City’s top bowler credits attitude adjustment

Attitude is everything. Just ask Jarrod Arden.

“I used to be a sore loser,” Arden said. “My attitude is totally different now. I bowl with a great group of guys — it’s not just about winning.”

That new attitude has paid off as Arden recently earned the Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress Bowler of the Year honor. It was his first appearance on the All-City Team.

“The city has a lot of great bowlers. I don’t think it has totally sunk in yet,” Arden said.

The 32-year-old Riverside resident had strong competition including two-time Bowler of the Year Mike Haggitt, who finished second to Arden in points last season. 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.

Arden posted five 300 games during the 2016-17 season and four 800 series, including an 835 high. He averaged about 230 in both his leagues. But it was his success in the city tournaments that propelled him to the top of the standings.

“I’ve only bowled in the city tournament a handful of times and it was never too pretty,” he said with a smile.

That was until last season. Arden won the city all-events title and he and his teammate Tom Smith won the doubles scratch title. Arden also finished second in the singles scratch division.

“I had a pretty good year,” he said.

Bowling is a family affair for Arden as his daughter, son and wife are all bowlers. He and his wife Cristal bowled together long before they were married and their daughter Addyson, 9, has been on the lanes since she was 4.

Arden knows he will have to be at the top of his game to remain among the best in the area:

“I don’t know about bowler of the year, but my goal is definitely to make one of the teams again this season.”

Like father like son: Curt Rasnic Sr. earned a place on the All-City first team with 54 points while his son Curtiss Rasnic Jr. finished on the second team with 48 points. The elder Rasnic also earned the distinction of being named the GDUSBC Senior Bowler of the Year.

GDUSBC Men’s All-City Team

(Point totals in parentheses)

First Team

Jarrod Arden (72) – Bowler of the Year

Mike Haggitt (65)

Eddie Graham (57)

Curt Rasnic Sr. (54)

Freddie Morgan III (49)

Second Team

Curtiss Rasnic Jr. (48)

Dave Wodka (47)

Chase Carter (47)