Monday, December 28, 2009

Here & There Column 12-29-09

Happy New Year From Your County Legislature


What a way to bring in the New Year......."one of the most economically depressed regions of New York, the Catskills," will see a nearly 6 percent hike in their property taxes.
The "economically depressed regions" statement was made recently by New York State Governor David Paterson.
Greetings from your friendly County Legislature......we bring you good tidings and cheer.......and along with everything else a nearly 6 percent hike in your property taxes.
This along with the 7 percent hike in 2009 amounts to 12.84 percent
property tax increase in two years.
Those county legislators who voted in favor of this tax hike include Leni Binder, Jodi Goodman, Elwin Wood, Jonathan Rouis and Ron Hiatt.
Opposing the budget and the tax increase were legislators David Sagar, Kathy LaBuda, Frank Armstrong and Alan Sorensen.
The county also laid off 25 full-time employees and one part-time employee along with 12 Division of Public Works employees who lost their jobs because of the landfill closing.
Once again it plays out to the old tune of Sullivan County taxpayers be damned and the distasteful New Year's message that they really don't care what county residents say and all they want you to do is pay.
In addition to the nearly 6 percent property tax increase most county residents also will have to pay an annual $84 waste-disposal fee to help pay for the new trash exportation system.
We along with many others feel the user fee system is not fair and is a flawed (solid waste) user fee.
Comments made recently from several legislators who opposed the new 2010 budget included statements that "if our roads aren't safe, lives could be lost," that there "should have been a lot more talked about and an eye much further out on the future and we have to look in the county where the real waste is," and "people just can't afford that."
We have said it before and will say it again.........strong business like planning and proper management procedures along with intelligent consolidation would have prevented what Sullivan County taxpayers will be facing in the new year.
Taxpayers with verbal opposition had clearly noted the difficult economy everyone is facing and that this was not the time for this tax and user fee increases.
Sullivan County voters should remember very well the legislators who have approved these moves and they should mark it down on their political calendar and vote their opinion at the polls the next time these folks run for re-election.
Happy New Year Sullivan County taxpayers.....remember to send a thank you card to the five county legislators for their New Year's gift to you.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Bowling Highlights Column 12-25-09

Sarah Palin Bowling Keynote Speaker

The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), the bowling industry's leading trade association, announced recently that the bowling industry rolled a strike, securing Sarah Palin as the keynote speaker at this summer's International Bowl Expo 2010.
"Sarah Palin is a great friend to the bowling industry and we're so proud and honored to welcome her as our keynote speaker at International Bowl Expo 2010," said Steven Johnson, executive director of the BPAA. "Regardless of your political affiliation, Ms. Palin is a force in American politics and culture. Her presence underscores the impact and importance of bowling, one of our country's leading national pastimes and a growing $10 billion industry."
The International Bowl Expo 2010 is to be held from June 27 to July 1 at the Las Vegas Hilton and Las Vegas Convention Center. Ms. Palin's keynote speech is to take place during the general session on the morning of June 30 at the Las Vegas Hilton.
Sarah Palin first made history on December 4, 2006 when she was sworn in as the first female governor of Alaska. In August 2008, Senator John McCain tapped Palin to serve as his vice-presidential running mate in his presidential campaign, making her the first woman to run on the Republican Party's presidential ticket.
In Alaska, her top priorities included fiscal restraint, limiting the size of government, resource development, education, equitable oil valuation as well as transportation and infrastructure development. Palin fought for ethics reform and transparency in government.
Palin has a long record of achievement and experience in public office. Prior to her election as Governor, Palin served two terms on the Wasilla City Council and two terms as the mayor of Wasilla. During her tenure, she reduced property tax levels while increasing services and made Wasilla a business-friendly environment, drawing in new industry.
Under her leadership as Governor, Alaska invested $5 billion in state savings, overhauled education funding and protected Alaska's natural resources. She created Alaska's Petroleum Systems Integrity Office to provide oversight and maintenance of oil and gas equipment, facilities and infrastructure and the Climate Change Subcabinet to prepare a climate change strategy for Alaska.
During Governor Palin's first year in office, three of her administrations major proposed pieces of legislation passed included an overhaul of the state's ethics laws, a competitive process to construct a natural gas pipeline and a restructuring of Alaska's oil valuation formula.
Palin is past chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, a multi state government agency that promotes the conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and natural gas resources while protecting health, safety and the environment. She also served as chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) Natural Resources Committee, which was charged with pursuing legislation to ensure state needs are considered as federal policy is formulated in the areas of agriculture, energy, environmental protection and natural resource management.
Sarah Heath Palin arrived in Alaska with her family in 1964, when her parents came to teach school in Skagway. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications-Journalism from the University of Idaho in 1987.
She is married to Todd Palin, who is a lifelong Alaskan, worked as a production operator on the North Slope and is a four-time champion of the Iron Dog, the world's longest snow machine race. They have five children. She is the author of Going Rogue: An American Life, which was released in November, 2009.
Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, the 77-year-old Bowling Proprietors' Association of America is a trade association representing the business interests of bowling center owners worldwide. BPAA's mission is to enhance the profitability of its member bowling centers.

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 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," can be executed by letting gravity bring the ball from the top of the 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.
Gravity can be your best friend or worst enemy.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is a Sales Advisor and Special Events Coordinator with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. 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

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Mens league include a 245, 624 by Mike Weiner, Paul Durland 244, 247, 671, Jaryl Scott 233, 609, Donald Durland 239, 671, Tom Belgiovene 235, John Hoffmann 245, 632, John Fischer 247, 666, Nate Sanders 228, 620, Jo Jo VanKeuren 254, 260, 726, Frank Martinez237, 246, 638, Al Caycho 267, 683, Frank Scluderi 267, 678, Eddie Lake 258, 674, Rick Lake 237, 237, 259, 733, Niifa Laresko 251, 668, Allan Jones 257, 268, 245, 770, Daniel VanAken 225, Steven Rivera 235, 621, John Lopez 235, 638 and Cory VanKeuren 235, 625.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Allene Washington 183, Cara Nicholson 192, 501, Vera Bernhardt 185, 531, Karena Collura 184, Carol MacAdam 180, Pat Mulhern 245, 642, Jason Jones 255, 247, 714, Fran Kaiser 193, 527, Allan Jones 236, Tom Cooney 225, Debbie Durland 215, 214, 237, 666, Mal Press 267, 600, Jon Wilhelm 256, 652, Laresko Niifa 225, 607, Kevin Stackhouse 234, 628, John Hoffmann 237, 227, 679, Joan Lake 199, Dorian Jennings 211, 189, 244, 644, Ryan Lepke 256, 671, Kris Gwiozdowski226, 232, 671, Linda Schaefer 180 and Shana Cunningham 245, 630.
In the Wednesday Men's league Kenneth Hopkins Jr. 232, 225, 608, Vincent Scuderi 226, Kevin Stackhouse 229, 628, Al Caycho 279, 666, Juan Lopez 226, 618, Larry Berens 236, Dean Shattuck 237, 236, 236, 709, Josh Strang 257, 268, 269, 794, Tom Belgiovene 230, John Hoffmann 258, 674, Rick Lara 276, 653, Michael Travis 257, Eddie Lake 236, 247, 684 and Donald Durland 269, 690.
In the Thursday Ladies league Clorisa Hopkins 213, 528, Connie Mckenley 214, 503, Joan Lake 181, 190, 180, 551, Marie Frunzo 197, Karen Perrello 188, Lisa Cartwright 196, 190, 550, Christine Schultz 185, 504, Francine Kaiser 193, 210, 552 and Debbie Durland 237, 192, 594.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division Amelia Edwards 35, George VanAken 101, Kaylen Blackford 55, Erin Brawley 46, Jenna Hendricks 79, Renee Schreiber 71. In the Preps division Ben Drillings 81, 106, Anthony Pagani 76, 72, Nathaniel Goldsmith 120, 126, Michael Hope 108, Parth Patel 140, Mikayla DeGraw 179, Nicole Scudari 142, Stacey Reuss 72, 81, Tayl'r Porter 62, 106, Rachel Drilling 37, Jonathan Wilhelm 116. In the Jr./Mjrs division Matthew Brown 133, 133, Kristy Gessmann 145, Matthew Edwards 137, Shivani Patel 161, Michael Scuderi 172, 215, Pedro Agapito 193, 247, James Durland 190, Cory Ciliberto 140, 130, Jason Moss 174, 170, Amber Bock 114, 113, Bryden Fraser 122, 116, Eddie Walsh 266, 177, 204, Nick Price 225, 205.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include a 191, 199, 538 by Sally Ballard, Kathleen Maltese 192, 541, Dawn McClenon 190, Jen Smith 203, 520 and Tasha Tuttle 203, 203, 580.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Tom Anderson 278, 716, Al Bullis Sr. 274, 702, Cody Conway 257, 670, Frank Couse Jr. 225, 628, Jim Dibble 233, 236, 641, Brian Drumm 236, 627, Craig Gehrig 255, Bill Gleim 620, Ben Green 244, Mark Hawley 619, Paul Ignatovich 235, 612, Rob Johnson 656, Pat Kille 226, 620, Jerry Kulakosky 228, Dick Layton 646, Donnie Marino 259, 246, 225, 730, Robert McNaught 245, 673, Scott Ostrander 246, 607, Sonny Triebe Sr. 257, 659 and Jay Wormuth 225, 620.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Andy Bullis 235, 650, Craig Conklin 612, Ray Cornwell 234, 246, 658, Frank Couse Sr. 235, 610, Jeff Curtis 606, Carl Davis 276, 664, Jim Dibble 236, 247, 670, Norm Ellis Jr. 236, 244, 697, Paul Fritz 246, 647, Bill Gleim 235, 617, Paul Ignatovich 236, 222, 639, Robert Johnson 613, Greg Keesler 228, 238, 646, Dan Koch 236, Rick Mills 269, 239, 730 and Jay Wormuth 256, 278, 715.
In the Friday Couples league Andy Bullis 249, 257, 730, Howard Couse Sr. 226, Ann Couse 188, 191, 558, Howey Couse 247, 642, Norman E. Ellis 227, Gino Jones 248, 640, Dana McGraw 187, Mark McGraw 233, Tammy Stanton 182, Sandy Winans 185, 181, 189, 555, Dan Wormuth 226, 628 and Michelle Wormuth 194.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Ray Cornwell 248, Rodney "Taylor" Jester (youth boys game) 194, 520, Don Marino 232, 269, 249, 750, Savanna Mills (youth girls games) 176, 149, 444), Fred Shakelton 236, 653 and Shirley Townsend, 198, 504.

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies league include a 161 by Jackie Gieger, Jodi Gulley 189, Beth Schumacer 161, Diane Staves 190, 189, 511, Diane Conroy 181, Lori Kimmes 168 and Lois Erdman 161.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Maureen Schlott 174, 459 and Pat Peters 172, 481.
In the Wednesday Men's league Dave Maus 242, Tim Sykes 220, Brian McCabe202, Rich Thony 204, Mike Sorge 195 and Eugene Fulton 195.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177, via e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com, and by fax at 845-230-8674. For a more expanded version of the bowling column, please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com
PBA SPARE SHOTS

FREE HOLIDAY TREAT: REVOLUTIONARY PBA CHEETAH CHAMPIONSHIP IS ON PBA.COM
As a holiday gift to bowling fans around the world, the Professional Bowlers Association is posting a re-broadcast of the ground-breaking PBA Cheetah Championship on pba.com. The online broadcast of the 90-minute PBA World Series of Bowling event will give thousands of bowling fans an opportunity to sample what pba.com Xtra Frame subscribers get to see on a regular basis.

