Here & There Column 3-29-11

Automatic Pay Adjustments?

I had heard discussion about this topic over the years but like so many others the fact that federal and some state judges received automatic pay adjustments didn't start ringing serious thought to me until the recent debate and vote in the Village of Liberty on what to do with it's court system.
We have to go back and look at the Constitution and it turns out that under the Constitution, judges are not quite like the rest of us.
In the Declaration of Independence, one of the reasons listed by our Founding Fathers for wanting to get away from King George III and England is because the King "made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for tenure of their duties and the amount and payment of their salaries."
As a result of this it was written in the Constitution not only would judges have life tenure (with good behavior) but also that the pay of a judge would not be diminished during his/her term in office.
This is also a part of many state constitutions. At one point in time our New York State legislature said it would not give the judges of New York a raise until the legislators got a raise......which make for an interesting topic......like if you don't play the game right and keep the "good old boys style of politics alive" ........no automatic pay raise.
An interesting note here is that the Judges jumped on this as a transgression of separation of powers, then they heard their own case, ruled against the legislature (these are the facts folks which tends to make one scratch their head and say "is this legal"), and now the state legislature decided to delegate to an independent commission the job of deciding judge's pay, and of course we all know how that could turn out.
Not taking anything away from our Judges and the best Judicial System in the world, judges are required to obtain an extensive and expensive education process to get to where they are, and to have the knowledge and experience to reach fair decisions for all, the question many would ask today is can our nation and states afford any government agency that requires automatic pay raises?
As deficits got out of control and Congress's own salary lagged, they suspended the automatic pay increase which has now prompted a group of federal judges to go to court to force Congress to reinstate the automatic pay adjustment.
This case is now before the Supreme Court (more judges hearing a judges case) and one would begin to think that government today financially can't afford to do business like they have done in the past while others would feel that if one group receives automatic pay adjustments why shouldn't the rest of us?

Bowling Highlights Column 3-25-11

Horseheads, NY Shafer's Awareness To Diabetes

From football players to Olympic athletes to golfers, there is a noteworthy list of athletes who have been able to pursue their passion of competing in sports despite having to deal with the challenges of living with diabetes.

Included on that list is four-time Lumber liquidators PBA Tour champion Ryan Shafer of Horseheads, N.Y. The 44-year-old Shafer, who will compete against Tommy Jones and Randy Weiss in the Go Rving South Region finals of the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs on ESPN Sunday, March 27 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, is making his second television appearance of the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season after finishing fourth in the Lumber Liquidators U.S. Open in February. Shafer, who has competed on Tour for 24 seasons, was diagnosed as a Type I diabetic (where the pancreas does not produce insulin) at age 19. He attracted significant media attention during the 2010-11 season in Tour markets by creating awareness for a condition that affects nearly 26 million people in the U.S. – most of whom are able to carry on relatively normal productive lives thanks to advancements in treatment. Having had diabetes during his entire PBA career, as an athlete Shafer has had to pay particularly close attention to his condition. He began by taking the necessary insulin shots to ensure his blood sugar remained at the proper levels which can sometimes be a burden to those who have the disease. But thanks to technological advances, he is now able to get his insulin injections automatically through an insulin pump made by the Animas Corporation. It was a change in PBA’s tournament schedule several years ago which persuaded Shafer to use the pump device. “The PBA made a change to its qualifying and single-elimination match play schedule in 2004 and it became difficult for me to take shots during competition. Before that change, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to continue my career,” Shafer said. “Plus, I had already gotten into a routine taking the shots and was really a little hesitant to try a new technology. That schedule change kind of forced me to see what other alternatives might be available. That’s when my doctor suggested I use a pump.” The pump Shafer uses now is about the size of a cell phone and works like an IV. It can be placed anywhere on a person’s body, but like many cell phone users, Shafer wears his on his belt. The pump carries a three-day supply of insulin and automatically injects the proper doses of insulin in a constant flow based on information Shafer programs into it. He no longer has to eat during competition rounds, but still has to pay close attention to his diet and how much he bowls during Tour events, especially demanding tournaments like PBA’s majors and the Dick Weber Playoffs. “Even though it’s more convenient than having to take shots, you still have to monitor things like your diet and how much physical activity you’re doing,” Shafer said. “There’s some trial and error involved, but after awhile you figure it out. And what’s also nice about it is that you can adjust it depending on your activity in a given day.” Originally reluctant, he now enjoys his role as a spokesperson for the disease after it was mentioned on a PBA Tour ESPN telecast several seasons ago that he had the condition. That revelation drew a lot of response especially from parents of children who had the disease. “People would come up to me at tournaments and at pro-ams and share their experiences with diabetes. Naturally, you find you have a lot in common with them,” Shafer said. “After a while I thought if I can make a difference, why not open up about it?” Another turning point for Shafer’s decision to bring further attention to diabetes was PBA’s introduction of the new Gemini jersey’s worn by Tour players that allow them to include prominent sponsor placement.

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 email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 845-230-8674. For an expanded version of this column please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com/. This column is also available on Facebook.

Tournament Dates March 26-May 1- The 59th Annual Handicap Tournament, Men, Women, Mixed, Flox Bowling Center, Hancock, NY Information 607-637-4401. April 30-May 22- The 30th Annual South Side Bowl, Scranton, Pa. No-Tap Tournament. Team and Doubles--Information 570-961-5213. April 30-May 15- The 60th Annual Idle Hour Lanes, Scranton, Pa.Tournament-Team and Doubles. --Information 570-489-7526. May 1--40th Annual Eddie Beebe-Julia Maney Memorial Senior Tournament, Liberty Lanes. Information on all Tri-County USBC Tournaments is available at 845-784-6630.

Bowling Tip By Mike Luongo Bowlers: 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. Some 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 ver 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, showing them what adjustments need to be made and compare them to the highest caliber bowlers in the world...best of all....the student is able to take a video home to study and watch at their convenience. The knowledge you gain from a Certified Instructor is knowledge that will be useful to you and 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 an Advisor along with being involved with Special Events 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 435-720-7939 or via email at mikel@stormbowling.com

