Thunderbowl Lanes – January 3, 2026

By Ken Wyatt | January 6, 2026

Congratulations to Hall of Famer Mike Calvin on his 10th SSO title as he defeated Brian Esterle 236-173 at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park. In the championship match, both players came out of the gate with an open frame, however, Calvin was able to string strikes in the middle frames, while Esterle had a 7-10 split in the middle frame which turned out to be the difference. Calvin, still bowling great after a 2025 co-Bowler of the Year honor, received the first-place check of $1,300, while Esterle, looking for his 2nd title, collected $650 for second. We had a record turnout of 149 bowlers (including a record 14 ladies!) at Thunderbowl, shattering the previous record of 134 bowlers at Bonanza Lanes in 2023.

During qualifying, Brian Brennan led the way with an impressive 6 game block of 1467, followed closely by Brian Newcomb with 1463. High game of the tournament was shot by James Gendreau with 299.

The cut to make the top 37 was 1326 (Mike Calvin, Brian Esper). Our extras out of the cut to move on in the elimination rounds: In the Super Senior division (60+) Ken Wyatt (1321), Gerald Johnson (1313), Jeff Kendall (1313), Steve Kenyon (1311), Lamont Neal (1308), Larry Salvati (1304) and Peter Senf (1288); In the super-super senior division (70+) Tony Stipcak (1252), Joe Elden (1242), and Arnie Goldman (1241); In the women’s division was Tamika Glenn (1309), Teri White (1230), Jessica Mitchell (1224) and Julie Halstead (1182).

Thank you to Vicki Ingram and the rest of the great staff at Thunderbowl Lanes for hosting the SSO. Vicki was instrumental in recruiting a large number of our lady bowlers for this event, so a special thank you Vicki, much appreciated!

The SSO would also like to thank our staff and our sponsors; Brunswick Bowling Products, Red Robin, Beyond Boarders, Turbo 2 in 1 Grips, Hamtramck Singles Classic, A.M. Total Being Fitness and Dilaura Brothers Bowling Supply for their support of our tournaments.

Out next tournament will be held at Bonanza Lanes in Warren on February 14th. This is an extremely popular event, and we have a limit of 132 bowlers, so get your entry in ASAP! Thank you for your support of the SSO!