Bowling Highlights Column 2-26-10

Hoffmann Aces 3ed 300 This Season

Sixty-eight year-old Monticello bowler John Hoffmann can best be linked to the theory........"good wine gets better with age".... as he recorded his third 300 game this 2009-2010 league season and his 27th career 300 on February 15 in the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
He used the Roto Grip Quest bowling ball on lanes 15 and 16 to record the February 15 300 game in his first game of the night and added a 210 for a 703 series.
His most recent perfect game was bowled on January 18 in the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
The "Little Lefty" as he is referred to by members of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) recorded his first 300 for this bowling season on November 11, 2009 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Hoffmann recorded three 300 games in 2009 on March 17, March 30 and November 11 and prior to the November perfect game had been battling the dreaded left hander 7 pin stigma which always ends a perfect game on a solid pocket hit.
His present Monday league average is 226.
One week prior to his January 18th 300 game Hoffmann had been on a pretty good scoring binge as he bowled a 277, 269, 233, 779, in the January 11 Monday league, a 245, 227, 269, 741 in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league and a 249, 246, 247, 742 in the Wednesday Men's league for a total one week nine-game average of 251.33.
Hoffmann recorded his first 300 game on July 23, 1991 in the Essex County New Jersey Association in the 420 DBLS. SMT league at Eagle Rock Lanes.
Hoffmann is a well-known technical bowler and when Mike Luongo, now a Sales Advisor and Special Events Coordinator for the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company, drilled out the Roto Grip ball for Hoffmann, Luongo noted to this columnist that "John has a real nice game."
John won the high average bowler honors with a 229 in the Tri-County NY USBC Association for the 2006-07 season. He bowled professionally from 1990 to 1993 in the Northeast Regional Professional Bowlers Association where he got his "Little Lefty" nickname from PBA Tour Bowler Tommy Delutz Jr.
Hoffmann was also the 2007 Tri-County NY USBC Champion and is also a New Jersey State Senior Champion.
USBC and former ABC records have Hoffmann with eight 12-strikes in a row games, one 298, two 299 games and nine 800 plus series.
Four years ago he became a certified USBC coach and is considered an excellent teacher of the game.
Hoffmann has been bowling for some 53 years, is single and retired and lives in the South Woods Road area of the Town of Thompson.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week's tip is for any bowler who ends up out of balance at the foul line when delivering a bowling ball. If you find yourself unable to finish your delivery in a strong balanced position, it may be a result of your follow through. Is is very important that when you follow through on your delivery, you do not reach OUT with your arm, but UP with your follow through.
The reason?
If you reach out, the weight of the ball will pull your upper body forward and may cause you to lose your balance. If you reach up, you can stay planted in a strong, solid position to deliver your bowling ball with accuracy and leverage.
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

Hall of Famers Brian Voss and Diandra Asbaty won the Professional Bowlers Association Bayer Don and Paula Carter Mixed Doubles Championship last Sunday afternoon at the Brunswick Zone Wheat Ridge at Wheat Ridge, Colo. by defeating Jason Belmonte and Michelle Feldman, in the Baker format match, 234-212.
The 67th Lumber Liquidators U.S. Open championship finals will air Sunday, Feb. 28, at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

March 27-May 2, 58th Annual Hancock, NY Fox Bowling Center Handicap Tournament. Please call Bill Gleim 607-637-4401.
March 27-28, Three person Handicap No-Tap Team Tournament, Walton Lanes, Walton, NY. Please call Scott Moore 607-746-7885.

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 227, 627 by Gil Sluarez, Dan Ricco 280, 653, Paul Durland 602, Jaryl Scott 247, Vinnie Collura 635, Donald Durland 245, 245, 700, James VanAken 243, 631, Tom Belgiovene 636, John Hoffmann 248, 631, John Fischer 228, 622, Nate Sanders 228, 606, Serafin Rodriguez Jr. 236, 668, Jo Jo VanKeuren 243, Al Caycho 236, 653, Jon Wilhelm 247, 258, 716, Eddie Lake 229, 226, 668, Rick Lake 258, 645, Lloyd Bridges 233, Niifa Laresko 614, Gregory Fallon 258, 642, Matt Fallon 226, Corey VanKeuren 235, Keith Smith 233, Robert Sze 609, James Ratner 226, 645, Kort Wheeler 255, 652, Allan Jones 642, Daniel VanAken 235, Paul Curry 615, Arthur Stevens 225, Steven Rivera 243, Timothy Totten 227, 647.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Allene Washington 185, Vinnie Collura 238, Andrea Grossman 189, 503, Russ Keesler 225, 604, Allen Jones 226, 645, Debbie Durland 195, 183, 199. 577. Mal Press 613, Jon Wilhelm 602, John Cascone 243, 614, Cecil Walters 601, Mary Lee Williams 183, 193, 537, Joan Lake 505, Dorian Jennings 225, 548, Jack Rustic 247, 679, Shane Cunningham 232, Kevin Stackhouse 605, Roberta Yakin 199, 522, John Hoffmann 235, 653, Eddie Lake 246, 670, Barbara Yeomans 199, 501.
In the Wednesday Men's league Daniel VanAken 226, Kenny Atkins 227, 641, Kevin Stackhouse 237, 653, Mike Weiner 226, 600, John Lopez 234, 652, William Danchak 240, Frank DiConstanzo 601, George Battle Jr. 246, 226, 226, 698, Allan Jones 226, 228, 655, Dale Sonnenschein 237, 233, 668, Josh Strang 238, 252, 664, Tom Belgiovene 246, 246, 644, John Hoffmann 236, 652, Jody Farquhar 239, 225, 638, Tim McIntyre 618, Wayne Atkins 237, 620, Eddie Lake 242, 235, 685, Gregory Fallon 225, 609, Matt Fallon 225, 632, Jon Wilhelm 268, 245, 725, Donald Durland 268, 647.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division, Jenna Merton 64, Tommy Merton 92, Amelia Edwards 79, George VanAken 77, Kyle 86, Jenna Hendricks 97. In the Preps division, Ben Drillings a 91 triplicate, Sierra Barbianti 107, 93, 76, Anthony Pagani 100, 104, Cody Burns 116, 101, Menkenzie S. 81, Michael Hope 116, 132, Rachael Drillings 77, 63, 79, Jonathan Wilhelm 109, 127, 122, Mikayla DeGraw 119, 119, Sarah Rustic 104, Stacey Reuss 100, 76, 96. In the Jr./Mjrs. division Matthew Brown 124, 129, Jared Friedman 221, 151, 161, Kristy Gessman 121, 161, John Barbanti 113, Shivani Patel 156, 179, Michael Scuderi 190, Pedro Agapito III a 279, 217, 221, 717, James Durland 194, Cory Ciliberto 119, 131, Jason Moss 193, Amber Bock 112, 116.

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies league include a 184, 487 by Linda Millis, Rebecca Rhodes 180, 469, Ruth Brustman 180.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Men's Independent league include a 228 by Frank Couse Sr., Frank Couse Jr. 633, Jim Dibble 235, 634, Brandon Drumm 227, Brian Drumm 236, Norm Ellis 244, Anthony Gately 226, Art Gately 233, Craig Gehrig 612, Bill Gleim 226, 629, John Gurnick 232, Mark Hawley 228, 612, Jack Hazen 246, 247, 684, Paul Ignatovich 225, 633, a real nice 801 series by Pat Kille off single games of 279, 245, 277, Ryan Kille 241, Jerry Kulakosky 256, 637, Dick Layton 618, Donnie Marino 229, 608, Neil Mosher 247, 651, Cory Newman 231, 660, Mitch Persbacker 245, Dick Price 237, Charlie Reichenbaugh 246, Josh Rice 246, 613, Sam Rowe 608, Zuke Wormuth 630, Ken Wormuth 239, 647, Tony Wright 228, 642.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Al Bullis 225, 248, 695, Andy Bullis 247, 672, Ray Cornwell 227, 613, Howard Couse Sr. 225, 605, Jeff Curtis 232, 666, Carl Davis 613, Norm Ellis Jr. 225, 607, Paul Fritz 232, 611, Bill Gleim 634, Paul Ignatovich 613, Matt Johnson 229, 649, Robert Johnson 257, 257, 700, Gino Jones 225, 603, Greg Keesler 247, 255, 704, John Lanner 246, 651, Rick Mills 225, 609, Harold Morgan 252, 665, Neil Mosher 226, 258, 676, Skip Wilson 255, 226, 697, Dan Wormuth 245, 639.
In the Friday Couples Mixed Doubles league Andy Bullis 260, 233, 711, Howard Couse Sr. 230, 266, 708, Anne Couse 185, Howey Couse 279, 701, Crystal Ellis 187, 522, Norman E. Ellis 226, 609, Gino Jones 247, 617, Hope Jones 191, Dana McGraw 188, 525, Mark McGraw 267, 670, Randy Mower 616, Jonney Stanton 234, Sandy Winans 210, 200, 213, 623, Dan Wormuth 268, 654, Jay Wormuth 259, 226, 698, Michelle Wormuth 181.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Marty Haeussler 228, 612, Matt Johnson 254, 646, Don Marino 248, 233, 693, Dave Mills 235, 232, 690.

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 hve league and tournament scores and information, Ed is available by phone at 845-439-8177, vie e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com, 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/

Tournament Schedule

February 28, Tri-County USBC Association Adult Mixed Championship (team event only) 1 p.m. Hoe Bowl Lanes, Walden. Contact Michele Bensley 239-0163.
March 2, Annual Monticello Elks Scratch Doubles Tournament, 2 p.m. Kiamesha Lanes, contact Dean Shattuck 794-1172.
March 6-7 & March 13-14, Tri-County USBC Association Women's Championship and Men's Open Championship, Hoel Bowl Lanes, Walden, contact Michele Bensley 239-0163.
March 18, Bowling For Hospice fundraiser, noon, Chester Colonial Lanes, contact Briger Security Guard Services 782-3352.
March 13-14, Bowl For Breath Best Ball Doubles, 1 and 7 p.m., Fox Bowling Center Hancock, contact Bill Gleim 607-637-4401.
April 9-May 16, 74th Annual NYS USBC WBA Women's Championship Tournament. Syracuse, NY, contact Nancy Walczyk 716-662-0018.
April 10-May 16, 86th Annual New York State (USBC) Open Championships, Niagara Falls, NY, contact Paul Kupelian, 315-623-7100.
April 10-May 16, 63ed Annual NYS Elks Bowling Tournament, Rochester, NY, contact lodge 585-334-1900.
April 17-May 16, 29th Annual No Tap Tournament, South Side Bowl, Scranton, Pa. contact South Side Bowl 570-961-5213.
April 17-May 2, Idle Hour Lanes 59th Annual Bowling Tournament, Scranton, Pa, contact Idle Hour 570-489-7526.

