Without question, this season of GutterAlley action has been the best season in our league's 13+ year history. So far we've seen 146 games of 200+, ten bowlers carrying averages over 180 (including three at 200+) and, with Tuesday's action included, our 4th series over 700. Talk about an impressive run this season. Take a bow, one and all. We're a part of history.After having been bounced from the top of the league standings in the position round, Will Strike if Provoked has been dishing out a steady diet of 3-1 matchup victories. Tuesday night saw them get off to a slow start by dropping Game #1 to opponents Split It and Hit It, led by Dennis Blake and his 523 series, but quickly rebounded to not drop another game the rest of the evening. With leadoff roller Phil Schroeder hoisting a 551 series to lead his team, the Strikers easily took Games #2 and #3 and, subsequently, total pins. With the wins, Will Strike moves back into 2nd place and within striking distance of the top of the standings with their 24-16 record – a mere two games back. Split It and Hit It remains in 6th place with their record of 17.5-22.5.The last time that Brunk Enough to Dowl faced Snakes on a Lane, they beat the living hell out of them 3-1. History repeated itself in this regard but with an added bonus – Kody Karnes threw his best series to date in his debut season in the league. With games of 257, 245, and 208, Karnes threw the season's fourth series over seven-hundred, ending with a 710. Despite 630 series from both Ian Goetz and Ken M. Wilson (including a 613 from Carl Goetz), the team managed only a single win. Karnes easily earned #1 Power Ranked bowler honors. Even though they added three wins to their record, Brunk Enough remains in 7th place. Snakes on a Lane, however, slither down one spot into 5th place. Last season, the Dragon Balls' gentle giant Rob Kaszuba became the proud owner of a new ball. Apparently the two have bonded as Rob is having his best season to date...much to the chagrin of opponents Murder, He Wrote. Earning Most Valuable Bowler, Kaszuba – along with anchor Ryan Doll's 613 series – came away with a 3-1 matchup victory in the battle between 1st and 2nd place. Lead off roller Brian Mohr got into the action in Game #3, rolling his first league 200+ game to lead the rout of Murder by a margin of 125 pins scratch. The wins keep Dragon Balls firmly in first place with their 26-14 record while Murder drops two places into 4th place with a record of 22.5-17.5. Bill Krejci led Murder in the losing effort with his 625 series.Down on Lanes 47 & 48, Ballz Out looked to hit the double-digit win mark at the expense of opponents Three Strikes and You're Out! but this Tuesday was simply not their night. With Three Strike's anchor Angela Bradford leading the way with her 557 series, the team simply did not let up from the opening roll en route to the night's only sweep. The Ballz' anchor Cliff Barendsen tried to keep his gang in it with his team-leading 552 series but it simply was not enough to turn the Strikes' tide. With the dust settled, Three Strikes climb two spots into 3rd place with their 24-16 record while Ballz remains in 8th place.Bowlers toasting Kody's incredible run this season in The 200 Club this week include: Bill Krejci (213, 221), Bryan Mohr (207), Carl Goetz (200, 202, 211), Dennis Blake (204), Ian Goetz (234, 213), Ken M. Wilson (244, 224), Kody Karnes (257, 245, 208), and Ryan Doll (201, 234).This week's Tournament of Champions action tightened things up. Carl Goetz (16) joins Ken M. Wilson (16) in the top spot in Division #1. Division #2 is playing out with a battle between Dennis Blake (15) and Kody Karnes (12). The Schroeders continue to control Division #3 with Phil (16) leading and Freda (14) following closely behind. Division #4 is still the Split It and Hit It show with Mark Devoe (18) and Michael Smith (15) holding the top two spots.Please don't forget to take a moment to vote for this season's nominees. At the end of the season, we'll see the 8th enshrinee make their way into the league's Hall of Fame. Be a part of helping one of these six deserving candidates earn their painted pin. See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Rob Kaszuba Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Kody Karnes Runner Up: Rob Kaszuba	#1 H2H BOWLER Kody Karnes Runner Up: Angela Bradford
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "You'll fit in well in Africa." Scott Murdock, after Ian mentioned that he was trying to take his skinny ass to do missionary work later this year.

Week #9 saw a familiar face show up to fill the void left in the league when Neil Rieger made his move to California – and he showed up in a big way. Also around the league, three teams managed to switch places in the league standings as we get back into the swing of things with everyone repeating the schedule of the first half of the Spring 2013 season. Eighteen more 200+ games were added into the mix as we continue our quest to be the best when it comes to the single season with the most games over two hundred. Ready to find out how your favorite team did? Be our guest...After the position round last week, Murder, He Wrote looked poised to reach the top...but quickly derailed from their goal at the hands of Three Strikes and You're Out!. After winning close content in Game #1, mainly due to Murder's fill-in anchor Seth Gunderson and his team-leading 529 series (including a 220 in the initial battle), last week's heavy hitters ran into this week's battling babes as Three Strikes took the remaining games in the matchup to end with a 3-1 victory. Angela Bradford's 535 series did the trick as her team improved to 20-16 but fall one notch down to 5th place. Murder manages to hold onto 2nd place but are no longer just a half game behind the league leaders.Last season, Steve Kiernan fell just one victory shy of winning his first championship. Had he bowled in the Finals like he did Tuesday night, things would have been radically different. Making his debut this season as a replacement bowler for Neil Rieger on Dragon Balls, Kiernan came out firing and ended his night with an impressive 706 series against opponents Ballz Out. It should come to no one as a surprise that Steve was this week's #1 Power Ranked bowler. But was his output enough to bring about a sweep? Oh no. Just ask this week's Most Valuable Bowler and Ballz Out anchor Cliff Barendsen. With his 588 series, Cliff managed to keep his team in the fight as the two teams dueled to a 2-2 standstill. In the end, neither team moved in the league standings with the Dragons extending their lead on the league out to 1.5 games while Ballz Out remains in 8th place.The last time these two teams met, Will Strike if Provoked came away with a clean sweep over opponents Brunk Enough to Dowl. This time around, though, things were just slightly different. After a blowout in Game #1, Will Strike looked ready and willing to rack up another sweep until Brunk's Kody Karnes hoisted a 258 – and ended with a team high 650 series for the night – to turn the tide with a Game #2 victory. Will Strike's Aubrey Moren struck back with a 626 series to wrap up not only Game #3 but total pins as well to keep his team in 3rd place. Brunk Enough, with their lone win, remains in 7th place.Down on the final pair of lanes, Snakes on a Lane set their sights on getting back into the swing of things and did so with the lone sweep of the evening. With Carl Goetz leading the way with an impressive 684 series, the men easily took all four games against Split It and Hit It. Dennis Blake led Split It with his 466 series but it wasn't enough to derail Carl and crew. The Snakes were the lone team to move up in the league standings this week, slithering two spots up into 4th place. Split It and Hit It tumbles one spot into 6th place.Bowlers helping this to be the best season in league history spied hanging out in The 200 Club this week include: Aubrey Moren (235, 204), Carl Goetz (214, 236, 234), Cliff Barendsen (202, 200), Freda Schroeder (203), Ian Goetz (202), Ken M. Wilson (205, 214), Kody Karnes (211, 258), Ryan Doll (224), Seth Gunderson (220), and Steve Kiernan (244, 257, 205).The Tournament of Champions continues to roll on with no changes in Division #1, still owned by Ken M. Wilson (15) and Carl Goetz (13). Division #2 is covered by the Duo of Dennis', Blake (12) and Laube (7). Freda Schroeder (13) moved up to a tie with Jonathan Vigliaturo (13) in Division #3 while Michael Smith (15) propelled himself to the top of Division #4, ousting fellow teammate Mark DeVoe (12) from the top spot.Voting on this season's Hall of Fame ballot is now open and ready for your input. Six league legends are vying for the lone spot that this season offers. Congratulations once again to nominees Bill Krejci, Cory Chorpenning, Demond Robinson, Jason Carpio, Ryan Doll, and Seth Gunderson. Vote for these guys today! See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Cliff Barendsen Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Steve Kiernan Runner Up: Carl Goetz	#1 H2H BOWLER Carl Goetz Runner Up: Aubrey Moren
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "No, seriously, you guys. These oatmeal cookies are hella good." ...said no one ever, until Chelsea uttered the line with a straight face before conning two league bowlers into buying some.

