Sunday, December 30, 2007

Here & There 1-1-08

Dr. David Sager
A Fresh New Voice On The County Legislature

Politicians or those who think they are politicians come and go like the four-seasons of the year we experience here in Sullivan County and from what we hear and see this past week there still appears to be plenty of the the "Good Old Boys" style of politics taking place in county government.
We'll discuss the "Good Old Boys" style of government in an upcoming column.
This week as new elected members of the county legislature officially take over I have looked, read and listened to most of the the folks taking office and at times I find it very difficult to get a true taste of where some of these politicians are coming from.
As noted above there is so much of the "Good Old Boy" style of politics still affecting what is best for us living in Sullivan County that when an individual steps out of the shadow to present something new, clean and pure I immediately examine the contents to see what is best for all of our county folks.
With many newspaper headlines recently crying for shared municipal services and the fact that taxes worry locals its about time someone steps to the top of the ladder and does something about it.
When anyone says they want to reduce our tax burden in Sullivan County it usually catches my attention but when a "politician" says this message then I really sit up to see what else important they might say.
Jeffersonville Chiropractor Dr. David Sager is the new legislator from District 1 and during his political campaign he called for tax reform, environment studies, a need for economic growth, public safety in making the Sullivan County Sheriff's Deputies Road Patrol a permanent part of the county charter, a need to open the walls of the County government, a serious study with regard to religious tax exempt status, the need for a new jail and the need at the same time for sticking strictly to a reasonable budget, the need to reduce fraud within the Medicaid system and the need to for further tax advantages for fixed income senior citizens.
Dr. Sager when he made the decision to enter the race for the county legislative says he had made it his life's agenda to try to help people.
It doesn't matter what political party Doc Sager is a member of because he notes "my blood does not bleed Democrat blue or Republican red, but rather, my heart aches for the residents of Sullivan County."
"I cannot sit back as our state, school and county taxes careen out of control. The rate of tax inflation has risen at a far greater rate than our pay or current job markets can sustain and I firmly believe that we are reaching a boiling point. New York State is by many studies, the second most highly taxed state in the union and Sullivan County is statistically among its poorest," Dr. Sager said,.
He clearly says that there has been "foolish waste of a major county resource in the landfill," and he wonders "just where we will be placing our own trash in the coming years."
And he was the only politician to clearly offer critical views on "the overpriced purchase of a new Department of Public Works (DPW) site in a poor location on a busy roadway and which is affectionately referred to as "Moneywood" not Maplewood as you watch untold additional millions of taxpayer dollars poured into it to make it even suitable for workers' needs."
Here is one political figure that calls a spade a spade when he points out that there has been "politically motivated vendettas, back stabbing, nepotism and partisanship on a daily basis," in our county government and he reminds county taxpayers that "this year it's the sales tax, but next years it will have to be something else that they raise."
It is truly time for changes in our county government and we need those elected officials to be more responsible leaders who will fight to stop the waste going on within county government and someone who will treat the beleaguered taxpayers of Sullivan County with shared consolidated municipal services and true tax reform.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Bowling Highlights Column 12-28-07

Why Is There No High School Bowling In Sullivan County?

High school bowling is very popular in many parts of the country but there is no inter-scholastic competition for schools in Sullivan County.
We contacted several local high school athletic directors who mostly indicated that they have never thought about high school bowling competition.
High school bowling had been an operating entity for a very long time.
Chicago's Mitt Reymer, an American Bowling Congress Hall of Famer, initiated one of the nation's first high school bowling programs more than 60 years ago.
High school bowling definitely take up a big void that exists in high school varsity bowling as figures released by the United States Bowling Congress point out that 60 to 90 percent of athletes competing in bowling do no compete in other sports.
Several local high school athletic directors said they never had any information on high school bowling and asked where they could get background information.
We pointed out that the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) high school bowling has a resource program that offers high school administrators, high school state athletic associations, state proprietor associations and industry member organizations assistance in the creation and maintenance of high school bowling programs.
The USBC High School bowling program actively offers guidance to all levels of high school bowling by providing rules, instructional opportunities, membership and awards and industry resources to ensure the success of high school bowling nationwide.
The USBC High School bowling program maintains strong relationships with the National Federation of High School Associations , state athletic associations, the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America and USBC Coaching as well as providing a steppingstone to further developmental opportunities such as College Bowling and the Junior Gold Program.
We certainly compliment local bowlers who assist youth in various youth bowling activities and local bantam and teen-age bowling leagues....this is where young bowlers start to learn the basics of this great sport and taking it to the next level with high school inter-scholastic bowling prepares teenagers the opportunity to compete for college bowling scholarships.
The high school bowling competition also helps and increases student involvement in extracurricular activities where there is no facility maintenance or equipment expenses to local high schools.
The USBC High School bowling program offers a free membership for varsity and club programs, is open to all high school teams that participate interscholastically, and the program provides benefits exclusively to bowlers and coaches.
The benefits for high school bowling athletes is that bowlers receive letter jacket pins for 290, 299 and 300 games as well as 700. 800, 900 series and Baker 300 games. Additional; awards for conference and team accomplishments are available for coaches/teams and may be purchased through USBC High School bowling.
New York State contacts information for High School bowling is available by calling the New York State Public High School Athletic Association at 518-690-0271 or by going on line at www.nysphsaa.org
It's important to remember that the sport of bowling offers a healthy, safe and controlled environment for student-athletes to compete in.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: One of our previous tips was designed to help you achieve the correct body position to properly execute a bowling shot and be able to repeat it.
This week, we will cover the release.....information that will help bowlers on all levels.
A properly executed release is possibly one of the most misunderstood parts of a bowling shot. Most bowlers tend to muscle the ball through the release zone, either accelerating or decelerating on the downswing. The proper release for all bowlers, "whether you are a six-year-old with a conventional grip or an accomplished bowler with many years experience," should be executed by letting gravity bring the ball from the top of your swing through the release zone with no interference from your arm or shoulder muscles.
If your ball fits properly, the gravity will take it off your hand at the right time providing your body is in the proper position. Any rotation on the ball should come from your hand only, not your arm.
Using the proper technique will allow you to get as much rotation on the ball as desired.
Note, however, if your ball does not fit properly, it will require excessive grip pressure to hold on to which will make the release harder to execute.
Aside from bowling, for those of you that have played golf, you can strike the ball much better and with more accuracy if you do not pull the club down from the top of the swing with your shoulder muscles. Gravity can be your best friend or worst enemy depending on how you use it.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.). Mike is a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scored in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 186 by Dee Dee Schrader, Maureen Schlott 188, Ingrid Ott 189, Ginny Cinnell 185, 182, Pat Peters 198, 506, Lillian Zieres 210, 531,
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Steve Lagoda scored a 201, 197, Tom Schultz 235, Tom Bisig 207, Jesse Lopez 199, Mark Herbert 202, Ken Darling 202, Russell Yerkes 212, Walter Yanacek 234, Joel Turner 195, 204, Jon Wayne 214, Mark Hawley 214, 215, 277, 706, Brian Starr 224, 201, 206, 631 and Tad Doscher 232.
In the Wednesday Night Mixed Businessmen's league first half champions is the Sullivan County Democrat team with a winning percentage of 71.4. Second place went to Margie's. The new league format has a first and second place team format with four teams in a round robin match for the league championship in April. Individual scores include a 182 by Shirley Townsend, Alan Hendrickson 203, Bob Cady 226, 213, 619, John Fink 212, Ed Townsend 205, 215, 601, Rich Winters 213, John Hoffmann 214, 226, Dave Malus 202, Alan Rutledge 202, Kory Kessler 212, Damien 258, 634, Dwayne Gorton 195,

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men league include a Eddie Lake with a 246, 225, 650, Jaryl Scott 214, 213, Ricky Lake 253, 200, 651, Donnie Durland 225, 276, 201, 702, Rob Sze 216, James Raner 212, 254, 244, 710, Tom Belgiovene 217, 225, 633, John Hoffmann 249, 236, 662, Lloyd Bridges 209, Chris Marler 216, Paul Durland 210, Marty Waichman 211, Kort Wheeler 211, 216, 201, 626 and Mike Mulligan 233.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Eddie Lake scored a 268, 689, George Kelley 254, 668, Matt Cooper 249, Donald Durland 656, Joan Lake 245, 581, Cara Brighton 245, Debbie Durland 225, 619, and Dorian Jennings 600.
In the Wednesday Men's league Eddie Lake scored a 241, 204, Christopher Magie 195, Bill Danchak 212, Dale Sonnenschein 245, Tom Belgiovene 201, 232, 614, Paul Minton 195, Walt Edwards 204, 195, Donald Durland 243, Mark Wegener 211, 199, Rich Hendricks 215, 198, 226, 639, Al Caycho 195, 224, Mike Weiner 202, 261, 255, 718, Dave Graham 266, 247, 205, 718, Kenneth J. Atkins 197, Kenny M. Atkins 230, Jay Shore 278, 201, 649, Al Frangipane 225, John Cascone 203, Dean Shattuck 215, 257, 247, 719 and Shane Cunningham 199.
In the Thursday Ladies league Mardette Wilcox scored a 211, Connie McKenley 221, Debbie Durland 280, 227, 666 and Sonya Robinson 205.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division Abigail Rustic scored a 68, George Van Aken 57 and Emma Jones 72. In the Bantams division Thomas Nola scored a 90. In the Preps division Cory Dietclhman scored a 139, Tyler Foxwell 147, Taylor Bruderman 103, Cody Burns 91, Tyler Bruderman 97, 98, Trevor Scott 116 and Kristy Gessman 95. In the Jr./Mjrs. division Eddie Walsh scored a 193, Nick Price 178, Michael Scuderi 133, Taylor Thomas 191, Kerri Fraser 148 and Shane Drierier 129.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Womens Earl Bird league include a 192 by Melinda Ferris, Diane Miller 180, 510 and Michelle Wolbert 189.
In the Wednesday Men's Independence league Donald Marino scored a 255, 256, 202, 713, Robert Johnson 206, 247, 195, 648, Pat Kille 205, 231, 207, 643, Scott Ostrander 253, 626, Marc Fino 223, 198, 615, Neil Mosher 226, 226, 613, Rod Pudney 203, 247, 608, Hank Whitmore 233, Thomas Anderson 236, 203, Carl Davis 203, 209, Arthur Gately 228, Jim Thompson 200, 206, Andrew Bullis 203, Daniel Wormuth 222, Brian Drumm 200Frank Couse 209, Lee Stanton 213, Brandon MacDonald 230 and Steven Jacobi 220.
In the Thursday Deposit National league Andrew Bullis scored 211, 215, 215, 641, Tony Wright 213, 224, 200, 637, Rod Pudney 236, 231, 636, Steve Aitken 221, 264, 634, Howard Couse Sr. 202, 234, 626, Paul Ignatovich 206, 222, 196, 624, Shane Merwin 210, 236, 607, Jeff Curtis 202, 213, Neil Mosher 210, Jim Valentine 246 and John Lanner 205, 201.
In the Friday Couples league Andy Bullis scored a 246, 267, 706, Matthew Johnson 226, 236, 646, James Dibble 267, 642, Cecil Spencer 241, 220, 621, Daniel Wormuth 196, 244, 609, Howard Couse 220, 602, Brian Tiffany 223, 224, 600, Robert Ellis 216, Paul Fritz 225, Jason Mead 225, Gary Resti 219, Anne Couse 180, 190, 528, Jeannette Linkroum 222, 500, Dawn Mclenon 222, Michelle Brush 204 and Kristina Couse 187.
Ed's Outlook

