Local bowler enters USBC Masters tourney

CNA photo by LARRY PETERSON Sponsor: Chad Schroeder (left), owner of Panther Lanes, has sponsored the entry fee for Willie Fargo (right) of Creston for the 2007 United States Bowling Congress Masters in Milwaukee, Wis.

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A local bowler will soon find himself on a bigger stage than league night in Creston. Willie Fargo has been invited to participate in qualifying rounds of the United States Bowling Congress Masters, a major tournament on the Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association Tour. The Milwaukee event is the first U.S. stop of the 2007-08 PBA season. Finals of the USBC Masters will be televised on ESPN at noon (CDT) on Oct. 28 from Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. To reach the Masters finals, Fargo would have to survive a grueling series of qualifying rounds, but he’s just thankful for the opportunity. “My goal is to go there and just see how I stack up against that level of competition,” said Fargo, 30, a 1995 graduate of Creston High School. Sponsors needed Fargo, who works at Bunn-O-Matic and Pizza Hut of Creston, is busy rounding up business and individual sponsors to help cover costs of his entry in the Masters. He and wife Stacy are the parents of two children ages 10 and 7. Chad Schroeder, owner of Panther Lanes, is paying the $500 entry fee. “I just think it’s great that somebody from Creston has a chance to go,” Schroeder said. Other sponsors are being sought to help cover costs of transportation, lodging and meals during the nearly week-long stay in the Milwaukee area. He’s been practicing in five-game blocks at both Panther Lanes and Pine Valley Golf and Bowl to prepare for the busy week ahead. Masters qualifying and match play rounds will be conducted Oct. 23-26 at AMF Bowlero Lanes in the Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa, Wis. Fargo recently received a correspondence from USBC officials notifying him of his eligibility for the Masters tournament based on verified league averages above 190. Three years ago he had a 197 average, followed by 193 and 193 the past two years. “If you average over 190 more than one year, or have a 200 or better for one year, you can enter the Masters,” Fargo explained. One other local bowler, Sterling Weirich, was eligible under those standards, but is unable to participate due to an elbow injury, Fargo said. Qualifying rounds About 500 bowlers will start out in qualifying rounds. Each day, 25 percent of the field advances after five games, before cutting to the top 64 for match play. An optional practice is scheduled Oct. 21, with official practice on Oct. 22 and qualifying rounds beginning Oct. 23. Last year, average score of those making the first cut was 203, and average score through the second cut was 209 for 15 games. Fargo said he’ll use the practice rounds to watch how his hook delivery responds to the demanding oil patterns of lanes used for USBC tournament competition. Reigning PBA Player of the Year Doug Kent will attempt to defend his title against the world’s top professional and amateur bowlers. To be among those bowlers is a dream come true for Fargo, who has competed in the sport since he was a youngster. “I started bowling in junior leagues when I was about 10 years old,” Fargo said. “I wasn’t big enough to do well in some of the other sports like football and basketball, but I liked seeing how good I could get in bowling. I still go home at lunch and watch (PBA) bowling they show on ESPN Classic every day. I just try to pick up on what their ball did, and what they did to adjust.” Fargo could become eligible for further PBA tournament entries by earning any of the cash awards ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. But vying for the prize money will be established PBA veterans like Tommy Jones and Parker Bohn III. “All the big names are going to be there,” Fargo said. “I bowled in a pro-am two years ago. I thought that was what it might be like, but I know it’s different. I doubt if they’re up for giving advice. Everyone is there to win.” In the meantime, Fargo is busy rounding up sponsorships. Vocational Rehabilitation has approved a matching grant if he collects $850 in value of support, since professional bowling has vocation potential. How to help Those interested in assisting Fargo’s professional quest can do so by calling 641-782-2692 or sending contributions to 310 N. Jarvis, Creston, IA 50801. Proceeds from Friday’s mountain oyster fry at Eagles Aerie 1398, 300 E. Montgomery Street, will go toward Fargo’s trip. A donation can has been set up at Self Expressions Tattoos, 105 N. Elm St. ____________ Larry Peterson can be reached at 782-2141, ext. 232 or lpeterson@crestonnews.com