LOCAL BOWLING SCORES BY ED TOWNSEND Beechwood Lanes Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies league included a 182 game, a 176 game and a 508 series by Lois Erdman, Dot McCormack 164, Jackie Mootz 168, 163, Jody Schanil 174, Diane Staves 169, 156, 155, Jackie Gieger 190, 157, Julie Yewchuck 152, 157 and Wendy Finn 151, 160. In the Tuesday Ladies League, Lillian Zieres 206, 202, 178, 586, Kelly Gombita 160, Pat Peters 160, 447 and Rebecca Rhodes 447. Fox Bowling Center Congratulations to the Moo’s Bar team in the Tuesday Early Birds Ladies League as they defeated the Fox Bowling Center team in the finals for the league championship. The Moo’s Bar team members include Sherry Persbacker, Lori Walker, Brianna Walker and Janet Sutliff. Congratulations are also in order for Rick and Kathy Mills, champions of the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun League. Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds League included a 200 game, a 182 game and a 527 series by Linda Ferris, Dana McGraw 188, 237, 215, 640, Sheri Oralls 182, 210, 527, Jen Smith 197, 192, 171, 550 and Brianna Walker 167, 179, 195, 532. In the Wednesday Men’s Independent League, Steve Aitken 251, 633, Tom Anderson 229, 649, Al Bullis Sr. 237, Andrew Bullis 278, 236, 715, Marc Cetta 245, 657, Frank H. Couse Jr. 243, 625, Carl Davis 256, 623, Jim Dibble 268, 702, Brian Drumm 231, 625, Norm Ellis 235, 602, Art Gately 244, 669, Bill Gleim 235, 629, Jeremy Gulley 236, 631, Jack Hazen 247, 662, Steve Jacobi 634, Gregory Keesler 225, 647, Donnie Marino 246, 659, Josh Milucky 611, Rich Rigas 235, 246, 696, Sam Rowe 233, Paul Siegler 233, 602, Hank Whitmore 225, 619, Zuke Wormuth 623, Jay Wormuth 624 and Tony Wright 606. In the Thursday Men’s Deposit National League, Al Bullis Sr. 269, 676, Andy Bullis 232, 300, 747; 245, 257, 267, 769, Shawn Card 235, Ray Cornwell 231, 661; 248, 279, 233, 760, Mike Costello 651, Jeff Curtis 277, 663, Jim Dibble 259, 238, 240, 737, Norm Ellis Sr. 234, Paul Fritz 263, 247, 702, Bill Gleim 231, 638, Gino Jones 234, 675; 245, 642, Greg Keesler 233, 237, 694, John Lanner 231; 618, Rich Lenio 232, 603; 226, 263, 704, Rick Mills 238, 297, 710; 249, 638, Neil Mosher 610, Paul Siegler 234, Jim Valentine 258, 227, 685; 247, 278, 714, Dan Wormuth 231 and Jeremy Wormuth 286, 645; 256, 266, 716. In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples League, Andie Rose Bullis 503; 190, 504, Andy Bullis 248; 226, 236, 683, Howey Couse Jr. 235, 676; 279, 236, 717, Howard Couse Sr. 256, 619; 249, 653, Frank Couse Sr. 236, 602; 610, Anne Couse 213, 180, 181, 574, Crystal Ellis 188, Norman L. Ellis 638; 238, Bob Ellis 637, Paul Fritz 256, 643, Bill Gleim 256, 242, 690, Gino Jones 615, Hope Jones 183, Dave Lester 236, Dana McGraw 190, 212, 210, 612; 201, 243, 200, 644, Mark McGraw 620, Rick Mills 244, Sheri Oralls 193, 515; 191, Walt Oralls 234, 269, 724; 601, Jen Smith 187, 517, Brian Tiffany 267, 639, Sandy Winans 180, 500; 230, Dan Wormuth 278, 723; 231, 228, 677, Jay Wormuth 225, 647; 605 Jeremy Wormuth 235, 232, 234, 701 and Michelle Wormuth 208. In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Don Marino 246, 255, 679; 629, Savanna Mills (youth girls’ scores) 139, 136, 376; 166, 126, 143, 435 and Parker Tiffany (bantam boys’ scores) 102, 100. Kiamesha Lanes Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men’s League included a 266 game and 705 series by Frank Scuderi, William Helms 298, 643, Jon Wilhelm 234, 234, 677, James VanAken 278, 700, Josh Strang 229, 225, 672, Tom Belgiovene 246, 681, Dan Ricco 225, 646, Mike Weiner 246, 230, 684, Micky Lake 601, Roy Sweeney 226, Eddie Lake 236, 239, 662, Rick Lake 226, 638, Jack Moylan 236, 234, 652, Robert Sze 233, 661, James Ratner 245, 667, Kort Wheeler 243, 257, 704, Keith Hackett 238, 633, Ronnie Totten 243, 643, Kevin Stackhouse 236, 621, Donald Durland 226, 259, 699, Jaryl Scott 236, 236, 651, Vinnie Collura 238, 249, 664, Dave Graham 606, Nate Sanders 280, 225, 236, 741, John Fischer 235, 657, Larry Berens 235, 256, 652, Tim Minton 235, 624, Anthony Atkins 227 and Wayne Atkins 243, 659. In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters League, Laresko Niifa 246, 226, 256, 728, Kevin Stackhouse 237, 677, Ed Guthrie 269, 664, Stan Gilmore 230, 649, Eddie Walsh 648, Allen Jones 251, 646, George Kelley 617, Jon Wilhelm 601, Ryan Browne 229, Dorian Jennings 216, 204, 193, 613, Debbie Durland 215, 216, 608, Mary Lee Williams 204, 197, 562, Debra Blackford 185, 190, 181, 556, Joan Redington 193, 201, 545, Joan Lake 206, 539, Ailene Washington 209, 217, 530, Carena Collura 183, 180, 515, Andrea Grossman 202, 511 and Heather Dobell 171, 505. In the Wednesday Men’s League, James VanAken 267, 666, Paul Durland 246, 676, Steven Belgiovene 253, 617, Tom Belgiovene 601, John Hoffmann 234, 259, 225, 718, George Battle Jr. 226, 632, Laresko Niifa 235, 660, Kevin Stackhouse 611, Eddie Lake 605, Tom Palmer 234, 225, 653, Kyle Shivers 225, 242, 646, Wayne Atkins 226, 246, 681, Mike Mahusky 248, 625, Craig Wilhelm 232, Shane Deitchman 235, 611, Josh Deitchman 233, Eddie Walsh 235, 679, Rick Lara 265, 686, Jon Wilhelm 225, 276, 722, Richard Bradford 227, 238, 670, Donald Durland 227, 248, 675 and Shane Cunningham 605. In the Thursday Ladies League, Tracey Barres 203, Keri Sawyer 184, Kathy King 189, Lisa Cartwright 194, Joan Lake 201, 202, 554, April Aldrich 176, 168, 505, Mardette Wilcox 169, 202, 523, Debbie Durland 181, 181, 177, 539, Pat Shuart 189, 171, 524, Christine Schultz 203, 167, 535, Barb Merton 223, 210, 568 and Connie McKenley 206, 523. In the Friday Mixed League, Jaryl Scott 234, 259, 279, 772, Kyle Shivers 255, 257, 735, Kevin Stackhouse 278, 717, Dan Ricco 235, 661, Ryan Lepke 238, 656, Eddie Lake 267, 650, Leroy Williams 242, 640, Larry Berens 236, 634, Robert Sze 257, 621, Orshii Boldiis 617, Eugene Kelly 245, Mary Lee Williams 215, 207, 255, 677, Francine Kaiser 255, 581, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 212, 235, 580, Antionette Rau 182, 204, 192, 578, Laura Palmer a 191 triplicate for a 573 series, Joan Lake 182, 202, 545, Tracey Barres 201, 192, 541, Christa Sweeney 192, Julie Chen 180, Tolakii Deylii 200 and Linda Schaefer 194. Liberty Lanes Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men’s League included Thomas Fix with games of 245, 191 and 214 for a 650 series, Chris McKay 247, 214, 640, Bruce Garritt 212, 194, 232, 638, Kyle Stevens 236, 225, 633, Rudy Belanchia 214, 203, 212, 630, Ricky Nichols 197, 197, 212, 630, Carmine Santillo 231, 213, 590, Jason Jones Jr. 193, 248, 583, Chris Stevens 216, 580, Ralph Coney 228, 193, 578, Ed Blume Sr. 233, 572, Glenn Porter 224, Paul Minton 217, William Bruce 203, Jason Jones Sr. 201, 191, Mitch Mattison 199 and Carlos Torres 201. In the Shoprite League, Bryan Thomas 206, 129, 167, 514; 177, 447, James Thomas 175, 158, 168, 501, Brandon Hinkley 167, 437, Mary Heinle 166, 147, 135, 448; 158, 134, 407, Bobby Waters 201, 151, 465; 157, 152, 132, 441, James Thomas 172, 439, Barbara Brudange 126; 149, Fred Seaman 146, Scott Potter 138; 144, 143, Billy Parkinson 155, 139, 407; 142, Brandon Hinkley 142, 403, Colleen Freer 136, Fred Seaman 134, 130, 386, Jamie Sosis 124, 112; 136, 132, 113, 381, Katie Ahart 117, 104, 116, 337; 135, 105, 103, 343, Colleen Lewis 117, 102; Sue DeMestrio 116, 107, 113, 336; 137 Pam Potter 167, 427; 116, Josh Burk 116, 101, Jeff Grey 107; 115, 109, Heather Hinkley 115; 114, 99, Jeremy Whitted 103, 96, Beverly Parsons 110, May Meyers 109, 92, 89, 290, Betty Whitehead 120, 89, 94, 303; 107, 80, Judy Didinsky 95, 88; 105, Josh Burke 94, 81, 93, 268, May Meyers 81, Lou Baggata 103, Colleen Lewis 101, 82, 82, Margo Potter 91, 77 and Joanne Lotz 99, 92, 87, 278; 82. In the Wednesday Men’s League, Dwayne Cabrera 248, 235, 227, 710, Kyle Stevens 279, 242, 699, Wayne Fox 223, 201, 236, 660, Thomas Fix 266, 202, 655, Gene Smith 236, 246, 655, Chris Stevens 245, 222, 646, Stew Stevens 248, 227, 643, Robert Stewart 269, 194, 628, Jim Fiore 221, 234, 625, Herbie Sklar 229, 215, 617, Keith Smith 213, 210, 612, Rob Tuttle 224, 194, 601, Chuck McAllister 213, 191, 574, Ed Blume Sr. 190, 212, 572, Pete Meachum 203, 571, Jason Jones Jr. 246, Ralph Coney 238, Mark Carman Jr. 230, Larry Hicks 210, Juan Lopez 204 and Carlos Torres 204. In the Thursday Ladies League, Audrey Woolard 172, 194, 524, Cindy Short 190, Lynn Winters 189, Wendy Finn 173, Terri Hinkley 172, Kim Lopez 172, Florence Good 171 and Tabatha Smith 171. In the Friday Mixed League, Alan LaBounty 227, 574, Jim Fiore 215, Robert Fix III 192, 190, Gordon Hyde 191, Joel Brodie 190 and Betty Dole 181. In the Saturday Mixed League, Kyle Stevens 265, 300, 236, 801; 235, 226, 648, Anthony Atkins 195, 212, 235, 642, Josh Milucky 203, 215, 606, Phil Norris 191, 204, 210, 605; Thomas Fix 223, 213, 599, 203, 202, 586; Betty Jane Stevens 176, 487, Tabatha Smith 170, 480, Deming Roosa 232, Stew Stevens 234, 582, Herbie Sklar 213; 201, 190, 573, Harry Cohen 190, 212, Walt Edwards 209, Jon Wayne 191, 204; 205, Chris McKay 203, Phil Norris 197, Gene Smith 196, Debbie Sklar 176, Jodi Gulley 172, Russell Bivins 204, 195; Jim Fiore 204, 191; Geo Crary 203, 191 Angie Desmond 202; Keith Smith 207, 195, 585; 193; Kevin Norris 192; Rich Bivins 190; Shannon Carman 170; 170. In the Sunday Mixed League, Jim Fiore 196, 571; 235, 223, 640, Bob Feeney 193, 214, 578, Sheila Fix 175, 483, Bob Cady 212, 190, Thomas Fix 211, 208, Jerry Scandore 190, 210, Rich Winters Jr. 202, Barbara Cady 178, 173, 503; 198, Dean Winters 196 and Lynn Winters 185. In the Liberty Elks Bumper League, Hudson Danzilo 105, Logan Danzilo 104, Alli Dworetsky 82 and Jake Parks 63 In the Liberty Elks Bantam League, Ian Cody 132, 223, Sean McMahon 116, 172, Gabriel Florez 104, 80, 184, Myan Florez 99, 90, 189, Tanner Parks 92; Owen Siegel 82, 79, 161, Emma Doretsky 75, 54, 129, Kayla McMahon 71, Lindsie Siegel 70, David Schiff 67, Dara Schiff 65 and Zachary DeLong 60.In the Liberty Elks Teenage League, Louie Brahm 192, 146, 465, John Kolarik 168, 460, Jonathan Griesbeck 159, Dylan Rivera 159, 136, 136, 431, Brendan Siegel 155, Cameron Reichenbaugh 153, 147, 398, Anthony Kolarik 151, 427, Ryan Feeney 147, 135, Robby Allegretta 145, 134, 398, Thomas McCausland 144, 120, Ryan McDowell 141, 115, 130, 386, Nick Carriere 136, 128, 122, 386, Robert Feeney 131, Zachary Cody 130, 122, Hanrii Padu 125, 115, Glen McCausland 110 and Robby Lyons 90.

