Thursday, February 28, 2008

Bowling Highlights Column 2-29-08

Monticello ace bowler Dean Shattuck, right, who recently scored a perfect 300 game in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes, talks bowling technique with Mo Pinel at the bowling clinic held last Monday at Callicoon Lanes.

IBPSIA Teacher and USBC Silver Level coach Mike Luongo, right, gives clinic lessons to Callicoon Center bowler Gregg Burton during a clinic held last Monday at Callicoon Lanes.



Mo Pinel, center, goes over the fundamentals of the AMF lane dressing machine with Callicoon Lanes owner Tom Russell, left, as IBPSIA Instructor Mike Luongo, right, looks on during the bowling teaching clinic held last Monday at Callicoon Lanes.





Norm Duke







Guru Of Bowling Visits Callicoon Lanes

He knows the game from inside out and Callicoon Lanes owner Tom Russell was somewhat amazed last Monday when the President of MoRich Enterprises gave lessons that included not only bowling technique but the proper maintenance of a lane dressing machine and different lane dressing applications.
Often referred to as the "Guru of Bowling", Mo Pinel, is referred to as one of the most technically advanced teachers of the modern game of bowling and along with local IBPSIA teacher and United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Silver Level teacher-coach Mike Luongo they held a clinic that was designed to help the new or average bowler learn the modern game of bowling.
Pinel pointed out to Russell the importance of proper maintenance of his lane dressing machine and strongly suggested that Russell obtain a heating blanket to keep the machine and the oil and stripping fluids at an approved temperature before applying them to the lanes.
Pinel also pointed out the importance of how to have the lane dressing machine lay down different patterns on the lanes.
His knowledge of different bowling balls and their patterns as to what they should and can do was also very evident.
Several bowlers attending this event said they have never heard a man more knowledgeable about the game and here he was in the hamlet of Callicoon offering bowling knowledge that elsewhere could be termed priceless.
With his professional knowledge which included the touch and running his hands across the lanes at Callicoon Lanes Pinel advised that lanes owner Russell did not have to refinish the wooden lanes this year and all that they needed were to be re-coated. Pinel also gave Russell the thumbs up on the pindex area.
Pinel is partners with Rich Sandles in MoRich Industries, a company that has been in business since 1961, starting with Resurface By Us, now the largest resurfacing company in the world.
Mo designed his first bowling ball in 1989, the AMF Sumo and continued to design all AMF balls through 1985 including the XS series and Ninja series.
He then went to Faball to design the Hammer balls through 1998. The 3D Violet was one of the best selling balls of all time as was the AMF Sumo.
Mo and Rich started their own bowling ball company in 2000 with the first ball being the Labyrinth and setting the industry standard with core designs and the sales that have never been matched in the industry.
The MoRich bowling balls speak for themselves but Mo also formulates all the lane oils and cleaners for AMF to date along with writing oil patterns for some of the largest tournaments in the industry.
Mo is known as one of the best instructors in the bowling industry. The "See It Feel It Do It" is possibly the most up to date publication in the industry.
The "Guru Of Bowling" definitely impressed those who had this opportunity to watch him display his fantastic knowledge about the game of bowling. Thank you Mo for coming to Callicoon.

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week the tip is for all bowlers to try to assist you on how to best use the dots and arrows on the approach as target aids.
When preparing to execute a bowling shot, whether it is a strike or spare, you must be prepared to understand the path down the lane you intend your bowling ball to take. With this in mind, when stepping on the approach you should have a focal point (the point from which the ball will roll off your hand in the direction you intend it to to) picked out.
If you throw a hook ball, you will be rolling the ball toward the intended break point--the spot on the lane you expect your ball to change direction. If you are rolling the ball straight, the pocket or the pin/pins will be your intended target.
The tip: look at your intended target and bring your eyes back to the spot on the lane that you are most comfortable looking at whether it be the dots or an arrow. To play the modern game, the sooner the ball comes off your hand the better. If you are looking at an arrow and tend to throw or hit up on the ball instead of rolling it off your hand, bring your eyes more toward the dots.
If you are a bowler that tends to play more across the boards with a lot of rotation, your focal point should be as far right (or left) as in between the lanes to get the ball to the correct break point.
If you play a straighter game with a small hook, your correct focal point may be toward the three pin.
Remember......there is no substitute for making a good shot. If you combine good shots with good thinking, your scores will increase.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC nad 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

Fox 56th Annual
Tournament Starts
On March 29

The Fox Bowling Center 56th Annual Handicap Tournament gets underway in Hancock on Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30.
Last year Tournament Director Bill Gleim noted that the total prize money paid out was $15,494.
The tournament is certified by the USBC and the Fox Bowling Center is a member of the NYS Southern Tier BPA and the BPAA.
The local handicap tournament is open to men, women and mixed teams and doubles and singles.
Tournament dates continue in April on the 5th and 6th, 12th and 13th, 19th and 20th and 26th and 27th.
Saturday squad times include 12:30, 4 and 7 and Sunday squad times if 1 p.m. There will be no doubles or singes on April 27 at 1 p.m.
A 50-50 raffle is held on every squad and all 50-50 money is returned 100 percent to the bowlers.
The tournament also offers the optional event of best two out of 3 games scratch from your team event. This event paid out over $1,500 in prizes last year.
Entry fee is $75 per bowler or $130 per team. Doubles event is $52 per team. Singles event is $26 per entry.
Rule 319A.2--"The 10 pin rule" is in effect and team event lanes will be reconditioned before each squad.
This event is for 5 member teams in both men, women and mixed. 5-member teams get first choice of time for 1 p.m. on Sundays.
Entries for team events and doubles and singles close on April 27.
Handicaps for these tournaments will be figured for each bowler on90 percent basis using 210 as the base average.
Information is available at 607-637-4401.

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 197 by Amber Benson, Debbie Schick 189 and Mary Ardizzone 181, 505.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Dennis Brockner scored a 202, Don Hill 200, Joe May 199, Charles Reichenback 207, Mark Hawley 213, 215, Steve Lagoda 222, 213, 606, Mark Herbert 220, Russell Yerkes 219, Karl Adams 201, Roger Miller 196, Tom Schultz 203, 202, Ed LeRoy 224, 196 and Mark Garro 201.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen's league Bob Cady scored a 214, 205, 601, John Fink 203, 239, 631, Ed Townsend 205, 232, 624, Tom Skiff Jr. 196, 196, John Hoffmann 200, 201, Alan Rutledge 216, 201, 230, 647, Kory Kessler 237, 616, Bruce Retledge 204, Mike Hubbard 213, Justin Lopez 199, 214, Desiree Rossomon 233, 524, Brian Marino 204, Tom Russell 203, 198, 202, 603, Damien Vanleuven 208, Shirley Townsend 212, 211, 536, Peter Flanagan 204, John Fischer 215, Peter Flanagan 222 and Scott Austin 233.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include a 181, 516 by Tammy Kane and Sherry Persbacker 510.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Paul Ignatovich scored a 266, 220, 226, 712, Jim Thompson 201, 266, 203, 670, Norm Ellis 208, 256, 652, James Dibble 278, 205, 641, Same Rowe 245, 223, 638, Lee Stanton 246, 632, Robert Johnson 219, 199, 205, 623, Bill Gleim 248, 198, 616, Pat Kille 206, 214, 613, Mitch Persbacker 214, 218, 611, Josh Rice 245, 609, A ndrew Bullis 223, 213, 603, Tony Wright 242, 603, Rod Pudney 232 and Allen Bullis Sr. 256.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Rod Pudney scored a 211, 231, 266, 708, Robert Johnson 219, 212, 275, 706, Paul Fritz 256, 221, 216, 693, Bill Gleim 237, 258, 683, Lee Stanton 241, 222, 211, 674, Al Bullis Jr. 256, 213, 621, Steve Aitken 242, 203, 615, Greg Keesler 223, 213, 610, Andrew Bullis 204, 225, 604, Tony Wright 233, Ray Cornwell 222, Gregg Barnes 222 and Robert Ropert 223.
In the Friday Couples league Andy Bullis scored a 223, 219, 247, 689, Matthew Johnson 212, 245, 638, Robert Johnson 211, 198, 226, 635, James Dibble 232, 209, 618, Adam Forrester 215, 236, 618, Norman Ellis 222, 609Gary Resti 211, 216, 608, Jason Mead 236, Howard Couse Sr. 225, Judy Ellis 190, 187, 538, Anne Couse 204, Michelle Wormuth 198 and Hope Jones 181.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league include a 279, 729 by Vinnie Collura, Donald Durland 269, 774, George Kelley 239, Ed Guthrie 639, Debbie Wright 196, Linda Schaefer 196, 538, Dorian Jennings 191, 550 and Joan Lake 526.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Bantams division Parth Patel scored a 109, 122 and Shyam Patel 85.
In the Preps division of this league Chase Israel scored a 138, Cory Deitchman 148, Meghan McCormack 130, Taylor McCormack 109, Jared Friedman 134, Kristy Gessman 118, Trevor Scott 148 and Athena Soria 86.
In the Jr./Mjrs. division James Durland scored a 211, Josh Natalew 235, Scott Bock 184, Shawn Sinistorie 167, 167, Eddie Walsh 206, Nick Price 190, Pedro Agapito III a 186, 197, Amber Bock 114, Shivani Patel 149, Jason Moss 172, 194, Francis Henderson 143, Kishan Patel 162, Megan Gerow 165, 204 and Daniel Van Aken 212.
In the Sunday Thunder Country 102 Mixed league the great morning radio personality Paul Ciliberto scored a nice 215 single.
PBA NEWS

