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Rodriguez Is Money In PBA Region Tourney

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By LEE DIEKEMPER, Tribune correspondent

Published: October 10, 2007

PORT RICHEY - Stephen Rodriguez of New Port Richey had been toying with the idea of trying to make a few bucks off of bowling since he recently resumed participation in the sport.

After buying a new ball last month, a 15-pound Track Kenetic, Rodriguez started to see his average skyrocket. So he figured, why not?

So when he noticed Lane Glo North would host a PBA South Region tournament last weekend, he pondered whether he could hang with the pros. He wasn't sure about it but decided to give it a try.

As it turned out, Rodriguez, 24, had little to worry about. He finished 13th in the tournament, which concluded Sunday afternoon.

The region was won by Jason Sterner of Roswell, Ga. He pocketed $2,500. Kelvin Wiggins of Scotland Neck, N.C., placed second and won $1,250. Walter Ray Williams of Ocala finished third and won $800.

Rodriguez was the top finisher among several area bowlers. Holding a 232 average, Rodriguez won $500 for his efforts.

'My goal was to make the cut,' Rodriguez said. And he did just that, making the round of 16. But that was as far as Rodriguez got as he fell to Don Stephenson of Palm Bay to trim the field to eight, 3-0 (279-197, 245-186, 248-204).

Despite not getting any farther, Rodriguez was content with his performance.

'Hey, I bowled a 299 game,' Rodriguez boasted.

Rodriguez credits both his new ball and his renewed affection for the sport.

'I had bowled and quit, bowled and quit,' Rodriguez said. He first quit when he got too old for the local junior bowling programs. He resumed a few months later but quit again when life got a bit too busy. He currently owns a garage door company that services and sells garage doors.

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