LEGENDARY PROFESSIONAL GOLFER
ANNIKA SORENSTAM ADDS A CHARDONNAY
TO HER NAMESAKE WINE PORTFOLIO

ANNIKA Vineyards, a joint venture between Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam and family owned Wente Vineyards, is proud to introduce its newest entry, a 2008 Chardonnay, which will be available for purchase through its Web site in the spring of 2010. With the addition of this vintage, the ANNIKA Vineyards portfolio is comprised of two ultra-premium, boutique wines that speak to Annika’s personal passion and wine style.
“This full-bodied Chardonnay has a great balance with apricot, peach, and tangerine interlaced throughout that lead to graham, vanilla, and ground spice flavors on the finish,” says Winemaker Karl Wente. “With a perfectly weighted mouth feel, balanced by a refreshing acidity to cleanse the palate, this wine is both complex and crisp. The Chardonnay was barrel fermented in a combination of French, American, Eastern European, and neutral oak and was aged for 10 months.”
Sorenstam, working closely with Winemaker Karl Wente, selected Chardonnay that comes from two vineyards in the Livermore Valley that harvest Clone 4 Chardonnay (Wente Clone) and the Old Wente Clone, which is a predecessor to the Wente clone. These vineyards were selected for the ANNIKA Chardonnay solely for their exceptional fruit and production consistency.
“I really enjoy the wine making experience and learning from Karl. During the final blending process we did in Lake Tahoe, we tasted through a number of components and this is the one I could picture myself enjoying with family, friends, and business associates.”
About Annika
Annika is the greatest female golfer of our generation and often regarded as the best of all-time. During her 15-year Hall of Fame career, she rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and changed the way women’s golf was played, viewed, and covered. She amassed 89 worldwide professional victories, including 72 LPGA wins, ten of which are Major Championships. Annika stepped away from professional golf after the 2008 season to focus on her family and the ANNIKA brand of businesses, including the ANNIKA Academy, ANNIKA Financial Group, ANNIKA Course Design, the ANNIKA Collection of apparel with Cutter & Buck, signature high-end wines with Wente Vineyards, a fragrance with SA Fragrances, and an online retail shop, shopannika.com. In 2007, Annika created the ANNIKA Foundation as a way to teach children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offer aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams. In 2008, Annika joined Arnold Palmer as only the second Ambassador of the United States Golf Association, and in 2009, along with Jack Nicklaus, she was named a Global Ambassador by the International Golf Federation and aided in the successful bid for golf in the 2016 Olympic Games. More information can be found at www.annikasorenstam.com.
About Wente Vineyards
The country's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery, Wente Vineyards is led today by the fourth- and fifth-generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of wines. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine-country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining, and championship golf.

Suggested Retail Price - $40.00/750ml Bottle
Nationally Released - Spring 2010
250 cases produced

To purchase, please visit www.annikavineyards.com.

PBA NEWS

So you are aware, non-bowling media coverage of the Tom Smallwood rags-to-riches and Kelly Kulick gender-barrier-smashing stories continue. If you miss these stories - and more - you can always check the links of pba.com for the latest good news for bowling and the Professional Bowlers Association:

* Last Sunday's Parade magazine, distributed to millions of American newspaper readers, included a great full-page feature story on Smallwood by award-winning writer Mitch Albom.

* The March 8 issue of ESPN the Magazine features a terrific column by Rick Reilly, lambasting the sports world for under-stating Kelly Kulick's historic victory in the PBA Tournament of Champios.

* Coming soon: CBS Evening News with Katie Couric is putting the finishing touches on a Smallwood feature. Watch for it (we haven't been advised of an air date).

* Coming soon: Sports Illustrated is doing a feature on Smallwood. No publication date has been provided.

DUKE AGAIN LEADS US BOWLER

ALL-AMERICA CLASS

For the ninth time in his legendary career, United States Bowling Congress and Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer Norm Duke of Clermont, Fla., has earned a place on the US Bowler All-America team.Duke won three titles on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour in 2009 and was the leading vote-getter for the second consecutive year. Voters for the All-America teams used statistics from calendar year 2009 to make their decisions.After starting the year with a victory in the Don and Paula Carter Mixed Doubles Championship with Liz Johnson, Duke went on to win the Denny's Dick Weber Open and the PBA Cheetah Championship. He also finished second at the U.S. Open and ended 2009 with $174,285 in earnings.Joining Duke on the men's All-America team are four players who all won two PBA Tour titles in 2009: Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, Wes Malott of Argyle, Texas, Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas, and Patrick Allen of Wesley Chapel, Fla. For Barnes, it is the 10th time he has received the honor.US Bowler, the official membership publication of the USBC, also recognizes five women and five senior All-Americans. Like Duke, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard of Keller, Texas, led the women's voting for the second consecutive year, earning a record 12th spot on the All-America team.Dorin-Ballard won the PBA Women's Series Showdown, helped Team USA to the team gold medal at the Pan American Bowling Confederation Championships and also helped her team win the USBC Women's Championships Classic Team title.The USBC Hall of Famer also had two second-place finishes in the PBA Women's Series and earned more than $70,000.Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., finished just behind Dorin-Ballard in the voting to become an All-American for the 10th time. Rounding out the women's team is Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., Shannon Pluhowsky of Phoenix and Tammy Boomershine of North Ogden, Utah.For the seniors, Ron Mohr of Eagle River, Alaska, was the leading vote-getter after winning three titles in 2009. Mohr won the Jackson Open, the Dayton Classic and the Senior Dick Weber Open as he earned more than $41,000.Joining Mohr on the senior All-America team is Wayne Webb of Sacramento, Calif., Mark Williams of Beaumont, Texas, Dale Traber of Cedarburg, Wis., and Tom Baker of King, N.C.The US Bowler All-America teams are selected in voting by a national panel of bowling journalists, USBC Hall of Famers and USBC association leaders. Each All-American will be presented with a customized plaque.United States Bowling CongressThe 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.

TRI-VALLEY SOPHOMORE
HEADING TO NATIONAL PAGEANT

Sixteen year-old Tri-Valley Central School sophomore Ariana Kaminski will compete with 50 other high school girls for the title of Miss High School America 2010 March
3-6 at Branson, Missouri.
Ariana, who now holds the title Miss New York High 2010, has been competing in pageants since she was 9 years old.
She started out with the Sullivan County Pageant and won Miss Sullivan County Pre-Teen 2004 and went on to win the Miss Sullivan County Teenager title in 2008.
In 2008 her reign as Miss Sullivan County Teenager was shortened due to her winning the Miss Teen New York International 2009 pageant.
Miss Kaminski then went on to compete for the title of Miss Teen International in Skokie, Illinois.
The daughter of Jamie and Monica Kaminski, Ariana is a member of the Tri-Valley Varsity Cheerleading squad, historian of Senior Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter, a member of the high honor roll each quarter since the 5th grade, an Art Club member, a set designer with the Stage Crew, a flutist in the Senior High School band, an Agricultural floral planner with FFA, a Children's church worker, a volunteer at St. Paul's Soup Kitchen, a public speaker on platform " Appreciating Diversity", a summer camp counselor and a participant in Hip Hop dance.
Ariana will be among 51 outstanding high school girls from across the United States when she travels to Branson to compete for the title of Miss High School America at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater.
These 51 beautiful young women will be representing their high schools and state as they compete in three phases of competition. They will all have a five minute interview with the judges and compete onstage in both the Fashion and Evening Gown portion of the competition.
The new 2010 Miss High School America will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship, a photo shoot with designer Tony Bowls, a photo shoot with the leading prom and pageant manufacturer Jaszy Couture along side a prize package totaling over $20,000.
The top 5 contestants will be chosen to be the lead fashion models for the 2011 Cool Book whose publications are distributed to every junior and senior girl in high school.
Over a million people will see the face of the top 5 contestants of the Miss High School America Pageant.
During their stay in Branson, Ariana along with all the delegates will attend an array of activities that will make their week more than a pageant. One of the week's highlights will see the contestants as special guests at Legends In Concert, said to be the best show in Branson.
The Miss High School America production will also include some of the best entertainment that Branson has to offer.
Miss Kaminski is also in a contest where the girl with the most votes can win a bracelet that she will design from a sponsor and everyone can help Ariana out by voting as many times as you like, everyday from now until March 6. Voting is free and the link to vote for her as Miss New York High is http://beautyandthebling.com/miss_high_school_america Just hit vote and refresh.
Sullivan County wishes Ariana the best.

Here & There Column 2-23-10

Sports Transportation & School Budgets

School officials county and statewide are anticipating cuts in State Education Aid levels as New York struggles to close its well publicized budget deficit.
The present dismal economic news will most likely bring many changes and the 2010-2011 school budgets will present unprecedented financial challenges.
In addition to facing double-digit tax hikes and layoffs school districts might even go as far as cutting extracurricular activities like Modified and JV sports.
Many taxpayers I have talked with on this subject indicate that changes have to be made in how education is paid for and that points to a topic that says education can no longer be paid for with property taxes.
Yes, us New Yorkers have the distinct honor of having the highest tax burden in the country and many are saying that the taxpayer can't take it anymore.
What ever happened to the state lottery money that was designated to go to education? Proponents of the lottery funding gave us all kinds of indications that the funding of education would no longer be a problem........all of us question where that lottery money is going and why is education now facing a crisis?
An interesting topic of discussion took place with a coordinator of school transportation recently who agreed with me that costs for school sports transportation should be modified and changed and school sports leagues need to consider realignment (at least for the immediate future) to save on the high cost of transporting teams to league games.
If you travel to school sports activities, like my wife and I do on a weekly and monthly basis, it's almost ridiculous to see the number of school buses it takes to transport a JV team, the Varsity team and cheerleaders to away sporting activities......and most of the time these buses travel back to their respective school districts with only several students on them because many are signed out by parents who have their students travel back home in the family car.
The coordinator of school transportation we have talked with agreed there should be more consolidation of buses on these trips where in many cases one bus could serve the needs for transporting teams to their away games.
Realignment of teams could very well also take place and save huge transportation costs within the borders of Sullivan County which could include an A and B division for Roscoe, Livingston Manor, Tri-Valley, Sullivan West, Eldred, Liberty, Fallsburg and Monticello....many of these schools presently play each other in modified sports.....take it to the next level at least until the economy improves and brilliant minds find alternative ways to finance education.

