Duke named BWAA Kegel Bowler of the Month for February

Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., has been named Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) Kegel Bowler of the Month for February.

Duke defeated Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 202-165 in the championship match to win the Denny's World Championship, a major tournament in the Denny's PBA Pro Tour. Not only did Duke receive $50,000, but also a much-needed two-season Tour exemption.

Plagued with injuries throughout the season, and nursing a cold during the tournament, Duke had dropped to 51st on the PBA points list, which would have made him ineligible as an exempt tour player next season (the top 39 via the point rankings earn exemptions at season's end). This was Duke's third career Major title, and 27th overall.

Other nominees garnering significant votes were Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, who earned his ninth Denny's PBA Tour title winning the 2008 Bayer Classic in El Paso, and Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, who won four televised matches to win the Pepsi Championship in Elkhorn, Neb.