. Partner4500 W Tropicana Ave
89103 Las Vegas , NVPhone: See TAT Website
See TAT Website
See TAT Website
Format Info02/10/2018
Brunswick Desert Sky - 2/10/187241 W Indian School Rd
PhoenixPhone: (623) 846-2090
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
36ft Phase 1
Format Info02/11/2018
Tournament Partner - ACBA - Desert Sky7241 W Indian School Rd
85033 Phoenix , AZPhone: (623) 846-2090
10am
36ft Phase 1
Format Info02/18/2018
AMF Tempe Village - Standard4407 S Rural Rd
85282 Tempe , AZPhone: (480) 831-5322
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
48ft Brunswick Max
Format Info02/25/2018
Lakeview Lanes - Standard10502 W Thunderbird Blvd #21
85351 Sun City , AZPhone: (623) 876-3055
10am, 12pm Quarters: 2pm
40ft Highway To Hell
Format Info03/04/2018
Brunswick Kyrene - Standard6225 W Chandler Blvd
85226 Chandler , AZPhone: (480) 961-3388
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
32ft Wolf
Format Info03/10/2018
Mesa East Bowl - Standard9260 E. Broadway Rd.
85208 Mesa , AZPhone: (480) 984-1158
10am, 12pm Quarters: 2pm
38ft Alcatraz
Format Info03/11/2018
Tournament Partner - ACBA - Mesa East9260 E. Broadway Rd.
85208 Mesa , AZPhone: (480) 984-1158
10am
38ft Alcatraz
Format Info03/17/2018
AMF Union Hills - Standard3424 W. Union Hills Rd
85027 Phoenix , AZPhone: (623) 581-1595
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
39ft Winding Road
Format Info03/25/2018
AMF Peoria - Standard8475 W Olive Ave
85345 Peoria , AZPhone: (623) 486-1496
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
41ft Turnpike
Format Info03/31/2018
Tournament Parnter - Plastic vs Resin Tournament1754 W. Southern Ave
85202 Mesa , AZPhone: 480-834-0588
10am
TBA
TBA04/01/2018
Brunswick Mesa - Standard1754 W. Southern Ave
85202 Mesa , AZPhone: 480-834-0588
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
33ft Wolf
Format Info04/08/2018
AMF Chandler - Standard1900 N Arizona Ave
85225 Chandler , AZPhone: 480-963-0150
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
42ft Autobahn
Format Info04/15/2018
Brunswick Tri-City - Standard1425 N Central Ave
85323 Avondale , AZPhone: (623) 932-3388
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
36ft Johnny Petraglia
Format Info04/21/2018
AMF Union Hills - Standard3424 W. Union Hills Rd
85027 Phoenix , AZPhone: (623) 581-1595
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
43ft Mexico City
Format Info04/22/2018
Tournament Partner - ACBA - Union Hills3424 W. Union Hills Rd
85027 Phoenix , AZPhone: (623) 581-1595
10am
43ft Mexico City
Format Info04/28/2018
AMF McRay - Standard3825 W Ray Rd
85226 Chandler , AZPhone: (480) 899-2171
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
33ft Cheetah
Format Info05/06/2018
AMF Mesa - Standard2115 E. Southern Ave
85204 Mesa , AZPhone: (480) 926-0051
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
40ft Red Square
Format Info05/12/2018
AMF Deer Valley - Standard2902 W Thunderbird Rd
85053 Phoenix , AZPhone: (602) 866-1700
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
45ft Dick Webber
Format Info05/20/2018
Brunswick Kyrene - Standard6225 W Chandler Blvd
85226 Chandler , AZPhone: (480) 961-3388
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
47ft Scorpion
Format Info05/28/2018
Glenfair Lanes - Major6110 N 59th Ave
85301 Glendale , AZPhone: (623) 937-9225
TBA
42ft Patriot Pattern (Custom SFT)
TBA06/03/2018
AMF Desert Hills - Standard2959 E. Bell Rd.
85032 Phoenix , AZPhone: (602) 971-1105
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
35ft Boardwalk
Format Info06/10/2018
Brunswick Via Linda - Standard9027 E Vía Linda
85258 Scottsdale , AZPhone: (480) 860-1363
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
39ft Don Carter
Format Info06/16/2018
AMF Chandler - Standard1900 N Arizona Ave
85225 Chandler , AZPhone: (480) 963-0150
1pm, 3pm Quarters: 5pm
52ft Badger
Format Info06/24/2018
Brunswick Tri-City - Standard1425 N Central Ave
85323 Avondale , AZPhone: (623) 932-3388
10am, 12pm & 2pm Quarters: 4pm
45ft PBA Dragon
Format Info***********************************************************************************************************************************
GCU Picks Up A Win! Story Courtesy Of GCU Coach Ben Canfield
GCU Bowling Captures First Win of the Season!
The Grand Canyon University Bowling Team kicked off their 2017-2018 collegiate campaign with solid performances in Fresno and Montclair, California. The West Coast Collegiate Championships were the first two tournaments of the season for the Lope bowlers. The young team started off very strong with a 2nd and 3rd place finish. They were very close to bringing home the victory at the first event, but came up a bit short to the always talented ASU Bowling Team. Cameron Smith finished 2nd individually on Saturday, freshman bowler Kyle Gilbert finished 3rd on Sunday, and captain Kyle Simi snagged two top ten finishes on the weekend!
