Our friend, Bob Brown, was one of the organizers of a bowling organization called the North State Allstars, which put on bowling tournaments all over Northern California.  These were monthly events and Kevin bowled a few of them.  Although he had cashed a couple of times, he never really got close to winning one.

Finally, however, at one of the tournaments, Kevin was on fire.  He and Bob Brown were leading the pack and near the end it was obvious that one of them would win the tournament.  It was extremely close between them, however, and the outcome would be determined in the last frame.  Bob finished first and was unable to close Kevin out.  All Kevin needed was a mark to win.  When he got up to bowl he was under a lot of pressure – everyone in the place new that if he could mark he’d win the tournament.  He made an excellent shot that was right in the pocket.  Everyone, including Bob was sure it was a strike ball.  Unbelievably, however, Kevin got one of the worst breaks I have ever seen and left what is known as the “swish 7/10” – a split that is virtually impossible to convert for a spare.  Kevin had to settle for second place. 

It was disappointing for all of us – even Bob comments to this day how bad he felt to win that way.

I don’t believe Kevin ever had the opportunity to win another tournament.  Shortly after this tournament, Kevin gave up bowling to pursue his interests in the Navy.  Although his did resume bowling later in his life – and remained quite good – he had many other interests and never took it seriously enough to bowl in any more tournaments.