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.

Week #10 is now in the history books and with it came a severe tightening of the league standings. With first place having been owned – with the exception of a quick flip-flop in Week #3 – by one team, the kegler collective has been slowly chipping away at the league leaders week after week. Now, with six weeks remaining, the gap has been narrowed to a single game. In a rematch of the 7th and 8th place position round battle, Sexual Chocolate and Ballz Out faced off once again. This time around, the Chocolates kept the Ballz in. With Jake Parrott and his 442 series, Sexual Chocolate narrowly missed completing a clean sweep over their opponents and ending up with a 3-1 matchup victory. Sub Bryan Mohr's 427 series was the highest output for Ballz Out, who came away with a 6-pin win in Game #2 to secure their lone win of the night. Sexual Chocolate hops one spot up into 7th while Ballz Out returns to 8th place.Oh, how the mighty have fallen...and continue to fall. At the midway mark, FTOP had secured a six game lead over the rest of the league and was looking to cruise in the second half to a title. Since then, however, they have been getting their asses handed to them and the lead has quickly evaporated. This week, the Mayan Apocalypse descended down upon them and came away with a 3-1 win. With lead off bowler Scott Murdock (yes, you read that correctly) leading the way with his 531 series, the Mayans also nearly came away with a sweep if not for a close finish in Game #2 that ended in a 6-pin victory for FTOP. The F's were led by David Codding and his 634 series. Despite the losses, FTOP remains in 1st while the Mayan Apocalypse climbs one spot into 3rd place.After bragging about a new bowling ball addition to the Pocket Pounders repertoire, it was Steve Kiernan's old ball – and his 605 series – that led the way to a 3-1 defeat of the reigning league champions. The Turkey Hunters, despite a Game #2 blowout over their opponents, were unable to carry that momentum into Game #3 and dropped one spot down into 4th place. Dennis "Pops" Laube put up the highest series for the Turkeys, ending his night with a 516 series in the losing effort. The Pocket Pounders remain in 2nd place and now sit a single game out of first.It's been a while someone has earned both the Most Valuable Bowler and the #1 Power Ranked bowler nods and walked off the lanes having lost the matchup but it happened to Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends' Seth Gunderson. After having dropped Games #1 and #2 to opponents Split It and Hit It – led once again by anchor Dennis Blake and his 515 series – Gunderson's 592 series kept The Belt from being blanked down on Lanes 47 & 48. Neither team moved in the league standings, with The Belt remaining in 5th and Split It and Hit It in 6th place.Bowlers watching Dennis "Pops" Laube demanding to be let into The 200 Club for being close enough with his 199 include: David Codding (202, 234), John Boren (216), Neil Rieger (209, 203), Ryan Doll (222), Scott Murdock (200), Seth Gunderson (236), and Steve Kiernan (204, 203).The Tournament of Champions kept the status quo this week with each division continuing to be lead by last week's leaders. Division #1 is all Carl Goetz's (19) with John Boren (13) behind him. Aubrey Moren (19) leads Division #2 with Phil Schroeder (10) still in second. Division #3 is all Andy McLeod's (20) but Dennis Blake (13) moves into the spot behind him while Division #4's Teresa Deterding (23) continues to keep ahead of Cliff Barendsen (20). What do you mean you haven't voted for this season's Hall of Fame nominees?!? Come on...what are you, lazy?!? Every day that you do not vote for a nominee, God kills a kitten. I'm just sayin'.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Seth Gunderson Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Seth Gunderson Runner Up: Anita Osthoff	#1 H2H BOWLER Steve Kiernan Runner Up: Seth Gunderson
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "I can't tell a person's ethnicity at a distance." Scott Murdock, upon spying a blatantly obvious African American woman several lanes down that he mistook for Sabrina Gray.

