Your good wishes (esp the 'break an arm') must have helped. Here is the report from Las Vegas in Mr. Troutbend's own words:

"Today I bowled for the first time at Texas Station (other than the practice session) and I qualified for the finals right away. There were only 3 people in my age group for the 10 AM squad, and only about 20 bowlers total. I shot 660 which was the highest of any prepaid entries so I won a pair of shoes, and I also won a spot in the Columbia shoot-out which comes with a new ball. The shoot-out is Friday night, and the finals are Sunday morning. If I qualify at the Orleans those finals are on Sunday afternoon. I've tried once there so far and only shot 609, but I have 2 more chances (at least). The next 4 days will be hectic, but qualifying today takes some pressure off."

The scores are for three games, so if he shot a 660, he averaged 230. The bowling shoes are worth about $100 and the ball is probably worth $180. He will get some prize money for qualifying, and maybe he will advance in the finals.

So thanks for your good wishes.