Same location, same opponent, different circumstances. Same result.
For the second consecutive year, Norm Duke defeated Ryan Shafer to a win a title at Woodland Bowl, but this one meant so much more.
Duke, who came into the week on the verge of losing his Denny's Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour exemption, defeated Shafer, 202-165 last Sunday to win the Denny's World Championship for his third career Major and 27th title overall.
The win gives Duke a much-needed two-season Tour exemption. The veteran has struggled through various injuries this season and came into the week 51st in the PBA World Point Rankings with just five events remaining. The top 39 via the point rankings earn exemptions at season's end.
Suffering from the flu all week, Duke showed his usual flair for the dramatic, gutting it out to advance to the final round, which moved him up to 37th in the point rankings. His win, however, means he doesnt have to worry about points for the next two years.
The Denny's PBA Tour this week moves to Columbus, Ohio for the 2008 Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic, Feb. 25-March 2 at Sequoia Pro Bowl. The live ESPN-televised finals take place Sunday, March 2 at 12:30 p.m. ET
This column is written by Ed Town send, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (US BC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com
USBC TECHNOLOGY CONTEST CHAMPION CROWNED

Engineer submits winning design for machine that measures friction of bowling lanes
GREENDALE, Wis. - An Indiana engineer is the winner of a United States Bowling Congress technology contest to design a device that will measure the amount of friction on a bowling lane.

Testing the "coefficient of friction" of lane surfaces - the ratio of force between two objects - is important so that USBC can ensure that friction between bowling balls and the lane surface is within standards for USBC-certified competition.

Gaetan Vich of Goshen, Ind., an engineer at an automotive supply company in Elkhart, Ind., submitted the winning design as team "Science Friction" and took home the $5,000 first prize. The device Vich designed is called the "Lane Rover," a battery-powered, motorized carriage on four driving wheels. The force of friction is measured and calculated as the 13.5 inch-by-9.5 inch machine pulls a small sled over a wood or synthetic lane surface.

Vich said he became interested in entering the contest after reading an article on bowl.com and researching the specifications of bowling lanes.

"I am very excited, proud and happy," Vich said. "The idea of a contest was interesting. I wanted to see if I could come up with something good. I'm impressed with the extent of research in the sport of bowling."

"Mr. Vich's design was the most practical idea submitted," USBC Research Engineer Paul Ridenour said. "We will look to incorporate elements of his design into a new method of testing coefficient of friction of bowling lanes or other related research and testing."

USBC's objective through the contest was to tap into top engineering minds to explore the possibility of finding an even more streamlined and efficient way to test friction of bowling lane surfaces.

"This is an important test that USBC currently performs on wood and synthetic lanes," USBC Technical Director Neil Stremmel said. "The coefficient of friction is critical to ball motion on the lane. That is why we decided to issue a contest challenge to engineers and bowling technicians across the country. Sometimes you are just too close to a subject to be able to envision different ways to meet a design objective."

Eugene Lucas, a consulting mechanical design engineer with Hayward Engineering & Research Associates in Hayward, Calif., was runner-up in the competition and earned $2,000.

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.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Here & There 2-26-08

Burn Barrel Burning

Burn Barrels Still In Use In Sullivan County

Take a ride on some of Sullivan County's rural roads and there you will find how some folks take care of their own personal garbage.
Just the other day as evening was approaching a drive to one part of our county discovered at least five burn barrels in use.
State environmental officials have been giving some serious thought of a statewide ban on open burning of household waste.
An interesting figure from this agency said that current rules exempt the 850 towns in the state with fewer than 20,000 people.
We also found very interesting that with the state considering a policy against burn barrels and against burning garbage there are some lawmakers from rural towns in parts of upstate New York have voiced their opposition and said the proposal is overreaching and unnecessary.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation says that burn barrels can allow partially combusted pollutants such as heavy metals, dioxins, furans and volatile organic compounds to escape which can cause illness in people through prolonged exposure.
The DEC says that garbage burned in an open barrel gives off 17 times more dioxins and 40 times more ask than a permitted incinerator.
Statistics point out that burning trash in backyard burn barrels is a health menace.
A lot of today's trash is filled with plastics and a host of other materials that when burned at low temperatures in backyard burn barrels produce a variety of dangerous substances.
Scientists say that more pollutants are created in a couple of backyard burn barrels than are produced in a municipal garbage incinerator.
Let face it rural residents burn their household trash because its cheaper and easier than hiring someone to pick up their trash or hauling it to a transfer station.
One can certainly understand why this is done but the fact is that thousands of other county residents pay the cost of properly disposing of their trash.
Burning trash in a 55 gallon drum which is very often found in the backyard, is very common and surveys have revealed between 25 and 50 percent of rural residences and farms may do backyard burning.
There is no doubt that the problem of burn barrel burning has increased in recent years because of the rising cost of proper disposal of solid waste and therefore part of the solution to open burning will be improvements throughout all parts of our country in convenience and affordability of local solid waste management systems..

Bowling Highlights Column 2-22-08

Mike Scroggins

1st Annual Callicoon Lanes Budweiser Scratch Tournament Slated For April 19-20

The 1st annual Callicoon Lanes Budweiser Men's and Women's (Scratch) Bowling tournament will be held on Saturday April 19 and Sunday April 20 at the Brunswick Callicoon Lanes..
Limited to a field of 40-two member teams, those bowlers will qualify for divisions at 11 a.m. on April 19.
Each two-member team will bowl games with no handicaps. After qualifying, each team will be seeded 1 through 40 and put into five divisions of eight teams each.
Elimination matches will begin at 11 a.m. on April 20. Each team will be guaranteed six games, three qualifying games and a quarterfinal match. Winners advance and losers go home.
The top two teams in each division will receive prize money and the prize money breakdown (based on 40 teams) includes $500 for first place in the Championship division and $250 for second place.
Second division--first place is $350 and second place is $175.
Third division--first place takes home $250 and second place takes homes $130.
Fourth division--first place $200 and second place $100.
Fifth division--first place $150 and second place $75
Tom Russell, tournament director, noted that the entry fee for this scratch tournament open to men and women is $90 per team or $45 per individual entry.
Entry deadline is Tuesday, April 15 or the first 40 teams.
To enter place the name of the two bowlers on a sheet of paper and make check payable to Callicoon Lanes Scratch Tournament and mail to 9202 Route 97, Callicoon, N. Y. 12723.
Eligibility rules for this tournament point out that team member must be at least 16 years of age and that USBC rules and regulations will not apply in this event and that the tournament director has the right to reject any entry.
Additional tournament sponsors will be announced in coming weeks.
Tournament chairman Tom Russell can be reached at 845-887-5750.
Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 190 by Judy Mohn, Robin Luckey 180 and Rebecca Rhodes 189.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Josh Milucky scored 200, Jackie Brockner 203, Mark Schriber 223, Tad Doscher 211, Don Hill 200, Charles Reichenberg 206, Roger Miller 213, Tom Schultz 224, Mark Garro 234, 224, 617, Eric Klubenik 216, Gary Erlwein 196, 208, Steve Lagoda 201, 245, 616, Todd Houghtaling 199, Mark Herbert 198, Scott Herbert 256, John Fischer 201, Samii Markao 198, Mike Cole 196, 201, Joseph Gager 206, 267, 666, Russell Yerkes 207, Jon Wayne 217 and Karl Adams 210.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Mark Rutledge scored a 206, Mike Beseth 222, Kory Keesler 221, 222, 195, 638, Bruce Rutledge 212, 209, Tad Doscher 197, 203, Mike Hubbard 223, Shirley Townsend 182, 504, Sean Vanderveld 199, Tom Russell 196, Bob Cady 198, Joh Fink 196, 222, Ed Townsend 199, Tom Skiff Jr. 223 and John Hoffmann 246.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent scores in the Wednesday Men's Independent league include a 269, 206, 278, 753 bly Brian Drumm, William Gleim 235, 209, 279, 723, Andrew Bullis 248, 269, 709, Tony Wright 209, 217, 268, 694, James Dibble 238, 247, 205, 690, Robert McNaught 232, 225, 231, 688, Robert Johnson 212, 258, 662, Brandon MacDonald 229, 222, 203, 654, Mitch Persbacker 221, 216, 215, 652, Paul Ignatovich 223, 244, 644, Matt Conklin 227, 211, 628, Donald Marino 204, 236, 628, Marc Fino 213, 218, 614, Steven Jacobi 201, 215, 602, Jon Wayne 234, Lee Stanton 220, Thomas Anderson 228 and Richard Price 226.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Andrew Bullis scored a 218, 256, 258, 732, Al Bullis Jr. 210, 234, 252, 696, Tony Wright 233, 220, 212, 665, Robert Johnson 231, 231, 652, Bill Gleim 200, 205, 236, 641, Mitch Persbacker 200, 243, 195, 638, Jeff Curtis 216, 200, 207, 623, Lee Stanton 202, 215, 607Howard Couse Sr. 218, 204, 603, Al Bullis Sr. 215, 201, Rick Mills 225, Rod Pudney 212, Shane Merwin 215 and Kevin Curtis 258.
In the Friday Couples league Andy Bullis scored a 225, 259, 237, 721, James Dibble 215, 238, 228, 681, Daniel Wormuth 196, 280, 669, Howard Couse 243, 216, 653, William Gleim 246, 228, 645, Paul Fritz 236, 213, 195, 644, Rick Mills 213, 266, 634, Carl Davis 216, 606, Gino Jones 212, 202, Cecil Spencer 204, 225, Jason Mead 235, Michelle Brush 217, 202, 523, Anne Couse 196, 515, Kristina Couse 506, Judy Ellis 190, Sandy Winana 187 and Julie Martin 181.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent scores in the Saturday Morning Youth league, in the Bantams Division finds Shyam Patel with a 85 and Parth Patel with a 122.
In the Preps division Charles Israel scored a 138, Cory Deitchman 148, Meghan McCormack 130, Taylor McCormack 109, Kristy Gessman 118, Trevor Scott 148 and Althena Soria 86.
In the Junior-Majors division Cory Natale scored a 133, James Durland 193, 211, Josh Natale 235, Scott Bock 184, Shawn Sinistorie 167, 167, Eddie Walsh 206, Nick Price 190, Pedro Agapito III a 186, 197, Amber Bock 114, Shivani Patel 149, Jason Moss 194, 172, Frances Henderson 143, Kishan Patel 162, Megan Gerow 165, 204 and Daniel VanAken 212.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league John Hoffmann scored a 276, 736, Donald D urland 246, 711, John Cascone 236, Larry Berens 236, Robert Yakin Sr. 661, Roberta Yakin 211, 590, Debbie Durland 204, 575, Andrea Grossman 200 and Barbara Yeomans 561.
The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: this week's tip was suggested by one of our Sullivan County league bowlers and applies mostly to those bowlers who are using modern bowling balls. You may not know that the modern bowling ball is porous with several different densities and has numerous chemicals in its cover stocks. As these balls change temperature, the cover and core will expand and contract. Due to the different materials used for the core, inner core and cover, this fluctuation occurs at different rates. Leaving the ball in a car when temperatures are severe, very hot or very cold, the expansion and contraction causes severe stress on the cover. This stress is even greater when a cold ball is used to bowl while it is still cold. This may cause your ball to crack. So this tip is not only educational but let it serve as a reminder to take care of your bowling ball investment -- avoid the experience that the above-mentioned bowler went through -- and if you carry your balls to and from the center, don't leave them in your car!
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
PBA News

