Another Winning Weekend For Team Storm
What a great weekend on the lanes for Team Storm!
Throughout the year, Our Team Storm players travel throughout the United States and around the world competing in events. The athletes represent the brands of Storm and Roto Grip on and off the lanes meeting fans and dedicating themselves to the demanding conditions.
The PBA Tour players competed for their third major title in a row at the 2020 US Open. After 56 games, three Team Storm and Roto Grip players Anthony Simonsen, Jason Belmonte, and Chris Via qualified for the championship stepladder.
Ultimately, Jason Belmonte, defeated Anthony Simonsen 226-201 in the title match to claim the green jacket and $30,000 top prize.
“If you watch Anthony bowl as much as I have, he’s a big moment player,” Belmonte said. “Needing three strikes to tie or to win, he’s not afraid of that moment. I didn’t want to give him that opportunity.”
This victory helped Belmonte become only the second PBA Player in PBA History to complete the Super Slam (US Open, USBC Masters, PBA Tournament of Champions, PBA World Championship, and PBA Players Championship).
“My 12th major championship victory and the one I wanted so much,” Belmonte said in the USBC Press Release. “To wear the green jacket and hold the eagle is one of the proudest moments of my career.”
The PWBA Regional Tour traveled to East Providence and Gazmine “GG” Mason defeated Summer Jasmin 238-174 to earn her second career PWBA Regional Title at the PWBA East Providence Regional. She used her Roto Grip Hyper Cell Fused.
“Today, I was really focused on myself and my game plan and knowing my tendencies,” said Mason. “During practice, I made a move in between some shots to see if I had any miss room or if I could be deeper on the left lane. I chose to allow Summer to start the match, which allowed me to finish on the lane that hooked more. I felt if I were to throw one a little faster, it would have a better chance of getting to the pocket in comparison.”
In addition, the Texas State Queens had a strong representation from Team Storm and Roto Grip. Diana Zavjalova claimed the tiara over Team Storm teammate, Stephanie Schwartz.
“I used Storm PITCH PURPLE and Hyroad Pearl on a very challenging pattern and I am very proud of the clarity I had of seeing the lanes and making the right adjustments.” Zavjalova said.
Rounding out the top 10 were Stefanie Johnson (3) , Genie Franklin (4), Marianna Noordhoek (6), Carolyn Dorin-Ballard (7), and Tina Williams (8).
Tom Hess rounded out a successful weekend for Team Storm by picking up the title at the Ebonite Fall Classic in Waterloo.
“What started as a very difficult day on the lanes ended up with a win,” Hess said. “I fell from 1st to 3rd during the 6 games this morning. Used an IdolPearl to win my first two matches before switching to this Roto Grip NuclearCell to get the win.”
Though he took a short break from the PBA Tour, he’ll be returning to the action this week at the Indianapolis Open and Roth/Holman Doubles.
As a reminder, you can follow all the Team Storm and Roto Grip players from the PBA Tour all week long on Flobowling.
First SYC Champions of 2020 Named in Las Vegas
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah - The first event of the 2020 SYC Tour was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 15-17, 2020. A total of 210 youth bowlers from 25 different states traveled to compete at the South Point Bowling Plaza. Youth bowlers competed in three five-game rounds on three different Kegel patterns in six different divisions determined by gender and age (U20 Boys, U20 Girls, U15 Boys, U15 Girls, U12 Boys, U12 Girls) for a national title and a portion of the $17,850 scholarship fund.
“While the Storm Youth Championships awards talented champions, the event is a truly a collection of moments spent with family and friends building memories and raising funds for a worthy charity,” Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Business Development at Storm Products said. “The weekend is about spending time together, learning, and having fun throughout the competition.”
The format of the SYC rewards consistency and the overall champions are decided based on the 15 game total pinfall. After two days of competition, six smiling youth athletes are proud to claim their SYC trophies.