Bowling Highlights Column 2-19-10

Mayor Winters Bowls 300 Game

Fifty two- year-old Liberty Village Mayor Richard Winters recorded his first official career 300 game February 14 in the Sunday Night Mixed league at Liberty Lanes.
This left handed power bowler noted that this is his first official 300 and that he recorded a non-league not sanctioned 300 game at the league's organizational meeting pre-season warm-up night in September of last year.
The February 14th 300 game was bowled on lanes 9 and 10 using a Lane One Cherry Bomb bowling ball.
Winters 300 game, with all the strikes in the picket, came in the last game of the 3-game match as he finished the night with a 702 series, after recording nine strikes in a row in his opening 222 game which also had two open frames.
Richard started bowling in 1975 and bowled for about 10 years before giving the sport up for 20 years. He returned to the sport about 4 years ago.
Bowling in just one league a week he presently has a 198 average.
Winters several years ago had an injury to his middle finger and now bowls with his second and fourth fingers in the ball, a modified bowling grip drilled by Liberty Lanes Owner-Manager Bobbie Fix Jr.
Richard bowls in this league with team mates Bob Cady, Barbara Cady and his wife Lynn Winters.
Winters and his wife have two children, Richard Winters Jr. and Chris Winters. In addition to his part-time employment as Mayor of the Village of Liberty he is employed full time by the New York Rural Water Association.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

The bowling tip this week is about Bowling Ball Maintenance for all types of bowling balls used in the modern era ....and the tip points out that we must point out that all balls should be cleaned and maintained after each use.
In this important tip Mike says, "we will start with the plastic balls, used by new and recreational bowlers and also by experienced bowlers to make certain spares. These balls are not porous but due to the high viscosity oils used today, the oil will build up on the balls and eliminate any contact with the lane. You can use any car care product or household cleaner to clean this type of ball very easily."
"Plain urethane balls with no additives are somewhat scarce in today's game, but like plastic balls they are porous and will not absorb oil and dirt. You can use the above products to clean the oil and dirt off the ball. However, if you would like to keep the ball dull, use an abrasive pad."
"Then we have the urethane based ball with additives commonly known as reactive or particle balls. Many different chemicals are used as reactive additives and particles, but, since every company uses chemicals from different suppliers they must be maintained differently."
"High performance balls are very porous and will absorb oil and dirt fast and this will diminish the performance of the ball as soon as thirty games if not maintained. You should towel the ball off after every shot during use and clean the ball as soon as possible at the end of each bowling session."
"There are several ways to clean a high performance ball. If your ball is dull and you would like to keep it that way, you can use warm water, dish detergent and a gray or burgundy pad (3M makes them) or the back of a scrubber sponge. The gray pad will leave the ball surface with a 700 matt finish, burgundy at 500. If you ball does not have a dull surface and you would like to keep the surface the same, you can use dish detergent with a rag (no abrasive) or a generic ball cleaner with made for bowling balls and sold in pro shops. If you find that your ball works best when polished, many products are available in many different degrees of polish to give the desired finish on the ball. Several companies sell products to match the out-of-box finish if desired."
"As far as long range maintenance, if you have your ball resurfaced and the oil extracted occasionally, your ball will perform for a much longer period of time than if neglected."
"Remember, your ball will treat you as well as you treat it and it will continue to perform for many games if properly maintained."
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

Walter Ray Williams Jr. won his second United States Bowling Congress Masters title last Sunday afternoon by defeating top seed Chris Barnes, 290-217, at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev. It's Williams 47th tour victory on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour.
The finals of the Gemini Championship from the Brunswick Zone Wheat Ridge, Wheat Ridge, Colo. takes place Sunday Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. on ESPN.

Tournament Schedule

February 28, Tri-County USBC Association Adult Mixed Championship (team event only) 1 p.m. Hoe Bowl Lanes, Walden. Contact Michele Bensley 239-0163.
March 2, Annual Monticello Elks Scratch Doubles Tournament, 2 p.m. Kiamesha Lanes, contact Dean Shattuck 794-1172.
March 6-7 & March 13-14, Tri-County USBC Association Women's Championship and Men's Open Championship, Hoel Bowl Lanes, Walden, contact Michele Bensley 239-0163.
March 18, Bowling For Hospice fundraiser, noon, Chester Colonial Lanes, contact Briger Security Guard Services 782-3352.
March 13-14, Bowl For Breath Best Ball Doubles, 1 and 7 p.m., Fox Bowling Center Hancock, contact Bill Gleim 607-637-4401.
April 9-May 16, 74th Annual NYS USBC WBA Women's Championship Tournament. Syracuse, NY, contact Nancy Walczyk 716-662-0018.
April 10-May 16, 86th Annual New York State (USBC) Open Championships, Niagara Falls, NY, contact Paul Kupelian, 315-623-7100.
April 10-May 16, 63ed Annual NYS Elks Bowling Tournament, Rochester, NY, contact lodge 585-334-1900.
April 17-May 16, 29th Annual No Tap Tournament, South Side Bowl, Scranton, Pa. contact South Side Bowl 570-961-5213.
April 17-May 2, Idle Hour Lanes 59th Annual Bowling Tournament, Scranton, Pa, contact Idle Hour 570-489-7526.

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league includes a 243 by Gil Suarez, Dan Ricco 619, Mike Weiner 230, 616, Jaryl Scott 618, Vinnie Collura 289, 640, Donald Durland 632, James VanAken 255, 637, Josh Strang 247, 612, Tom Belgiovene 225, John Hoffmann 247, 268, 710, Nate Sanders 258, 659, David Graham 627, Al Caycho 247, 631, Jon Wilhelm 244, Eddie Lake 247, 268, 235, 750, Rick Lake 233, Lloyd Bridges 245, Jack Moylan 257, 247, 688, Robert Sze 266, 662, Kort Wheeler 263, 700, William Helms 234, Timothy Totten 257, 279, 735, Mal Press 248, Kevin Stackhouse 227, 237, 258, 722.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Cara Nicholson 192, 526, Carena Collura 193, 510, Carol MacAdam 196, 203, 200, 599, Vinnie Collura 225, 614, Lisa Cartwright 207, 190, 568, Andrea Grossman 182, 510, Neil Bell Jr. 243, 625, Connie Press 183, 516, Jason Jones 229, 619, Allan Jones 235, 246, 666, Tom Cooney 233, 252, 681, Debbie Durland 233, 204, 225, 662, Mal Press 602, Jon Wilhelm 233, 227, 245, 705, Mary Lee Williams 217, 528, Joan Lake 193, 532, Dorian Jennings 209, 558, Kevin Stackhouse 625, Roberta Yakin 191, 531, John Hoffmann 234, 646, Kris Gwiozdowski 267, 703, Linda Schaefer 180, 191, 219, 590, Donna DuBois 180.
In the Wednesday Men's league George VanAken Jr. 231, 610, Daniel VanAken 227, 634, Kenny Atkins 227, Kenneth Hopkins Jr. 618, Kevin Stackhouse 225, Al Caycho 237, 645, Mike Weiner 226, 243, 638, Juan Lopez 235, John Lopez 650, William Danchak 244, George Battle Jr. 662, Larry Berens 226, 606, Allan Jones 258, 623, Dale Sonnenschein 225, Paul Durland 227, Josh Strang 241, 603, John Hoffmann 278, 682, Jody Farquhar 617, Rick Lara 235, 637, Tim McIntyre 246, 658, Frank Emmens 226, 242, 652, Michael Travis 255, Shawn Lyons 236, Eddie Lake 237, 642, Gregory Fallon 238, 636, Jon Wilhelm 231, 224, 636, Richard Bradford 226, Doanld Durland 244, 236, 683.
In the Thursday Ladies league Fran Kaiser 199, 184, 509, Clorisa Hopkins 212, 553, Joan Lake 189, 185, 520, Debbie Durland 233, 248, 653, Mary Lee Williams 182, 179, 527, Mardette Wilcox 212, 527, Debbie Castillo 181, Kathy Shapiro 187, Pat Shuart 173, 200, 517, Connie Mckenley 181, 518, Barbara Durbak 197, 529.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division Jenna Merton 89, Tommy Merton 104, Gabriel Goldsmith 68, Amelia Edwards 83, George VanAken 93, K. Tremper 69, Kaylen Blackford 63, Jenna Hendricks 78, Renee Schreiber 53. In the Preps division Mikavla DeGraw 119, Sarah Rustic 106, Stacey Reuss 116, 120, 82, Rup Patel 125, 154, 158, Ben Drillings 93, 108, Sierra Barbanti 73, 75, Anthony Pagani 108, 92, Michael Hope 109, Rachel Drillings 82, 71, 68. In the Jr./Mjrs. division Jared Friedman 206, 173, Kristy Gessman 132, 135, John Barbianti 114, Mathew Edwards 130, Shawn Comfort 107, Megan Gerow 157, 177, Kishan Patel 213, Jason Moss 198, Amber Bock 122, Shivani Patel 170, 174, 142, Michael Scuderi 183, James Durland 256, 201, Nick Price 218, 234, Eddie Walsh 232.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Night Out club include a 216, 547 by Hope Jones, Sally Ballard 193, 519.
In the Fox Youth leagues, Junior league Kristy Capel 189, Bantam Boys Ryan Slatcher 140, Bantam Girls Summer Shakelton 140.
In the Thursday Deposit National league Andy Bullis 242, 226, 636, Ray Cornwell 627, Mike Costello 242, 228, 687, Paul Fritz 225, 645, Bill Gifford 224, 622, Bill Gleim 245, 600, John Gurnick 225, 634, Paul Ignatovich 628, Robert Johnson 246, Greg Keesler 226, 245, 630, Tim Smith 236, 619, Jim Valentine 242, 239, 680, Skip Wilson 236.
In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples league Andy Bullis 227, 618, Howard Couse Sr. 246, Frank Couse Sr. 232, 601, Anne Couse 210, 555, Howey Couse 279, 225, 696, Norman E. Ellis 230, 245, 671, Bill Gleim 239, 659, Mike Horton 237, 653, Gino Jones 246, 235, 247, 728, Hope Jones 204, 211, 558, Julie Martin 181, Mark McGraw 232, 606, Rick Mills 607, Tim Smith 230, 236, 683, Doug Tiffany 237, Sandy Winans 228, 525, Dan Wormuth 265, 672.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Erik Burton (youth bowler) 522, Rodney "Taylor" Jester (youth bowler) 231, 542, Matt Johnson 244, 650, Don Marino 607, Jean Mills 187, Dave Mills 233, 234, 635, Rick Mills 243, 632, Savanna Mills (youth bowler) 145, 134, 149, 428, Tyler Shannon (youth bowler) 203, 244, 191, 638, Chris Wadeson (youth bowler) 191, 521, Ken Wormuth 235, 605.

