Adam Barta is champion of Michalojko tournament

John Bassetti \ Bowling

When the smoke cleared following the conclusion of the 9th annual Mickey Michalojko Memorial tournament in New Castle, Girard native Adam Barta took top honors.

For a third straight year, the nail-biting finals of a very competitive event that matched 137 of the best bowlers from six states for a guaranteed first-place prize of $2,000 were witnessed by a large crowd at Colonial Lanes.

Barta captured the title by averaging 239 for four games of qualifying, plus 447 for two more games. Barta was just one pin higher than runner-up Dean Billings of Rootstown, while Troy Monahan and Artie Fink Jr., both of Altoona, Pa., were third and fourth, respectively.

In the end, only nine pins separated Barta, Billings and Monahan.

Pizza Joe’s provided the main sponsorship via Joe Seminara’s involvement. Proceeds from the event and additional sponsorship monies raised through local businesses will go toward the scholarship fund in Mickey Michalojko’s name. Area junior bowlers will benefit from the $2,000 in scholarship money this year.

Barta also rolled 300-839 in Spiech Classic at Bell-Wick on Feb. 15, while Rick Spatara and Joe Ray IV had 300s at Holiday on Feb. 16 during Charlie’s Service.

Tammy Haefke had 300-720 in Hively’s Doubles at Amron on Feb. 16.

Another 300 at Amron was by Bill Moxley in Bob’s Auto Service Seniors on Feb. 17.

Vince Ross’ 266 was the top game and his 714 the top set in Boardman Juniors.

Third-quarter roll-off winners of Camelot Strikers and Majors, respectively, were: Dennis Johnson, Joey Weeden, Alexis Grim, Dakota Gorgie and Bryan Murberger, Tommy Mihalapoulas, Jake Wagner and Nick Tancabel.

BYO was third-quarter winner of Howgren Heating & Cooling at Holiday with members Tonja Cowart, George Hennings, Roz Mahone, Sandra Evans and George Thomas.

The Ball Busters team won Mixed Bankers’ third quarter at Holiday with JoAnne Jordan, Evie Byers, Jim Jaszyn and Carl Jordan.

XJohn Bassetti writes about bowling for The Vindicator. E-mail him at bassetti@vindy.com.