Michael Haugen Jr. named BWAA Kegel Bowler of Month

Michael Haugen, Jr., Cave Creek, Ariz., was the overwhelming choice for the Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) Kegel Bowler of the month for January.

In dramatic fashion, Haugen won his first career Major and second career title at the H&R Block Tournament of Champions at Red Rock Lanes in Las Vegas. Battling back from a sore throat and swollen tonsils just two days earlier, Haugen overcame a 50-pin deficit to defeat Chris Barnes, 215-214 in the title match.

Haugen won his first career title in the 2007 Lake County Indiana Classic in November, defeating Wes Malott, 247-239. He became the second bowler in history--and the first since Joe Joseph in 1962--to win his first career title and the Tournament of Champions in the same season. He earned the $50,000 top prize and a two-year exemption on the Professional Bowlers' tour.

Other nominees earning a significant number of votes for Bowler of the Month were Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., who won his 11th title at the Construction Jobs.com PBA tournament in Reno, and Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, who won his fourth career title at the Motel 6 Dick Weber Open by coming from fifth to champion. Scroggins also finished third with Bill O'Neill in the PBA Exempt Doubles Classic and ninth in the Lumber Liquidators Earl Anthony Medford Classic in January.