PBA rolls into West Ridge Lanes

Everybody has bowled that one nearly perfect game.

Sure, the bumpers were up and it was at a kid’s birthday party, but the eight-pound neon green ball was rolling so well.

Finally, there is a chance to show off your bowling skills to the world’s best. From Aug. 26-31, the high-rolling bowlers of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) will compete at West Ridge Lanes against each other and any challengers from the audience.

The star-studded event will include many of the players that are seen on ESPN’s bowling coverage.

“The entire Brunswick staff will be here. All the great players and all the managers are coming to Topeka,” said Ron Hopper, manager of West Ridge Lanes. They’ve never done this before. In any city,”

The scheduled events begin at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 with player autographs and a question-and-answer session. A Challenge Match at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 will pit the world’s top bowlers against the best players in Topeka.

“All of these events are free to the public,” said Hopper. “We’ll have extra sets of bleachers all set up. We’re expecting hundreds of people here everyday.”

At 7 p.m. Aug. 31, fans will get the opportunity to take on the bowlers themselves in a Pro Am competition. Bowling against stars like Parker Bohn, Steve Weber and Brad Angelo, the competition will be altered to help even out the scoring. Those who participate will be able to team up with a professional and bowl together for prizes.

“We’ll have both youth and adult categories in the Pro Am,” said Hopper. “In the youth category bowlers compete for scholarships, and adults will bowl for money. The prize amounts will depend on the number of entries, but we’ll give out at least $2000 in scholarships.”

College students can choose to bowl in the youth category for $25 or the adult category for $40, giving them the chance at money or a scholarship award.

“Students should definitely come and participate and, if nothing else, watch,” said Hopper. “It’s a great chance to see great bowling and have some fun.”