As bowlers approach a new year its time to think about what effect competitive conditions reap on a bowler’s equipment.
Not too worry because bowlers now have access to the Powerhouse, an industry leader in ball maintenance products, that has released it’s definitive Powerhouse Ball Surface Management Kit. “Bowlers are always in need of more information about the maintenance and performance options in their high performance equipment. especially when bowling for extended periods on various lane patterns as in a tournament setting. This all-in-one kit is the perfect way to hit all of those needs,” said Powerhouse brand manager Jeff Ussery. The Powerhouse Ball Surface Management Kit is a competitive bowler’s dream package, designed to keep his or her arsenal reacting at the top of its game. This all-inclusive kit includes the best of the brand’s ball maintenance products with a new instructional DVD geared towards consumer use of Powerhouse products. In addition, the liquid products in the kit fit neatly in a storage container designed to minimize spills. For more information, visit www.powerhousebowling.com.
A helpful item for all bowlers in the new year.
A Happy and Healthy New Year to all our bowling friends and readers.
Just a reminder that we offer an expanded coverage for the sport of bowling in our web site, http://bght.blogspot.com
This column is written by consultant to the professional Sport of Bowling Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have High Honor roll scores or tournament information or results, please call Ed at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to him at bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Our Web page can be read at http://bght.blogspot.com
BOWLTV EXPANDS ITS VIDEO PROGRAMMING LINEUP

The United States Bowling Congress announced the
release of a four-pack of exclusive programming in its online video
section, bowlTV on bowl.com.
The footage, shot at Bowlfest, held in conjunction with the 2007 USBC
Masters, features this content:
*A classic rivalry is revived as PBA legends Marshall Holman and Mark
Roth square off in Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers.
*The competition goes international as 20-time pro titlist Carolyn
Dorin-Ballard grapples with Colombian phenom and 2005 World Ranking
Masters champion Clara Guerrero.
*PBA stars Bob Learn, Jr., Mike Machuga, Parker Bohn III, Brian Voss,
Chris Barnes, Norm Duke and Carmen Salvino wow the crowd in a trick-shot
showdown.
*The first public appearance of the 2008 Team USA Dream Team, a force
featuring the best in bowling’s amateur - and for the first time ever
- professional athletes.
To find this content, click on bowlTV from the main page. Click on the
USBC Programs/Info channel and find this content under 2007 Bowlfest.
Since its rollout last summer, bowlTV, a free bowl.com online video
service, has become the industry’s most diverse source of online
bowling programming. In just six months, more than 50,000 visitors have
stopped by bowlTV to see on-demand programming not available anywhere
else.
“A lot of bowling fans have said, 'why can't we have a bowling
channel, like golf and tennis have?’” said USBC Vice President of
Marketing and Communications Tom Clark. “Well maybe bowlTV is it.
It's an on-demand video service with original programming, tips from
pros and Team USA members, classic bowling matches and news and
information coming from the USBC, accessed for free on bowl.com. It will
get bowling fans closer to the game, help their games and provide plenty
of online entertainment.”
BowlTV offers tips from pros like Professional Bowlers Association star
Chris Barnes and the elite athletes of Team USA, including Diandra
Asbaty, Derek Eoff and Stefanie Nation. Exclusive footage takes viewers
inside USBC’s premier events and visitors can learn about USBC’s
work as the sport’s national governing body.
Programming lineup:
Tips Channel: PBA star Chris Barnes coaches fellow professional athlete
and NBA standout Chris Paul and our elite athletes are featured in this
channel’s Team USA tips section.
Tournaments Channel: One of the highest trafficked sections on bowlTV,
this channel offers an inside look at USBC tournaments through
interviews and ads, plus you’ll find yourself on the lanes in the
thick of the competition.
Credibility Channel: The USBC Specifications and Certification team
looks at the technical side of the sport and equipment.
Sport Bowling Channel: Find out what goes on behind the scenes on the
PBA Tour with PBA star Chris Barnes’ v-log from each Tour stop. Have
you been stung by the Scorpion? This channel’s expert oil pattern
analysis will give bowlers a leg up in the PBA Experience league.
USBC Programs and Information Channel: Get to the core of what USBC’s
all about. From legislative sessions to leadership messages, this
channel keeps you informed on the workings of the sport’s governing
body.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body,
ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides
programs and services to more than 2.6 million adult and youth members
and enhances the bowling experience.
Bowl with US
USBCMemberBenefits@bowl.com

Just in time for the holidays--USBC's bowlTV unveils a new video programming package featuring scenes from Bowlfest, held in conjunction with the 2007 USBC Masters. Don't miss this four-pack of exclusive programming:
A classic rivalry is revived as PBA legends Marshall Holman and Mark Roth square off in MLB's Miller Park.
The competition goes international as 20-time pro titlist Carolyn Dorin-Ballard grapples with Columbian phenom and 2005 World Ranking Masters champion Clara Guerrero.
PBA stars Bob Learn, Jr., Mike Machuga, Parker Bohn III, Brian Voss, Chris Barnes, Norm Duke and Carmen Salvino wow the crowd in a trick-shot showdown.
The first public appearance of the 2008 Team USA Dream Team, a force featuring the best in bowling's amateur -- and for the first time ever -- professional athletes.
bowlTV now boasts more than 100 on-demand videos.
Watch Shannon O'Keefe's historic performance in the US Women's Open
Bookmark bowlTV now and stay tuned!
RESEARCH COMPLETE ON USBC BOWLING BALL MOTION STUDY

The United States Bowling Congress has completed its pioneering two-year study of bowling ball motion and how advanced, high-tech equipment may influence lane conditions and scoring in the sport.
The USBC Bowling Ball Specifications Task Force - formed in 2005 and comprised of USBC research engineers and technical volunteers from several bowling ball manufacturing companies - is now analyzing the research data results. The task force plans to meet in February 2008 to discuss the data further. USBC expects to release complete research results to the public next spring.
The goal of the study is to better understand the motion of bowling balls using scientific research and data analysis. As the sport's national governing body, USBC undertook the research working cooperatively with bowling manufacturers. One impetus for the study is that over the past 20 years, bowling's credibility has been compromised in part due to technological advancements that have greatly affected scoring in the sport.
"USBC is concerned that technology has overtaken player skill in determining success in the sport of bowling," said USBC Technical Director Neil Stremmel. "Now that the research phase is complete, the task force looks forward to further analysis and discussion prior to releasing the results to the public."
The testing process officially started in summer 2006 after the formation of the USBC Bowling Ball Specifications Task Force. That group has framed the research project, deciding which bowling ball layouts and lane oil patterns are to be used.
A total of 59 particle and reactive resin bowling balls were used for the research study being conducted in the USBC testing center in Greendale, Wis., which includes eight lanes in a climate-controlled building. USBC's robotic ball thrower - nicknamed "Harry" - was used to roll the test balls. The data was measured using "Super C.A.T.S." (Computer Aided Tracking System) to record the velocity of the bowling balls as they were rolled down the lane. The Super C.A.T.S. system is made up of 23 small electronic sensors installed on the lanes.
USBC engineers and technicians have performed more than 150 tests and have conducted several hundred multiple linear regressions to analyze the data.
USBC is committed through that ball research to maintaining the highest standards for credibility and integrity for bowling. In fulfilling that pledge, USBC is launching a re-evaluation of all components of the System of Bowling, which includes lane surfaces, lane conditions, bowling balls and pins. USBC also has formed task forces to deal with issues and standardization of lane surfaces and lane conditioners/cleaners.
"The ultimate goal of USBC research is to strike a better balance between player skill and technology," Stremmel said.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than 2.6 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.
The USBC Equipment Specifications and Certification testing facility is the world's premier bowling research center. Within the eight-lane center in a climate-controlled building, team members regulate and standardize bowling equipment by concentrating on pin and product testing, research work, bowling center certifications and lane dressing inspections. The team of engineers, technicians and support staff provides lane-conditioning support for a variety of tournaments and Sport Bowling events. Since the mid-1980s, Equipment Specifications and Certification also has approved products for international competition such as the World Tenpin Bowling Association and the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Here & There Column 12-25-07

Is "Politically Correct" The Way To Go?