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies league include a 202, 189, 160, 551 for Tracey Puerschner , Jackie Gieger 160, 185, Barbara Cady 162, 178, Lois Erdman 170, 171.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Kelly Gombita 184, 170, 487, Bonnie Hubert 180, Rebecca Rhodes 176, Ginny Connell 175.

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

2009-10 LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR STATISTICAL LEADERS

EARNINGS Events Total
1, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. 12 $120,070.
2, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 12 $95,210.
3, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich. 12 $77,460.
4, Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa. 12 $70,125.
5, Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla. 12 $67,135.
6, Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y. 12 $62,450.
7, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas 12 $61,320.
8, Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas 12 $54,720.
9, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y. 12 $50,680.
10, Mike DeVaney, San Diego 12 $50,370.

AVERAGES Games Average
1, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. 372 223.56.
2, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 332 221.42.
3, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas 333 220.86.
4, Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y. 240 220.48.
5, Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y. 322 219.87.
6, Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C. 337 219.06.
7, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo. 323 219.00.
8, Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas 278 218.64.
9, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y. 274 218.51.
10, Sean Rash, Wichita, Kan. 311 218.25.

PBA PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS CRA Points
1, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. 4 50
2, Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa. 4 32
Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 2 32
4, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich. 2 28
5, Kelly Kulick, Union, N.J. 1 24
Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla. 3 24
Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y. 2 24
Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y. 3 24
9, Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas 2 20
10, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla. 1 16
Mike DeVaney, San Diego 1 16
Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y. 1 16
Anthony LaCaze, Melrose Park, Ill. 1 16
(CRA = Championship Round Appearances)

NEW OFFERINGS AND PROCEDURES FOR
USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

The United States Bowling Congress Open Championships has evolved and grown since its inception in 1901, and bowlers will notice a few changes when they arrive at the National Bowling Stadium for the 2010 event, which kicks off Saturday afternoon.Competitors still will enjoy the many traditions that make the tournament so memorable, but they also will be among the first to enjoy the beginning of some new ones. The changes include new Scale Room procedures, the allowance of beverages while competing, special check-in accommodations for team captains with four or more teams, opportunities for team captains registered for both 2010 and 2011 and a fully-automated registration process.Bowlers have traditionally had all of their bowling balls weighed and checked prior to both team and doubles and singles, but the procedure has been adapted. All balls still must be checked prior to bowling team, but only balls not present during team must be checked before doubles and singles competition. All bowlers are still required to report to the squad room with their equipment, however.Once on the lanes, bowlers will be allowed to consume beverages while competing. In the past, water was provided and all other drinks were prohibited, but an increasing demand has prompted the change on a trial basis.Behind the scenes, team captains with four or more teams will be able to enjoy a stress-free check-in experience in the tournament's new VIP check-in area, which is set away from the general check-in counter.In addition, captains are encouraged to register for 2011 so they can begin reaping the benefits of the Eagle's Nest, a special club for dedicated captains. Eagle's Nest members will receive a monthly 'E-Nest' Newsletter - a monthly e-newsletter featuring tournament tips, latest bowling trends and special offers from Reno sponsors, USBC Travel and the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. All Eagle's Nest members also will be eligible to win one of five cars or trucks that will be awarded at the 2011 Open Championships, airfare and lodging for the 2011 event or one of the high-performance Storm bowling balls awarded each day during the 2011 tournament.Captains with four or more teams also will be eligible for free upgrades on lodging in 2011.Any current or potential team captains interested in registering for 2011 now can do so using USBC's fully-automated registration system on USBCopen.com. This option was introduced earlier this month, and the step-by-step process has proven to be simple and quick.Other significant changes in Open Championships history:-1951 (St. Paul, Minn.): The first crowning of Joe Bowler, who is randomly selected to throw out the first ball of the tournament each year.-1954 (Seattle): The debut of the tournament's Center Aisle.-1957 (Fort Worth, Texas): The introduction of the automatic pinsetter to the Open Championships.-1979 (Tampa, Fla.): The introduction of automatic scoring and the original "flip dot" scoreboards.-1998 (Reno): Brackets are offered at the Open Championships for the first time.-2009 (Las Vegas): The unveiling of the world's largest mobile scoreboard, which utilizes the latest 10mm technology and enhanced graphics with 4.4 trillion colors and streaming video capabilities. Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado and Silver Legacy Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other sponsors include: Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor; Kegel, official lane maintenance provider; US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.

PAENG VISITS NEW
INTERNATIONAL BOWLING CAMPUS

One of the sport's most regarded international competitors and coaches, Paeng Nepomuceno, got a first-hand look at the International Bowling Campus on this past week.

Nepomuceno, a six-time world champion from the Philippines, has worked with the United States Bowling Congress Coaching program over the past three years to certify more than 300 coaches around the world. As part of his continuing education, he paid a visit to the new facilities in Arlington, Texas.

"This facility is the most modern in regards to the coaching and all the advances are really mind-boggling," Nepomuceno said after receiving a tour of the International Training and Research Center. "I salute USBC and the whole International Bowling Campus for putting up a complex like this."

Nepomuceno, who is featured prominently in the new International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame with a large display just inside the front entrance, is considered a national sports hero in the Philippines. He was the first athlete to be enshrined in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame after that group five times named him Athlete of the Year. He was also named Filipino Athlete of the Century in 1999.

The left-hander, who was named Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (bowling's world governing body) Bowling Athlete of the Millennium in 1999, has won 118 bowling titles worldwide, including a record four QubicaAMF World Cup championships in three different decades.

Although he still competes on the lanes, Nepomuceno, 53, is committed to certifying coaches through USBC Coaching and has scheduled upcoming certification courses in June in Jakarta, Indonesia, and in July in Hong Kong.

"I believe in USBC's goal to put bowling in the Olympics one day," said Nepomuceno, who teaches Level 1, Bronze and Silver level courses. "By helping train coaches around the world, this is one way I can help."

Nepomuceno is visiting the International Bowling Campus not only to see the new facilities but also to get updates on the USBC Coaching program by taking part in a USBC Silver certification course this weekend.

"It's great to get athletes such as Paeng, with all his history, knowledge and respect, here to visit our facilities," said Neil Stremmel, USBC Vice President of National Governing Body. "He's offering valuable input on the services we are providing here, and I hope he is the first of many international coaches and athletes who visit the International Bowling Campus."

Nearly 30 coaches from the United States, United Kingdom and Mexico will take part in the first coaching certification course at the International Bowling Campus this weekend.

Sr. World Long Drive Champion Dan Boever

Golf Show Set For Feb. 26-28

Dan Boever, the 2008 RE/MAX Sr. World Long Drive Champion will be one of the featured stage events at the 13th Annual New Jersey Golf Show Feb. 26-28 at the Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ
The show is a popular mid-winter break for many New York and Tri-County area golfers and also is a showcase for several area golf facilities.
Boever is a regular on Golf Channel's "Amazing Golf Videos" and is a 14 time Wold Long Drive Finalist--1996 to present.
His longest competitive drive to date is 473 yards and Dan has performed in over 800 power golf shows since 1997.
Boever has also driven a golf ball 336 yards with a putter and has recorded 3 holes in one over 330 yards. Dan was a member of the All-American Baseball team in 1983, graduated from the University of Nebraska and played pro-baseball with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. Dan and others will be appearing the weekend of February 26-28 at this show which is tabbed as a consumer golf exposition, in a three-day "Golf Theme Park" that features a wide array of displays, demonstrations and interactive activities designed to educate and entertain the golf enthusiast.
Upwards of 200 booths with exhibitors from across the country are expected to attend and will offer for sale the latest in golf equipment and accessories as well as golf apparel, artwork, real estate, destination packages and much, much more.
Numerous participatory activities will also be available for golfers of all skill levels. There will be a long-drive championship, the BirdieBall Chipping challenge, a Long-Putt Competition, a $25,000 Closest To The Pin contest and a demo range where you can swing, hit and compare the latest clubs.
The hours for the show are Friday 2-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $10 adults, $9 seniors and free to 12 and under youth.
The show is staged and managed by North Coast Golf Show President Joe Stegh.
Driving directions are available at http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/

Bowling Highlights Column 2-12-10

John Fischer bowls his first career 300 game.

Allan Jones bowls his 5th perfect 300 game.

Jones & Fischer Scores 300's

Forty-three year old Livingston Manor bowler Allan Jones and 44-year-old Damascus, Pa. bowler John Fischer gave the Monday Night Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes the double 300 punch as they both recorded perfect games February 1.
It was just two weeks ago that Monday night bowlers John Hoffmann and Eddie Lake pounded the maples for 300 games.
Jones knows the sport of bowling and that knowledge has rewarded him with his fifth career 300 game.
Allan recorded his fourth 300 game on December 3, 2008 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Jones total for the December 3, 2008 night was 217, 205, 300, 722.
Allan on February 1 rolled the 300 game in the first game and finished with a 682 series on lanes 9 & 10 using a Brunswick Danger Zone bowling ball.
His Monday night team mates on his Stewart-Johnson Racing team include Daniel Curry, Daniel VanAken and Paul Curry.
In addition to his five 300 games Allan has recorded five 800 plus series and has a high 844 series (289, 288, 287) bowled three years ago in the Saturday Mixed league at Kiamesha Lanes.
A student of the game, Jones has been bowling for some 19 years and in recent years has studied ball drilling from Professional Mike Luongo and expects to complete his full certification in the near future. As of March 1 Allan will be the Manager of the Kiamesha Pro Shop at Kiamesha Lanes with 3-8:30 hours Mon.-Fri., Sat. from 10-7 and Sunday 4-7:30. Appointments can also be made with Allan at 439-3349.
Jones averages 214 in the Monday Men's league, 217 in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league, 217 in the Wednesday Men's league, all at Kiamesha Lanes and 201 as a sub in the
Saturday Mixed league at Liberty Lanes.
Allan and his wife Suzi have five children.
John Fischer has been bowling for some 22 years and has in the past several years shown steady development in becoming a 200 plus average competitive bowler which has now given him his 1st career 300 game.
He rolled the 300 on lanes 9 & 10 using a Morich N'Sane Leverage bowling ball and commented that he had one light hit in the sixth frame.
John bowls just one-night a week at the present time due to a hand injury he is recovering from. His present Monday Night Men's league average is 208. His team mates on the Monticello Meat Market team include Nate Sanders, William Bartley and Dave Graham.
Fischer's previous high games included two 290 games bowled on October 1, 2006 and on April 21, 2008. His high series of 792 was also bowled on April 21, 2008.
John is single and is employed by the Kristt Company in Monticello and he also works part time at the Beechwood Bowling Lanes at the Villa Roma.

