Cupcake? How Deceptive a Name Can Be

The Road to Vegas – Part 1

Hi, I'm Adam Kramer, the new guy in the IT marketing department.  You'll be seeing me at all the big tournaments and live events.  I'm also responsible for stories about our games and the people who play them, if you have an idea for a story - I would love to hear about it.  You can reach me at akramer@itsgames.com.


Cupcake? How Deceptive a Name Can Be…

Go ahead take her lightly. I DARE you.

With all the story lines abuzz in the upcoming Silver Strike National Championship, certain personalities in this competitive 32-person field are beginning to separate themselves.  Is the Midwest truly that much better than every other region?  Will the Golden Tee players-turned-bowlers excel because of their experience in major live tournaments? 

Ashley Young, Cupcake

While these are all legitimate questions, one lovely lady from the West hopes to have her say in the inaugural Vegas showdown. 

Ashley Young of Auburn Washington is the lone female qualifier in the field.  She plays the majority of her games at the Star Lake Inn, a local stomping ground for another championship qualifier Jerry Day.   She began playing only two years ago, and was motivated by the idea of beating her boyfriend at the time.  When asked why she is so dedicated to the game now, all she could muster was, "Cause I’m good."  And honestly there’s no way one could argue with that.

Her bowling name "Cupcake" however is extremely misleading, especially once you’ve played against her.  "I tend to hit the ball really hard," Ashley says.  "I have broken a few machines, and even put my hand through the screen once."  While her game is strong and powerful, Ashley expects to feel a little nervous come tournament time.  "Playing the game will be very different.  We’re playing for some big money, and it won’t be like any game I have ever played before.  One bad shot and that could be it."

While some players aren’t happy with the single-elimination format, Ashley has almost come to embrace it.  Yes, single-elimination will definitely elevate every participant’s blood pressure, but Ashley welcomes the challenge.  "Single elimination means everyone has to step it up a notch." 

Since qualifying Ashley has decided to turn her focus on picking up tough spares and taxing splits, all in preparation for whatever may come her way in Vegas.  She also allowed her hands a few days to rest, after what were a few intense weeks leading up to the end of qualifying. 

Welcome to Las Vegas SignAshley’s other major concern?  Her superstitions.  She was adamant about wanting to have her particular color in Vegas for her bowler.  I certainly wasn’t ready to tell her no, especially after she told me about the damage she can do to a reinforced screen.  I hope (for my sake) she’ll get lucky and hit the right color in the blind draw.

Vegas in June will be hot, and no it won’t be just a dry heat.  Expect the competition to be even hotter, with Ashley vying to become the Silver Strike national champion.  My advice to all the gentlemen who will be in attendance...?

Think of the machines that have been sacrificed, and buying Ashley a drink might not be such a bad idea.

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Silver Strike Bowling National Championship.

The Slate is Clean. History Will be Made.