Kicking off in the Spring 2011 season, our bowling community collectively cast its votes for the inaugural class of enshrinees to the GutterAlley Hall of Fame. These initial four bowlers were tasked with carrying on the Hall's enshrinement duties, promising that one new bowler would make his or her way to join them at the end of every season going forward. We are happy to say that the tradition is about to continue for a fifth time to welcome in the eighth inductee. The GutterAlley Hall of Fame Screening Committee is proud to announce the names of the six candidates up for enshrinement this season – Bill Krejci, Cory Chorpenning, Demond Robinson, Jason Carpio, Ryan Doll, and Seth Gunderson.Each of these six bowlers, in his own way, has made an impact on the league over the years. It will now be up to you to cast your votes to send one person to join AB, Scoot, Freda, Ken, Carl, Bob, and – most recently – Codding in the Hall.Every member of the bowling community that has an active account on GutterAlley.com will be assessed a number of votes based upon his or her tenure within the league. Bowlers who have not yet completed a full season are ineligible to vote for the Hall of Fame candidates. Bowlers who have completed 1-2 full seasons are allowed one vote. Bowlers who have completed 3-4 season are allowed two votes. Bowlers who have completed 5+ seasons are allowed three votes. Hall of Famers are allowed four. Voters are not required to cast all of their available votes.Voting starts today and shall remain open until the week before the Finals (Week 15 - May 7th, 2013).For your convenience, we have prepared a page about each nominee so that you can get to know them better and see their influence on our league both on and off the lanes: Read the rest of this entry »

The midway point of the 27th season of GutterAlley action is now history and with it came some historical happenings. As a league we're still on pace to break the all-time 200+ games in a single season record, a mere five games separate the top six teams (all of which shifted in the standings Tuesday night), and the third highest series of all time was thrown. We can't say that this was a typical position round by any means. Ready to get into the details? Have at it...After suffering defeat at the hands of Dragon Balls last week, the team with the best record heading into the position round – Will Strike if Provoked – looked to exact their revenge. It looks like that will have to wait as the Dragon's Rob Kaszuba took matter into his own hands and almost single-handedly propelled his team to a clean sweep to take over first place with a record of 21-11. Kaszuba shot a team-leading 541 series (his best this season), increasing his score each game as the night progressed. The Provoked were led by Aubrey Moren and his 571 series but simply couldn't fire on all pistons, falling two spots into 3rd place at 18-14.The last time Snakes on a Lane and Murder, He Wrote met, the Snakes' Ken M. Wilson put on a clinic with his 683 series to take all four games. Despite Wilson's 669 series this time around, it was simply no match whatsoever for the onslaught brought forth by this week's #1 Power Ranked bowler, Bill Krejci. Rolling the 3rd highest series of all time in league history (including two entries on the highest games of all time), Krejci's 743 series absolutely routed the competition to take over 2nd place with their record of 20.5-11.5. Snakes on a Lane, having been in first place three weeks ago, has plummeted to 6th place with their 16-16 record.Other than the Finals, rolling the best series of your career in the position round is almost perfect timing. Just ask this week's Most Valuable Bowler, Mark DeVoe. With his 474 series, combined with anchor Dennis Blake's team-leading 497 series, DeVoe's scores allowed Split It and Hit It to come away with a 3-1 matchup victory down on Lanes 45 & 46 to improve to 16.5-15.5 on the season. Angela Bradford, anchor on Three Strikes and You're Out!, narrowly missed a come-from-behind-victory in Game #3 that would have allowed a split of the series but fell just one roll short (uncharacteristically guttering after throwing two strikes in the 10th frame) with her 519 series. Split It and Hit It rise one spot to 5th place while Three Strikes also climbs one spot into 4th with their 17-15 record. In the battle of 7th and 8th place, Brunk Enough to Dowl and Ballz Out opted to take a ride on a roller coaster against one another. With Cliff Barendsen's 580 series leading the way, the Ballz got out to an early lead by taking Game #1. Not to be outdone, Kody Karnes put up a 643 series (including a 267, which also puts him on the highest games of all-time list) to reverse the momentum and give Brunk the win in Game #2. The two battled it out with 200+ games apiece in Game #3 but Barendsen's team came away with the win in the end. Total pins, however, seesawed over to Brunk Enough to even the series at two games apiece. Neither team moved in the league standings, with Brunk Enough to Dowl improving to 12-20 to Ballz Out's 7-25. Nine bowlers found themselves making their way into The 200 Club this week, including: Aubrey Moren (223), Bill Krejci (279, 269), Carl Goetz (237), Cliff Barendsen (202, 210), Ian Goetz (200), Ken M. Wilson (215, 247, 207), Kody Karnes (267, 216), Rob Kaszua (204), and Seth Gunderson (255).The Tournament of Champions had some shakeups this week. Division #1 saw Ken M. Wilson (15) regain his spot ahead of Carl Goetz (13). Dennis Blake (11) extended his lead out ahead of Kody Karnes (6) and Cory Chorpenning (6) in Division #2. A new sheriff is in town in Division #3 as Jonathan Vigliaturo (12) moves ahead of Phil Schroeder (10). Division #4 welcomed back Mark DeVoe (12) to the top spot while Stephan Miller (10) chases him very closely.Nominations for this season's Hall of Fame induction is now closed. Thank you to everyone that nominated someone. Voting on this season's ballot will begin next week.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Mark DeVoe Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Bill Krejci Runner Up: Mark DeVoe	#1 H2H BOWLER Bill Krejci Runner Up: Mark DeVoe
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Hey, Ken...be sure to blog about THAT! Hahahahahahahahaha!" Cliff Barendsen, after watching Angela Bradford gutter in the 10th frame after two strikes to lose Game #3 in a tightly contested battle.

Everyone has now bowled one another once and, with that, the 27th season of GutterAlley action has found itself knotted up in the league standings in one of the closest first halves we've had in quite some time. Heading into the position round next week, a mere two games separate the top five teams in the league. That's pretty close, folks. Ready to see how it all played out? Keep reading...Having finally broken free and taken over 1st place outright last week, Will Strike if Provoked looked to hold onto their position. And while they did come away still in first place by the end of the night, it wasn't without some frustration from opponents Dragon Balls. After losing Games #1 and #2, behind a 547 series performance from the Dragon's anchor Ryan Doll, Will Strike regrouped and pulled off a solitary win to stay ahead of the heap. Both Phil Schroeder and Aubrey Moren shot a 539 series to lead their team in the losing effort. With the wins, Dragon Balls ends up being one of only two teams that moved around in the league standings and finds itself in 2nd place. The two teams will face off against one another in the position round with records of 18-10 and 17-11, respectively.Down a pair on Lanes 43 & 44, four Hall of Famers did battle against one another in what almost ended up being an outright slaughter. Fresh off their ass whooping last week, Snakes on a Lane looked to rebound but quickly derailed at the hands of opponents Three Strikes and You're Out!. Despite throwing the highest series of the evening – a 668 and earning #1 Power Ranked bowler status in the process – Carl Goetz simply received no help from his fellow Snakes as Three Strikes took it to them for a 3-1 matchup victory. Bob Brunker provided the most output for the winning side, ending his night with his best series this season – a 584. Even with the wins, Three Strikes and You're Out remains in 5th place while Snakes on a Lane becomes the only team to fall in the league standings, finding themselves in 4th place now. When you are the team's anchor and find yourself down two bowlers, what do you do? Well, if you are Dennis Blake of Split It and Hit It, you knuckle down and put up this week's Most Valuable Bowler performance. Shooting over his average every game, Blake's 528 series led the way on both sides of the equation en route to the night's lone sweep. The victims this time around were Ballz Out, who are now in the midst of an 8-game losing streak. While Game #2 was won by a mere three pins, the rest of the games weren't even close as Split It improves to a record of 13.5-14.5 good enough to remain in 6th place. They will face Three Strikes and You're Out in the position round. Ballz Out's anchor Cliff Barendsen led his team with a 518 series but continues to struggle to find a way to bring his team to victory...and remains in 8th place.At the far end of the bowling alley, Murder, He Wrote looked to extend their winning streak after last week's sweep. You know how people say that every pin counts? Well, that was certainly the case in Game #1 against opponents Brunk Enough to Dowl. The two teams found themselves tied at 661-661, resulting in a half game victory apiece. Game #2 also came down to the final roll, with the victory going to Murder – compliments of Bill Krejci's team leading 554 series by a margin of only four pins. Game #3 came down to another duel, this time going Brunk Enough's way via the 528 series from Kody Karnes and a 10-pin margin of victory. Total pins went Brunk's way, by six pins, to end it with them taking the series 2.5-1.5. Neither team budged in the league standings – Murder, He Wrote remains in 3rd while Brunk Enough to Dowl continues to reside in 7th place.As a league, we managed to cross the midway point on our way to becoming the season that has seen the most 200+ games. Those contributing this week in The 200 Club include: Angela Bradford (206), Bill Krejci (200), Bob Brunker (204, 223), Carl Goetz (225, 235, 208), Ian Goetz (209), Ken M. Wilson (200), Phil Schroeder (216), and Ryan Doll (203).The Tournament of Champions is back on track now with some changes in the divisional leads. Carl Goetz (13) has taken over the top spot in Division #1 from Ken M. Wilson (12) who has apparently forgotten how to bowl. Division #2 finds a new leader in this week's MVB Dennis Blake (8) while Kody Karnes (6) moves up to tie Cory Chorpenning (6), who has seemingly vanished into thin air the past two weeks. Phil Schroeder (9) and Freda Schroeder (7) continue to rule Division #3 respectively but find Anita Osthoff (7) in a tie for the second spot. Michael Smith continues to hold onto Division #4 but find a new person on his heels, Stephan Miller (7) who inches out Mark DeVoe by a single point.As mentioned on our Facebook page earlier and on the whitesheet Tuesday night, nominations for this season's Hall of Fame induction will close at the end of bowling in the position round. Please, if you haven't already, hop on over and nominate some folks. There are almost 60 bowlers eligible for induction this season but, in the end, there can be only one. Please take a moment and help someone make their way into the Hall this season. See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Dennis Blake Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Carl Goetz Runner Up: Bob Brunker	#1 H2H BOWLER Carl Goetz Runner Up: Dennis Blake
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Jeez, you guys...who do you think you are, the Royals?" Sabrina Gray, commenting on the Snakes' 2-6 record the last two weeks.

