Harper Jr., Haefke heat up as season winds down

Although the winter season is winding down, Steve Harper Jr. and Teri Haefke don’t know when to quit.

Harper rolled 278-299-289—866 April 3 in Belchyk-Ferkula Classic at Holiday.

Haefke had 300 — her 36th since July 2001.

Harper was one pin away from the Youngstown Bowling Association record of 867 established by Adam Barta at Wedgewood Dec. 26, 2000.

“If I would have doubled in the 10th, I would have been in the 870s,” Harper said of his missed opportunity on the 11th ball of the third game.

In the first game, Harper started with nine strikes, then left 10-pins back-to-back.

He made the first 11 of the second game, then left another 10-pin on the last throw.

Harper’s third game started with a string of 10 strikes before stranding the 10-pin on the 11th ball.

“I covered it up for 289, but I could have gone around the city record.”

If it’s any consolation, Harper’s 866 equals the YBA’s second-best series, which is also held by Barta, on Jan. 11, 2007.

Harper, a McDonald High graduate who now lives in Canfield, held the previous city record of 863 at Wedgewood in 1992.

To call it a friendly rivalry is an understatement.

“We’ve bowled a couple tournaments as doubles partners,” Harper said of the latest instance at Canton Hall of Fame Lanes where the pair finished third.

Prior to this March, Barta, of Girard, bowled with Harper in the state tournament team event. This time, Barta had another bowling commitment.

“We usually bowl at state the second weekend of March every year,” said Harper.

Although Barta joined Harper and two others the previous four years, Harper went to Cincinnati with Bob Eckenrode, Rich Skelton and Dan Guerrieri.

Harper Co. were third recently. Last year, Harper’s team was state runner-up.

“We’re usually a top-five finishing team,” he said of the scratch division.

Steve, who works for the Ohio Turnpike, did break the Holiday house record.

“Unfortunately, the bowling gods were not with me that night.”

At least Harper made his first nine strikes in every game — something he never did before.

Belchyk-Ferkula’s second-best set April 3 was Dave Ellis’ 834.

Haefke rolled 300-244-225 — 769, then added 278 to finish with 1047 for four in Wedgewood Ladies Trio April 1.

The 28-year-old Haefke remains the area’s most outstanding woman bowler, yet she isn’t as immersed as she once was.

Haefke, recipient of numerous awards since her teens, including top average in the WIBC, has had a drop-off in participation lately, mostly in tournaments where she’d benefit from earnings and increased exposure.

Despite the slight retreat from nesting on area lanes, Haefke is still quite active.

She just won the Thursday Night Matchplay championship at Amron April 10.

Teri won the women’s singles league with stepladder wins over Jennifer Gossett, Barb Baker and, finally, Marla Chicase.

Haefke’s two previous perfect games this season were in George’s Music Shop at Wedgewood in the last two months of 2007.

She’s also had two 800 series this season, including an 806 April 1.

At one time, Haefke was a representative for Hammer.

She now works as a senior customer service representative at Huntington Bank’s West Blvd. branch.

“It’s because I’m not bowling tournaments like I did in the past,” said Haefke. “I need to get myself out there more.”

Cutting back?

Not so fast.

The former Austintown Fitch coach will be YSU’s women’s coach next season when the Penguins will bowl out of McKinley Lanes.

Bruce Curall had 300 and Frank Corso 298 in Shooting Gallery at Holiday, while Rick Huebner’s 300-739 led St. Christine Men at Wedgewood, March 27.

Dennis Lowry’s 300-739 led St. Dominic Men at Holiday on April 13.

On the last night of Thursday Night Matchplay action at Amron on April 3 (week 30 of 30), Teri Haefke led with 278-772, followed by Jen Gossett’s 268-732. However, Fran Miller’s 279 was top game.

Mike Viglio had the distinction of finishing Double “S” Construction Trio’s season with last-night highs of 289-779 on April 2.

Good Times’ second half at Bell-Wick ended with the Handicappers taking first place. The roll-offs were between the Handicappers and the Apple Jacks.

XJohn Bassetti writes about bowling for The Vindicator. Write to him at bassetti@vindy.com.