BowlFest kicks off USBC Masters final
MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Just hours before the four finalists take to the lanes for a shot at the $100,000 top prize at the United States Bowling Congress Masters, the U.S. Cellular Arena in downtown Milwaukee was buzzing with fans who were on hand for the USBC BowlFest Saturday night.
The four-hour event was held in conjunction with the USBC Masters, and enabled fans to experience a bowling festival and watch some of the sport's greatest athletes take to the lanes in advance of the Masters television finals Sunday.
The event began with a practice session for Sunday's finalists Norm Duke, the 1993 Masters champion and a 22-time titlist on the Denny's PBA Tour, two-time PBA champion Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas and amateurs Art Brown of Lansing, Mich., and Ken Muscato of Canandaigua, N.Y.
The unique setup gave fans a chance to see the players close up as they practiced on the four specially installed lanes.
"This is awesome, and it's a once in a lifetime experience," said Jacob Brask, who traveled to the Masters and BowlFest from Montana as a birthday present from his parents. "I really like the trick shots, but the whole thing has been awesome. And I'm really excited about the finals tomorrow."
The festivities also included exhibition matches between the USBC Team USA men and women, PBA Hall of Famers Johnny Petraglia and Marshall Holman, USBC Teen Masters national champions John Szczerbinski of North Tonowanda, N.Y., and Dana Kamerman of Niles, Ill. and local radio personalities from KISS 103.7, 99 WMYX and Sports Radio 1250 WSSP. PBA standouts Parker Bohn III, Duke, Michael Machuga and Brian Voss also participated in a trick-shot showdown.
"This was a lot of fun, and the arena makes it seem like more of an event and something special for the players and fans," said Holman, a 22-time titlist who was defeated by Petraglia 247-245 Saturday night. "It was really nice to be here. There are a lot of people in Milwaukee who I've known for years and haven't seen for a long time, so it was a nice opportunity and a great experience."
Despite losing to the Team USA men by a single pin, 438-437, first-year team member Shannon O'Keefe still enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the event.
"I have never been to the arena setting, even just to watch, so to be there and to actually be able to bowl was a little overwhelming, but really neat," said O'Keefe, who flew in from Rochester, N.Y., which is just 25 miles from Muscato's hometown of Canandaigua. "I didn't really know what to expect at first, but as the weeks went on and we got more details, I knew it would be awesome. The whole thing was amazing, and bowling in the arena was something everyone dreams of."
By Matt Cannizzaro USBC Communications
The four-hour event was held in conjunction with the USBC Masters, and enabled fans to experience a bowling festival and watch some of the sport's greatest athletes take to the lanes in advance of the Masters television finals Sunday.
The event began with a practice session for Sunday's finalists Norm Duke, the 1993 Masters champion and a 22-time titlist on the Denny's PBA Tour, two-time PBA champion Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas and amateurs Art Brown of Lansing, Mich., and Ken Muscato of Canandaigua, N.Y.
The unique setup gave fans a chance to see the players close up as they practiced on the four specially installed lanes.
"This is awesome, and it's a once in a lifetime experience," said Jacob Brask, who traveled to the Masters and BowlFest from Montana as a birthday present from his parents. "I really like the trick shots, but the whole thing has been awesome. And I'm really excited about the finals tomorrow."
The festivities also included exhibition matches between the USBC Team USA men and women, PBA Hall of Famers Johnny Petraglia and Marshall Holman, USBC Teen Masters national champions John Szczerbinski of North Tonowanda, N.Y., and Dana Kamerman of Niles, Ill. and local radio personalities from KISS 103.7, 99 WMYX and Sports Radio 1250 WSSP. PBA standouts Parker Bohn III, Duke, Michael Machuga and Brian Voss also participated in a trick-shot showdown.
"This was a lot of fun, and the arena makes it seem like more of an event and something special for the players and fans," said Holman, a 22-time titlist who was defeated by Petraglia 247-245 Saturday night. "It was really nice to be here. There are a lot of people in Milwaukee who I've known for years and haven't seen for a long time, so it was a nice opportunity and a great experience."
Despite losing to the Team USA men by a single pin, 438-437, first-year team member Shannon O'Keefe still enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the event.
"I have never been to the arena setting, even just to watch, so to be there and to actually be able to bowl was a little overwhelming, but really neat," said O'Keefe, who flew in from Rochester, N.Y., which is just 25 miles from Muscato's hometown of Canandaigua. "I didn't really know what to expect at first, but as the weeks went on and we got more details, I knew it would be awesome. The whole thing was amazing, and bowling in the arena was something everyone dreams of."
By Matt Cannizzaro USBC Communications