Opps....Left Out
The Two LL's On
Bill Howell III

Our apology goes out to Middletown bowler Bill Howell III who on Jan. 27 bowled an 809 series in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes. In last week's column we did not spell Bill's last name correctly and inadvertantly left out the two LL's on Bill's last name.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowers: This week's tip is a reminder that although there are so many aggressive, high performance ball available, the main component of the sport is having a sharp game and becoming a good shot maker.
Lane conditions have become very soft and that combination with today's bowling balls has led to high scoring conditions making the majority of today's bowlers very complacent about working on their physical game. However, the sport of bowling is making a comeback as can be seen in some of the newer Sport Bowling Leagues so knowing how to adjust to varying lane conditions and understanding how to use today's bowling balls is only part of the equation.
For those bowlers who want to maximize their potential in this sport, I cannot stress enough the importance of finding a qualified and certified bowling instructor. Even more preferable, you should work with an instructor who uses video technology to completely analyze your game.
For example, we use the Brunswick Pro Trainer system which gives us the ability to replay a student's shots in slow motion, show them what adjustments need to be made and compare then to the highest caliber bowlers in the world...best of all....the student is able to take a video home to study and watch at their convenience.
The knowledge you gain from a Certified Instructor is knowledge that will be useful to you and will stay with you throughout your bowling life.
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 also 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 Men's league include a 255, 678 by Mike Weiner, Jaryl Scott 244, 656, Vinnie Collura 225, 625, Donald Durland 257, 662, Josh Strang 244, Tom Belgiovene 226, 615, John Hoffmann 227, 231, 664, John Fischer 257, 234, 256, 747, Nate Sanders 229, 248, 650, Dave Graham 233, 649, Frank Martinez 242, 611, Jon Wilhelm 615, Vincent Scuderi 247, 607, Frank Scuderi 226, 647, Roy Sweeney 236, 630, Eddie Lake 256, 257, 685, Rick Lake 258, 622, Lloyd Bridges 225, James Frost 246, 630, Jack Moylan 243, 649, Kort Wheeler 620, Steven Rivera 611, Ronnie Totten 228, Cory VanKeuren 275, 661.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Vera Bernhardt 196, 503, Ronda McClernon 199, Joann Ruggiaro 198, Lisa Cartwright 181, 517, Andrea Grossman 192, Russ Keesler 237, 662, Stan Gilmore 237, Fran Kaiser 188, 183, 511, Allan Jones 258, 257, 257, 772, Debbie Durland 194, 500, Jon Wilhelm 247, 254, 705, Ed Guthrie 235, 618, John Cascone 278, 640, Cecil Walters 619, Joan Lake 184, 226, 566, Ryan Lepke 230, 650, Jack Rustic 236, 624, Kevin Stackhouse 248, 228, 651, Roberta Yakin 182, 189, 532, John Hoffmann 279, 674, Linda Schaefer 184, Donna DuBbois 183.
In the Wednesday Men's league Daniel VanAken 259, 640, Kenny Atkins 243, 279, 277, 799, Kevin Stackhouse 236, 611, Mike Weiner 258, 652, John Lopez 621, Frank DiConstanzo 235, 602, Larry Berens 247, 244, 257, 748, Allan Jones 236, 636, Dale Sonnenschein 258, 622, Paul Durland 255, 670, Josh Strang 273, 655, John Hoffmann 245, 638, Frank Emmens 227, 619, Jason Jones 232, 635, Vincent Degraw 257, Anthony Atkins 234, Wayne Atkins 226, Eddie Lake 228, 248, 699, Gregory Fallon 227, Matt Fallon 236, 653, Jon Wilhelm 246, 276, 729, Richard Bradford 278, 237, 708.
In the Thursday Ladies league Clorisa Hopkins 201, 189, 521, Debbie Durland 181, 524, Mary Lee Williams 180, Kathy Shapiro 180, Barbara Durbak 182, 181, 233, 596, Mardette Wilcox 185, Rebekha Wilcox 186, Jenelle Wood 189, Pat Shuart 198, 188, 526, Lisa Cartwright 236, 544, Sherri Green 196, Connie McKenley 183, Joan Lake 194, 198, 561, Carol Draudt 181.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division, Kaylen Blackford 49, Erin Brawley 57, Jenna Hendricks 58, Renee Schreiber 68, Amelia Edwards 66, George VanAken 85, Gabriella Goldsmith 69. In the Preps division, Sarah Rustic 117, 106, 115, Stacey Reuss 99, 84, Ben Drillings 109, 125, Anthony Pagani 116, 98, Cody Burns 116, Nathaniel Goldsmith 163, 145, Michael Hope 113, 132, Tayl'r Porter 85, Rachel Drillings 48, 41, 54, Jonathan Wilhelm 116, 143, Nathaniel Edwards 133. In the Jr.Mjrs division Cory Ciliberto 115, Bryden Fraser 139, 117, Matthew Brown 128, Jared Friedman 174, 160, Kristy Gessman 130, 124, Matthew Edwards 134, 127, Shawn Comfort 117, Megan Gerow 167, 166, Shawn Sinistorie 192, Michael Scuderi 243, Pedro Agapito III a 214, 226, 242, 682, James Durland 235.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Mens Independent league nclude a 226 by Tom Anderson, Cody Conway 235, 246, 685, Jim Dibble 252, 237, 694, Brandon Drumm 251, 645, Brian Drumm 235, 609, Norm Ellis 229, Craig Gehrig 278, 233, 681, Bill Gleim 246, 673, Paul Ignatovich 226, Rob Johnson 229, 238, 671, Pat Kille 279, 225, 279, 783, Jerry Kulakosky 242, 640, Dick Layton 225, Donnie Marino 234, 600, Karol Mech 257, Cory Newman 250, 611, Dick Price 231, 625, Tim Smith 230, Brian Tiffany 229, 699, Zuke Wormuth 231, 247, 677, Ken Wormuth 227, Tony Wright 600.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Rob Bolster 266, 631, Craig Conklin 225, Matt Conklin 254, 612, Ray Cornwell 225, Frank Couse Sr. 233, Carl Davis 615, Lenn Davis 625, Norm Ellis Jr. 225, 622, Paul Fritz 226, 225, 641, Bill Gleim 300, 268, 784, Pete Hathaway 265, 672, Paul Ignatovich 257, 646, Robert Johnson 245, 226, 675, Gino Jones 226, Greg Keesler 227, Neil Mosher 235, 226, 663, Jim Valentine 228, 628, Dan Wormuth 228, 628.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Briggsy Briggs 225, Andy Bullis 225, Anne Couse 194, 224, 586, Howey Couse 242, 679, Crystal Ellis 212, 545, Norman E. Ellis 249, 662, Bill Gleim 290, 245, 758, Hope Jones 205, 515, Julie Martin 182, Rick Mills 237, Jen Smith 189, 181, Tim Smith 225, Sandy Winans 189.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Ray Cornwell 234, 631, Matt Johnson 235, 238, 695, Donnie Marino 234, 644, Savanna Mills (youth girls game) 130, Shirley Townsend 189, Ed Townsend 227.

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies league include a 160, 164, 176, 500 by Tracey Puerschner, Lori Kimmes 168, Barbara Cady 162, 162, Wendy Finn 173.

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, vie 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/

BWAA NAMES MOHR, ROMEO
AS SENIOR BOWLERS OF YEAR

Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) President Jackie Wyckoff announced that Ron Mohr, Eagle River, Alaska, and Robin Romeo, Newhall, Calif., have been elected as 2009 BWAA Senior Bowlers of the Year.

Mohr, 53, captured three PBA Senior titles and had the high average for the season with 223.14. He cashed in all 12 PBA Senior events and was second in earnings, $250 behind Wayne Webb, Sacramento, Calif.

Mohr was a runaway winner with 361 votes in the balloting. Webb was runner-up with 187. Also receiving votes were Mark Williams, Beaumont, Texas, (62), Dale Traber, Cedarburg, Wis., (50), and Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp,Mich. (15).

Robin Romeo, 52, easily won the female Senior Bowler of the Year honors with her dazzling performance in the USBC Women’s Championships in Reno. Romeo won All-Events with a near-record 2172 which included an 805 in team event. She also finished 4th in doubles. She was 33rd in the regular USBC Queens and was second in the Golden Ladies, losing in the final match to her former tour roommate, Jeanne Naccarato, Tacoma, Wash.

“I thought it was pretty neat when I found out I was on the ballot,” said Romeo, “and to win is exciting to me. The competition is still strong and to be able to perform after 50 is humbling to me.”

Romeo received a similar number of votes to Mohr as Senior Bowler of the Year with a total of 330. Naccarato garnered 105 votes, followed closely by Dana Miller-Mackie, Albuquerque, N.M., with 101. Also receiving votes were Senior Queens winner Janine Primrose, Gardner, Nev.(42) and Lucy Sandelin, Tampa, Fla. (7).

Candidates for BWAA Senior Bowler of the Year must have passed their 50th birthday by January 1 of the year of competition.

Presentation of awards to Mohr and Romeo will be made at national events in the near future.

Kia Motors America Becomes
Title Sponsor of LPGA Event

The LPGA announces this week that Kia Motors America will be title sponsor for the inaugural Kia Classic Presented by J Golf to take place March 22-28 in San Diego , California at the renowned La Costa Resort and Spa Golf Course. Marking the first LPGA Tour stop on U.S. soil and broadcast nationwide on Golf Channel, the Kia Classic Presented by J Golf will feature the top-20 ranked players and a full field of 144 LPGA professionals showcasing the best golfers in the world competing for a $1.7 million purse.

Kia's foray into professional golf follows its first-ever Super Bowl TV ad last Sunday and on-going status as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA (National Basketball Association).

"After our 15th consecutive year of increased market share in the U.S. and as one of only three automotive makers to see an overall sales increase in 2009, it is imperative we continue raising Kia brand awareness with high-profile strategic partnerships that fit with our core values," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. "The youthful, exciting LPGA talent reflects our brand's and our vehicles characteristics, and the image-conscious Southern California market is an ideal platform to showcase the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, Forte compact sedan and Soul urban passenger vehicle."

"You don't increase market share for 15 consecutive years like Kia Motors has accomplished unless you provide value, satisfy consumer demand, and adopt modern technologies and new designs," said Mike Whan, LPGA Commissioner. "Kia is driven to be the best, and has showcased its brand worldwide. We at the LPGA aspire to the same achievements, and therefore we are thrilled to partner with Kia. We look forward to working with them to showcase the best women golfers in the world."