With the position round in the rearview mirror and the league officially half over, everyone faced their Week #1 opponents Tuesday night as the schedule began anew. With only exception, each lower ranked team handed out an ass whoopin' to their higher ranked opponents as the league standings shuffled once again. Only ten games separate the eight teams – meaning anyone could still take the title this season over the remaining seven weeks. After being swept off the lanes last week, the Turkey Hunters regrouped in an effort to get back to their winning ways. Despite a 10th frame meltdown in which opponents Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends came away with an 18-pin victory in Game #1, the Turkeys reversed their own fortunes – compliments of this week's #1 Power Ranked bowler Aubrey Moren and his career-high 667 series – to win the showdown 3-1. The Belt's anchor Bill Krejci put up the second highest series of the night (606) but only managed the Game #1 win. With the victories, the Turkey Hunters climb two spots into 3rd while The Belt slips a notch down into 5th place.Word on the street was that Split It and Hit It's anchor Dennis Blake had the game figured out. Shooting his third career 200+ game to start off the night to easily take Game #1, Blake seemed to be the man to watch as he shot his 520 series. Yet, the Pocket Pounders had other plans. Down two bowlers, Ryan Doll and Rob Kaszuba combined to take the remaining games in a 3-1 matchup victory. Anchor Doll led the team with his 534 series. The wins were a welcome change for the Pounders, who remain in 2nd but have cut the gap from first by half. Split It and Hit It, still trying to regain their first half magic, remain in 6th place by total pins.While most of us know that the world will end in December according to the Mayan calendar, very few would have predicted that the 8th place team Sexual Chocolate would outright clobber the recently surging Mayan Apocalypse. With this weeks' Most Valuable Bowler Teresa Deterding leading the way with her 488 series, the Chocolates crushed their opponents in a clean 4-0 sweep. Carl Goetz led the Mayans with his 579 series but finds his team slipping one spot into 4th place. Despite the four victories, Sexual Chocolate remains put in 8th place.When your team is six games up over the entire league fresh out off the position round, generally you look to extend that lead. This simply wasn't in the cards for current league leaders FTOP. To celebrate absent bowler Dave Winger's birthday, Ballz Out decided to blow out FTOP like candles on a birthday cake. With en fuego roller Cliff Barendsen leading the way with his second consecutive impressive over-average series (shooting a 500 this week), Ballz Out took each game in the 10th frame and never let FTOP snatch a single come-from-behind victory. Lead off bowler John Boren led FTOP with a 596 series but received no help from the rest of his teammates. Despite the wins and losses, neither team moved spots in the standings with FTOP remaining at the top of the heap in 1st and Ballz Out staying put in 7th place.Bowlers ending better than the St. Louis Cardinals and hanging out at The 200 Club this week include: Angela Bradford (209), Aubrey Moren (223, 254), Bill Krejci (202, 213), Carl Goetz (202), Dennis Blake (203), John Boren (216, 201), and Pat Searcy (224).And speaking of Pat Searcy, he and five other bowlers – namely David Codding, Demond Robinson, Janelle (Laube) Lamar, Jason Carpio, and Seth Gunderson – would very much appreciate it if you would vote for them as they each try to make their way into the GutterAlley Hall of Fame. Voting is now open and will remain so until the end of Week #15, just before the Finals. What are you waiting for?!? Get in there and vote!The Tournament of Champions continues on without very little change in the current top seeds in any division. Carl Goetz (19) is still the top dog in Division #1, with John Boren (12) holding onto the second spot. Division #2 is still represented with the 1-2 punch of Aubrey Moren (19) and Phil Schroeder (10), respectively. Andy McLeod (20) remains atop Division #3 while AJ Hofmann (10) makes his move to tie Dennis Blake (10) in the second spot. Division #4's eternal leader Teresa Deterding (22) may soon find herself in second place as Cliff Barendsen (20) moves right on her tail.Remember, voting for this season's Hall of Fame inductees is now open. Please be sure to vote! It only takes a minute.And, lastly, if you are still feeling the sting from last night's battle, perhaps this shot of Jonathan Vigliaturo will cheer you up slightly:
See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Teresa Deterding Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Aubrey Moren Runner Up: Teresa Deterding	#1 H2H BOWLER Bill Krejci Runner Up: Aubrey Moren
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "So let me get this straight, to get nominated for the Hall of Fame you have to get swept by the 2nd to last place team?" Cliff Barendsen, after absolutely destroying David Codding and team.

