“It’s kind of bizarre to think I’m 63, competing against 50-year-olds,” McCordic said. “But I work at it and I stay in decent shape.”
The age difference wasn’t the most surreal piece for McCordic.
“I’m a retired accountant and here I am bowling against Hall of Famers,” he said. “It’s more than fun, it’s amazing.”
The Sugar Land, Texas bowler started strong and led the field of 42 after the first eight games of qualifying Wednesday with a 229.88 average. McCordic maintained his lead throughout the second day and led the accomplished field of finalists — which included Hall of Famers Baker and Walter Ray Williams Jr. as well as Don Herrington — heading into the final two games.
“I’m really happy with how I bowled and I’m excited that no one caught me,” McCordic said, smiling.
There is little time to celebrate as the champion has both a PBA50 regional and national stop in the next few weeks.
“I want to keep doing this,” he said, “as long as I’m competitive.”
In the running: Beavercreek's Neil Kassel was the top local placer at the PBA50 regional event as the 53-year-old placed fifth, missing the finals by nine pins, as Williams snagged the final spot.
“I like this (oil) pattern,” Kassel said. “The longer pattern is good for the way I throw the ball.”
It was the third tournament Kassel cashed in this summer. The other two were regional events not limited to the 50-and-older set.
Kettering’s Brian Kretzer finished seventh while Tim Hartley of Englewood placed 13th.
First-time success: The inaugural event was still underway but Bowl 10 proprietor Dave Flemming was already thinking ahead.
“The plan is definitely to bring it back next year,” Flemming said.
The PBA50 Fairborn Central Classic brought in 42 bowlers, many from the Miami Valley and others from as far away as Texas, Florida and Nevada.
“We had a nice mix of national and regional players,” he said. “This was as strong a regional field as you’re going to get.”
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