The U12 division at the SYC is filled with athletes bursting with energy, excitement, and enthusiasm for the sport. Brianna Archabal, of Idaho, found her SYC entry wrapped up under her Christmas tree from her parents. She promised them that she would practice and prepare for this event. She has been practicing between 20-25 games a week since November and her dedication paid off when she claimed the U12 girls trophy. In the U12 boys division, Henry Hind, of Tennessee, has traveled to several SYC and he always has the best questions for the SYC staff. His desire to soak up knowledge is contagious, and he has finished as a runner-up three times at the SYC. Over the weekend, he proved to be the most consistent across the three patterns and was able to claim his first SYC title.
In the U15 girls division, Katelyn Abigania, of California, is constantly working to improve her game as she continues to grow into a bright young lady. She was the only repeat SYC champion crowned in Las Vegas. Averaging 212 across the 15 games of competition, she earned her third SYC title. In the U15 boys division, Bud Sicard, of Oregon, commanded the medium pattern averaging 252.6. He rolled a 299 game in the third game of the block and was greeted with many cheers, high fives, and fellow competitors after his twelfth shot of the game. He maintained his consistency throughout the other blocks and was rewarded with his first SYC title.
The U20 division is filled with so much talent and ambition. The athletes are truly refining their skills but still continuing to learn every time they step on the approach. In the U20 girls division, Jennifer Loredo, of California, who has committed to bowl for Vanderbilt University in the fall took home her first SYC title. She bowled a 289 game in the final game of the event to solidify her overall gold medal. Jorell Morris, of California, earned a medal on every SYC condition averaging 243.6 for the entire event to take home the U20 boys title. This was his first SYC title.
In addition to the overall champions, the top three bowlers in each division were presented a gold, silver, or bronze medal after each round.
The Medalists on the KEGEL Short Pattern: U12 Boys – Henry Hind (gold), Braden McDonough (silver), Brek Strobel (bronze). U12 Girls – Malorie Denney (gold), Brianna Archabal (silver), Arden Han Wei (bronze). U15 Boys– Harley Shene (gold), Bud Sicard (silver), Micah Voorhis (bronze). U15 Girls– Katelyn Abigania (gold), Saphyre Nofuente (silver), Morgan Kline (bronze). U20 Boys– Jorell Morris (gold), Ashton Yamasaki (silver), Tyler Weitzman (bronze). U20 Girls– Melanie Katen (gold), Jennifer Loredo (silver), Brooklyn Gagnon (bronze).
The Medalists on the KEGEL Medium Pattern: U12 Boys – Braden McDonough (gold), Henry Hind (silver), Roman Caporale (bronze). U12 Girls – Brianna Archabal (gold), Bella Castillo (silver), Payton Day (bronze). U15 Boys– Bud Sicard (gold), Elias O'Hollaren (silver), Michael Hawk (bronze). U15 Girls– Katelyn Abigania (gold), Avery Domaguin (silver), Stephanie Hong (bronze). U20 Boys– Charles Bostic (gold), Jorell Morris (silver), Julian Michael Salinas (bronze). U20 Girls– Jennifer Loredo (gold), Melanie Katen (silver), Samantha Conti (bronze).
The Medalists on the KEGEL Long Pattern: U12 Boys – Ernesto Reynoso (gold), Roman Caporale (silver), Henry Hind (bronze). U12 Girls – Brianna Archabal (gold), Hana Sangalang (silver), Malorie Denney (bronze). U15 Boys– Micah Voorhis (gold), Mac Kaurin (silver), Elias O'Hollaren (bronze). U15 Girls– Kayla Starr (gold), Avery Domaguin (silver), Olivia Phillips (bronze). U20 Boys– Jorell Morris (gold), Charles Bostic (silver), Travis Zimmer (bronze). U20 Girls– Jennifer Loredo (gold), Caroline Thesier (silver), Melanie Katen (bronze).
Overall Medalists: U12 Boys – Henry Hind (gold), Braden McDonough (silver), Brek Strobel (bronze). U12 Girls – Brianna Archabal (gold), Malorie Denney (silver), Bella Castillo (bronze). U15 Boys– Bud Sicard (gold), Elias O'Hollaren (silver), Micah Voohis (bronze). U15 Girls– Katelyn Abigania (gold), Avery Domaguin (silver), Kayla Starr (bronze). U20 Boys– Jorell Morris (gold), Charles Bostic (silver), Julian Michael Salinas (bronze). U20 Girls– Jennifer Loredo (gold), Melanie Katen(silver), Caroline Thesier (bronze).