In seven days New York State, Sullivan County and all of America will celebrate the beginning of the New Year 2008.
This can be accomplished by using two very different types of statements or written words.
Some prefer to say......"please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the turn of our calendar year, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to observe calendar or secular traditions at all.........we also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but now without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures."
The above is the so-called "Politically Correct" way to send New Year's greetings.........we prefer to say Happy New Year and may God bless you and yours in 2008.
We take this approach and say that the New Year is a time to look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead......our country must continue to reach out to the needy in our world and America must continue to stand strong again terrorism.
We all have big dreams. We all want success in our finances, relationships, health and careers so we must set clear and specific goals for every aspect of our lives.
The complicated "Politically Correct" movement in our midst does not allow us to personally be committed to making our nation strong and allow it to grow as our forefathers designed it to do. Here is a 2008 wish list that we can easily endorse.
Spend more time with family and friends......vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.
Keep yourself in physical shape......establish some form of daily exercise.......eat right and enjoy life more......exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.
Enjoy life more, get away from the hectic, stressful lifestyles....this is an important step to a happier and healthier you.
Learn something new.......it could be a career change or learning a new language....challenge your mind in the coming year and your horizons will expand.
Learn to help others.......make it a non-selfish New Year's resolution....volunteerism can take many forms......you could help out at your local library, or enjoy mentoring a child.....there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help.
As 2008 comes in the door bring along God as your co-pilot.......this could prove to be one of the best steps you take in the New Year.
Happy New Year and may God Bless You and Yours in 2008.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Bowling Highlights Column 12-21-07

The 31st career Denny's PBA Tour Title for Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III (right) brought an excited statement of "this is great" from 12-year-old Tri Valley Central School 7th grade student Taylor Jester (left) las Sunday following Parker's victory over rookie Rhino Page. Taylor met and bowled with Bohn at the 2006 Denny's Pro-Am Etonic Championship at Cheektowaga, NY.

Parker Bohn III In Action

Bohn's III Win Has Good Memories For Tri-Valley 7th Grader

Tri-Valley Central School 7th graderTaylor Jester remembers well his visit in 2006 to Cheektowaga NY and the AMF Thruway Lanes where he met, bowled with and talked bowling and sports with Denny's PBA's tour champion Parker Bohn III.
And if that wasn't enough just to meet and bowl with Parker Bohn he had the thrill of a youngsters lifetime when he got to see how some professional bowlers travel from city to city as he visited with the Bohn family in their motor home.
This past Sunday following Bohn's capturing his 31st career Denny's PBA Tour title, defeating rookie Rhino Page, 267-247, to win the 2007 Spartanburg (South Carolina) Classic at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Taylor said, "this is great."
Bohn became Taylor's favorite on the pro tour.
Taylor, son of Dina and Rodney Jester of Neversink is a sports enthusiasts who plays four sports and is presently a member of the Tri-Valley Central School seventh-grade boys modified basketball team and just several weeks ago completed his first year on the school modified football team.
And if anyone wonderes if Taylor participates in the game of bowling........he's been a part of the Saturday Liberty Elks Youth league at Liberty Lanes for the past six years and presently bowls in the Teenage League Saturday afternoon.
Taylor previously participated in Tri-Valley Little League, County Youth soccer and Saturday morning youth basketball.
Bohn III and some of the PBA professional bowlers travel from city to city and state to state each week using their motor homes as their homes away from home. It cuts down on motel-hotel expenses and restaurant expenses.
PBA Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III with the win took home $25,000 and an exemption for the 2008-09 season
Parker noted recently that he travels 20,000 miles a year on tour in his motor home. He and his family make their home in Jackson, NJ when he is not on tour.
Parker, a legend on the PBA Tour throws left handed and has his own fan club, the Bohn Zone, and website, www.parkerbohn.com
The Denny's PBA Tour takes a two-week break for the holidays and returns with the 2008 ConstructionJobs.com Championship January 2-6 with the live ESPN televised finals Sunday January 1 at 1 p.m. EST.
Bowling
Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week's tip is for bowlers using performance bowling balls. These balls are made of urethane, urethane with reactive additives, with or without particles.
All performance balls come out of the box with either some degree of matte finish, a compounded finish or polished finish.
When a manufacturer chooses a box finish for a bowling ball, many times it is for shelf appeal. All companies want you to choose their products. What you need to know as a customer is that the cover on your performance ball can be adjusted to best fit your needs.
What does this mean for a customer? To maximize your scoring ability on a given lane condition, the coverstock of your bowling ball should match the lane condition. If your ball is grabbing the lane too early, you will need some polish. If the ball is already polished, use a higher degree of polish, preferable something with a slip agent. T his will help you get the ball down the lane with less effort. The telltale sign of a ball grabbing the lane too soon is when you see the ball start to hook and then it stops hooking.
On the other hand, if your ball is skidding too far down the lane, you will need some surface friction on the ball. How much friction you need will depend on your ball speed, rev rate and the amount of oil on the lane. The degree of matte finish could be as little as 4000 or as much as 320.
Reminder, these are adjustments to fine tune you ball reaction. It is up to your Pro Shop professional to help you purchase the ball or balls with the proper core and cover to match booth your game and the lane surface on which you bowl. Depending on how serious you are about your bowling, and how many centers you bowl in, you may need more than one ball to help you match the conditions.
And always remember: your equipment should be cleaned each time it used.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach wiht the USBC and is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.) and a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a subject you would like covered, Mike an be reached by calling 341-1694 or by sending an e-maill to mikespro@warwick.net


Ed's Outlook

We love to talk bowling whenever we get the chance. The continued growth of this sport depends on all of us who participate in the sport.
Selling this sport is really as easy as letting others know how much we enjoy the sport.
All league officers, association members and officers and league bowlers should sell the sport and let non-bowlers know about the fun of bowling and we should all be out there recruiting new league members.
An interesting question we as bowlers should be asking each other is how often do we speak about bowling's benefits to friends outside of our regular bowling circle.
Just a little casual conversation about the game you love will do more to create positive change in attitudes about the sport.
Always use a positive approach and lets all try to bring in new bowlers because when this happens the sport grows and this is very important to our great game of bowling.
This column is written by consultant to the professional Sport of Bowling Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have High Honor scores or tournament information or results, please call Ed at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to him at bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Our Web page can be read at http://bght.blogspot.com
Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies Hortonville league include a 192, 525 by Lillian Zieres, Joyce Brooks 196 and Debbie Schick 202.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Justin Lopez scored a 212, Jon Wayne 200, Karl Adams 213, Gary Erlwein 211, 198, 198, 607, Mark Schriber 201, Roger Miller 209, Tom Schultz 214, Mark Garro 245, Mark Hawley 207, 245, 625, Brian Starr 259, 227, 269, 755, Joseph Gager 214 and Mark Herbert 224.
In the Wednesday Mixed league Adam Bradley scored 210, Bob Cady 234, 250, 677, Ed Townsend 210, Tom Skiff Jr. 234, John Hoffmann 208, 200, Roger Widmann 213, 195, Mike Hubbard 197, Bob Elco 218, Mike Beseth 209, Bruce Rutledge 242 and Shirley Townsend 182, 204, 189, 575.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Earl Bird league include a 184, 517 by Sally Ballard, Sherry Persbacker 208, 504, Anne Couse 183, 189, 502Diane Miller 196, Lori Walke 185, Laura Ballard 180 and Shirley Spencer 180.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Thomas Anderson scored a 244, 226, 664, Frank Couse 222, 243, 649, Robert Johnson 199, 226, 215, 640, Richard Layton 204, 221, 211, 636, Richard Price 278, 235, 634, Lee Stanton 268, 196, 632, Andrew Bullis 227, 215, 631, Rod Pudney 230, 203, 624, Paul Ignatovich 221, 216, 619, Scott Ostrander 256, 615, Brian Tiffany 258, Brian Drumm 231, Charlie DeCristofaro 205, 236, Josh Rice 209, 215, Marc Fino 208, 198, Pat Kille 225, 203, Jerry Kulakosky 208 and Arthur Gately 200.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Andrew Bullis scored a 199, 255, 210, 664, Shane Merwin 232, 197, 621, Steve Hopkins 237, 613, Al Bullis Jr. 218, 212, 610, Rick Mills 233, 607, Bill Gleim 195, 211, Robert Johnson 202, 202, Fran Wormuth 206, Bob Mills 213, Al Bullis Sr. 212, Steve Aitken 210, Cody Conway 204, Paul Siegler 208 and Don Ferris 201.
In the Friday Couples league James Dibble scored a 227, 256, 246, 729, Andy Bullis 235, 236, 654, Matthew Johnson 220, 247, 636, Paul Fritz 196, 203, 224, 623, Carl Davis 213, 234, 614, Len Terrell 199, 237, 608, Daniel Wormuth 212, Bill Gleim 209, 203, Anne Couse 210, 188, 569, Gino Jones 222, Howard Couse Sr. 202, Norman Ellis 215, Edwin Linkroum 214, Judy Ellis 194 and Dawn Mclenon 191.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 204 by Bill Helms, Francisco Martinez 201, Mike Mason 213, 218, 612, John Fischer 246, 202, 198, 646, Nate Sanders 196, 205, Willy Bartley 225, David Graham 225, 610, Chris Marler 213, 202, 224, 639, Jack Moylan 214, Rob Sze 230, Paul Durland 198, 223, James Ratner 195, 214, 256, 665, Donald Durland 234, Kort Wheeler 204, 198, Frank Scuderi 215, 232, 608, Jaryl Scott 229, Mickey Lake 207, Jim Frost 256, 227, 636, Eddie Lake 206, 257, 201, 664, Mike Cardo 216, Richard Levine 200, 209, Ricky Lake 268, 279, 225, 772, John Hoffmann 232, 235, 245, 712, Mike Mulligan 203, Danny Ricco 237, 209, 618, Walt Edwards 226, 242, 258, 726, Mike Weiner 211, 208, 200, 619, Tom Belgiovene 206, David Schaver 220, Chuck McAllister 200, Paul Minton 236, 214, 239, 689 and Mark Wegener 279, 231, 697.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Debbie Durland scored a 254, 684, Russ Keesler 267, 669, Kris Gwiozdowski 248, George Kelley 669, John Hoffmann 245, 661, Crystal Price 235, 620 and Dorian Jennings 224, 613.
In the Thursday Ladies league Debbie Durland scored a 216, 219, 622, Mardette Wilcox 202, Barbara Neist 203, 200, 202, 605, Kim Peck 196 and Jaime Decker 193.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Bantams division Nathaniel Goldsmith scored a 78, 84. In the Preps division Trevor Scott scored a 104, 116. In the Jr./Mjrs. division Cori Natale scored a 174, Joshua Natale 201, Jason Moss 162, Pedro Agapito III a 161, 163, Megan Gerow 186, 188, 189 and Daniel Van Aken 232.
PARKER BOHN III WINS 31ST TITLE