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 fourth time to welcome in the seventh inductee. The GutterAlley Hall of Fame Screening Committee is proud to announce the names of the six candidates up for enshrinement this season – David Codding, Demond Robinson, Janelle (Laube) Lamar, Jason Carpio, Pat Searcy, and Seth Gunderson.Each of these six bowlers, in his or her 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, and – most recently – Bob 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 - December 4th, 2012).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 Fall 2012 season is, without a doubt, the highest scoring session in GutterAlley history: we've seen our first perfect game, a 299, two 700+ series, two 690+ series, and the average average this season is the highest over the course of our twenty-six seasons (157.9). The position round was the best opportunity for teams to flex their muscles and try to edge in on the leads of their closest competitors. In the end, three teams came away with sweeps over their opponents just ahead of them in the league standings. The stage is set now for what will more than likely be an interesting second half. The battle between the top two teams in the standings started off with the Pocket Pounders taking Game #1 over the league leading FTOP, compliments of Steve Kiernan's 235 game. Kiernan would go on to lead the Pounders with a 635 series. Fortunately for FTOP, John Boren was able to put on his cape despite the absence of two of his teammates (some would argue his third teammate was absent as well) to get his team back on track with a Game #2 victory. The final game came down to the wire with FTOP pulling out an 18-pin charity win in Game #3 and a 3-pin total pins victory to extend their record to 24-8 – a full six games ahead of the rest of the league, thanks to Boren's team leading 573 series. The Pocket Pounders, with their one win, manage to hold onto 2nd place for another week.Lanes 43 & 44 hosted the matchup between the Turkey Hunters and Mayan Apocalypse. Fresh off his 299 game last week, the Mayans' Carl Goetz continued his quest for a perfect game by shooting a 279 to start off his night (he threw 11 strikes in the game, with a 9 and a spare in the 3rd frame – so, once again, just one pin away from a perfect game). Goetz would go on to shoot the 4th highest series in league history with his 728 en route to an absolute blow out of the Turkey Hunters. To add to the beat down, lead off bowler Scott "Scooter J" Murdock hoisted his first 600+ series (a 617!) to earn Most Valuable Bowler honors this week. The Turkey's Aubrey Moren led his team with a 594 series in the losing effort, dropping two spots into 5th place. Mayan Apocalypse continue to prophesy doom while climbing one spot into 3rd place.Continuing the domineering performances was Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends taking all four games from rivals Split It and Hit It. Despite the team pre-bowling, The Belt's scores held up as the night progressed. Led by lead off bowler Jonathan Vigliaturo and his 551 series – the highest across both teams – Bobby Belt easily took Games #1 and #2 before Split It decided to Hit it. With a chance to steal Game #3, the guys fell shy in the 10th frame – despite anchor Dennis Blake's 494 series – and ended the night without a single victory. With their first sweep all season, Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends ascend the standings two spots into 4th place. The Splits split from 5th to take over 6th place.Second only to the Finals, the position round is the best time to roll your all time high game and series. No one took this to heart moreso than the Ballz Out's very own Cliff Barendsen. Having spent the entire first half of the league in 8th place, Cliff's breakout performance came at just the right time as his 601 series – including a 241 and 207 – to lead his team to a clean sweep over opponents Sexual Chocolate and moving into 7th place. It goes without saying that Cliff was this week's #1 Power Ranked bowler. What makes it even more impressive is that his performance is the second best in league history. Congratulations, Cliff! Sexual Chocolate's Teresa Deterding led her team with a 475 series but it simply wasn't enough to even come close to derailing the Ballz march up the standings. Sexual Chocolate falls one spot into 8th place.Bowlers crowding The 200 Club this week include: Aubrey Moren (224), Carl Goetz (279, 256), Cliff Barendsen (241, 207), John Boren (213), Jonathan Vigliaturo (207), Pat Searcy (203, 213), Phil Schroeder (203), Ryan Doll (201), Scott Murdock (203, 200, 214), and Steve Kiernan (235, 210).The Tournament of Champions continues to heat up as the season progresses. Carl Goetz (19) continues to lead Division #1 with John Boren (12) chasing him. Aubrey Moren (13) and Phil Schroeder (10) lead Division #2, respectively. Division #3 is all but owned by Andy McLeod (19) with Dennis Blake and Anita Osthoff (7 each) battling it out for second place. Teresa Deterding (19) still controls the top spot in Division #4 but Cliff Barendsen (14) is gaining ground. Nominations for this season's Hall of Fame enshrinee are now closed. Voting will officially open next week. See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Scott Murdock Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Cliff Barendsen Runner Up: Carl Goetz	#1 H2H BOWLER Scott Murdock Runner Up: Cliff Barendsen
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Dammit, quit talking about me rubbing my balls!" Steve Kiernan, responding to John Boren's trash talk.