PBA Senior Tour Returns To Florida to Kick Off 2011 Season; The 2011 Professional Bowlers Association Senior Tour season will get underway with a sold-out field of 120 players in the PBA Senior Don Carter Open at Carter Family Bowl in Winter Garden, Fla., April 17-21. The Senior Don Carter Open will be followed by another Florida stop when the 50-and-older generation returns to Spanish Springs Lanes in The Villages, Fla., April 23-26, after a one-season absence. Heading up the 120-player field in Winter Garden will be PBA Hall of Famer and 2010 Senior Rookie of the Year Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Ocala, Fla. The 2010 Senior Tour was one of the most exciting in history with a Senior Player of the Year race involving three Hall of Famers that was decided in the last tournament of the season. Wayne Webb secured Senior Player of the Year honors by winning the Senior Jackson Open, outlasting Williams and another Hall of Famer, Mark Williams of Beaumont, Texas. W.R. Williams, who earlier in the 2010 season earned PBA Player of the Year, narrowly missed in his bid to become the first to win PBA Player and Senior Player of the Year honors in the same year. Named after one of bowling’s all-time greats, the Senior Don Carter Open, will also benefit two charities — United Cerebral Palsy and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Other stars scheduled to compete are PBA Hall of Famers Dave Soutar, Bradenton, Fla.; Johnny Petraglia, Jackson, N.J.; Tom Baker, King, N.C.; Dale Eagle, Frisco, Texas; and Ernie Schlegel, Vancouver, Wash. Also entered are 2009 Senior Player of the Year Ron Mohr of Eagle River, Alaska, and 1998 Senior Player of the Year Pete Couture, Titusville, Fla. Other Florida standouts entered are five-time PBA Tour and one-time Senior Tour titlist Bob Handley of Winter Park, six-time Senior Tour and four-time PBA Tour winner Steve Neff of Homosassa Springs and four-time Senior Tour and two-time PBA Tour winner Bob Chamberlain of The Villages. Qualifying rounds will be conducted April 18-20 and match finals rounds on April 21. Practice rounds will be conducted the morning of April 17 with pro-am squads conducted at 1, p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. with a special youth pro-am conducted April 16 at 5 p.m. Pro-am entry information may be obtained by contacting Carter Family Bowl at (407) 656-2000. Tickets for qualifying and match play finals rounds are also available by calling Carter Family Bowl. In addition to Carter Family Bowl, Playdrome Rose Bowl in Allentown, Pa., will be a first-time Senior Tour host when the PBA Senior Mark Roth Allentown Open is conducted May 21-24. The second major of the season, the USBC Senior Masters moves from Las Vegas to Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl in Columbus, Ohio, July 31-Aug. 5. The Senior Tour’s other major, the PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by the Suncoast, returns to the Suncoast Bowling Center in Las Vegas June 12-17. 2011 PBA Senior Tour Schedule April 17-21 – PBA Senior Don Carter Open, Carter Family Bowl, Winter Garden, Fla. April 23-26 – PBA Senior Sun Bowl In The Villages, Spanish Springs Lanes, The Villages, Fla. May 1-4 – PBA Senior Miller High Life Classic, George Pappas Victory Lanes, Mooresville, N.C. May 21-24 – PBA Senior Mark Roth Allentown Open, Playdrome Rose Bowl, Allentown, Pa. June 12-17 – PBA Senior U.S. Open, Presented by the Suncoast, Suncoast Bowling Center, Las Vegas June 19-22 – PBA Senior Northern California Classic, Harvest Park Bowl, Brentwood, Calif. July 31-Aug. 5 – USBC Senior Masters, Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl, Columbus, Ohio Aug. 8-11 – PBA Senior Lake County Open, Olympia Lanes, Hammond, Ind. Aug. 13-16 – PBA Senior Decatur Open, Spare Time Lanes, Decatur, Ill. Aug. 22-25 – PBA Senior Jackson Open, Airport Lanes, Jackson, Mich. Aug. 27-30 – PBA Senior Dayton Classic, Capri Lanes, Dayton, Ohio

Jaros, Weiss, Allen Advance To Conference Championships In PBA Playoffs Seven-time Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour champion Steve Jaros of Yorkville, Ill.; 10-time PBA Regional winner Randy Weiss of Columbia, S.C., and two-time PBA Tour titlist Dick Allen, also of Columbia, S.C.., advanced to the Conference Championships in the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs after victories in the Go RVing Regional Championships Round at Woodland Bowl, Indianapolis, Ind. The Go RVing Regional Championships Round, which aired Sunday on ESPN, featured three three-player regional championship matches with the winners advancing to the Conference Championship Round, and the two lowest scores being eliminated. The Conference Championships will air Sunday, April 10, at 1 p..m. Eastern on ESPN. Jaros, who has now made a television appearance in 20 consecutive seasons, nipped Tom Smallwood of Saginaw, Mich., 258-257, to win the East Region championship. Scott Norton of Costa Mesa, Calif., finished third in the three-player East Regional final with a 224. Weiss, in his national television debut, threw five strikes in a row to end his game and stun 12-time PBA Tour champ Tommy Jones of Greenville, S.C., 239-238, in the South Region championship. Ryan Shafer of Horseheads, N.Y., also was eliminated after rolling a 207 game. Allen was nearly perfect in throwing a 289 game that eliminated Walter Ray Williams Jr. (221) of Ocala, Fla., and Mika Koivuniemi (201) of Hartland, Mich., in the Central Region finale. In the East Region championship, Jaros started with seven strikes before leaving back-to-back 10 pins, but Smallwood battled Jaros into the 10th frame.. Jaros finished first, throwing a strike on his first ball in the 10th and filling the frame with a 10 pin/spare. Smallwood needed the first strike to win, but left a 7 pin. After converting the spare, he then needed a strike to tie Jaros, but he left a 4 pin on his fill ball. Jaros said he thought the match would be close, but “I figured it would be Tom or me versus Scott after the way he bowled in practice. But Scott just didn’t look comfortable once the show started.” Weiss was the surprise of the day with his clutch finish to nip Jones after a horrible break ended Shafer’s hopes. Shafer was very much in the hunt, but trying to extended a double in the eighth and ninth frames, the four-time PBA Tour winner left a 7-10 split on a pocket hit in the 10th frame to end his chances. At the same time, Jones overcame the carry issues he had during the first half of his game, stringing five strikes before leaving a 4 pin on his fill ball in the 10th frame. That pin gave Weiss an opportunity to strike out in the 10th to win by one pin. “I knew I was going to have to strike because these guys are really good,” Weiss said, “but they are human, so I knew I had to stay in my world and see what happens. “My thought in the last frame was that there is no way you could ask for anything better than an opportunity to win in the 10th, so I told myself to get a good shot off my hand and let the chips fall where they may. “Mike Machuga may have given me the best advice when he said it’ll be the fastest 10 minutes of your life, so slow it down in your mind as much as you can, and that’s exactly what I did,” Weiss added. “I just kept slowing my thoughts and not watching what they were doing, and I focused on what my job was.” In the Central Region match, Allen and Williams both started with five strikes while Koivuniemi struggled to strike after starting with a double. Williams’ string ended when he also left a pocket 7-10 in the sixth frame, but Allen kept on striking until leaving a 10 pin on his 11th attempt. By that time, thanks to a 4-6-7-10 split by Williams in the ninth frame, the match was over. “I followed all of the old clichйs – keep your head down, don’t watch what they’re doing, make one shot at a time – and that’s exactly what I did,” Allen said. “I wasn’t worried about anybody else. I know when I throw it good, I can strike with the best of them.” Allen has a history of being one of the PBA Tour’s more volatile players, but after the birth of his first child in early March, “I came here with less negative thoughts,” he said. “I’ve got some cool pictures on my phone, I’m smiling more because of (daughter Piper). My mind’s in a different place and I’m not so upset if I make a bad shot. And I’m not making as many bad shots because of a grip change and a swing change I made, and those are probably the keys to success more than anything. “I got away with about three bad shots,” Allen added. “That was probably the highest 220 game I’ve ever shot; let’s put it that way. Without a doubt I knew I was going for 300. When Walter got that second split in the ninth frame and I knew the match was over, I told myself to finish it off. Unfortunately I threw a really good shot in the 10th and they didn’t fall.” The Lucas Oil Regional Championships Round will complete the field for the Conference Championships. The Lucas Oil Regional round, which airs Sunday on ESPN at 1 p.m., will feature three finalists each in the Midwest (Jack Jurek, Wes Malott, Bill O’Neill), Southwest (Brad Angelo, Dino Castillo, Jason Belmonte) and West/Southwest (Chris Barnes, Lennie Boresch Jr., Lonnie Waliczek) Regions. On Sunday, April 10, the Conference Championships telecast at 1 p.m. Eastern will include the East Region winner (Jaros) against the South (Weiss), the Central (Allen) vs. the Midwest winner, and the Southwest vs. the West/Northwest winner. Those three winners will return to Woodland Bowl on Sunday, April 17, for the live ESPN finals at 1 p.m. Eastern. First prize in the inaugural Dick Weber PBA Playoffs is $50,000. LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR DICK WEBER PBA PLAYOFFS Woodland Bowl, Indianapolis, Sunday GO RVING REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND East Region Championship (winner advances to Conference Championships to meet South Region winner Randy Weiss on ESPN on Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. Eastern): 1, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 258. 2, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., 257, $6,000. 3, Scott Norton, Costa Mesa, Calif., 224, $5,000. South Region Championship (winner advances to Conference Championships to meet East Region winner Steve Jaros on ESPN on Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. Eastern): 1, Randy Weiss, Columbia, S.C., 239. 2, Tommy Jones, Greenville, S.C., 238, $6,000. 3, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 207, $5,000. Central Region Championship (winner advances to Conference Championships to meet Midwest Region winner on ESPN on Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. Eastern): 1, Dick Allen, Columbia, S.C., 289. 2, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 221, $6,000. 3, Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 201, $5,000.

Competition Night At Tri-Valley

One of the highlights during the Lip Sync (skits) competition at the Tri-Valley CS 35th Annual Competition Night March 18 was this dance routine by 15-year-old Sophomore Cody Exner.

The Tri-Valley CS sophomore class in the tug-of-war competition during the annual Competition Night held March 18 in the high school gym.

