Tournament entries increase 35% for season

After September, tournament entries increased 35.6% during the 2001-2002 PBA season. An average of 141 bowlers per tournament competed after September, up from an average of 104 in tournaments in 2000 and in early 2001.

Leading up to September 2001, the PBA initiated many changes to the Tour including a 140% increase in total prize funds, signed an exclusive three-year deal with ESPN with promotional spots on all four of its networks, established a new and exciting tournament format to create compelling competition and television, set a defined season schedule (September-March), modified the dress code so that bowlers can develop their unique personalities and granted stock options to the top 70 bowlers - a first for any sports league/organization.

These and other motivating changes helped inspire a fresh attitude and outlook among PBA members. As the 2001-2002 season winds down, PBA looks forward to continuing the process of creating an ever-evolving sports league that will remain fresh and forward-looking throughout the 21st century.

New record for players over $100,000

Following the 2002 PBA World Championship at Toledo, Ohio, February 24-March 3, two more pros topped the $100,000 mark in season earnings - bringing the season total to a record 14.

After winning the World Championship and picking up a record $120,000, Doug Kent moved from 25th to second on the money list ($182,510). Brian Voss earned $20,000 with a third place finish and pushed his season earnings over the mark ($116,883).

The previous record of 12 players over $100,000 in a single season was set in 1993 (36 tournaments) and ’94 (30 tournaments). There is one event left in the 2001-2002 season (30 total events).

2001-2002 PBA Season Stat Leaders as of 3/7/02

2001-2002 Point Rankings

1, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 358,659. 2, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 321,274. 3, Jason Couch, Clermont, Fla., 314,409. 4, Ryan Shafer, Elmira, N.Y., 304,415. 5, Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore., 304,000. 6, Chris Barnes, Dallas, 300,475. 7, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 298,165. 8, Tommy Delutz Jr., Flushing, N.Y., 290,790. 9, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 282,435. 10, Brian Voss, Atlanta, 282,380.

2001-2002 Money Leaders

1, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., $205,200. 2, Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., $182,510. 3, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., $167,625. 4, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., $159,450. 5, Jason Couch, Clermont, Fla., $154,975. 6, Mika Koivuniemi, Finland, $153,550. 7, Chris Barnes, Dallas, $140,665. 8, Ricky Ward, N. Fort Myers, Fla., $133,150. 9, Ryan Shafer, Elmira, N.Y., $128,700. 10, Patrick Healey Jr., Mexico, $119,708.

2001-2002 Average Leaders

1, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 221.08. 2, Jason Couch, Clermont, Fla., 220.85. 3, Chris Barnes, Dallas, 218.94. 4, Ryan Shafer, Elmira, N.Y., 217.96. 5, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 217.88. 6, Patrick Healey Jr., Mexico, 217.02. 7, Brian Voss, Atlanta, 216.94. 8, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 216.89. 9, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 216.48. 10, Tommy Delutz Jr., Flushing, N.Y., 215.98.