Jon Rakoski wins $20,000 in 2015 TAT Summer Classic

27 July, 2015

Tournaments

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Jon Rakoski from Estero, Florida, shot 257 in the final match to win the True Amateur Tournaments (TAT) Summer Classic and the $20,000 first-place check July 4th at The Orleans bowling center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jon Kroll from West Seneca, New York took home 2nd place and $10,000 shooting 216. Russ Oviatt and Cliff Connors both residing in Tempe, Arizona, earned $7,500 and $6,000 for third and fourth place, respectively.

L-R Storm’s Gary Hulsenberg, TAT Champ Jon Rakoski and Tournament Director Jamie McWilliams.

Finishing fifth was Armando Martinez of Mission, Texas, from the 189 & Under Handicap Division, who recived $5,000 for his efforts.

The TAT Summer Classic drew record 452 players which bowled over 2,000 entries with a prize fund reaching over $250,000. 1 out of 3 made the TAT main finals and received $500 with a minimum of $250 added each round they advanced. 25 division leaders also earned an additional $250 bonus.

The TAT Snake Pattern kept the scoring pace respectable throughout the week including several scores just over 600 making the cut in the scratch divisions. It was a tough demanding pattern that had multiple entry angles allowing all styles to have an equal chance.

For the first time this year’s TAT Storm Challenge had a handicap and scratch division with two bowlers from each division getting to the shootout. Greg Walters Jr. was the only one that could throw three strikes out of five attempts to take home the title and $5,000 1st place prize.

The other three finalists received $1,000 for their efforts. The Storm staff also handed out 115 Storm Rockets to participants in The Storm Challenge, which seemed to be the ball of choice at this Summer’s TAT.

Upcoming next is the 2016 TAT Amateur Nationals, February 1-6, again at the The Orleans bowling center. The organizers have announced changes on the eligibility rules as they will “try to focus more on the average league bowler”.

Herbert Bickel