Before this season even began, it was blatantly apparent that some really heavy hitters were going to be participating in this session. Names that dominate the league records and the Top 25 lists were slated to lace up their shoes to and face one another over the course of 17 weeks. What have we seen so far? A perfect game. A near perfect game. A 700+ series. The best part? This season isn't even half way over. There's no telling what else is in store.The first matchup of the night pitted the Pocket Pounders against opponents Sexual Chocolate. Both teams put up a great fight with almost every game coming down to the 10th frame in a showdown, with the Pocket Pounders come away with the win each time. Putting up the biggest numbers for the Pounders this week was Neil Rieger, who ended his night with a 586 series to lead the team to a clean sweep and improving to a 17-11 record and rising into 2nd place. Despite Sexual Chocolate's high rolling Jason Carpio and his 627 series, the team simply couldn't put together a winning combination and remain in 7th place. Down on Lanes 43 & 44, FTOP's John Boren wanted to make sure that the rest of the league knew that his was the team to be most feared when going up against them. Setting a season high with a 715 series – behind games of 239, 255, and 221 – and earning #1 Power Ranked bowler honors, Boren took his team along for a 3-1 matchup victory over opponents Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends. The team remains in 1st place despite anchor Ken M. Wilson increasing his chances of overtaking his own below average slump league record and costing them the sweep. The Belt's Seth Gunderson put up the most fire power for his team, ending his evening with a 552 series but slips one spot down into 6th place.Teams tend to pick on Ballz Out each week. Split It and Hit It was no exception. After dropping Game #1 by a mere three pins to the Ballz, compliments of Cliff Barendsen's team-leading 429 series (and snappy hat!), Split It decided to hit it and hit it hard. Reversing their team's fortunes, the men stormed back for a 4-pin victory in Game #2 and then a blowout victory in Game #3 to take the night 3-1. Anchor Dennis Blake handily led the comeback with a 548 series including his first 200+ game, a 210. With the wins, Split It climbs one spot up into 5th while Ballz Out remains in 8th place. In their first matchup of the season, the Turkey Hunters sized up opponents Mayan Apocalypse and let 'er rip. With anchor Aubrey Moren returning to form from his past two seasons to lead the reigning champs with a demonic 666 series and Most Valuable Bowler honors to boot, the night seemed to belong entirely to the Turkey Hunters. That's when the Mayans' Carl Goetz decided to make another brush with league history. Rolling eleven consecutive strikes, Goetz stood on the cusp of joining David Codding in the rarest of feats by bowling a perfect game but fell a single pin shy to come away with the league's second 299 game. Naturally, Goetz led his team with a 698 series and brought the matchup to a 2-2 split. While the wins keep the Mayans in 4th, it did cause the Turkey Hunters to slip one spot into 3rd place and setting up a rematch in the position round next week.Here's the video of Carl's 10th frame...For those of you new to the league, the position round is the half way mark of the season in which the schedule is set to pit teams adjacent to one another in the league standings against their placement opponent. First place bowls second place, third takes on fourth, and so on. This season's matchups will be as follows:#1 FTOP (21-7) vs. #2 Pocket Pounders (17-11)#3 Turkey Hunters (16-12) vs. #4 Mayan Apocalypse (14-14)#5 Split It and Hit It (14-14) vs. #6 Bobby Belt and the Facebook Friends (13-15)#7 Sexual Chocolate (10-18) vs. #8 Ballz Out (7-21)Bowlers lamenting the lack of Octoberfest beer in The 200 Club this week include: Aubrey Moren (237, 240), Carl Goetz (202, 299), David Codding (269, 203), Dennis Blake (210), Jason Carpio (235, 200), John Boren (239, 255, 221), Neil Rieger (206), Ryan Doll (216), and Seth Gunderson (202). The Tournament of Champions continues with Carl Goetz (13 points) leading Division #1 with John Boren (9) in second. Division #2 find Aubrey Moren (13) in the lead with both Jason Carpio and Phil Schroeder (7) sharing second place. Despite a round two loss, Andy McLeod (16) continues to dominate Division #3 while Anita Osthoff (7) gains some ground. Even missing a week, Division #4's Teresa Deterding (18) continues to dominate Division #4 while Cliff Barendsen (8) steps up into second place.Get ready for the always volatile position round when anything can – and typically does – happen. To put things into perspective, here's what can come about next week: Read the rest of this entry »