Rhino Page may be carrying the torch for left-handed bowlers and the next generation of stars on the Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour for years to come, but PBA Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III showed last Sunday that at 44 years old, he’s still the man among the lefties.
Bohn captured his 31st career Denny’s PBA Tour title, defeating the rookie Page, 267-247, to win the 2007 Spartanburg Classic at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, S.C.
In a thrilling title match, the 24-year-old Page, making his second career championship round appearance compared to Bohn’s 103, had a chance to win the match with a double and nine pins in the 10th frame. Page had trailed early, but he struck six consecutive times to rally and put himself in a position to win.
Bohn had started the match with six strikes and looked like he may become the first bowler to fire two perfect games on TV in his career, but he had back-to-back nine spares in the seventh and eight frames while Page was making his comeback.
Bohn recovered with three strikes in a row in the ninth and 10th frames and finished with 267, forcing Page to double. After a strike with his first shot in the 10th and with the crowd chanting his name, Page got up and looked to win his first title with a strike and nine, but he left the 6- and 9-pins giving Bohn the victory.
“I hope my next win takes about one tenth of the time it took me to get to this one,” Bohn, who went a career-long 61 events between his 30th and 31st titles, said. “It’s been about 60 weeks and that’s way too long. I like it to be about two or three weeks between wins.”
Bohn’s win puts him three titles shy of Mark Roth and Pete Weber for third all-time. His last win came in the 2005 El Paso Classic nearly three years ago, and he came into the finals winless in his last 10 championship rounds.
One of five left-handed bowlers in the finals, Bohn has helped mentor his fellow left-hander Page, a Team USA member who has taken the Tour by storm. A non-exempt bowler, he’s advanced through the Denny’s PBA Tour Qualifying Round six times in seven tries and Sunday became the first bowler to advance to two championship rounds after qualifying through the TQR.
“I told Rhino this summer, ‘you’re a young gun and there’s no way you shouldn’t be on Tour,’” Bohn (Jackson, N.J.) said. “He’s perked up everyone’s ears and shown that he’s a great player and he’s here to stay. He didn’t back down at all today. Fortunately for me I bowled my best game in the title match. But I guarantee he will be back.”
Bohn advanced to the title match with a 227-214 win over No. 2 Patrick Allen. Allen was looking to win back-to-back titles for the second time in his career, but the 10-time titlist had trouble carrying, leaving four 7-pins. Bohn used three doubles in the match, including one in the ninth and 10th frames, to seal the win.
The No. 3 seed Bohn won the first of his three matches against the 2006-07 PBA Rookie of the Year Billy Oatman, 239-213. Oatman opened twice in the match and was ultimately undone by a failed single-pin conversion in the seventh frame, the same thing that cost his opponent, Mike Scroggins, in the first match. Bohn stayed clean the entire match and wrapped it up with a strike on his first ball in the 10th.
Oatman defeated No. 4 Scroggins, 209-207. Scroggins had a chance to take the lead with a strike in the seventh frame but he left a 7-pin and then made matters worse when he missed the conversion. It was the second time this season a missed single-pin cost him a match and it’s a problem that has plagued him throughout what is now an eight-match losing streak on television, two shy of tying the PBA record for consecutive losses.
Oatman threatened to give the lead right back when he left the 2-4-6-7-10 split in the ninth frame, but he picked up the “Greek Church” to all but wrap up the match. After Scroggins, struck out to finish with 207, Oatman this time left the 3-7-9 in the 10th, but he just needed one pin to win the match, and he picked up two to advance.
Bohn took home $25,000 for the win and an exemption for the 2008-09 season, while Page (Topeka, Kan.) earned $13,000 for second. Allen (Wesley Chapel, Fla.) took home $6,500 for third, Oatman (Chicago) earned $5,500 for fourth while Scroggins (Amarillo, Texas) earned $5,000 for fifth.
The Denny’s PBA Tour takes a two-week break for the holidays before returning with the 2008 ConstructionJobs.com Championship, Jan. 2-6 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev. The live ESPN-televised finals take place Sunday, Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. EST.

Denny’s PBA Tour
2007 Spartanburg Classic
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Spartanburg, S.C.
Sunday, Dec. 16

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money
1. Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J. 723 (3 games) $25,000
2. Rhino Page, Topeka, Kan. 247 (1 game) $13,000
3. Patrick Allen, Wesley Chapel, Fla. 214 (1 game) $6,500
4. Billy Oatman, Chicago 422 (2 games) $5,500
5. Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas 207 (1 game) $5,000

SCORES – In the first match, Oatman def. Scroggins, 209-207; in the second match, Bohn def. Oatman, 239-213; in the third match, Bohn defeated Allen, 227-214; and in the final, Bohn def. Page, 267-247.

This is Bohn’s 31st career Denny’s PBA Tour title.
Four Denny’s PBA Tour Players Receive Injury Deferments

Jeff Carter, Jason Couch, Patrick Healey Jr., Tony Reyes defer exemptions until 2008-09

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) announced today Jeff Carter, Jason Couch, Patrick Healey Jr. and Tony Reyes have each been granted injury deferments of their 2007-08 Denny’s PBA Tour exemptions by PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer until the 2008-09 season.
The four spots will go back to the weekly Denny’s PBA Tour Qualifying Rounds meaning at least nine PBA members will earn a spot in each standard event for the remainder of the 2007-08 season through the TQR. Normally, four PBA members and one amateur advance each week, but exempt player Tim Criss recently announced his retirement and the four injury deferments mean five additional spots will go to the qualifying round.
Carter, who earned his second career exemption after finishing 26th in the 2006-07 PBA World Point Rankings, competed in four events this season before filing for deferment due to surgery on his right hand. The 38-year-old from Springfield, Ill., had a career-season in 2006-07, advancing to two championship rounds and finishing third in the 64th U.S. Open.
Couch, a 15-time titlist, was also coming off a strong season in which he won two titles for the second consecutive season. The lefty from Clermont, Fla., did not compete in any events this season as he is still recovering from off-season knee surgery.
Healey, a three-time titlist, also did not compete in any events this season due to an illness which forced him to defer his exemption. Reyes, meanwhile, deferred his exemption due to a quadriceps injury. The San Bruno, Calif., native had a career-season in 2006-07 as well, winning his first career title and becoming the 17th bowler in history to shoot 300 on national TV.
The Denny’s PBA Tour is in the midst of a two-week break for the holidays before returning with the 2008 ConstructionJobs.com Championship, Jan. 2-6 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev. The event starts with the Denny’s PBA Tour Qualifying Round on Wednesday, Jan. 2 where 11 PBA members will earn a spot in Thursday’s Round of 64 as exempt bowlers Wes Malott and Pete Weber have withdrawn. The live ESPN-televised finals take place Sunday, Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. ET.
RESEARCH COMPLETE ON USBC BOWLING BALL MOTION STUDY

Results expected to be made public next spring

The United States Bowling Congress has completed its pioneering two-year study of bowling ball motion and how advanced, high-tech equipment may influence lane conditions and scoring in the sport.
The USBC Bowling Ball Specifications Task Force - formed in 2005 and comprised of USBC research engineers and technical volunteers from several bowling ball manufacturing companies - is now analyzing the research data results. The task force plans to meet in February 2008 to discuss the data further. USBC expects to release complete research results to the public next spring.
The goal of the study is to better understand the motion of bowling balls using scientific research and data analysis. As the sport's national governing body, USBC undertook the research working cooperatively with bowling manufacturers. One impetus for the study is that over the past 20 years, bowling's credibility has been compromised in part due to technological advancements that have greatly affected scoring in the sport.
"USBC is concerned that technology has overtaken player skill in determining success in the sport of bowling," said USBC Technical Director Neil Stremmel. "Now that the research phase is complete, the task force looks forward to further analysis and discussion prior to releasing the results to the public."
The testing process officially started in summer 2006 after the formation of the USBC Bowling Ball Specifications Task Force. That group has framed the research project, deciding which bowling ball layouts and lane oil patterns are to be used.
A total of 59 particle and reactive resin bowling balls were used for the research study being conducted in the USBC testing center in Greendale, Wis., which includes eight lanes in a climate-controlled building. USBC's robotic ball thrower - nicknamed "Harry" - was used to roll the test balls. The data was measured using "Super C.A.T.S." (Computer Aided Tracking System) to record the velocity of the bowling balls as they were rolled down the lane. The Super C.A.T.S. system is made up of 23 small electronic sensors installed on the lanes.
USBC engineers and technicians have performed more than 150 tests and have conducted several hundred multiple linear regressions to analyze the data.
USBC is committed through that ball research to maintaining the highest standards for credibility and integrity for bowling. In fulfilling that pledge, USBC is launching a re-evaluation of all components of the System of Bowling, which includes lane surfaces, lane conditions, bowling balls and pins. USBC also has formed task forces to deal with issues and standardization of lane surfaces and lane conditioners/cleaners.
"The ultimate goal of USBC research is to strike a better balance between player skill and technology," Stremmel said.
The USBC Equipment Specifications and Certification testing facility is the world's premier bowling research center. Within the eight-lane center in a climate-controlled building, team members regulate and standardize bowling equipment by concentrating on pin and product testing, research work, bowling center certifications and lane dressing inspections. The team of engineers, technicians and support staff provides lane-conditioning support for a variety of tournaments and Sport Bowling events. Since the mid-1980s, Equipment Specifications and Certification also has approved products for international competition such as the World Tenpin Bowling Association and the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Here & There Column 12-18-07

