High Scores Dominate the Early 1980’s
This month, Bowling History continues its trek through Kokomo’s bowling history from the 1980-81 season through the 1984-85 season. This time period saw numerous scoring records, some of which still stand today. This was one of the highest scoring eras for Kokomo prior to the current scoring barrage that began in the late 1990’s.
Triplicate Record
Jerry Rosselot set the Kokomo triplicate record on June 4, 1980 in the Night Stalkers Summer League at Astro Bowl. Rosselot rolled three consecutive games of 246 for a terrific 738 series. This record broke the earlier mark of Brent Foster who fired three games of 234 on February 16, 1977. Rosselot's record was only tied this year by Troy Stanley.
The year 1980 must have been the year of the triplicate for during the week preceding October 11, a whopping four triplicates were shot. Jay Lawrence scored a triplicate 212, Kay McElhone a triplicate 144, Wanetta Martin a triplicate 143 and Jim Wood rounded out the group with a 133 triplicate.
Bowling Center Evolution
The local bowling centers were not greatly affected by the downturn in the auto industry and the layoffs at Chrysler. However, the newest and largest center, Astro Bowl, was continuing to struggle during this time frame for other reasons. After numerous new managers, stability returned in March 1982, when Don Jensen came to manage the facility under new ownership. Prior to that point, it was obvious for several years that the bowlers had to “cater to the center” instead of being catered to. For this reason, Astro Bowl was not very popular with the local bowlers for several years.
Youth 700
Tim Degenkolb, a 15 year-old sophomore at Western High School, fired a 702 series with games of 258, 243 and 201.
The Great Scoring Barrage of February 3, 1981
The pins at Cedar Crest Lanes took a beating on the night of February 3, 1981. In the Big Payoff League, Steve Preston rolled a 728 series. Jon Kelley rolled a 751. Dick Armstrong fired up a nice 761. John Kaelin tossed a terrific 790 series. However, Kaelin’s opponent for the night would shoot the score they still talk about today. That opponent was Dan Preston and this was the night that he shot the still-standing city record of 856! Preston rolled games of 287, 269 and appropriately finished off the perfect night with a 300.
Unification of Youth Bowling Organizations
The unification of the Youth Bowling Association and the American Junior Bowling Congress was finalized on March 27, 1981 when delegates to the American Bowling Congress convention passed the proposal. This was the final step in the process that took many years to play out.
Kokomo’s own Don Lowry pioneered the efforts to merge the two organizations. It even earned him the title “Father of Youth Bowling” from his peers. Lowry had proposed unification four years earlier. There were several benefits of unification among them being the improved focus of a single organization and the ability to better attract financial support for youth bowling.
The new organization became known as the Young American Bowling Alliance, or YABA, which remains the governing body for youth bowling today.
Cedar Crest and Steve Preston Scoring Domination
Cedar Crest Lanes produced most of the big scores early in this time period. Eventually, Astro Bowl would catch up but then retreat again. For the 1980-81 season, there were 72 series of 700 or more. Of these, 70 were at Cedar Crest. Astro Bowl and Don Lowry Lanes only had one each. Of these 72 series, lefty Steve Preston accounted for a phenomenal 25 of them! No one ever dominated Kokomo’s bowling scene to that level other than, perhaps, Fred Hurstel. Scoring took a dive for the first half of the next season as it took 18 weeks to get the first 700 series and the total for the year dropped to only 23.
IBA Inducts Don Lowry
The Indiana Bowling Association inducted Don Lowry into its Hall of Fame in March 1982. This was one of the many deserving honors that Don Lowry received for his service to the game.
Kokomo Welcomes Bob Colburn
Don Lowry’s son-in-law came to Kokomo to help with the bowling business following a heart attack suffered by Lowry. Colburn had been heavily involved in the bowling industry in the past before coming to Kokomo. He continues that involvement today, and most recently served as CEO of Bowling Inc.
Kokomo Hosts State Tournament
Kokomo hosted the IBA State Tournament in 1984. This was the first time since 1974 that Kokomo had hosted the event. Many local bowling volunteers put in long hours to make for a successful tournament. Over 1100 teams packed Don Lowry Lanes and Astro Bowl between March 3 and May 13 for their chance at a state championship. Out-of-towner Mike Haemmerle excited the locals with a perfect 300 game at Astro Bowl.
Kokomo bowlers rolled some fine State Tournament scores in this 5 year span. In 1981, Carl Babb rolled a 1778 in all-events. In 1982, Babb and Jack Bender finished 2nd in doubles handicap with a score of 1388. Babb also shot 653 in singles actual to finish in 19th place.