Mike Scroggins probably had a feeling in the first frame last Sunday, when the normally automatic Walter Ray Williams Jr. missed a single-pin conversion, things would go his way.
That was certainly the case as Scroggins got all the breaks , coupled with some smart decisions, to defeat Williams, 214-194, in the 2008 Pepsi Championship at Thunder-Alley, Omaha, Neb., winning his fifth career Denny's Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour title and his second of the season.
The Tour veteran has finally figured out how to win on TV. Prior to his win in January in the 2008 Motel 6 Dick Weber Open, Scroggins was just 9-22 in televised matches and was riding an eight-game losing streak. He broke the streak in a big way, winning four matches as the No. 5 seed to win his fourth title.
The Denny's PBA Tour this week heads to Indianapolis for the 2008 Denny's World Championship, the third of four Majors on the schedule. The live ESPN-televised finals take place Sunday, Feb. 24 at 12:30 p.m. ET. The winner will take home $50,000 and a two-season Denny's PBA Tour exemption.
Storm Presenting
Sponsor Of USBC
Collegiate Events

Storm Bowling Products, Inc., has been named the presenting sponsor of
the 2008 United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team Championships,
which will be held April 16-19 at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan.
The USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships, contested annually since
1975, is the pinnacle event of the college bowling season with the top 16
men's and top 16 women's teams in the country vying for natio
EBONITE INTERNATIONAL TO SPONSOR OVERSEAS EVENTS

HOPKINSVILLE, Kent. – Ebonite International will sponsor six tournament stops on the 2008 European Bowling Tour (EBT) and two ETBF sanctioned European events, announced Mike Quitter, vice president of international for Ebonite International. “Our brands are committed to the future of sport bowling and competitive bowling in both domestic and overseas markets,” said Quitter. “It is our intent to remain actively involved in European Bowling and the EBT so that both amateur and professional bowlers have more opportunities to participate in quality, professionally managed, competitive events.” EBT events are sanctioned scratch singles events for both amateur and professional bowlers. Events are classified as either Major or Challenger events. The 2008 schedule is comprised of 18 events to be held in most major European bowling countries to include Finland, France, Italy, Holland, Luxembourg, Denmark, Catalonia, Turkey, Belgium, Slovenia, Austria and England. The 2008 Tour also includes its newest and largest event, the Qatar International Open. EBT events sponsored by Ebonite International include:•Ebonite International Luxembourg International (EBT Challenger), January 30 – February 3, in Foetz, Luxembourg•Hammer Bronzen Schietspoel (EBT Major), February 3-10, in Tilburg, Netherlands•6th Columbia 300 Vienna Open (EBT Major), September 30-October 5, in Vienna, Austria•Ebonite Lahti Open (EBT Challenger), October 12-19, in Lahti, Finland•5th Oltremare Columbia 300 Open (EBT Major), November 15-23, in Naples, Italy•Ebonite English Open (EBT Challenger), December 3-7, Warwickshire, England ETBF Sanctioned events sponsored by the company in 2008 include the Hammer ALSAA Open in Dublin and the Internationale de Vidy by Track, March 26 – 30, in Lausanne, Switzerland. Based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that services bowling centers, distributors and retail shops both domestically and internationally. The company’s consumer product brands include Ebonite, Hammer, Robby’s, Columbia 300 and Track. Its commercial product brands are Ebonite VanTech Capital Equipment, Vantage Genuine Parts, Ebonite Bowling Center Direct and Powerhouse

Monday, February 18, 2008

Here & There Column 2-19-08

Klatsch Discusses County Garbage Problems

We were not too sure if garbage was the most appetizing subject to discuss during our recent coffee klatsch but as we ground the beans for our fresh brewed Java and mixed the batter for the home-made oven baked donuts we settled in comfortably to air some views on what Sullivan County could and should do in regards to the Sullivan County landfill and garbage.
As has been noted in much of the media recently there is discussion at the county legislature to either expand the existing landfill or to consider exporting garbage out of the county..
In fact a resolution said that proposed phase two expansion of the county landfill "poses a direct threat to the health and safety of our residents and the county needs to start taking a hard look at alternatives to the proposed expansion including exportation."
It has been noted that the county only has 24 months of useful time life left in the existing landfill and the county has yet to get approval and a permit for phase two and there is the need for the board to responsibility look at alternatives to the phase two expansion.
Our klatsch, made up of a mixture of both Democrats, Republicans and an Independent, had some initial feelings that this whole landfill and garbage issue already is quickly turning into a political battle.
What alternatives does the county have one in our group asked.
Discussion seemed to bear only several alternatives, expand the present landfill (if a permit is granted) or look at exporting garbage out of the county.
What about garbage incineration several klatsch members asked.
Four of us indicated that the latest. waste-to-energy technologies offer clean air and no harmful greenhouse gases and a permanent solution with no lingering long-term environmental issues,
There was several questions that some don't think these new modern incinerators are clean enough and despite competing scientific claims and political agendas, most people do agree on one thing......public support for burning garbage goes up in smoke when an incinerator goes from a big idea to someone's backyard.
Two members of our klatsch said that the new modern garbage incinerators burn garbage at high temperatures and the heat is converted into electricity. Several of us had questions about that and it was then pointed out that trash is dumped into the incinerator, gases from the burning process are moved into a second chamber and burned again and the heat generated at this state is fed into a boiler which creates steam that runs turbines and generates power.
We agreed that this all sounded like the way the county should possibly go and following a phone call to gather more information it was pointed out that about 30 percent of the waste that goes in comes out the other end as ash which still has to be land filled.
We all agreed that the proposal to build an incinerator similar to this in nearby Middletown should be closely monitored to see if incineration is safe.
The garbage problem is never going to go away and we hope politics does not play a part in what direction the Sullivan County legislature decides to go.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Bowling Highlights 2-15-08

Brittany Miller

Gregg Skiff Jr.



