Professional bowlers set for the Lefeld Implement Classic

COLDWATER - The sixth annual Lefeld Implement Classic PBA Central Region bowling tournament will look to continue the tradition of great action that comes to Coldwater's Pla-Mor Lanes.

"We're excited with who's coming," said Pla-Mor owner and tournament host Rick Hartings. "The field is not as big this year as it usually is (currently 68 bowlers are signed up). We're excited. We have 80 sponsors again this year. The community backs us 100 percent and looking forward to these guys coming in Friday (for practice)."

Hartings has been working to put together his facility for the weekend of bowling that gets underway tonight with a new addition to the itenerary.

The Team Challenge will put together eight teams bowling in qualifying baker games followed by the top four competing in a stepladder final format (where the top seed has a bye to the championship game), made up of one PBA professional and three amateur bowlers competing for a top prize of around $500. This replaces the softball game featuring national and regional tour bowlers that took place as part of the Coldwater Muscular Dystrophy Association softball tournament.

"Friday night we'll be auctioning the players' bowling jerseys," said Hartings. "The money raised there will go to the (West Ohio High School Bowling Conference) scholarship funds and to the Muscular Dystrophy Association."

Practice sessions and pro-ams will fill the Friday schedule with qualifying games taking place all day Saturday starting at 8 a.m.

The top qualifiers, depending on the final number of competitors, will return Sunday for several more rounds of action to get down to the top four bowlers. The final four will compete in a stepladder format championship round starting Sunday around 3 p.m.

Other tournaments and personal events will keep some bowlers away, including two-time champion Brian Waliczek. Defending champion Dick Allen and former champions Chris Loschetter and Derek Sapp will make the trek to Coldwater for the tournament along with PBA Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III and national tour regulars Mike Machuga, Ronnie Russell and Brian LeClair.

"We still have a strong field, but there's a huge regional down in Houston, Texas," said Hartings. "There's a few guys who can't make it due to family weddings. I think next year we're going to move the tournament earlier, to later in July, to try and get (away) from other tournaments so there's no conflicts."

In addition to the regional and national PBA bowlers making the trek, a number of local bowlers will also be competing. Former Coldwater High School bowlers Toby James, Jared Moeder and Crystal Boyer will compete, as will Celina natives Nate Dunno, Tim Hagar, Adam Hulatt and Tyler Shellabarger.

St. Henry senior Garrett Stout, a veteran of the high school bowling ranks and a top 15 finisher at state last season, will compete as an amateur, which means that should he place in the money, that will be put toward his scholarship fund.

The winner's check will be $4,000 and the champ will also receive a John Deere walk-along mower.

Admission is free all weekend.

Schedule:
Tonight

Team Challenge, 7 p.m. (Up to eight teams with each team featuring one professional).
Friday

Practice Session, 2-4 p.m.

Junior Pro-Am, 5:30 p.m.

Outdoor Party, 7 p.m.-midnight

Adult Pro-Am, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday

PBA Qualifying Sessions, 8 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 7 p.m.

Hog Roast, noon-midnight

Coldwater Cup Drawing, 8 p.m.
Sunday

Elimination format (top qualifiers from Saturday), 10 a.m.

Championship Round, 3 p.m. (approximate)

Awards Presentation, 5 p.m. (approximate)
Monday

The Linus Open (WOHSBC Scholarship Golf Outing) at Stillwater Valley, Versailles, 10 a.m.