Greater Dayton USBC Men’s All-City Teams
First Team
1. Mike Haggitt, Bowler of the Year (84)
2. Eddie Graham Jr. (74)
3. (tie) Jim Hilligas Jr. (67); Jerry Kessler (67)
5. Jimmy Segi (65)
Second Team
6. Jerry Owens (60)
7. (tie) Mike Harrison (54); Tim Hartley (54)
9. Tony Hovan (43)
10. Tom Stoff (40)
* points in parentheses
Mike Haggitt didn’t have to work his way up – he jumped right to the top.
The 44-year-old Riverside bowler earned the distinction of Bowler of the Year in his first season on the Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress All-City Team.
“I knew I was up there – points wise – but I didn’t know exactly where I would end up,” Haggitt said. “It’s definitely nice – I’m on there with hall of famers.”
Haggitt was in good company as 2011-12 bowler of the year Jim Hilligas and hall of famers Eddie Graham and Jerry Kessler were among those who bowled their way onto the all-city first team. The all-city teams and bowler-of-the-year award are determined by a point system based on tournament finishes, high games, high series and season average.
Haggitt had a solid 2013-14 season with eight perfect games, including a string of four in an eight-day span in three different houses. He also posted an 806 series and carried a 240 average.
He and Kessler, the senior bowler of the year, teamed up to win the city doubles actual title with a 1,579. Haggitt also won the city mixed actual team title with Andrea Behr, Susan Hartley and Tim Hartley.
In addition to his championship titles, Haggitt placed second in the city tournament in all-events and the team competition. He finished in the top 10 in the city singles and mixed doubles events.
Other than switching to Motiv equipment, Haggitt’s game has changed little in recent years. He does, however, spend a lot of time on the lanes as he bowls in four leagues a week and also subs regularly. That practice paid off with the coveted bowler of the year honor – an honor he would like to repeat.
“That would be nice,” Haggitt said. “That’s the goal.”
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