Jimmy Sturr

Jimmy Sturr Show Brought True Meaning To Christmas

He lives just down the road from us and last week he received his 21st Grammy nomination for Best Polka Album.
Jimmy Sturr from nearby Florida NY is certainly known best as the renowned "Polka King" in musical circles throughout the world but his production of The Jimmy Sturr Christmas Show at the historic City of Middletown Paramount Theatre on December 1 was more than just a brilliant musical presentation.
This great coordinator of musical presentations and many of the best musicians in the world that make up his band certainly did not back into the shadows of the "Politically Correct" who now shun Christmas and the true meaning of this great holiday.
The Christmas show and Sturr's brand new CD, "Polka Christmas In My Hometown" proudly feature Christian Christmas favorites like "O Holy Night", "Sleep Little Jesus", "Little Boy Jesus", "Away In The Manger", "Hail The Day of His Birth", "Joy To The World" and "Little Town of Bethlehem."
The Christmas Show at the Paramount also featured some great dancing by the The Irish Step Dancers and Matt and Elaine and the Polka Today Dancers along with the Jimmy Sturr Singers.
The eloquent music of the famous Mills Brothers added that special touch to an audience that sang along with favorites like "Cab Driver" , "Glow Worm" and " Lazy River".
Jimmy also paid deep respect to our country with his opening song "God Bless America" and later in the show paid tribute to all our Military.
Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra have made many friends world wide and his over 113 recordings has been recognized and rewarded throughout the very competitive music industry.
The fact that this musical organization is on the "Top Ten" list of all-time Grammy Awards, has won 16 Grammy Awards and has received more consecutive Grammy nominations than anyone in the history of musical awards has made the music industry sit up and take notice of the great Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra.
And with all the fame he hasn't moved away from his home town in Florida (Orange County) New York and still lives in the house he grew up in. His office is across the street from the high school he attended and his hometown recently honored Jimmy a "Star of Fame" in the walkway on Main Street. They also display "Hometown Of Polka King Jimmy Sturr" signs at each entrance the village.
And of course he has his own TV show, on the Dish network on Channel 231 and on Direct TV channel 379 on Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m.
The combination of great accommodations and seating at the historic Paramount Theatre in Middletown and some of the greatest music in the world by JimmySturr and His Orchestra truly set the stage for the start of a beautiful Christmas Holiday season.
Be sure to check out the outstanding shows at the Paramount by calling 346-4195 or go to their web site at http://www.,middletownparamount.com/

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Bowling Highlights Column 12-14-07

Champions of the Orange-Sullivan Women's 600 Club championship dtournament are, from the left, A-Division Cathy Van Horn of Port Jervis, B-Division Anita Bucci of Pine Bush and C-Division Sue Naughton of Callicoon Center.

Patrick Allen



Kyle Stevens





Someone Give Lessons To Rob Stone

PBA HAPPENINGS

Ouch...it's geeting painful to listen to new play--by-play announcer Rob Stone on the Sunday ESPN Professional Bowlers Tour.......he surely doesn't showmuch affinity for the game of bowling.
Stone appear to not get the game......after all his broadcasting knowledge comes mostly covering soccer........... with the PBA matches on Sunday afternoon he is more obsessed with the term used for a three bagger "turkey."
And now he's got something going with a four-bagger...he calls is the "hambone"..who knows what he'll come up with next........boy we sure miss the likes of Chris Schenkel.
We hate to see the end of the women's tour on the Sunday PBA TV show.
They only had four tournaments scheduled in this years PBA tour and what we saw of it was all good. Possibly next year the PBA tour will make this a weekly event or look into giving the women their own show, but, financially it may work out better to include the gals in with the regular PBA tour.
The PBA stop last Sunday in Baltimore saw Patrick Allen winning over Wes Malott, 247-217 for the 2007 Lumber Liquidators Championship at AMF Country Club Lanes. It was Allen's 10th career Denny's PBA Tour title.
The tour stop this week is in Spartanburg, S.C. at Shamrock Lanes with the live ESPN televised finals taking place this Sunday at 1 p.m. It's the last Tour stop for 2007 as the PBA takes their holiday break and returns in January.
Last Sunday saw a unique format in which there were eight bowlers in the finals in this regular season event .......and this took place for the first time since 2000. The first match featured a four-bowler shootout with the bowler scoring highest advancidng to take on the No. 4 seed from round robin. That winner then faced No. 3 wifh the winner of that match taking on No. 2.....with the No. 1 see awaiting that winner.
Last Sunday's event also saw a tape delay which went on the air at 8:30 to 10:30......a two hour prime time telecase for the PBA....the first since 2001.
For those who don't believe in fate, maybe Diandra Asbaty's experience in the Great Lakes Classic will change their minds.
Asbaty, one of the most decorated amateur bowlers of all-time, just missed one of the 16 exemptions by two spots for the all-new PBA Women's Series....a special four-event mini tour sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).
As a second alternate, it didn't seem Asbaty would get a chance to bowl in any PBA Women's Series events, but as fate would have it, exempt player Wendy Macpherson withdrew from the event and Wednesday mroning, while Asbaty in the Denny's PBA Tour Qualifying Round to try and earn a spot in the men's field, fist alternate Robin Romeo slammed her hand in her car door. Asbaty, who only bowled the TQR because she was in town doing an Etonic photo shoot, agreed to take Romeo's place.
Fate had her winning and she took home her first professional title.
Statistics from the tour stops so far this year finds Walter Ray Williams Jr. topping the list for the 2007-08 Chris Schenkel PBA Player of the Year race with 44 points and Sean Rash and Mike Wolfe in second place with 24 points each.

USBC NEWS

The United States Bowling Association (USBC) will award cash prizes to local or state associatiions winners in a newly expanded news media and communications awards contest. It's designated to recognize excellence in communicating news and information about bowling to the public during calendar year 2007. Association winners will be recognized during the USBC Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, May 6-10, 2008.

LOCAL SCENE

Association Tournament

A reminder to all Tri-County NY USBC womens and men's teams........entries close on January 31 (entires post marked February 1 will be accepted) for the 2ed Annual Tri-County Tri-County NY USBC Men's Open and Women's Championship Tournaments.
This year the tournaments will be held at the same location with the same dates and time.
The tournament dates for the team event are Satuurday, March 1 at 1 and 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 9 at 9 a.m., 11;30 A.M. and 2 p.m.
Doubles and singles will be bowled on Sunday, March 2 at 9 a.m., 12 noon and 3 p.m., Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. amd 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 16 at 9 a.m., 12 noon and 3 p.m.
The location of the tournament is Pin Street Lanes (formerly Frontier Lanes) on Route 94 in Warwick.
Team events are once again four member teams.
Check in time for the tournament is 30 minutes before you are scheduled to bowl.
Entry fee per person per event is $20 and the entry with check or money order can be mailed to Tri-County NY USBC Association, 405 Ave. E., Matamoras PA. 18336.
All events which is optional will be mailed after entries close on 1-31-08.
Entry blanks will be available at all Association bowling establishments.
Information can be obtained by calling Association Manager Michele Bensley at 845-239-0163
Christmas shoppers should remember the bowlers in their famly this holiday by stopping by their local bowling establishment or pro shop for bowling gift ideas.

600 & 500 Club Tournaments

The Orange-Sullivan Women's 600 Club Tournament is scheduled next year on the third Sunday in October. Champions in this year's event were A-Division Cathy VanHorn of Port Jervis, B-Division Anita Bucci of Port Jervis and C-Division Sue Naughton of Callicoon Center.
Champions of the 500-Club Tournament included A-Division Jean Grecco, B-Division Leslie Knickerbocker, C-Division Sandra Short and D Division Linda Millis.
Next years tournament will be November 2, 2008 at Ellenville Lanes.

Kyle Stevens Bowls Three 300 Games

Liberty Lanes left-hander Kyle Stevens has had a hot hand the past several weeks in the Thursday Men's Doubles league.
On November 29 he bowled back to back 300 games in his first two games of the night and finished with a 239 for an 839 series.
In the same league on December 6 he recorded another 300 game.

This column is written by Columnist and Consultant to the professional Sport of Bowling Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have High Honor roll scores or tournament information or results you can contact Ed at 845-439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Our Web page can be read at http://bght.blogspot.com/

HONOR SCORES
300 GAMES

Kyle Stevens, (two back to back 300's) Thursday Men's Doubles league, Liberty Lanes
Kyle Stevens, Thursday Men's Doubles league, Liberty Lanes
Jay Young, Tuesday Service Club league, Pat Tarsio Lanes
Ralph Vitolo, Tuesday Service Club league, Pat Tasio Lanes
John Kittick Jr., Tues. Night Mixed, Pat Tarsio Lanes
Scott Goll, Wed. Bill Tarsio Memorial Men's league, Pat Tarsio Lanes
Robert Feliciano, Thursday Bruce Bryan league, Pat Tarsio Lanes
Jim Looney, Friday Bill Clark Memorial league, Pat Tarsio Lanes
Brian Conklin bowled his first ever 300 game Tuesday Sept. 11 during the second week of the Columbia Ball League and in the Friday Sept. 14 Mixed league bowled his second career 300....and it doesn't end there...... in the Friday Sept. 21 Mixed league he shot his third career 300 game....all at Middletown Lanes.