Two SYC bowlers, Elias O'Hollaren and Travis Zimmer, rolled their first USBC sanctioned 300 games on the KEGEL Long Pattern.
Throughout the weekend participants and their families were able to attend seminars, learn fitness fundamentals from PWBA Champion and USBC Hall of Fame member, Kelly Kulick. Every bowler who entered the tournament received a Storm !Q Tour Emerald bowling ball to add to their tournament arsenal and were given the opportunity to have it drilled at the South Point Pro Shop.
Charitable giving continues to be a focus for the Storm Youth Championships. A donation of $10 from each entry goes directly to BVBC also known as Ballard vs. the Big “C.” BVBC raises funds for continued research in cancer treatment, specifically in head, neck, and throat cancer through the sport of bowling. BVBC also raises money for nutritional supplements and treatments for those going through the cancer journey. The Ballard Family was on site to host a BVBC silent auction, raffles and more throughout the weekend.
This tournament would not be possible without the support of our sponsors; Storm, Roto Grip, Logo Infusion, Kegel, 3G Shoes, and Bowlers Journal International. The event was livestreamed throughout the two days of competition on the Storm Bowling Facebook Page. Scores were updated live through the official scoring system of the Storm Youth Championships, BowlMetrix.
There will be a total of eight events scheduled for the 2020 Tour. The next state visited on the 2020 SYC Tour will be Minnesota on April 18-19. Entries will open on February 24 at Noon MST. For more information about our upcoming events visit our website, http://www.stormbowling.com/syc.
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm and Roto Grip Brands.
About Ballard vs. The Big “C” (BVBC)
BVBC was created out of love for PBA Hall-of-Famer, Del Ballard, Jr., who has survived his battle with tonsil cancer. Since forming, BVBC has raised over $200,000 to help raises funds for continued research in cancer treatment, specifically in head, neck, and throat cancer. For more information visit http://www.ballardvsthebigc.org.
Randy Pedersen Celebrates 20 Years With Storm
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Randy Pedersen has more than 40 years of experience in the bowling industry and he’s celebrating a monumental anniversary with Storm Products in 2020.
Pedersen was officially invited to represent Storm Products as a full-time touring player in 2001 and quickly found success with the equipment. In 2002, he earned his first title on national television as a member of Team Storm with the X-Factor and from there the relationship continued to flourish. Pedersen continued to represent Storm on the lanes throughout his career. When he decided to stop bowling full-time, he was able to continue to represent the company in appearances at Storm sponsored events around the world as a member of the PR Team.
“Being with Storm for 20 years has been an incredible run and I feel blessed to be part of the family,” Pedersen said. “After my bowling career ended on the lanes, they still saw value in me which is an incredible honor. The management at Storm cares about their people. The loyalty that they show to those who stay loyal to them is invaluable. Storm is the most loyal company I’ve ever been part of.”
Pedersen has 13 career Professional Bowling Association (PBA) Tour titles including a PBA Major title at the 1987 PBA National Championship. In 2002, he earned the Pepsi Open which pushed his career earnings over the $1 million-dollar mark, making him the 24th millionaire in PBA history. Pedersen was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2013, he joined the PBA50 Tour where he won the first event he competed in, the PBA50 Dayton Classic. Pedersen currently serves as a color analyst for Fox Sports on broadcasts of the PBA Tour and as he begins his 20th season, he possesses the second longest tenure for sport, only two years behind Nelson Burton Jr.
“Randy makes bowling a better place,” Dave Symes, President of Storm Bowling, said. “I appreciate what he’s done and continues to do for bowling. He’s a lot of fun to be around and the fans really like him. I think he brings a lot of positive feelings and goodwill to the bowling industry as a whole. I’ve really enjoyed working with Randy and look forward to continuing our relationship with him into the next decade.”
The new decade has marked many changes within the bowling industry and Pedersen is excited about the opportunities ahead for the PBA Tour and the entire sport.