The following weekend, the team competed in the Oak Tree Classic and Linbrook Open. The Lopes got off to a strong start at Oak Tree, but San Jose State came roaring back. The lead swung back and forth between the two teams, but the Lopes prevailed firing a 254 game in the penultimate baker game against San Jose! Cameron Smith lead the way again with a 2nd place finish, and was joined in the top ten by Donovan Koff and Kyle Reed. The following day, the team competed at a new bowling center, Linbrook. They fought hard, but ran out of gas in the latter games and finished in a respectable 3rd place.
Up next for the Team are two Tier I events in Las Vegas, NV. The Lopes will compete in the Glenn Carlson Las Vegas Invitational December 18th and 19th, as well as the Collegiate Shoot-Out December 20th and 21st. The Men’s Varsity and Junior Varsity Team will be competing, as well as our Women’s Team! If you’d like to follow the team’s progress give our page, "Grand Canyon University Bowling" a like on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter @GCUBowling. If you have any questions about the program or would like to bowl for the team, contact Coach Ben Canfield at ben.canfield@gcu.edu. Lopes Up!
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No Place Like Home.
Chandler - - - Alan Grobmeier let it be known through social media, that after bowling in tournaments at Brunswick Kyrene Lanes for three weekends in-a-row, he felt like the Chandler bowling center was becoming to be his second home. So knowing the team event in the MMA Senior Open on Sunday Nov.19, would be the last time he would bowl there in a while, he wanted to close out his experience there in a big way.
And boy did he ever.
As team captain of Grobmeier Nation, he rolled a 642 series on lanes 3 and 4 to help his team post a 2,949 scratch total. It was good enough to take the unnofficial lead in the Team A 190 + above Division. Carey Lee Hofman led the unit with an 805 series. Followed by Kevin Gawelko (771), and Steve Jones (731). The team itself was + 549 for their three game total, and all four guys averaged over 200.
Grobmeier finished third in the MMA Senior Masters on Nov.5, and in fifth place in the AZ State Senior Masters on Nov.12. He was the leading qualifier in the MMA Senior Masters at +63, but lost to Paul Williams in the double elimination round 211-151.
"No, actually I bowled better on the sport patterns," explained Grobmeier, of his success in the two Masters events. "On the sport patterns, you have to be more exact with your shots. The pin carry is not much of a factor with sport patterns, as it is on a house shot. "After the second game in the team event on Nov.19, is when we started to think we had a shot at being on top of the leader board."
Alan also recently won a Phoenix Senior Masters title last January at R.H. Johnson Lanes in Sun City, and a San Diego Senior Masters Title in July in San Diego.
"I feel I still have a ways to go," he says, on where his game is right now. "I feel like there is more I can do in the game of bowling. I am coming off a wrist injury. I went to see Ron Hoppee who is a widely respected pro shop owner in Washington State. He changed my pitches and grip which has helped my wrist issue. It just comes down to where I feel I need to practice a lot more."
And how did Grobmeier Nation come together?
"Carey and I have bowled together for 10 years, and I got to know Steve through bowling against him at the AZ State Senior Masters event. I never got to know Kevin as a teammate, but I have bowled against him a few times. Sometimes it's good to have your competitors as teammates. Keep your enemies close and your friends closer? Our team was put together at the last minute," says Alan, of how Grobmeier Nation was brought together. "Of course, Grobmeier Nation is a team that is already a cult hero in some locales."
Grobmeier finished third in the MMA Senior Masters on Nov.5, and in fifth place in the AZ State Senior Masters on Nov.12. He was the leading qualifier in the MMA Senior Masters at +63, but lost to Paul Williams in the double elimination round 211-151.
"I feel I bowl better on the sport patterns," explained Grobmeier, of his success in the two Masters events. "On the sport patterns, you have to be more exact with your shots. The pin carry is not much of a factor with sport patterns, as it is on a house shot. Spares and spare shooting REALLY matter." After the second game in the team event on Nov.19, is when we started to think we had a shot at being on top of the leader board."
Alan also recently won a Phoenix Senior Masters title in January of 2017 at R.H. Johnson Lanes in Sun City, and a San Diego Senior Masters Title in July at Mira Mesa Lanes in San Diego.
"I feel I still have a ways to go," he says, on where his game is right now. "I feel like there is more I can accomplish in the sport of bowling. I am coming off a wrist injury. I went to see Ron Hoppe who is a widely respected pro shop owner in Washington State. He changed my pitches and grip which has helped my wrist issue. I need to practice and compete more often."
And what would it mean if his teams score did hold up?
"I'm pretty sure that our score will hold up. Our team gets no handicap. It would mean a lot," said Alan, if his teams score held up. "My team bowled GREAT. I struggled. My team carried me, which is a position I am not accustomed. According to Don Caron, our scores may have been a state record. If it is, that is great! And if it isn't, I will feel bad for not contributing like I know I can. On the other hand, it was truly a great performance by my terammates. They would all strike and almost take bets on what type of 'tap' I would get. In the end, I did the best I could, and that is all I can ask."
Stay tuned!
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