With over 35,000 individual games rolled in our league's 13-year history, no one has ever walked away with a perfect game. That all changed Tuesday night as David Codding became the first person to string 12 consecutive strikes to walk off the lanes with a perfect 300. Here's video of the 12th strike that made league history:While Week #6 will forever be remembered as the week Codding shot a perfect game, other things did go down: several games were settled by just single digits, half the league changed places in the league standings, and the gaps in-between teams tightened up as the position round quickly approaches. After getting back on track last week with their first sweep of the season, the rollers on Mayan Apocalypse looked poised to double their number of sweeps while facing opponents Ballz Out. After taking Game #1 by a mere four pins and Game #2 by a huge margin, Game #3 seemed to be in the bag for the Mayans until all four Ballz Out bowlers rolled over average forcing a 10th frame showdown. End result? A single pin victory for the Ballz and a 3-1 matchup victory for Mayan Apocalypse. Cliff Barendsen had the highest output for Ballz Out, ending with a personal best 412 series while Pat Searcy's 600 led the way for the Mayans. Despite the wins, neither team moved from their respective positions – Mayan Apocalypse holds onto 4th while Ballz Out remains in 8th place.Typically when the predictions powered by ScooterMath™ call for the 2nd place team to drop three games to 7th place team, people scoff. But when Split It and Hit It turns it into a reality over reigning champs Turkey Hunters, you have to wonder why Scoot doesn't play the lottery. Game #1 went to Split it, 663-617. The predictions? Game #1 to Split It, 641-617. Game #2 went to the Turkey Hunters 689-632. The predictions? Turkey Hunters, 689-638. Game #3 and total pins went to Split It and Hit It, compliments of anchor Dennis Blake's 494 series and a #1 Power Ranked bowler performance from teammate Michael Smith. Game #3 was won 735-721, total pins by three. Predicted outcome? 670-642 and total pins by one. Amazing. Aubrey Moren led the Turkeys with a 553 series in the losing effort but remain in 2nd place. Split It and Hit It hop one spot up into 6th place.Sexual Chocolate had plans to take some games from the current 1st place FTOP and emphatically did just so in Game #1. With Jason Carpio leading the way with his 596 series – include a 246 to start his night off – the Chocolates easily took the first game of the matchup. FTOP, led by the man of the night David Codding and his 693 series, took Game #2 by four pins to even it at one game apiece. Game #3 ended up being the game that David Codding has chased his entire life, rolling a perfect 300 and winning the game but not by a margin large enough to overcome the total pins beat down from Game #1. The teams split the series at two games apiece. FTOP remains in first place, ahead now by a margin of four games, while Sexual Chocolate slip a spot into 7th place.Down on Lanes 47 & 48, the Pocket Pounders bounced back from their woes from last week to lay down the only sweep of the night against opponents Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends. With all four men raising their averages – led by Ryan Doll's 633 series and a Most Valuable Bowler performance from Neil Reiger – the Pounders took control early and never let any games even get close to being settled in the 10th frame. The Belt, led this week by Bill Krejci and his 527 series, just couldn't get into a rhythm and drop two spots in the league standings down into 5th place. The Pocket Pounders swap places with them and now sit in 3rd place. Bowlers telling Codding that he needs to go find The 300 Club down the street this week in The 200 Club include: Aubrey Moren (210), Carl Goetz (206), Dennis "Pops" Laube (202), Jason Carpio (246, 201), John Boren (212), Neil Rieger (206, 215), Pat Searcy (210), Ryan Doll (226, 204, 203), Seth Gunderson (204), and Steve Kiernan (213).Participants in the Tournament of Champions continue to add points to their totals. Carl Goetz continues to lead Division #1 with 7 points while John Boren and Pat Searcy chase him with 6 points. Division #2 still has Aubrey Moren out in front with 9 points but Phil Schroeder, Cory Chorpenning, and Seth Gunderson all sit three points behind him. Andy McLeod continues to crush the competition in Division #3 with his 15 points while Matt Bunyard sits in second at 6 points. Division #4 is pretty much owned by Teresa Deterding, who has won every week so far and maintains her first place perch with 18 points – Michael Smith is second with 5 points.Congratulations again to David Codding for being absolutely perfect in Game #3...a fitting game for a 300.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Michael Smith Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Neil Rieger Runner Up: David Codding	#1 H2H BOWLER Ryan Doll Runner Up: Steve Kiernan
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Wait a minute. Seriously?!? Now, if I shot a 300 and didn't get a 700 series I'd be absolutely ashamed. I'm serious." Pat Searcy, upon discovering Codding ended the night with a 693 series despite his 300 game.

