Lisa Carter and Mike Johnson crowned 34th annual Kick-Off Champions
by Bruce Harrison on September 10,2015


Classic Lanes in Kenmore, NY was the setting for the Tonawandas USBC association's 34th annual Kick-Off tournament. The scratch tournament, which features several of the best male and female bowlers in the Tonawandas, was held on Friday, August 21st, and heralds the start of the 2015 - 2016 season. Eight men and eight women competed in the event, which was comprised of a two-game qualifying round followed by an eliminator-style final. All contestants were invited based on their accomplishments on the lanes in the 2014 - 2015 season.

Leading the way in the Women's division was Kristina Frahm (481). She was followed by last year's Kick-Off Women's champion, Lisa Carter (453), Jessica Mamon (445) and Lauren Sutton (406), who took the last qualifying spot for the finals. Rounding out the rest of the Women's division from the qualifying round were Tammy Burgstahler (392), last year's Kick-Off runner-up Lauren Lennon (385), Tammy White (365), and Maria Gearhart (362).

In the Men's division, last year's Kick-Off runner-up, Mike Johnson (484), narrowly edged out Bob Ciminella (480) for the top qualifying spot. Qualifying third was Bill Gerfin (473). Qualifying fourth, and claiming the last spot in the finals round, was Tim Marble (461). The rest of the Men's division bowlers finished as follows: Andy Moran (447); Pat Brick (432); last year's Men's division champion Tony Dolan (402); and Jim Wangler Jr. (375).

In the eliminator-style finals for the Women's Division,Lauren Sutton (187) and Jessica Mamon (179) were eliminated. Kristina Frahm continued to dominate, rolling a 236. Lisa Carter was second with a 213. In the Men's division, Bob Ciminella (203) and Bill Gerfin (224) were eliminated by Tim Marble (263) and Mike Johnson (248).

In the Women's finals match between Kristina Frahm and Lisa Carter, Lisa was able to outlast Kristina 236 - 217 for the title. In the Men's division, the high scoring continued with Mike Johnson defeating Tim Marble 246 - 232.

Scores of note from the qualifying round: Kristina Frahm (226,255 - 481); Lisa Carter (239 - 453); Jessica Mamon (235); Lauren Sutton (246); Mike Johnson (237,247 - 284); Bob Ciminella (233, 247 - 480); Bill Gerfin (247, 226 - 473); Tim Marble (267 - 461); Andy Moran (236); Pat Brick (232);

The Tonawandas USBC association thanks Brian Borowski, proprietor, and his staff at Classic Lanes for hosting this year's event. Please check our website www.tonusbc.com for more information regarding upcoming local tournaments and other general information.


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