Two-year-old Kaylee Shafarsky Taubl, daughter of Carrolann & Stephen Taubl shows off her style of dancing during the Tri-Valley Competition Night March 18 in the high school gym.

Tri-Valley CS Sophomore athletes Cody Exner, left, and Rodney "Taylor" Jester talk over moves in preparation for their next event in the annual Competition Night held March 18 in the high school gym.

Crab soccer was one of the popular events the Tri-Valley seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen participated in during the Competition Night held March 18 in the high school gym.

Members of the Tri-Valley Central School sophomore class hold up their index fingers to signal that they are No. 1 after being named champions of the 35th annual Competition Night held Friday night March 18.

TRI-VALLEY COMPETITION NIGHT

GRAHAMSVILLE--The Tri-Valley Sophomore Class of 2013 are this years champions of the 35th Annual Tri-Valley Competition Night held Friday March 18 in the high school gym.
The annual event filled the gym with a standing-room only crowd and featured all four high school grades 9-12 along with Bill O'Morrissey as Master of Ceremonies, Kathi Smith and Lori Thayer as score keepers and Jeanne Fiedler, Derek Adams, Brenda Hay, Mary Feusner, Tina Connelly, Brian Tingley, Bobby Beale and Khristian Newkirt serving as referees and judges.
Events consisted of the Obstacle Course, Crab Soccer, Cage Ball, Relay, Tug of War, Brain Teaser and Lip Sync(skits).
The Class of 2011 has 96 members, Class of 2012 has 94 members, Class of 2013 has 88 members and the Class of 2014 has 94 members.
Points for each class was awarded for spirit week and participation, decoration and lip sync (skits), point for all events, sportsmanship points and the canned food drive challenge.
In the Obstacle Course event the Seniors won 5 points, Juniors 1, Sophomores 3 and Freshman 2. The Crab Soccer event saw 8 points go to the Sophomore class, 6 points to the Seniors, 4 to the Junior class and 3 points to the Freshman class. The Senior Class won 11 points in the Cage Ball event, 7 points to the Junior class, 9 points to the Sophomore class and 4 points to the Freshman class.
The Relay Race was won by the Sophomore Class with 14 points followed by the Senior Class with 13, Junior Class 10 points and the Freshman 5 points. The Tug of War event went to the Senior class with 16 points, the Junior and Sophomore class tied with 15 points and 6 points went to the Freshman.
In the Decoration category the Sophomore class again prevailed with 25 points, Juniors 20, Seniors 19 and Freshman 7.
The Lip-Sync (skits) event went to the Sophomores with 35 points, Seniors 24, Juniors 23 and Freshman 8. Spirit week points was won by the Sophomores with 39 points, Juniors and Seniors with 26 points and Freshman 9 points. Sportsmanship points was won by the Sophomores with 44 points, Juniors and Seniors with 31 points and 14 points for the Freshman.
Total points which include participation and canned goods donations gave the overall championship to the Sophomores with 52 points followed by the Juniors with 36 points, Seniors 35 points and Freshman 17 points.
Additional photo coverage is available at http://bght.blogspot.com

Here & There Column 3-22-11

Basketball & March Madness

March brings to many the knowledge that spring is not too far away but for hoop (basketball) fans it brings high school sectional play, this year a National College championship tournament for Sullivan County and the biggest stage of all the National March Madness NCAA Division 1 Tournament.
Wow......what a roller coaster ride it has been so this month as we sat back, took photos and enjoyed seeing the great talents of Tri-Valley's Jakki Pugh and the Lady Bears winning the Section Nine Class C championship and over in Livingston Manor having the opportunity to see the greatly multi-talented Marissa Diescher.
It was then on to Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) where for the first time in county hoop history an NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball National Championship was staged on March 10-12.
If you missed this great event I feel sorry for you because eight of the best NJCAA Division III Men's teams in the United States were on stage at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse for three days of outstanding basketball and the host SCCC Generals placed third in the nation by winning March 12, 56-53 against Ocean County (N.J.)
Again kudos go out to the college's efforts along with the Sullivan County Visitors Association, Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, the Villa Roma Resort and others who worked long and hard to bring this great sporting event to Sullivan County. This great national tournament will remain in Sullivan County for the next two years.
And now on to March Madness and the NCAA Tournament where for the first time every game will be available to a national TV audience (those with cable or satellite) and those days of relying on a producer in New York studio to switch us to the most intriguing game is over.
For the first week of the tournament four networks, CBS, TBS, TNT and TruTV will have games.
Another plus for viewers of this event is whatever network is assigned to a game they will stay with that game until the end.
Sit back hoop fans and enjoy it all......PS....don't call me and I'm not scheduling any out of the house away from my 48-inch TV screen engagements until after the championship game.

Bowling Highlights Column 3-18-11

Mark Roth bowled a couple of games at the PBA Mark Roth Plastic Ball Championhip at Cheektowaga, NY on Wednesday March 2.

It Was Mark Roth Week March 3-6

All of the bowling family is pulling for the recovery of PBA Legend Mark Roth who suffered a massive stroke in 2009..
In May of 2009, Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer Mark Roth, a 34-time champion and universally regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in history, fell victim to a massive stroke that paralyzed his left side and left his family and friends wondering if he’d ever walk on his own again.
The thought may have entered Roth’s mind, but it left quickly as he began a determined battle to recover use of his body. The first signs of significant progress became apparent when he was able to attend the inaugural PBA Mark Roth Plastic Ball Championship in West Babylon, N.Y., in March of 2010.
On Wednesday March 2, Roth and his wife Denise again made the trip from their home in Fulton, N.Y., to Cheektowaga near Buffalo for the 2011 edition of the Mark Roth Plastic Ball Championship. And it quickly became apparent that Roth has made even greater strides on his road to recovery when he stepped onto the lanes and bowled a few games.
Roth, who was ranked fifth behind Earl Anthony, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Dick Weber and Pete Weber on the list of PBA’s greatest players ever as part of the organization’s 50th anniversary in 2009, has improved steadily thanks to therapy and the use of an electronic device called “WalkAide.” The device, manufactured by Hanger Prosthetics, provides electronic stimulation to his left leg allowing him to walk more efficiently by overcoming a common stroke complication called “foot drop.”
When Roth proved he had the determination to walk again, his doctors recommended bowling as the ideal form of therapy.
Roth, who will celebrate his 60th birthday on April 10, returned to the lanes with a six-pound ball and has slowly graduated to heavier equipment.
“I’ve gone from a point where they thought I would never walk again to where I can bowl three games at a time using a 12-pound ball,” Roth said. “I can use a 15-pound urethane ball for a few frames, but I’m not able to keep the speed up and it hooks off the lane.”
The “hook off the lane” comment is ironic, considering that Roth is widely credited with creating today’s “power game” with a unique delivery technique back in the 1970s that allowed him to generate massive hook with plastic bowling balls that few could match. His ability to hook plastic equipment revolutionized both the way modest bowlers throw the ball, and the advanced technology built into today’s bowling equipment that enhances hooking power.
In addition to the challenge of recovering from his stroke, Roth also developed complications with his hip that hampered his ability to sleep. Hard work in therapy has also alleviated most of that problem.
“Going to therapy five times a week about killed me,” he admitted, “but it has helped a lot. Right now I’m on a break from therapy, which I’m enjoying.”
Roth’s recovery has progressed to the point where now he feels good enough to travel longer distances. In fact, he recently passed his driver’s test.
“Passing the driver’s test was a big milestone for me,” Roth said. “Being able to drive again is just another thing that has increased my independence.”
Attending the tournament named in his honor is also an important part of Roth’s therapy. “Mark really needs this,” Denise said about attending the Plastic Ball Championship. “This was Mark’s family for so many years and he needs to be in this environment—it’s good medicine.”
Roth, who was busy providing commentary for pba.com’s Xtra Frame Thursday and Friday, was sitting in the front row Sunday March 6 when the finals of the Plastic Ball Championship aired live on ESPN.
Roth’s legacy is firmly established. In addition to his 34 Tour titles which ranks tied for fourth all-time, he is a four-time PBA Player of the Year (1977, 1978, 1979 and 1984). He led the Tour in average six times, including a then-record 221.699 in 1979. His record of eight titles in 1978 may never be broken and for good measure, he followed his record year with another seven titles in 1979. He earned more than $1.6 million in career earnings before moving into PBA Senior Tour competition where he won two more titles, earned Senior Rookie of the Year honors in 2001 and Senior Player of the Year honors a year later.
While Roth has a quite a way to go in his rehabilitation, because of the progress he has made thus far, he’s encouraged about one day returning to PBA competition.
“I’ve got a long way to go and need to get a lot of strength back especially in my left leg,” Roth said. “But I’m determined and with the progress I’ve made so far don’t count me out."

Lake's Win Elks
No-Tap Tourney

Joan Lake and son Eddie Lake won the Monticello Elks March 15 No-Tap Scotch Doubles tournament held March 5 at Kiamesha Lanes.
Their winning scores was 1065.
Second place went to Mary Lee Williams and Jerald Scott with a score of 1048.
Third place was won by Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens and Paul Berens with a 961.
Fifty-six bowlers participated in this popular event. All enjoyed the Bar-B-Q chicken dinner at the Elks Club following the competition.

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

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

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

Tournament
Dates

March 26-May 1- The 59th Annual Handicap Tournament, Men, Women, Mixed, Flox Bowling Center, Hancock, NY Information 607-637-4401.
April 30-May 22- The 30th Annual South Side Bowl, Scranton, Pa. No-Tap Tournament. Team and Doubles--Information 570-961-5213.
April 30-May 15- The 60th Annual Idle Hour Lanes, Scranton, Pa.Tournament-Team and Doubles. --Information 570-489-7526.
May 1--40th Annual Eddie Beebe-Julia Maney Memorial Senior Tournament, Liberty Lanes.
Information on all Tri-County USBC Tournaments is available at 845-784-6630.