In 1983, the KBA #1 team finished in 5th place actual with a score of 2962. Bob Wright shot 700 in singles handicap to finish in 28th place.
In 1985, the Kesslers team finished in 23rd place handicap. Ross Pearson and Jerry Rosselot tossed a 1234 in doubles actual to finish 20th. Jon Kelley rolled the top all-events score for Kokomo with 1837 but it was no where near the leaders.
Local Team Goes to National Miller Doubles Finals
Marcia Carpenter, and brother-in-law Dave Turner, survived a number of qualification events to make their way to the national finals of the Miller Doubles Tournament. They eventually finished 29th out of 47 teams in the Reno, Nevada finals.
CIBA Formed
Herman McFarland and Astro Bowl manager Don Jensen co-founded the Central Indiana Bowlers Association in early 1984. A series of six tournaments were conducted monthly from January to June with the bowlers being placed in different divisions based on their averages. A PBA-style stepladder final was also conducted for the top six finishers with handicap being given to the lower average bowler.
The first tournament was won by Wayne Burthay, who topped 44 other bowlers for the title.
Last Chris MacNeil Column
Chris MacNeil wrote his last regular bowling column for the Kokomo Tribune on October 6, 1984. He started authoring the column in the 1977-78 season. He skipped one season and returned for the 1979-80 season. Kokomo bowlers owe a lot of gratitude to MacNeil for covering their sport with class and dignity for six years.
For the remainder of the 1984-85 season, the Kokomo Tribune continued to publish the Honor Roll and highlight two or three Bowlers of the Week. Beginning with the 1985-86 season, only the Honor Roll was published. Special events such as 300 games and the City Tournament were also covered. Not until November 17, 1990 would a regular bowling columnist again appear, that being when Mike Butler volunteered his services.
Top Men’s and Women’s Series
Tremendous scoring dominated the era. By newspaper counts alone, I have compiled the following summary.
As indicated earlier, Steve Preston dominated the men’s scene. Preston rolled a total of 50 series of 700 or more that I could document. Of these, his highest were 782, 771, 770, 761, 757, 756, 755, 753, 752 twice and 750 three times. Jerry Rosselot was the next most prolific 700 shooter with 18 series of 700 or more. His triplicate 246 series of 738 was his high mark for the era. Ed Martin was next recording 13 series of 700 or more including a 752 series. High series record holder Dan Preston captured 12 series over 700 including his 856, a 765 and a 760.
Listed below are the other 700 club members with the number of 700 series and all series over 750 or their high series.
Ted Wooley – 8 – 775 and 763
Bob Taylor – 5 – 722
Jon Kelley – 4 – 751
Jim Robison – 4 – 724
Mark Snodgrass – 4 – 709
Floyd Russell – 3 – 765 and 764
Dick Armstrong – 3 – 761
Bob Preston – 3 – 714
John Kaelin – 2 – 790
Jerry Smith – 2 – 750
Pat Michael – 2 – 749
Herman McFarland – 2 – 727
Bryan Ramberger – 2 – 726
Ken Rutherford – 2 – 715
Merle Burthay – 2 – 715
Charlie Locke – 2 – 712
Anthony Patton – 2 – 707
John Hurst – 2 – 707
Others rolling 700 series included Encil Trublood, Ken Ferren, Gerard Kelley, Barry Ledger, Steve Gaskins, Bob Linzey, Myron Bruce, Jon Newlin, Jim Wilcox, Tom Arnett, Harold McGuire, Jack Bender, Ross Pearson, Tex Thornton, Gary Hiday, Jeff Williams, Max Mast, Dennis Branch, Mike Ahrens, Paul Donahue, Mike Jackson, Dave Lott, Mike McCollum, Bill Reed and Ron Lee. Of these, only Gary Hiday and Ross Pearson scored over 750 as they each had a 760 series.
Eleven women scored over 650. Virginia Haynes led the way with her 687. Barb Godlove was next with a 672. Lena Hancock had a 664. Jeanette Hensell scored a 660. Betty Thornton scored a 658 and 653. Jane Gerrard recorded a 657. Ida Reel was next with 656. Judy Belt, who dominated the scene in the 1970’s, scored a 654 as did Barbara Brown. Betty Malson had a 651 and Sally Shaffer a 650.
Top Men’s and Women’s Games
There were many games over 270. They are summarized below.
