Buena Lanes 2004 Firecracker Shootout Results

by Diane

The 2004 Firecracker Shootout drew bowlers from California, Arizona, Nevada and Washington. We awarded $10,047.50 in scholarship - quite the increase from last year's $5,757.00. Scholarship money awarded was earned by the sweeper winners, high game winners, bracket winners and top 18 in Division 1, top 10 in Division 2 and top 10 in Division 3. The majority of scholarship money collected was from a huge opportunity drawing, silent auction and businesses. Thank you once again to all our sponsors for helping to make this year's event a BIG success.

Congratulations to the champions in each division. Division 3 Preston Fukumizu of Los Angeles, California winning $400.00, Division 2 Bryanna Caldwell of Tucson, Arizona winning $370.00 and Division 1 Josh Blanchard of Upland, California winning $1,500.00. These bowlers also received a championship plaque.

After 12 games of qualifying in Division 3, the top 10 went on to 10 games of match play and then top five-step ladder. Fifth seed, Caycee Landers of Mission Hills went against fourth seed, Jeremy Glover of Los Angeles. Jeremy bowled 196 to Caycee's 201. Caycee proceeded to bowl third seed, Matt Cormack of Woodland Hills and won 210 to 202. Now Caycee challenged second seed, Preston Fukumizu, but she did not move on shooting 160 to 223. Preston now bowled against top seed, Justin Decker of Atwater. Justin's 158 just couldn't compete with Preston's 235. There were 17 boys and girls in this division. They ranged in age from 7 to 14 and hold lots of promising bowlers in the future.

Division 2 saw 14 participants and cut to the top 10 after 18 games of qualifying. These girls then bowled 18 games of match play followed by the top five-step ladder. Fifth seed, Alyse McGinnes of La Crescenta met fourth seed, Michele Cutrera of Goleta, but lost 178 to 210. Michele moved on against third seed Samantha Jimenez of Rowland Heights. It was a good match 195 to 200 with Samantha going on to bowl second seed Danielle Schilling of Little Rock. After another close match of 181 to 185, Danielle now saw top seed Bryanna Caldwell. Bryanna held her spot, shooting 178 to Danielle's 167. It was fantastic to have participation increase in this division and we hope to see even more of you at future tournaments.

There were 51 bowlers in Division 1 this year - also an increase compared to last year. After 18 games of qualifying there was a cut to the top 18 for 18 games of match play and then the top-five stepladder. Aris Anadilla of Bakersfield was fifth seed and matched up against fourth seed Mark French of Ventura. Aris remained in fifth place shooting 183 to Mark's 224. Mark met third seed Mason Sherman of Moorpark. Mark had 214 to Mason's 266, moving Mason on to bowl against second seed Ty Stockle of Canyon Country. Ty's 234 to Mason's 206 sent Ty to bowl the number one seed Josh Blanchard. This final match was 244 to 224 with Josh as the champion - congratulations!

There were several honor scores bowled during the tournament despite the tough lanes conditions. Caycee Landers had her first 700 series - 722, Danielle Schilling also bowled 700 -708 and Ty Stockle had a 300 game. The pre-tournament sweeper had 59 entries. Division 1 winner was Evan Olson of Burien, Washington, Division 2 winner was Michele Cutrera of Goleta and Division 3 winner was Justin Decker of Atwater. Thirty-three participants shared $1,800.00 in scholarship through high game side pots and brackets. Additionally the top five in each division receive a year subscription to Bowling This Month magazine. Refer to our web site www. firecrackershootout. com for more information.

We'd like to acknowledge all the bowlers for participating with good attitudes and great sportsmanship qualities. Our hope is that you continue to bowl as many junior events as possible. Remember - Life is Good!