Consider the 61st annual West Virginia State Bowling Tournament a success.
Over a nine-week span, more than 3,500 bowlers competed in a numerous divisions for state titles. The Clarksburg Bowling Association hosted the event at bowling alleys in Clarksburg and Flatwoods.
"It was an excellent tournament this year," bowling association state president Rick Roberts said. "We had a great turnout, and there was an increase in the number of women."
Included in the competitive women's field were four members of the professional tour.
The men's field was equally balanced. State champions came from Wheeling, Beckley, Fairmont and Weirton.
Among the tournament's notable feats was a 300-game by Beckley's Wes Johnson, while competing in doubles action. In a singles event, Parkersburg's Ken Staats bowled a 299.
Johnson and Bill Richardson won the doubles actual tournament. Other champions were: Wheeling's Joe Guzek (single handicap), Fairmont's Ken McDonald and Larry Denoon Jr. (double handicap), Beckley's Chris Gray (single actual) and Weirton's Starlight #1 (team handicap).
Clarksburg's Paul Gainer finished seventh in the all events actual total. Brian McCoy of Clarksburg finished sixth in the all events handicap total.