“It’s a really good dynamic for the PBA Tour, that a bowling cooperation now owns the PBA,” Pedersen said. “There’s endless possibilities and they bring a lot to the table. We’ve already seen changes with prize funds, and I think the bowlers will continue to bowl for more money. I hope and pray we can get an expanded tour. I think it’s a pretty exciting time and they’re going to do a lot of really big things for the PBA Tour.”
As Pedersen continues to look forward, he also enjoys reflecting on where he’s been throughout his career. He joined the PBA Tour in 1981 and is nearing his 40th year of membership and his involvement within the sport.
“I feel very fortunate, blessed, and lucky to continue to be involved in television and be part of the Storm Family,” Pedersen said.
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm and Roto Grip Brands. For additional information, visit stormbowling.com
Verity Crawley Joins Team Storm
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products is proud to announce that Verity Crawley of England has joined the Team Storm Pro Staff.
“Storm is excited to add Verity to Team Storm,” Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Business Development said. “We believe that her dedicated work ethic, hunger for knowledge, and passion for bowling will lead to many wins around the globe for years to come. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented young lady.”
Crawley began bowling at age 5. At age twelve, she was chosen to represent Junior Team England for the first time. She earned several medals representing her country all around the world as a youth athlete and was named the 2012 England Junior Bowler of the Year. This success led her to compete collegiately at Webber International University (WIU) where she was selected as a collegiate All-American several times. In 2016, she joined her WIU teammates to compete at the Intercollegiate Team Championships where they captured the women’s national title. The WIU team also captured two NAIA National Championship titles while she was part of the program. Crawley, who now resides in the United States full time joined the Professional Women’s Bowling Association in 2017, making her the first British female to become a professional bowler. When not competing, Crawley spends her time helping other bowlers improve their game as the assistant collegiate coach for The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
“2020 is all about change and playing to my strengths,” Crawley said. “As we enter a new decade, I am thankful for the opportunity to join Team Storm and cannot wait to grow with such a fantastic brand.”
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm and Roto Grip Brands.
Kyle Troup Extends Agreement with Storm
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products announced today that Kyle Troup has signed a contract extension.
Troup, a 3-Time PBA Champion, has become one of the most recognizable Team Storm players competing on the PBA Tour. In 2019, he finished 13th on the PBA Tour Points. He finished fourth in the PBA Scorpion Championship and third in PBA Players Championship. In addition, he helped the Portland Lumberjacks win the PBA League Elias Cup. Troup bowled successfully on the PBA Tour in the United States and also traveled around the world to compete in international competition.
“I am very excited and blessed with the opportunity to further my career with the Storm family.” Troup said. “Storm was the first company I signed a contract with back in 2016. They have treated me like family and been a huge part in my success. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Troup has grown up through the sport of bowling. As a child, he watched his father compete on the PBA Tour and developed a passion for competing. Though his father delivered the ball with one hand, Troup started at such a young age he needed both hands to carry the ball. He shattered youth records and was one of the youngest members of the North Carolina All Stars Team. As he grew, his two-handed style remained, and his success continued. At 18, he bowled his firs PBA Regional and by 19 he had earned his first PBA Regional Tour Title.
Kyle is a wonderful ambassador for the sport of bowling on and off the lanes” Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Business Development said. “He competes fiercely and treats people with respect, two things we appreciate at Storm. We are excited to continue our relationship for years to come.
Troup is dedicated to his craft on the lanes but spends his time making appearances around the world representing Storm Products. In January, Troup was featured in Sports Illustrated as “The Only Professional Bowler You Need to Know.” He was the featured guest who spent the weekend at the NASCAR Go Bowling at the Glen Race where he spent the weekend meeting fans and teaching some of the racers some new tricks. He continued his travels as an ambassador for Storm through the summer greeting pro shops at Industry Trade Shows and also met with bowlers at the Underground Bowling Association (UBA) Battle Bowl. Additionally, Troup spent Memorial Day weekend at the Storm Youth Championships in Smyrna, Tennessee. He helped educate young bowlers through our Q&A and seminars. He also spent time with the families playing whiffle ball at a party for all the participants at the park. He helped make the experience more meaningful for all the families who were in attendance and parents agreed that he was a great ambassador for the sport.