With the position round just right around the corner, Week #6 is usually a great time to make your move if you're looking to improve your station in the league standings. Several teams got the memo while others simply did not pay that close attention to it. Now that the post-bowling has been taken care of, we can get into the full story. With one of their own out for the night, Split It and Hit It recruited 1/4th of the reigning championship team from last season to fill in Tuesday night. John Boren showed up to sub and, with his team-leading 562 series, helped Split It take Game #1 from opponents Brunk Enough to Dowl. Kody Karnes, however, had different plans. He countered with a 604 series which made the difference in Game #2 to even the series at a game apiece. Game #3 came down to the wire but went in favor of Split It and Hit It before – ready for this? – causing a tie for total pins. Split It takes their 2.5-1.5 matchup victory and remains in 6th while Brunk Enough continues to hold onto 7th place.It took until Monday the 11th, but the results of the matchup between Ballz Out and Murder, He Wrote was finalized...and went down exactly as Scoot predicted. While both teams were off, Murder was off less and came away with the 4-0 sweep to improve to 15-9 on the season. Bill Krejci's 578 series was the top for Murder, He Wrote while Cliff Barendsen's 491 was the highest output from Ballz Out. Murder moves up a spot into 3rd place while Ballz Out, now 5-19, remains in 8th place.Having danced around one another almost all season, the two teams with the league's best records – Will Strike if Provoked and Snakes on a Lane – finally met for their inevitable showdown. With it being Freda Schroeder's birthday, the team figured that the best birthday present they could present her was a beatdown of of the Snakes...and they delivered. With Provoked's anchor Aubrey Moren leading the way with his first 600+ series of the season, a 643, he not only led the team to a 3-1 ass whooping over their opponents but also landed #1 Power Ranked bowler honors as well. The team moves up to own 1st place outright with their 17-7 record. The Snakes' Carl Goetz led his team in the losing effort with a 614 series while falling to 2nd place at 15-9.On the final pair of lanes, the Dragon Balls said goodbye to Neil Rieger by treating him to a clean sweep of opponents Three Strikes and You're Out!. With anchor Ryan Doll (and this week's Most Valuable Bowler) shooting his best series so far this season – a 662 – the team stole Game #1 in the 10th frame but emphatically took each game beyond that. Neil himself put the icing on the cake by shooting his best game in the league – a 277 – good enough to earn him a spot with the 7th highest game thrown in league history in his final game. Three Strikes' Bob Brunker led his team with a 495 series but it was simply no match for the Balls' output. With the wins, Doll and crew climb one spot up into 4th while Three Strikes and You're Out! fall two spots into 5th place.Those bowlers wishing Freda Schroeder and Sabrina Gray a happy birthday in The 200 Club this week include: Aubrey Moren (235, 214), Carl Goetz (245), Freda Schroeder (200), Ian Goetz (233), John Boren (212), Kody Karnes (239), Neil Rieger (277), Phil Schroeder (233), and Ryan Doll (206, 246, 210).The results of the Tournament of Champions will be up as soon as we have the scores from the post-bowling.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Ryan Doll Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Aubrey Moren Runner Up: Neil Rieger	#1 H2H BOWLER Aubrey Moren Runner Up: Ryan Doll
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Now THAT is how you retire from a league!" Neil Rieger, after rolling a 277 as his final game and walking off into the sunset.

With a huge snowstorm scheduled to hit Kansas City this week, the fire from the lanes of Week #5 GutterAlley action could easily melt it away. This season continues to be one of the best in the league's history as another twelve 200+ games were added to the overall tally, bringing our collective total up to 74 in the first five weeks (the all-time record is 183 rolled in the Spring 2007 session). Despite the big scores, only two teams managed to move in the league standings with everyone else pretty much staying put. Ready to get into the details? Read on...The last time the core of these two teams met, it was their winner-take-all battle for the Fall 2012 title with the guys splitting the series at 2-games apiece. Some things never change. After taking Game #1 behind anchor Ryan Doll's 615 series, Dragon Balls jumped out to an early lead. That's when Snakes on a Lane's seemingly possessed Ken M. Wilson took over. Nearly rolling a perfect game – he threw 11 strikes total along with a single spare in the third frame – Wilson propelled his team to a huge Game #2 victory with his 764 series, the second highest in league history, while earning #1 Power Ranked bowler honors along the way. Game #3 came down to a 10th frame showdown with Doll outpacing the Snakes' anchor Carl Goetz to seal the victory. Total pins, however, went to the Snakes to split the matchup at 2-2 each. Wilson and crew remain in 1st by total pins while Dragon Balls fall one spot into 5th place.Last week, Will Strike if Provoked's Phil Schroeder led his team with a 566 series. For his encore performance, this week's Most Valuable Bowler once again shot a 566 series – this time against opponents Three Strikes and You're Out!. Phil's MVB nod, the 12th in his career, ties him for the most MVBs in league history with Jason Carpio. After taking the first two games in the 10th frame, Will Strike found some resistance in the form of Three Strikes' Angela Bradford. Rolling her personal best game of the season so far – a 208 – Bradford swung the tide in the matchup to not only take Game #3 but total pins as well. AB's 538 series now leads the season for Women's High Series Scratch. With the two wins each, Will Strike if Provoked remains in 2nd with Three Strikes & You're Out a game behind them in 3rd place.Jokingly referred to as "The Battle for Last Place" by Kody Karnes before the night began, the 7th place Brunk Enough to Dowl took on 8th place Ballz Out on Lanes 45 & 46...and while neither team ended up moving at all in the league standings, the distance between the two has narrowed significantly. Games #1 and #2 went easily to Ballz Out, with the team's anchor Cliff Barendsen putting up the most fire power with his 584 series. Karnes, easily this season's top Rookie of the Season contender, put up a 635 series to keep his team in the fight and took Game #3 to keep from getting blanked. Total pins went to Ballz Out by a sizable margin. Ballz Out improves to 5-15 on the season as compared to Brunk Enough's 6-14 record. The final matchup of the night found Murder, He Wrote needing to bounce back after back-to-back beat downs the previous two weeks. The victims they put into their crosshairs? The men of Split It and Hit It. With anchor Bill Krejci putting up a 611 series, Murder, He Wrote emphatically took both Games #1 and #2. On the verge of being swept, Split It's Matt Bunyard put up his highest game to date in the league – a 181 – to stave off the Murderous onslaught. Dennis Blake put up the biggest series for Split It & Hit It, a 490. Despite the 100+ pin margin of victory in Game #3, total pins still went to Murder, He Wrote, who remains in 4th place. Split It & Hit It remain in 6th place, just a single game ahead of the team in seventh.Bowlers wondering if this season will see the most business within The 200 Club include: Angela Bradford (208), Bill Krejci (235), Cliff Barendsen (211), Ian Goetz (213, 212), Ken M. Wilson (236, 279, 249), Kody Karnes (212, 256), Phil Schroeder (207), and Ryan Doll (243).The second week of Tournament of Champions action is now in the books, with Division #1 still being dominated by Wilson (12) with Cliff Barendsen (4) behind him. Even with an off night, Cory Chorpenning (6) continues to be the tops in Division #2 with Kody Karnes (4) in second. Division #3 saw Phil Schroeder (9) leapfrog closest competitor Freda Schroeder (7) while Division #4's absent Mark DeVoe (6) managed to remain ahead of the rest of the pack. Michael Smith (3) and Sarah West (3) finish off the biggest point getters in the fourth division. Nominations for this season's Hall of Fame inductee are still open and accepting bids for the next several weeks. We have 59 people eligible for enshrinement but only one will officially make it in this season. Please take a moment to nominate a person who you think is worthy. Thank you!See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Phil Schroeder Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Ken Wilson Runner Up: Kody Karnes	#1 H2H BOWLER Ken M. Wilson Runner Up: Phil Schroeder
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Well, thank God I'm bowling Cory in the first round!" Scott Murdock, after checking on his ToC seeding matchup and seeing Chorpenning's 106 score.