Danny Preston – 300 (2), 289, 287, 279, 278 (2), 277
Pat Michael – 300, 279 (2)
Gary Hiday – 300, 289, 278
Mike Haemmerle – 300 (State Tournament)
Jim Newby – 300
Bryan Ramberger – 300, 277
Jeff Wood – 300, 295, 279
Gerard Kelley – 300, 277
Jerry Rosselot – 300, 287, 280, 279 (6), 278 (2) 276, 275, 270
Barry Ledger – 299
Steve Preston – 299, 289 (2), 284, 279 (6), 278, 277 (2)
Jim Wilcox – 299
Rick Hamilton – 298
Fred Rutherford – 290
Charlie Locke – 290, 275
Dave Turner – 289
Ed Martin – 289 (2), 288, 273
Ken Rutherford – 289 (2), 278, 276
Ted Wooley – 289, 279 (2), 277, 274, 270
Larry Sharp – 288
Floyd Russell – 288, 278
John Kaelin – 287, 279, 277
Mark Snodgrass – 287, 279
Rick Brown – 287, 286
Dick Meoak – 286
George Grandstaff – 286
Earl Huff – 284
Sonny Potts – 280
Jim Robison – 279, 278
Dick Armstrong – 279
Larry Newton – 279
Jerry Smith – 279, 276
Mike Maloney – 279
Waid Hornbuckle – 279
Tex Thornton – 279
Gary Mock – 279
Chris Guedel – 279
Dan Gibson – 279
Bob Dodrill – 279
Jack Knight – 278
Dave Long – 278
Ron Wolford – 278
Marvin Pickering – 278
Bob Linzey – 278
Bruce Savage – 278
Don Graham – 278
Jack Bender – 278
Richard Burton – 278
Herman McFarland – 278
Rod Packard – 278
Dick Tew – 278
Bill Humphrey – 278
Tony Patton – 278, 277
Dennis Branch – 278
Bob Longfellow – 277, 275
Steve Gaskins – 277 (2)
Greg Harbaugh – 277, 276
Jon Newlin – 277
Harold Black – 277
Earl Snodgrass – 277
Ray Akers – 277
Steve Ballew – 277
Jim Swisshelm – 277
Bob Cowell – 277
Richard Hooker – 276
Ron Colburn – 276
John Vote – 276
Dave Vote – 276
Jim Walters – 276
Jack Bogue – 276
Truman Power – 276
Dave Lott – 276
Bill Ashburn – 276
Mike Cardwell – 276
Logan Bentzler – 276
Merle Burthay – 276
Dave Wolfe – 275
Jim Goodnight – 275
Greg Higgins – 275
John Sullivan – 275
Larry Richards – 270
Larry Sharp’s 288 game set a new single game Eagles’ house record.
High game for the ladies went to Betty Thornton with a fine 288 game. Tonya Cook had a 279 game on a 129 average. Audrey Mertens fired a 278 and Carolyn Stinnett shot a 276 game. Alice Miller, Jerri Ware, Barbara Brown and Betty Seagraves each rolled a 268 game. Colleen Holaday and Ann Phipps each shot 267 games. Linda Porter and Karlene Ruman rolled 265 games. Mary Lee, Marlaine Sams and Rosie Bagley each scored a 264. Rounding out those shooting over 260 were Bev Huff, Donna White and Ursula Wolf with their 263 games. There were another 51 documented games of 250 or more in this time period.
Top Averages
High averages for each center and year (60 game minimum) are shown below. Note the dominance by Cedar Crest with Astro Bowl taking over for a few years.
1980-81
Cedar Crest - Steve Preston - 220
Astro Bowl - Dan Preston - 196
Don Lowry Lanes - Carl Babb, Jack Bender - 193
Eagles - Ed Martin - 190
1981-82
Cedar Crest - Steve Preston - 212
Astro Bowl - Bob Taylor - 201
Don Lowry Lanes - Jon Kelley - 192
Eagles - Ed Martin - 185
1982-83
Cedar Crest - Ed Martin - 203
Astro Bowl - Steve Preston - 218
Don Lowry Lanes - Carl Babb - 198
Eagles - Ed Martin - 195
1983-84
Cedar Crest - Ed Martin - 203
Astro Bowl - Steve Preston - 208
Don Lowry Lanes - Carl Babb - 199
Eagles - Ed Martin - 184
1984-85
Cedar Crest - Ed Martin - 198
Astro Bowl - Pat Michael - 195
Don Lowry Lanes - Jim Frye - 192
Eagles - Steve Ballew - 187
That concludes the summary of the Kokomo bowling highlights for the early 1980's. As you can see, a lot of newsworthy events and scores were worth reporting. Next month Bowling History will highlight the late 1980's.