If the quality of county's bowlers is measured by success in collegiate-level competition, then Lancaster County earns an "A+."

Ephrata High School graduate Elysia Current, who captured the Intercollegiate Singles Championships Championship last year in Huntsville, Ala., qualified this month for the 2008 singles championship.

Along with Current, 2003 Garden Spot grad Kerry Smith and 2006 Manheim Township grad David Gerhart are among the 16 men and 16 women competing for the singles championship title.

Each bowled in one of the four sectional qualifying tourneys held in Allentown; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Fairview Heights, Ill.; and Las Vegas.

The top four in each tournament advance to the championships May 18-20, in Milwaukee.

Current, a Wichita State senior, placed third at the Fairview Heights, Ill., women's sectional with a six-game total of 1,320 (220 average). Smith, a Shippensburg University senior, won the Allentown women's sectional with her 1,373 (228 average). Gerhart, a sophomore at Rochester Institute of Technology won the Allentown men's sectional with a 1,389 (231 average).

Current's team, Wichita State (making its 23rd straight appearance and 28th overall qualification to nationals in the event's 34-year history), and Smith's team, Shippensburg, qualified for nationals in Wichita, Kan., on April 16-19.

Current, 23, is the daughter of Debra and Joseph Current.

As the defending champion I feel: Confident going into the championships. I'm just going to go there like I did last year, with an open mind and ready for competition, which I feel is stronger this year.

Collegiate competition is: More of a team aspect than anything else you really bowled before. You are traveling many of the weekends, which are a lot of fun, but the competition is tough.

Upon graduation, I: Would really like to be involved in the bowling industry; and, if the women's pro tour comes back, join it.

Gerhart, 20, is the son of Karl and Virginia Gerhart.

Collegiate competition is: By far, the biggest thing I've ever accomplished in the sport.

In my Eastern section win in Allentown: I missed a perfect game (290) by leaving a 7 pin, which I picked up the spare in the first frame. Since I bowled earlier in the day, Kerry (Smith) was able to watch and help me, then I could do the same for her.

When I won sectionals I was: In complete shock. I knew I had bowled well, but all I wanted to do was make the top four to qualify for nationals.

Persons who influenced me in the sport include: My first coach, Tom Swalwell, from 222 Dutch Lanes, then Eric and Glenn Montgomery from 222 Dutch Lanes, and currently Christopher Lamb from New York. Also, my parents and Kerry have been very supportive.

Upon graduation in a couple of years: I will continue to major in business management and maybe own a bowling alley or business in the future.

Smith, 23, is the daughter of Deb and Darryl Smith.

To prepare for college bowling, I would suggest that high school bowlers: Compete on every possible challenge shot and sport shot that they can. And always practice making spares. And don't be afraid to bowl outside of your comfort zone, and have fun. The biggest challenge might be to adjusting to the noise factor, because there's always a lot of cheering in college bowling.

In my Eastern sectional victory: I didn't really know in which place I was in, but I just knew I had bowled very well. After I was done bowling and was told I was in the top four, I wanted to know my finish position. When I was announced as first place, it was a great feeling because it was something I always wanted to accomplish.

Upon graduation I: Hopefully one day could possibly try bowling professionally. I'm majoring in communication/journalism and would like to go into advertising.

Alley notes: Perfect games were rolled by John DeHaven and Junior Laventure at Garden Spot; Chad Rudy and Charlie Powell at Blue Ball; and Dave Adams, Glenn Ruhl and Andy Boehler at Dutch.

Near-perfect games were rolled by Randy Miller (299), Jeremy Smith (299) and Lee Gerhart (299) at Dutch; Jeremy Smale (299) at Blue Ball; and Joe Nagy Jr. (299) at Garden Spot.

High series (800, men; 700, women) were rolled by Junior Laventure (806) and Joe Nagy Jr. (805) at Garden Spot; Dave Adams (801), Chelsea Weik (714) and Bert Myers (705) at Dutch; and Linda Goodling (771) and Denise Olson (713) at AMF Rocky.