We're now a solid month into the league and the knot of four teams at the top of the league standings from last week has now been narrowed down to two. Aside from that, an incredible amount of 200+ games were thrown during Week #4 action that may be an all-time league record...and the Tournament of Champions officially got underway. Ready to hear how it all went down? Us, too.The first matchup of the night featured a tightly fought contest between Three Strikes and You're Out! and opponents Brunk Enough to Dowl. After holding on to a Game #1 victory – led this week by new ball rollin' Bob Brunker and his 522 series, Brunk Enough's Kody Karnes hoisted a career best 651 series to even the series up at a game apiece in Game #2. Game #3, as well as total pins, came down to the wire with Three Strikes sending Brunk Enough off to sober up with a 12-pin win for the game and total pins by seven. Talk about a close finish! Three Strikes takes their 3-1 output and move up a spot to 3rd while Brunk Enough to Bowl slips one spot into 7th place.Down on Lanes 43 & 44, Split It and Hit It decided to have some fun at opponents' Dragon Balls expense. After taking Game #1 by a margin of 60+, Split It – led by anchor Dennis Blake and his 513 series – seemed poised to upset the powerhouse Dragons. That's when last week's MVB Neil Rieger took over and kept that from happening. Evening the score with a Game #2 3-pin win, Rieger went on to lead the Dragons with his 553 series and took Game #3 as well. Total pins, however, went to Split It to end the night with each team adding 2-2 to their records. Both teams move up one spot in the standings with the Dragon Balls taking over 4th and Split It and Hit It climbing to 6th place.For those of you that have been in the league for a long time, it's well known that Cory Chorpenning is one of the best bowlers around. Despite making his return to the league last season, Cory truly showed up Tuesday night against opponents Murder, He Wrote to earn both Most Valuable Bowler and #1 Power Ranked bowler honors en route to a 4-0 sweep over the competition. Chorpenning's 670 series – combined with Ken M. Wilson's team- and season-leading 683 – proved to be too much for Murder, who never managed to get off the ground. The Snakes, improving to 12-4 on the season, remain in first place by a total pins margin of 1,500+. Murder's Seth Gunderson led his team with a 480 series but falls three spots down into 5th place.Let's face it, Will Strike if Provoked put up numbers tonight that Ballz Out simply couldn't compete with down on the final pair of lanes. Putting up some of their highest scores to date, Will Strike simply dominated the matchup from start to finish. Led by lead off roller Phil Schroeder and his 566 series, every single member of the team put up at least one 200+ game on their way to a 4-0 matchup victory and climbing one spot into 2nd place. The Ballz' anchor Cliff Barendsen led his team with a 509 series but failed to put a dent in Will Strike's big performance. Ballz Out remains in 8th place.Bowlers openly wondering how a certain someone managed to make it past the doorman in front of The 200 Club this week include: Aubrey Moren (224), Bob Brunker (203), Carl Goetz (228), Cory Chorpenning (202, 244, 224), Dennis "Pops" Laube (214), Freda Schroeder (211), Ian Goetz (215, 203), Ken M. Wilson (236, 236, 211), Kody Karnes (227, 227), Neil Rieger (237), Phil Schroeder (204), and Ryan Doll (214).The first week of the Tournament of Champions is off and running with the first four winners racing out ahead in their respective divisions. Ken M. Wilson (6 points) took Division #1 this week with Ryan Doll (3) right after him. Division #2 was convincingly handled by Cory Chorpenning (6) followed by Neil Rieger (3). Keeping it in the family, Division #3 starts out led by Freda Schroeder (6) with Phil Schroeder (3) on her tail. Mark DeVoe (6) takes the lead in Division #4 with Sarah West (3) chasing. The GutterAlley Hall of Fame is currently accepting nominations across the field of 59 eligible bowlers. Was Cory's outstanding performance enough to warrant you to cast a nomination? It only takes a minute and is relatively painless. We promise. See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Cory Chorpenning Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Cory Chorpenning Runner Up: Kody Karnes	#1 H2H BOWLER Cory Chorpenning Runner Up: Kody Karnes
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Aren't you happy that we're not viewed as the biggest dicks in the league right now?" Ken M. Wilson, shaking Carl's hand, after Ian mock-congratulated Doll for shooting a 139 in Game #3.

With nine games under their collective belts, the top four teams in the 27th season of GutterAlley action have quickly found themselves knotted up with records of 8-4. Granted, the league is just truly getting underway, but it's pretty apparent that it'll be a fun ride leading up to the position round in Week #8. With only two exceptions, every single team moved into a new spot in the league standings. Buckle up, fans...it's on.The first matchup of the night featured Murder, He Wrote against Will Strike if Provoked. After one of the best starts in league history, Murder quickly found themselves derailed as Will Strike – led by Aubrey Moren and his 597 series – handily took Games #1 and #2 in 100+ pin blowouts. Game #3, however, came down to the wire with Murder barely holding on for a 5-pin win in their 10th frame showdown. Seth Gunderson led Murder with his 550 series in the losing effort. With their 3-1 victory, Will Strike evens their record with Murder, He Wrote at 8-4 apiece. Due to total pins, however, Murder finds itself in 2nd while Will Strike sits in 3rd place. After avoiding a sweep at the hands of their opponents last week, Snakes on a Lane bounced back big to log their first sweep of the season. With Ken M. Wilson leading the way with his 613 series, the Snakes put a 4-0 beat down on Ballz Out in a fairly calm matchup. The Ballz' anchor Cliff Barendsen led the team with his 556 series but it simply wasn't enough to stop the slithering Snakes. The wins – and their total pins – put Snakes on a Lane at 8-4 and atop the league standings in 1st while Ballz Out remains firmly planted in 8th place with a record of 2-10.Down in Lanes 45 & 46, Neil Rieger of Dragon Balls decided to improve his legacy as he winds down his time within the league. Moving to California in the near future, Rieger used Tuesday night to not only lead his team with a 610 series but also earn #1 Power Ranked bowler honors at the same time. Opponents Brunk Enough to Dowl, led by rookie sensation Kody Karnes and his 605 series, took Game #1 before the Dragon Balls reversed the tables and rolled to a 3-1 matchup win. Both teams moved up one spot in the standings with the Dragons climbing to 5th and Brunk Enough up a spot into 6th place.After a slow start this season, the ladies of Three Strikes and You're Out! put on a clinic against the men of Split It and Hit It in a 4-0 win on the final pair of lanes. After squeaking by with a 2-pin win in Game #1, it was all downhill for the Splits as this week's Most Valuable Bowler Angela Bradford led the Strikes with her 516 series. Dennis Blake provided the most firepower for Split It and Hit it with his 529 series but couldn't stop Bradford and crew. Despite the victories, Three Strikes and You're Out remains in 4th while Split It and Hit It drop two spots into 6th place.Bowlers having to go to The 200 Club for decent beer this week include: Aubrey Moren (248, 202), Carl Goetz (222), Cliff Barendsen (204), Cory Chorpenning (227), Ian Goetz (220, 226), Ken M. Wilson (226, 203), Kody Karnes (225), Neil Rieger (213, 215), Ryan Doll (212, 212), and Seth Gunderson (211).With Week #3 completed, the divisions of Tournament of Champions have now officially been set with everyone seeded according to their current average. The weekly battles will commence next week with the white sheets provided by Scoot on each lane so that you can keep track of the outcomes as the night progresses. Good luck to everyone!See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Angela Bradford Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Neil Rieger Runner Up: Kody Karnes	#1 H2H BOWLER Kody Karnes Runner Up: Neil Rieger
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "YES! I'm ahead of AB and Pops due to my higher average. Man, do those two suuuuuck!" Scott Murdock, upon seeing his placement within the Tournament of Champions seeding.