The PBA Cheetah Championship, won by PBA Hall of Famer Norm Duke in a thrilling battle with newcomer Ryan Ciminelli of Cheektowaga, N.Y., was taped in a unique documentary format, providing PBA fans insight into the many layers of a professional tournament from start to finish, including unique insights from players regarding strategies, equipment choices and more.

THREE PBA EXEMPT PLAYERS MISS RED, WHITE AND BLUE OPEN
Three 2009-10 exempt players missed the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by USBC. Jason Belmonte remained home in Australia, awaiting the birth of his first child. Brian Voss, Alpharetta, Ga., came down with the flu just before he planned to leave for Wichita. Doug Kent took the week off and admitted he is pondering retirement from full-time PBA Tour life.

“I think I’m pretty much done as a full-time touring player,” said the 42-year-old Kent, a bowling center owner from Newark, N.Y. “I’ve done some soul searching. I like my normal family life. I like being able to go watch my oldest son bowl in collegiate matches. I’m not at the top of my game any longer. So I think I may bowl the majors and maybe the open entry events, but not much else.”

RECORDS FALL IN PEPSI RED, WHITE AND BLUE OPEN
The Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by USBC, bowled on three different lane conditioning patterns USBC plans to introduce on an optional basis to league bowlers next season, resulted in a raft of PBA scoring records at Northrock Lanes in Wichita.

There were 31 300 games bowled, shattering the previous record for most perfect games in a single event (24). Of the perfect games, 14 were bowled on the Red pattern, eight on the White and nine on the Blue pattern.

Cassidy Schaub, Polk, Ohio, broke the 16-game record with a 4,116 total (257.25 average), Michael Machuga, Erie, Pa., broke the 32-game records for actual pinfall with an 8,016 total (250.5 average) and 8,166 pins including match play bonus pins; Machuga established records for 48 games (records didn’t previously exist) with 10,081 actual pins (252 average) and 10,411 including bonus. Patrick Allen, Wesley Chapel, Fla., established 48-game records with 11,888 actual pins (247.66 average) and 12,308 pins including bonus.

Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., upped his own record for most PBA TV appearances to 172 by making the Red, White and Blue TV finals (which air Sunday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. Eastern on ESPN).

NEWLY-EXEMPT REGIONAL PLAYERS REPRESENT FOUR REGIONS
The seven newly-qualified members of the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour represent four of the seven PBA regions. Sands Regency Regional Players Invitational winner Scott Norton, San Francisco, hails from the PBA West Region.

Runner-up Bobby Hall II, Landover, Md.; Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., and Jeff Zaffino, Warren, Pa., will represent the East Region. Dave Beres, Waukesha, Wis., and Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., qualified out of the Midwest Region. Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., is from the Northwest Region.

Zaffino, who is 50 and also eligible for the PBA Senior Tour, won the seventh spot by 45 pins over South Region qualifier and PBA Senior Tour titlist Roger Kossert of Riverview, Fla.

COLLEGIATE BOWLER PULLS OFF STUNNING UPSET IN CHRIS BARNES CHALLENGE

Newman University collegiate All-American Derek Hartnell overcame a 77-pin deficit to defeat PBA star Chris Barnes, 719-698, in the first Chris Barnes Challenge presented by Columbia 300 at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan.


Hartnell, a 22-year-old senior from Kenosha, Wis., finished his third game with five strikes as Barnes lost the pocket after throwing a near-perfect 289 in game two of the three-game, total pinfall match. Hartnell won the $3,200 pot, 719-698.

"I just threw shots," Hartnell said. "In the 10th, I had nerves going up and down, but I just tried to concentrate and I did it. Who would have thought?"

Barnes rolled games of 248, 289 and a split-filled 161 for his 698. Hartnell had games of 232, 229 and 258 for his 719. The match aired exclusively on pba.com’s Xtra Frame bowling channel.

MOTOR CITY OPEN RE-BROADCAST FILLS JANUARY 3 ESPN DATE
The Sunday, Jan. 3, PBA telecast slot vacated by the cancellation of the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour’s planned event in Medford, Ore., will be filled by a re-broadcast of Walter Ray Williams Jr.’s historic victory in the Motor City Open in Detroit.

The show will air at 1 p.m. Eastern, with the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by USBC moving into the Jan. 10 1 p.m. Eastern time slot.

PBA/UBSC YOUTH INSIDERS’ TOUR VISITS WICHITA
The PBA, in cooperation with the United States Bowling Congress, is continuing its PBA/USBC Youth Insiders’ Tour program during the 2009-10 season, allowing five randomly-selected USBC Youth bowlers in each tournament market a chance to visit Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour events where they are given a special “insiders” look at the PBA Tour. Included are seats to watch the ESPN television finals.

The lucky youth bowlers selected to attend the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by USBC in Wichita, Kan., were Cory Johnson, 10; Kylee Cowden, 12; Cassie Edgar, 12; Tanner Schiesser, 14, and Michael Gruver, 15.

LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR STATISTICAL LEADERS (thru PBA World Championship)

EARNINGS
1, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich. $69,100
2, Rhino Page, Wesley Chapel, Fla., $53,900
3, Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., $52,800
4, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, $45,900
5, Chris Barnes Double Oak, Texas, $45,000
6, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., $43,300
7, Mike DeVaney, San Diego, $40,900
8, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., $40,200
9, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., $37,900
10, Jason Belmonte, Australia, $29,000

PBA PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
(Based on championship round finishes only: Standard five-player events = 16, 8, 4, 2, 1 points; Major four-player events = 24, 12, 8, 4)
1, Bill O’Neill, Southampton, Pa., 28
Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., 28
3, Rhino Page, Wesley Chapel, Fla., 20
4, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 16
Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 16
Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 16
Mike DeVaney, San Diego, 16
Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 16
9, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 16
10, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 8
Ronnie Russell, Camby, Ind., 8
Jason Belmonte, Australia, 8
Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y., 8

PBA WORLD RANKING POINTS
1, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 91,935
2, Rhino Page, Wesley Chapel, Fla., 87,358
3, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 86,331
4, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., 85,166
5, Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., 82,305
6, Sean Rash, Wichita, Kan., 79,848
7, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 76,470
8, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 73,572
9, Mike DeVaney, San Diego, 66,981
10, Jason Belmonte, Australia, 66,575
PBA Announces Nine-Tournament
Senior Tour Schedule For 2010

The Professional Bowlers Association has announced its nine-tournament PBA Senior Tour schedule for 2010 beginning with the PBA Senior Dayton Classic April 17-20 and ending with the PBA Senior Jackson Open Aug. 21-24.

The schedule will once again include two majors, the PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by the Suncoast and the United States Bowling Congress Senior Masters, which will be conducted June 6-11 and June 13-18, respectively.

Ron Mohr of Eagle River, Alaska, will be looking to defend his 2009 Senior Player of the Year honor.

Mohr, 53, entering his third year on the Senior Tour, won the PBA Jackson Senior Open and PBA Dayton Senior Open, kicking off the 2009 season with his first two titles in back-to-back weeks. He won his third title at the Senior Dick Weber Open in Lansing, Mich.
PBA Hall of Famer Wayne Webb will be looking to win his third consecutive Senior U.S. Open title while Dale Traber hopes to defend his United States Bowling Congress Senior Masters win.

PBA Hall of Famer and all-time Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour winner Walter Ray Williams Jr. is eligible to compete on the 2010 Senior Tour after recently turning 50.


2010 PBA Senior Tour Schedule

April 17-20 – PBA Senior Dayton Classic, Capri Lanes, Dayton, Ohio
April 24-27 – PBA Senior Columbus Open, HPL Lanes, Columbus, Ohio
May 2-5 – PBA Senior Mooresville Miller High Life Classic, George Pappas Victory Lanes, Mooresville, N.C.
May 30-June 2 – PBA Senior Northern California Classic, Harvest Park Bowl, Brentwood, Calif.
June 6-11 – PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by the Suncoast, Suncoast Bowling Center, Las Vegas
June 13-18 – United States Bowling Congress Senior Masters, South Point Bowling Center, Las Vegas
Aug. 9-12 – PBA Senior Lake County Indiana Open, Olympia Lanes, Hammond, Ind.
Aug. 14-17 – PBA Senior Decatur Open, Spare Time Lanes, Decatur, Ill.
Aug. 21-24 – PBA Senior Jackson Open, Airport Lanes, Jackson, Mich.
BLUMENSCHEID, RUSSELL NAMED USBC
YOUTH AMBASSADORS OF THE YEAR

Blair Blumenscheid of Columbus, Ohio, and Kevin Russell of Markham, Ill., have been selected as the USBC Youth Ambassadors of the Year by the USBC Youth Committee.

The award recognizes USBC Youth bowlers for exemplary contributions in the sport of bowling, academic accomplishments and community involvement. Awarded annually to one male and one female bowler, each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship, and one of the winners might be selected to serve as a member of the USBC Youth Committee for a period of three years.

Blumenscheid graduated from St. Francis Desales High School in 2009 with a 3.75 grade-point average. She currently is a freshman at Ohio State University and is the anchor for the women’s bowling team.

Jo Dimond, the Association Manager for the Central Ohio USBC, said Blumenscheid showed excellent organizational skills while working in the Youth Leaders program and Youth Committee. Dimond added that Blumenscheid “displayed maturity and patience during her tenure” and that working on the administrative side of bowling gave her new insight into the sport.

“This award is important to me because it recognizes me as a leader as well as a bowler,” Blumenscheid said. “Bowling has given so much to me between friends, outstanding coaches, scholarship money to pay for college and a sport that I can play my whole life. I always looked up to the coaches and bowling leaders in my youth, and they encouraged me to get more involved. Through their advice and my own desire to help, I try to give back to the sport that has given me a better life.

“I want to pass the advice forward and encourage all other youth bowlers to get involved and do the same. We are the future of bowling, and it is up to us to keep it going.”

Russell, a sophomore at Robert Morris University and a member of the Eagles bowling team, started bowling when he was four years old. Sandra Hardy, director of the Dolton Bowl Full Throttle Junior League Program, said they have “been blessed to witness his transformation from a shy teenager to a disciplined and determined leader.”

He remains active in the junior program, currently serving as chair of a committee of coaches, parents and junior bowlers to develop a lesson plan for bowlers 14 and older who are new to the sport. The idea is to teach the teenagers the basic skills in an accelerated time frame so more teens can be introduced to the sport without feeling awkward around other teens for not having a higher average.

Russell also recently received his minister’s license through The Church of the Living God in Chicago.

“First of all, I would like to thank God, without him nothing is possible. I would also like to thank my parents; if they weren’t the type of parents that they are, this would not be possible,” Russell said. “Since I was four, I have worked with some of the best coaches from youth league, through high school, and now in college as well as had some of the best competition. I would especially like to thank my current youth coaches, Beverly Houston and Sandra Hardy, for teaching me and encouraging me to become the young man, athlete, mentor, and leader I am today.”