Note: If you have suggestions or comments for the column or a recommendation for a featured bowler, call me at 786-2620 or e-mail at deckrunner@aol.com.

High scores

AMF Rocky

Men: Bob Huyard 624 (Holtwood 10 Pin); Ken Yoder 759 (What Not);Ryan Subers 702 (Nut).

Women: Linda Goodling 771, Gail Fetterhoff 646, Carol Bushman 610 (Retail Ladies); Karen Emery 466 (Rainbow Ladies); Grace Hawthorne 460 (Friendship).

Mixed: Joe Garner 683, Cristal Burkholder 561 (Rocky Early Birds); Bob McVey Jr. 635, Sheree Shoemaker 516 (Monday Night Travlers); Tom Gardner Jr. 632, Krista Marrero 514 (Mixed Nut); Duane Thomas 665, Denise Brandt 486 (General Contractors); Don Keperling 568, Carol Beiler 570 (Winter Flower); Gary Ketterer 585, Liz Knerr 410 (Media Heights); Walter Burnett 382, Carol Beiler 522 (New Beginnings); Ron Speece 681, Denise Olsen 713, Linda Goodling 617 (Semi-Classic); Mike Chant 456, Linda Fisher 343 (Ticket Master); Angel Figueroa 718, Diana Jones 441 (Johnson and Johnson); Kyle Nelson 556, Anna Nelson 294 (Red Bull Monsters).

Seniors: Ken Yoder 613, Paul Weeber 572, Norman Davis 545, Heck Eckenrode 534, Enos Bleacher 520, Robert Freiler 509, Shirley White 497 (Bob Rudisill Srs); Bob Brubaker 553, Beryl Coccio 465 (Club 55); Bette High 488 (Duffy's Ladies); Art Schmalbach 530, George Engle 525, Sarah Kelley 531, Anne Fullam 523 (Rocky Springs Srs).

Juniors: Rob Scarpone 604, David Shoop 579, Zach Baldwin 546, Josh Hart 520, Frank Kirk 500, Lorne Hess 545 (Dick Webber Jrs); Bob McElrath 250, Becky Keeney 232 (Homeschool); Evan Vazquez 249 (Marvel Heros).

Blue Ball

Curt Knolt 723, Kerry Smith 641 (Blue Ball Garden Spot); Tom Hammerstone 793, Charlie Powell (300) (Honey Brook); John Hart 736 (New Holland Boro); Jason Townsend 683, Kristen Brill 589 (Wed Travel); Walt Irons 704 (Twin Valley); Jeremy Smale (299) 794, Cathy Hewitt 583 (Monday Mixers); Bill Kretlow 712, Karen Harbaugh 518 (New Holland Church); Marshall Williams 675, Stacy Sauder 567 (Tues. Mix); Darren Heindel 706 (Weds. Bowl 4 $); Brad Lutz 665, Donna Jackson 571 (Wed Mixed); Joel Hamilton 666, Lori Jassmond 580 (Thurs Point+); Dan Brill 704, Amy Kohler 520 (Mr & Mrs); Carl Miller 738, Shelly Edwards 537 (Starlighters); Dave Detrick 735, Thersa Clair 576 (Sunday Mixed); Bob Good 695 (Railroad); Andy Pennebocker 724, Kim Hess 619 (Sat Travel); Linda Vaughn 516 (Tues. AM Ladies); Donna Good 578 (Channelettes); Steve Rathman 683, Doris Wells 517 (Thur Seniors); Les Sersenig 580 (Fri Seniors); Casey Fazio 794, Cathy Hewitt 583, Chad Rudy (300) (Sat Jr. Lg.).

Cain's

Men: Brian Cain 594 (Sun.Mixers); Corey Kaylor 671 (Church); Mike Manz 738, Mark Lewis 696 (Merchants); Ryan Benson 697 (Lititz); Joe Caterbone 648 (Thurs. Winter Mixed).