800 SERIES

Kyle Stevens, 839, Liberty Lanes
Dave Lambert 815, Pat Tarsio Lanes
Jim Looney 814, Pat Tarsio Lanes

Bowling Calendar

Febrluary 10, 10-game Scratch Tournament across 20 lanes--total pins will decide the winner. $2,500 first place based on 108 entries. $120.00 per person. Pat Tarsio Lanes, Newburgh, Tel. 562-5250

April & May, 2008. 27th Annual No-Tap Tournament.. Team and doubles. South Side Bowl, Scranton, Pa. Tel. 570-961-5213, http://www.southsidebowl.com/

April 19-May 4, 56th Annual Idle Hour Lanes Tournament, Scranton, Pa., co-sponsored by The Times-Tribune. Men's Women's Mixed teams and doubles events--5 person teams. Info call 570-489-7526.

April thru July, 40th Annual Lilac City Tournament. The world's 2ed largest Amateur bowling tournament, Team, doubles, singles. Rochester, NY. Info call 1-800-36-LILAC, e-mail information@lilactour.com

April thru July, 32nd Annual Lilac No-Tap Tournament. Handicap tournament for men, women and mixed..featuring singles and doubles events. Reservations call 1-800-36-LILAC, e-mail information@lilactour.com




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BOWLING TIP

This week's tip is for all bowlers, however, youth, new bowlers and bowlers who have not had a correctly fit ball will benefit the most.
Choosing the correct weight for a bowling ball is not rocket science although it is made out to be at times. A poorly fit ball ( lane ball or hack job) will take excessive grip pressure to hold onto. This makes the ball seem too heavy. A good rule to thumb, when getting a custom fit ball, is to go up two pounds over what a poorly fit ball weighs. You will be surprised at how much lighter a properly fit ball will feel. When a ball is fit properly, minimal grip pressure is needed to hold the ball, allowing you to swing the ball without putting a death grip on it. This applies to both finger tip and conventional grips. Understand that gravity, not upper body muscles should control the swing.
For youth bowlers, always err on the heavier side for several reasons. First, is is instinct to grab a ball and throw it, not roll it. If the ball is too light, it is hard to teach a youth bowler to use gravity as their friend and roll the ball. Second, children are still growing and you may get an extra year our of the ball before the youth bowler outgrows the weight. If a youth bowler is switching from conventional to finger tip grip, in this one case I would not recommend going too heavy as you do not want to make it an unpleasant experience. The best recommendation would be to re grip the old ball and get used to the grip before drilling a new ball.
Note: If a bowler, youth or adult is bowling to enjoy themselves, a conventional grip is best. If a bowler is interested in some form of competitive bowling in the future, the finger tip grip is the way to go. Remember: There is no substitute for a properly fit ball. Parents of youth bowlers, please have the fit checked at least every six months.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.). Mike is a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net



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CALLICOON LANES
ROUTE 97
CALLICOON, NY
TEL. 845-887-5750

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies Hortonville Ladies league had Lillian Zieres with a 192, 525, Joyce Brooks 196 and Debbie Schick 202.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Justin Lopez scored a 212, Jon Wayne 200, Karl Adams 213, Gary Erlwein 211, 198, 198, 607, Mark Schriber 201, Roger Miller 209, Tom Schultz 214, Mark Garro 245, Mark Hawley 207, 245, 625, Dick Pomes 213, Brian Starr 259, 227, 269, 755, Joseph Gager 214 and Mark Herbert 224.
In the Wednesday Mixed league Adam Bradley scored 210, Bob Cady 234, 250, 677, Ed Townsend 210, Tom Skiff Jr. 234, John Hoffmann 208, 200, Damien 208, Roger Widmann 214, 195, Mike Hubbard 197, Bob Elco 218, Mike Beseth 209, Bruce Rutledge 242 and Shirley Townsend 182, 204, 189, 575
PBA TOUR NEWS

Though he’s still a long way from retirement, Patrick Allen may have cemented his future among the bowling elite last Sunday.
Allen defeated Wes Malott, 247-217, to win the 2007 Lumber Liquidators Championship at AMF Country Club Lanes, Baltimore, Md., capturing his 10th career Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour title and making himself eligible for the PBA Hall of Fame once he retires.
After joining the PBA late at the age of 29 in 1999, Allen won just one title in his first four seasons on Tour. Since then, he’s become one of the top players in the game, winning the 2004-05 PBA Player of the Year award and winning multiple titles in each of the last three seasons.
On Sunday, Allen had a comfortable lead early until back-to-back nine-spares in the sixth and seventh frames. Malott could not take advantage, however, as he left the 2-8 and spared in the eighth frame and Allen responded with a double to keep his lead. Malott could have struck out in the 10th to force Allen to get the first strike, but he could only manage one strike. Allen struck with his first ball in the 10th for the win.
“I lived in this area for a few years so it means a lot to get my 10th title here and be eligible for the (PBA) Hall of Fame,” Allen (Wesley Chapel, Fla.) said. “There are a lot of great bowlers out there who have won 10 tiles or more and are not in the Hall of Fame – Steve Hoskins, Del Ballard Jr., Bryan Goebel – and now I’m in that group. Just because you have 10 titles doesn’t mean it’s a lock you’ll end up there, but it’s out of my hands now.”
The 37-year-old became the sixth No. 1 seed in the last seven stepladder finals to win a title following a nine-match losing streak by top seeds. Allen’s last title before today came in last season’s 2007 Go RVing Classic when he was also the top seed for the finals.
Allen led from start to finish this week, leading the Rd. of 64 Thursday and going 10-5-3 in match play on Friday. He doubled in the 10th frame of the final game of round robin Friday evening against Malott to clinch the No. 1 seed by a slim margin, meaning he only had to bowl one match on Sunday.
The No. 2 Malott advanced to the title match with a 236-207 win over No. 7 Mike DeVaney, who won three matches just to get to the semifinal. Malott struck five consecutive times in frames three through seven to take a commanding lead and he stayed clean the rest of the way to advance to the finals.
DeVaney advanced to the semifinal with a 221-220 win over the No. 3 seed Mike Wolfe and a 278-215 win over No. 4 Rhino Page. Page was making his first career championship round appearance and was looking to become just the third bowler in history to win a title after advancing through the Denny’s PBA Tour Qualifying Round. He struggled early with three spares in the first five frames, however, while DeVaney missed just twice in the match.
The finals started with an exciting four-bowler shootout which nearly ended in a three-way tie. After Walter Ray Williams Jr. finished first with a 196, the remaining three bowlers could have all struck out to finish with 258. Chris Warren went first and struck with his first two shots, but he left a 9-pin with his final shot and finished with 257. Chris Barnes then looked to raise the bar higher, but after a strike with his first shot, the eight-time titlist left a 4-pin to finish with 248.
DeVaney saved the best for last. After opening in his first two frames of the match, DeVaney completed a string of 10 consecutive strikes by striking out in the 10th to finish with 258 and move on.
Allen took home $25,000 for the win and an exemption for the 2008-09 season, while Malott (Argyle, Texas) earned $13,000 for second. DeVaney (Temecula, Calif.) took home $6,500 for third, Wolfe (New Albany, Ind.) earned $5,500 for fourth while Page (Topeka, Kan.) earned $5,000 for fifth. Williams finished sixth, Warren seventh and Barnes eighth.
The Denny’s PBA Tour is in Spartanburg, S.C., this week for the 2007 Spartanburg Classic at Shamrock Lanes, Dec. 12-16. The live ESPN televised finals take place Sunday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. EST at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in an Arena Finals.



Denny’s PBA Tour
2007 Lumber Liquidators Championship
AMF Country Club Lanes
Baltimore, Md.
Sunday, Dec. 9

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money
1. Patrick Allen, Wesley Chapel, Fla. 247 (1 game) $25,000
2. Wes Malott, Argyle, Texas 453 (2 games) $13,000
3. Mike DeVaney, Temecula, Calif. 964 (4 games) $6,500
4. Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind. 220 (1 game) $5,500
5. Rhino Page, Topeka, Kan. 215 (1 game) $5,000
6. Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. 196 (1 game) $4,000
7. Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore. 257 (1 game) $3,700
8. Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 248 (1 game) $3,400

SCORES – In the first match, DeVaney (258) won a four-bowler shootout against Warren (257), Barnes (248) and Williams (196); in the second match, DeVaney def. Page, 278-215; in the third match, DeVaney def. Wolfe, 221-220; in the semifinal, Malott defeated DeVaney, 236-207; and in the final, Allen def. Malott, 247-217.

This is Allen’s 10th career Denny’s PBA Tour title

Monday, December 10, 2007

Here & There Column 12-11-07

Paul G. Temple, center, prior to his death on November 29, was the oldest active living member of the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Course. In this photo he received a selection of different 7-irons from club members, from the left, Al Johnston, Chuck Husson, Ralph Kirchner and Dan Baldo during Temple's 90th birthday celebration May 6 at the Roscoe-Rockland Fire House.