Chris Barnes





Mike Scroggins







Mo Pinel & Mike Luongo








Pinel Brings Top Teaching Technique To Callicoon

One of the most technically advanced teachers of the modern game of bowling will head up a teaching clinic on Monday February 25 from 1-4 p.m. at Callicoon Lanes.
Mo Pinel, president of Morich Enterprises and local certified IBPSIA teacher and United State Bowling Congress (USBC) Silver Level Coach Mike Luongo will conduct the clinic designed to help the new or average bowler learn the modern game of bowling.
Luongo is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company and is a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff.
Pinel is partners with Rich Sadles in Morich Enterprises, a company that has been in business since 1981, starting with Resurface by us, now the largest resurfacing company in the world.
Mo designed his first bowling ball in 1989, the AMF Sumo and continued to design all AMF balls through 1985 including the XS series and Ninja series.
He then went to Faball to design the Hammer balls through 1998. The 3D Violet was one of the best selling balls of all time as was the AMF Sumo.
Mo and Rich started their own bowling ball company in 2000 with the first ball being the Labyrinth and setting the industry standard with core designs and the sales that have never been matched in the industry.
The Morich bowling balls speak for themselves but Mo also formulates all the lane oils and cleaners for AMF to date along with writing oil patterns for some of the largest tournaments in the industry.
Mo is known as one of the best instructors in the bowling industry. The "See It Feel It Do It" is possibly the most up to date publication in the industry.
This 3-hour clinic will provide individual instruction and the fee is $40.
For further information call Mike Luongo at 341-1694 or Tom Russell at Callicoon Lanes 887-5750.
The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: this week's tip is a reminder that although there are so many aggressive, high performance balls available, the main component of the sport is having a sharp game and becoming a good shot maker. Lane conditions have become very soft and that combination with today's bowling balls has led to high scoring conditions making the majority of today's bowlers very complacent about working on their physical games. However, the sport of bowling is making a comeback as can be seen in some of the newer Sport Bowling Leagues so knowing how to adjust to varying lane conditions and understanding how to use today's bowling balls is only part of the equation. For those bowlers who want to maximize their potential in this sport, I cannot stress enough the importance of finding a qualified and certified bowling instructor. Even more preferable, you should work with an instructor who uses video technology to completely analyze your game. For example, we use the Brunswick Pro Trainer system which gives us the ability to replay a student's shots in slow motion, show them what adjustments need to be made and compare them to the highest caliber bowlers in the world -- best of all, the student is able to take a video home to study and watch at their convenience. The knowledge you gain from a Certified Instructor is knowledge that will be useful to you and stay with you throughout your bowling life!
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 e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

Ed's Outlook

Bowling's support of charitable and fund raising efforts show the true meaning of this fine sport.
A real nice effort last Sunday afternoon by ownership and manager Alpesh C. Patel at Kiamesha Lanes when he donated the bowling fees and food for the Brittany Miller Foundation Tournament.
The fund raiser Bowling Tournament for the Brittany Miller Foundation was also co-sponsored by Johnstons Toyota.
The foundation is a charitable Pediatric Cancer Fund organization which provides financial assistance to families with children undergoing cancer treatment in the counties of Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and Dutchess.
Monies raised do not go for medical care but rather toward incidental costs including hotels, meals, tolls, gas and other miscellaneous expenses incurred by the families who must take sick children for frequent treatments.
The Brittany Miller Foundation is based in Middletown and can be reached through their web site at www.brittanymiller.org
The Foundation is inspired by the memory of Brittany Miller, a Middletown girl who on July 31, 1996---her seventh birthday,--died after fighting battle against brain cancer. As part of her treatment Brittany had to undergo the hour plus trip to Westchester several times a month for treatments. No local hospitals provided the sophisticated treatments she required. After Brittany was diagnosed with cancer in July 1995 her parents discovered that, in addition to the e;motional drain on families in their situation, even families with good medical coverage find that the lodging, food and other miscellaneous expenses can prove quite a handicap.
The bowling tournament held last Sunday had a good turn our with 14 four-person teams competing.
Everyone enjoyed themselves and the nice thing about the prize winnings is that most participants donated their winnings back into the fund.
The event was under the direction of Mal Press and Dean Miller.
Over $1,900 was raised in this event.
The foundation is looking to conduct this event every year at different bowling lanes in the counties they serve. The organization also conducts a golf tournament in Middletown every year.
We thank the bowlers for their participation and donations and Kiamesha Lanes and Johnston Toyota for their sponsorship.

Kiamesha Youth Bowler
Scores 279 Single

Real nice bowling by 16-year-old Kiamesha Lanes Saturday Morning Youth bowler Eddie Walsh.
Walch, a sophomore at Monticello High School recently pounded the maples for a 279 single and a 612 series. His other two games included a 175 and 158.
The score was bowled on lanes 1 and 2 using a Monster Bruiser bowling ball.
He is the son of Leanne and Ed Walsh.
Eddie presently maintains a 168 average and has been bowling for some 11 years.
His team mates include Nick Price, Scptt Bock, Brianna DeGraw and Shawn Sinistorie.

10 Pin On Last
Ball Rewards
Skiff With 299

Nineteen year-old Gregg Skiff of White Sulphur Springs missed a perfect game on Saturday February 9 in the Saturday Night Mixed Doubles league at Kiamesha Lanes when the 10 was left standing on the 12 ball of his second game giving him his first career 299 game.
He finished the night with a 684 series on lanes 9 and 10 using a 15-pound Hammer No Mercy bowling ball recently resurfaced by Mike's Pro Shop in Middletown.
His previous high single game was a 279 at Kiamesha, a 276 at Liberty Lanes and a 730 series at Kiamesha Lanes.
Gregg maintains a 180 average in the Thursday Night Doubles league at Liberty Lanes, a 180 in the Wednesday Night Men's league at Liberty Lanes and a 195 average in the Saturday Mixed Doubles at Immesh.
His Saturday night team mates include Tina Frau, Tom Skiff III and Amanda Bovines.
The son of Thomas Skiff Jr. and Joan Reddington Gregg is employed by the Town of Liberty Highway Department and will be attending UTI this October to study auto mechanics.
Both Mike Luongo and Mo Pinel, president of Morich Bowling Ball Company worked together on Gregg's bowling ball to properly place the offset weight hole on this ball to fit Gregg's style of bowling.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes
(Scores Provided by Tom Russell)

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 206 by Becky Williams, Linda Mills 180, Mary Ardizzone 180, Lillian Zieres 200, 209, 584 and Robin Luckey 188.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Jon Wayne scored a 245, 601, Karl Adams 204, Don Hill 200, Brian Kitson 200, Eric Nystrom 201, Jon Duffy 201, 206, Ken Darling 214, Scott Herbert 223, Wally Warren 199, Jackie Brockner 196, Mark Schriber 221, 201, Roger Miller 203, 237, 624, Tom Schultz 228, 207, 629, Ed LeRoy 216, Mark Garro 229, 605, John Fischer 217, 223, 633, Joseph Gager 233, 221, 644, Jeff Laffrey 208, Mike Hubbard 205, Gary Erlwein 201, 199 and Steve Lagoda 223.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen's league Tad Doscher scored a 213, 203, 201, 617, Phil Jacobi 195, Dave Maus 203, Roger Widmann 220, Peter Flanagan 223, Mark Rutledge 220, Kory Kessler 214, 218, 624, Bruce Rutledge 219, Shirley Townsend 189, Brian Marino 245, 626, Tom Russell 210, 204, Damien Vanieuven 213, John Lopez 204, Tom Skiff Jr. 204, Nicole Rossomon 181, John Fischer 199, 198, 200 and Tom Kehrley 201.

Fox Bowling Center
(Scores Provided by Bill Gleim)

Recent highlights scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include a 198, 540 by Jennifer Raymond, Louise Botsford 202, 536, Sharry Persbacker 191, 504, Anne Couse 503, Linda Ferris 207, Leslie Caskey 192, Melinda Ferris 185, Michelle Wolbert 185 and Sally Ballard 181.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Donald Marino scored a 268, 268, 235, 771, Andrew Bullis 269, 227, 247, 743, Robert Johnson 258, 202, 279, 739, James Dibble 226, 248, 223, 697, John Gurnick 266, 215, 201, 682, Bill Gleim 288, 203, 679, Glenn Bowker 202, 236, 225, 663, Frank Couse 215, 258, 663, Pat Kille 263, 640, Dan Wormuth 224, 204, 202, 630, Josh Rice 242, 215, 629, Allan Bullis Sr. 202, 213, 212, 627, Donald Ferris 202, 231, 624, Thomas Anderson 214, 225, 620, Steven Jocobi 228, 214, 615, David Thomason 268, 607, Paul Ignatovich 202, 242, 604, Jerry Kulakosky 214, Sam Rowe 216, Jon Wayne 215, Arthur Gately 216 and Josh Milucky 213.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Al Bullis Jr. scored a 233, 231, 235, 699, Paul Ignatovich 225, 246, 211, 684, Ray Cornwell 225, 255, 674, Bill Gleim 255, 225, 672, Robert Johnson 222, 257, 666, Tony Wright 200, 195, 267, 662, Howard Couse Sr. 232, 221, 204, 657, Lee Stanton 256, 204, 654, Cody Conway 236, 227, 634, Greg Barnes 225, 212, 630, Rod Pudney 195, 236, 625, Andrew Bullis 236, 619, Jeff Curtis 200, 226, 617, Sterling Murphy 210, 226, 609, Greg Keesler 211, 213, Len Terrell 224, Al Bullis Sr. 216 and Norm Ellis 214.
In the FridayCouples league Andy Bullis scored a 245, 257, 214, 716, William Gleim 224, 227, 232, 683, Daniel Wormuth 223, 221, 220, 664, Gino Jones 204, 236, 624, Carl Davis 254, 613, Robert Johnson 237, 197, 613, Howard Couse Sr. 223, Norman Ellis 222, Gary Resti 216, Jennifer Smith 229, 562, Brian Tiffany 228, Howard Couse 237, Kristina Couse 191, 531, Sandy Winans 209, 525, Michelle Wormuth 193Hope Jones 192, Julie Martin 186, Dawn Mclenon 185 and Michelle Brush 181.