Week #5, with one exception, was a week of sweeps. Three powerhouse teams handed out perfect 4-0 beatdowns while two other teams engaged in a brutal battle of back and forth Tuesday night on the lanes of North Kansas City Pro Bowl. In the end, five of the eight teams exchanged places in the league standings and two bowlers rolled big series as the season marches toward its halfway point.After their collapse in Week #3, the men of FTOP have been on a mission to win, win, win. And win they did against their opponents for the night – Pocket Pounders. For the second week in a row, FTOP has gone 4-0 to maintain and extend their lead in first place. Led this week by David Codding and his 647 series, the acronymed-named rollers improved to 16-4 on the season. The Pounders' anchor Ryan Doll led his team with a 554 series but it simply wasn't enough to earn a single victory. The losses drop the Pocket Pounders two spots down into 5th place with a record of 9-11.With all four bowlers together for the first time this season, the men of Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends had planned to block Sexual Chocolate from any wins but the night did not go exactly as planned. With this week's Most Valuable Bowler leading the way, Teresa Deterding and her 451 series took Game #1 to start the matchup. The Belt struck back behind anchor Bill Krejci's 574 series to easily take Game #2 by a margin of 101 pins. Game #3 went to Sexual Chocolate in a 10th frame showdown but the gigantic Belt win in the second contest helped secure total pins for a 2-2 split. Bobby Belt slip a spot into 3rd place with a 12-8 record while Sexual Chocolate stays put in 6th at 8-12.After a surprisingly lackluster start, the Mayan Apocalypse finally found their stride against the streaking Split It and Hit It. With Carl Goetz shooting the highest series to date this season – a 652 – as well as earning #1 Power Ranked bowler honors this week, the Mayans swept their competition and rocketed three spots in the league standings to take over 4th place with their 9-11 record. Rumor has it that the Mayan calendar foresaw this team in the Finals vying for first place. Perhaps now the beginnings of this prophecy are starting to come true. Split It, led by anchor Dennis Blake and his 454 series, drop two spots back down into 7th place with a record of 8-12 after suffering their first winless week of the season. Down on Lanes 47 & 48, the reigning champion Turkey Hunters decided to take out their frustrations from last week's four losses by handily adding four victories at the expense of opponents Ballz Out (and unlocked the "Big Bully" achievement in the process, check your "Achievements" tab on your player profile page to see what you have unlocked this season). Led by anchor Aubrey Moren and his 548 series, the Hunters rebounded nicely with their 13-7 record to regain 2nd place. Ballz Out, led once again by Cliff Barendsen – this week with a 400 series – take their lumps – and a 6-game losing streak – to remain in 8th place with a record of 5-15.Bowlers rocking their Gangnam Style inside The 200 Club this week include: Bill Krejci (202, 202), Carl Goetz (237, 227), David Codding (247, 201), Jonathan Vigliaturo (201), Ryan Doll (201), Seth Gunderson (222), and Steve Kiernan (200).The leaders in the four Tournament of Champions divisions switched around quite a bit with Carl Goetz (7 points) now leading Division #1 with John Boren and Ryan Doll each trailing with 3 points apiece. Division #2 saw Aubrey Moren (9 points) piggy back over last week's leaders, Phil Schroeder and Seth Gunderson (6 points each). Andy McLeod (9 points) takes over the top spot in Division #3 with the absent Matt Bunyard sitting in 2nd place with 6 points. Division #4 continues to be dominated by Teresa Deterding who has a perfect 12 points over the past two weeks with Michael Smith holding the second spot in the division with four points. There is still plenty of time for all of this to switch as the season progresses.The mighty and mystical ScooterMath™ has the predictions claiming all kinds of interesting things for next week: the Mayan Apocalypse is slated to continue their winning ways against opponents Ballz Out, Split It and Hit It is predicted to win three against the Turkey Hunters, Sexual Chocolate is apparently going to end FTOP's win streak with a lone Game #2 victory, while the Pocket Pounders are to return with a 3-1 beatdown over Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends. Will any of this come true? We'll just have to wait until next week to find out.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Teresa Deterding Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Carl Goetz Runner Up: Anita Osthoff	#1 H2H BOWLER Carl Goetz Runner Up: Andy McLeod