Blumenscheid and Russell will receive their awards during the USBC Convention, April 28-May 1 in Reno, Nev. To learn more about USBC awards and this year’s USBC Convention, visit BOWL.com.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Here & There Column 12-22-09

This Is A Christmas Tree

This is a Christmas Tree.....it is not a Holiday tree......it is a Christmas Tree and Christians throughout the world this week are not celebrating the birth of a Holiday.....they are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Many community tree lighting events during the month of December have been just that .....tree lighting events.......they are trying to be "politically correct" instead of displaying the real meaning of Christmas for Christians.......which of course is the Nativity Scene.
In the commercial market some retailers avoid any mention of Christmas and even some merchants have banned employees from using the greeting "Merry Christmas."
Now that we are in the full-swing of the Christmas season .....and I think the last time I looked on the Calendar it does say that December 25 is Christmas.
Also the last time I looked I believe that Christmas is a national holiday but who knows the way things are going that someone or some organization will petition our government to remove this date as a national holiday.
We certainly do not have anything against the Christmas tree and lighting ceremonies that include this tree and the lighting of the Menorah which is a major part of the Jewish Chanukah holidays.
One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah and this religious symbol is a symbol of the nation of Israel and their mission to be "a light unto the nations," (Isaiah 42.6).
But, again, why do we not see The Nativity Scene included in our many ceremonies. The Nativity Scene displaying the birth of Jesus Christ is the true symbol for Christians during the Christmas season.
Community tree lighting ceremonies censor this Christian symbol as a part of what is called "insensitive to the many people of different faiths."
Recent surveys shows that a majority of Americans want us to say "Merry Christmas" and that 69 percent of us prefer the traditional greeting over a generic "happy holidays." which garnered a mere 23 percent of the vote.
We are proud to say "Merry Christmas" and believe its time to repair the damage that has been done by groups and organizations to take "Christ" out of Christmas.
So I say to each and everyone of you......have a Merry CHRISTmas and may God Bless you.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Bowling Highlights Column 12-18-09

Open Championships
Deadline Extended

Although there are more than 13,000 teams already signed up for the 2010 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in Reno, Nev., the entry deadline now has been extended until Jan. 15, 2010.
The 136-day event begins Feb. 20 at the National Bowling Stadium and is scheduled to conclude on July 5. This will mark the first of two consecutive years the tournament will be held at the NBS. It will be the event’s record ninth visit to Reno and the sixth time it will be held at the one-of-a-kind, 78-lane Stadium.
More than 65,000 competitors will make their way to “The Biggest Little City in the World” to compete for more than $6 million in prize money.
“While we reached our original entry deadline with good numbers, we decided to add some more time to give more of our members a chance to come and enjoy what Reno and the Open Championships have to offer,” said Brian Lewis, USBC Championships Director. “Entries have been coming in at a steady pace, which proves the interest is still there, and we don’t want anyone to miss out.”
There are plenty of prime spots available for 2010, and it’s never too early to start planning for 2011.
And since having the event in Reno in back-to-back years is unprecedented, USBC is challenging bowlers to help break the participation record. To entice them, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority has teamed with USBC to form the USBC Eagle's Nest, a special club for team captains who field teams in both 2010 and 2011.
Upon reserving spots for both years, captains will receive a monthly e-mail newsletter featuring tournament tips, the latest bowling trends and special offers. Eagle’s Nest members also will be eligible for special giveaways, including a brand new car or truck, round-trip airfare compliments of USBC Travel, VIP upgrades on accommodations for the 2011 Open Championships and high-performance bowling balls.
To be eligible, team captains must register teams for both the 2010 and 2011 tournaments, and the 2011 reservation and deposit must be received by July 5, 2010.
For more information visit USBCopen.com or call the tournament entries department toll free at (800) 514-2695.
There also are plenty of spots available for bowlers interested in competing in the 2010 USBC Women’s Championships in El Paso, Texas. More than 7,000 teams are expected to compete in the event, which begins March 27 and runs until June 30. The deadline for the Women’s Championships is Jan. 22, 2010. For more information and available times, please visit usbcwomenschampionships.com.
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 two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week's tip is for parents with children who either bowl in a youth league or bowl regularly with their own equipment.
Parents, when was the last time you had your child's fit checked on their bowing ball at your local pro shop?
Children tend to grow quickly and the gripping holes in their bowling balls must be adjusted t accommodate this growth.
Bowling with poor fitting equipment can become frustrating and uncomfortable. In most cases, it will only take a minute or two for adjustments to be made.
Also, if your child has hit or her own bowling shoes, you can check yourself to see if the fit is acceptable. Do not wait for blisters on the toes.
Remember, the game is meant to be enjoyed, not to be a form of torture.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is a Sales Advisor and Special Events Coordinator with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. 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

Tom Smallwood, a 32-year-old former assembly worker who was laid off from his job with General Motors nearly a year ago, won his first PBA tour title and his first "major" title (PBA World Championship) last Sunday afternoon at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. when he defeated reigning PBA Player of the Year Wes Malott, 244-228.
This was the first live ESPN telecast of the 2009-10 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour Season.
The tour now takes it's holiday break and the next ESPN televised event (taped) will be the finals of the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open on Sunday, Jan 10 at 1 p.m. Live action on the tour returns January 17.

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league included a 224, 214, 210, 648 by Mike Weiner, Paul Durland 238, 613, Jaryl Scott 227, 227, 603, Vinnie Collura 224, Donald Durland 212, 203, 235, 650, Rich Kushner 203, James VanAken 216, 257, 213, 686, Tom Belgiovene 210, 234, 615, John Hoffmann 249, 638, John Fischer 200, Nate Sanders 237, Dave Graham 246, Serafin Rodriguez Jr. 202, Keith Raymond 213, Pete Mitro 237, Jo Jo VanKeuren 207, Al Caycho 225, 223, 623, Vincent Scuderi 202, Frank Scuderi 201, 209, 212, 622, Mickey Lake 214, Eddie Lake 213, 237, 612, Rick Lake 209, Lloyd Bridges 212, 211, 620, James Ratner 210, 247, 628, Allan Jones 215, 227, 615, Daniel VanAken 205, 244, 620, Paul Curry 205, Steven Rivera 214, Timothy Totten 214, Ronnie Totten 206, Jason Jones Jr. 222, 213, Kevin Stackhouse 217, 224, 633, Cory VanKeuren 205, 235, 244, 684 and Jon Wilhelm 249, 267, 704.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Barbara Rustic 225, 513, Debra Blackford 193, 513, Carena Collura 513, Pat Mulhern 182, Ronda McClernon 199, Matt Cooper 221, Joe Peabody 225, John Cascone 207, 219, Laresko Niifa 200, Mary Lee Williams 190, 500, Dorian Jennings 232, 227, 631, Peter Scannell 210, Jack Rustic 235, 234, 254, 723, Jim Gerrard 200, Russ Keesler 204, Stan Gilmore 205, 203, Fran Kaiser 203, 180, 549, Allen Jones 278, 652, Debbie Durland 184, 234, 182, 600, Mal Press 232, 200, 615, Jon Wilhelm 209, 219, Kevin Stackhouse 210, 600, John Hoffmann 277, 277, 206, 760, Eddie Lake 265, 225,236, 726, Kris Gwiozdowski 215, Barbara Yeomans 191, 516 and Linda Schaefer 180, 182, 509.
In the Wednesday Men's league Kenny Atkins 269, Al Caycho 229, Mike Weiner 224, Tim Hussner 211, Juan Lopez 214, John Lopez 202, 214, 223, 639, William Danchak 246, Frank DiConstanzo 212, George Battle Jr. 241, 617, Allan Jones 248, 203, 633, Larry Berens 201, 245, 607, Dean Shattuck 224, 218, 633, Paul Durland 209, Tom Belgiovene 236, 208, 236, 680, John Hoffmann 238, 289, 267, 794, Tony Mentnech 223, Rick Lara 246, 201, 631, Tim McIntyre 212, 222, 265, 699, Frank Emmens 222, 200, 600, Vincent Degraw 255, Jason Jones Jr. 214, 200, 604, Anthony Atkins 211, Wayne Atkins 255, Eddie Lake 235, Gregory Fallon 234, 208, 253, 695, Matt Fallon 239, 602, Jon Wilhelm 216, 208, 608, Richard Bradford 257, 626 and Donald Durland 228, 226, 214, 668.
In the Thursday Ladies league Clorisa Hopkins 202, Barbara Durbak 181, 501, Christina Schultz 183, Mardette Wilcox 202, 529, Pat Shuart 212, Rita Burdick 183, Debbie Durland 203, 211, 592 and Joan Lake 222, 537.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Jr./Mjrs division Matt Edwards 149, Corey Ciliberto 114, 145, Jason Moss 180, 232, Kristy Gessman 140, Michael Scuderi 203, 243 and Petro Agapito III a 256, 647. In the Preps division Nicole Scuderi 104, 94, Sarah Rustic 106, 132, Stacey Reuss 87, 88, Ben Drillings 96, 103, 83, Anthony Pagani 86, John Wilhelm 136, 120 and Nathaniel Edwards 156. In the Pee Wees division Renee Schreiber 69, Jenna Hendrickson 77 and Erin Brawley 63.

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the include a 159, 163, 205, 527 by Tracey Puerschner, Wendy Finn 173, 164, Lois Erdman 173, 167, Jackie Gieger 170, Barbara Cady 167, Wendy Adams 166 and Tasha Grimm 160.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Rebecca Rhodes 186, 498, Debbie Loughrey 178, 494 and Lillian Zieres 177.
In the Wednesday Men's league Tim Ackermann 200, Tim Sykes 197, 196, 578 and Roger Widmann 196.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include 181, 202, 199, 582 by Sally Ballard, Hope Jones 187, 199, 527, Jennifer Raymond 509 and Jen Smith 199, 189, 567.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Tom Anderson 214, 226, 622, Dave Benedict 210, Mike Bowker 238, Al Bullis Sr. 224, Andrew Bullis 258, 224, 214, 696, Charles Cody 213, Cody Conway 222, 213, 221, 656, Frank Couse Sr. 233, 219, 629, Jim Dibble 234, 238, 269, 741, Brandon Drumm 225, Brian Drumm 203, Chuck Dunlap 227, John Fish 202, Art Gately 233, Craig Gehrig 213, Mark Hawley 202, Paul Ignatovich 265, 208, 259, 732, Rob Johnson 221, 225, 225, 671, Ryan Kille 205, 202, 606, Dick Layton 212, 601, Donnie Marino 235, 256, 208, 699, Mark McGraw 258, 204, 631, Robert McNaught 204, Josh Milucky 217, Cory Newman 228, Mitch Persbacker 254, 211, 637, Dick Price 200, 244, 627, Charlie Reichenbaugh 229, 203, Josh Rice 223, Paul Siegler 232, Scott Wahl 200, Jonathon Wayne 217, Hank Whitmore 220, 212, 257, 689, Zuke Wormuth 215, 227, 617, Lee Wormuth 254, Jay Wormuth 236 and Tony Wright 218, 219, 201, 638.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Rob Bolster 245, 211, 612, Al Bullis Jr. 214, 246, 218, 678, Al Bullis Sr. 215, 245, 656, Matt Conklin 235, Ray Cornwell 213, 602, Howard Couse Sr. 212, 217, 622, Jeff Curtis 214, 605, Carl Davis 210, Norm Ellis Jr. 237, Paul Fritz 205, 235, 621, Bill Gleim 204, 232, 620, Pete Hathaway 201, Robert Johnson 277, 666, Gino Jones 235, 214, 632, Greg Keesler 225, 204, 248, 677, Dan Koch 216, Larry Mills 269, 650, Rick Mills 213, Harold Morgan 209, Jack Scott 216, Paul Siegler 200, Sonny Triebe Sr. 242 and Dan Wormuth 235, 226, 235, 696.
In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples league Ed Akselrad 203, Andy Bullis 236, 225, 656, Frank Couse Sr. 207, Anne Couse 243, 543, Howey Couse 217, 213, 246, 676, Crystal Ellis 200, 500, Norman C. Ellis 207, 220, Norman E. Ellis 214, Elizabeth Gleim 201, 513, Bill Gleim 267, 641, Nick Hazen 221, Mark McGraw 217, 213, Rick Mills 210, 202, 605, Cecil Spencer 203, Norm Stanton 204, Sandy Winans 221, 546 and Dan Wormuth 220, 204, 618.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Julie Cornwell 191, 190, 531, Ray Cornwell 212, John Hoffmann 235, 228, 214, 677, Matt Johnson 234, 202, 634, Don Marino 244, 246, 674, Jean Mills 199, Rick Mills 206, 211, 204, 621, Fred Shakelton 221, Ed Townsend 217, Shirley Townsend 199, 503.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached by phone at 439-8177, vie e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 230-8674. For a more expanded version of the bowling column, please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com
From unemployment to underdog
to champion Tom Smallwood wins
World Championship using Pure Swing