Kiamesha Lanes
(Scores Provided by Debbie Durland)

Recent highlight scores in the Saturday morning Youth leagues include, in the Pee Wees Division Tulsi Patel 98.
In the Preps Division Taylor McCormach 103, Taylor McCormack 103, Sarah Durland 122, 160, Shelby Cooper 93, Jared Friedman 163, Kristy Gessman 146, Chase Israel 121, 150, Isiah Rosado 112 and Cory Deitchman 152.
In the Jr./Mjrs division Pedro Agapito III scored a 161, 194, Amber Bock 113, 116, Shivani Patel 158, 162, Kristy Zeininger 127, 140, Megan Gerow 169, 199, Daniel VanAken 236, 265, Scott Bock 181, 221, Shawn Sinistorie 157, 160 and Eddie Walsh 212.
Chris Barnes Makes a Wish Come True
PBA star converts “Flying Eagle” trick shot for four-year-old with muscular dystrophy

SEATTLE (Feb. 15, 2008) — Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour star Chris Barnes fulfilled the dream of a four-year-old boy Friday at Thunder-Alley in Omaha, Neb., meeting up with Hunter Edwards and converting the “Flying Eagle” trick shot for the young boy as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Edwards, who has muscular dystrophy, dreamed of meeting Barnes and seeing him convert the difficult shot, in which a 7-pin is placed in its correct position on the left lane and a 10-pin is placed in its position on the right lane while a third pin is placed on the right side of the left lane approximately 50-feet down lane. Barnes fires the ball at the third pin which flies off and knocks over the 10-pin while the ball continues on its path and knocks down the 7-pin.

After Barnes talked with Edwards and presented him with a framed autographed jersey, Barnes set up the shot. After missing the target pin on his first try, Barnes successfully completed the shot on his second try, much to the delight of Edwards and the entire crowd gathered around at Thunder-Alley.

Barnes and Edwards spent the next hour together with Edwards – who is wheelchair bound – bowling with the assistance of a ramp. Gradually more bowlers appeared to brighten Edwards’ day, including PBA Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III, who performed another one of Edwards’ favorite trick shots: a strike through chairs set up on the lanes.

Edwards and his family will conclude their dream week by attending Sunday’s live ESPN-televised finals of the 2008 Pepsi Championship at Thunder-Alley, which get underway at 12:30 p.m. ET. Five bowlers will compete for $25,000 and an exemption for the 2008-09 season.

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 Aaron Rents, Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, ConstructionJobs.com, 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.
USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURNS
TO ALBUQUERQUE FOR SECOND TIME

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - After eight years, the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships is back at the Albuquerque Convention Center and kicked off Saturday as the first of 12,615 teams marched into the state-of-the-art tournament venue.

USBC Hall of Famers Bill Lillard and Jim Schroeder, dignitaries, sponsors, the Mariachi Tenampa band, the Laguna Pueblo Corn Dancers and 470 bowlers turned out for the opening-day festivities, which also included the traditional Mass Ball Shot, ribbon cutting and the crowning of "Joe Bowler."

Martin Vitelli of Princess Anne, Md., earned the distinction of Joe Bowler, a tradition that began in 1951, and rolled the ceremonial first ball, signifying the official start of the 2008 USBC Open Championships. The tournament will run for 143 consecutive days and more than 63,000 bowlers are scheduled to compete before the tournament concludes on July 7.

"At first I got real nervous, but now that our three games are over, I feel good because I like bowling a lot, and I'm willing to do anything I can to improve," said Vitelli, who made his third USBC Open Championships appearance and rolled a nine count to officially open the tournament. "I think bowling is a great American sport, one of the best that gets people involved."

The Open Championships first was held in Albuquerque in 2000, and 10,688 teams made the trip to the Land of Enchantment during the tournament's 129-day run. With nearly 2,000 more teams, this year's event will be the second largest outside of the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., and the seventh largest in 105 years of competition.


GEORGIA TEAM BACK ON TOP AT OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Following Saturday's opening ceremonies, 94 teams took to the lanes in search of Open Championships glory.

After the first day of bowling, Macanudos of Duluth, Ga., rolled into the top spot in Regular Team for the third time in four years, this time with 2,868. The group posted games of 937, 916 and 1,015 to set the bar with 142 days of competition remaining.

Dan Smith led the way with 645 and was followed by Chad Pierce (625), Randy Russell (606), USBC Hall of Famer Lisa Wagner (513) and Ed Ilano (479).

"We've all been coming for some time, but started coming the first weekend about three years ago and enjoy getting to see the ceremonies and 'Joe Bowler,' and everyone always has a good time," said Smith, a 59-year-old right-hander. "Our team really gets pumped for it, and we've had some success on the first weekend. It's something we look forward to."

Presenting sponsors for the 2008 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado Hotel Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider; Brunswick, capital equipment supplier; Storm Products, Inc.; Roto Grip, official sponsor of the Roto Grip Sport Bowling Challenge; Isleta Casino & Resort; Santa Ana Star Casino, the official brackets sponsor; Rainbow Ryders, the exclusive hot air balloon company of the 2008 Open Championships; and Sandia Resort & Casino.

For more information on the USBC Open Championships, visit USBCopen.com.

# # #

Watch bowling like never before
Bowling's Clash of Champions
http://www.bowl.com/tournaments/USBC/clash/main.aspx
Saturday, May 10th - 5 PM ET
Sunday, May 11th - 4 PM ET
on CBS Sports
PBA NEWS

OMAHA, Neb. – Mike Scroggins probably had a feeling in the first frame Sunday, February 17. when the normally automatic Walter Ray Williams Jr. missed a single-pin conversion, things would go his way.
That was certainly the case as Scroggins got all the breaks Sunday, coupled with some smart decisions, to defeat Williams, 214-194, in the 2008 Pepsi Championship at Thunder-Alley, winning his fifth career Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour title and his second of the season.
The Tour veteran has finally figured out how to win on TV. Prior to his win in January in the 2008 Motel 6 Dick Weber Open, Scroggins was just 9-22 in televised matches and was riding an eight-game losing streak. He broke the streak in a big way, winning four matches as the No. 5 seed to win his fourth title.
Scroggins’ path to victory was much shorter this Sunday as he earned the No. 1 seed for the stepladder finals, giving him an automatic berth in the title match. He had the tall task of facing the Tour’s all-time titles leader, who was looking for his third title of the season and 45th of his career.
Instead, Williams missed a 10-pin in the first frame and had trouble carrying the rest of the way, leaving three 10-pins, two 7-pins and a stone 8-pin in the match. Scroggins, using a different ball on each lane, struck in four of the first five frames and overcame an open in the seventh by striking in the eighth and ninth to all but seal the deal.
With the two other left-handed bowlers in the finals – Billy Oatman and Rhino Page – going by the wayside, Scroggins new he had to make some changes in the title match.
“Seeing the lefties struggle in the first couple matches, I was definitely thinking hard about things,” Scroggins (Amarillo, Texas) said. “Billy started with three opens and Rhino threw it good in the second match but then he was totally lost in the next match. Both lanes were completely different. I had to use two different balls, stand in two different places and look at two different targets.
“Luckily, Walter Ray struggled to carry the 10-pin and I was able carry it.”
Scroggins, who also beat Williams for his second career title in 2004, is enjoying the finest season of his 17-year career, winning two titles in a season for the first time. With the win, he moved up to fourth in the 2007-08 PBA Player of the Year points race, 13 points behind Williams, who took the lead back from Chris Barnes with his runner-up finish. Just five events remain, including two Majors, where Player of the Year points increase.
“He’s the greatest bowler alive so it is extra special,” Scroggins said of Williams. “I was definitely nervous, mostly because I was unsure of how I was going to play the lanes, but it’s nice. This is definitely a career-year for me.”
Williams had advanced to the title match with a 236-224 win over the No. 3 Page, a rookie making his fourth championship round of the season. After nine-spares in the third and fourth frames, Williams struck in five of the next six frames while Page suffered an open in the seventh, coming up empty in his fourth attempt at his first career title.
Page defeated No. 4 Pete Weber, 236-231, who had advanced from the first match with a 211-203 win over the 2006-07 PBA Player of the Year Oatman.
Scroggins took home $25,000 for the win while Williams (Ocala, Fla.) earned $13,000 for second. Page (Topeka, Kan.) took home $6,500 for third, Weber (St. Ann, Mo.) earned $5,500 for fourth while Oatman (Chicago) earned $5,000 for fifth.
The Denny’s PBA Tour heads to Indianapolis next week for the 2008 Denny’s World Championship, the third of four Majors on the schedule. The live ESPN-televised finals take place Sunday, Feb. 24 at 12:30 p.m. ET. The winner will take home $50,000 and a two-season Denny’s PBA Tour exemption.


Denny’s PBA Tour
2008 Pepsi Championship
Thunder-Alley
Omaha, Neb.
Sunday, Feb. 17

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money
1. Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas 214 (1 game) $25,000
2. Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. 427 (2 games) $13,000
3. Rhino Page, Topeka, Kan. 460 (2 games) $6,500
4. Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo. 442 (2 games) $5,500
5. Billy Oatman, Chicago 203 (1 game) $5,000

SCORES – In the first match, Weber def. Oatman, 211-203; in the second match, Page def. Weber, 236-231; in the third match, Williams def. Page, 236-224; and in the final, Scroggins def. Williams, 214-191.

