Fifth Annual Erie Scratch Classic Set for March

The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce the 5^th Annual Erie Scratch Classic bowling tournament will be held on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5 at Rolling Meadow Lanes. The annual event will carry a $3,000 guaranteed prize for the top bowler, based on 120 entries. Event organizers anticipate more than 150 bowlers will compete in the 2017 event.

Four-game qualifying squads will begin on Saturday, March 4 at 9:30 p.m., and continue on Sunday, March 5 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Finals will begin immediately following the conclusion of qualifying squads.

The 2016 event saw more than 100 participants, resulting in a win by Matthew O’Grady of South Amboy, N.J. The three most recent Scratch Classic champions have hailed from New Jersey.

Past participants include USBC Hall of Famers Doug Kent, Liz Johnson, and local standout Mike Shady, who will be inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame in April 2017. Several PBA National Champions have also competed in the event, including Chris Loschetter, Mike Machuga, Brad Angelo, and current PBA World Champion EJ Tackett.

Perennial entrant Adam Barta of Girard, Ohio currently holds two Guinness World Records, including Highest Pinfall in Tenpin Bowling in One Hour by an Individual, and Most Strikes in Tenpin Bowling in One Hour by an Individual.

“This event is a great way to promote competitive bowling in the Erie area,” said Larry Klick, Tournament Director. “We’re proud to host this event at Rolling Meadow Lanes and promote our region as a national hotbed for one of the most widely-participated sports on the planet.”

“We’re proud to help promote this annual event and bring some of the region’s top bowlers to Erie,” said Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the Erie Sports Commission. “With the big names this event draws, we’re certain it will continue to grow and remain a staple event on Erie’s winter calendar.”

The tournament entry fee is $100 per squad, and is open to anyone interested in participating. Bowlers may participate in each squad, based on availability. Interested participants may register at Rolling Meadow Lanes or by calling them at (814) 838-7681.