Zachary Brandt (Fremont, MI) broke through for his first Michigan Junior Masters Association title and Samantha Johns took her fifth MJMA title at Airport Lanes in Jackson, Michigan on December 11th. Sue Hines and Andy Schnebelt once again proved to be very accommodating hosts as Airport Lanes hosted an event for the 23rd time in MJMA history. The challenging UP Open pattern from 2004 proved to be a real test for our members as none of the 85 competitors was able to average 200 for the entire event.

Brandt ran the ladder for his first title as he had to defeat previous title holders and the number three bowler in points along the way. Brandt first matched up against Charles Easton (Sylvania, OH) and the match was nearly dead even going into the tenth but Brandt got three strikes in the tenth to take the win 186-173. Next up was title another title holder Dustin Rose (New Boston, MI) but in another tight match it was Brandt who threw the only four strikes of the match coming out on top 172 – 161.

In the semi-finals Brandt found a line that suited him and Casey Shepard (Portage, MI) was the unfortunate opponent. After throwing nine strikes Brandt moved on to the finals with a 246 – 178 victory. The finals match the number three in points Nicholas Cooper (Clarkston, MI) against Brandt. Cooper has been in the finals a few times this season only to have things not work out in his favor, today was just another chapter to that story. Cooper found two early opens that allowed Brandt to jump out to an early lead but Cooper pulled even in the sixth frame. Brandt however found the double he needed in the ninth and tenth frame to capture in first MJMA title 193 – 157.

Johnson was the number two qualifier but had to wait to see who she was going to bowl in the semi- finals. Chelsey Purdum (Wyoming, MI) who won our last event in Sterling Heights faced off against five-time champion Sarah Lokker (New Baltimore, MI) in the first match. The match was even through five frames but a Purdum double and a split by Lokker opened up the lead for Purdum that she would not relinquish as she moved on with a 192-169 win. Johnson was waiting in the next match and Purdum looked well on her way to another win until Johnson found a late three bagger while converting two splits to take the match 201-194.

Johnson then faced off against tournament leader and six-time champion Victoria Ferris (Kalamazoo, MI). Ferris had run away with the lead most of the Sunday match play round and was the tournament leader in average, even over the boys, with a 199.0 per game. Ferris, however, found the going tough early as she could not find a strike until the sixth frame but managed to pull even after Johnson opened in the sixth with a split. Ferris stayed clean the rest of the way but it was not enough as Johnson closed with strikes on her final four shots to take her fifth title 212-196.

We also awarded two Junior Gold qualifying spots as Victoria Ferris and Dustin Rose punched theor tickets to Indianapolis for the National Tournament in July, 2012. With the season starting on the backside of the schedule, we officially announced that three of the final five events have received sponsors for the events.

Turbo 2-N-1 will once again sponsor an event this season as they will host the March event in Taylor at Taylor Lanes. The Turbo 2-N-1 Taylor Open will take place on March 17-18, 2012 and not only have they added scholarship money to bowl for but also we will award two spots in the Turbo 2-N-1 Collegiate Expo that will be taking place in July at Super Bowl in Canton, Michigan. Last year was the first time the expo was put together and it proved to be very successful. More information for the event can be found HERE or by calling Turbo 2-N-1 at 800-530-9878. Turbo 2-N- 1 will also be hosting a clinic prior to bowling on March 17th being conducted by Lou Marquez. We will have a sign-up sheet posted on the website in the very near future to allow you to participate in the seminar.

We were also pleased to announce that Brunswick has agreed to sponsor two events which will be determined in the near future. Along with the continued support through the bowling ball raffles, the sponsorship for these two event gives our members a chance to bowl for scholarship money above and beyond our typical field. Brunswick will also be hosting a Bowling Ball Demo prior to one of the events and as soon as the dates are secured we will be getting that information out to our membership.

Sponsors like Turbo 2-N-1 and Brunswick along with our other sponsor Bowling IQ continue to support youth bowling in and around Michigan and doing our part to support them is critical. When making decisions on equipment, training and apparel we ask that you consider our partners and support their efforts to support you, it does pay off in the long run for everyone.

Our next event is the fun and exciting Adult – Junior Doubles event held once again this year at Royal Scot Lanes in Lansing, Michigan. The event will be held on Saturday, January 7th and Sunday, January, 8TH. Qualifying on Saturday will begin at 12:00 Noon and will consist of 6 sixs instead of our normal 8 games. Match play on Sunday begins at 9:00AM for the lucky 24 male and 8 female teams, depending on entries. The teams cannot be of mixed gender and those needing partners are encouraged to contact Jerry Tarabek either by email at jtarabek@conedrive.com or by calling 616-780-2095. I do have both adults and youth bowlers looking to partner up to bowl in this fun filled event.

Entries for the event are limited to the first 96 teams so make sure you get your entry in early. We look forward to seeing everyone in Lansing and the Board of Directors would also like to pass along its warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our members and their families. Have a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to seeing all of you in the new year.