This is Scroggins’ fifth Denny’s PBA Tour title.
PBA NEWS

EL PASO, Texas – Many people predicted after his latest disappointment in a title match that Chris Barnes would break out of his slump in a big way. They were right.
Just two weeks after one of the biggest mistakes of his career, Barnes responded with his ninth career Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour title, defeating Tommy Jones, 241-158, to win the 2008 Bayer Classic at Oasis Lanes on Sunday, February 10. The victory also gave Barnes the lead in the 2007-08 PBA Player of the Year race.
Barnes has struggled throughout his entire career in televised championship rounds despite appearing in the finals more times than any bowler on the Tour since 2000. This season has been no different as he came up empty in seven championship round appearances coming into this week, the biggest heartbreak coming in the H&R Block Tournament of Champions two weeks ago. Against Michael Haugen Jr., Barnes lost a 52-pin lead late in the match and missed a single-pin conversion which cost him his third career Major title.
The 37-year-old bounced back by making his fourth consecutive championship round and Tour-leading eighth of the season.
“Getting away from all the drama was the most important thing. You can make a lot of what you see in 20 minutes on TV and forget about the 15 hours during the week it took to get there,” Barnes (Double Oak, Texas) said. “It was important to concentrate on that. The mistake I’ve made a lot has been losing focus for a couple frames here and there and that cost me. I did lose my focus a couple times today but fortunately I got it together and made some good shots.” Barnes knocked off his Tour roommate, Mika Koivuniemi, 240-198, in the semifinals in a rematch of last year’s title match at Oasis Lanes. He then took on Jones who is Barnes’ polar opposite on television. Jones came in with a Tour-record .811 winning percentage in his career on TV (30-7) and an 11-2 record in title matches compared to Barnes’ 8-18 record when a title is on the line.
In the title match Sunday, Barnes jumped out to an early lead with strikes in the first three frames while Jones had two spares and an open in the first four frames. Jones started to climb back in the match after Barnes had three consecutive spares in the fourth, fifth and sixth frames, but after Jones doubled he left the 2-8-10 split and opened.
Playing the outside part of the lane compared to the other finalists who played inside, Barnes struck in the seventh, eighth and ninth to clinch the victory.
“Tommy doesn’t give a lot of people second chances and fortunately for me today he did,” Barnes said. “I looked at playing the lanes inside because typically I like to play where everyone else is playing and try to beat them shot-for-shot. Friday night I moved outside the last game and I felt good there so it was in the back of my mind.”
With his first win of the season coupled with two second-place finishes, two thirds and two fourths, Barnes took a four-point lead over Walter Ray Williams Jr. in the PBA Player of the Year race with six events – and two Majors – remaining. Barnes has yet to win the award in his 10-year career.
Barnes earned $25,000 and an exemption for the 2008-09 season with his win. Jones (Simpsonville, S.C.) earned $13,000 for second while Koivuniemi (Hartland, Mich.) and Mike DeVaney (San Diego), who fell 216-135 to Jones in the semifinals, took home $6,000 each for third and fourth, respectively.
The Denny’s PBA Tour moves to Omaha, Neb., next week for the 2008 Pepsi Championship, Feb. 13-17 at Thunder-Alley. The live ESPN-televised finals take place Sunday, Feb. 17 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Denny’s PBA Tour
2008 Bayer Classic
Oasis Lanes
El Paso, Texas
Sunday, Feb. 10

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money
1. Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 481 (2 games) $25,000
2. Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C. 374 (2 games) $13,000
3. Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich. 198 (1 game) $6,000
4. Mike DeVaney, San Diego, Calif. 135 (1 game) $6,000

SCORES – In the first match, Jones def. DeVaney, 216-135; in the second match, Barnes def. Koivuniemi, 240-198; and in the final, Barnes def. Jones, 241-158.

This is Barnes’ ninth Denny’s PBA Tour title

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Here & There 2-12-08

Terry Miskolczi
Golf Show Brightens Winter For Golfers

"Canada's Golf Doctor" Terry Miskolczi, thriving on, and always improving upon his ability to develop one's golf game from the ground up, will be one of the featured golf professionals at the February 22-24 Greater New Jersey Golf Show held at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, New Jersey.
The show is a popular mid-winter break for many New York and Tri-County area golfers.
Terry brings to the show, labeled s the biggest off-season golf event for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania golfers, more than 30 years as an independent golf professional who teaches both golf and fitness using a simple yet effective teaching theory.
He uses a unique teaching approach based on the fundamentals of learning theory. Using the knowledge he obtained from his B. S. degree in Health and Physical Education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Terry uses his educational background in Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology to help golfers become the best they can be.
As a professional Canada Tournament Players Division tour player, Miskolczi has won over $250,000 in winnings and holds several course records across Canada. He is also past president of the Tournament Players Division.
Joint professional initiatives Terry has been involved with include his work with a sports psychologist from Russia to simplify "internalizing" the psychology of the golfer in competition.
His golf video, "The Simple Swing" is widely accepted throughout the golf industry. He has also made numerous television, radio, newspaper and corporate appearances.
Terry thrives on his ability to develop one's golf game from the ground up, and he has often been called, "a golfer's golfer, friend, teacher and coach who is always accessible.
Also appearing at this show will be Hank Haney, instructor to the Number 1 player in the world, Brian Pavlet, national long drive champion and Peter Johncke, trick shot and golf humor specialist.
All will be appearing the weekend of February 22-24 at this show which is tabbed as a consumer golf exposition, in a three-day "Golf Theme Park" that features a wide array of displays, demonstrations and interactive activities designed to educate and entertain the golf enthusiast.
Upwards of 200 booths with exhibitors from across the country are expected to attend and will offer for sale the latest in golf equipment and accessories as well as golf apparel, artwork, real estate, destination packages and much, much more.
Numerous participatory activities will also be available for golfers of all skill levels. There will be a long-drive championship, a hole-in-one challenge and a demo range where you can swing, hit and compare the latest clubs.
The hours for the show are Friday 2-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $10 adults, $9 seniors and free to 12 and under youth.
The show is staged and managed by North Coast Golf Show President Joe Stegh.
Driving directions are available at www.northcoastgolfshows.com

Friday, February 8, 2008

Bowling Highlights Column 8-2-08

Dean Shattuck

Debbie Durland



Danny Wiseman, left, and Michael Fagan captured the PBA Exempt Doubles Classic last Sunday in Las Vegas.

Third Career 300 For Shattuck- Durland Hits 290

Monticello right-handed power bowler Dean Shattuck was one of the strong proponents of a shot change for the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes this year and although many other bowlers saw their averages drop because of a more difficult lane pattern Shattuck made a ball change and banged out his third career 300 game on January 30,on lanes 3 and 4.
Dean noted that there was a need to change the oil pattern (or lane shot) because of the fact that the former easy house pattern produced averages that were not real.
"We needed a truer shot pattern", Shattuck noted, and now there are many fewer 200 plus averages.
The new Wednesday Men's "truer" shot pattern forced Dean to change balls and his style of bowling. Previously he was a down and in shot maker and now he uses an out and in pattern.
The ball change with the Brunswick Inferno and the style change has rewarded Shattuck with the highest league average status of 221.
The January 30 scores for the 46-year-old Shattuck were 300, 238, 237, 771.
His previous high series was a 792. He scored his second career 300 game on February 21, 2007 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Dean is a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY USBC and this is the only league he bowls in.
He bowls with the Lawn Doctor team comprised of George Battle, Frank Muller Jr. Shane Cunningham and Larry Berens. Dean has been bowling for over 26 years.
Dean is married to Kelly and they have one daughter, Karla.
Employed as an electrician in Rockland County Dean also owns and operates his own electrical contracting business.
Forty-eight year-old Debbie Durland of Wurtsboro not only comes from a distinguished bowling family but she has also earned the title of one of the premier female bowlers in Sullivan Tri-County area..
Maintaining a 204 average Debbie left the 4 and 7 pin in the first frame of the third game January 29 in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league at Kiamesha Lanes and then went on to record 11 strikes in a row for a 290 single and a 665 series.
She used a Morich Onslaught bowling ball on lanes 9 and 10.
Debbie has one perfect 300 game bowled in August of 2004 in the Kiamesha Lanes Friday Doubles summer league. Her previous high series is a 720.
The 290 game was bowled with her Rock Hill Fire Department team.
Debbie also bowls in a league at Colonial Lanes in Chester.
Married to Paul, the family makes their home in Wurtsboro. Paul bowls in several men's leagues and son Donnie is an outstanding young bowler in several leagues at Kiamesha Lanes.
Debbie is employed in the business office at Crystal Run Healthcare in Rock Hill.


Special Mo Pinel Clinic
Set For February 25
At Callicoon Lanes

Mo Pinel, president of Morich Enterprises and one of the most technically advanced teachers of the modern bowling game, along with Mike Luongo, a certified IBPSIA teacher and Silver Level Coach with the USBC will hold a three-hour teaching clinic February 25 at Callicoon Lanes.
The clinic will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.
For further information call Mike Luongo at 341-1694 or Tom Russell at Callicoon Lanes 887-5750.