LOCAL BOWLING SCORES
BY ED TOWNSEND

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies League, included games of 200, 163 and 198 for a 561 series by Diane Staves, Jackie Gieger 210, 182, 537, Wendy Finn 152, Beth Schumacher 161, Debbie Murphy 156, Dot McCormack 158, Tracey Puerschner 163, 180, Diane Conroy 153, 161 and Lori Kimmes 193.
In the Tuesday Ladies League, Lillian Zieres 191, 175, 497, Rebecca Rhodes 174, Maureen Schlott 170, 472, Barbara Cady 468 and Kelly Gombita a triple 155 for a 465 series.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds League included Linda Ferris with a 182 game, a 186 game, a 181 game for a 549 series by Linda Ferris, Dana McGraw 180, Jen Smith 191, 515, Jennifer Tompkins 196 and Becky Williams 178, 178, 515.
In the Men's Wednesday Independent League, Steve Aitken 239, 244, 226, 709, Andy Boice 235, Mike Bowker 228, 601, Al Bullis Sr. 253, 230, 695, Andrew Bullis 610, Dale Conklin 246, 627, Cody Conway 235, 680, Brandon Drumm 226, 614, Art Gately 227, 621, Steve Jacobi 228, 226, 668, Donnie Marino 258, 685, Walt Oralls 607, Rich Regas 247, 653, Jonathon Wayne 245, 671, Hank Whitmore 225, Zuke Wormuth 268, 679, Jeremy Wormuth 225, 263, 233, 721 and Tony Wright 246, 650.
In the Thursday Deposit National League, Al Bullis Sr. 269, 676, Andy Bullis 232, 300, 747, Shawn Card 235, Ray Cornwell 231, 661, Mike Costello 651, Jim Dibble 242, 676, Bill Gleim 231, 638, Gino Jones 234, 675, Greg Keesler 233, 237, 694, John Lanner 231, Rich Lenio 232, 603, Rick Mills 238, 297, 710, Jim Valentine 258, 227, 685 and Jeremy Wormuth 286, 645.
In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples League, Andie Rose Bullis 503, Andy Bullis 248, Howey Couse Jr. 235, 676, Howard Couse Sr. 256, 619, Frank Couse Sr. 236, 602, Norman L. Ellis 638, Bob Ellis 637, Paul Fritz 256, 643, Dana McGraw 190, 212, 210, 612, Mark McGraw 620, Sheri Oralls 193, 515, Walt Oralls 234, 269, 724, Jen Smith 187, 517, Sandy Winans 180, 500, Dan Wormuth 278, 723, Jay Wormuth 225, 647 and Jeremy Wormuth 235, 232, 234, 701.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun League, Don Marino 246, 255, 679, Savana Mills (youth girls’ scores) 139, 136, 376 and Parker Tiffany (bantam boys’ score) 102.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's League included a 238 game and 648 series by Franciso Martinez, Al Caycho 256, 644, Jon Wilhelm 279, 237, 721, Josh Strang 248, 246, 709, Tom Belgiovene 234, 256, 703, John Hoffmann 253, 256, 230, 739, Dan Ricco 245, 649, Mike Weiner 225, 233, 674, Roy Sweeney 239, 236, 697, Rick Lake 237, 238, 257, 732, Jack Moylan 227, 233, 257, 717, James Ratner 243, 678, Kort Wheeler 226, 238, 634, Laresko Niifa 638, Paul Durland 244, 669, Donald Durland 269, 279, 257, 805, Jaryl Scott 239, 253, 259, 751, Vinnie Collura 280, 229, 225, 734, David Graham 613, William Bartley 238, Nate Sanders 224, 258, 700, John Fischer 257, 259, 246, 762, Michael Mahusky 255, 640, Leroy Williams 625, Larry Berens 257, 247, 686, Dean Shattuck 229, 654, Tim Minton 236, 665, Wayne Atkins 245, 667, Shane Cunningham 245, 230, 662, Kyle Shivers 235, 243, 267, 745, Steven Rivera 256, 606, William Helms 619, Frank Scuderi 233, 649 and James Piontek 236.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters League, Shane Cunningham 238, 247, 679, Russ Keesler 244, 671, Kris Gwiozdowski 237, 656, Joe Peabody 236, 643, Ryan Lepke 641, George Kelley 227, 632, Dan Allen 225, 623, Jack Rustic 225, 621, Ed Guthrie 616, Robert Nicholson 227, 613, Stan Gilmore 228, 607, Peter Scannell 235, Craig Wilhelm 226, Debbie Durland 210, 255, 632, Joan Lake 237, 562, Linda Schaefer 187, 200, 548, Carena Collura 192, 196, 546, Joan Redington 195, 526, Mary Lee Williams 179, 522, Andrea Grossman 180, 518 and Lisa Cartwright 188.
In the Wednesday Men's League, James VanAken 258, 245, 687, Paul Durland 246, 256, 705, Tom Belgiovene 245, 646, John Hoffmann 258, 263, 736, Laresko Niifa 240, 623, Kevin Stackhouse 234, 238, 689, Eddie Lake 238, 246, 698, Craig Wilhelm 603, Kenny Atkins 258, 226, 654, Josh Strang 245, 671, Jacob Smith 246, 634, Kyle Shivers 277, 269, 760, John Lewis 228, 655, Shane Cunningham 625, Donald Durland 249, 242, 702, Richard Bradford 258, 269, 733, Matt Fallon 606, Gregory Fallon 641, Rick Lara 276, 696, Jody Farquhar 226, 642, Nick Price 257, 247, 673, Edward Walsh 258, 678, Josh Deitchman 233 and Shane Deitchman 226, 636.
In the Thursday Ladies League, Lisa Cartwright 214, 174, 547, MariJane Conklin 183, Joan Lake 213, 254, 603, Liz Burgio 209, Barb Merton 170, 208, 524, Connie McKenley 184, Valerie Fersch 186, Pat Shuart 226, 544, Tracey Barres 201, 526, Christine Schultz 193, Barbara Durbak 225, 567, Pat Gibson 180, 196, 502, Debbie Durland 210, 211, 591 and Mardette Wilcox 180, 182, 529.
In the Friday Mixed League, Kyle Shivers 246, 277, 267, 790, Leroy Williams 258, 269, 238, 765, Jaryl Scott 269, 279, 755, Eugene Kelly 279, 269, 744, Ryan Lepke 279, 677, Frank Emmens 258, 674, Tom Palmer 289, 668, Roy Sweeney 236, 653, Frank Scuderi 256, 633, Alpesh Patel 248, 628, David Graham 235, ,628, Kevin Stackhouse 627, Dan Ricco 225, 619, Paul Berens 233, 607, Robert Sze 255, 606, Glenn Fraser 233, 602, Larry Berens 234, 602, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 191, 182, 189, 562, Francine Kaiser 190, 210, Cathy Carpenter 184, 188, 187, 559, Joan Lake 197, 180, 541, Christa Sweeney 184, 192, 535, Amanda Scuderi 189, 520, Carolyn Williams 237, Judith Kelly 184, Tammy Sze 182 and Barbara Yeomans 183.

Liberty Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men’s League included Kyle Stevens with games of 226, 214 and 238 for a 678 series, Rudy Belanchia 235, 200, 214, 649, Carmine Santillo 235, 229, 636, Ed Blume Sr. 193, 201, 232, 626, Pete Meachum 279, 609, Anthony Atkins 222, 204, 601, Glenn Porter 257, 596, Ralph Coney 226, 582, Walt Edwards 196, 224, 580, Todd Houghtaling 217, 577, Bruce Garritt 204, 196, 576, Paul Minton 190, 214, 574, Jason Jones Jr. 225, Andy Cooke 223, Lucas Stickle 209, Jason Jones Sr. 204, Manasseh O’Brien 203, Thomas Fix 201, Mitch Mattison 191 and Ricky Nichols 191.
In the Wednesday Men’s League, Kyle Stevens 241, 263, 223, 727, Jim Fiore 225, 192, 256, 673, Keith Smith 267, 221, 670, Ralph Coney 209, 196, 239, 644, Jerry Scandore 223, 224, 192, 639, Paul Minton 223, 595, Dwayne Cabrera 204, 206, 582, Rob Tuttle 196, 223, Ed Blume Sr. 222, Chris Stevens 217, Thomas Fix 213, Juan Lopez 210, Jason Jones Sr. 209, Carlos Torres 208, Anthony Atkins 205, Dan Martinetti 204, 193, Mike Aumick 201, Ray Stanisha 200, Mark Carman Jr. 198, 192, Herbie Sklar 198, Rich Bivins 194, Tom Kehrley 193, Stew Stevens 193, 191, Wayne Fox 192, Mark Carman Sr. 190 and Robert Stewart 190.
In the Thursday Ladies League, Krissy Goldsmith 198, 525, Connie Beach 213, 520, JoAnne Wright 181, 513, Audrey Woolard 170, 497, Tabatha Smith 175, 171, 490, Wendy Finn 181, 485, Carly Sklar 180, 170, 482, Diane Edwards 190, Maureen Barber 179, Kathi Smith 178 and Ashton Clark 177.
In the Friday Mixed League, Kyle Stevens 222, 225, 258, 705, Thomas Fix 243, 243, 200, 686, Jim Fiore 202, 225, 192, 619, Wendy Swan 199, 513, Alan LaBounty 214 and Tony Mears 206.
In the Saturday Mixed League, Kyle Stevens 265, 300, 236, 801, Anthony Atkins 195, 212, 235, 642, Thomas Fix 223, 213, 599, Keith Smith 207, 195, 585, Betty Jane Stevens 176, 487, Tabatha Smith 170, 480, Deming Roosa 232, Herbie Sklar 213, Harry Cohen 190, 212, Jon Wayne 191, 204, Chris McKay 203, Phil Norris 197, Gene Smith 196, Debbie Sklar 176, Jodi Gulley 172 and Shannon Carman 170.
In the Sunday Mixed League, Jim Fiore 196, 571, Barbara Cady 178, 173, 503 and Dean Winters 196.
In the ShopRite League, Bryan Thomas 206, 129, 167, 514, Bobby Waters 201, 151, 465, James Thomas 172, 439, Mary Heinle 166, 147, 135, 448, Pam Potter 167, 427, Billy Parkinson 155, 139, 407, Brandon Hinkley 142, 403, Scott Potter 138, Colleen Freer 136, Fred Seaman 134, 130, 386, Barbara Brundage 126, Jamie Sosis 124, 112, Betty Whitehead 120, 89, 94, 303, Katie Ahart 117, 104, 116, 337, Colleen Lewis 117, 102, Sue DeMestrio 116, 107, 113, 336, Heather Hinkley 115, Jeff Frey 107, Jeremy Whitted 103, 96, Joanna Lotz 99, 92, 87, 278, Judy Didinsky 95, 88, Josh Burke 94, 81, 93, 268 and May Meyers 81.