Anticipation for the Kia Classic Presented by J Golf continues to build as the LPGA 2010 season opens next week with the Honda PTT LPGA Thailand tournament. The Kia Classic Presented by J Golf marks the first time the venerable La Costa Resort and Spa has hosted the LPGA Tour. Tickets are available at www.lpgalacosta.com, or by calling 1-888-SEE-LPGA.

About the Kia Product Line
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. The vehicle line features the stylish Forte compact sedan and all-new two-door Forte Koup, the highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan and versatile yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup.

Here & There Column 2-9-10

Sullivan County Jail Questions

Professionally there could have been a better choice of words from the state officials who called the Sullivan County Jail a "dungeon" but state officials called it the worst they have ever seen and in addition to that they apparently are not offering any financial help to build what could be a new $70 million facility.
The State of New York also should be real proud of themselves and the County of Sullivan for going along with the silencing of the public who attended the public meeting with Commissioner of Corrections Chairman Thomas Beilein. This told Sullivan County residents and taxpayers that they were allowed to attend this public meeting but that no public comment or direct questions were allowed...........democracy in action.......what a slap in the face for we the people who would be saddled with paying for a new jail and of course the state (and county for allowing this) did not want to hear it from the folks who are paying their salary.
We applaud Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff and his staff for working through this mess and doing what they have to do to provide for the safety and security of the inmates and the correction officers. The county is fortunate to have an experienced professional in Sheriff Schiff.
Unfortunately this whole mess comes down to the questions can Sullivan County residents afford to pay for a new county jail and are there any immediate solutions or alternative plans.
One would have to wonder if the county should have done more serious planning a number of years ago when they took the approach to do patch jobs here and there hoping to get by. Now the price tag for a new jail is a lot higher than it was back when the patch jobs were done.
We heard talk about a week ago that suggested possibly moving the county jail to the former Sullivan Correction Facility Annex which is now vacant due to the state cutting back on their inmate community service work programs.
If negotiations could be worked out for use of the Sullivan Correction Facility Annex this would surely, at least even on a temporary basis, save Sullivan County taxpayers from facing the burden of building a new county jail.
This Annex facility housed a good number of state inmates and is not that old that it probably could be adopted for use as a county jail.
Boarding out inmates does not appear to be a workable or viable option as estimates indicate this could be a temporary solution but in the long run it would get very costly and might even overtake the cost of building a new jail.
The reality of county finances makes alternative proposals almost a necessity and a proposal should be looked into for possible use of the Sullivan Correctional Facility Annex.
With an unhealthy economy any and all other alternatives should also be considered because county taxpayers can not afford any increase in their property taxes.

Bowling Highlights Column 2-5-10

Bill Howe III Bowls 809 Series

Twenty-one year-old Bill Howe III smashed the maples for a big 809 series January 27 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Howe, a resident of Middletown, was subbing in the Wednesday league for his friend Donald Durland and recorded the 809 off single games of 263, 290, 256 on lanes 1 and 2 using a Roto Grip Nomad bowling ball.
In 9 games as a sub in this league Bill has a 256 average.
Howe is a regular team bowler in the Monday and Thursday Men's league at Pat Tarsio Lanes in Newburgh where he maintains a 226 average Monday and a 230 average Thursday.
In his 290 game Bill had 11 strikes in a row.
This young high-average left-handed bowler has 11 career 300 games and this is his second 800 series. His previous high 828 was bowled at Middletown Lanes.
Howe noted that he has been bowling since the age of 4, starting out in Middletown and has been a student of Mike Luongo. His father and grandfather during the 1970's and early 1980's owned and operated Ellenville Lanes.
Bill is single and is employed at Remme Products in Florida, NY.

Elks Scotch Doubles
Tourney Is Scheduled
At Kiamesha March 6

The 11th Annual Monticello Elks Scotch Doubles tournament will be held March 2 at 2 p.m. at Kiamesha Lanes.
Teams must consist of a male and female and the tournament can accommodate the first paid 64 entries. Entry deadline is February 27.
The entry fee of $40 per couple includes four games of no-tap bowling, prizes and awards and their famous chicken BBQ following the tournament at the Monticello Elks Lodge.
For information call Dean Shattuck at 794-1172.


PBA

Patchogue Long Island professional bowler Mike Fagan, in his eighth season on the PBA tour, won his first Tour title in the One A Day Dick Weber Open last Sunday at Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley, Calif.
He defeated Walter Ray Willliams 241-213.
The Chris Paul PBA Celebrity Invitational (taped September 25) will air Sunday at 2 p.m. on ESPN.
Full coverage of the PBA can be read on our Web page, http://bght.blogspot,com

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league includes a 235, 644 ny Michael Mulligan, Gil Suarez 244, 253, 669, Dan Ricco 245, Jaryl Scott 231, 647, Donald Durland 232, 261, 277, 770, Frank Gerow Jr. 258, 651, James VanAken 653, Josh Strang 226, 236, 686, Tom Belgiovene 618, John Fischer 225, 257, 697, Nate Sanders 248, 630, Jon Wilhelm 229, 644, Rick Lake 603, Gregory Fallon 289, 279, 744, Jack Moylan 247, 641, James Ratner 225, 245, 677, Kort Wheeler 255, 242, 689, Allan Jones 258, 226, 708, Paul Curry 641, Ronnie Totten 235, 625.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighers league Allene Washington 182, Cara Nicholson 186, Vera Bernhardt 181, Carena Collura 212, 527, Pat Mulhern 185, Neil Bell Jr. 246, Stan Gilmore 233, Fran Kaiser 233, 525, Debbie Durland 195, 182, 542, Ed Guthrie 236, Joan Lake 213, 184, 181, 578, Dorian Jennings 191, 189, 243, 623, Jack Rustic 268, 234, 677, Kevin Stackhouse 235, 642, Roberta Yakin 182, 181, 516, Robert Yakin Sr. 225, John Hoffmann 245, 227, 269, 741, Barbara Yeomans 181.
In the Wednesday Men's league George VanAken Jr. 290, 231, 718, Kenneth Hopkins Jr. 246, 258, 700, Mike Weiner 226, 604, John Lopez 238, 676, Robert Yakin Jr. 245, Dave Porter Jr. 634, Bill Danchak 632, George Battle Jr. 230, 602, Allan Jones 230, 600, Dean Shattuck 247, 615, Josh Strang 278, 711, Tom Belgiovene 226, 246, 258, 730, Jody Farquhar 235, 618, Rick Lara 244, Frank Emmens 257, 685, Michael Travis 255, 610, Wayne Atkins 269, 650, Eddie Lake 246, 655, Gregory Fallon 264, 236, 668, Matt Fallon 235, 611, Jon Wilhelm 243, 231, 683, Richard Bradford 225, 626, Donald Durland 232, 268, 717.
In the Thursday Ladies league Rita Burdick 186, Debbie Durland 205, 183, 204, 592, Liz Stubits 200, Jenelle Wood 181, Cheryl Neist 188, Barbara Durbak 183, 226, 183, 582, Connie McKenley 189, 182, 182, 553, Mardette Wilcox 183, Clorisa Hopkins 192, Kathy Shapiro 180.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division Amelia Edwards 78, Gabriella Goldsmith 86, George VanAken 117, Kyle 95, Kaylen Blackford 59, Jenna Hendricks 84. In the Preps division Sarah Rustic 120, 113, Stacey Reuss 99, 94, 92, Tayl'r Porter 80, 74, Rachel Drillings 63, 55, 54, John Wilhelm 135, 116, Nathaniel Goldsmith 164, 167, Michael Hope 129, 126, 155, Shaym Patel 105, 111, Nathaniel Edwards 120, Rup Patel 108, 104, Ben Drillings 96, 97, 87, Sierra Barbiani 81, Cody Burns 107, 102, 104. In the Jr./Mjrs Cory Ciliberto 121, Jason Moss 223, 233, Amber Bock 143, Shawn Sinistorie 180, Eddie Walsh 204, Matt Edwards164, Kishan Patel 195, Shivani Patel 178, 172, Michael Scuderi 225, Pedro Agapito III a 248, Matthew Brown 139, 131, Jared Friedman 240, Kristy Gessman 140, John Barbiani 131, 106, 115.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the new Tuesday Ladies Night Out Bowling Club include a 206, 215, 580 by Tasha Tuttle, Sally Ballard 195, 180, 191, 566, Carol Dailey 199, 512, Kathy Maltese 188, 506.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Mike Bowker 621, Al Bullis Sr. 622, Andrew Bullis 235, 238, 681, Cody Conway 255, 650, Frank Couse Sr. 636, Jim Dibble 237, 229, 680, Bill Gleim 268, 225, 716, Jeremy Gulley 613, Martin Haeussler 242, Jack Hazen 621, Paul Ignatovich 248, 228, 700, Rob Johnson 237, 659, Pat Kille 227, 640, Donnie Marino 268, 237, 677, Josh Milucky 253, 652, Neil Mosher 225, Mitch Persbacker 242, 643, Dick Price 225, 636, Charlie Reichenbaugh 255, 643, Josh Rice 226, Brian Tiffany 636, Jonathon Wayne 246, 661, Hank Whitmore 619, Zuke Wormuth 237, 639, Jay Wormuth 268, 690, Tony Wright 241, 233, 678.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Rob Bolster 232, Al Bullis Jr. 225, Al Bullis Sr. 234, 624, Andy Bullis 257, 660, Craig Conklin 234, 236, 672, Dale Conklin 229, Matt Conklin 225, RayCornwell 225, 630, Howey Couse Jr. 237, 244, 651, Jeff Curtis 237, 650, Lenn Davis 234, Paul Fritz 237, Bill Gleim 234, 239, 247, 720, John Gurnick 246, Robert Johnson 625, Greg Keesler 231, Rich Lenio 243, Dave Lester 244, 233, 242, 719, Larry Mills 620, Rick Mills 610, Neil Mosher 225, 229, 658, Paul Siegler 225, 637, Jim Valentine 244, 259, 696, Dan Wormuth 245, 258, 719.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Andy Bullis 615, Howey Couse 235, 236, 246, 717, Carl Davis 246, 646, Crystal Ellis 182, 187, 532, Norman E. Ellis 241, 614, Norman C. Ellis 608, Sarah Geer 186, Bill Gleim 237, 656, Hope Jones 205, 518, Julie Martin 182, Dana McGraw 207, 515, Sandy Winans 200, 502, Jay Wormuth 256, 655.
In the Sunday Mixed Fun league Matt Johnson 615, Don Marino 229, 645, Dave Mills 243, 658, Savanna Mills (youth girls score) 132, Fred Shakelton 245, 628.