Just a few weeks ago, even the most die-hard bowling fanatic would more than likely not have been able to tell you who Tom Smallwood is.

No one could have quoted you his win/loss record, or any of the other statistics that sports enthusiasts spout about, that to the untrained ear sounds like a foreign language.

Using the yet-to-be-released Columbia 300 Pure Swing, Smallwood narrowly defeated Wes Malott, of Pflugerville, Texas, 244-228, to win the Professional Bowlers Association World Championship title on Dec. 13, at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. Taking home his first major title; he also earned a $50,000 purse, a two year exemption to the PBA and a chance to bowl in January’s PBA Tournament of Champions.

“Wes really walled them up for me; he burned them up to the right and once I got far enough left I was pretty comfortable. I got fortunate today that the pattern matched up, the ball was awesome and I threw some good shots,” Smallwood said. “When he threw the bad shot in the ninth and struck, I thought it was over but I was just fortunate that he left something and luckily I was on my good lane, too.”

Smallwood chose to use the Pure Swing, which will hit the market for consumer consumption Jan. 7, 2010, because it has an uncanny ability to read the lane.

“It’s a simple drill for Tom because he’s a full roller. He changes surfaces more than he drills and will switch back forth between different covers a lot, but it was pretty obvious the Pure Swing stood out from the beginning,” according to Columbia 300 Brand Manager Chad Murphy.

Smallwood also had with him the Sharp NoiZe and his usual go-to ball, the Power Swing, but in this instance the Pure Swing was the cincher, Murphy said.

“Because of the new construction and the new finish, the Pure Swing really stood out because it was the ball Tom didn’t have to change much to fit his natural game. The Pure Swing showed itself in the middle of the lane early on,” the brand manager said. “The ball gave him enough movement to let him know that the ball was going to standup and therefore he could be confident and aggressive.”

The Pure Swing features a revolutionary new finish that uses 800 then 1000 grit Abralon® and then is immediately polished using the Powerhouse™ Factory Finish Polish, giving the ball the texture and performance of a sanded ball with the look of a shiny ball.

“Tom’s issues during the last year are similar to what our brand has gone through for the last couple of years,” added Chad Murphy

Last Dec. 13, Smallwood was working the assembly line at General Motors, mulling over when he should schedule some vacation days so he could bowl in a few of the PBA tournaments, some of which were being held at Thunderbowl in Allen Park, Mich., just a little more than 100 miles from his home.

Just before Thanksgiving 2008, the 100-year-old General Motors Co. announced that it had posted a $4.2 billion loss on the year and that it expected to run out of money before the end of the year. On Nov. 25, 2008, the company’s stocks closed at $2.92, the lowest the stock had been since April 1943.

Little less than a month later, on Dec. 23, 2008, Smallwood and many other autoworkers were handed pink and a don’t-call-us-we’ll-call-you fashion in a mass layoff that left 10.6 percent of Michigan unemployed — the highest rate since 1984.

In 2006, Columbia 300, then based in San Antonio, Texas, was purchased by Ebonite International, Inc., and moved to Hopkinsville, Ky., where it has regenerated itself to its former glory after being out of the performance ball market for some time.

“Tommy’s story is such an amazing one; it’s similar to what we’ve been through here with the Columbia 300 brand. We were pretty much down and out for awhile and I think people somewhat look at us as the underdog and lately we have made some big strides,” Murphy said. “Tommy has again helped put us back in the spotlight with this win. He made some great shots down the stretch that I’ll remember for a long time and it’s a nice perk that the Pure Swing matched up so well the first time out. He’s a great talent and I’m looking forward to watching him the next few years.”

So how did the now 32-year-old Saginaw native go from the unemployment line to being ranked fourth on the PBA points listing and tied for first with Bill O’Neill for the 2009-2010 player of the year point ranking?

While Smallwood considered himself a good bowler, he had never considered being a professional bowler full-time until the lay off, he said. With the encouragement of his wife he started to practice, and all that practice led to a Cinderella-like fairytale involving bowling shoes instead of glass slippers.

Smallwood earned his exemption for this season by finishing third in the tour trials, which were held in June; from there it’s been one thing after another including making the television finals for the Scorpion Championship, which he dropped to O’Neill.

And quite frankly this is a position he never thought he’d be in, Smallwood said.

“It’s been a wild ride,” Tom added. “I want to thank Columbia 300 for making the best balls in the world. I thought I could have bowled on tour but if I hadn’t gotten to this point and if it weren’t for the layoff I probably wouldn’t have chased it in Detroit.”

Just like when he was competing in Detroit, which is about 100 miles from his home in Saginaw, Smallwood had a packed house of friends and family.

“My two brothers, two sisters and a brother-in-law were there,” he said, “my parents and my wife, too.”

The downside was that his little girl couldn’t get to come and watch, he said.

Next, Smallwood will spend the holidays at home with his family before heading to California, which he said he “never thought would happen,” for the Tournament of Champions in mid-January.

In s twist of irony, GM called Smallwood to come back to work. However, it was an offer he turned down, much to the amazement of the human resource representative’s shock.

“I told her I was a professional bowler now and she was just silent,” Smallwood said. “She finally asked someone; now they are all following me closely.”
RED, WHITE AND BLUE OPEN RESULTS
AFFIRM EQUITY OF NEW OIL PATTERNS

For the past several months, the United States Bowling Congress Equipment Specifications and Certifications team has been testing the new USBC Red, White and Blue patterns, newly created “house” oil patterns designed to present bowlers with conditions of varying difficulty as they progress from beginning bowlers to USBC Sport Bowling members.

To date, the results of all field tests have fallen in line with USBC’s intended and predicted ranges regarding scoring pace and equity to bowlers of all styles; nevertheless, USBC was looking for a higher level of affirmation regarding the Red, White and Blue patterns. That’s just what it got during the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by the USBC, which was held Dec. 7-13 at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan.

During that event, USBC analyzed the scores of the 24 bowlers that advanced to match play because those players rolled 16 games on each of the three oil patterns, Red, White and Blue. This group, which featured both right-handed and left-handed bowlers of varying bowling styles, was tracked in order to determine whether the Red, White and Blue patterns displayed the same difficulty typical league bowlers experienced – Red being the least challenging, Blue being the most challenging – and whether or not that difficulty was distributed equitably.

“Interestingly, the PBA players scored higher on the White pattern than on the Red,” said Neil Stremmel, USBC Vice President – National Governing Body. “This was not a surprise because the extreme wall on the Red pattern that helps average bowlers can actually hurt elite players by causing their balls to over- and under-react. Still, in a typical league setting, our data shows Red will be the highest scoring of the three patterns.

“But what was truly encouraging about this event was the fairness the three patterns showed to all bowlers. Just look at the TV finalists. You have two lefties (Patrick Allen and Mike Scroggins) and four righties (Walter Ray Williams Jr., Mike Machuga, Michael Fagan and Wayne Garber) that represent every style – straight players, high-rev players and everything in between. That just goes to show that nobody is shut out on these patterns. Players of all styles can succeed, and that is exactly what we expected to see.”
The USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications team also expected high scores, which it got as the five-day tournament featured several bowlers averaging in excess of 240 as well as a Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour-record 31 perfect games.
“The scores were very high, but people need to realize the Red, White and Blue patterns are house patterns, not USBC Sport Bowling or PBA patterns,” USBC Technical Director Steve Kloempken said. “Even the USBC Blue pattern, which is the hardest of the three, is a great deal less challenging than what the PBA pros bowl on week in and week out. Remember, these are the best bowlers in the world. They routinely average 220 or better on most of their patterns, so it really isn’t surprising to see them average 10-20 pins higher on the Red, White and Blue house patterns.”
If the results of current tests continue to fall in line, USBC will finalize the initial testing process and move forward by gathering data at select city and state tournaments this spring. Currently, USBC is still on track for a Fall 2010 roll out of these new patterns.
Zebehazy selected to receive
USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award

Jim Zebehazy, the former Executive Director of the Young American Bowling Alliance who has worked in the bowling industry for more than 26 years, has been selected by the United States Bowling Congress Youth Committee to receive the 2010 USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award.

“I had the good fortune to get to know and work with Kerm Helmer,” said Zebehazy, 56, of Leesburg, Fla. “He was someone who dedicated his life to the betterment of youth bowling. He became a good friend and mentor who helped me fully understand the meaning of the phrase, ‘The youth are our future.’ To win an award named in his honor is something that I never dreamed of, but humbly accept.”

Named for the team founder and longtime bowling coach at Erie Community College, the Kerm Helmer Horizon Award recognizes leaders in the youth bowling community who have displayed the courage, determination and ability to develop far-reaching programs of national scope that provide fun and exciting opportunities. Helmer was selected posthumously for the inaugural award in 2003.

Zebehazy started his career in the bowling industry in the early 1980s as a field representative for the American Bowling Congress before taking over as ABC’s Group Executive for Field Service in 1990.

In 1998, he was named Executive Director of YABA, a position he held until the merger of the sport’s major organizations to form USBC in 2005. During his tenure with YABA, several new programs, including what is known today as the USBC Junior Gold program, were developed to provide more competitive and scholarship opportunities for youth bowlers. He currently works as a field representative for USBC.

“Jim Zebehazy has dedicated his life to the sport of bowling, and in doing so, Jim has helped countless people, especially kids,” Michael Nyitray, a USBC Gold coach and the 2009 USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award winner, said in nominating Zebehazy.