Troup is one of the rising talents on the PBA Tour and it’s an honor that he has chosen to continue to represent Storm Products in his career.
Ronnie Russell Joins Team Storm
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products is excited to announce that Ronnie Russell has joined Team Storm.
Russell has been a member of the Professional Bowling Association since 2003 and has earned four career PBA Tour Titles.
"We're thrilled to bring a talented player with big goals and support him in his journey to achieve these aspirations," Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Business Development said.
Russell is a true professional with many talents. In addition to his dedication to the sport of bowling, he also is an accomplished golfer and skilled guitar player and songwriter. When not competing, Russell works as a Product Specialist supporting pro shops and spreading his passion for the sport of bowling throughout his territory of Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
"Joining Storm Bowling is the top of the mountain for me," Russell said. "I wish I could explain how excited I am for 2020 and the rest of my career! Watching Storm's winning ways on Tour has me feeling like I’m 20 years old again. I know I’ll be a part of it again."
Russell is often traveling but when he’s able to be home, he enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle, and children Cayden, Cameron, and Taylor. He spends time sharing his love for the sport with his son Cayden who rolled his second 300 game with Storm Products this season.
Russell currently resides in Marion, Indiana.
2020 Storm Youth Championship Season Announced
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products is proud to announce that the Storm Youth Championships will have a total of eight events scheduled for the 2020 Tour.
The Storm Youth Championships were created in 2017 and launched with two events. The vision for the SYC began as a way to give back to the bowling community, educate youth bowlers, and invite the whole family to participate.
“When the SYC was born, the goal was to celebrate the sport of bowling and create an event that families could enjoy together,” Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Business Development. “Through the support of all the families who have attended an SYC and their feedback, we’re excited to be able to expand the tour and visit four new bowling communities in 2020.”
As the SYC has grown, events have been added to the schedule each year. Two events were added in 2018, and the season was expanded to six events in 2019. Our events wouldn’t be possible without the support of the staff of each host bowling center and the families in each community that we visit.
In 2020, our schedule will expand to eight events.
2020 SYC Schedule:
February 15-16, 2020 – South Point Bowling Plaza, Las Vegas, NV
April 18-19, 2020 – Mermaid Lanes, Mounds View, MN
May 23-24, 2020 – Smyrna Bowling Center, Smyrna, TN
June 13-14, 2020 – Western & Expo Bowl, Indianapolis, IN
August 8-9, 2020 – Bowlerama, New Castle, DE
September 12-13, 2020 – Northrock Lanes, Wichita, KS
October 3-4, 2020 – Planet Fun & Little River Lanes, The Carolinas
November 7-8, 2020 – Boardwalk Bowl, Orlando, Florida
More information about each event will be provided on the Storm Bowling website as the tournament date approaches.
In 2020, the SYC events will continue to create a welcoming environment where youth bowlers and their families are invited to visit a new community, meet new bowlers, and learn by competing on challenging conditions developed by KEGEL. In addition to the tournament, each event includes a seminar filled with education led by one of our Team Storm members, a practice session on the patterns, as well as a SYC social where friendships are built. At each event, the top three bowlers in each gender and age-based division are awarded with bronze, silver and gold medals. At the conclusion of the tournament the overall champions receive a special SYC trophy, medal, and earn a banner that is showcased at every SYC event.
In addition, each season includes one “major” event where we award the top two overall youth bowlers in each division with a spot on the Storm All-American Team. In 2020, the Storm All-American Team will be named at the event in Indianapolis. These 12 kids earn a custom All-American jersey and jacket provided by the Official SYC Merchandiser, Logo Infusion. This event will be hosted at two bowling centers in Indianapolis and will have more than 400 entries available.
“Our owners, Bill and Barbara Chrisman, have given endlessly to bowling around the world and have always tried to inspire existing bowlers while developing new bowlers,” Hulsenberg said. “Their support of youth bowling always includes education mixed with fun to create lifelong bowling enthusiasts. No matter what age or skill level the youth player in your life is at, attending the SYC is sure to leave a positive impression on them. We welcome all and look forward to seeing you in 2020!”