Women: Rose Tshudy 459 (Sun. Mixers); Rose Tshudy 554 (Church); Tina Varnes 605 (Merchants); Ellen Merklinger 653 (Lanc. City/County Travel); Linda Roberts 497 (Thurs. Winter Mixed).

Juniors: Joshua Pridgen 301, Carl Carpenter 271, Matthew Lemley 247, Kyle Fjeldsted 457, Travis Frysinger 450, Cody Sweitzer 444, Jordan Wingle 440, Seth Cain 403, Garette Martin 399, Darren Fjeldsted 390, Stuart Youndt 382, Austin Barilar 370, Bo Wolfe 370; Sydney Oxenrider 279, Olivia Oxenrider 266, Jackie Barilar 264, Amy Carpenter 207, Brianna Myers 181,Lexy Cain 478, Amy May 364, Shelby Smith 282, Brittany Lantz 280, Ceara Merkey 260, Melissa Lemley 237, Vickie Vazquez 176.

Clearview

Men: Kelly Flowers 706, Jeff Bordner 689, Mike Johnson 678, Paul Foy 650 (Wed. Sportsmen); Gary Smith 622, Dave Hershey 620 (Men's Church); Carl Meachum 719, Mike Lewis, Jr 695, David Fisher 685, Win Randler 661, Jack Stockdale 658, Dale Young 653 (Tues. Businessmen); Dale Young 767, Josh Becker 766, Carl Meachum 716, Mike Johnson 686, Bill Johns 677, Mike Sheeler 662 (Monday HDCP); Dave Kready 682, John Meyers 652 (Monday Towne A); Jay Eckman 735, Rich Deardorff 658 (Donegal HDCP).

Women: Cindy Moyer 671, Dawn Brooks 615 (Ladies Classic); Darlene Anderson 671, Dawn Brooks 592 (Pinbelles); Karen Wolgemuth 488, Maryann Swartz 480 (Kennels).

Mixed: Sam Weber Sr. 678, Barry Rothweiler 648, Pat Weber 571, Dawn Brooks 568 (Mixed Outlaws); Steve Huntington 653, Shawn Nichols 627, Tracy Schaeffer 493, Mimi Agnew 429 (Thurs. Industrial); Dave Shelly 570, Rodney Mackey 565, Laura Bleacher 520, Tracy Cocker 442 (Thursday NASCAR); Duane Bender 663, Ed Hughes 615, Sherri Margucci 533, Kayla Reber 508 (Thurs. Mixed); Steve Decker 732, Russ Alleman 719, EJ Farwell 668, Lee Guthrie 652, Sharon Blough 626, Lisa Farwell 612, Pat Weber 610 (Friday Mixed); Sue Lehman 587, Randy Crossland 546, Camrin Krzykowski 538, Beryl Kuhn 472 (Sunday NASCAR); Aaron Updegraff 662, Brendan Ford 639, Karen Jacobsen 540, Steph Frick 530 (Monday Mixed); Clyde DeSenso 728, Lloyd Schaffner 625, Doris Knaub 444, Carrie Farmer 442 (Clearview Leisure); Tim Livingston 764, Skip Eichelberger 738, Josh Becker 732, Bob Miller, Jr 709, Henry Blough 676, Kyle Criste 675, Mike Sheeler 663, Steve Decker 662, Chris Stum 657, Chet Eckman 654, Josh Binkley 653, Darlene Anderson 651, Sherri Margucci 636, Lisa Farwell 610 (Hennigan's Majors); Henry Blough 725, Dennis Good 724, Bob Miller, Jr 706, Laurianne Stemplinger 605 (City-County).

Seniors: John Stum 569, Tom Mulleavy 543, Ralph Kurtz 542, Milt Heilman 537, Ray Keener 529, Arlene Mummert 483, Sandy Leach 481 (Tues. Seniors); Nancy Anspach 504, Bertha Witmer 487, Bill Parry 457, Charlie Thomas 453 (Early Birds).