Zebehazy will be presented the award during the USBC Convention, April 28-May 1 in Reno, Nev. To learn more about USBC awards and this year’s USBC Convention, visit BOWL.com.



USBC Kerm Helmer Horizon Award winners
2004 Kerm Helmer, Cheektowaga, N.Y.
2005 John Sommer Jr., Rockford, Ill.
2006 Glenn Carlson, Fresno, Calif.
2007 Jeffrey Frye, Hackettstown, N.J.
2008 Jack Thomas, Sacramento, Calif.
2009 Michael Nyitray, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
2010 Jim Zebehazy, Leesburg, Fla.
California’s Norton Wins PBA
Regional Players Invitational

Scott Norton of San Francisco overtook Bobby Hall II of Landover, Md., in the final round to win the Sands Regency PBA Regional Players Invitational at the National Bowling Stadium this week.

Norton, a 27-year-old former Team USA member and the son of United States Bowling Congress Hall of Famer Virginia Norton, averaged 216 over 30 games – six games on each on the Professional Bowlers Association’s Cheetah, Chameleon, Viper, Scorpion and Shark lane conditioning patterns – for a total of 6,482 pins and a 65-pin cushion over Hall, who had led the previous three rounds.

“I grew up watching my mother bowl on the women’s tour,” said Norton, who recently passed his California bar exam, but may now combine a new career as a lawyer with an opportunity to bowl full-time on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.

As Sands Regency PBA Regional Players Invitational champion, Norton earned a $7,500 prize and a berth in the 2010 PBA Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas in addition to an exemption to bowl on tour during the 2010-11 season. Also earning PBA Tour exemptions for 2010-11 were Hall; Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y.; Dave Beres, Waukesha, Wis.; Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis.; Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., and Jeff Zaffino, Warren, Pa.

Hall, a long-time PBA East Regional competitor, will realize his dream of becoming a full-time member of the PBA Tour next season, but he realizes it’s a big leap from regional competition to the national tour.

“This is bowling,” Hall said. “You’re pretty much competing against yourself. What I’ve learned from bowling at the regional level is I have to post my score and hope it is higher than anyone else’s. The same principle is going to apply when I bowl on the national tour against those guys.

“I’ve been part-time on and off the tour for the past several years,” he added, “and I’ve found my enemy is myself. When I’ve stepped out of my own way, things have been good for me.”

Hall is the second African-American bowler to earn a PBA Tour exemption, following in the footsteps of Chicago native Billy Oatman, who went on to earn PBA Rookie of the Year honors during the 2006-07 season.

Ciminelli, 23, is the youngest of the newly-exempt group and has been knocking on the door for the past two seasons. He advanced from Tour Qualifying Rounds to make two television appearances during the PBA World Series of Bowling in Detroit in August. “My career is set,” Ciminelli beamed after his third-place finish.

Beres, a 31-year-old office manager, will make his PBA Tour debut next season. “I finally came through after a lot of hard work and close calls,” he said.

Boresch, a 47-year-old pro shop operator, will test the tour again after a lengthy absence. “I did (the Tour) 25 years ago,” he said. “This is my second chance at it.”

Warren, a 46-year-old pro shop operator, is a five-time PBA Tour titlist who has bowled on Tour on-and-off over the past two decades. “It’s another opportunity,” he said.

Zaffino, the oldest qualifier at age 50, also has bowled on Tour in years past, but is still looking for his first national title. “Now my decision is whether or not to quit my job (as a garage door installer),” he said.

The PBA Regional Players Invitational was open only to players who finished among the top 25 in competition points in their respective regions.

SANDS REGENCY PBA REGIONAL PLAYERS INVITATIONAL
National Bowling Stadium, Reno, Nev., Dec. 17

FINAL STANDINGS (after 30 games; top seven designated with “e-“ earned exemptions to bowl on the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour)
1. e-Scott Norton, San Francisco, 6,482, $7,500.
2. e-Bobby Hall II, Landover, Md., 6,417, $4,000.
3. e-Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 6,324, $3,000.
4. e-Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 6,304, $2,500.
5. e-Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., 6,289, $2,000.
6. e-David Beres, Greenfield, Wis., 6,277, $1,700.
7. e-Jeff Zaffino, Warren, Pa., 6,263, $1,500.
8. Roger Kossert, Riverview, Fla., 6,228, $1,300.
9. (tie) Randy Weiss, Columbia, S.C., and Thomas Hess, Urbandale, Iowa, 6,212, $1,325.
11. Joe Paluszek, Bensalem, Pa., 6,208, $1,250.
12. Chad Kloss, Greenfield, Wis., 6,204, $1,200.
13. David O'Sullivan, Clearwater, Fla., 6,183, $1,150.
14. Shawn McKee, Concord, N.C., 6,149, $1,100.
15. David Anthony, Austin, Texas, 6,137, $1,050.
16. Brian Thompson, Flat Rock, Mich., 6,136, $1,000.
17. Riga Kalfas, Florence, Ky., 6,135, $950.
18. Joel Carlson, Omaha, Neb., 6,130, $900.
19. Eric Forkel, Henderson, Nev., 6,128, $850.
20. Kevin Croucher, Grants Pass, Ore., 6,115, $800.
21. Chris Hibbitts II, Fort Worth, Texas, 6,108, $775.
22. Ed Carter, Akron, Ohio, 6,081, $750.
23. Dan Higgins Jr., Westerville, Ohio, 6,080, $725.
24. Brian LeClair, Athens, N.Y., 6,076, $700.
25. Dave Wodka, Henderson, Nev., 6,068, $675.
26. Scot Archabal, Boise, Idaho, 6,047, $650.
27. Jon Brandon, Santa Clarita, Calif., 6,040, $625.
28. Kurt Gengelbach, Carrollton, Texas, 6,026, $600.
29. Ryan Boroff, Fort Worth, Texas, 6,017, $575.
30. (tie) Rob Edwards, Vancouver, Wash., and Pat Dombrowski, Parma, Ohio, 6,000, $537.50.
32. Chris Collins, Savannah, Ga., 5,998, $525.
33. Ben Laughlin, Maricopa, Ariz., 5,979, $525.
34. Brett Spangler, New Castle, Ind., 5,971, $525.
35. (tie) Tom Sorce, Blasdell, N.Y., and Terry Wiley, Vienna, Va., 5,958, $512.50.
37. David Traber, Hebron, Ill., 5,949, $500.
38. Dave D'Entremont, Middleburg Heights, Ohio, 5,942, $500.
39. William Wilson, Yorba Linda, Calif., 5,931, $500.
40. Andrew Loose, Chicago, 5,923, $500.
41. Bo Goergen, Midland, Mich., 5,914, $475.
42. Ernie Schlegel, Vancouver, Wash., 5,909, $475.
43. Joe Goldstein Sr., Hayward, Calif., 5,903, $475.
44. Jesse Buss, Wichita, Kan., 5,899, $475.
45. Jeff Roche, Dearborn, Mich., 5,877, $475.
46. Kevin Henderson, Albany, Ore., 5,871, $450.
47. Tim Porritt, Rancho Santa Maria, Calif., 5,870, $450.
48. Thomas Wall III, Fayetteville, N.C., 5,865, $450.
49. Dan Patterson, Buffalo, N.Y., 5,859, $450.
50. John Oliva, Simi Valley, Calif., 5,847, $450.
51. Gregory Thompson Jr., Dayton, Ohio, 5,844, $440.
52. Don Allen III, Vancouver, Wash., 5,842, $440.
53. Jonathan Nask, Jupiter, Fla., 5,835, $440.
54. John Kay, Derby, Kan., 5,824, $440.
55. Dean Jones, Austin, Texas, 5,787, $440.
56. Qazi Ahmad, Shoreline, Wash., 5,784, $430.
57. Johnathan Bower, Middletown, Pa., 5,782, $430.
58. Noel Vazquez, Sacramento, Calif., 5,782, $430.
59. Christopher Blackmore, Alexandria, Va., 5,774, $430.
60. (tie) Joe Goldstein Jr., San Bruno, Calif., and Rob Rice, Sunnyside, Wash., 5,772, $427.50.
62. Rick Lawrence, Waxahachie, Texas, 5,765, $425.
63. Sean Swanson, Springfield, Mo., 5,761, $425.
64. Tim Dooley, Van Buren, Ark., 5,760, $425.
65. Gary Duran, Commerce, Calif., 5,745. $425.
66. Brian Valenta, Lockport, Ill., 5,712, $420.
67. Mike Moore, Orlando, Fla., 5,688, $420.
68. Will Smith, Albany, Ore., 5,687, $420.
69. Scott Newell, Deland, Fla., 5,673, $420.
70. Jim Tomek Jr., Camp Hill, Pa., 5,672, $420.
71. Michael Markis, Hawley, Pa., 5,649, $415.
72. Andy Patterson, Tyler, Texas, 5,643, $415.
73. Rodney Garrick, San Francisco, 5,631, $415.
74. Trey Field, Metairie, La., 5,609, $415.
75. Ray Edwards, Middle Island, N.Y., 5,596, $415.
76. Brandon Balsis, Tinley Park, Ill., 5,585, $410.
77. Brian Burkhardt, Wildwood, Mo., 5,558, $410.
78. Aaron Pawloski, Volcano, Calif., 5,557, $410.
79. Cole Copeland, Austin, Texas, 5,555, $410.
80. Bob Aleksinski, Hillsboro, Ore., 5,537, $410.
81. Chris Wimpey, Aurora, Colo., 5,526, $405.
82. Eddie Kunkle, Daly City, Calif., 5,506, $405.
83. John Arnell, Everett, Wash., 5,442, $405.
84. Norm Wolff Jr., Modesto, Calif., 5,421, $405.
85. Michael Wall, Fayetteville, N.C., 5,411, $405.
86. Richard Brown, S. Lake Tahoe, Calif., 5,312, $400.
87. Ken Simard, Greenville, S.C., 4,715, $400.
88. Lee Vanderhoef, Greeneville, S.C., 4,579, $400.
89. Kelly O'Driscoll, Herriman, Utah, 4,143. $400.00
90. Kevin Mitchell, Tulsa, Okla., withdrew, $400.
91. Jeff Frankos, Daly City, Calif., withdrew, $400.
92. Marc Heninger, Tonganoxie, Kan., withdrew, $400.
93. Billy Oatman, Cleveland, Ohio, withdrew, $400.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Here & There Column 12-15-09


Henrietta Phelps says "God Called Me To Do This Work"

The director of the Interfaith Food Council Food Pantry (IFCL) in Liberty takes their food drives and the many people who donate the food seriously.
Henrietta Phelps is a dedicated and active Christian who knows that these tough economic times is bringing more of the needy to the IFCL.
Active on the Board of Trustees of the Liberty United Methodist Church she recently replied that the reason she is so involved in the IFCL is "God called me to do his work here."
The ICFL is seeing a steady increase of needy folks coming in for a bag of food each time the food pantry opens their doors and if it wasn't for the generous donations of folks like the Liberty Elementary School students and staff, Post Office employees in Liberty and Neversink, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, many merchants, a co-op in Kingston and financial contributions that help purchase foods at various locations the IFCL just could not operate and provide this needed service.
Ms. Phelps and her staff do all their work without pay because they want to help and provide for the needy in their community.
With all the food donations Ms. Phelps says, "i can't give enough thanks to the many people who donate the food. God Bless everyone who helps with the donations."
Each bag of food from the IFCL Pantry contains tuna fish, 2 cans of soup, 2 cans of vegetables, 1 can of fruit, 1 can of pasta sauce, 1 box of spaghetti pasta, 1 box of macaroni and cheese, 1 box or bag of rice, 1 can of beans, 1 box of tea bags and 1 container of hot chocolate. There is also pastries and bread donated by local supermarkets.
When ever there is the call for a food drive it always seems to be successful thanks to the great efforts of Ms. Phelps and her dedicated crew of volunteers who sort and pack the food in bags and help with the distribution and record keeping when the pantry is open.
With the holiday season now upon us it is a blessing to see this type of volunteer and community minded people pitching in to help those in need.
Thank God for folks like Ms. Phelps and all those who donate to this great cause.
Food donations and financial help are always welcome.