Williams Among 18 Finalists
For Dick Weber PBA Playoffs

Walter Ray Williams Jr., trying to extend his Professional Bowlers Association record for winning at least one title in a season to 18 years, was among 18 players who advanced to Sunday’s Regional Championships in the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs at Woodland Bowl Friday.

Williams, who owns the PBA Tour record for career titles with 47, finished second in the four-player Central Region, to keep his title hopes alive. The Dick Weber PBA Playoffs is the final tournament of the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season, which means it’s the last chance for the 51-year-old from Ocala, Fla.

The PBA Playoffs is six tournaments-in-one, featuring six regional groups bowling elimination rounds within their respective regions. Three players of four players from each Region remain in the hunt after Round Five, but like the NCAA basketball brackets, upsets took a toll on the inaugural event.

In Round Four, 2011 U.S. Open Norm Duke of Clermont, Fla., became the third PBA Hall of Famer eliminated during Friday’s action. Duke finished sixth in the South Region, missing the cut to the top four by 24 pins. Among the Tour’s top six points leaders for 2010-11 who were seeded into the Regions for Round Four, only Sean Rash of Montgomery, Ill., failed to advance when he finished fifth in the East Region.

In Round Three earlier Friday, where the top five of eight advanced, bowlers eliminated included Rhino Page of Dade City, Fla., who had been the top qualifier in both previous rounds in the East Region, and Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., who finished eighth in the Southwest Region after leading Round One and finishing fifth in Round Two. PBA Hall of Famers Parker Bohn III of Jackson, N.J. and Tom Baker of King, N.C. (South Region), and 2011 Bayer USBC Masters champion Tom Hess of Urbandale, Iowa (Midwest Region) also failed to survive Round Three.

In Round Five, Mika Koivuniemi of Hartland, Mich., who won the $1 million PBA Tournament of Champions earlier in the season, but lost the U.S. Open title two weeks ago when he missed a 10 pin in the 10th frame, kept his hopes alive by converting the 2-8 in the 10th frame and striking on his fill ball to edge Dan MacLelland of Saginaw, Mich., was three pins for the third spot in the Central Region. Dick Allen of Columbia, S.C., and Williams also advanced.

In the East Region, PBA Rookie of the Year candidate Scott Norton of Costa Mesa, Calif.; seven-time PBA Tour champion Steve Jaros of Yorkville, Ill., and 2009 PBA World Champion Tom Smallwood of Saginaw, Mich., advanced.

In the South Region, 13-time PBA Tour winner Tommy Jones of Simpsonville, S..C.; four-time titlist Ryan Shafer of Horseheads, N.Y., and regional qualifier Randy Weiss of Columbia, S.C., advanced. Weiss has never won a PBA Tour title.

Current season points leader Bill O’Neill of Southampton, Pa., moved on with a second-place finish in the Midwest Region along with six-game leader Jack Jurek of Lackawanna, N.Y., and third-place finisher Wes Malott of Pflugerville, Texas. Malott fired a 248 final game to overtake local favorite Ronnie Russell of Marion, Ind., for the final spot in the Midwest.

Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, the 2010 PBA World Champion, was second in the West/Northwest along with Round Five leader Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., and Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan. Boresch is trying for his first PBA Tour title. Waliczek, who won both of his titles during the 2002-03 season, rolled a 248 final game to knock Baltimore’s Danny Wiseman out of the Regional Championship round.

Advancing in the Southwest Region were Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas; Australian two-handed star Jason Belmonte and Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y. Castillo is trying for his first title. Belmonte and Angelo each have won one title.

In Sunday’s first Regional Championship at 9 a.m., the three East, South and Central Region survivors will bowl one game matches with the winner in each Region advancing to the Conference Championship at 3:30 p.m. In the second Regional Championship at 1 p.m., the three Midwest, Southwest and West/Northwest survivors will bowl one-game matches to determine the other three Conference Championship finalists.

In the Conference Championship, the East Region winner will bowl one game against the South Region winner, the Central Region winner will bowl against the Midwest winner, and the Southwest winner will meet the West/Northwest winner.

The Regional Championships will air on ESPN on Sunday, March 27, at 2:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 3, at 1 p.m. Eastern, respectively. The Conference Championship will air on Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. Eastern, respectively.

The three Conference Championship winners will return to Indianapolis on Sunday, April 17, for the final live telecast of the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season. In the first match, the three finalists will bowl one game with the lowest score finishing third. The two survivors will bowl two one-game matches. If one player wins both, he will win the $50,000 first prize. If they split the two games, a one-ball roll-off will decide the title..

DICK WEBER PBA PLAYOFFS
Woodland Bowl, Indianapolis, Friday

ROUND FIVE (after 6 games, top 3 per region advance to Conference Championships Sunday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Eastern)

East Region
1, Scott Norton, Costa Mesa, Calif., 1,402.
2, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 1,360.
3, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., 1,350.
Did not advance:
4, John Nolen, Waterford, Mich., 1,244, $3,000.

South Region
1, Tommy Jones, Greenville, S.C., 1,455.
2, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 1,368.
3, Randy Weiss, Columbia, S.C., 1,332.
Did not advance:
4, Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 1,313, $3,000.

Central Region
1, Dick Allen, Columbia, S.C., 1,513.
2, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 1,479.
3, Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 1,452.
Did not advance:
4, Dan MacLelland, Saginaw, Mich., 1,449, $3,000.

Midwest Region
1, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 1,351.
2, Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., 1,272.
3, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 1,269.
Did not advance:
4, Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., 1,239, $3,000.

Southwest Region
1, Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 1,309.
2, Jason Belmonte, Australia, 1,296.
3, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 1,283.
Did not advance:
4, Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y., 1,221, $3,000.

West/Northwest Region
1, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 1,342.
2, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 1,309.
3, Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 1,295.
Did not advance:
4, Danny Wiseman, Baltimore, 1,283, $3,000.

ROUND FOUR (after 6 games, top 4 per region advance to Round Five Friday night):

East Region
1, John Nolen, Waterford, Mich., 1,395.
2, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., 1,391.
3, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 1,370.
4, Scott Norton, Costa Mesa, Calif., 1,340.
Did not advance:
5, Sean Rash, Montgomery, Ill., 1,299, $2,500.
6, Jeffrey Voght, Canojaharie, N.Y., 1,225, $2,500.

South Region
1, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 1,467.
2, Randy Weiss, Columbia, S.C., 1,418.
3, Tommy Jones, Greenville, S.C., 1,414.
4, Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 1,362.
Did not advance:
5, Jason Sterner, McDonough, Ga., 1,355, $2,500.
6, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 1,338, $2,500.

Central Region
1, Dan MacLelland, Saginaw, Mich., 1,523.
2, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 1,410.
3, Dick Allen, Columbia, S.C., 1,396.
4, Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 1,384.
Did not advance:
5, Billy Oatman, Chicago, 1,257, $2,500.
6, Brian Thompson, Flat Rock, Mich., 1,234, $2,500.
300 game – Walter Ray Williams Jr.

Midwest Region
1, Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., 1,492.
2, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 1,377.
3, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 1,365.
4, Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., 1,311.
Did not advance:
5, Sean Swanson, Springfield, Mo., 1,304, $2,500.
6, Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., 1,271, $2,500.

Southwest Region
1, Jason Belmonte, Australia, 1,471.
2, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 1,312.
3, Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 1,307.
4, Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y., 1,302.
Did not advance:
5, Mike DeVaney, Murrieta, Calif., 1,301, $2,500.
6, D.J. Archer, Mineral Wells, Texas, 1,237, $2,500.

West/Northwest Region
1, Danny Wiseman, Baltimore, 1,603.
2, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 1,471.
3, Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 1,459.
4, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 1,447.
Did not advance:
5, Michael Haugen Jr., Carefree, Ariz., 1,404, $2,500.
6, Gregory Thompson Jr., Dublin, Calif., 1,220, $2,500.
300 games – Danny Wiseman (2).

ROUND THREE (after 6 games, top 5 per region advance):

East Region
1, Scott Norton, Costa Mesa, Calif., 1,425.
2, Jeffrey Voght, Canojaharie, N.Y., 1,423.
3, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 1,410.
4, John Nolen, Waterford, Mich., 1,348.
5, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., 1,347.
Did not advance:
6, Brian LeClair, Athens, N.Y., 1,328, $2,000.
7, Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla., 1,308, $2,000.
8, Jeff Zaffino, Warren, Pa., 1,300, $2,000.
300 game – Jeffrey Voght.

South Region
1, Jason Sterner, McDonough, Ga., 1,455.
2, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 1,442.
3, Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 1,383.
4, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 1,380.
5, Randy Weiss, Columbia, S.C., 1,328.
Did not advance:
6, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 1,310, $2,000.
7, Tom Baker, King, N.C., 1,299, $2,000.
8, Kip Roberts, Glenallen, Va., 1,290, $0,000.

Central Region
1, Dick Allen, Columbia, S.C., 1,501.
2, Dan MacLelland, Saginaw, Mich., 1,459.
3, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 1,458.
4, Billy Oatman, Chicago, 1,385.
5, Brian Thompson, Flat Rock, Mich., 1,360.
Did not advance:
6, Troy Stus, South Lyon, Mich., 1,356, $2,000.
7, Brian Himmler, Cincinnati, 1,340, $2,000.
8, Bo Goergen, Sanford, Mich., 1,320, $2,000.
300 game – Troy Stus.