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies league include a 185, 205, 561 by Diane Staves, Diane Conroy 168, Louise Erdman 168, 160, Wendy Adams 168, 168, Wendy Finn 162, 162, Jackie Gieger 184, 176, Karen Borowski 161.
In the Tuesday Ladies league Debbie Loughrey 190, 182, 508, Rebecca Rhodes 167, Lillian Zieres 466.

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, 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

ANOTHER MISSION COMPLETE
Fagan finds success with Ebonite’s New Mission

A little bit of superstition and a great ball reaction led Ebonite International PBA staff player Michael Fagan to win the PBA One A Day Dick Weber Open, his first singles title.

“It’s a great feeling to finally win a singles title,” said Fagan. “It is a big weight off of my shoulders and I am glad to get over the hump and hope I can do it again soon!”

Fagan qualified in first place for the finals, and had to face PBA Tour legend Walter Ray Williams, Jr., the winningest player in PBA history.

“Walter Ray is always going to give you a tough match and whenever you beat him you know you earned it,” admitted Fagan.

Fagan had a bit of help in the superstition department, as he refused to shave his beard before competition. The superstition served more as a confidence-builder than anything.

“Bowling is such a mental game,” explained Fagan. “Anything I can do to make myself feel comfortable and confident I will do it! I wanted to have fun with this show and not put any pressure on myself.”

His strategy worked, especially after a rough start to the week, when Fagan was hit with a stomach virus. He actually skipped the practice session on Tuesday to rest and get well before returning for the first qualifying session.

While the lanes were not as tough as they had been in previous weeks, Fagan did face a 39 foot oil pattern, named after famed PBA bowler Dick Weber, and designed to maximize creativity and performance from the bowlers. The oil is buffed so that there is less oil placed at the end of the pattern. The structure of the pattern forces bowlers to make continual adjustments to keep up with the transitions from lane to lane, something Dick Weber mastered.

True to the pattern, Fagan was forced to use a variety of equipment throughout the week, but depended on Ebonite’s new Mission ball when he needed help getting through the backend part of the lane.

“The Mission was the right choice because it has an extremely clean cover and also slows down perfectly by the break point,” said Fagan. “It is really a special bowling ball. When the lanes carried down and I did get to use it, it was the perfect ball. The 241 I shot in the finals was my low game of the week with that ball (my High Game of the week was 290).”

“Mike did a spectacular job with the Mission,” said Ed Gallagher, Ebonite Brand Manager. “I’m glad he was successful in completing his Mission to win a PBA title, and I’m really glad Ebonite could be there with him.”

Ebonite’s Mission will be available worldwide beginning February 2, 2010, and looks to be the ‘must-have’ ball in every bowler’s bag.

Fagan’s next challenge will be the USBC Masters, where he hopes to take home his first major. The Masters begins February 9, with the finals to be televised February 14 at 3 p.m. EST on ESPN. Meanwhile, Fagan will have a week off to prepare, and possibly spend some time with his other love, fulltiltpoker.net.

“Although I haven't played much lately due to my bowling schedule, I have always been an avid poker player,” explained Fagan. “It’s a great fit because many bowlers are also poker players.”

Fagan isn’t saying when he will shave again, but there’s a good chance we’ll see more beards on tour after this event.

PBA SPARE SHOTS

SUNDAY’S CHRIS PAUL PBA
CELEBRITY INVITATIONAL
DRAWS RAVES FROM MILITARY LEADER

Sunday’s Chris Paul PBA Celebrity Invitational, which airs in front of the NFL Super Bowl at 2 p.m. Eastern on ESPN, was not only a fun and fiercely competitive bowling event, but it drew high praise from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base commander Capt. Bill Snyder, who hosted the event in suburban New Orleans.

“They were all fantastic,” Snyder said of celebrity stars Paul, LaMarr Woodley, Hines Ward, Ludacris and Jack Del Rio as well as PBA stars Pete Weber, Norm Duke, Wes Malott and Jason Belmonte. “All of the celebrities took time out to sign autographs and talk to the hundreds of sailors who came to see them. Chris Paul and all of the celebrities made it a night to remember for the military personnel and their families.”

“(Chris Paul) gives back to the community,” added Master-at-Arms 1st Class Pierre Peacock, a North Carolina native like Paul is. “No one has ever questioned his sincerity or intentions. His charity events consistently help thousands of families in North Carolina and in Louisiana. He’s a class act, on and off the court.”

MONACELLI, PALERMAA, BAKER, PETRAGLIA RECEIVE COMMISSIONER’S EXEMPTIONS

Three PBA Hall of Famers and Europe’s two-handed bowling star have been granted Commissioner’s Exemptions for upcoming Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour events.

Venezuela’s Amleto Monacelli will join the field for the Bayer Don and Paula Carter Mixed Doubles Championship at Brunswick Zone-Wheat Ridge in Wheat Ridge, Colo., Feb. 16-21. Monacelli, who was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1997, is a 19-time PBA Tour winner.

Finland’s Osku Palermaa, the first two-handed bowler to get national television exposure in the United States, will compete in the Don Johnson Buckeye State Eliminator March 2-7 at Sequoia Pro Bowl in Columbus, Ohio. Palermaa, last season’s European Bowling Tour points leader, finished fifth in the 2004 U.S. Open in his American television debut. He’ll be joined in the Columbus field by fellow two-handed players Jason Belmonte of Australia and Ohio’s own two-hander, Cassidy Schaub of Polk, Ohio.

PBA Senior Tour star Tom Baker of King, N.C., will participate in the PBA Match Play Championship March 16-21 at Norwich Bowling Center in Norwich, Conn. Baker, a 10-time PBA Tour champion and eight-time winner on the PBA Senior Tour, is a four-time Senior Tour Player of the Year. He was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1999.

Johnny Petraglia of Jackson, N.J., one of five PBA players to complete the “PBA Triple Crown” (victories in the U.S. Open, Tournament of Champions and PBA World Championship), will bowl in the Mark Roth Plastic Ball Championship March 23-28 at AMF Babylon Lanes in West Babylon, N.Y. A long-time friend and opponent of Roth, Petraglia has announced he’ll donate half of his earnings to the Mark Roth Fund which is providing financial assistance to Roth in the wake of the disabling stroke he suffered in early June.

PBA’S XTRA FRAME TO PROVIDE FREE ONLINE COVERAGE OF USBC MASTERS

The PBA, in cooperation with the United States Bowling Congress, will provide a week of free online coverage of the USBC Masters, Feb. 9-14, on pba.com’s Xtra Frame “bowling channel.” To view Xtra Frame, bowling fans must install a free software program called “Silverlight” if they have not already done so.

Xtra Frame, the “official video service of the PBA,” is available year-round, providing unique interviews, behind-the-scenes news, in-depth discussion of player equipment and strategies, and much more. For subscription information, click on the Xtra Frame icon on the pba.com home page.

KELLY KULICK, TOM SMALLWOOD MEDIA EXPRESS ROLLS ON

Kelly Kulick’s news media express continues to race along, with a steady stream of newspaper, television and radio interviews on her schedule in addition to a national teleconference. Following live interviews on CBS’s Early Show, ESPN’s First Take, Fox Business, a segment on ABC Evening News and a mention on NBC’s Jay Leno Show, Kulick’s victory earned a half-page in the Feb. 1 issue of Sports Illustrated. Her story also was told on National Public Radio’s “Only a Game” program (heard on 200 stations across the nation), Sirius Satellite Radio 98, CNN, the New York Daily News and the Los Angeles Daily News.

Coming Friday: Carolyn Dorin-Ballard will talk about why Kulick’s is a “Breakthrough Woman” CNN’s Morning Headline News with Robin Meade. The segment will air Friday between 8:30-9 a.m. Eastern, and will feature video of Kulick’s Tournament of champions win and along with photos of Kulick and Dorin-Ballard.

The magnitude of Kulick’s feat even reached into Canada where Toronto Star television writer Chris Zelkovich noted that 373,000 viewers watched the PBA while only 267,000 viewers watched the Toronto Raptors-Milwaukee Bucks NBA game on Friday and 256,000 tuned in for the Los Angeles Lakers-Raptors game on Sunday, "How did bowling draw a bigger audience on a Sunday afternoon than the Raptors did on Friday and Sunday nights?” Zelkovich asked. “The only possible explanation is that people were channel surfing and came across the sight of a woman, Kelly Kulick, making history by beating the guys."

In the meantime, Tom Smallwood’s feel-good story continues to get attention. The laid-off General Motors employee who became PBA World Champion was featured in a front-page sports section story in Wednesday’s Los Angeles Times. CBS News with Katie Couric shot material for a story about Smallwood’s triumph during the One A Day Dick Weber Open. A story is coming in Parade magazine, which is distributed to millions of American newspaper readers, and Sports Illustrated spent the entire week in Las Vegas working on a Smallwood article.

WILLIAMS, JOHNSON NAMED “BOWLERS OF THE DECADE” BY US BOWLER

Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Ocala, Fla., has added another astonishing accomplishment to his astonishing resumй, winning “Bowler of the Decade” honors from USBC’s US Bowler magazine for an unprecedented second decade in a row. PBA Women’s Series competitor Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., was selected as US Bowler’s female bowler of the decade for the 2000s.

Between 2000 and 2009, Williams won 17 PBA Tour titles including five majors, earned more than $1.5 million and made 63 television appearances to easily top runner-up Norm Duke and third-place vote-getter Chris Barnes. During the decade, Duke won 16 titles including four majors, earned $1.29 million and made 49 TV shows.

Despite the demise of the women’s pro tour in 2003, Johnson won five PWBA titles, the 2009 USBC Queens, 2007 Women’s U.S. Open, a pair of PBA Women’s Series presented by BOWL.COM titles and she was the first woman to advance to a PBA Tour title match (2005). Runner-up was Carolyn Dorin-Ballard of Keller, Texas, an 11-time PWBA winner. She also won the 2001 Queens and has two PBA Women’s Series titles. Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., was third.

US Bowler conducted three separate polls – among bowling writers, PBA and/or PBA Women’s Series members, and BOWL.COM visitors – and all three polls produced the same top three results.

DUBLIN BOWL PROPRIETOR TED HOFFMAN RECEIVES BPAA’S HIGHEST HONOR

Ted Hoffman, co-proprietor of Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl in Dublin, Calif. – recent host of the 2010 Earl Anthony Memorial Classic - has been named winner of the 2010 Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America Victor Lerner Memorial Medal, BPAA’s highest honor.

Hoffman, a long-time PBA Western Region tournament director and a member of the PBA Hall of Fame, is being recognized for his lifetime of service to the sport. He will receive his award on June 28 during International Bowl Expo at the Las Vegas Hilton.

