Behind the Numbers: 2010 Citizen Masters part 1
Well folks, here it is, another year and another edition of the best insiders look at the Citizen Masters. I would like to thank Starlite Lanes for keeping the qualifying scores at check as we continue to preserve the integrity of the tournament. Of the top 10 scores, only 2 bowlers were from Starlite Lanes but of the top 20, eight bowlers were from Starlite. That tells me that the condition was tougher than normal while the Starlite bowlers still had something similar to what they were used to. My personal opinion is to see the modified conditions throughout the tournament to crown the true Masters Champion. Anyway, this year we had 22 bowlers qualify that also qualified last year. I smell re-matches! Five of those bowlers made it to the final eight and we have 9 newbies. We also have loads of past champions, runners up, and a few looking to be the first three time champs. This is going to be an exciting year with the loads of talent that we are about to watch in the next three weeks. There is no doubt in my mind that we will see some amazing games, split conversions, and come from behind victories. Make sure you get there early to get a good seat because it's going to be crowded every weekend, I promise (and that's not a queue to stay home and wait for the phone to ring). Thanks to all bowlers that came out and bowled this weekend. It's always nice to see the people that you don't normally get a chance to see.
This year we have 11 past champions and 5 past runners up. Of the 11 Champions, four bowlers look to be the first to be a three time champion with Benny Appleby (1979 & 1982), Tom Charles(1984 & 2000), Greg Spinelli(1987 & 1996), and Mike Ryan(2004 & 2008). 2009 champion Steve Suslik looks to be the third bowler to win back to back titles along with Leonard Charles('73 & '74), Steve Capella('89&'90), and Steve Feldman('97&'98). Steve Suslik(2009), Rick Lambrecht(2002), Rick Liccion(2007), Tim Poormon(2003), Paul Samasuck(1977), Tom Knapp(2006), and Pete Bommersbach(1986) are looking to join the 9 other bowlers with two titles. Only 6 bowlers have earned the Runner Up trophy and then have gone on to win the Ted (Baldy) Skowron Memorial trophy, George Benda, Joe Bachman III, Rick Liccion, Bill Kuszaj, Tom Knapp, and Mike Ryan. This year, we have five bowlers that have a chance to join them: Bill Sidor, Cory Slater, Jim Relfe, Paul Roche, and depending on the outcome of the roll off, either Duane Slater Jr or Mike Crowley (both are previous runner up).
A title rematch is something that has never been done before but there are three possibilities this year. Starting in 1984, Tom Charles vs. Bill Sidor, in 2002, Rick Lambrecht vs. Greg Spinelli, and in 2007, Rick Liccion vs. Jim Relfe.
Now for the fun part, possible rematches. A chance to either have someone's number or get revenge on that bowler that crossed over to beat you by a few sticks or broke up that split that otherwise would've won you the match. On Saturday, Jeff Matty will meet up against Steve Walawender at Rainbow Lanes. The last time they met, Jeff had the upper hand and won over Steve by a score of 680 to 587. Can't remember that match? It's because it was back in 2003 and you guessed it, it was at Rainbow Lanes. Depending on the outcome of Saturday, there are three possible rematches. The first one I found was if John Ashby meets with Greg Walczyk in either the winners or losers bracket. Last time Greg Walczyk beat John 660-643 in a close match. Another one was a leftie vs leftie match between Pete Bommersbach and Tom Knapp. If they meet on Sunday, it will be a great match to watch as Tom looks for revenge over Pete. Pete won the last time they met in 2008, 739 - 664 in a high scoring match. And the last match was between Jeff Matty and Mike Ryan in 2003 at Sicz Club. Jeff won over Mike 670-636. These two did also meet in 1999 at Starlite Lanes on the final weekend where Mike won over Jeff. This could be the rubber match for them.
Here are some feature matches to look for on Saturday at 11 am. Steve Suslik vs. Rick Chalupnicki. Who doesn't like watching Steve at Rainbow Lanes? There is always drama with Tiger everywhere he bowls. Rick is no slouch either as he will give Steve a great match to prove himself no doubt. House bowler vs house bowler, Cory Slater against Wayne Bibbens. Both bowlers shoot at Rainbow Lanes, just not in the same league. Same with Mike Rouse vs. Andrew Perkins. These two young shooters could set the pace for the entire tournament. Former Champion vs former runner up, Rick Lambrecht vs Bill Sidor. These two down and in shooters will square off. Watch and see who is more focused in earning the title. Board member vs board member. Auburn USBC BA's President Rick Liccion vs. Director JT Locastro. Watch and see who gets the bragging rights at the next meeting. On the 2pm squad we have teammate vs. teammate in Tom Charles vs. Jon Swanson. The two keglers bowl on the same team in the Commercial League at Rainbow Lanes, go figure. Hey, we are all friends here, right? The straighter is greater match between Darrin Emperato and Jim Locastro. These two will try to break down each others' shot by breaking down their own. Uh oh, this could be double trouble for the both of them. We'd better call the oil company.
The first weekend was a success and we have some great matches in store for you. Come down and catch all the action. Stick around because right after the bowling is done, Ron and Kay Rizzo have provided some music for everyone to enjoy. You can sit back and talk about the what ifs and shoulda beens, congratulate your buddies and buy the losers a beer. I do have a small contest to find out who has the most insight to this tournament. There is no cost to this and no prize money, just the title of Masters-Know-It-All. All you have to do is e-mail me your final 8 names, that's it. I will reveal the “Mister Smarty Pants” at the end of the tournament. You must e-mail me at auburnusbc@roadrunner.com by no later than Friday at 11:59pm. I will not reveal any names before the final weekend so as not to distract any bowler with any pressure someone has put on to them. And if you are reading this, you obviously have an extended interest in the Masters, so take the three minutes and shoot me an e-mail. See you all Saturday, and hey, has anyone seen Joe Iritato? He's been MIA for two years now (sorry, inside joke).