Virtue Bowling Supply Winners:
Haugen And Schenck Win Virtue Open At PBA West Regional.
Mesa - - - The weekend of events at Bowlero Mesa in Mesa, AZ was headlined by a superb job by the staff at Virtue Bowling Supply and Bowlero Mesa. The whole weekend was filled with a talented field putting a show for the large crowd who enjoyed seeing the best compete in person.
The sold out field of 76 bowlers in our regular division was dwindled down to the top 16 for Sunday’s finals. With 8 more games of eliminations on Sunday, the top 4 was set for our stepladder. The opening match between the #4 seed Darren Tang and our #3 seed, Andrew Guba was over before it started. Guba never got any ball reaction and seemed lost from start to finish as he was defeated 244-160.
The semi-final match was between Tang and reigning Rookie of the Year/ 2 time regional champion, Cortez Schenck. A big five bagger by Schenck between frames 3 and 7 game him a lead and kept his foot in the pedal as he defeated Tang; 243-200. Our championship match brought in Schenck’s good friend and our tournament leader, Bryan Hahlen from Mesa, AZ. Hahlen dominated the field from game 4 on in the tournament but in the title match he seemed to never get into a rhythm and have the look he had all day. Schenck won his third title easily; 218-180 and $2,500.
The PBA50 side of things this weekend brought a lot of local talent out to test their skills in the PBA. Our field of 40 bowlers was narrowed down 13 for Sunday’s finals. During the first round, we saw a big move from Eric Adolphson who shot 836 his middle 3 games that helped propel him to the lead and never look back the rest of the day.
The opening round match in our stepladder was between the #4 seed and 28 time Regional champion, Michael Haugen Jr against the #3 seed Bob Wiley. Haugen’s veteran experience helped him skip by Wiley 229-171. The semi-final match brought in our #2 seed and 17 time Regional champion; Curtis Woods Jr of Santa Rosa, Ca. The train kept rolling for Haugen and he defeated Woods 278-216 and advance to the title match. Our #1 seed; Eric Adolphson won his lone Regional title 34 years ago in Phoenix and was hoping to end that drought after two second places finishes earlier this year already. After a few shots that wiggled outside for Adolphson, he got lined up too late as he lost to Haugen 224-220. This was Haugen’s 29th title of his historic career.
Pictured with the champions is the CEO and owner of Virtue Bowling Supply Craig Spencer and Bowlero Mesa manager, Jodi Bach.
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In Loving Memory of Bill Chrisman
Co-Founder and CEO of Storm Bowling
June 19, 1949 – September 28, 2023
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill Chrisman, the esteemed co-founder and CEO of Storm Bowling. With profound grief, we bid farewell to a visionary leader who dedicated his life to revolutionizing the sport of bowling.
Bill's passion for bowling was unmatched. Under his guidance, Storm Bowling soared to new heights, becoming a global leader in the industry. His relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to innovation forever transformed the game we all love.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bill will be remembered for his kind and compassionate nature. He touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring and empowering them to pursue their dreams in the world of bowling.
Bill's legacy will continue to live on through the countless bowlers he mentored and the lasting impact he made on the sport. His unwavering dedication and unwavering spirit will forever be cherished by the bowling community.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill's family, friends, and colleagues. May they find solace in the memories they shared and the legacy he leaves behind.
Rest in peace, dear Bill Chrisman. Your passion for bowling will continue to inspire generations to come. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
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