We are very proud to award scholarships to our top finishers in each event. In 2019, we awarded $98,670 in scholarship to our athletes through the SMART Fund. Since 2017, we have awarded $203,065 in SMART awards to SYC bowlers. We look forward to continuing to reward bowlers and help them achieve their future educational goals.
Charity is a very special part of the SYC. Each event supports Ballard vs the Big “C” in numerous ways. Every entry includes a $10 donation to BVBC. On-site at each SYC, Carolyn and Del Ballard bring silent auction items for the SYC families to bid on. Since 2017, we have raised more than $50,000 to help fight the war on cancer through the SYC.
SYC Champions continue to demonstrate their dedication to the sport of bowling after the event concludes. Past champions have continued to excel at the youth level earning national titles and representing the United States on Jr. Team USA. Some of the athletes have also used what they learn to compete collegiately and even on the PBA and PWBA Tours. Their dedication to the sport is evident but SYC athletes also learn to be dedicated to giving back and staying committed to their education. Through scholarship and the opportunities to learn about college bowling, athletes develop a desire to continue to learn at a higher level and discover their passions. The opportunities available to these bowlers through the sport of bowling are endless. The SYC builds connections for these families that can last a lifetime.
Entries for the first event in 2020 which will take place on Las Vegas will open on December 2 at 12 pm Mountain Time on stormbowling.com/SYC.
This tournament would not be possible without the generous donation from all of our sponsors, Storm, Roto Grip, Logo Infusion, Kegel, 3G Shoes, Ballard’s Bowling Academy and Bowlers Journal International. In 2020, our scores will continue to be uploaded live through the official scoring system of the Storm Youth Championships, BowlMetrix.
If you are interested in becoming a supporting sponsor of the Storm Youth Championships or would like more information, please contact our SYC Team at syc@stormbowling.com.
Francois Lavoie Wins 2019 U.S. Open
Just 12 bowlers have been able to wear that coveted green jacket multiple times.
On Wednesday night, Francois Lavoie joined that class of champions by earning his second U.S. Open Title at Victory Lanes in Morresville, North Carolina.
In the final match, Lavoie defeated Sean Rash, 221-172 to win the title and $30,000 top prize. This is his fourth career PBA Tour title and second major.
“I realized a childhood dream when I won my first PBA major in 2016,” Lavoie said. “Since then, there have been some good times and some bad times. Earlier this year, times were tough. But I'm so glad we were able to turn things around and end the 2019 season with a huge win. A few years apart, different hairstyles, but still the same US Open green jacket. Feels surreal at the moment. My whole body is sore and I'm exhausted, but it's well worth it when this is the end result.”
After qualifying, Lavoie earned the #2 seed for the stepladder finals which were broadcast live on CBS Sports. In his first match, Lavoie faced Team Roto Grip athlete, Anthony Simonsen. The brutal lane conditions proved to be a challenge as both athletes tried to fill frames and stay consistent through the match. Lavoie stayed clean to defeat Simonsen 214-164 to advance to the title match.
In the final match, Lavoie started with five consecutive strikes adding a little extra pressure as his opponent snuggled to get comfortable.
"I had a hard time getting my hand to do what I wanted to get the right ball motion, but we stuck with it and stayed in it," Lavoie said in the official USBC Press Release. "Throwing the front five in the final game was huge, especially since our plan was just to try to hit the 1-3 every time. That pair was really hard."
Throughout the event he consistently filled frames on the demanding conditions which allowed him to rise to the top of the leaderboards and eventually win the title.
The U.S. Open was the final major of the 2019 PBA Tour season. The 2020 PBA Tour Season kicks off in January for the PBA Hall of Fame Classic in Arlington TX. To view the full schedule visit pba.com.
In addition, Storm Products joined Logo Infusion to create the 2019 Storm USA Collection where fans at home can add an All-American themed jersey to their collection to honor the most challenging event of the PBA Tour season. To view the full collection, click here.
Team Storm at the 2019 US Open
It’s official! The field at the 2019 US Open has completed 56 games on four challenging conditions at Victory Lanes and three Storm and Roto Grip athletes have qualified for the stepladder finals.