Juniors: Garrett Johnson 635, Beth Garmen 587, Dan Chaffins 567, Beth Moyer 556 (American); Austin Farwell 537, Darren Miller 471, Austin Telenko 438, Ryan Hess 398, Makyla Yoder 382, Heather Secord 379, Mitchell Hoffmaster 370 (Prep).

Dutch

Men: Chad Weaver 758, Jerry Nessinger 696, Cory Getz 663 (Sunday Night Mix); Tim Watterson 690, Marty Flegal 680, John Kachel III 665 (Industrial); Mark Nihoff 723, Shawn Harnish 721, John Dimeler 712, Andy Gockley 710 (Service); Buddy Dimeler 728, Matt Stover 676, Mike Pollock 672 (Brownstown Mix); Tim Watterson 681, Jeff Widders 678, Mike Giviler 665 (Tri-Town Church); Jeff Widders 756, Rick Miller 752, Randy Miller (299) 735, Bill Johns 707 (Lancaster County Travel); Dave Adams (300) 801, Andy Boehler (300) 770, Gene Sholly 718 (Woodstream); Lee Gerhart (299) 742, Buddy Dimeler 686, Lonnie Hornberger 656 (Hi-Fliers); Randy Haldeman 718, Edward Donlin 677, Craig Becker 633 (Ephrata Mix); Mike Lesher 660, Dave Farmer 659, Hank Schwartz 650 (Anything Goes); Jeremy Smith (299) 762, Andy Wierzbicky 700, (Color Tile Classic); Shawn Harnish 741, Gene Sholly 712, Bryan Kauffman 695 (Lincoln Forest); Steve Martin 711, Glen Habecker 663, Travis Habecker 632 (Lancaster North End); Glenn Ruhl (300) 762, Jason Brunken 754, Neal Stemplinger 750, Eric Montgomery 722, Al Nihoff 718, Brian Krantz 707, Shawn Burkhart 705 (Commercial); Jim Miller 704, Scott Anderson 696, Mike Witwer 683 (New Holland Men); Fred Armstrong 696, Jerome Olson 681, Matt Stover 673 (Simply Everything); Don Rineer 651, Rex Litzenberger 651, Steve Raezer 632 (Ephrata Church); Walt Bowman 643, Jer Warner 609 (Friday Night Mix); Jeff Trainor 595 (T.G.I.F); Jeff Leid Jr 619, Don Eckert 618, Diet Aseli 601 (North End Mix).

Women: Nancy Hafer 520, Stacy Sauder 516 (Sunday Night Mix); Chelsea Weik 714, Bert Myers 705, Donna Snyder 629, Peg Ammon 602 (New Holland Ladies); Ellen Merklinger 669, Missy Miller 654, Nancy Landis 648, Janet Horst 636, Lorraine Deibler 612 (Brownstown Mix); Becky Nickles 562 (Tri-Town Church); Dottie Johnson 526, Vicky Boehler 500, Jessie Pierce 514 (Woodstream); Pat Schappell 572, Janet Horst 528, Pauline Mitchell 510 (Hi-Fliers); Chelsea Weik 662, Janice Meckley 621 (Ephrata Mix); Amanda Houston 517, Shauna Mattson 501 (Anything Goes); Kelly Metz 629 (Color Tile Classic); Donna Snyder 654, Denise Woodworth 652, Janice Meckley 637, Tammy Rogers 606 (Ephrata Ladies); Sandy Harnish 568, Terri Andrew 551 (Lincoln Forest); Terri Andrew 572, Lisa Stover 571, Denise Olson 545 (Simply Everything); Tracy Pitz 485 (Ephrata Church); Tabby Heindel 554, Donna Stahl 548 (Friday Night Mix); Sherry Kreiner 497 (T.G.I.F); Mary Lepera 619, Ella Huber 517, Dorothy Wambold 500 (North End Mix).