Friday, December 11, 2009

Bowling Highlights Column 12-11-09

Mickey Luongo is the new Northeast Regional Sales Manager for Storm & Roto Grip.


Mike Luongo takes on new job title with Storm Bowling.

PBA Shark Champions Jack Jurek and Kelly Kulick.

Youth League bowler James Durland

Mickey & Mike Luongo Take On New Roles With Storm

Storm Products Inc, the Brigham City, Utah, manufacturer of high performance bowling equipment, announced recently that Mickey Luongo has been named the North East Regional Sales Manager for Storm Products, Inc. and Roto Grip.
Mickey in the past few months has been working with the current northeast regional sales manager, and his father, Mike Luongo. “I am very excited to be working for Storm and engaging with pro shops in my area,” Mickey noted.
Mickey brings close to 15 years of experience in the bowling industry.
Mickey has worked alongside his father in the management of their Pro Shop inside Middleton Lanes since 1990 and since 2007 has been the sole operator of the shop.
“We are extremely excited to have Mickey part of our sales force” said Vice President of sales and marketing Hank Boomershine. “Mickey brings a fresh perspective to the team along with a very strong technical background.”
Mickey currently resides in the Middletown area with his parents Mike and Linda.
Mike Luongo continues with Storm in the capacity as a sales advisor and will be involved with special events for Storm Products, Inc.
Mike is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).
Mike is also the author of the weekly Bowling Tip published in our Bowling Highlights Column.
Mike's Pro Shop at Middletown Lanes will continue to be operated by both Mike and Mickey and bowlers are asked to call 341-1694 for the Pro Shop hours.
Storm Products Inc., is a leading manufacturer and marketer of high performance bowling equipment, featuring the Storm and Roto Grip brand names. For more information please visit stormbowling.com or call 1-800-369-4402.

17-Year Old
Bowls 683

Monticello High School senior James Durland scored a 256, 196, 231 for a 683 series recently in the Kiamesha Lanes Jr./Mjrs. Youth league.
The scores were bowled on lanes 5 and 6 with his Storm Hy-Road and Morich Intense Levrg. bowling balls.
This 17-year-old has been bowling since he was five-years old in the Youth league and appears to be following in the footsteps of his brother, Donald, who is an accomplished high average bowler in leagues at Kiamesha Lanes and also bowls in Regional PBA events.
James is the son of two well known bowlers, Paul and Debbie Durland.
He is employed part-time at the Rock Hill Trading Post.

PBA

Jack Jurek of Lackawanna, NY, one of the nicest bowlers on the PBA Pro Tour won his second career title last Sunday in the Shark Championship aired on ESPN. The event was bowled September 6 at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park Mich.
Jurek defeated Mike Fagan in a one-ball, sudden-death roll off.
In the Women's series Kelly Kulick defeated Carolyn Dorin-Ballard 198-182.
This Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN the PBA World Championship from Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. This is not a taped event.

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league includes a 216, 224, 225, 685 by Mike Weiner, Paul Durland 206, 206, Vinnie Collura 218, 206, 227, 651, Josh Strang 228, Tom Belgiovene 204, 222, 622, John Hoffmann 201, 214, 602, John Fischer 246, 207, 634, Nate Sanders 212, 246, 225, 683, William Bartley 223, David Graham 235, 202, 201, 638, Pete Mitro 201, 254, 634, Jo Jo VanKeuren 257, 604, Al Caycho 215, 213, 234, 662, Frank Scuderi 203, 209, 608, Angel Rodriguez 203, Roy Sweeney 210, Eddie Lake 257, Rick Lake 222, Niifa Laresko 215, 604, James Frost 224, 222, 205, 651, Keith Smith 233, 215, 646, Frank Amore 234, Jack Moylan 204, 233, 225, 662, James Ratner 204, Kort Wheeler 214, Allan Jones 244, 258, 255, 757, Daniel VanAken 205, 248, 633, Paul Curry 224, 246, 655, Steven Rivera 220, William Helms 215, 202, 601, Timothy Totten 225, Mal Press 213, Ronnie Totten 219, Tim McIntyre 248, 223, 667, Ryan Sonnenschein 214 and Kevin Stackhouse 204.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Carena Collura 193, 185, 543, Pat Mulhern 213, 554, Matt Cooper 235, Neil Bell Jr. 224, Joe Peabody 210, Russ Keesler 202, Crystal Price 200, 531, Jason Jones 269, 204, 223, 696, Allen Jones 204, John Lopez 215, 207, Tom Cooney 233, Debbie Durland 225, 181, 217, 623, Jon Wilhelm 225, 213, 624, Donald Durland 203, 224, 600, Ed Guthrie 224, 200, 233, 657, John Cascone 211, 213, Cecil Walters 234, Mary Lee Williams 182, 210, 511, Joan Lake 183, 193, 527, Dan Allen 216, Ryan Lepke 257, 226, 675, Jack Rustic 204, 212, George Kelley 235, 207, 650, Kevin Stackhouse 226, Robert Yakin Sr. 224, 608, John Hoffmann 215, 213, 605, Linda Schaefer 186, 215, 571 and Donna DuBois 207.
In the Wednesday Men's league Daniel VanAken 246, Kenny Atkins 200, Kenneth Hopkins Jr. 249, 622, Kevin Stackhouse 246, 265, 704, Al Caycho 232, 201, Mike Weiner 217, John Lopez 208, Frank DiConstanzo 255, 616, George Battle Jr. 209, Frank Muller Jr. 210, 224, 207, 641, Allan Jones 221, 227, 247, 695, Larry Berens 247, 217, 636, Josh Strang 214, 234, 233, 681, Tom Belgiovene 208, 20, 608, John Hoffmann 218, 258, 256, 732, Tony Mentnech 206, Rick Lara 241, Tim McIntyre 238, 619, Frank Emmens 214, 228, 621, Michael Travis 215, 216, Shawn Lyons 200, Wayne Atkins 208, 246, 224, 678, Eddie Lake 243, 204, 642, Gregory Fallon 258, 233, 238, 729, Matt Fallon 252, 225, 643, Jon Wilhelm 245, 255, 695, Richard Bradford 235, 245, 219, 699 and Donald Durland 257, 219, 675.
In the Thursday Ladies league Kathy King 192, Lisa Cartwright 182, 524, Christine Schultz 204, 517, Barbara Durbak 183, 194, 534, Clorisa Hopkins 207, 535, Mardette Wilcox 213, 564, Connie McKenley 198, Debbie Durland 225, 191, 220, 636, Anna Sawyer 189 and Maria Frunzi 201.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Jr./Mjrs division Pedro Agapito 203, 231, Eddie Walsh 217, 204, 204, Shawn Sinistorie 187, 179, Steven Sinistorie 101, Nick Price 214, James Durland 215, 246, Amber Bock 133, 132, 143. In the Preps division Ben Drillings 93, 83, Anthony Pagani 74, 136, Tayl'r Porter 87, Makenzie S. 82, 95, Sarah Rustic 116, 112. In the Pee Wees division Amelia Edwards 89, George VanAken 108, Jenna Hendrickson 84.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include a 192 by Sandy Winans, Carol Dailey 181, Tammy Kane 195.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Tom Anderson 213, Mike Bowker 204, 232, 235, 671, Al Bullis Sr. 202, 266, 636, Andrew Bullis 247, 258, 696, Cody Conway 225, 200, 249, 674, Frank Couse Jr. 203, 223, 211, 637, Brian Drumm 225, 239, 203, 667, Chuck Dunlap 233, 225, 655, Don Ferris 205, Anthony Gately 208, Art Gately 201, 266, 641, Craig Gehrig 212, 247, 637, Jeremy Gulley 204, Mark Hawley 215, 200, Steve Jacoby 230, Rob Johnson 233, 213, 637, Pat Kille 247, 246, 234, 727, Don Marino 277, 247, 205, 729, Ed Milk Jr. 248, Josh Milucky 238, 217, 214, 669, Neil Mosher 224, 223, 636, Josh Rice 231, Sam Rowe 211, 222, 209, 642, Jonathon Wayne 244, 202, 625, Hank Whitmore 236, Zuke Wormuth 214, 214, 624, Jay Wormuth 238, 205, 644, Tony Wright 266, 233, 234, 733.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Andy Bullis 215, Howard Couse Sr. 216, Frank Couse Sr. 229, Howard Couse 256, 664, Bill Gleim 279, 620,Gino Jones 202, Hope Jones 195, 512, Mark McGraw 233, Rick Mills 211, Brian Robinson 249, Cecil Spencer 202, Dan Wormuth 202, 246, 645.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Chris Wadeson 222, 222, Fred Shakelton 218, 202, Ed Townsend 204, ShirleyTownsend 192, Savanna Mills youth scores 146, 127, Dick Mills 204, Donnie Marino 235, 226, 638, Rodney "Taylor" Jester youth award 203, John Hoffmann 221, 207, 615, Ray Cornwell 213, Marty Haeussler 213, 69, 652.

Gravity Alley

Recent highlight scores in the Thursday Mixed league include a 236, 235, 635 by Scott Ropke, Barbara Pingel 191, Diane Rutledge 182. Alley Cats won the first half of the league with a 28-12 record. The league now takes a holiday break and will resume play Feb. 3.

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies league include a 192 by Jackie Gieger, Wendy Finn 182, Diane Staves 179, Janet Bertholf 178, Lori Kimmes 168, Lois Erdman 161, Barbara Cady 165, 161, Wendy Adams 160, Dot McCormackm 183, Traci Puerschner 163.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Kelly Gombito 179, Debbie Loughrey 181.
In the Wednesday Men's league Mike Beseth 200, Roger Widmann 214, RichThony 209, Tim Sykes 235, 612, Eugene Fulton 234, Tom Gain 200.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached at 439-8177, vie e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 230-8674. For a more expanded version of the bowling column, please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com/
DANNY WISEMAN, DAVE ARNOLD GRANTED
DEFERMENTS FOR 2009-10 SEASON

At age 42, Baltimore’s Danny Wiseman was coming off a disappointing 2008-09 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season. Heading into the inaugural PBA World Series of Bowling in Detroit in August, he told his mother Dorothy that if he didn’t have a successful World Series, he was thinking about retiring.

On Aug. 11, while Wiseman was bowling the first round of qualifying in the Cheetah Championship, his bowling future was put on hold by a phone call. His stepfather advised Wiseman’s 73-year-old mother was in the hospital, in a coma after suffering a brain hemorrhage.