The top five PBA bowlers who qualified will bowl live on CBS Sports Network on Wednesday at 8 pm Eastern.
Francois Lavoie earned the #2 seed after qualifying averaging 212 for the tournament. He used a combination of the Phaze II, Hy-Road, All-Road, and Roto Grip IDOL.
“It’s a great feeling being back on TV,” Lavoie said. “’I’ve had some struggles earlier in the year, but I’ve worked through them and I feel much better physically and mentally at the moment. It’s a win in itself to put up such a good performance in such a demanding tournament. Now I have two games to go after another title.”
Jason Belmonte finished second the final round to earn the #3 seed. Belmonte, a 22-time PBA Tour champion will be bowling for his 12th major title and first US Open title. Earlier this season, Belmonte won the 2019 PBA World Championship to move past PBA Hall of Famers Earl Anthony and Pete Weber on the all-time major list. Belmonte used a combination of the Pitch Black, Hy-Road Nano, Hy-Road and Roto Grip IDOL Pearl.
“Making the US Open TV show is extremely rewarding,” Belmonte said. “It is a tournament that requires the best of you and I’m happy to have done enough to get this far. The job however is not done. Time to bowl the best games of my life for the title. It’s the ultimate test in bowling.”
Anthony Simonsen will join these two players to represent the brands of Storm and Roto Grip. He earned the #5 seed after qualifying and has the opportunity to become the youngest player to win three majors. He used a combination of the Phaze II, !Q Tour Emerald, Alpha Crux, and Roto Grip HALO to qualify for the show.
"In all my years, on Tour this was definitely the most demanding event I have ever worked," Jim Callahan, Storm PBA Tour Manager said. "The players that could repeat their speed control and launch angle definitely excelled. History can be made tonight. I'm looking forward to a great night!"
Team Storm and Roto Grip had several top finishers amongst the field of 144 players and we’re proud of how hard our athletes worked all week on the challenging conditions.
In addition, Storm Products joined Logo Infusion to create the 2019 Storm USA Collection where fans at home can add an All-American themed jersey to their collection to honor the most challenging event of the PBA Tour season. To view the full collection, click here.
The 2020 PBA Tour Season kicks off in January for the PBA Hall of Fame Classic in Arlington TX. To view the full schedule visit pba.com.
US Open Spotlight | Brad Miller
Are you ready? The 2019 US Open, considered one of the most challenging events of the year, begins next week at Victory Lanes in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Our Team Storm players have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming event. Over the course of the week the players who make it to the TV finals will bowl 56 games on challenging conditions.
Team Storm Athlete, Brad Miller, recently visited Storm Headquarters and rolled some of the latest releases. You can watch his review of the new All-Road on the Official Storm YouTube Channel by clicking here. So far in 2019, he’s in 18th in points on the Go Bowling! PBA Tour Point list. Brad Miller and Kyle Sherman are also hosting a 10-Day Bowling Ball Giveaway on their website and you can sign-up to win here.
Want to learn more about Brad Miller? Here’s five fast facts with Brad:
What's your favorite song right now?
Rebel Girl - Angel and Airwaves
What are the Storm or Roto Grip Bowling Balls you refuse to leave at home?
Phaze II, IDOL, and IDOL Pearl
What’s something people might not know about you?
I was a competitive soccer player before a bowler.
What are some of the things you are doing to prep for the upcoming US Open?
I worked with Coach Jasnau to get my hand on the inside of the ball and my head not moving when I release the ball.
Do you have a favorite memory from a Pro-Am?
When I was a kid, I had the front 8 in my hometown Pro-Am. It was on the tournament pattern and I felt like the coolest person ever.
If you’re in the area, plan a trip to the US Open and you’ll be able watch the greatest players in the world attack the most demanding event. Victory Lanes, in partnership with the Mooresville Convention & Visitors Bureau will also be hosting a Pro-Am where fans can bowl with some of their favorite players. There will be two squads and an exclusive Storm VIP Pro-Am on October 24. For more information visit this website. If you’re interested in signing up, please contact Victory Lanes at 704-664-2695.