HONOR ROLL
800: Elton Tomlinson (819), Wednesday Night Mixed, Red Crown; Carlos Crespo (803), Miller Lite Classic, ABC East; Elton Tomlin. 300: Stan Seese, Big Cats, ABC North; Earl George Jr., Harrisburg Postal, ABC North; Joann Byus, Coors Light Trios, ABC North; Roc Mills III, Coors Light Commercial.
Mike Snyder is no stranger to the nervousness of shooting a perfect game in different surroundings across the state.
He's accomplished the feat in York County, Sunbury and as far north as Nanticoke's old Colonial Lanes, a center that is no longer in existence.
So when he moved to Harrisburg and started competing at ABC West two years ago, it was only a matter of time until he added another line to his growing resume.
Snyder packaged 12 strikes into the second game of a 790 set during the Coors Light Commercial League at the Hampden Twp. Center. It was the seventh 300 game of his career in league and tournament play.
“It takes a while to get used to the house,” Snyder said. “I used to bowl twice a week and now only bowl once and when you only bowl once a week, a 300 doesn't quite as quick.”
Snyder was using an Ebonite Game Breaker during his recent march. But it wasn't quite the perfect night.
During the third game, Snyder was approaching 800 when he stepped up in the ninth frame. The 47-year-old lefty tugged his first shot, leaving the 4-7. He chopped the 4-pin off the 7 on the spare and another honor score was lost.
“That was a real disappointment,” Snyder said. “It felt great to get the 300 because I've had 35 games in my life where one shot, one ball has cost me.
“It always feels great to shoot a 300.”
SENIOR UPDATE
Mel Durden has become a regular at the top of the men's 55-68 division during the Tuesday Senior No-tap at ABC North.
The veteran right-hander went on a scoring binge last week, smashing a pair of perfect games on his way to a winning 890 total. Ralph Nye also had a pair of 300s for an 887 total and the victory in men's 69-over play.
On the ladies' side, Toni Buck (771) was victorious in the 55-68 bracket. Jean Beachell (759) placed first in the 69-over division.
Barry Buck and John Daugherty also had perfect games in the 24-player field.
David Ball was tops in Friday Lunch Bunch Senior No-tap play at Trindle Bowl. He finished with an 872 series.
Jan Schindler captured the ladies' division with 793.
DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Greater Harrisburg Open and Women's Championships kicked off this weekend at ABC North and Trindle Bowl.
Team event will be held at ABC North, with singles and doubles being contested at Trindle Bowl. Squad times today and next Sunday are 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Squad times next Saturday are noon, 1:30, 3 and 4 p.m.
Walk-ins are accepted. Questions may be directed to tournament director Charlie Holtry at (717)-254-3950.
PARTING SHOTS
Corbin Walburn nailed down his first career 700 series while competing in the Thursday Night Mixed League at ABC North. He finished with games of 265, 214 and 267 for a 746 set. … Justine Hoch and Joann Byus had 700 in women's play this week at ABC North. Hoch smashed a 738 series during the Semoff's Barbershop League, and Byus, who recently shot a perfect game during the Coors Light Trios at ABC North, landed a 703 during the Coors Light Trios League.
ELLIOTT ON TWITTER: @jelliott1011