Remembering Gentleman Paul G. Tempel

The hamlet of Roscoe along with Sullivan County and the Golfing community
lost a true friend and outstanding gentleman on November 29 with the death
of 90-year-old Paul G. Tempel of Roscoe.
We will truely miss the friendly and interesting conversations we had
with Paul over the many years I have known him.
Just last year while I was on vacation in August Paul subbed for me in
the Twin Village Golf Club Monday Night Men's league and when I got back
he was all smiles when he told me how he (at age 89) and my regular partner
(87-year old Ed Korth from Livingston Manor) had defeated "those younger
guys."
Loved talking politics with Paul as he was a Town of Rockland Democratic
Committeeman for over 50 years but never once pushed a strong political
party stance. He was community orientated and also loved firematics and
served as a 67-year member and past president of the Rockland Hose Company
No. 1.
As a member of the Twin Village Golf Club since the early 1960's I got to
know the real Paul Temple and golfers who knew him will never forget the
"thing" he had about his 7-iron and the golf course he helped build.
Paul was honered on May 6 of this year by his loving family and the golf
community at a 90th birthday celebration held at the Roscoe-Rockland Fire
House.
Paul had been an outstanding golfer for many years and although he no
longer actively played in the Monday Night Men's league he was a regular
sub many nights during the season.
His talents not only with his favorite club....the 7 iron.....were well
known for this very likeable friend and fellow golfer.
I remember him saying that golf "was a lot better than sitting around
the house."
He was always proud of his six career hole-in-ones and his low nine-hole
score of 31 which he shot a number of years ago at the par-32 Twin Village
Golf Club in Roscoe. Even as he entered the 80's his game was still not too
far from par as he continued to shoot in the high 30's and low 40's many
times out.
Paul fondly talked about the year of 1925 when he helped build the
nine-hole 2,040-yard Twin Village Golf Club course and as a youngster how
he helped pick up rocks and started playing the game of golf when the
course officially opened in 1927.
Paul Temple certainly proved that golf and the golden years were a
perfect match.
We are sure God will ask Paul to tee it up on the Heavenly Golf Course
and the fond memories of Paul will never be forgotten by his loving family
and many friends.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Bowling Highlights Column 12-7-07

Nate Sanders
Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Diandra Asbaty
Nate Sanders Scores Second Career 300 & 811 Series

Thirty-seven year-old right handed bowler Nate Sanders recorded his second career 300 game along with an 811 series in the November 26 Monday Night Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
A resident of Sackett Lake Nate bowled the 300-811 series on lanes 3 and 4 using a Columbia Messenger bowling ball.
Bowling for some 16-years Sanders now only bowls in this Monday Men's league and maintains a 199 average.
His first 300 game came in the year 2000 in the former Sunday Night Mixed Doubles league also at Kiamesha Lanes.
Sanders previous high series was a 770.
Nate bowls with the Flannagans team consisting of team members John Bartley, Willy Bartley and David Graham.
His three games 811 series consisted of the 300 in the first game followed by a 222 and a 289.
Nate is employed at Flannagans in Middletown where the company does fabrication of wire displays.
He is married to Pat and they have four children.

Orange-Sullivan 500 Club Tournament Champions

The Orange-Sullivan Women's 500 Bowling Club held their 21st Annual Bowling Tournament and meeting recently at the Hoe Bowl Orange Lanes in Walden.
Some 44 bowlers participated. All winning scores are handicap scores.
Winners in each division included in the Open division Kimberly Marino 675 for first place and Antoinette Rau 629 for second place.
In the A division Jean Grecco 653 for first place, Jeniva Perrot 608 for second place and Barbara Gorczynski 600 for third place.
In the B division Leslie Knickerbocker 690 for first place, Jan Couto 665 second place and Carla Leary 660 third place.
In the C division Sandra Short 630 first place.
In the D division Linda Millis 619 first place.
High scratch game was a 206 by Kimberly Marino.
Elections were held and the board of directors for the year 2007-08 include Roberta Bull as president, Shirley Morse vice president, Barbara Korycki secretary-treasurer and Sergeant at Arms Dolores Weslowski. Directors include Marilyn Quackenbush, Jan Couto, Merri LouLoving, Rose Revella, Mary-Jane Conklin and Mary Ellen Rutledge.
Next years tournament will be November 2, 2008 at Ellenville Lanes.
Anyone interested in joining the club can contact Barbara Korycki at 845-651-4834 or e-mail at bakbowler@hotmail.com for an application.
USBC awards presented include a 500 series to Leslie Knickerbocker and a 180 game award to Sandra Short.
League standings for all leagues will once again appear in our column starting in several weeks. This gives the many sponsors the publicity they deserve for paying sponsor fees when teams enter a league. League standings will appear once each month. .
This column is written by Bowling Highlights Columnist and Consultant to the professional sport of bowling Ed Townsend. Ed is also president of the Northeast Bowling Writers Association. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league scores, standings or tournament information, please call Ed at 845-439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Please visit our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com


Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This weeks tip applies to all bowlers who have found, when they arrive at the bowling center, that they cannot fit their thumb into the ball because their thumb swollen.
Slight swelling of the thumb can happen at any time, for many reasons. One reason can be due to humid weather. Other causes can be attributed to...chemicals that you have used (i.e. painting, cart care, masonry work, etc.) or it may be something simple such as having had salty food for dinner.
The obvious solution to the problem is to have the thumb hole in our ball enlarged, however, if this can't be done on the spot, here's a quick tip that many "old timers" in the bowling industry are familiar with. Take a lightweight towel and place it over the thumb hole of your ball. Next use the thumb to push the towel/rag down into the thumb hole along with your thumb. Leave the thumb in the hole for at least 30 seconds. This should bring your thumb down to its normal size. When you remove the towel, you will find that your thumb will fit easily into the hole.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.) Mike is also a member of the Brunswick Pro-Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via email at mikespro@warwick.net


Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 225, 610 by David Graham, Willy Bartley 225, Nate Sanders 196, 205, Chuck McAllister 200, David Schaver 220, Mike Mulligan 203, Danny Ricco 237, 209, 618, Mike Weiner 211, 208, 200, 619, John Hoffmann 232, 235, 245, 712, Walt Edwards 226, 242, 258, 726Tom Belgiovene 206,Keith Shaddock 195, Richard Levine 200, 209, Mike Cardo 216, Jim Frost 256, 227, 636, Francisco Martinez 201, Mike Mason 213, 218, 612, John Fischer 246, 202, 198, 646, Bill Helms 204, Chris Marler 213, 202, 224, 639, Paul Durland 223, Donald Durland 234, Jack Moylan 214, Rob Sze 230, James Ratner 195, 214, 256, 665, Kort Wheeler 204, 198, Frank Scuderi 215, 232, 608, Jaryl Scott 229, Mickey Lake 207, Eddie Lake 206, 257, 201, 664 and Ricky Lake 268, 279, 225, 772.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Ed Guthrie scored a 267, 264, 248, 779, John Hoffmann 257, 257, 215, 729, Vinnie Collura 223, 224, 236, 683, George Kelley 247, 214, 201, 662, Matt Cooper 211, 233, 636, Larry Berens 196, 229, 198, 623, Donald Durland 221, 212, 621, Kevin Stackhouse 206, 215, Brian Babcock 218, Robert Yakin Sr. 213, Neil Bell Jr. 197, Charles Blackburn 202, Dorian Jennings 237, 196, 605, Roberta Yakin 223, 568, Debbie Durland 198, 209, 568, Lisa Cartwright 180, 209, 549, Crystal Price 197, 543, Joan Lake 231, 180, 542, Barbara Yeomans 192, 534, Donna DuBois 193, 511, Andrea Grossman 504 and Debbie Wright 206, 501.
In the Wednesday Men's league David Graham scored 195, 223, Derwin Rivera 202, Angel Rodriguez 200, 233, 218, 651, John Cascone 201, Al Frangipane 215, 225, 632, Ed Guthrie 220, Dean Shattuck 213, Larry Berens 195, George Battle 198, 211, 248, 657, Rich Hendricks 210, 245, 629, Dan Ricco 213, Al Caycho 214, Mike Weiner 233, 269, 222, 724, Dale Sonnenschein 200, Art Eggleton 196, Tom Belgiovene 208, 244, 203, 655, Vinnie Collura 226, Walt Edwards 277, 621, Donnie Durland 236, 214, 642, Mark Wegener 245, 235, 199, 679, Eddie Lake 263, 209, 259, 731, Roy Sweeney 221, 214, Josh Strang 203, Glenn Fraser 212, Frank Gerow Jr. 256, 619, Bill Danchak 198 and Frank DiCostanzo 201.
In the Thursday Ladies league Joan Lake scored a 191, Valerie Fersch 193, Sue Barrett 196, 198, Barbara Neist 198, 202, Kim Peck 222, 554, Mardette Wilcox 233, 577 and Debbie Durland 233.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Bantams division Party Patel scored a 107. In the Preps division Jared Friedman scored a 128, 131, Kristy Gessman 93, 113, Tyler Bruderman 96 and Chase Israil 118. In the Jr./Majors division Megan Zeininger scored a 150, Jennifer Zeininger 142, Pedro Agapito III a 179, Amber Bock 114, Shavani Patel 146, Eddie Walsh 206, Nick Price 178, Jason Moss 165, Michael Scuderi 128, 161, Cori Natale 161 and Mike Gregory 170.

