Foundation Games IV

Chris — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:06:54 GMT

Foundation Games IV

July 2001 PBA Midwest Regional ( At Parktowne )

1. Jason Queen, Decatur, Illinois
2. Pete Weber, St. Ann, Missouri
3. Steve Jaros, Bolingbrook, Illinois

Madison, Wisconsin: Jason Queen finally got the "monkey off of his back", and proved to everyone that he could beat the very best with his thrilling victory in Foundation Games IV. Others know of his talent, but until you win a PBA title, you are never completely sure. Any self doubt that he may have had is now totally erased as he marched past two of the world's best on his way to victory.

Queen, from Decatur, Illinois, said, "I finally did it. I've had eight (8) 2nd place finishes in the PBA. This was very, very special." The "monkey off his back", was in regard to those runner-up finishes, in which six (6) of those were at the hands of Pete Weber, who he finally defeated for this prestigious Foundation Games title.

A former ABC Masters champion (in 1997), Queen has now secured a spot in the International Foundation Games Championship to be held in the Netherlands at a later date. The Foundation Games are designed to bring credibility back to the Sport of bowling by utilizing multiple conditions. In this particular event, two (2) distinctly different oiling patterns were used; a short pattern to 32-feet; and a long pattern to 41-feet. This concept puts emphasis on two (2) "break-points" that the bowlers need to contend with. By having more than one pattern to compete on, the bowlers need to be aware of four (4) disciplines which require: versatility, shot-making, power and accuracy. These, along with: equipment knowledge and mental prowess are essential in making up a players total preparation.

A full field of 90-players competed in the event. Host Proprietor Dan Schwoegler was impressed with the event stating, "This was the fifth (5th ) PBA Regional that I have hosted, and it was the first one that was sold-out. I look forward to hosting another one next year." He was praised by Foundation Officials for hosting this unique event that did NOT put emphasis on scoring. It took a qualifying score of plus 14 to make the cut (16th place for 10-games), and a score of minus 37 for 30th place, low in the money.

Queen was steady throughout the entire tournament. After the first 5-games (on the short pattern) he was in 3rd place with a score of: plus 130. He trailed First Round leader Jeff Smith by 60-pins and Mike Thill in 2nd place by a mere 17-pins. The lanes were then cleaned and re-oiled with the long pattern. Smith held onto his lead, but Michael Nape had now moved into the 2nd spot with a total of plus 119. Queen still held onto 3rd place going into the Match-Play Finals which were to be held the next day.

The Finals on Sunday were also unique. Half of the lanes were oiled with the short pattern, and the other half were long. Based on where you qualified, you bowled a 16-team league schedule and would often go from the short to the long pattern which required the ultimate in concentration.

During Finals play, Queen was once again up for the challenge amassing a record of 12-wins and only 4-defeats. And, once again, going into the step-ladder Finals, Jason found himself in 3rd -place. He was to face the winner of the 1st match between the talented, newcomer Ron Scheucher and experienced, veteran Bob Hileman who qualified in the 4th and 5th positions. Hileman won that first match 223-193.

Queen bowled his highest game of the tournament against Hileman, rolling 257 to Bob's 213. This set-up the semi-final match against 3-time PBA Tour Champion, Steve Jaros. Ironically, Jaros won the most recent Foundation Games tournament, also held in Madison (at a different bowling center in May). In a see-saw match, Queen edged Jaros in a low scoring nail-biter, 197-185.

Now it was the PBA Hall Of Famer and the bridesmaid. Weber got to choose the pair because he was the leading qualifier. Weber had manhandled the field in Match-Play with an outstanding record of 13-wins and only 3-losses. He told Jason that he would have to bowl him on a pair that he had shot 270 on earlier in the day. Queen appeared confident, but so did the great Weber. This was also going to be a battle of best friends, as these two often room together on Tour and other bowling related trips.

Weber never really got lined up and finished with 190, some 25 pins below his tournament average. Queen rolled a beautiful 225-game to garner the victory. The always fiery Weber, was the first to hug and congratulate his close friend and newest PBA Champion. Though disappointed, and never being happy with a 2nd place finish, Weber was a true sportsman in defeat. Queen was noticeably excited and relieved with his victory. A tear was noticed in his eye as the 1st Place Foundation Gold Medal was put around his neck. Also noticed, was the monkey that used to be on his back. IT was gone.

Asked how he felt about his victory, Queen summed it up by saying, "Now I know what it feels like to win a Major." That it what "this" is meant to feel like. Congratulations Jason !!!!

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FOUNDATION TOURNAMENT NOTES: Congratulations also goes out to Bruce Forsland for his victory in the Senior's portion of this same week-end tournament. Even though the Seniors did not bowl on the same conditions as the Juniors, it was a meaningful victory for Bruce. He is a Foundation Member and we are very proud of him and his victory. Plans are being made by Director John Weber for a Foundation Games for the Seniors in the Midwestern Region. The crowds were good all weekend and most of them stayed around for the awards presentations. Weber received the Foundation Games Silver Medal for his 2nd Place finish and Jaros received a Bronze Medal for finishing in third. It was Weber's 2nd Silver Medal. Queen now joins 3-other Foundation Games Champions: Pete Dohan, Lisa Bishop and Steve Jaros. The next Foundation Games tournament will be held in the Central (HQ.) Region on the weekend of August 10-12 at Bowl One in Detroit.

Regional Director, Dan Ottman expects a full field for the event. He tells us that his players have been asking to have one as soon as possible. Randy Hart will assist The Foundation with his lane maintenance expertise. Plans are underway to have a Seminar featuring Lane Maintenance prior to the tournament in an attempt to further educate Proprietors, Lane Personnel, Fans, Etc;. A full report on the Tournament and the Seminar will be featured in the September Cornerstone.

The Foundation Games are expanding in popularity and we are currently actively looking for sponsors. Anyone interested in helping, please give us a call or e-mail us here at The Foundation. Your cooperation is appreciated. "If not us, who? If not now, when?"

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Foundation Games IV