Bowling: Kettering pro Kretzer still on a roll

Kettering bowler Brian Kretzer, shown here in January 2014 in Allen Park, Michigan during the PBA League quarter finals between the Detroit Motown Muscle and New York King Pins, has been competing for three decades. Photo contributed by Tim Fuller-PBA

Kettering bowler Brian Kretzer, shown here in January 2014 in Allen Park, Michigan during the PBA League quarter finals between the Detroit Motown Muscle and New York King Pins, has been competing for three decades. Photo contributed by Tim Fuller-PBA

Brian Kretzer enjoys being the kid more than bowling against the kids.

The 51-year-old Kettering resident — who joined the PBA50 ranks just over a year ago — won his sixth PBA50 Regional title Sunday at the Mel Westrich Memorial Central/Midwest Open in Delphos. It is his 22nd career PBA regional title.

“I’m man enough to admit I’m not as competitive against the kids on the PBA Tour as I used to be,” Kretzer said. “But, at 51, I am the kid when I’m bowling PBA50 events. I’m a little stronger and have more endurance than some of the older guys.”

Kretzer also has three decades of competitive bowling experience — a significant advantage.

“I’ve been bowling for a living for 30 years — not all of these guys can say that — so that experience makes a big difference,” he said. “What really helps is my 14 years on the national tour.”

The tournament-tested Kretzer — the 2016 PBA50 player of the year in the Central Region — is confident in his ability to adjust to changing lane conditions and can play most parts of the lane.

But Kretzer is not alone when it comes to experience. He edged United States Bowling Congress Hall of Famer Harry Sullins for the regional win Sunday. Sullins has five PBA Tour titles and cashed in seven of eight PBA50 events in 2017.

“The top of the field is always strong in the regionals,” Kretzer said. “The middle and the bottom of the field isn’t as strong as it is in a national event, but these guys are still really good bowlers.”

Kretzer had a solid qualifying round in Delphos, finishing the day in fifth place, easily making the top 16 cut after eight games. Day 2 meant 12 games of round robin match play with pins and bonus carrying over. Kretzer finished 9-3 with a 221.8 average and 25,000 points while Sullins was 6-6 with a 218.25 average and 21,714 points. The Kettering bowler became the first champion to defend his title at the Westrich Memorial in the tournament’s 11-year run.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Kretzer is back on the lanes this weekend, attempting to repeat as champion in a tournament in Sun City, Arizona. Then it’s off to Delaware the following week. By late October, Kretzer will have competed in 13 of the last 15 weekends.

“It’s what I love doing,” he said.


PBA50 Mel Westrich Memorial Central/Midwest Open

Top Local Placers

Match play | Average | Points

1. Brian Kretzer, Kettering 9-3-0 221.80 25000

9. Neil Kassel, Beavercreek 5-6-1 207.05 11054

13. Les Ash, Washington Courthouse 4-7-1 196.80 8863

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