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 180, 182, 180, 542 by Rebecca Rhodes and Judy Mohn 202, 528.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Jackie Brockner scored a 201, Mark Schriber 219, Tad Doscher 196, Charles Reichenbach 205, 214, Mark Hawley 223, 249, 666, Brian Starr 211, 243, 636, Joseph Gager 204, Ken Darling 196, Scott Herbert 225, Walter Yanacek 202, Jon Wayne 236, Karl Adams 220 and Steve Lagoda 227.
In the Wednesday Mixed Business league Kory Kessler scored a 204, 198, Bruce Rutledge 211, 201, Phil Jacobi 232, Bob Cady 198, John Fink 210, Ed Townsend 196, John Hoffmann 204, 213, 600, Dave Maus 205, Shirley Townsend 185, 204 and Dwayne Gorton 196.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include a 223, 566 by Anne Couse, Jennifer Raymond 186, 191, 181, 558, Kathleen Stanton 230, 538, Diane Miller 193, 518, Linda Ferris 190, 180, 517, Sherry Persbacker 209, 517, Kathleen Maltese 180, 510.
In the Men's Wednesday Independent league Allen Bullis Sr. scored a 228, 247, 236, 711, Don Marino 234, 236, 205, 675, Hank Whitmore 242, 226, 199, 667, Mitch Persbacker 232, 236, 198, 666, Robert Johnson 244, 210, 204, 658, Richard Price 227, 244, 646, Dan Wormuth 203, 204, 239, 646, Andrew Bullis 219, 213, 213, 645, Paul Ignatovich 202, 233, 210, 645, James Dibble 235, 203, 629, Josh Rice 235, 199, 606, Brian Robinson 202, 201, 201, 604, Jim Thompson 219, 604, Brian Tiffany 224, 209, 604, Brandon McDonald 232, Frank Couse 202, 204, Rod Pudney 215, 234, Sam Rowe 195, 205, Tony Wright 233, Ed Milk Jr. 191, 216, Craig Gehrig 206, 203, Carl Davis 224 and Donald Ferris 203, 200.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Andrew Bullis scored a 246, 248, 688, Robert Johnson 224, 227, 225, 676, Ray Cornwell 237, 204, 626, Mitch Persbacker 217, 213, 616, Rick Mills 243, 217, 614, Harry Triebe Sr. 224, 201, 613, Paul Siegler 196, 213, 201, 610, Lee Stanton 233, Jeff Curtis 235, Steve Aitken 209, 200, Dale Stone 214, 208, Carl Davis 203, Shane Merwin 207, 226, Tony Wright 234, Greg Barnes 203 and Gino Jones 233.
In the FridayCouples league Andy Bullis scored a 297, 235, 219, 751, Daniel Wormuth 222, 215, 630, Rick Mills 200, 242, 601, John Stanton 224, James Dibble 224, Paul Fritz 199, Norman Ellis 199, 203, Anne Couse 523, Dan Gotthardt 212 and Jennifer Smith 217.
PBA Launches New Online Video Service
“Xtra Frame” offers fans exclusive look at matches, behind-the-scenes action

SEATTLE (December 3, 2007) — The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) announced today the launch of “Xtra Frame,” a new online, subscription-based video service through PBA.com which offers fans a wide variety of exclusive video content.

Xtra Frame will offer an exclusive “Match of the Week” from each event’s Round of 8 throughout the 2007-08 Denny’s PBA Tour season. The Match of the Week will showcase two PBA stars battling to make Sunday’s live ESPN telecast, and will feature commentary and analysis from PBA staff member Jeff Mark and a variety of exempt PBA pros.

In addition, fans who sign-up for the service will have access to exclusive features, interviews, weekly tips and an array of behind-the-scenes footage for an insider’s look at life on the Denny’s PBA Tour. For the first time, fans will also have access to exclusive video from PBA events such as the Denny’s PBA Tour Trials, the Denny’s All-American High School Championships and the PBA All-Star Shootout.

Xtra Frame subscribers will also have exclusive access to an expanded version of the PBA’s live online scoring system which includes Pin Mapping technology. Pin Mapping, which is only available during match play, allows viewers to see the placement of the pins after each shot, eliminating, for example, any speculation as to whether a bowler left a simple 6-10 or the dreaded 7-10 split.

Besides offering exclusive footage and content, Xtra Frame will also feature an extensive library of PBA telecasts on ESPN from the current and past seasons.

Fans interested in signing-up for Xtra Frame should visit www.pba.com/xtraframe. The service costs $5.95 per month, and is available now.

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Denny’s PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others. For more information on the PBA, log on to www.pba.com.
PBA

WYOMING, Mich. – Diandra Asbaty has won titles all over the world and accomplished more than just about any amateur bowler in history.
Now she can add a professional championship to her resume.
Asbaty, who wasn’t even supposed to bowl this week, defeated Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, 236-225, to win the 2007 Great Lakes Classic Sunday at Spectrum Lanes, the fourth and final Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Women’s Series event of the season.
The 27-year-old missed one of the 16 exemptions for the inaugural PBA Women’s Series by just two spots when she finished 18th in the PBA Women’s Tour Trials, a United States Bowling Congress (USBC) event, this summer. As the second alternate, she caught a break this week when exempt player Wendy Macpherson withdrew and first alternate Robin Romeo injured her hand on Wednesday.
Asbaty competed in the Denny’s PBA Tour Qualifying Round on Wednesday to try and earn a spot in the men’s event. After missing a spot in the Round of 64, she received the call that she had an opportunity to bowl in her first PBA Women’s Series event.
She took full advantage, finishing sixth in the Round of 16 to advance to match play where she defeated No. 2 seed Amy Stolz and USBC and Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Hall of Famer Tish Johnson to advance to the finals.
Against Dorin-Ballard, who won 20 times on the PWBA Tour and was looking to become the only woman to win two PBA Women’s Series events, Asbaty looked shaky early after a 4-6-7 split and an open in the first frame. Dorin-Ballard, who won the very first PBA Women’s Series event four weeks ago, struck five consecutive times in frames two through six to take a big lead.
The match turned in the sixth frame, however, when Dorin-Ballard had back-to-back nine spares and then left a 4-9 split and opened in the ninth frame. Asbaty had settled down by then and after a nine-spare in the fourth frame, she struck five times in a row to clinch the victory.
On top of winning her first professional event, the win was even sweeter for Asbaty (Chicago), who had her grandmother on her mind.
“My grandmother is in the hospital right now and she’s the only reason I bowled this week so this is definitely for her,” Asbaty said. “To beat a great champion like Carolyn makes it even better. I just can’t believe it.”
Asbaty pocketed $10,000 for her win while Dorin-Ballard took home $6,000. Though she came up short on Sunday, Dorin-Ballard finished the series as the leader in points, earnings and average.


PBA Women’s Series
2007 Great Lakes Classic
Spectrum Lanes
Wyoming, Mich.
Sunday, Dec. 2

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money
1. Diandra Asbaty, Chicago 236 (1 game) $10,000
2. Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas 225 (1 game) $6,000

SCORES – Asbaty def. Dorin-Ballard, 236-225.

This is Asbaty’s first PBA Women’s Series title.
PBA

WYOMING, Mich. – The debate can finally end. Walter Ray Williams Jr. officially has more professional bowling titles than anyone in the history of the sport.
Williams captured his 44th career Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour title, dominating Chris Loschetter, 276-204, to win the 2007 Great Lakes Classic at Spectrum Lanes for his second title of the season.
Williams passed Earl Anthony to become the Tour’s all-time titles leader in the first event of the 2006-07 season. Some said Anthony was still ahead of Williams, however, as Anthony’s two United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Masters titles are not recognized as Denny’s PBA Tour titles.
At 48 years old, Williams is off to one of the best starts of his 26-year career. He has made the championship round in four of the first seven events, winning twice and finishing second once. He also holds a big lead in the PBA Player of the Year race, which if it holds up would be his record seventh Player of the Year honor, breaking another Anthony record.
On Sunday, Williams came out on fire in the title match after a close semifinal against Mike Scroggins, in which he needed to double in the 10th to win. Williams threw a perfect shot with his first ball in the 10th then caught a break with his second shot when he threw it light and tripped the bucket, advancing with a 234-226 win.
“You have to have breaks along the way any time you win out here,” Williams (Ocala, Fla.) said. “You don’t always get strikes when you throw it well and sometimes you get strikes when you don’t throw it well. Fortunately I had a lot of good breaks this week. It was kind of silly.”
What’s silly is how well Williams is bowling this late in his career. The last time he won two titles this early in the season was 1998. He holds a more than 30,000 point lead in the PBA World Point Rankings, is second on Tour with $85,900 and leads the Tour in average by five pins.
He was nearly taken down by Scroggins, who held an 11-pin lead and was working on a four-bagger when he missed a 10-pin conversion in the seventh frame. Williams took the lead with a double but then gave it away when he seven-spared the ninth and Scroggins doubled in the eighth and ninth. The three-time titlist missed a chance to lock up the match, however, when he nine-spared and struck in the 10th.
Williams made sure things weren’t that close in the final match against Loschetter, who was looking to become the 10th bowler to win his first career title against Williams. After a nine-spare in the first frame, Williams struck nine consecutive times to wrap up the win.
Loschetter advanced to the title match with a 239-226 win over PBA Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III. Loschetter used a five-bagger in frames three through seven to take the lead. Bohn tried to rally late with a four-bagger but after a strike and nine-spare in the 10th, Loschetter only needed a mark to advance.
Williams earned $25,000 for his win. Loschetter (Avon, Ohio) earned $13,000 for second while Bohn (Jackson, N.J.) and Scroggins (Amarillo, Texas) took home $6,000 each for third and fourth, respectively.
The Denny’s PBA Tour moves to Baltimore, Md., next week for the 2007 Lumber Liquidators Championships, Dec. 5-9 at AMF Country Club Lanes. The finals will air tape-delayed on ESPN Sunday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. EST.Denny’s PBA Tour
2007 Great Lakes Classic
Spectrum Lanes
Wyoming, Mich.
Sunday, Dec. 2

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money
1. Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. 510 (2 games) $25,000
2. Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio 443 (2 games) $13,000
3. Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J. 226 (1 game) $6,000
4. Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas 226 (1 game) $6,000

SCORES – In the first match, Loschetter def. Bohn, 239-226; in the second match, Williams def. Scroggins, 234-226; and in the final, Williams def. Loschetter, 276-204.

This is Williams’ 44th career Denny’s PBA Tour title