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Rash makes pro bowling historyFIRST WIN: Dimond grad is first nonexempt bowler to win a PBA tourney title.
Rash (Photo courtesy of Professional Bowling Association)
Rookie Sean Rash of Anchorage racked up his first victory Sunday by winning the PBA's West Virginia Championship at Emerson Lanes in Parkersburg, W.Va. Rash, 23, defeated Mike DeVaney 194-178 to earn $40,000 and an exemption for the 2006-07 season. (Photo by ED THOMAS /The Associated Press)
By MATT NEVALAAnchorage Daily News(Published: February 13, 2006)
On a sleepy Sunday morning in Anchorage, Sean Rash realized his dream thousands of miles away from his hometown.
He also made Professional Bowlers Association history.
Rash, 23 and a 2000 Dimond High graduate, won the PBA Tour's West Virginia Championship to become the first nonexempt PBA member to win a tour event.
He had to bowl his way through qualifying rounds just to make the 64-person tournament field (exempt bowlers are spared this), so he was considered a long shot. But he defeated legendary bowler Walter Ray Williams Jr. and many others on his way to the title.
Now, besides pocketing $40,000 for the win, he also earned a PBA exemption for the 2006-07 season. His total bowling earnings before Sunday were $28,000.
"The biggest thing to sink in is that I've got a job next year," Rash said by cell phone. "It's been a successful week for me. Things went right.
"Dreams are meant to come true, and I've worked hard. Small goals lead to bigger goals, and I'm on my way."
Performing for the cameras and ESPN's national television audience, Rash used timely spare shooting and two clutch strikes to defeat Mike DeVaney in the title match. Rash won 194-178 before a packed house at Emerson Lanes in Parkersburg, W. Va.
Rash stayed on top in the match by picking up the difficult 2-10 split in the eighth frame before knocking down back-to-back strikes to open the 10th frame. DeVaney left the 10-pin standing on his first shot in the 10th to clinch the win for Rash in his first televised finals appearance.
As DeVaney lined up to bowl in the 10th frame, Rash sat in his chair near the lane with his face planted firmly in his towel-covered hands.
"At that point, I had done everything physically possible I could to win," Rash said. "It was up to (DeVaney) to determine his fate -- and mine."
When the 10-pin didn't fall for DeVaney, Rash jumped out of his seat and hoisted his arms in the air in victory. He immediately ran over to father, Gene Rash, who was sitting in the front row, and shared a tight embrace. Sean hugged other friends and former Wichita State University teammates as the camera followed his every move.
ESPN broadcaster Dave Ryan said it was "Super" Sean Rash's day as Rash played to the crowd, waving and pointing to himself. He shouted "right here, right here" with a big smile on face.
"One of the (television) producers said they wanted you to win, but they were also looking for entertainment," Rash said. "They wanted you to put on a show and enjoy it."
Rash left Parkersburg later Sunday and was in the process of making a 500-mile drive through a snow storm to North Brunswick, N.J., site of this week's 63rd U.S. Open, one of the PBA Tour's four major tournaments. Competition begins Tuesday and ends Sunday morning on ESPN.
"I'm sure there will be some eyes on me," Rash said. "I just need to concentrate on learning and getting better."
Rash's success sent a small shock wave through parts of Anchorage.
Diana Rash, Sean's mother, said she received about 200 phone calls, both locally and internationally, at the family home near Dimond High. A league at Jewel Lake Bowling Center -- where Rash grew up firing strikes -- postponed play until the title match was over.
"It's just awesome," Diana Rash said. "Just because you're from Alaska doesn't mean you can't be a star. The opportunities are there for you to go for your dreams."
Rash's friends and former friends from Dimond burned up phone lines to make sure everyone watched the title match.
Myrtle McLaughlin was one of them. A former security officer, McLaughlin retired recently after 28 years at the school. She spoke to Rash by telephone just last week as they offered each other encouragement.
"What Sean is doing is not an easy thing," McLaughlin said. "He gave up a lot to take bowling all the way. We should be proud of him in Anchorage, not only as a bowler but as young man. I'm proud to know him."
Rash said the same of his hometown friends and family. He said he'll be back in Anchorage sometime this summer.
"It's my hometown, Jewel Lake, all the centers, I grew up in them," Rash said. "It means a lot to me that all those people took the time to watch a show from some 5,000 miles away.
"The support means a lot to me."
Daily News reporter Matt Nevala can be reached at mnevala@adn.com or 257-4335.