Bluffton, Indiana’s EJ Tackett hoists the champion’s trophy Thursday in 2023, winner of the annual Kremer Roofing Classic at Community Lanes. (Press Pros Feature Photos)
The forecast is hot and humid, and perfect for the bowling fan who longs to watch the world’s best come to Minster, Coldwater, and Delphos this month and compete…in air-conditioned comfort.
There’s no doubt about it…the annual Kremer Roofing Classic, in Minster, followed by the Bowlerstore.com Classic, presented by Moxy’s Xtra Pair, in Coldwater, are two of my best weekends on the sports calendar each year.
The Professional Bowlers Association regional tour hits west-central Ohio these next two weeks, starting this weekend with the 4th Annual Kremer Roofing Classic, hosted by Doug and Lori Davidson’s Community Lanes, in Minster.
And I’ve said this repeatedly since we first started covering the PBA bowlers a decade ago…there are no more gracious, personable, and appreciative professionals in the sports world than those on the PBA Tour.
“There’s a little blue collar about most of us,” laughs world’s #1, E.J. Tackett, from nearby Bluffton, Indiana. “And people who bowl appreciate that we’re out there working for it just like they do.”
But on top of that…they’re just good guys. The kind you like to meet – say hello to.
Bowlerstore.com, of Versailles, is the presenting sponsor of high school bowling on Press Pros Magazine.com.
There are actually three events with this year’s swing through the area, beginning with the Kremer Classic this week. Competition at Community Lanes begins on Friday, the 15th, and concludes on Sunday, the 17th.
At the conclusion of the Kremer Classic, Dedphos hosts the Dave and Diane Kill Central Open at the Delphos Bowling and Recreation Center, beginning Tuesday, August 19, and concluding on Thursday, August 21st.
The 17th annual Coldwater tournament, hosted by the Hartings family at Plamor Lanes, begins on Friday, the 22nd, and concludes on Sunday, the 24th.
Admission is free, and the temperature will be a cool 74 degrees, give or take.
Last year’s Kremer Classic was won by Ryan Leiderbach, marking his third consecutive regional title in a row.
Last year’s Bowlerstore.com Classic was won by Zeke Bayt (from Westerville, Oh) in a surprise showdown with Tackett and A.J. Johnson.
If you’re surprised by how Coldwater, Minster, and Delphos can attract the same professionals you want on the Fox network on Sundays, don’t be.
Pla-Mor lanes proudly sponsors coverage of bowling on Press Pros Magazine.com
“I enjoy coming here because the people treat us so well,” says long-time professional DJ Archer, from Louisville.
And Troy’s Kyle Bigelow, while he doesn’t bowl regularly on tour, never misses a Coldwater tournament…if he can help it.
“Love coming here,” says the proprietor of Troy Bowl, on Dorset Road. “It’s like family, the competition in this house is tough, and I enjoy the challenge.”
Rising star, Michael Davidson, from Versailles, will also be competing after breaking a 12-game PBA scoring record (257.17 avg) earlier in the year.
EJ Tackett, by the way, is the reigning two-time PBA Bowler of The Year, leading the membership in points, earnings, and average.
Community Lanes sponsors your favorite area sports on Press Pros. We’re so much more than a bowling center. Visit us soon.