Dave Johnson defeated Jessica Renegar 192-190 to win his sixth event of the year, earning him $60, compliments of Ace Mitchell’s Bowlers Mart. The two-pin loss prevented Renegar from earning the 24th and final spot in the 36th Annual Grand Finale. Rich Allen finished in the final spot.

Chuck Fischerkeller III was the two-game high qualifier with games of 231-255 for a 486 total. Johnson eliminated Ron O’Neil Jr. 222-205 in one semifinal, while Renegar slipped by Chet Richmond 229-223 in the other semifinal.

Mike Hall Sr. will be trying to defend his 2012-13 championship on Saturday, May 17 at 6 p.m. That is a feat that only Dud Snider has accomplished by winning back-to-back in 1988-89 and 1989-90. Snider also is the only three-time Grand Finale Champion.

A total of some $6,000 in prize money will be paid out during the upcoming finale, with $750 going to the finale champion. Just under $315,000 has been awarded during the history of the event, that has had more than 37,500 participants.

In addition to the prize money, the tournaments makes several other awards for bowlers who have had outstanding seasons. Brandon Longwell won the Mike Costanzo award for rolling the most weekly events with 33.

Ron O’Neil Jr. won the Buddy Light Accounting Points Championship and $100 with a total of 1,207.5 points that included nine weekly championships, tying him with Jeff Gunn for the most in one year.

Jim Longwell won the Chup Robinson Award for the third time, in addition to the year 2001-02 and 2008-09. Jordan Longwell received the Doris Westfall Performance Award for being the highest female on the Point List, ninth place.

This year’s winner of the Rick Doty Achievement Award will be presented to the Longwell family (Jim, Jordan, Brandon and Ray Sr.) as the bowler or sponsor who is was responsible for promoting the event. The three generations of Longwells have combined to participate in 95 weekly events.

The 36th Annual Event was once again sponsored by Miller High Lite, Capitol beverage and Buddy Light Accounting.