The sixth annual Firecracker Shootout drew bowlers from six states – Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, and Washington. $16,929.00 was awarded in scholarship this year. Scholarship awarded year to date is $77,874.00. Scholarship money was earned through the sweeper, brackets, high games and the top 18 in Division I, top 12 in Division II and top 8 in Division III. The majority of scholarship money collected was from an opportunity drawing, silent auction and business advertisement. Thank you again to our sponsors, coaches and volunteers for helping to make this year's event another success.
Congratulations to the Champions in each division. Division 3, Ryan Peden of Sanger, CA winning $700.00, Division 2, Bryanna Caldwell of Tucson, AZ winning $900.00 and Division 1, Jeremy Glover of Compton, CA winning $2,300.00. These bowlers also received a patriotic championship plaque.
After 12 games of qualifying in Division 3, the top 8 went on to 10 games of match play and then top-five stepladder. Fifth seed, Jerome Jordan Jr. matched against fourth seed Daniel Hansen. Daniel bowled 221 to Jerome's 205. Daniel proceeded to bowl third seed, Riley Chin. This match was Riley 236, Daniel 173. Riley challenged second seed Ronnie Fujita. Ronnie bowled 268 to Riley's 214 allowing Ronnie to now bowl against the top seed Ryan Peden. Ryan rolled a 202 and Ronnie had a 160. Our Division 3 champion is Ryan. There were 18 boys and girls in this division. They ranged in age from 10 to 14. I hope you all had a great experience.
Division 2 saw 27 girl participants and we were able to cut to the top 12 after 18 games of qualifying. The girls then bowled 18 games of match play followed by the top-five stepladder. Fifth seed Caycee Landers met fourth seed Danielle Schilling. Danielle prevailed 245 to 227. Danielle then bowled the third seed Jasmine Coleman. This match was Danielle 221 to Jasmine 182. This allowed Danielle to continue on to face second seed, Alyse McGinnes. Alyse bowled 214 to Danielle's 203, moving Alyse on to the final match against top seed Bryanna Caldwell. Bryanna managed to keep the top spot with 247 to 206 and she became the champion of Division 2. Bryanna was also the Division 2 Champion three other times, in 2007, 2006 and 2004. What an accomplishment and great way to finish out your junior career.
There were 72 bowlers in Division 1. 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. Jake Peters was the fifth seed and matched up against fourth seed Brandon Kraye. Brandon had 256 to Jake's 206, moving Brandon on to compete against third seed Devin Bidwell. Brandon came out ahead, 189 to 184 and Brandon now met second seed Cameron Smith. Cameron beat Brandon 192 to 183. Cameron faced top seed Jeremy Glover. In the end, Jeremy prevailed, 227 to 208 and became the Division 1 champion once again. Jeremy was also champion in 2007. Way to go!
We held several Junior Gold Qualifiers during the Firecracker Shootout. Fourteen bowlers qualified for the 2009 National Gold Event in Indianapolis, Indiana. Congratulations to Caycee Landers, Suzana Signaigo, Nick Bidou, Michael Fujita, Ronnie Fujita, Kris George, Jeremy Glover, Paul Hogan, Kyle King, Brandon Kraye, Dan Patty, Ryan Peden, Jacob Peters and Michael Pixley. You're the best!
Six honor scores were bowled during the tournament. We'd like to recognize Brandon Kring 290, Paul Hogan 290, Jeremy Glover 299, Charlie Hair 299, Jeff Spiesman 299 and Dan Patty 817. Also Bryanna Caldwell had a dutch 200 and Nathan Johnson picked up the 7 – 10 split. Wow! The pre-tournament sweeper awarded $222.00 to the winners in each division - Ryan Peden, Division 3, Jodi-Ann Gum, Division 2 and Brandon Kring and Jacob Peters, Division 1. Again brackets and high game side pots were very popular and 45 participants shared $3,752.00 in scholarship money. We added a new doubles event this year and lots of winners shared $610.00. Also the top five in each division receive a year subscription to Bowling This Month magazine and a championship shirt from Tennelle Milligan and Asher's Embroidery.
We look forward to seeing you, your family and friends for the 2009 Firecracker, scheduled for July 4 - 6.