Seniors: Elmer Pierce 617, Al Johnson 608, Arden Kopp 573, Ruth Eddy 516, Nancy Wanner 481, Frieda Kastings 474 (Young At Heart).

Juniors: Shane Johnson 333, Nic Skoronski 314, Zach Young 290, Grace Chon 399, Katie Redcay 323, Rachell Waddell 304 (Zoo); Rodney Rippy 544, Brad Redcay 509, Scott Janoschak 469, Brandi Whitmyer 330, Anna Costa 365 (Co-ed); Kevin Beers 658, Austin Kissinger 651, Jim Moshos 608, Samantha Santoro 656, Crystal Connelly 622, Becky Gerhart 600 (Seniors).

Garden Spot

Men: Scott Rehm 688, Andrew Abrams 658, Joe Abrams Sr. 654 (Sunday Night Mixed); Jerry Thomas 694, Kevin Riley 681 (Trio); Charlie Young 699, Howard Frisbie 687, Kyle Beck 686, Bruce Young 684, Brian Shaub 683, Jason Frable 679, Don Vanderslice 673, Jim Reel 660, Barry Yunkin 651 (Breiner Canan); Carl Lucci 699, Steve Fisher 697, Jon Heisse 677, Mike Torres 677, Scott Crandall 676, Milt Burrell Jr. 660, Kevin Buchanan 654, Jack Wilson 652 (Garden Spot Men); Mark Keen 694, Rich Ferrier 656 (Wildcat); John DeHaven 658 (Cop-Outs); Jerry Thomas 695, Jerry Ranck 668 (RPM); Bill Jackson 692, Joe Abrams Sr. 690, Jim Reel 677, Lloyd Murphy 673 (Levi's Classic); Brian Daye 667, Kurt Yoder 660 (Noisemakers); Mike Pollock 690, Tony Leister 687, Jeff Shultz 681, Tim Weaver 680, Preston Felty 674, Rodger Hatfield 670, Chet Pogorzelski 651, Brian Krantz 650, Jim Dinicola 650 (Central); Don Peifer 694, John Kirkner 686, Jim Markward 680, Gregg Tavalare 672, Stan Johnson 656 (Stra sburg Community); Andy Pannebecker 658 (Pequea Valley Mixed); Ralph Walton 654 (Quarryville Mixed).

Women: Erin Skiles 565 (Sunday Night Mixed); Linda Groff 551 (Trio); Marty Turner 564 (Cop-Outs); Karla Buchanan 552 (Noisemakers), Betty Walls 555 (Strasburg Community).

Seniors: Dave Simmons 623, Don Wimer 600, Don Neupauer 598, Don Mowrer 567, Lois Miller 538, Norman Wilson 518, Russell Wimer 513, Bob Schumm 476, Rita Phenneger 464, Edna Shank 435, Lois Wise 421 (Swingin' Seniors).

Juniors: Brandon Wiley 463, Kody Ford 459, Justin Chansky 312, Jordan Chansky 200 (Family Twosome); Colin Obetz 664, Ashley Caldwell 654, Ryan McClaren 567, Dan Miller 505, Robert Muckel Jr. 502, Amy Lehr 486, Ross McCauley 463, Jason Snyder 453, Cheryl Binkenstein 446, Trishia Mayberry 425, Kody Ford 402, Cory Goshert 386, Kayla Armer 374, Katelyn Welsh 364, Megan Humble 280, Haley Cikovic 183, Lex Slaymaker 122 (Saturday Juniors).

