Jason Couch Claims Second PBA50 Title at Hamtramck Singles Classic Open

A Historic Champion Adds Another Victory

Jason Couch has once again demonstrated his dominance in professional bowling, securing his second career PBA50 title at the 2024 PBA50 Hamtramck Singles Classic Open at Vision Lanes. The PBA and USBC Hall of Famer, best known for his historic three-peat at the PBA Tournament of Champions (TOC) from 1999 to 2002, was not competing in this year’s TOC in Fairlawn, Ohio. Instead, he was making headlines with a championship win in Michigan.

A Strong Start and a Hard-Fought Path to Victory

Couch entered the final day of the tournament in second place and maintained consistent form throughout, never scoring below 200 in any game. His path to the title included impressive victories in bracket play, first defeating Brian LeClairand then prevailing in a high-stakes three-game match against fellow left-hander Parker Bohn III. The decisive third game saw Couch secure his position as the top seed in the stepladder finals with a 227-215 victory.

Reflecting on his match against Bohn, Couch acknowledged their long-standing rivalry and mutual respect.
“He bowled great today, and I bowled great today. Some days it just goes your way, and I got fortunate,” Couch said. “We laughed about how many times we’ve bowled against each other in match play. We think it’s over 200 times—it’s just nuts.”

A Tense Championship Match Against Troy Stus

The championship match against Troy Stus, who was making his first PBA50 stepladder appearance, started cautiously. Both bowlers struggled early, exchanging spares in the first few frames. Couch adapted quickly and managed to build an 18-pin lead by the seventh frame. Stus fought back with three consecutive strikes but suffered a critical 8-10 split, resulting in an open frame. He finished with a 184 game, while Couch remained steady, converting key single-pin spares in the final frames to close out with a 214.

With this victory, Couch stood proudly on his reconstructed knees, taking home the $7,500 prize and marking his first win since 2021.

“I’ve worked harder this offseason. I’ve definitely put in the time, and this is an awesome feeling,” Couch said. “As the manager of the Detroit Motown Muscle in the PBA Elite League, I felt like I had people rooting for me. This is an early accomplishment, but I still have more work to do, and I want to build on this confidence.”

A Special Connection with Stus

Couch’s victory was even more meaningful due to his connection with Troy Stus’s family. In 2012, when Couch was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame, he shared the honor with Gene Stus, Troy’s late father. Troy attended the ceremony on behalf of his father, and the two have remained connected ever since.

“He did the acceptance speech for his dad, and it was just fantastic,” Couch recalled. “When I saw him before the tournament started, he gave me a big hug. He told me his dad loved me. He bowled great all week. That family is a bowling family—they are really good.”

Road to the Championship

Before facing Couch, Troy Stus secured his championship match appearance with a commanding 231-169 semifinal victory over Dave Wodka. Stus delivered six consecutive strikes after opening with a spare, leaving no room for Wodka to catch up.

Earlier, Wodka dominated Brad Angelo in the quarterfinal match with a 248-185 win. Angelo had previously edged Jon Rakoski in a thrilling first match, 216-215, decided in the final frames.

What’s Next for Couch?

After his victory, Couch took a moment to celebrate, calling his wife and sifting through the 207 congratulatory text messages he received. However, there is no time for rest—he is already preparing for his next challenge. On Friday, Couch begins a 13-hour drive to Aberdeen, North Carolina, for the next PBA50 Tour event.

Additionally, Couch will be closely watching three of his Detroit Motown Muscle players—Anthony Simonsen, EJ Tackett, and Jason Sterner—as they compete in the stepladder finals of the 2024 PBA Tournament of Champions on Sunday.

Match Results:

Match 1: Angelo def. Rakoski 216-215
Match 2: Wodka def. Angelo 248-185
Match 3: Stus def. Wodka 231-169
Championship Match: Couch def. Stus 214-184

Final Standings & Prizes:

🥇 Jason Couch – $7,500
🥈 Troy Stus – $4,000
🥉 Dave Wodka – $2,800
4️⃣ Brad Angelo – $2,300
5️⃣ Jon Rakoski – $2,000

Couch’s return to the winner’s circle marks an inspiring chapter in his bowling career. With renewed confidence and determination, the Hall of Famer has his sights set on more victories ahead.