Jordan Richard (Tecumseh, MI) is quickly moving up the title chart and gaining ground on her big sister Kara Richard in the process. For the second straight event, Richard rose above the competition to take home the ladies title at the 24th annual Greater Kalamazoo Open, held at Eastland Bowl.

Richard led the field after matchplay on Sunday but there was stiff competition coming up the step ladder to try to knock her off the top spot. Samantha Johnson (Wyoming, MI) who was the leader after the 8-game qualifying on Saturday knocked off number four seed Andreya Teuber (Swartz Creek, MI) in the first match when she ran strikes on 6 of the last 7 shots to win 213-171. In match two Johnson’s line ran out and Sydney Brummett (Fort Wayne, IN) was there to roll a clean game and advance to the finals 195-168.

Brummett, who has yet to win a MJMA title, started very strong but an open in the seventh frame gave Richard all the opening she needed as she closed out the match with a double in the tenth to earn her second straight and third over-all title 198-195.

The guys saw a repeat winner as well as Andrew Klingler (Walker, MI) came from the number three spot after match play to earn his second MJMA title. Klingler took on Tylor Greene (Davison, MI) after Greene had dispatched with Ryan Powers in the first match 215-201. Klingler, after a rough start pulled it back together and threw a five bagger to put the game out of reach and advance to the semi-finals 222- 189. Klingler then faced one of the young talents, Elliot Arnold (Wayne, MI). Arnold struggled though with a couple of big splits and a couple of tough opens while Klingler was keeping himself out of trouble to win 187-149.

Andrew Anderson (Holly, MI) was awaiting Klingler in the finals. This was one of the best matches of the season as it came right down to the tenth frame. Anderson had already posted his 195 score and Klingler came up in the tenth needing a double to have a chance. After throwing two solid shots to get the double he needed, Klingler still needed eight pins to win. The collar must have got a little tight because he let go one of the more errant shots of the day but carried the eight pins he needed to secure the victory 196-195.

Two Junior Gold spots were also awarded as Andreya Teuber and Andrew Klingler earned their trip to Indianapolis. Indiana next July to represent MJMA at the National Tournament.

Our next event is the Annual Sunnybrook Sport Challenge, in Sterling Heights, MI. This year’s event will be sponsored by Bowling IQ. Max, Thomas and everyone else at Bowling IQ is excited about this year’s event since it is basically in their backyard. They will be there to talk about the training they have available at their facility on 14 Mile Road in Sterling Heights and will have specials for all the MJMA members to take advantage of.

The date has moved from our normal December dates to November this year and qualifying will begin at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, November 19th and matchplay will begin on Sunday, November 20th at 9:00AM.

The field is open to 174 bowlers for the event so get your entries in and tell your friends to come out and challenge themselves on what usually proves to be a very challenging and very competitive event. Entries can be found HERE.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Sterling Heights and don’t forget about your Cookie Dough Fundraiser. All orders are due in to us at Sterling Heights. Please bring your order forms and funds to the tournament office where you wil find Mr. Kaashoek eagerly waiting. Remember you get your names in for the drawing for every 10 tubs you sell and an additional time if you get over 35. There is also an added opportunity if you sell more than our mystery person.

Look forward to another great field and event in Sterling Heights at Sunnybrook Lanes.