On a cold, rainy January night, the second week of the Spring 2013 season made its way into the books. Easily the most volatile of any given season, the second week starts to see the beginning of averages settling somewhat – making teams that bowled really well last week vulnerable and giving teams that sandbagged a shot to move up. One team, however, has quickly established themselves as a force within the league and rocketed out to a 7-1 start. If they can maintain this momentum, look out everyone.After taking a drubbing last week, only two members of Three Strikes and You're Out! crawled back onto the lanes to do battle once again. Fortunately for them, they caught Ballz Out crashing and burning from their high-average start from last week. With anchor Angela Bradford leading the way with a 488 series, Three Strikes managed to chalk up a win in Game #1 before dropping the second contest in a tight 10th frame finish that ultimately went to Ballz Out. Returning to form in Game #3, Three Strikes took it – as well as total pins – to end the night with a 3-1 matchup victory. Hall of Famer Scott "Scooter J" Murdock – declared before the season to be a "diamond in the rough" by teammate Cliff Barendsen – led the Ballz in the losing effort with his 553 series. Three Strikes and You're Out! move up one spot into 4th while Ballz Out drops two into 8th place.There's something going on down on Lanes 43-44. After all was said and done, the only sweep last week was dished out on those lanes...and it was repeated again this week as Murder, He Wrote put a 4-0 smack down on the Dragon Balls. With only four pins of handicap separating the two teams, Murder came out firing with no intention of looking back in the nearly dead-even matchup. Leading the team was anchor Bill Krejci, with his 588 series and an incredible performance by Andy McLeod – this week's Most Valuable Bowler as well as #1 Power Ranked bowler. Despite solid output, including a 601 from anchor Ryan Doll, the Dragon Balls simply couldn't help but to succumb to the current league leaders. Murder, He Wrote jumps three spots up to sit atop the league standings with a well-deserved 7-1 start while Dragon Balls roar three spots down into 6th place.Last week, Split It and Hit It took it on the chin and dropped three games. This week they reversed it against opponents Will Strike if Provoked. With team captain Matt Bunyard leading his team with a 489 series (and raising his average 14 pins in the process!), Split It emphatically took Game #1 by 150 pins. Will Strike narrowed the gap in Game #2 but still lost it, by only 13 pins. It wasn't until Game #3 that the tides were turned – mainly by Provoked's anchor Aubrey Moren shooting a 204, ending with a 508 series – allowing the team to defeat Split It and Hit it. Total pins still went to Split It, who climbed up two spots into 5th place with their 3-1 matchup victory. Will Strike if Provoked, with their lone win, slip one spot down into 2nd place.After throwing two of the highest games in league history last week, we all knew that Snakes on a Lane was going to get their asses kicked. Lining them up – and beating them down this week – was the primed and ready to go Brunk Enough to Dowl. With Kody Karnes leading the way with his 483 series, the Dowlers stomped on the Snakes by 99 in Game #1 and 101 in Game #2. As was the case last week, though, the Snakes put out their best effort in Game #3 and came away with a resounding victory to stave off being swept. Total pins was easily wrapped up by Brunk Enough, who hop up one spot into 7th while Snakes on a Lane slither one spot down into 3rd place. Bowlers glad that it's raining rather than snowing in The 200 Club this week include: Aubrey Moren (204), Bill Krejci (207, 204), Cory Chorpenning (212), Ian Goetz (239), Ken M. Wilson (210, 205, 225), Neil Rieger (207), Ryan Doll (215), and Scott Murdock (206, 209).Even though there is just one more week of qualifying before Tournament of Champions officially gets underway, you can see how the divisions would be laid out if it started right now. Is it just me or can anyone else not believe that our very own Scott Murdock is in Division 1?!? We're still looking for people to submit their nominations for this season's Hall of Fame induction. It'll only take a minute of your time to go in and write some kind words about your favorite of the 59 bowlers currently eligible for induction. See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Andy McLeod Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Andy McLeod Runner Up: Matt Bunyard	#1 H2H BOWLER Andy McLeod Runner Up: Matt Bunyard
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't hear you...you had a penis in your mouth." Andy McLeod, talking trash to Ryan Doll during the rout.

Last season was, without a doubt, the strongest season we've ever seen in league history. If the first week of this season is any indicator, the Spring 2013 season may give it a run for its money. Twelve different people shot a total of seventeen 200+ games to kick this season off while almost a third of the season debuted with averages of 180 or higher. Whew.Before we get started, GutterAlley wants to wish a special welcome to the newest recruit to the league – Kody Karnes, Stephan Miller, Will Pracht, and Bryan Mohr! Hopefully we didn't scare you guys away...yet.Only two of the four defending champions from last season – Ken M. Wilson and Cory Chorpenning – returned this season and are now members of the appropriately named Snakes on a Lane. With three of the four team members setting 200+ averages, led by this week's #1 Power Ranked bowler Ian Goetz and his league leading 682 series, the team coasted to a 3-1 matchup victory over opponents Split It and Hit It. Split It's Matt Bunyard led the team with a 405 series and kick their season off in 7th place. The Snakes slither their way into 2nd place.Down a pair of lanes, Will Strike if Provoked must have felt they were being harassed by opponents Brunk Enough to Dowl as they leapt out to a perfect 4-0 start. With anchor Aubrey Moren's 592 series leading the way – and help from this week's Most Valuable Bowler Phil Schroeder – the Provoked debut this season in 1st place. Brunk Enough, led by rookie sensation Kody Karnes and his 500 series, have no place to go but up as they start their season in 8th place after failing to secure their first victory.The two teams that will more than likely prove to be the most fun opponents to face all season started their title runs facing one another. Murder, He Wrote (last season's Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends) laced up to beat down opponents Three Strikes and You're Out! 3-1 in their first week of league action. Murder, led by Seth Gunderson and his 585 series, nearly came away with a clean sweep but faltered in the 10th frame. Three Strikes' Bob Brunker showed up just in time with his 211 in Game #3 – and team leading 542 series – to stave off Murder and secure their lone win of the night. Murder, He Wrote starts the season in 4th while Three Strikes just behind them in 5th place.On lanes 47 & 48, last season's 2nd place finishers showed up retuned as Dragon Balls in the hopes of making another run at the top matchup in the Finals. With anchor Ryan Doll leading the way with his 619 series, the Balls bumped balls with Ballz Out en route to a 3-1 win and a start in 3rd place. The Ballz' anchor – and last season's Rookie of the Season winner – Cliff Barendsen came out firing with a 552 series to lead his team in their initial outing, winning Game #3, and starting the Spring session in 6th place. Bowlers jamming into the over-crowded 200 Club on the first night of the league include: Angela Bradford (204), Anita Osthoff (203), Aubrey Moren (213), Bill Krejci (254), Bob Brunker (211), Carl Goetz (258), Cliff Barendsen (202), Ian Goetz (244, 203, 235), Ken M. Wilson (203, 202, 259), Ryan Doll (215, 233), Scott Murdock (219), and Seth Gunderson (224).Even though it won't be until the end of Week #3 when the divisions are set, you can tentatively see how things would be set in the Tournament of Champions seeding if we only went with tonight's scores. The brackets will make their debut in Week #4.The infamous Predictions call for a crazy week in Week #2, with our very own soothsayer Murdock the Kinda Good At Times calling for Three Strikes and You're Out! to give up three to Ballz Out; the Dragon Balls will scorch Murder, He Wrote in a clean sweep; Will Strike if Provoked will split with Split It and Hit It; and Brunk Enough to Dowl will bounce back with a 4-0 victory over Snakes on a Lane. Will any or all of this come true? Well, we'll just have to wait until next week to find out.Last but certainly not least, nominations are now being accepted for this season's GutterAlley Hall of Fame enshrinee. Four new bowlers have been made eligible this season bringing the total to 59 past and present rollers, one of which will find their way into the Hall at the end of this season. Why not spend a few minutes and nominate someone today! There is no limit to the number of eligible bowlers you can nominate. The winner this season will be the 8th person inducted joining fellow Hall of Famers Angela Bradford, Freda Schroeder, Scott Murdock, Ken M. Wilson, Carl Goetz, Bob Brunker, and David Codding.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Phil Schroeder Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Ian Goetz Runner Up: Ken Wilson	#1 H2H BOWLER Ian Goetz Runner Up: Aubrey Moren
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "In honor of good sportsmanship and all that, gentlemen, I say 'fuck you' and goodnight!" Mark DeVoe, after getting blown out by 413 pins scratch by Snakes on a Lane in Game #3.

With the holiday season behind us and everyone back to the grind, it's time to make Tuesday nights fun again as the Spring 2013 season of GutterAlley action gets underway tonight.This season will feature three new recruits making their debut this season! A special welcome to rookies WIll Pracht, Kody Karnes, and Stephan Miller. Former sub Bryan Mohr has joined the league as a full-fledged member, bringing our total to four for those running for Rookie of the Season. Enjoy, gentlemen! START DATE: Tuesday, January 22nd at 6:20PM (league bowling starts at 6:30 after ten minutes of practice)LOCATION: NKC Pro Bowl, 505 East 18th Avenue, North Kansas City, MO 64116. Anyone that has been in the league pretty much knows everything else that's about to be told but, just in case you are bored and/or need a refresher, here's the GutterAlley 101 so that you know what to expect in our league: Read the rest of this entry »

The 27th season of GutterAlley action will commence on Tuesday, January 22nd. Are you ready to throw down?Here's the official information, which most of you already know:Starts: January 22nd at 6:30pm (practice starting at 6:20)Ends: May 14th (total of 17 weeks)Cost: $14 per week, does NOT include the cost of rental shoes (full-time VMLers will tentatively pay only $8/week)Location: NKC Pro-BowlWe're still trying to round out the roster so if you know if anyone interested, please let us know. As always, you can check out how this session is starting to take shape by checking out Recruitment Central.