The Bowling Tip By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This weeks tip will help you execute and repeat good shots by having your body set properly so that you can use the laws of physics to roll the ball and eliminate tension in your swing.
As I've mentioned in previous columns, too much upper body and head movement make it very difficult to repeat shots.
The purpose of the stance is to place the body in an athletic position, eliminate all unnecessary movements during the approach and reduce TENSION.
Resting forearms against the body, in the stance, will help reduce tension in the upper body.
How do we do this?
Here are the four steps in the proper order for setting posture.
1. Set the feet (toward your breakpoint).
2. Set your head (tilted over the ball).
3. Set your posterior (this is your balance point as you are swinging a heavy object).
4. Set the ball position close as noted above.
You are now in position to start a smooth approach. Maintain your body position and let the ball swing under your shoulder. You will find this easy to repeat shot after shot.
Note: Watch the PBA and note the body positions but keep in mind that your exact body position may vary to accommodate different physiologies. Also, if your bal does not fit, it will be difficult to eliminate tension from your swing.
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

Ed's Outlook

Modified bowling formats can spice up leagues and tournaments.
IIt just takes a little initiative from league and tournament officials.
The great thing about bowling is that it can be played at any level as a recreational activity or as a competitive sport.
Modified league and tournament formats offer many alternatives to traditional bowling.
The following formats can be officially sanctioned.......Ultimate bowling league and Pins over average, Baker System, 3-6-9- league and tournament, no-tap, sport bowling and scotch doubles.
Bowling is changing and is offering alternative and improved enjoyment. Bowlers should become aware of these changes.
Contact the United States Bowling Congress for additional information.

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 180, 192 by Liesel Metzger, Joann Brockner 194, Robin Luckey 183, 502, Sue Naughton 234, 547 and Lillian Zieres 190, 196, 563.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Roger Miller scored a 236, 200, 601,Tom Schultz 195, Ed LeRoy 212, 214, Mark Garro 198, 254, 232, 684, Mark Hawley 201, 205, 195, 601, Brian Starr 232, Eric Nystrom 213, Mark Herbert 199, 199, Ken Darling 222, Russell Yerkes 246, Walter Yanacek 214, 220, 605, Joel Turner 215, Karl Adams 202, Joe May 213, Albert Tyles 208, Mark Schriber 197, 210, 196, 603, Steve Lagoda 212 and Brian Kitson 197.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen's league Tom Russell scored a 200, Damien Vanleuven 235, Bob Cady 237, 229, 658, John Fink 221, 203, 615, Ed Townsend 211, Tom Skiff Jr. 203, John Hoffmann 226, 231, 222, 679, Mike Beseth 202, 204, 201, 607, Alan Rutledge 201, Kory Kessler 256, 626, Bruce Rutledge 204, 213, 200, 617, Tad Doscher 211, Don Hill 215, 222, 612, Phil Jacobi 209, 198, Alan Hendrickson 203, John Fisher 205, 233, 234, 672, Dave Maus 215, 212, Roger Widmann 195, 228 and Shirley Townsend 194, 524.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Earl Birds league include a 197, 234, 604 by Tammy Kane, Sherry Persbacker 185, 214, 572, Sally Ballard 184, 193, 549, Kathleen Stanton 233, 548, Kathleen Maltese 203, 181, 545, Jennifer Raymond 181, 182, 535, Anne Couse 184, 183, 512, Wendy St. Clair 207, 506 and Diane Miller 187, 502.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Donald Marino scored a 259, 251, 245, 755, James Dibble 228, 253, 246, 727, Pat Kille 241, 258, 693, Robert Johnson 225, 267, 684, Frank Couse 216, 246, 213, 675, Sam Rowe 278, 199, 667, Charlie DeCristofaro 215, 237, 212, 664, Daniel Wormuth 198, 235, 199, 632, Steven Jacobi 200, 217, 209, 626, Jonathon Wayne 214, 234, 619, Jerry Kulakosky 227, 203, 618, Brian Tiffany 234, 203, 614, Craig Gehrig 249, 225, 610, Paul Ignatovich 223, 609, Lee Stanton 235, 609, Jim Thompson 198, 248, 606, Tony Wright 199, 212, 602, Marc Fino 223, Mitch Persbacker 255, Norm Ellis 221 and Craig Conklin 225.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Ray Cornwell scored a 267, 230, 217, 714, Andrew Bullis 215, 255, 237, 707, Al Bullis Sr. 212, 217, 267, 696, Paul Fritz 246, 203, 643, Rod Pudney 220, 216, 203, 639, Paul Ignatovich 248, 201, 638, Al Bullis Jr. 224, 202, 620, Shane Merwin 246, 617, Howard Couse 277, 604, Steve Hopkins 234, Norm Ellis 231, 224, Cody Conway 218, Jeff Curtis 215 and Bill Gleim 221.
In the Friday Couples league Daniel Wormuth scored a 257, 203, 288, 748Howard Couse 279, 200, 202, 681, James Dibble 278, 657, Howard Couse Sr. 213, 257, 652, Andy Bullis 224, 203, 221, 648, Jason Mead 265, 223, 648, Robert Johnson 203, 243, 629, John Stanton 228, 198, 200, 626, Craig Conklin 268, 612, Carl Davis 211, Adam Forrester 231, Paul Fritz 221, Anne Couse 205, 205, 581, Hope Jones 193, 535 and Castherine Resti 212.


Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlights scores in the :Monday Night Men's league included Nate Sanders with g ames of 203, 237, , 204, 644, Willy Bartley 200, 699, David Graham 202, Lloyd Bridges 244, Chuck McAllister 235, 202, 635, Mike Weiner 211, John Hoffmann 234, 279, 691, Walt Edwards 232, 225, 206, 663, Tom Belgiovene 223, 201, 248, 672, Paul Minton Jr. 215, 223, 675, Richard Levine 212, 218, 608, Mike Cardo 208, Frank Amore 203, Brian Marino 214, 225, 607, Mike Mason 201, John Fischer 242, 268, 202, 712, Chris Marler 214, 225, 227, 666, Paul Durland 218, 214, 202, 634, Donald Durland 209, 228, 213, 650, Mark Wegener 237, 247, 673, Al Caycho 212, Jack Moylan 218, 230, 632, James Ratner 278, 253, 711, Kort Wheeler 225, 247, 632, Angel Rodriguez 222, 234, 235, 691, Ed Lake 209, 216, 214, 639, Rick Lake 223, 214, 618.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league include a 257, 669 by Dale Sonnenschein, Larry Berens 245, 675, Stan Gilmore 244, Ed Guthrie 677, Debbie Durland 290, 665, Mary Lee Williams 222, 563, and Dorian Jennings 215, 605.
In the Wednesday Night Men's league, Rich Henricks 244, 201, 213, 658, Pedro C. Agapito 225, 209, 627, Al Caycho 200, 236, 219, 655, Arthur Eggleton 245, Dale Sonnenschein 269, 629, Vincent Collura Jr. 255, 227, 244, 726, Mark F. Wegener 202, Sal Crescitelli 221, Walt I. Edwards Jr. 202, Donald Durland 216, 602, Edward R. Lake 232, 220, 632, Roy J. Sweeney 202, Kevin Stackhouse 215, Glenn Fraser 200, George Battle 213, Larry Berens 215, 235, 624, Dean A. Shattuck 215, 228, 638, Ed Guthrie 206, Al Frangipane 256, Russ Keesler 278, 202, 648, Ricky W. Lara 216, Frank T. Emmene 235, Kenny M Atkins 212, 208, 602, Bill E. Danchak 235, Frank DiCostanzo 221.

Liberty Lanes

Highlight scores for the Wednesday Men's league at Liberty Lanes include Jerry Scandor 234, 269, 249, 752, Jason Rogers 258, 279, 720, Keith Smith 227, 235, 226, 688, Kyle Stevens 247, 246, 675, Gregg Skiff 211, 229, 222, 662, Derek Irwin 201, 258, 634, Gene Smith 213, 203, 216, 632, Paul Curry 205, Wayne Fox 221, 222, 630, David Sawall 243, 619, Tom Skiff III 221, 215, 617, Ryan Lepke 221, 212, 616, John Lopez 236, 613, Rich Vail 225, 227, 611, Glenn Porter 249, 605, Chris Stevens 230, 212, 601, Rob Tuttle 244, 600, Ralph Coney 245, Robert Stevens 243, Jason Jones Jr. 228, Roy Lepke 212, Russell Bivins 208, Phil Norris 207.
In the Thursday Night Men's League, Kyle Stevens 236, 255, 277, 768, Ralph Coney 202, 224, 216, 642, Todd Houghtaling 231, 223, 629, Derek Irwin 213, 200, 211, 624, Tom Skiff III 226, 209, 616, Kevin Brockner 208, 205, 584, Chris Stevens 229, Paul Tuttle 207, Rob Tuttle 204, Bruce Garritt 202, Carmine Santillo 201.
In Friday Mixed League, Kevin Brockner 213, 254, 238, 705, Kyle Stevens 259, 234, 681, Robert Fix III 212, 258, 207, 677, Alan LaBounty 198, 254, 630, Rich Vail 258, 605, Paul Kavleski 210, 209, Keith Smith 212, Jim Fiore 200, 202, 572, Rich Perry 246.
In Liberty Elks Bantam League , Brendan Seigel 265, Michael Torres 261, Tomas McClausland 239, Gary Dotten 211.
In Liberty Elks Teenage League, Thomas Fix 265, 617, Justin Fancher 215, John Kolarik 224.
In Saturday Mixed League, Keith Smith 276, 213, 666, Rob Tuttle 279, 201, 665, Kevin Teller 244, 215, 650, Robert Fix III 238, 204, 201, 643, John Lopez 222, Elisa Bound 211, Fred Marks 278, Phil Norris 208, Tim Hussner 202, Russell Bivins 201.
In Sunday Mixed League, Rich Winters 236, 237, 211, 684, Bob Cady 223, 248, 203, 674, Rob Barber 221, 212, Sal Crescitelli 213, 218, Tom Stephenson 215, Stew Stevens 209, Rob Tuttle 204.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. Ed is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY USBC, where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores, standings or tournament information, please feel free to give Ed a call at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to him at bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com. For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com
USBC SELECTS USOC COACH OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

USBC coaches Jeri Edwards (Medina, Ohio), John Fukasawa (Applegate, Calif.) and David Pearson (Rochester, Minn.) have been nominated for USOC National Coach of the Year, Volunteer Coach of the Year and Developmental Coach of the Year, respectively.

