May 31st, 2008 - The Oconee Bowling Association was represented at the Traveling Championship National Tournament a team sponsored by Alexander Amusements. Team members were Paul Kerlein, Matt Traynham, Billy Traynham, Rodney Leopard, and Joey Payne. The Alexander Amusements team finished third out of over 500 teams located in nine states. In order to qualify for the national tournament, a team must either win their district or enter as a wildcard. Wildcard entrants must bowl an additional squad to qualify for the actual tournament. Alexander Amusements won district three of the Western Carolina’s region.

These bowlers rolled five games of qualifying on Saturday May 10, beginning at 1:00 PM. By finishing in the top eight teams in their squad, they returned at 7:30 PM in the semi-finals and rolled a second set of five games, finishing after midnight. By finishing in the top eight of the semi-finals, they were required to return by 8:00 the next morning for pictures and to bowl an eight game round robin squad on May 11. Alexander Amusements finished third in the finals. This is the second highest finish ever, by a team from the Western Carolina’s.

We would like to like this opportunity on behalf of the Oconee Bowling Association and Oconee Lanes to congratulate Paul, Matt, Billy, Rodney, and Joey on their season, district championship, and outstanding performance at the National Finals Tournament. Good job!!! You can learn more about the Western TCBA by visiting www.westerncarolinatcba.com.