The Fall 2012 season came to an official conclusion on Tuesday night, complete with prize disbursement and the announcement of the various season-ending awards.This season proved to be a big one for returning bowlers shooting their all time personal bests (obviously rookies had their highest games, series, and average ever in the league this season so we left them off):Highest game?Anita Osthoff, Aubrey Moren, Carl Goetz, David Codding, Dennis Blake, and Steve KiernanHighest series?Anita Osthoff, Aubrey Moren, Bill Krejci, Dennis Blake, John Boren, Scott Murdock, and Steve KiernanHighest season-ending average?Bill Krejci, Dennis Blake, Jonathan Vigliaturo, Scott Murdock, Seth Gunderson, and Steve KiernanFive bowlers also put up scores that put them into the all-time records in league history:Anita Osthoff moved up to take over the 3rd spot of all-time for Women's High Series Scratch with her 556 series in Week #16. That same week she also moved into the 4th place spot of all-time for Women's High Series Handicap with a 673. To round it out, Anita shot a 212 in Week #12 which pushes her into the 5th spot all-time for Women's High Game Scratch.John Boren took over the 5th spot of all-time for Men's High Series Scratch with his 715 series in Week #7.Rookie Cliff Barendsen certainly made his mark in his debut season by taking over the 5th place of all-time for Men's High Series Handicap via his 769 series in Week #8. That same week, he moved into the 5th spot on the all-time list for Men's High Game Handicap with a 297 as well as the 4th highest game on the Men's High Pins Over Average by outdoing himself by 111 pins. Carl Goetz nearly achieved perfection during Week #7 with his 299, tying Ken M. Wilson for the 2nd highest Men's High Game Scratch game in league history. That same game gave Carl the 3rd all-time best game for Men's High Game Handicap with a 303. David Codding, however, did one better in Week #6 when he threw the one and only perfect game in league history to permanently take over the top spot in the Men's High Game Scratch category. Comically, that same game tied him with Orion Kinkaid as the 4th highest Men's High Game Handicap with...a 300. Lastly, Codding's Week #7 average moved him into a three-way tie with Cory Chorpenning and Carl Goetz as the 3rd best Men's High Average.The biggest individual achievements for the season came out as follows:Women's High Series Scratch: Freda Schroeder (560)Women's High Game Scratch: Anita Osthoff (212)Women's High Series Handicap: Teresa Deterding (641)Women's High Game Handicap: Ryan Doll (every game he bowled)Women's Pins Over Average: Anita Osthoff +66Women's Most Improved Bowler: Anita Osthoff +27Men's High Series Scratch: Carl Goetz (728)Men's High Game Scratch: David Codding (300)Men's High Series Handicap:Cliff Barendsen (769)Men's High Game Handicap: John Boren (267)Men's Pins Over Average: Cliff Barendsen +111Men's Most Improved Bowler: Cliff Barendsen +29The results of the Season Favorites were announced at the Tuesday night meeting:Rookie of the Season - Cliff Barendsen (Michael Smith, runner-up)Captain of the Season - Ryan Doll (Ken M. Wilson, runner-up)Carl Goetz Defensive Bowler of the Season - Bill Krejci (David Codding, runner-up)Underdog of the Season - Teresa Deterding (Dave Winger, runner-up)Bob Brunker Good Sportsmanship Award - Rob Kaszuba (John Boren, runner-up)Emily Podhajsky Good Sportsmanship Award - Anita Osthoff (Teresa Deterding, runner-up)Most Fun Team to Face - Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends (FTOP, runner-up)Most Feared Team - FTOP (Mayan Apocalypse, runner-up)People's Choice: Most Valuable Bowler - David Codding (John Boren, runner-up)Actual individual team MVBs:Ballz Out - Cliff BarendsenBobby Belt and The Facebook Friends - Bill KrejciFTOP - John BorenMayan Apocalypse - Pat SearcyPocket Pounders - Neil RiegerSexual Chocolate - Teresa DeterdingSplit It and Hit It - Dennis BlakeTurkey Hunters - Freda Schroeder and Aubrey Moren (tie)Actual: Most Valuable Bowler - Neil Rieger (John Boren, Cliff Barendsen, Teresa Deterding, and Dennis Blake, runners-up)Cumulative #1 Power Ranked Bowler: Ryan Doll (Cliff Barendsen, runner-up)The Tournament of Champions was won by Andy McLeod in a hurry up and wait win against runner-up Scott Murdock. As this season's champ, Andy received an additional $42 in his prize envelope. Scoot received $22 for second place. Prize money was handed out for the teams based upon wins:1. FTOP (39-25)2. Pocket Pounders (38.5-25.5)3. Mayan Apocalypse (35-29)4. Turkey Hunters (35-29)5. Bobby Belt and the Facebook Friends (33-31)6. Sexual Chocolate (26-38)7. Split It and Hit It (25.5-38.5)8. Ballz Out (24-40)And lastly, David Codding was officially inducted into the GutterAlley Hall of Fame after being selected over Demond Robinson, Janelle "Nellie" (Laube) Lamar, Jason Carpio, Pat Searcy, and Seth Gunderson by the voters of the bowling community.Congratulations to all of the winners this season!

The Finals proved to be the closest one in quite some time as the eight teams lined up to face one another for the last time in the conclusion of the Fall 2012 season of GutterAlley action. One bowler entered The 700 Club, another bowler won his first Tournament of Champions, only two teams swapped places in the league standings, and four bowlers added another title under their belts. Ready for the recap? I know I am...Note: Voting for the Fall 2012 Season Favorites is now open. The ballot will remain available until noon on Tuesday, December 18th. Please take a minute or two and fill it out. Thank you!Mathematically, only two teams had the option to walk away as this season's champs. Meeting up on Lanes 41 and 42, FTOP and Pocket Pounders were separated by the slimmest of margins – half a game. In a showdown of the anchors, the Pounder's Ryan Doll (618) and FTOP's Ken M. Wilson (604) led their teams in a true back and forth. Game #1 went to the Pocket Pounders by a 41-pin margin. Game #2 looked to be going the Pounders way until FTOP's John Boren gave a venom-laced inspirational speech that brought his team back into it and pulling off a 20-pin upset. Game #3 was a winner takes all situation with the victors walking away with the league championship. With the game as tight as one could ask for, it came down to a single roll by Wilson in the bottom of the 10th frame to either win or lose the whole thing...and with a single strike, it was all over. FTOP ended their season with a league best 39-25 record. Congratulations to John Boren, Cory Chorpenning, David Codding, and Ken M. Wilson on being the Fall 2012 league champions! The title was Boren's third, Chorpenning's second, Codding's fifth, and Wilson's twelfth. The Pocket Pounders finish in 2nd place with a record of 38.5-25.5.In the battle for 3rd and 4th place, Mayan Apocalypse went into the matchup trailing opponents Turkey Hunters by two games. By the end of the night, their positions would reverse as the Mayans handed out a 3-1 beat down to the Turkeys. With Hall of Fame nominee Pat Searcy's 586 series leading the way along with a stellar performance out of this week's Most Valuable Bowler Anita Osthoff, the Mayans only dropped Game #1 before predicting – and subsequently earning – the next three wins to push ahead into 3rd place by a total pins tie breaker. The Turkey Hunter's Freda Schroeder led her team with a 560 series in the losing effort. Both teams end the season with a winning record, 35-29. No one gave up or gained any ground in the battle for 5th and 6th place. After putting on a clinic last week, Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends' very own Bill Krejci rolled his all-time personal best series – an incredible 703 – to not only sweep opponents Sexual Chocolate but also earning him #1 Power Ranked bowler honors as well as a spot on the Top 25 Highest Series of All Time. Welcome to The 700 Club, Krejci! Sexual Chocolate's Jason Carpio put up the highest series for his team – a 536 – but simply could not stop the Krejci train. The Belt ends their run this season with a 33-31 record good enough for 5th place while Sexual Chocolate wraps it up in 6th with a record of 26-38. Down on the final pair of lanes, Split It and Hit It looked to keep themselves from slipping into the cellar as they faced surging opponents Ballz Out. With the Ballz' own Cliff Barendsen putting up a team-leading 521 series, they almost pulled it off. Winning Games #1 and #2 (including a 117-pin blowout in the second matchup), victory looked to be in the bag before the men of Split It and Hit It regrouped and ended the Ballz' quest to ascend the league standings. Split It's Dennis Blake led the team with his 482 series and ends up in 7th place with a 25.5-38.5 record. Cliff and the rest of the Ballz wrap up the fall season with a record of 24-40 in 8th place.Bowlers wondering who will be this season's Hall of Fame enshrinee while knocking back drinks in The 200 Club this week include: Anita Osthoff (202), Bill Krejci (246, 236, 221), Cliff Barendsen (219), Cory Chorpenning (225), David Codding (200), Freda Schroeder (202), John Boren (227), Ken M. Wilson (215, 208), Neil Rieger (204, 203), Pat Searcy (238), and Ryan Doll (246).The grand finale of this season's Tournament of Champions came to an end with Andy McLeod besting Scott Murdock in the big finish. Congratulations to Andy and Scoot, both of whom will receive extra money in next week's prize envelopes. For those of you new to the league this session, next week is what we call the Fun Night. We gather together and hand out the prize envelopes, all of which will contain money for each win that your team has earned. In addition to the dough for the wins, extra money is awarded to the bowlers that achieved the highest individual scores throughout the season. They include:Men's:High Series Scratch - Carl Goetz (728)High Game Scratch - David Codding (300)High Series Handicap - Cliff Barendsen (769)High Game Handicap - John Boren (267)Women's:High Series Scratch - Freda Schroeder (560)High Game Scratch - Anita Osthoff (212)High Series Handicap - Teresa Deterding (641)Also of note, Anita Osthoff (+27) was this season's most improved female while Cliff Barendsen (+29) was this season's most improved male bowler.The Hall of Fame will also induct its latest member. See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Anita Osthoff Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Bill Krejci Runner Up: Anita Osthoff	#1 H2H BOWLER Bill Krejci Runner Up: Freda Schroeder
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "I'm sorry, I can't hear you all the way down there from the 8th place lanes." Ryan Doll, attempting to hear some trash talk from Dennis Blake before the night got underway.