Midwest Region
1, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 1,500.
2, Sean Swanson, Springfield, Mo., 1,470.
3, Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., 1,413.
4, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 1,368.
5, Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., 1,366.
Did not advance:
6, Tom Hess, Urbandale, Iowa, 1,356, $2,000.
7, Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, 1,305, $2,000.
8, Michael Steil, Wheeling, Ill., 1,234, $2,000.

Southwest Region
1, Mike Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y., 1,442.
2, D.J. Archer, Mineral Wells, Texas, 1,422.
3, Mike DeVaney, Murrieta, Calif., 1,400.
4, Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 1,366.
5, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 1,343.
Did not advance:
6, Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., 1,340, $2,000.
7, Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 1,324, $2,000.
8, Kelly Kulick, Union, N.J., 1,244, $2,000.

West/Northwest Region
1, Danny Wiseman, Baltimore, 1,530.
2, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 1,518.
3, Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 1,500.
4, Gregory Thompson Jr., Dublin, Calif., 1,490.
5, Michael Haugen Jr., Carefree, Ariz., 1,445.
Did not advance:
6, Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore., 1,409, $2,000.
7, Wayne Garber, Modesto, Calif., 1,398, $2,000.
8, PJ Haggerty, Roseville, Calif., 1,334, $2,000.
300 games – Lennie Boresch Jr., Michael Haugen Jr.

PBA Billy Welu
Scholarship Applications
Now Being Accepted

Applications are now being accepted for the 2011 Professional Bowler Association’s Billy Welu Scholarship, awarded annually to a male or female college student who competes in the sport of bowling and exhibits exemplary qualities as a student and citizen.> > The scholarship winner receives a $1,000 award and the deadline for submissions is May 31. A scholarship application may be accessed by clicking on this link> http://www.pba.com/file_upload/scholarships/BillyWeluApplication.pdf> > To be eligible, candidates must be amateur bowlers who are currently in college (preceding the application deadline) and maintain at least a 2.5/4.0 GPA or equivalent.> > A PBA Charter Member, Welu was inducted into both the PBA and United States Bowling Congress Halls of Fame in 1975. Welu won the BPAA All-Star competition in 1959 before winning the 1964 and ‘65 USBC Masters tournaments. He was PBA President for two years, a member of the PBA Tournament Committee for eight years and served for 16 years on the Executive Board. Welu also was color analyst working with Chris Schenkel on Pro Bowlers Tour telecasts on ABC-TV before he unexpectedly died of a heart attack in 1974 at age 41.

VOTING BEGINS FOR
TEAM USA FANTASY
CAMP CONTEST

The first group of finalists in the Team USA Fantasy Camp contest have been decided and now bowling fans can go to BOWL.com to help decide who will get an expenses-paid trip to the International Training and Research Center in Arlington, Texas, to train with the top coaches in the sport.> > Aaron Koch of Grand Haven, Mich., Jeff Owens of Ithaca, N.Y., Terrell Peterson of Killeen, Texas, and Mike Reed of Honeoye, N.Y., were selected as the first finalists in the contest. Voting is currently underway on BOWL.com and will continue through March 28. Fans can vote once per day.> > All four bowlers became eligible for the contest by bowling a 200 game or better in their United States Bowling Congress Sport Bowling league and entering on BOWL.com. Every two months this year, four new bowlers will be randomly selected from those who entered for a chance to win a trip to the ITRC.> > A total of six winners this year will win trips to visit the International Bowling Campus, where they will train with Team USA coaches and then take on six members of Team USA in a special competition broadcast live on BOWL.com.> > The Team USA Fantasy Camp contest is open to any USBC Sport Bowling member who bowls a 200 game or higher in their USBC Sport Bowling certified league. After shooting a qualifying score, bowlers can enter by visiting BOWL.com/sportbowling.> > The ITRC is home to some of the most innovative and cutting-edge coaching technologies available in the bowling industry today, including high-speed video cameras, motion-capture devices, foot-pressure sensors and goggles enhanced with cameras to show exactly where a player is looking during the approach and delivery. A DVR system also is in place and can record any video feed to let a bowler see what they did on their last shot as soon as they step off the lane.> > Other technology includes Computer-Aided Tracking System, known as C.A.T.S. which consists of a series of sensors placed along the lane that measure aspects of a bowler's game such as ball speed, accuracy, launch angle, and break-point control. CA.T.S. is combined with BowlersMAP, which breaks down video of the players, to give the athletes a real-time look at their games..> > A United States Olympic Committee-recognized training center, the ITRC is a joint venture of USBC and the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America. It is the most innovative and advanced training, research and testing facility in the sport of bowling with 14 lanes for training and six for research and testing.> > For more information on the Team USA Experience Fantasy Camp contest, visit bowl.com/sportbowling.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
WEEKLY LEADER BOARD

