August 19, 2024 Nolan Hughes

Following a pre-tournament qualifier (PTQ) at Bowlero Mount Prospect, the field for PBA Tour Trials is now set.

Over the next four days, 90 players will vie for 12 exempt berths on the 2025 PBA Tour.

Those that earn exempt status will qualify for priority entry for all 2025 PBA Tour events and become eligible for the PBA Elite League draft.

Hayden Stippich led the 12-game PTQ across two different patterns, averaging 225.08 to shoot 2,701 (+301). Full PTQ standings are available here.

Stippich said he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Mike Machuga, Mike Shady and his collegiate coach Bob Learn Jr. and become the next great bowler from Erie, Pa.

Johnathan Norman qualified second, followed by Ethan McDonald, Trey Brand and Chase Nadeau to round out the top five.

“I think everybody's dream, everybody's goal is to be in that top 12,” Norman said after leading the first round. “You really have to go out and give it your all in every aspect, mentally, physically, mentally, financially, spiritually — everything has to be cohesive. Because, at the end of the day, that's why we're here: We're trying to make the top 12 and be exempt.”

Cameron Crowe, Michael Jachcinski, Alex Acosta, Jace Meyer and Trevor Ashby also advanced to the main field.

Meyer needed a double in his final frame to surpass Tyler Boe and Gabriel Alvarez and delivered.

Meanwhile Jachcinski, who started the final game in 15th place and 45 pins outside 10th, entered must-strike territory much earlier. After making a 7-pin in the first frame, he said to himself “I probably need them all.”

The left-hander indeed threw them all, shooting 290 to punch his ticket in the main field.

“I really needed this today,” said Jachcinski, who coaches the womens’ bowling team at Trine University. “To show my kids to never give up. There's going to be rough patches in life and bowling. Bowling's brutal, it'll tear you up, but you just gotta keep fighting through the bad days and the good days will come.”

Jachcinski will look to have four more good days to secure a full-time role on the PBA Tour next season.

The first two rounds of PBA Tour Trials will take place at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central on Tuesday at Bowlero Woodridge.

All rounds of PBA Tour Trials will be livestreamed on BowlTV.

More information on PBA Tour Trials is available here.

PBA Tour Trials Schedule

All times listed in Central

Monday, Aug. 19 — Pre-Tournament Qualifier
Results

Tuesday, Aug. 20 — Bowlero Woodridge
11 a.m. — Qualifying Round 1 (six games; 35’ PBA pattern)
6 p.m. — Qualifying Round 2 (six games; 35’ PBA pattern)

Wednesday, Aug. 21 — Bowlero Randall Road
11 a.m. — Qualifying Round 1 (six games; 41’ PBA pattern)
6 p.m. — Qualifying Round 2 (six games; 41’ PBA pattern)

Thursday, Aug. 22 — Bowlero Mount Prospect
11 a.m. — Qualifying Round 1 (six games; 44’ PBA pattern)
6 p.m. — Qualifying Round 2 (six games; 44 PBA pattern)

Friday, Aug. 23 — Bowlero Deer Park
11 a.m. — Qualifying Round 1 (six games; 47 PBA pattern)
6 p.m. — Qualifying Round 2 (six games; 47 PBA pattern)
Top 12 players qualify for 2025 PBA Tour priority entry (exempt status)