Varsity Lanes will again play host to some of the best bowlers around as they welcome the public to the
Professional Bowlers Association regional tournament.
The actual tournament competition in the PBA Central Region 18th Annual Brunswick Northwest Ohio Open
will begin on Saturday with the winner to be crowned on Sunday.
Events will begin with the now annual ball clinic on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. All local bowlers are
invited to attend. All action will be held at the host center, 1033 S. Main St.
The pros roll into town for the practice session and pro-am events on Friday.
The entrants will be on the lanes for the two-hour practice session beginning at 1 p.m. Friday.
The first pro-am squad will roll at 4 p.m. and will be the popular Special Olympics Pro-Am.
According to the host proprietor, Jay Young, this year’s event for the Special Olympic athletes will be
limited to Henry and Wood County athletes. In previous years, the tournament was open to athletes from
across the state.
Young indicated he wanted to focus this event on the local athletes.
"We are really looking forward to again hosting the Special Olympic athletes," Young said.
"It is a great event for Bowling Green."
Those who have attended this event over the years have found it to be very powerful as the athletes
compete under the motto, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
The second pro-am squad at 7 p.m. will feature the youth and adult events. Entry fees are available for
$15. The youth will compete for trophies; while the adult champion will receive an award. However, this
year, there is no prize fund for the adults. In its place are prize raffles and a party atmosphere to
mingle with the professionals. Food and beverage specials will also be offered.
The professional bowlers begin actual competition with the A squad rolling eight games at 9 a.m. The B
squad takes to the lanes at 4 p.m. The PBA oil pattern being used is the Viper pattern.
Jeff Zaffino, Warren, Pa., is the defending champion. A roster of other entrants was not available from
the PBA.
Following the qualifying round, the field will be trimmed to the top 16 (based on entries) who return
Sunday morning with the match play round beginning at 9 a.m.
The match play elimination will continue until the champion is crowned.
First place will pay an estimated $2,500, again based on entries.
"It’s always an honor to host the PBA," Young summarized.
There is no admission fee for spectators to watch any of the action.
For more information on any of the activities, contact the center at (419) 352-5247.