The event began in 1964 and has been sponsored by the Times-News since its inception. There have been a number of formats over the years but there has always been a qualifying round and a match play final round over multiple weekends.

The first event featured a point system for the finals where points were earned for winning a match and also for every 10 pins over 200. Matches were 2 games and there were a total of 48 games in the event. The next year the format was comprised of a 12 game qualifier, and 8 game semi-final qualifier followed by 12 2-game matches for a total of 44 games. This format was conducted with 96 entrants and ran through 1978. In 1979 the semi-final qualifier was dropped and matches were all a single game. The former format, 44 games, was brought back for a final time in 1981.

During 1982 and 83 there was a 12-game qualifier, a 6 game semi-final qualifier followed by 12 single game matches for a total of 30 games.

From the inception until 1982 no individual ever claimed the title after capturing the qualifying crown. This was referred to the "qualifying jinx" and was finally broken when Ron Palombi, Jr. won his first title in 1983 at Greengarden.

The qualifier was reduced to 10 games in 1984 followed by a 12-game final until 1989 when the final field was expanded to 16 finalists. The 5-5, 8-8 format has remained since then.

The field was limited to 96 entries and generally filled rather quickly in the early years. Except for 1964 (84 entries) there were 96 entries every year until 1979 when the field was cut back to 72. The event would experience it first non-full field event in 1982 when there were only 71 entries. Entries dropped dramatically, to 39 in 1983 and then climbed back only to 54 in 1984. Slowly the tournament recovered and first cracked 100 (102) in 1989 and high a record amount in 1996 with 167. The event has averaged 122 entries over the last 20 years and 126 over the past 10.

There is one 6-time champion, Ron Palombi, Jr. winning in 1983-91-94-95-99-2007. Mike Shady, with titles in 4 of 5 years (2002-04 and 06) and Pat Malone (1979-81-90-2005) are 4-time champions.

Of all the records it is likely that Pat Malone's string of consecutive appearances in the finals, 16 (1979-94) might just stand the test of time. Pat has made it to the finals in 26 of the 32 events he has participated in which includes 15 top 3 finishes and 22 in the top 5.

We hope you enjoy not only this website but the event that showcased the best of the bowling talent in Erie County. The event is generally conducted the first two weekends in January.

David O. Hewett, Tournament Director