Champions crowned at Bowlers Journal Championships
Although thousands tried during the tournament's run, no one was able to catch the 28-year-old right-hander, who fired games of 243, 257, 247 and 278 for a 1,025 total at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev., on March 17. For winning Open Singles, Vanderlick earned the $10,000 top prize.
"I didn't have any real expectations to come out and win the tournament, but everything just fell into place that day," said Vanderlick, who also finished at the top of the tournament's Dual Entry prize list, which rewards bowlers who enter doubles and singles at the same time. "It was hectic waiting for the results to be final, but my friends and family were constantly reassuring me that my score would hold on to win. Now that it's over, it is a huge accomplishment to have finished in first."
The tournament's other $10,000 prize will be delivered to New York state for the second straight year, this time going to Eric Johns of Niagara Falls, N.Y., and John Masiello of Kent, N.Y., who claimed the top spot in Open Doubles with a 1,902 four-game total.
Johns posted scores of 266, 267, 236 and 202 for a 971 set, which also earned him top honors in Senior Singles, while Masiello contributed 931 to the championship effort.
"I don't get online much, so there have been many anxious moments over the last few months waiting for the good news," said Masiello, a 52-year-old right-hander. "But we bowled well and are very satisfied with the win. Now, it's already time to start looking forward to next year."
The other winners at the Bowlers Journal Championships include John Nolen of Waterford, Mich., in Classic Singles with 985, Steve Defazio of Owingsville, Ky., in 205 & Under Singles with 929, Philip Buck of Spicer, Minn., in 180 & Under "Pins Over Average" Singles with +159, Terry Leong of Henderson, Nev., and Sam Carter of Ben Lomond, Calif., in Senior Doubles with 1,842 and Tina Stickney of Goodyear, Ariz., and Patrick Foley Jr. of Sparks, Nev., in Mixed Doubles with 1,753.
Presented by the Professional Bowlers Association, the Bowlers Journal Championships was held in conjunction with the USBC Open Championships for the 61st year. The event concluded at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino on June 30.
Presenting sponsors for the 2007 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Sands Regency Casino and Hotel, official brackets sponsor and supporting sponsors Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa and Harrah's Casino and Hotel.
By Matt Cannizzaro and David Ellis USBC Communications