2024 USBC Super Senior Classic

Jack Jurek Rolls 299 to Secure 2024 Super Senior Classic Victory

Lackawanna, New York’s Jack Jurek Claims PBA60 Tour Title with Near-Perfect Performance

Jack Jurek of Lackawanna, New York, delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2024 Super Senior Classic, rolling an impressive 299 in the championship match to secure the title. The 61-year-old right-hander dominated the final round against Chris Warren of Plano, Texas, winning 299-220 at Sam’s Town Bowling Center in Las Vegas. The victory earned Jurek the $8,000 top prize, while Warren took home $6,550 for his runner-up finish.

Jurek’s Redemption After 2023’s Setback

Jurek’s win was particularly satisfying after falling short in last year’s championship match. In 2023, he entered the finals as the top seed but was defeated by John Marsala of St. Louis in a 244-168 loss. The same lane conditions at Sam’s Town that troubled him last year initially posed a challenge again in 2024, but Jurek made the necessary adjustments to reclaim his place at the top.

“After my match on Saturday, I thought I’d play straighter and roll it,” Jurek said. “But during warm-ups, I realized that strategy wouldn’t work. I wasn’t sure what to do until I saw Chris Warren struggling with his first ball choice. When he switched to a stronger ball, it gave me an idea.”

That adjustment, switching to the Roto Grip Magic Gem, proved crucial in Jurek’s championship performance.

Momentum Shifts and Near-Perfect Execution

Jurek built momentum early in the championship match, with key strikes in the fourth and fifth frames where the 8 and 9 pins barely fell in his favor. These fortunate breaks hinted that luck might finally be on his side.

Despite the final score gap of 79 pins, Warren kept the pressure on for much of the match. He remained in contention until the ninth frame, when he left a 10 pin standing on his first shot. A split in the final frame sealed his fate, allowing Jurek to complete his victory lap.

Jurek came just one pin away from perfection, as a stubborn 10 pin on his final shot denied him a perfect 300 game. However, the overwhelming emotions of securing the title made up for the near-miss.

“That would have been the cherry on top,” Jurek said. “But in that moment, knowing I finally won again, it was hard not to get a little emotional.”

Staying Competitive at 61

Jurek’s victory at the Super Senior Classic is a testament to his dedication to staying competitive in professional bowling.

“At 61, I’ve worked hard to stay in shape, and I don’t feel my age,” Jurek said. “I’ve done everything I can in the last 10-15 years to keep myself in form, and it’s paying off. To lead this event two years in a row means a lot.”

Jurek, a two-time champion on both the PBA and PBA50 Tours, proved that his skills remain sharp. His win at the Super Senior Classic adds to his long list of accomplishments, reaffirming his place among the best senior bowlers in the sport.

Warren’s Journey to the Finals

Chris Warren, a six-time PBA Tour champion and 2018 USBC Senior Masters winner, fought hard to reach the championship round.

In the semifinals, Warren staged a comeback against Skip Pavone of San Jose, California. After struggling in the first four frames, he made key ball changes that allowed him to deliver clutch strikes in the final frames. His 221-215 victory set up his showdown with Jurek.

In his opening match of the stepladder finals, Warren edged out Lennie Boresch Jr. with a narrow 214-213 win. Boresch, a veteran competitor, was making his third straight stepladder finals appearance at the Super Senior Classic.

Looking Ahead: USBC Senior Masters

With the conclusion of the Super Senior Classic, attention now turns to the upcoming USBC Senior Masters, the first major event on the 2024 PBA50 Tour schedule. The event, held from June 3-9 at Sam’s Town Bowling Center, will feature the top bowlers aged 50 and older. Livestream coverage will be available on BowlTV.

Jurek’s victory at the Super Senior Classic sets the stage for an exciting Senior Masters competition, as he and other top competitors look to continue their success on the senior tour.