The awards are organized through the USOC Coaching Recognition Program, which seeks to elevate the status of coaching as a profession and recognize the best coaches in the United States. Each Olympic and Pan American sport is invited to nominate coaches annually for the USOC Coach of the Year awards. National finalists for the awards, which recognize coaches for activity during 2007, will be honored at a special function at a time and place to be announced.

USBC Team USA head coach Edwards directed her athletes to gold medals in 11 events in the Pan American Games in Brazil, Women's World Championships in Mexico and Men's American Zone Championships in Guatemala. Under Edwards' leadership, Team USA's Bill Hoffman became the first American to win the men's division at the QubicaAMF World Cup in 12 years last November in Russia. Edwards, 45, is one of the sport's most respected coaches having earned Bronze, Silver and Gold level certification through USBC Coaching, the only bowling coaching program recognized by the USOC.

"This was an incredible year," Edwards said. "There's so much talent. This program has worked hard over the years to put it in position to be a force. You can see it in the performances of the athletes. This was maybe the most successful year for the team ever. We had a great team and many young players who stepped up to the plate and bowled well."

Now Edwards looks forward to a new chapter in Team USA history as professionals will join amateurs to represent the United States in international bowling competition. Last August, the World Tenpin Bowling Association voted to allow members of professional organizations to compete in international events, prompting USBC to change the selection procedures for Team USA in 2008. The men's team includes Denny's Professional Bowlers Association Tour stars Walter Ray Williams Jr., Chris Barnes, Tommy Jones, Parker Bohn III, Patrick Allen and Sean Rash.
"Last year closed out an era," she said. "I'm excited to have the pros be part of the team."

Fukasawa, a USBC Silver coach, has been coaching for 10 years in the youth bowling program at Fireside Lanes in Citrus Heights, Calif., where he was instrumental in developing a Saturday clinic for youth and adults. The 61-year-old - who was recently named 2007 USBC Youth Program Volunteer of the Year - has worked hard over the years to increase his knowledge and qualifications through the USBC Coaching certification program. Fukasawa began his coaching journey in 1997, earning certification as a USBC Level I coach. One year later he became a USBC Level II coach before earning USBC Bronze status in 2003. Fukasawa earned his USBC Silver status in 2007.

"John continues to give of himself because he truly enjoys helping others," said Debbie Haggerty, the Fireside Lanes youth director who nominated Fukasawa for the award. "He always has a smile and an upbeat attitude and relates well with the juniors. He is a great asset to our program, our center and our bowlers. He sets the mark for our other coaches."

"I'm flattered," Fukasawa said. "I do it because of the kids. The kids are very receptive. They come back from tournaments and let me know how well they've done."

Pearson has shown tireless dedication in his pursuit to help his athletes develop greater skills and better understand the sport of bowling. The USBC Silver coach worked with several athletes who qualified for and participated in the 2007 USBC Junior Gold National Championships in Buffalo, N.Y. Two of those athletes have qualified for the 2008 Junior Gold Championships in Detroit. Pearson, 53, was recognized among 2007 Bowlers Journal International "Top 100 Coaches."

"I am tremendously honored, humbled and thrilled to receive this nomination and recognition from USBC," Pearson said. "I am very thankful for the many phenomenal USBC coaches and instructors I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with throughout the years. Their help has meant the world to me, and without their dedication and true passion for our sport, I would not have achieved the level of skill and expertise I have attained and be the coach I am today."

For more information about the USBC Coaching Program, visit the Coaching section of bowl.com.
PBA TOUR

Of all the times Michael Fagan dreamed of capturing his first Denny's Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour title, never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined it happening the way it did last Sunday in Las Vegas.
Fagan and his teammate Danny Wiseman watched as Joe Ciccone missed a spare in the 10th frame that would have tied the match, giving Fagan his first title and Wiseman his 12th with a 210-208 win over Ciccone and Ronnie Russell in the 2008 PBA Exempt Doubles Classic at Red Rock Lanes.
The crowd at Red Rock Lanes along with Fagan and Wiseman sat stunned when Ciccone missed to the left and missed both pins, giving Fagan and Wiseman the title.
Fagan and Wiseman split $40,000 for the win and each earned an exemption for the 2008-09 season.
Fagan was an outstanding collegiate bowler at St. John's University and makes his home on Long Island.
The Denny's PBA Tour this week is at El Paso, Texas for the 2008 Bayer Classic at Oasis Lanes. The finals will be televised by ESPN at 12:30 p.m. Sunday February 10.
PBA and Epiphone Team up for PBA Custom Guitar Promotion
Fans have an opportunity to win a PBA branded guitar

SEATTLE (Feb. 5, 2008) — The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) announced today it has teamed up with Epiphone for the second year to run a two-month long promotion that will allow one lucky fan a chance to win a custom PBA branded Epiphone Les Paul guitar signed by each of the winners during the 2007-08 Denny’s PBA Tour season.

The promotion will kick off this week with the winner being announced March 30. Fans can enter by visiting www.pba.com, www.bowlspace.com or www.epiphone.com.

In addition, Epiphone will provide two custom PBA branded Epiphone Les Paul guitars to the doubles champions in the second annual Denny’s All-American High School Championships, which airs Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m. EST on ESPN.

The 2007-08 Denny’s PBA Tour is currently in El Paso, Texas, for the 2008 Bayer Classic at Oasis Lanes. The live ESPN-televised finals take place Sunday, Feb. 10 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

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 Aaron Rents, Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, ConstructionJobs.com, 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.

About Epiphone
Epiphone fretted instruments, amplifiers, strings and accessories are known worldwide for offering the best combination of quality and value. A division of Gibson since 1957, Epiphone is headquartered in Nashville. For more information visit www.epiphone.com.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Here & There Column 2-5-08

Andrew Exner, 12, left, from the Tri-Valley Central School District received instruction from SCCC Generals pitcher Angel Betances during the opening of the 2008 Future Generals Baseball Academy held at the Paul Gerry Field House.
Sullivan College Reaches Out To Young Baseball Players

We like the way SCCC Baseball Coach Mike Marra thinks not only about the future of his General's college team but the way he and the college reaches out to young baseball players in our surrounding communities.
Coach Marra thinks and lives baseball and will introduce American Legion baseball this summer to this area.
Registration and workout for the Floyd Keener Post # 315 American Legion Baseball will take place on Saturday, February 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Pro-Prospects Training Center in Monticello for players ages 15-19 who reside in Sullivan County. Contact the SCCC Baseball office at 434-5750 ext. 4470 or go online for information at www.leaguelineup.com/post315rangers
The 2008 Sullivan County Community College Future Generals Baseball Academy is presently underway and continues through February 17 at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse.
Coach Marra has put together an excellent program that is teaching our youth (ages 8-12 Rookies) and (ages 13-18) All-Stars everything they should know about the game of baseball.
On four Sunday's during the months of January and February Mike and members of the Generals college baseball team are giving hands-on instruction that includes defensive groups (instruction and drills for pitchers, catchers, infielders and outfielders. Hitting instruction at (offensive stations) include cage (short toss), tee work, soft toss, bunting and base running. This also includes live hitting. There is also classroom instruction for video and lecture presentations.
Members of the Generals team, under the direction, supervision and training of the SCCC coaching staff are offering county youth practice work-outs with the young baseball players in small groups of four to six players.
For the small registration fee of $80 each youth baseball player is receiving 10-hours of instruction, a future Generals T-Shirt, a future Generals Membership card, a participation award, a skill development notebook and a baseball evaluation.
Upon witnessing one of these baseball training sessions we can honestly say that Coach Marra and his team members and staff are giving our young players a first-class baseball clinic right here in Sullivan County in the middle of our winter season.
Winter is the time to prepare for the Spring and the combination of skill and smarts will hopefully be passed along to area youth attending this baseball academy.
This academy is an athletes dream come true because young baseball players will have the opportunity to learn that every time the ball is hit each player on the field has a job to do.
Learning what bat speed and hitting power is all about and what skills must be put in place to improve arm throwing strength and velocity are all part of the learning curve for young ball players.
We salute Sullivan County Community College, Baseball Coach Mike Marra and members of the General's baseball team and coaching staff for providing these learning abilities which someday could lead these youth to be future stars for our SCCC General's team.


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