Spare Change

Oatman picks up pace, wins Times title

BY ANTHONY NASELLA
Times Correspondent

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Monday, June 13, 2005 1:21 AM CDT

BOWLING | TIMES INDIVIDUAL CLASSIC

HAMMOND | In his Class A semifinal match Sunday at the Times Individual Bowling Classic, Billy Oatman almost did himself in with a lack of execution in his spare game.

The Chicago resident knew too well that if he was going to get past local sharpshooter Lou Gorcos in the championship match, that accuracy would be the difference. And that's exactly how it played out.

The top qualifier, Oatman racked up five strikes and converted his first four spares. Meanwhile, Gorcos was plagued by three opens -- the critical ones being a 4-6 split with the game still close in the ninth frame and then another in the 10th.

And while Oatman also opened in the 10th, his seven count on the first shot sealed a 211-203 victory over the player of the year in the Greater Calumet Area Bowling Association.

"They say spares win games, and I'm living proof of it." Oatman said. "I didn't think I was going to bowl a lot of strikes. I figured if Lou threw a lot of strikes he would win, but I was going to try to keep up with him.

"I had trouble making my spares in the semifinal. I missed a seven pin and six pin back to back, and then I almost missed another spare but caught a break. So I said to myself for the championship match, whatever I leave I'm going to make."

Fortunately for Oatman, his open in the 10th was inconsequential.

"I was just trying to make the best first shot at the point," Oatman said. "Thankfully the seven count was enough. To beat a world-class bowler like Lou is a great honor."

Oatman joins Bruce Hartlerode (1985) as the only lefties to capture the Class A title. Three of the final four bowlers on Sunday were lefties.

Oatman, who hadn't bowled in a Times Classic since the tournament was held at the old Bowl-Era, said he's thrilled that he has another tournament that he can compete in.

"I enjoyed this tournament so much," Oatman said. "I started subbing in a league here at Olympia this year, and I plan on bowling a lot more here. And I'm definitely looking forward to coming back and defending my title."