ENTRIES STILL AVAILABLE FOR U.S. OPEN, FINAL MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP OF 2009-10 SEASON

The biggest question of the 2009-10 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season is, who will become the next unlikely hero in a season filled with unlikely heroes. He or she could emerge from the 67th Lumber Liquidators U.S. Open, the final major championship of the season.

Entries are still available for men and women who are chasing the dream of winning a PBA Tour title. The U.S. Open is set for Feb. 22-28 at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis. For schedule and entry information, visit pba.com and look for the U.S. Open under the “Schedule” tab.

Thus far into the 2009-10 season, out-of-work General Motors factory worker Tom Smallwood of Saginaw, Mich., won the PBA World Championship and Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., stunned the sports world with her victory in the PBA Tournament of Champions. The United States Bowling Congress Masters title will be decided Feb. 9-14 in Reno, Nev., but keep in mind that previously-unknown John Nolen of Grand Blanc, Mich., captured the 2009 title for his first PBA Tour title.

Beyond the major championships, Bill O’Neill of Southampton, Pa., and Anthony LaCaze of Melrose Park, Ill., also won their first PBA Tour titles in the PBA Chameleon Championship and Earl Anthony Memorial Classic, respectively. Mike Fagan of Patchogue, N.Y., won his second PBA Tour title, but first as a singles competitor, in the One A Day Dick Weber Open. Mike DeVaney of San Diego and Jack Jurek of Lackawanna, N.Y., each broke extended title droughts with victories during the PBA World Series of Bowling.

Who’s going to be the PBA’s next unsung champion?

2009-10 LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR STATISTICAL LEADERS

EARNINGS Events Total
1, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich. 11 $73,460
2, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 11 $70,210
3, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. 11 $70,070
4, Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla. 11 $64,235
5, Bill O’Neill, Southampton, Pa. 11 $63,125
6, Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y. 11 $60,550
7, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas 11 $57,320
8, Mike DeVaney, San Diego 11 $48,470
9, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y. 11 $48,380
10, Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas 11 $44,720

PBA WORLD RANKING POINTS Titles Points
1, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. 1 121,910
2, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas 0 110,033
3, Sean Rash, Wichita, Kan. 0 106,061
4, Bill O’Neill, Southampton, Pa. 1 106,034
5, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 0 101,399
6, Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla. 1 97,619
7, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y. 1 94,805
8, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich. 1 93,760
9, Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C. 0 92,917
10, Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y. 1 92,188

PBA PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS CRA Points
1, Bill O’Neill, Southampton, Pa. 4 30
2, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich. 2 28
3, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. 3 26
4, Kelly Kulick, Union, N.J. 1 24
Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla. 3 24
Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y. 2 24
7, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 2 20
8, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla. 1 16
Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y. 2 16
Mike DeVaney, San Diego 1 16
Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y. 1 16
Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas 1 16
Anthony LaCaze, Melrose Park, Ill. 1 16
(CRA = Championship Round Appearances)

HAMMER’S BILL O’NEILL GETS
NASTY AT DICK WEBER OPEN

Bowler looking forward to next event.

Hammer’s Bill O’Neill qualified 5th in the PBA One A Day Dick Weber Open, but finished fourth as tough conditions made the television finals difficult.

O’Neill’s used a Hammer Onyx Vibe through most of qualifying throughout the week. The Vibe gave him the best reaction from pair to pair during qualifying and match play, but would not be a good choice for the tv finals, said O’Neill.

“I drilled a Black Widow Nasty for the show and it rolled really well,” explained O’Neill. “The most challenging thing for me every time I am on TV is that the lanes are much tighter downlane than during qualifying. My high ball speed makes the ball go way too long before it hooks to the pocket, which makes targeting more difficult for me. There’s very little room for error, so I really have to be on it.”

Going into the finals, O’Neill’s strategy was to play an area of the lanes farther right than the other players. In particular, O’Neill wanted to avoid the area of the lane his opponent, Pete Weber, likes to play. He struggled against the sensitive, nearly flat Dick Weber lane pattern throughout the match. If the ball was too far right it never made it back; if he used too much grip pressure, the ball went Brooklyn.

Placing fourth, O’Neill was thrilled to see his friend Mike Fagan win the title match. This was Fagan’s first singles title.

“It was good to see him win,” said Fagan’s good friend O’Neill. “This tournament he went out and won on his own. He led the tournament the entire week, and was able to pull out a win.”

O’Neill still has plenty of chances for another title this season.

“I’m going to take advantage of this week off and practice as much as possible,” said O’Neill. “I want to get better and I am looking forward to a huge finish to this season.”

Hammer Brand Manager Jeff Ussery has faith in O’Neill.

“Bill is a great competitor,” said Ussery. “He’s definitely going to pull out another win, and Hammer is going to continue to be there for him when he does. He’s got an advantage over any competitor who isn’t using Hammer.”

USBC BOARD APPROVES
BUMPER BOWLING AWARDS
HIGH SCHOOL MEMBERSHIPS

Special achievement awards for youth competing in bumper bowling leagues and a new membership product for high school bowlers were recently approved by the United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors. Bumper bowling league competitors rolling 50, 75 and 100 games and/or 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 series are immediately eligible to earn Bowlopolis emblems in those categories.
These awards can be earned regardless of the bowler's bumper league average and will continue to be earned on the same progressive merit basis. "Since USBC does not recognize bumper league averages, our youngest members were not eligible to earn youth awards," said USBC Director of Youth Development Brian Graham. "This meant the only way they could obtain an award was through our purchasable awards program." To address this disparity and provide a consistent youth awards benefit to our youngest members, we proposed to extend the eligibility for the Bowlopolis-themed youth awards to participants in certified bumper bowling programs without the average requirement." The new USBC High School membership, which becomes effective Aug. 1, is available to those interscholastic high school bowlers who are not USBC Youth members. Bowlers may apply for the membership any time during the current interscholastic schedule. The cost for the new High School membership will be $5. "Many bowlers on high school teams do not bowl in USBC leagues so this gives them a way to become connected to USBC," said USBC High School Manager Breanne Eoff. "This membership will allow acceptance of all games bowled by that individual during the current season in recognized interscholastic competitions between two or more schools toward the establishment of a USBC official average."

U.S. Open Returns to Woodland
Bowl in Indianapolis

After a 14-year absence, the 67th Lumber Liquidators U.S. Open is returning to Indianapolis Feb. 21-28 where it will be hosted by Woodland Bowl – an 80-lane bowling center which has played a prominent role in the sport’s colorful history for two decades.

The U.S. Open, considered by many to be the most challenging and most cherished title to win in all of bowling, is open to any 190-or-higher average bowler – male or female, professional or amateur – who cares to ante up the $500 entry fee. Every player then gets to bowl 18 qualifying games over three days to try to make the cut and continue advancing toward the title.

As the fourth and final major championship on the 2009-10 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour schedule, rewards for overcoming the demanding U.S. Open lane conditioning pattern are worthwhile - a projected $60,000 first prize and a three-year PBA Tour exemption.

Whoever wins in 2010 will join a lengthy list of storylines generated from Woodland Bowl, which has hosted three previous U.S. Opens, two PBA World Championships, three PBA Touring Players Championships, the 2009 PBA Etonic Marathon Open and the 2005 USBC Junior Gold National Championships.

Woodland Bowl’s first “major” champion was Ron Palombi Jr. who romped past Amleto Monacelli, 269-205, in the 1990 U.S. Open title match. In 1991, who can ever forget Pete Weber’s near-perfect 289-184 U.S. Open victory over Mark Thayer – after which Weber hoisted the “eagle” trophy over his head only to watch it crash to the floor and explode into pieces? In 1996, the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Opens were held concurrently for the first time ever at Woodland Bowl. The finals were contested before a crowd of 1,600 at Market Square Arena where Dave Husted defeated George Brooks to become the first male to successfully defend his U.S. Open title and become the event’s first three-time champion. A rookie on the women’s pro tour – Liz Johnson – won the 1996 Women’s U.S. Open.

In PBA World Championships held at Woodland Bowl, Walter Ray Williams Jr. won in 2006 and Norm Duke won in 2008. In PBA Touring Players Championships, Weber won in 1992, Jason Couch won in 1993 and Williams won in 1994.

In 2009, Wes Malott of Pflugerville, Texas, won the Etonic Marathon Open – an extended format event contested on six different PBA lane conditioning patterns.

The next chapter in U.S. Open history begins with 18 qualifying games for all players – six games each on Feb. 23, 24 and 25. The field will then be cut to the top 25 percent for a nine-game “casher’s round” on Feb. 26. The top 24 after 27 games will then advance to round-robin match play which concludes on Feb. 27. The top four players will advance to the live ESPN stepladder finals on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Eastern.

Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas, is the defending U.S. Open champion. Pete Weber will return to Indianapolis seeking an unprecedented fifth U.S. Open title. Other past U.S. Open champions in the field will be Duke (2008), Tommy Jones (2006), Chris Barnes (2005), Williams (1998 and 2003), Mika Koivuniemi (2002), and Robert Smith (2000).

Bowlers who would like to take on the Lumber Liquidators U.S. Open challenge can find entry forms and information on pba.com under the “schedule” tab. Click on the “67th Lumber Liquidators U.S. Open” link and look for “Enter This Tournament.”

67TH LUMBER LIQUIDATORS U.S. OPEN SCHEDULE
Woodland Bowl, Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 21-28

Sunday, Feb. 21
Noon, 3 & 6 p.m. – Pro-Am squads

Monday, Feb. 22
8 a.m. - Practice (A Squad, B Squad A-L)
12:30 p.m. - Practice (B Squad M-Z, C Squad)
7 p.m. – Pro-Am squad

Tuesday, Feb. 23
8 a.m. - A Squad qualifying (6 games)
Noon - B Squad qualifying (6 games)
6 p.m. - C Squad qualifying (6 games)

Wednesday, Feb. 24
8 a.m. - B Squad qualifying (6 games)
Noon - C Squad qualifying (6 games)
6 p.m. - A Squad qualifying (6 games)

Thursday, Feb. 25
8 a.m. - C Squad qualifying (6 games)
Noon - A Squad qualifying (6 games)
6 p.m. - B Squad qualifying (6 games)
Top 25 percent of field advances

Friday, Feb. 26
9 a.m. – Final qualifying round (9 games)
Top 24 advance to match play
6 p.m. - Match Play Round 1 (8 games)

Saturday, Feb. 27
11 a.m. - Match Play Round 2 (8 games)
6 p.m. - Match Play Round 3 (8 games)
Top 5 advance to ESPN stepladder finals

Sunday, Feb. 28
12:30 p.m. Eastern - Live ESPN finals