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "F&#k your Game #1! " Carl Goetz, snapping at David Codding as the two did battle in the Tournament of Champions.

In 1986, The Rolling Stones released a single called "Harlem Shuffle". Well, on Tuesday night, the GutterAlley bowling league released their own shuffle single as all but two teams shifted around in the standings. To top it off, the fourth 250+ game has been rolled this season – and it's only Week #4! Ready to get the lowdown? So are we...After missing the first three weeks of the season, Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends' very own Seth Gunderson finally made his debut this season in a big way. Leading his team with a 568 series, Gunderson – along with this week's Most Valuable Bowler performance by teammate Andy McLeod – The Belt pulled off a 3-1 matchup against opponents Mayan Apocalypse. Pat Searcy put up the best series for the Mayans with his 566 which was just in time to pull off an upset in Game #3...by a mere three pins. With the wins, The Belt moved up one spot into 2nd while the Apocalypse remain in 7th place. No doubt about it, Steve Kiernan had a big night. With the highest series of the night across the entire league – a 597 – Steve gave his Pocket Pounders a 3-1 matchup win over opponents Ballz Out. After a 3-pin victory by the Ballz in Game #2, compliments of a 439 series out of sub Bryan Mohr, Kiernan caught fire. Putting up a new season high game with his 259, Kiernan's heroics pushed the Pounders up one spot into 3rd while Ballz Out remains in 8th place.Long-time rivals FTOP met up with reigning champs Turkey Hunters for the first time this season down on Lanes 45 & 46. Earlier in the day, FTOP's lead off roller John Boren predicted that his team would come away with a clean sweep. Boren's call was spot on as he lead his team with a 590 series to a 4-0 win to reclaim first place. The Hunters, led by anchor Aubrey Moren and his 521 series, plummet three spots down into 4th place.Something is in the water with Split It and Hit It. In a repeat of their outcome of last week, Split It dropped Game #1 – this time to opponents Sexual Chocolate – before coming to life and taking every game after that. With anchor Dennis Blake's 499 series leading the charge and this week's #1 Power Ranked bowler Matt Bunyard adding to the damage, the men of Split It came back in a big way to end the night with a 3-1 matchup win. Teresa Deterding led Sexual Chocolate with her 440 series but it was only enough to secure a single victory. With the wins, Split It & Hit It climb one spot into 5th while Sexual Chocolate drops the mic and exits the stage in 6th place.Only four bowlers graced the halls of The 200 Club this week: John Boren (210, 202), Pat Search (210), Seth Gunderson (203, 203), and Steve Kiernan (259).The first week's results for this season's Tournament of Champions are in. Division #1 starts off being led by John Boren with 3 points with Carl Goetz just behind him with 1 point. Division #2 was handily won by Seth Gunderson (6 points) while Phil Schroeder and Jonathan Vigliaturo both start out with a point apiece. Matt Bunyard dominated Division #3 to win all 6 points while Andy McLeod trails him with 3 points. Division #4 finds teammates Teresa Deterding (6 points) and Jake Parrott (3 points) sharing first and second, respectively.Nominations for this season's induction into the GutterAlley Hall of Fame are now open. Get in there and make your picks now!See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Andy McLeod Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Matt Bunyard Runner Up: Andy McLeod	#1 H2H BOWLER Matt Bunyard Runner Up: John Boren
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Kiernan shot a 259? Huh. Did you know that the iPhone 5 still doesn't have global LTE or NFC?!?" Jason Carpio, while staying at home on Facebook rather than bowling.

