USBC Storm Mixed Team Challenge returns for third season
11/7/2006

Beginning in February, bowlers of all abilities will once again have the opportunity to put a little spice in their league bowling season by competing in one of the sport's most unique grassroots competitions -- the United States Bowling Congress/Storm Mixed Team Challenge.

Returning for the third consecutive year, the Mixed Team Challenge consists of 14 events across the country which will be conducted from February through May. The four-player handicap team competition features traditional format and Baker format team competition.

Two Mixed Team Challenge tournaments are scheduled during a weekend in different locations but in the same region enabling participants to compete in both events if they wish.

Each tournament leads off with three games of traditional bowling and then the action shifts to 10 games of Baker competition. The Baker format requires each member of the team to alternate frames to combine for one score.

The entry fee has been reduced to $240 per team ($60 per person). All USBC members are eligible to compete except Denny's PBA Tour exempt players. Each event features its own prize fund (estimated at $4,500 based on 30 entries) and bowlers have the opportunity to enter brackets and other side events.

The Mixed Team Challenge uses a 90 percent handicap of 900 (combined average for four players). All teams must have at least one woman player with any combination of men and women allowed. A minimum of one in six teams cash in each event.

Based on previous seasons, some events will sell out so early registration is recommended. For an entry form, call tournament director Tom Boedecker at (800) 514-2695 ext. 3415 or e-mail. Entry forms and information may also be found on bowl.com.

USBC/Storm Mixed Team Challenge Schedule
(All events begin at 10 a.m. local time)

Feb. 17, Birmingham, Ala. - Lightning Strikes
Feb. 18, Atlanta - AMF Embassy Row Lanes
March 3, Portland, Ore. - AMF Cascade Lanes
March 4, Tacoma, Wash. - Pacific Lanes
March 24, White Plains N.Y. - White Plains Bowl
March 25, Windsor Locks, Conn. - Bradley Bowl
March 31, Indianapolis, Ind. - Sport Bowl
April 1, Columbus, Ohio - Palace Lanes
April 14, Philadelphia, Pa. - Sproul Lanes
April 15, Baltimore - Bowl America Glen Burnie
May 5, Chicago - Elk Grove Bowl
May 6, Milwaukee, Wis. - Olympic Lanes
May 19, Concord, Calif. - Diablo Lanes
May 20, Fountain Valley, Calif. - Fountain Bowl