Montgomery's Sean Rash Wins PBA Tournament of Champions

They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But don’t tell that to Montgomery’ own pro bowler, . He’s going to want to let everyone know that he won the Professional Bowlers Association Tournament of Champions on Sunday.

Rash, 29, won the tournament at Red Rock Lanes with a 239-205 victory over Ryan Ciminelli of New York. He started the title match with four strikes and went on to play an almost error-free game, according to a PBA press release. The tournament was broadcast on ESPN.

Sunday’s victory brought Rash his fifth major PBA tournament title, and ended a five-year drought that lasted through 14 tournaments. He hadn’t won a title since winning the 2007 U.S. Bowling Congress Masters, according to the PBA.

“This one ranks up there with the most important titles I’ve ever won,” Rash said. “Your first title is always special, and so is your first major, but this tournament is special, since everyone who bowls in it is a champion.”

For winning, Rash collected an $80,000 prize, and became a contender in the PBA Player of the Year race. He’s finished third in the last two Tournaments of Champions.

Rash grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. He moved to the Lower 48 when he attended Wichita State University. He was a two-time All-American for that school, and helped them win the 2003 Intercollegiate Team Championship.

The next year, as a member of Team USA, he helped win the gold medal in the World Tenpin Team Cup in the Netherlands. (Rash was a member of Team USA in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2008.) He started his pro career in 2005, joining the PBA, and immediately racked up four titles in his first four television appearances.

He’s struggled since 2007, though, which makes this tournament win even sweeter. Rash unofficially led the Tour in earnings, average and competition points while finishing in the top 10 in 11 of 14 tournaments, according to the PBA.

“The biggest thing is learning from your failures,” he said. “I learned that a long time ago, and I’ve worked hard to overcome my mistakes. The great thing about winning a title like this is we’re all family out here. Every other player wants the other guy to succeed. It really feels good.”

For more on Sean Rash, check out his PBA page here, and his Facebook fan page here.