Indiana Harbor
Athletic & Recreation Association

2000 IAA SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS 2000
JOHN "IRON MAN" RIFFLE CAPTURES SINGLES TITLE
Kubacki's Quest for Triple Crown Ends Quietly

John Riffle

In a modified singles format, John Riffle emerged from the loser's bracket to defeat Claude Jackson 236-223 and 245-189 to claim the 2000 IAA Singles title. Due to limited number of entries, the format of the event was changed to a double-elimination match-play tournament comprised of the top 16 qualifiers from a brief, but exciting, 2-game qualifier. The qualifying portion was led by Steve Howshaw who fired an opening 299 game. Claude Jackson was second, followed by Mike Kubacki, Ed Croy, and John Riffle. Kubacki, looking to become the second IAA bowler to capture the triple crown (championships in the team, doubles, and singles events), was labeled the odds-on favorite to dominate the match-play finals given his strong, but more importantly consistent, performance during the qualifying segment.

Match-play began with top-seeded Howshaw falling to the dangerous and unlikely 16th seeded Scott Hansen. In the other major first-round upset, 13th seeded Denny Starzak dismantled third-seeded, IAA Bowler of the Year candidate, and tournament favorite Mike Kubacki. Eventual champion Riffle defeated Ed Wlekinski before falling to second seeded Claude Jackson in the second round. But, as feared, Riffle shifted gears and eliminated Kubacki (who earlier eliminated Ed Olszewski), Jerry Michalak, Rick Woloszyn, Ray Fogle Jr, and Ed Croy to advance to the championship match against Claude Jackson. Jackson's road to the finals began with victories over Bob Kammer Jr, Riffle, Starzak, and Croy. Riffle needing to defeat Jackson twice, continued his barrage by stringing together 6 consecutive strikes midway through the first match to secure victory, and from that point, he never looked back, as Jackson provided no real threat during the second and final game. Riffle compiled an 8-1 match play record enroute to winning his second IAA title of the season and $175. Jackson collected $125 for second place while Ed Croy's third place finish was worth $100. Rick Woloszyn captured fourth place and $75. Starzak and Fogle Jr finished in a tie for fifth position.

2000 IAA SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS

QUALIFYING RESULTS

Match Play Results

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