“I was on a plane and home by 5 p.m. that day,” Wiseman said. “I left everything where it was – my truck, everything in my hotel room. I flew back later and got everything and drove back home.”

Because his of mother’s long-term care needs, the 12-time PBA Tour titlist applied for a deferment for the 2009-10 season, which has been granted by PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer.

As the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour resumes action this week with the opening round of the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by the United States Bowling Congress at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan., another well-known name will be missing from the field. Schreyer also has granted a deferment to veteran Dave Arnold of Dublin, Calif. The 45-year-old Arnold, who had regained an exemption through the 2008 Regional Players Invitational after a seven-year absence from the Tour, suffered a stress fracture in his lower back the day after the Motor City Open in Detroit.

The deferments mean two additional spots will be available at most exempt Tour events for the balance of the season. Both players remain eligible to bowl in “open” events if they are able to do so.

Wiseman isn’t sure what his future holds.

“You never know when things like this will happen,” he said. “Bowling is now secondary for me and it will be for some time. It could take up to two years. As bad as it was, my mother is defying the odds and fighting very hard.

“Bowling just is not important right now,” he added. “I’ve been out there (on Tour) for 20 years. I’ve had a pretty decent career. What happens in the future, I don’t know. I’m signed up for the Tournament of Champions, but it’s a wait-and-see kind of thing. If I feel like bowling, and there are no issues with my mom, I’ll bowl.”

Wiseman has faced other challenges during his career. His father died in 1992. He tore up his wrist. He was injured when he was rear-ended in an auto accident.

“I came back strong from those situations. I have learned when my back has been against the wall, I know now where I got my fight from – my mom,” he said.

On the good news front, Wiseman was inducted into both the Greater Baltimore and Maryland State USBC Bowling Halls of Fame in November.

Arnold, a three-time PBA Tour titlist, said his injury was either aggravated or caused by jogging as he tried to get in shape for his comeback.

“I knew it was bad, but I was unaware of the magnitude of the injury until I went to the doctor when I got home,” Arnold said. “Looking back on it, I believe it was the culmination of training too hard for the six weeks leading into the event. I was jogging four miles a day every day plus bowling. My body wasn't used to it.”

REYES, WEBB RECEIVE EXEMPTIONS TO BOWL IN EARL ANTHONY MEMORIAL

PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer has awarded Commissioner’s Exemptions to Tony Reyes, San Bruno, Calif., and PBA Hall of Famer Wayne Webb, Sacramento, Calif., for the Earl Anthony Memorial which will be held Jan. 12-17 at Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl in Dublin, Calif.

JUREK WINS “VERSATILITY SWING” POINTS COMPETITION

Jack Jurek of Lackawanna, N.Y., was a runaway winner in the Versatility Swing points competition, based upon consistency in the five Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour “animal pattern” events held during the World Series of Bowling. Jurek, winner of the Shark Championship, compiled 67,192 points from the Cheetah, Viper, Chameleon, Scorpion and Shark Championships to top Cheetah champion Norm Duke of Clermont, Fla., by nearly 10,000 points. Jason Belmonte was third followed by Wes Malott, Steve Jaros, Sean Rash and Chris Barnes.

Jurek placed ninth in the Cheetah Championship, 23rd in the Viper, sixth in the Chameleon, eighth in the Scorpion and first in the Shark Championship. Rhino Page was Viper champion, Bill O’Neill won the Chameleon title and Mike DeVaney won the Scorpion.

The winners of the five events earned berths in the end-of-season PBA Experience Showdown presented by BOWL.COM which will be held in April in the new USBC International Training Center in Arlington, Texas.

SCROGGINS WINS “BOWLING FOR WISHES” SUPER REGIONAL IN WICHITA

As a prelude to the Red, White and Blue Open, PBA Tour star Sean Rash helped organize a “Bowling for Wishes” Super Regional event in Wichita. Reigning U.S. Open champion Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas, topped a field of 160 to win the event Sunday at Thunderbird Lanes, defeating Mike Edwards of Tulsa, Okla., 224-210, 225-237 and 258-208 in the best-of-three-game title match. Scroggins earned $6,000; Edwards $3,300.

Edwards eliminated Ronnie Russell of Camby, Ind., 2-1, in the semifinal round while Scroggins ousted Patrick Alley of Wesley Chapel, Fla., 2-0, including a 300-277 win in their first game.

PLAYERS HAVE UNTIL THURSDAY TO CHALLENGE CHRIS BARNES

Players have until 10 a.m. Central on Thursday to bid up to $5,000 to take on Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, in the Chris Barnes Challenge presented by Columbia 300. The three-game total pinfall match will be shown live exclusively on pba.com’s Xtra Frame online bowling channel Saturday at 3 p.m.

Barnes was the only player to pony-up $5,000 on his own money for a special “winner-take-all” contest during the PBA World Series of Bowling in August, so in cooperation with the PBA, he has decided to extend the challenge again. Any player – PBA Exempt Tour or otherwise – who thinks he/she can beat the 2007-08 PBA Player of the Year is invited to put up to $5,000 on the line by 10 a.m. Thursday. PBA Tour assistant tournament director Corey Kistner will officiate the contest which will be conducted on the “Blue” lane condition used in the Red, White and Blue Open.

There is currently a $500 bid on the line. Fan who would like to watch the live competition will need to sign up for Xtra Frame on pba.com, where the subscription service offers monthly and annual rates.

MATS KARLSSON HONORED AS SWEDEN’S GREATEST BOWLER

Mats Karlsson, the first international player to win a PBA Tour title when he won the 1986 Southern California Open in Riverside, Calif., was honored as the best male bowler in 100 years of organized bowling in Sweden during ceremonies recently held in Stockholm.

Karlsson went on to win three PBA Tour titles in addition to an AMF World Cup (1991) and 10 FIQ World Championship medals. Asa Larsson was selected as Sweden’s greatest woman bowler.

PBA STARS SPAN THE GLOBE DURING “BREAK”

During three months between the PBA World Series of Bowling and the resumption of competition in the Red, White and Blue Open, PBA Tour exempt players have been busy competing and promoting the sport around the world. Some of the highlights include:

# Tim Mack won the Samho Korea Cup in Inchon, South Korea, defeating Kim Yoon Ho, 237-232, for the first-prize equivalent of $24,850. Kim had eliminated Wes Malott, 49-39 in a two-frame roll-off after a 235-235 tie in the semifinal round, and Sean Rash, 243-215, in the previous match.

# Doug Kent defeated Hong Kong’s rising star, 15-year-old Michael Mak, 192-180, to win the Euro-Med Storm International Masters Challenge in Manilla, The Philippines, for a $21,000 payday. Mak had eliminated Koren women’s pro star, Cha Mi-Jung, who in turn had eliminated 2009 USBC Masters champion John Nolen, 210-200, in the first stepladder finals match. Rhino Page finished seventh.

Walter Ray Williams Jr. finished fifth in the QubicaAMF World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

# During a five-city promotional tour in Germany, Sean Rash bowled in the Bundesliga (German league), thrilling fans in attendance by rolling a 300 game.

# Finland native Mika Koivuniemi and a group of European friends who competed in the PBA World Series of Bowling (Finland’s Osku Palermaa, Sweden’s Martin Larsen and England’s Paul Moor and Dominic Barrett) upset American stars Chris Barnes, Tommy Jones, Pete Weber, Jason Couch and Tim Mack to win the 10th annual PartyCasino.com Weber Cup – a team, doubles and singles competition - in Barnsley, England.

# Austria’s Thomas Gross defeated first-year Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour competitor Stuart Williams, England, 246-231, to win the Vienna Open.

# Bill O’Neill led Team USA with gold-medal performances in men’s singles, all-events, trios and team in the Pan American Bowling Confederation Championships in Puerto Rico. Chris Barnes won three gold medals and Tommy Jones two.

# Australia’s two-handed sensation, Jason Belmonte, left his homeland for a four-city tour in the U.S., sponsored by USBC, to introduce his unique delivery to interested bowling enthusiasts.

# Rhino Page and Robert Smith participated in a series of Japan PBA pro-am challenge events, visiting with fans and providing instructional help.

That’s just a partial list of charity events, exhibitions and instructional clinics, and promotional appearances PBA Tour stars – men and women – made in doing their part to help create more awareness for the sport.

PBA staff in Seattle contributed as well. Sandra Magatteri, Lori Friedt, Barb Wilt and Tim Morelli attended a Special Olympics “Bowl for the Gold” fund raiser along with a pair of PBA regional members, Dean Buchannan and Adam Ahmad, working with the young people and their families.
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR
2010 USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Although there are more than 13,000 teams already signed up for the 2010 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in Reno, Nev., the entry deadline now has been extended until Jan. 15, 2010.

The 136-day event begins Feb. 20 at the National Bowling Stadium and is scheduled to conclude on July 5. This will mark the first of two consecutive years the tournament will be held at the NBS.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Here & There Column 12-8-09

Run Government Like A Business

Does it take brilliant thought from business orientated people to show government how to run their business using strict business principles?
Whatever is going on with Sullivan County government has everyone asking....do they know what they are doing?
If it isn't the changing climate of waste fees (just another tax) or comments "that a Band-Aid approach is no longer sufficient," or the unloading of a just completed $3 million fleet garage and associated offices and the comment that the county doesn't want it anymore along with the lack of prudent long range planning with the landfill.......folks everywhere are saying local government is broken.
Week after week we read of the steady increase of property taxes throughout our municipalities.
For the most part our elected officials do not want to address the main issue so they take what appears to be only way out as they come up with excuse after excuse as to why they have to raise taxes or add this fee or that fee.
Like many local jurisdictions in the United States, Sullivan County faces serious fiscal stress as a combination of higher costs for existing services and reduced tax revenues produce budgetary shortfalls.
Most local governments rely on economic growth to generate higher revenues but the present economy and loss of jobs does not paint a rosy picture.
We have all heard the standard local government statements that the demand for services provided by local government has increased, the Medicaid budget keeps going up and of course local governments have had to increase their contributions for employee retirement benefits.
Budget cuts are now being forced upon local governments which ultimately result in loss of jobs and services and of course what we the taxpayers are seeing......those steady tax increases.
Where will it ever end?.........it never will unless local governments start thinking about planning ahead and using government sharing of services, consolidation and reducing the many levels of local government.
Reinventing government should be at the top of the agenda for all municipalities and there is a direct need to put the proper relationship between a Democratic government and its citizens.
With our townships, village municipalities and county government operating within a 30 minute drive of each other there is definitely a costly duplication of services and local government services often have human resources or equipment that is not effectively utilized, creating excess capacity.
Any local business experiencing financial difficulties will close unprofitable stores and there is no reason why governments should not consolidate, share services and merge to save money.
As we approach 2010 let us all wake up and smell the coffee, remind your local politicians that the time is now to plan ahead, consolidate and share to save money and help in the reduction of the tax load on local taxpayers

Bowling Highlights 12-4-09

Jaryl Scott rolled a 300 game recently at Kiamesha Lanes.

Donald Durland rolled an 805 series at Kiamesha Lanes.