And then there were two...Week #15 is now in the history books and with it came what could prove to be the wildest finish in league history. Every single team could move up or down in the standings once the results of the Finals are tallied. For instance:FTOP could end with the crown or fall to 2nd place.Pocket Pounders could move up into 1st place or fall to 3rd.Turkey Hunters could move up to 2nd or fall to 4th place.Mayan Apocalypse could climb as high as 3rd or fall to an unprophesied 5th.Bobby Belt and the Facebook Friends have a shot at 4th or could drop to 6th.Sexual Chocolate could slide up to 5th or melt down into 7th.Split It and Hit It can aim for 6th or end up in the cellar.Ballz Out are a sweep away from moving up to 7th otherwise they end their season in 8th place.But, all of that will be settled next week. Let's check out what happened to lead up to all of this...In a preview of their matchup next week, Split It and Hit It came out to take Game #1 over opponents Ballz Out. Not to be outdone, the Ballz' Cliff Barendsen put up a 508 series to even the matchup at a game apiece after a Game #2 victory. Split It's anchor Dennis Blake, and his 503 series, managed to turn the tide in his team's favor with a 10th frame 7-pin victory to steal Game #3. Total pins? A dead tie. The 7th place Split It and Hit It will face 8th place Ballz Out once more this season to settle the score.After an impressive second half of the season, the two time reigning champion Turkey Hunters fell just a little shy of being able to sneak up to land a third consecutive title. With this week's #1 Power Ranked bowler Aubrey Moren leading the way with his 640 series, the Turkeys busted down opponents Mayan Apocalypse in a 3-1 matchup victory. Hall of Fame nominee Pat Searcy put up the biggest numbers for the Apocalypse – a 605 – but could only land his team a single notch in the win column. The two teams will once again face off in the Finals. In a week that current league leaders FTOP had a possibility to wrap up the season and walk off with the title, they ran into Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends...hardcore. With The Belt's anchor Bill Krejci putting up a 592 series along with Jonathan Vigliaturo earning Most Valuable Bowler honors, FTOP didn't stand a chance. Bobby Belt reminded FTOP that their pathway to the crown would not be an easy one by leaving them with the tiniest of leads over the league after handing them a 3-1 beatdown. The Belt, currently in 5th place, will wage war against the 6th place team next week while FTOP will be competing in the championship match. David Codding led the league with a 654 series in the losing effort. Continuing to gain ground in the standings, the Pocket Pounders added more wins to their record after defeating opponents Sexual Chocolate 3-1 in the last week before the Finals. For the second week in a row, the Pounder's Neil Rieger led the way – this time with a 599 series. Jason Carpio of Sexual Chocolate put up the top numbers for his team, ending the night with a 525 and a 2-pin 10th frame victory to earn his team their lone win of the night in Game #2. Sexual Chocolate, still in 6th place, will do battle with Bobby Belt next week while the men of the Pocket Pounders will each be rolling for their first title each.Bowlers making bets on the Finals in the The 200 Club this week include: Andy McLeod (204), Aubrey Moren (233, 222), Bill Krejci (222), David Codding (218, 222, 214), Dennis Blake (204), John Boren (216, 214), Neil Rieger (224), and Pat Searcy (207, 209).The seeding for the Tournament of Champions is all set. Congratulations to the eight bowlers that managed to claw their way to the top spots in their respective divisions: Carl Goetz (#1 seed), John Boren (#2), Phil Schroeder (#3), Aubrey Moren (#4), Andy McLeod (#5), Scott Murdock (#6), Cliff Barendsen (#7) and Teresa Deterding (#8). Want to see who is facing who for the whole thing? Check out the championship bracket.Thank you to everyone that voted on this season's Hall of Fame ballot. Voting is now closed and the winner will be announced during the league's Fun Night on December 18th.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Jonathan Vigliaturo Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Aubrey Moren Runner Up: Pat Searcy	#1 H2H BOWLER Pat Searcy Runner Up: David Codding
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "I want league night restarted right now. Get those bowlers back in here! Turn those machines back on! TURN THOSE MACHINES BACK ON!!!" Ken M. Wilson, from afar, after his team's lead over the league evaporated to a mere half a game.

Week #14 is now history and with it came absolutely no changes whatsoever in the league standings. The Finals are a mere two weeks away and, mathematically, four teams are in the running to take it all. Next week's outcome will determine who faces who in the end-all/be-all but, for now, it's all about what went down on Tuesday night of this week.The last time that Sexual Chocolate faced FTOP, David Codding had a little something special in store for them. This time around, it was the John Boren show. Leading FTOP with a 629 series, Boren pushed his team to the brink of a clean sweep over their opponents but a determined Jason Carpio stole Game #3 from the current league leaders with a 2-pin 10th frame victory. Carpio put up the top series for Sexual Chocolate with his 571. With the wins, FTOP improves to 36-20 on the season and remains in 1st while Sexual Chocolate, at 25-31, remains in 6th place.Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, Neil Rieger wasn't sure if he would bowl or not due to a hurt hand. Fortunately for the Pocket Pounders, he did. Earning both #1 Power Ranked bowler and Most Valuable Bowler nods with his team-leading 627 series, Rieger single-handedly led the charge to destroy opponents Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends in a clean 4-0 sweep. While the wins keep the team solidly rooted in 2nd at 33.5-22.5, they managed to lessen their gap from the top of the league standings. The Belt's Seth Gunderson led his team with a 513 series in the losing effort, ending the night in 5th place with a 26-30 record. After post-bowling at the very last minute and dropping all four games, Split It and Hit It looked to redeem themselves against opponents Turkey Hunters...but came up short, waaaaaaay short. The Turkey's Phil Schroeder set the pace with his team-leading 578 series and coasted to an easy 4-0 sweep over the Splitters. Anchor Dennis Blake put up the highest numbers for Split It and Hit It – a 530 – but it simply wasn't enough to earn them a notch in the win column. The team seemed pretty proud of going 0-8 in four hours time, easily a league record. The Turkey Hunters stay in 4th place with their 31-25 record while Split It and Hit it remain in 7th place with their 22-34 record.On the flip side, the Mayan Apocalypse went 8-0 in the same four hours much to the chagrin of opponents Ballz Out. With their wins credited from the post-bowling in place, the Mayans continued with that momentum to sweep the competition down on Lanes 47 & 48. With Carl Goetz once again leading the way – this week with a 608 series – the Mayans improved their record to 31-25 and still hold 3rd place. Ballz Out, led by Rookie of the Season candidate Cliff Barendsen and his 513 series, remain in 8th place with a record of 19.5-36.5 on the season.Bowlers exchanging Black Friday horror stories in The 200 Club this week include: Aubrey Moren (225), Carl Goetz (226, 202), Jason Carpio (209), John Boren (212, 219), Neil Rieger (226, 205), Phil Schroeder (200), and Seth Gunderson (201).This week marked the second-to-last chance to make it into the finals for the Tournament of Champions. Whoever leads their respective divisions next week will do battle during the Finals for the prize money. Division #1 has been locked up by Carl Goetz (28 points) and John Boren (22). Division #2 is still up for grabs but is currently led by Aubrey Moren (20) and Phil Schroeder (19). Division #3 has the biggest number of prospective qualifiers with six of the eight people able to end up in the top two spots next week. Currently, however, it is led by Andy McLeod (22) and Scott Murdock (19). Division #4 is set with Cliff Barendsen (38) leading it and Teresa Deterding (28) behind him in second.Remember, there is still one more week left to vote on the Hall of Fame ballot. If you'd like to see a comparison chart of all the nominees, be our guest. See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Neil Rieger Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Neil Rieger Runner Up: Phil Schroeder	#1 H2H BOWLER Neil Rieger Runner Up: John Boren
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Hey, how did Pops Junior bowl?" Scott Murdock, inquiring how AJ Hofmann rolled on Tuesday night.

