The first tournament of the 27th season of MAST was held at Badger Bowl. In a recorded final match, to be aired at a later date on Time Warner Cable, Kevin Thompson won his 5th MAST title! This title comes almost to the date, 10 years after his last title, which was won at Lake Ripley Lanes in September 2004. Thompson defeated Tony Oliva in the title match, 216 to 214. Thompson received $578 for the win and also bet on himself to earn another $50. Oliva took home $318 for second place.
The season opener drew 65 bowlers and was competed on a house shot. Eric Fritton led qualifying with a score of 1042. The cut to the top 16 and survivor finals was +132 over 4 games. There were three 11-in-a-rows that were bowled by Mike Hoffman, Dan Lemiesz, and Fritton.
Both Badger Bowl and Badger Pro Shop sponsored the tournament. Badger Bowl donated a portion of the lineage back to the prize fund and three $20 gift cards to the drawing. Badger Pro Shop gave a Roto Grip Sinister at reduced cost the drawing. The ball was won by Shawn Bechtolt and Kevin Punzel, Mike Dole, and Shawn Taliaferro won the gift cards.
A special thanks also goes out to Phil Brylow of EBC Productions & Essential Bowling Concepts for showcasing the MAST and its members. Their recording of the finals and semi-final rounds will be uploaded to YouTube and aired on Time Warner Cable at a date and time to be announced.