Leisure

Men: Rob Gingrich 716, Tom Gardner Jr 699, JD Kellenberger 685 (McCombs Supply); Jeff Waller 723, Chris Emerich 713, Brian Brooks 708, Rick Graham 698, Rick Gehr 694 (AMF Ind); Bob Hollinger 658 (Klines RV); Tony Leister 740, Bob Kilheffer 739, Scott Canfield 718, Steve Levering 698 (City County Ind); Bill Kurau 690, Matt Oblender 680 (Tues Mens Hdcp); Frank Rosol 658 (Indoor World); Kevin Ile 705, Bill Honer 694, Jason Frable 690 (Lanc Ind); Terry Swisher 639 (Millersville Men); Brent Fortney 746, Rick Graham 730, Neal Vital 713, Jim Landis 697, Dave Kennedy 697, Troy Lint 695, JD Kellenberger 693, Brian Hess 689, Dave Graham 685, John Sofillas 683, Ray Barlow 681 (Myers Auto Body Classic); Brian Heaps 727, Tom Scheuerman 698, Don Rittenhouse IV 692, Carey Wertz 684 (Conestoga Ind); Charles Heinaman 742, Jay Eckman 705, Don Copeland Jr 695, Gilbert Hheaffer 692, Jim Brown 683 (Midway Men).

Women: Helen Bingaman 498 (Hopefuls); Lynda Johnson 646 (Precious Gems); Ashley Shank 554 (Sparemakers); Pat Hiemenz 550 (Sparklers); Carol Molascon 511 (Jewels); Wendi Simet 684, Beth Graham 671, Ann Rummel 638, Anne Marie McConnell 633, Sue Lapp 627, Robyn Graham 623, Lorraine Deibler 614, Shirley Redcay 610 (Myers Auto Body Ladies).

Mixed: Travis Hornberger (299) 669, Kristina Miller 475 (Funtime); Mike Bonham 693, Pam Nolan 627 (Turtle); Charlie Batten 674, Susan Schickel 699 (Zodiac); Dan Bowers 706, Joyce Rehkugler 544 (AM Ind); Bob Sultzbach 670, Ann Rummel 663 (Mixed Nuts); Brian Wintersteen 627, Diane Jones 594 (Leisure Times); Joe Nikolaus 668, Shirley Redcay 618 (Southern End); Rick Schafer 619, Bonnie Nolt 400 (Late Mix Nuts); Anthony Deverter 652, Jane Lang 521 (Armstrong Eng); Brian Zahm 717, Kevin Rosado 704, Cathy Rowles 497 (Garys Pro Shop); Rick Benedick 698, Deb Baldwin 509 (BCA); Rick Wolf Jr. 717, Mike Bonham 700, Wendy Moser 557 (Wed Mix); Ron Hart 582, Mary Garbrick 483 (Alley Cats); Kevin Kurtz 711, Jody Sheppard 663, Donna Kurtz 651 (Thurs Mix); Mike Michener 598, Kathy Hauk 553 (Roses and Thorns); Victor Fritz 583, Dixie Colvin 569 (Pa Pride); Marty Herskowitz 634, Deb Herskowitz 420 (Jewish Mix); Scott Brill 639, Melanie Akers 552 (Mixers); Merle Farmer 567, Laura Binkley 536 (Mix and Match); Earl Neidig Jr. 599, Mary Kilheffer 525 (Mountville Mix)

Seniors: Carl Melin 484, Merilynn Hart 474 (Woodcrest); John Herr 567, Betty Leaman 462 (AARP); Dick Holton 478, Mary Kilheffer 512 (Early Birds); Galen Zook 699, Rudy Ries 633, Richard Goss 612, Ken Welk 586, Fred Kendall 575, Don Bissinger 572, Charlie Nixon 560, Jean Lapham 535 (Tender Tears); Stu Wesbury 522, Betty Palmieri 486 (Lakes Campus); George Paterson 586, Don Cunningham 568, Carl Bruce 562, Doris Kendall 518 (Millersville Srs); Galen Eberly 675, Rudy Ries 665, Don Cunningham 637, Ralph Kurtz 632, Ron Hart 616, Len Spock 600, Bob Zimmerman 599, Charlie Kirstner 583, Dick Null 578, Norm Tomlinson 572, Don Killian 567, Jerry Ackerman 560, Dan Shoffstall 559, Don Kaylor 555, Don Bissinger 554, Mary Siegrist 556 (Thurs Srs).