The sun is setting on the 26th season of GutterAlley action and, with Week #13 now in the history books, the title is neither settled nor decided. Couple that with the fact that we have a team post-bowling and we really don't know the lay of the land at the moment.NOTE: Due to post-bowling, the matchup between Mayan Apocalypse and Split It and Hit It cannot yet be determined.Having won the last two seasons, the Turkey Hunters showed why they can't be counted out just yet. Facing opponents Ballz Out, who have punishing opponents lately, the Turkeys came out firing to take Games #1 and #2 despite ever improving Cliff Barendsen and his 492 series. Game #3 came down to the wire, however, with the Hunters' Freda Schroeder (tentatively this week's Most Valuable Bowler) and Aubrey Moren needing to string the strikes in order to pull off the come-from-behind victory...which they did. Ending his night striking out to notch a 3-pin victory, Aubrey Moren led the Turkey Hunters with his 563 series. While Ballz Out remains in 8th place, the Turkey Hunters tentatively move up into 3rd place.Sexual Chocolate's anchor and Hall of Fame nominee Jason Carpio had not rolled since Week #8. During his absence, his team managed to go 11-5, conjuring up talks that perhaps the team didn't need him. Turns out they needed him Tuesday night as Carpio's 630 series – tentatively earning his #1 Power Ranked bowler honors – led his team to a 3-1 matchup victory over opponents Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends. The Belt, led this week by anchor Bill Krejci and his 564 series, add one win to their record and tentatively find themselves in 4th place. Sexual Chocolate, improving to 24-28, sweetens their position by tentatively moving into 6th place.Each time the Pocket Pounders manage to work themselves into striking distance, they run head first into current league leaders FTOP...this time, lead off bowler John Boren. Boren, shooting a 641 series to lead his team, helped extend FTOP's lead over the league to 3.5 games with a 3-1 matchup victory over their opponents. The Pounders anchor, Ryan Doll, shot a 633 series in the losing effort. Despite the wins and losses, neither team moves from their current spots with FTOP still in 1st and the Pocket Pounders in 2nd place. Bowlers spending some time in The 200 Club before Thanksgiving this week include: Aubrey Moren (213), Bill Krejci (213), Dennis "Pops" Laube (200), Freda Schroeder (216), Jason Carpio (225, 215), John Boren (215, 222, 204), Ken M. Wilson (202), and Ryan Doll (202, 224, 207).Until the post-bowling takes place, we cannot calculate the results of this week's Tournament of Champions matchups.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Freda Schroeder Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Carl Goetz Runner Up: Jason Carpio	#1 H2H BOWLER Carl Goetz Runner Up: John Boren
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Oh, this'll be a piece of cake. That halfbreed hasn't bowled in a month." Jonathan Vigliaturo, moments after Carpio showed up...and shot a 630 series.

Week #12 is now in the books and with it came yet another shake up in the league standings involving half the league. Four teams swapped places with one another as the Finals loom in the distance, a mere four weeks away. Two teams continue to keep themselves distanced from the rest of the league but there's always one team keeping itself just within range to strike. Is it too little too late or could their possibly be an upset? We'll know by the end of December 11th.The last time that FTOP faced reigning champions Turkey Hunters, they walked away with a clean sweep. Tuesday night started out the same way with a Game #1 victory, led by Ken M. Wilson and his 524 series, that came down to the 10th frame. Game #2 was more of the same, but by a wider margin of victory. Game #3, however, was a different story as the Turkey's Aubrey Moren – and his 536 series – provided enough to turn the tide to come away with a 10th frame victory but was unable to turn the tide for total pins. FTOP ends the night with a 3-1 matchup win and return to the top of the league standings. The Turkey Hunters drop one spot down into 5th place.Down on Lanes 43 & 44, Sexual Chocolate and Split It and Hit It battled it out to a standstill in what may be their final matchup the season. With Split It stealing Game #1 in the 10th frame, compliments of Dennis Blake and his 481 series, it was the anchorless Sexual Chocolate that fought back to even the series at a game apiece after an 8-pin victory in Game #2. Game #3 came down to the final throw with Sexual Chocolate – led by Jake Parrott's 415 series – earning a 2-pin victory...but faltering to take total pins, dropping it by only seven pins. With their two wins apiece, neither team moved at all in the standings. Split It and Hit It remains in 6th with Sexual Chocolate one game behind them in 7th place.Let's face it...when Cliff Barendsen of Ballz Out faces whichever team is the top of the heap, the man brings his A game. Raising his average five pins with his 585 series, Cliff not only earned Most Valuable Bowler and #1 Power Ranked bowler honors, he also revoked the Pocket Pounders short-lived tenure in first place. Despite a 546 series from the Pounders anchor Ryan Doll, the best they could do was a tie in Game #3 which was handed to them rather than being truly earned. Ballz Out, taking the matchup 3.5-0.5, remain in 8th place but continue to wreak havoc on the top teams in the league. The Pocket Pounders drop into 2nd place, trailing FTOP by a game and a half.The final battle of the evening pitted powerhouse teams Mayan Apocalypse and Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends against one another on the final pair of lanes in the house. The Belt, led this week by anchor Bill Krejci's 595 series, easily took Game #1. Not to be outdone, the Mayans fought back to take Game #2 led by Carl Goetz and his 538 series. A 10th frame showdown seemed inevitable as both teams had a chance to take it but it was The Belt that stepped up to overpower their opponent when it truly mattered. Splitting their matchup 2-2, Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends remain in 3rd while Mayan Apocalypse climbs to 4th place two games back.Bowlers preparing for a long final four weeks in our league in The 200 Club this week include: Anita Osthoff (212), Bill Krejci (235), Cliff Barendsen (209), Neil Reiger (200), Ryan Doll (218), Scott Murdock (212), and Seth Gunderson (211). The Tournament of Champions pushes onward, with little change across the top two spots in each division. Carl Goetz (19) and John Boren (13) still rule Division #1. Division #2 is still held by Aubrey Moren (19) and Phil Schroeder (16). Andy McLeod (22) and AJ Hofmann (16) continue to lead Division #3...but Division #4 had a swap. Cliff Barendsen (26) has finally caught Teresa Deterding (24) to take over the last division. If you haven't voted for this season's Hall of Fame nominees, shame on you. Come on, it only takes a couple of minutes to do it. If you're an undecided voter, you could always see how they all compare across a number of categories.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Cliff Barendsen Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Cliff Barendsen Runner Up: Anita Osthoff	#1 H2H BOWLER Cliff Barendsen Runner Up: Anita Osthoff
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Gee, I'm sure glad our anchor got that brand new ball." Rob Kaszuba, after narrowly avoiding getting swept by the last place team by a single pin.

For the third time this season, a new team has ascended to the top of the league standings. With five weeks remaining until the Finals on December 11th, two teams are on a crash course towards a huge matchup while two other teams cling to spots within striking distance. Brace yourself, folks...we're in for a bumpy ride.Donning Batman t-shirts in unity to take on opponent Carl Goetz and the Mayan Apocalypse, the men of Pocket Pounders took Games #1 and #2 in the 10th frame before handily taking Game #3 thanks to a matchup leading 592 series from anchor Ryan Doll to give the Pounders a 4-0 victory and their first taste of being on top of the league standings. The Apocalypse, led by Hall of Fame candidate Pat Searcy's 560 series, just couldn't get it done tonight and fall two spots into 5th place. The Pocket Pounders hold onto 1st place by a margin of one game.Let's face it, Seth Gunderson is having a great season. Reaping the benefits are Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends, who have recently gotten on the shoulders of their own Hall of Fame candidate – and this week's #1 Power Ranked bowler with his 629 series – and ridden them to yet another winning week. Defeating opponents Ballz Out 4-0 in their second matchup of the season, The Belt moves up two spots into 3rd place – five games back from first. Cliff Barendsen provided the most firepower for the Ballz with his 442 series but it never even put his team in contention Tuesday night. Ballz Out remains in 8th place.The last time that FTOP faced Split It and Hit It, they began the night in first place and ended it in second. History once again repeated itself after the two teams split their matchup 2-2. FTOP's David Codding came out firing en route to a 635 series to take Game #1. Split It bounced back in a big way in Game #2, with huge output from the team, and handily earning the win. FTOP managed to win Game #3 in the 10th frame but lost total pins. Dennis Blake led Split It and Hit It with his 490 series and remains in 6th place. FTOP is one game out of 1st place.Anchor? Who needs an anchor? Definitely not Sexual Chocolate. Taking on the reigning league champs without their anchor in the lineup for a third straight week, the Chocolates managed to battle the Turkey Hunters to a 2-2 tie and improved to 9-3 since the position round. Led by this week's Most Valuable Bowler AJ Hofmann and his 451 series, Sexual Chocolate came back after a Game #1 beat down – led by the Turkey Hunter's anchor Aubrey Moren and his 605 series – to take the next two games in extremely close 10th frame finishes. Total pins went to the Turkey Hunters. Despite the wins, neither team moved in the standings with the Turkey Hunters remaining in 4th place and Sexual Chocolate in 7th.Bowlers watching the election results in The 200 Club this week include: Aubrey Moren (212, 201), Bill Krejci (216), David Codding (254), Ken M. Wilson (205), Pat Searcy (201), Ryan Doll (211, 201), and Seth Gunderson (225, 213).The Tournament of Champions saw some change across its divisions Tuesday night. Carl Goetz (19) and John Boren (13) remain in control of Division #1 while Aubrey Moren (19) and Phil Schroeder (13) are joined by Seth Gunderson (13) at the helm of Division #2. Andy McLeod (21) now finds AJ Hofmann (16) on his tail in Division #3 while Division #4 remains unchanged with Teresa Deterding (23) and Cliff Barendsen (20) at the 1-2 spots. The Hall of Fame ballot is anxiously awaiting your votes. Whaddya say? It only takes a couple of minutes to complete. See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB AJ Hofmann Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Seth Gunderson Runner Up: AJ Hofmann	#1 H2H BOWLER Seth Gunderson Runner Up: Aubrey Moren
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Now, I think it's a bit premature to declare that the Pocket Pounders are in first and FTOP is in second." Karl Rove, refusing to believe simple math.