PBA Scorpion Champions Mike DeVaney and Shannon Pluhowsky


Scott Scores 300-Durland 805

Thirty-seven year-old Loch Sheldrake bowler Jaryl Scott recorded his 8th career 300 game November 23 in the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Bowling on lanes 3 and 4 with team mates Paul Durland, Vinnie Collura and Donald Durland he recorded the 300 in his second game of the night using a Rogue Roto Grip bowling ball.
Jaryl noted that of the 12 strikes one was light and one crossed over.
He presently maintains a 213.64 average in this league and a 215 average in the Friday Mixed League at Colonial Lanes in Chester.
Scott's 7th career 300 game was bowled several years ago on April 25, 2007 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes with scores of 246 and a 725 series. His sixth perfect game was bowled on Sunday, March 25, 2007 in makeup matches for the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes. On that night he banged the maples for a 300, 239, 279, 813 on lanes 13-14.
On January 10, 2007 he scored his fifth career 300 and at that time previously had put into his record books an 805 series.
Scott for several years bowled in a few Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) regional tournaments and is making plans this year to bowl again on the regional tour.
Jaryl is single and the father of four children, Jeremiah, Elijah, Braeden and Juliana.
He is employed by C & S Grocery in their warehouse in Chester, NY.
Donald Duland, 21, from Wurtsboro, has been on a torrid scoring pace recently and on the same night and same team that Scott bowled his 300 game Donald blasted the maples for a 279, 268, 258, 805 series.
It was just several weeks ago, on November 3, while subbing in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league that Durland recorded his 10th career 300 game. He maintains a 247 average in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league, a 232 in the Wednesday Men's league and a 218 in the Friday Mixed league, all at Kiamesha Lanes.
Donald is single and is employed by the Monticello
Greenhouse.

Women's 500
Club Champions

The Orange-Sullivan Women's 500 Bowling Club held their 23rd annual tournament Nov. 1 at the PinStreet Lanes in Warwick.
Champions in each division include the following:
Open division 1st place Soly Zimmerman with a 703 and 2nd place Antoinette Ray 600. Division A 1st place Delores Brandon 639 and 2ed place tie Billy Jo Bound and Tabatha Bound 630. Division B 1st place Dolores Weslowski 672, 2ed place Marri Lou Loving 660 and 3ed place Barbara Gorczynski 654. Division C 1st place Janet Bertholf 612 and Division D 1st place Linda Mills 676.
High game scratch was Antoinette Rau with a 226.
At the annual meeting elections were held for the Board of Directors for the year 2009-10. Officers elected included President Roberta Bull, Vice President Shirley Morse, Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Korycki, Sergeant At Arms Dolores Weslowski and Directors Marilyn Quackenbush, Jan Couto, Tabatha Bound, Rose Revella, Mari-Jane Conklin and Mary Ellen Rutledge.
Next years tournament will be held on November 7 at Kiamesha Lanes.
Women bowlers interested in joining the club can contact Barbara Korycki at 845-651-4834 or e-mail her at bakbowler@hotmail.com

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week I would like to let you know about the RG (which stands for radius of gyration and core torque) in bowling balls.
First to help you understand the RG, a modern weight block in a professional bowling ball is composed of several parts of different densities.
Each of these densities has two characteristics. It is a certain volume and it occupies a certain location. When fused together, all of the different densities (all the weight in the ball) act as if they are a single unit of a single density that is rotating at a single distance from the center of the ball.
This is all the RG is. It is a measurement that tells you how far from the center of the ball the weight acts like it is rotating.
As far as core torque, is is a phase we use in the industry to measure the "flip" in the ball. The higher the number, the harder the ball will turn the corner. As with anything else, it is a guide for estimating potential. How flippy a ball really will be is determined by the shape of the core, the bowlers style, the surface of the ball and the lane condition it is thrown on.
A tall skinny core will generally flip harder than a short fat core. Even with all of this, it is important that there is no substitute for a good shot.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is a Sales Advisor and Special Events Coordinator with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowing Ball Company. 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

Mike DeVaney defeated Jason Belmonte, 189-170, to win the PBA's Scorpion Championship. The event was aired last Sunday afternoon on ESPN but was taped September 6 at Thunderbowl Lanes, Allen Park, Mich.
In the Women's Scorpion Championship Shannon Pluhowsky defeated Liz Johnson, 192, 177.
This Sunday the PBA Shark Championship will air on ESPN at 1 p.m. This event was also taped on September 6.

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league included a 206 by Gil Suarez, Paul Durland 247, 602, Jaryl Scott 203, 206, 207, 616, Vinnie Collura 224, 280, 278, 782, Donald Durland 229, 225, 637, Frank Gerow Jr. 229, James VanAken 231, 210, 609, Josh Strang 207, 222, 223, 652, Tom Belgiovene 208, John Hoffmann 213, 210, 202, 625, John Fischer 212, Nate Sanders 220, 215, 606, William Bartley 207, 224, 620, Dave Graham 286, 225, 679, Serafin Rodriguez 213, 247, 651, Jo Jo Van Keuren 230, 608, Peter Mitro 210, 201, Frank Martinez 210, Frank Scuderi 207, Eddie Lake 228, 246, 630, Rick Lake 207, Lloyd Bridges 203, Niifa Laresko 266, 234, 695, James Frost 226, 232, 629, Jack Moylan 207, 268, 243, 718, Robert Sze 214, James Ratner 235, Kort Wheeler 256, 213, 663, Allan Jones 201, 224, 614, Daniel Curry 200, Paul Curry 213, 235, 636, Arthur Stevens 221, 204, 615, Steven Rivera 233, 225, 233, 691 and TimothyTotten 249, 234, 662.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Carena Collura 190, 507, Carol MacAdam 202, 202, 563, Andrea Grossman 195, 510, Todd Telesky 213, Robert Yakin Jr. 206, Crystal Price 184, 200, 546, Jason Jones 216, 230, 616, John Lopez 204, 214, 603, Tom Cooney 222, Debbie Durland 213, 204, 236, 653, Map Press 223, 209, 623, Jon Wilhelm 200, 225, 258, 683, John Cascone 220, Cecil Walters 212, Laresko Niifa 201, Mary Lee Williams 199, 190, 567, Joan Lake 511, Dorian Jennings 191, 527, Jack Rustic 247, George Kelley 212, Jim Gerrard 237, John Murran Sr. 202, Shane Cunningham 222, Kevin Stackhouse 226, 213, 634, Roberta Yakin 522, John Hoffmann 259, 250, 209, 718, Chet Smith 266, Kris Gwiozdowski 222, 206, 610 and Linda Schaefer 210, 544.
In the Wednesday Men's league George VanAken Jr. 209, Daniel VanAken 234, Kenny Atkins 225, 203, Kenneth Hopkins Jr. 210, 209, 615, Kevin Stackhouse 223, 215, 625, Tim Hussner 206, 201, Juan Lopez 207, 217, 600, John Lopez 210, 212, William Danchak 244, George Battle Jr. 214, 248, 246, 708, Frank Muller Jr. 214, 227, 201, 642, Allan Jones 215, 208, 225, 648, Larry Berens 237, 207, 213, 657, Dean Shattuck 218, 236, 651, Paul Durland 216, Art Eggleton 210, Josh Strang 202, 246, 206, 654, Tom Belgiovene 214, 215, 608, John Hoffmann 222, 234, 223, 679, Tony Mentnech 232, Rick Lara 207, Tim McIntyre 204, 212, 604, Michael Travis 221, Shawn Lyons 223, Wayne Atkins 234, 215, 619, Eddie Lake 201, 212, Gregory Fallon 222, 233, 634, Jon Wilhelm 230, 201, 613, Richard Bradford 231, 237, 239, 707 and Donald Durland 244, 618.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division George VanAken 94, Renee Schreiber 87 and Jenna Hendrickson 72. In the Preps division Nathaniel Edwards 120, Stacey Reuss 94, 85, 78 and Parth Patel 138, 135. In the Jr/Mjrs division Robert Comfort 135, Bryden Fraser 136, Jason Moss 179, James Durland 247, 227, Pedro Agapito III a 202, Michael Scuderi 181, Nick Price 201, 222, Steven Sinistorie 170, Shawn Sinistorie 188 and Eddie Walsh 163.

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies league include a 202 by Wendy Adams, Lori Kimmes 201, 501, Jody Schanil 190, Wendy Finn 189, 502, Jackie Gieger 188, 160, 561, Janet Bertholf 174 and Jodi Gulley 173.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Bonnie Hubert 171, Debbie Loughrey 197 and Lillian Zieres 180, 170, 507.
In the Wednesday Men's league John Diehl 213, Ed LeRoy 201, Mike Sorge 226, Tim Sykes 221, Mike Beseth 202 and John Kline 201.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Early Birds Ladies league include a 181, 202, 199, 582 by Sally Ballard, Hope Jones 187, 199, 527 and Jennifer Raymond 509.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Tom Anderson 276, 654, Mike Bowker 221, Al Bullis Sr. 202, 244, 625, Andrew Bullis 216, 213, 203, 632, Cody Conway 254, 223, 201, 678, Frank Couse Sr. 218, Frank Couse Jr. 206, 218, 222, 646, Carl Davis 225, 201, 606, Jim Dibble 214, 246, 650, Brian Drumm 209, Chuck Dunlap 200, Anthony Gately 201, 222, Art Gately 200, 210, 607, Craig Gehrig 202, Bill Gleim 267, 235, 696, Dylan Green 201, 205, Jeremy Gulley 211, Mark Hawley 220, 210, 609, Jack Hazen 202, 213, 608, Paul Ignatovich 214, 256, 661, Steve Jacoby 212, Rob Johnson 224, 236, 652, Pat Kille 247, 258, 699, Jerry Kulakosky 253, 244, 237, 734, Dick Layton 206, Donnie Marino 229, 227, 209, 665, Robert McNaught 213, Josh Milucky 224, Neil Mosher 235, 605, Scott Ostrander 200, 221, Mitch Persbacker 201, Nick Price 257, 300, 748, Sam Rowe 224, 232, 238, 694, Paul Siegler 223, 266, 219, 708, Brian Tiffany 245, Jonathon Wayne 202, 258, 209, 669, Zuke Wormuth 206, 243, 624, Ken Wormuth 237, 606, Jay Wormuth 213 and Tony Wright 236, 219, 637.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Andy Bullis 204, 208, 225, 637, Frank Couse Sr. 213, 213, 202, 628, Anne Couse 207, 553, Howey Couse 255, 209, 646, Carl Davis 244, 627, Crystal Ellis 188, 507, Elizabeth Gleim 193, Mike Horton 205, Julie Martin 198, 515, Dana McGraw 182, 509, Mark McGraw 220, 214, 608, Jen Smith 191, Cecil Spencer 211, 210, Skip Wilson 205, Sandy Winans 189 and Dan Wormuth 215, 221, 226, 662.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Ray Cornwell 218, 266, 248, 732, Marty Haeussler 245, 221, 244, 710, John Hoffmann 207, 257, 206, 670, Rodney "Taylor" Jester 199,, Matt Johnson 210, 236, 214, 660, Don Marino 258, 244, 248, 750, Savanna Mills (youth bowler) 126, Fred Shakelton 216, 246, 243, 705, Ed Townsend 201 and Shirley Townsend 195, 522.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177, via e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com, and by fax at 845-230-8674. For a more expanded version of the bowling column, please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com/