Week #3 is now in the books and with it came some surprises across the league: the last place team upset the first place team; two bowlers shot over 250+ while another shot over 240; several seemingly-impossible splits were picked up; and, in the end, several games were settled by the slimmest of margins. Ahh, GutterAlley...bring me the scoop!The reigning champions Turkey Hunters started the night off by dropping Game #1 to Sexual Chocolate, who was led by anchor Jason Carpio and his 535 series. Battling back in a big way, the Turkeys' lead-off bowler Phil Schroeder brought a 571 series (including a 241!) to reverse their fortunes and take Game #2 by over 100 pins. Game #3 came down to the 10th frame with Sexual Chocolate holding on for the win only to end up losing total pins. The teams split their matchup 2-2 and both move up one spot each in the standings. The Turkey Hunters take over 1st while Sexual Chocolate hop up into 5th place.Things looked pretty damn good for the men of FTOP, who started out with a trouncing of opponents Split It and Hit It in Game #1 behind anchor – and this week's #1 Power Ranked bowler – Ken M. Wilson's 638 series...but that was the last time they would taste victory Tuesday night. Split It's lead-off bowler Michael Smith poured it on with this week's Most Valuable Bowler performance while anchor Dennis Blake's 441 team-leading series kicked in to take Games #2 and #3 including a total pins victory by a single pin to knock the league leaders off their perch and down into 2nd place. Split It & Hit It climbed up two spots into 6th place with their 3-1 matchup victory.Last week, two of the league's powerhouse teams – Pocket Pounders and Mayan Apocalypse – took it on the chin and both walked away the victims of being swept. This week, the two duked it out down on Lanes 45 & 46. With a 3-pin victory in Game #1, the Pocket Pounders set the pace of the night. They scored another victory in Game #2, with anchor Ryan Doll's 601 series leading the way. The Mayans' anchor Carl Goetz fought back with a 625 series to avoid getting blanked, handily winning Game #3 but dropping total pins by only 10 pins. The Pocket Pounders took it 3-1 and remain in 4th place. The Mayan Apocalypse experience more doom as they fall two spots into 7th place.Still having not yet fielded a full team at all this season, the men of Bobby Belt and The Facebook Friends finally broke the .500 mark at the expense of opponents Ballz Out. With anchor Bill Krejci bringing the biggest numbers – a 563 series – The Belt took Games #1 and #2 before letting Game #3 slip away from them. Ballz Out's Cliff Barendsen's 407 series was what the team needed to come away with the win in Game #3 but not by enough to swing a total pins victory. The Belt's 3-1 matchup win keeps them in 3rd while Ballz Out slip one spot down into 8th place.Bowlers wondering when all the sandbaggers will finally show up in The 200 Club this week include: Bill Krejci (219), Carl Goetz (201, 232), David Codding (206), Ken M. Wilson (255, 235), Phil Schroeder (241), and Ryan Doll (256).The divisions for the Tournament of Champions are now set and, thanks to a couple of secret donations, every single person in the league has paid to join into the tournament. First place will find an additional $42 in his or her prize envelope at the end of the season while the runner-up will find $22 after all is said and done. Beginning next week, scoresheets to track your progress will be available around the lanes so get ready to have some fun.See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Michael Smith Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Ken Wilson Runner Up: Freda Schroeder	#1 H2H BOWLER Freda Schroeder Runner Up: Carl Goetz
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Jeez, my Game #2 score went down like I'd been hit by a terrorist's airplane." Ken, after bowling a score 107 pins below his previous game.