Joel Carlson of Omaha, Neb., wasted no time knocking off the new all-events leader at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, and he now sits atop the Regular All-Events standings with a 2,164 total..> > The 49-year-old right-hander used a 768 singles set to surge into the lead at the National Bowling Stadium on the morning of March 14. He added 709 in doubles and 687 in team to surpass Ken Duffield of Madison, Wis., who shot 2,120 late the night before.> > Carlson attributes his success to a ball change after his first game of team, a 193 effort, which then helped him average 246.3 for the remaining eight games.> > "During the first game of the tournament, I was using a duller ball, and it was not a good match," said Carlson, who made his 26th consecutive Open Championships appearance and had a previous high all-events total of 2,154 at the 2002 event in Billings, Mont. "If I got the ball out, it would hang. If I pulled the ball, it hooked. I made a ball change in game two and used that ball for the rest of the tournament."> > Carlson's effort also helped Rob Bailey's Pro Shop 1 of Omaha, Neb., into second place in Team All-Events with 9,671.> > He was joined by Rob Bailey (1,939), Scott Lindsey (1,900), Bruce Herreman (1,835) and Terry Norton (1,833). DAPP Embroidery of Grand Prairie, Texas, leads Team All-Events with 9,911.> > Finally, Carlson and Lindsey are 10th in Regular Doubles with 1,342, while Carlson's singles total is second in Regular Singles. William Vincent Jr. of Louisville, Ky., is the singles leader with 792, and Chris Galovits of West Allis, Wis., and Ed Seliga of Kenosha, Wis., lead doubles with 1,408.> > > Former PBA standout rolls first perfect game of 2011 event> It took 10 days, but the first perfect game of the 2011 USBC Open Championships is in the books thanks to former Professional Bowlers Association journeyman Curtis Odom of Coldwater, Mich.> > The 52-year-old right-hander calmly drew on past experience and stayed relaxed with the help of his teammates as he polished off the 700th perfect game in 108 years of Open Championships competition on the morning of March 13.> > "This was one of the goals I really wanted to accomplish," said Odom, who started doubles with a 232 game before rattling off 12 consecutive strikes. "I've been bowling at the Open Championships for a while, and you get to the point where you ask yourself if you're ever going to do it."> > While the perfect game earned Odom a spot in tournament history, it also helped him and Mark Weller into sixth place in Regular Doubles with a 1,352 total. Odom finished with a 216 game for a 748 series, while Weller contributed 604. Ed Seliga of Kenosha, Wis., and Chris Galovits of West Allis, Wis., lead with 1,408.> > Odom, winner of the Steve Nagy PBA Sportsmanship Award in 1996, added 604 in team and 553 in singles for a 1,905 all-events total at the National Bowling Stadium this year. His 19-year USBC tournament career is split between Open Championships and USBC Masters competition.> > > Michigan bowler joins 50-Year Club> When C. Lysle Smith of Port Huron, Mich., planned his 50th march down Center Aisle at the USBC Open Championships, he intended to share the spotlight with his good friend and teammate, Carl Kuhr.> > With his family in attendance and cheering from behind the lanes at the National Bowling Stadium on March 10, Smith marched his way into the record books as the 131st bowler to reach 50 years of participation at the Open Championships. The moment was exciting, but a little sad at the same time.> > "Well, the pressure's off," said Smith, who made his first Open Championships appearance at the 1961 event in Detroit. "I was a little nervous in the squad room and before I made the walk down Center Aisle. I felt the tears forming, but I held them back. I have looked forward to it for quite a few years. My only regret is that my friend couldn't bowl with me."> > Kuhr became ill en route to Reno and was unable to complete the trip. His son, Fred, bowled on the team, while Smith's two sons, Charles and Robert, joined him on the lanes for his milestone appearance. Charles was called upon to replace Kuhr, while Robert made the trip from California.> > Smith closed out his 2011 tournament campaign with 592 in team, 533 in singles and 522 in doubles for a 1,647 all-events total. In 50 Open Championships appearances, he has knocked down 81,766 pins for a career average of 181.7.> > > Michigan team captain wins Chevy Silverado pickup truck> Tom Elston of Sterling Heights, Mich., won the first of four Chevy Silverado pickup trucks being given away at the National Bowling Stadium this year.> > Elston was rewarded for the countless hours of work that go into being a team captain. Jennifer Cunningham, the Director of Marketing for the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority and Open Championships Tournament Manager Duane Hagen were on hand to award the truck.> > "The funny part was that I was getting ready and didn't even hear the announcement," said Elston, a 57-year-old automotive designer who captained one of his group's two teams. "My teammates were yelling at me and telling me that I won, and I didn't even know what it was that I won. They told me it was the truck, and I was completely shocked. I couldn't believe it."> > The truck giveaway is one of the many exciting features of the USBC Eagle's Nest, an exclusive club for team captains who fielded teams in 2010 and are registered to do so again in 2011.> > For more information on the USBC Eagle's Nest, visit BOWL.com.> > > A look ahead> USBC and PBA Hall of Famer Glenn Allison of Anaheim, Calif., will reach another Open Championships milestone on March 19 when he makes his 60th tournament appearance.> > The 80-year-old right-hander will become the 15th bowler in history to reach the 60-year mark. He already is one of the 13 members of the tournament's 100,000-Pin Club with a career pinfall of 107,929.> > Active pinfall leader Bill Lillard Sr. of Houston will take to the lanes on March 21 looking to inch closer to all-time pinfall leader, Joe Norris of San Diego, who knocked down 123,770 pins in his 71-year career.> > In 63 consecutive appearances, Lillard, an eight-time Open Championships titlist and USBC Hall of Famer, has toppled 116,828 pins.> > Presenting sponsors for the 2011 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Humana, official registration sponsor, 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.> > For more information on the USBC Open Championships, visit BOWL.com/openchamp.> > United States Bowling Congress> The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.> The interactive home of USBC is BOWL.com. Go to twitter.com/USBC for the fastest USBC headlines.> Bowl with US> > 2011 USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS> At National Bowling Stadium, Reno, Nev.> (Top 10 division leaders with hometown and pinfall)> > REGULAR DIVISION> > Team> > 1, On Track Pro Shop 1 (Wade Gayhart, Robert Jakel, Jeff Wyatt, William Shouldice, Anthony Talley), Lockport, Ill., 3,224. 2, Durk Wholesale Lumber Co., Hayden, Idaho, 3,204. 3, DAPP Embroidery, Grand Prairie, Texas, 3,191. 4, Team Dirty, Madison, Wis., 3,127. 5, Dykemans Farm, Pleasant Valley, N.Y., 3,126. 6, Kearny Mesa Bowl 2, Chula Vista, Calif., 3,121. 7, Sign Producers 1, Winter Garden, Fla., 3,095. 8, Super Bowl Appleton, Kaukauna, Wis., 3,086.9, Macs Crew, Maricopa, Ariz., 3,075. 10 (tie), Tires.com, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and Kurth Electric, Williston, Fla. 3,075.> > Doubles> > 1, Chris Galovits, West Allis, Wis./Ed Seliga, Kenosha, Wis., 1,408. 2, Steve Sutphin/Maria Sutphin, Howey in the Hills, Fla., 1,391. 3, Richie Serrato, Weston, Ohio/Steve Jakubowski, Temperance, Mich., 1,369. 4, Jeff Lunde/Joe Crenshaw, Racine, Wis., 1,365. 5, Ryan Boroff, Fort Worth, Texas/Tyson Kurth, Williston, Fla., 1,354. 6, Curtis Odom/Mark Weller, Coldwater, Mich., 1,352. 7, Ed Riess, Omaha, Neb./Rob Bailey, Sun Prairie, Wis., 1,350. 8, Derek Hartnell/Scott Hartnell, Kenosha, Wis., 1,348. 9, Brenda Padilla/Stephen Padilla, Mansfield, Texas, 1,346. 10, Scott Lindsey/Joel Carlson, Omaha, Neb., 1,342.> > Singles> > 1, William Vincent Jr., Louisville, Ky., 792. 2, Joel Carlson, Omaha, Neb., 768. 3, Paul Marmolejo, Rialto, Calif., 754. 4, T.J. Bailey, Hopewell Junction, N.Y., 751. 5, Rob Bailey, Sun Prairie, Wis., 749. 6, Jeffrey Weifenbach, Winona, Minn., 748. 7 (tie), Jeff Smith, Little Falls, Minn., and Charles Torosian Sr., Racine, Wis., 743. 9, Kenneth Duffield, Madison, Wis., 742. 10, Jason Porter, Ludington, Mich., 738.> > All-Events> > 1, Joel Carlson, Omaha, Neb., 2,164. 2, Kenneth Duffield, Madison, Wis., 2,120. 3, Steve Jakubowski, Temperance, Mich., 2,102. 4, Steve Sutphin, Howey in the Hills, Fla., 2,092. 5, Joe Kick, Middleton, Wis., 2,063. 6, Jeff Smith, Little Falls, Minn., 2,062. 7, Greg McCullough, Fargo, N.D., 2,060. 8, Henry Dykeman, Pawling, N.Y., 2,051. 9 (tie), Daniel Knowlton, Dade City, Fla., and Brian Hoffman, Verona, Wis., 2,038.> > Team All-Events> > 1, DAPP Embroidery (Bob Schoneman, Stephen Padilla, Michael Donahue, Todd Minotti, Butch Cormier), Grand Prairie, Texas, 9,911. 2, Rob Bailey's Pro Shop 1, Omaha, Neb., 9,671. 3, Dykeman's Farm, Pleasant Valley, N.Y., 9,625. 4, Team Dirty, Madison, Wis., 9,570. 5, Seligas Bowl Pro Shop, Kenosha, Wis., 9,434. 6, Strikes Painting 2, Sartell, Minn., 9,426. 7, On Track Pro Shop 1, Lockport, Ill., 9,417. 8, Indian Hills 2, Eaton Rapids, Mich., 9,338. 9, DAPP Too, Grand Prairie, Texas, 9,312. 10, Super Bowl Appleton, Kaukauna, Wis., 9,299.> > CLASSIFIED DIVISION> > Team> > 1, Bill Henry Construction (Barry Zanto, Charles Zanto, Bill Henry, Randy Randolph, Ryan Mapes), Havre, Mont., 2,718. 2, Plattsburg Bowl, Plattsburg, Mo., 2,666. 3, Northern Grain Two, Sioux Falls, S.D., 2,656. 4, Witt Plumbing, Casa Grande, Ariz., 2,635. 5, Hallers, Chillicothe, Ohio, 2,634. 6, Kearny Mesa Bowl 5, Chula Vista, Calif., 2,629. 7, Sandvik 1, West Branch, Mich., 2,624. 8, Team Veitch, Glendale, Ariz., 2,616. 9, Cargill Holdrege Neb, Holdrege, Neb., 2,614. 10, Gary Sanders Masonry 3, West Point, Iowa, 2,603.> > Doubles> > 1, Jeff Matesa, Graham, Wash./Tony Renggli, University Place, Wash., 1,202. 2, Richard Anderson, Julesburg, Colo./Dan Ford, Chappell, Neb., 1,180. 3 (tie), Roger Shepherd, Chester, Mont./Greg Spinler, Hingham, Mont., and Bryce Bray/Jon Lee, Thief River Falls, Minn., 1,138. 5, David Pickett/Dalton, Ga./Bill Cherry, Calhoon, Ga., 1,137. 6, T.J. Ogden, Aurora, Calif./Robert Fisch, Cheyenne, Wyo., 1,116. 7, Leighton Lanzetta, Holiday, Fla./Dave Roberts, Beloit, Kan., 1,114. 8 (tie), Brett Janssen, Moorhead, Minn./Todd Koehler, Appleton, Minn., and Mike Sentowski/Hancock, Wis./Jason Hutkowski, Plainfield, Wis., 1,109. 10, Timothy Jimenez/Curt VanLaningham, Ogallala, Neb., 1,106.> > Singles> > 1, Richard McGill, Chicago, 643. 2, Steven Bailey, Melbourne, Fla., 633. 3, Donald Fellbaum, Webster, S.D., 629. 4, Rick Morange, Sarasota, Fla., 623. 5, B.G. Wasson, Reno, Nev., 617. 6, David Whittaker, Provo, Utah, 614. 7, Jonathan Gonzalez, Richmond, Calif., 612. 8, Nathan Rath, Buffalo Lake, Minn., 610. 9 (tie), David Nelson, Viborg, S.D., and Ariel Sublett, Las Vegas, 607.> > All-Events> > 1, Curt VanLaningham, Ogallala, Neb., 1,764. 2, Floyd Belden, Tijeras, N.M., 1,725. 3, Sheldon Goldberg, Hollywood, Fla., 1,721. 4, Paul Reker, New Ulm, Minn., 1,715. 5, Scott Freeman, Muskegon, Mich., 1,711. 6, David Nelson, Viborg, S.D., 1,708. 7, Russell Wood, Gower, Mo., 1,697. 8 (tie), Mark Knaub, Harrisburg, Neb., and B.G. Wasson, Reno, Nev., 1,692. 10, Dustin Space, Minden, Neb., 1,691.

PBA Spare Shots

BOWLING CENTERS SUSTAIN DAMAGE IN JAPAN’S EARTHQUAKE, TSUNAMI
Reports are sporadic and incomplete, but it appears the bowling community in Japan also is suffering severe ramifications from the powerful earthquakes and tsunami that struck the country on March 11. It may be weeks before a complete assessment is available, but an early report was provided by Eastern Sports Sales Manager Koji Yamamoto.

“On March 11, a very strong earthquake struck Tohoku and Kanto area of Japan, and resulted in devastation across large areas in the northeastern area of Japan,” Yamamoto reported from his Tokyo office. “I'm safe after this tragedy, however many bowling centers in Japan have suffered a great loss from the earthquake.

“I'm afraid it must take a long time to be repaired to their original conditions, but we will do our best toward the recovery.”

PBA PLAYOFFS “PRE-GAME SHOWS” TO AIR ON XTRA FRAME STARTING MONDAY
“Pre-game shows” leading into the telecast of the GoRVing Regional Championships round of the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs on ESPN on Sunday, March 27, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern will air beginning next Monday on pba.com’s Xtra Frame, the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour’s exclusive online video streaming service.

Similar shows previewing the Lucas Oil Regional Championships round that airs on ESPN on Sunday, April 3, at 1 p.m. and the Conference Championships round on ESPN on Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. also will air on Xtra Frame, beginning the Monday prior to the telecast.

The final “pre-game show” will preview the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs finals, which will air live from Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, April 17, at 1 p.m. Eastern.

The inaugural Dick Weber PBA Playoffs is down to the final 18 players heading into the Regional Championship rounds. The March 27 ESPN telecast will feature three finalists each in the East (Scott Norton, Steve Jaros, Tom Smallwood), South (Tommy Jones, Ryan Shafer, Randy Weiss) and Central (Dick Allen, Mika Koivuniemi, Walter Ray Williams Jr.) Regions. The April 3 telecast will feature the finalists in the Midwest (Jack Jurek, Wes Malott, Bill O’Neill), Southwest (Brad Angelo, Dino Castillo, Jason Belmonte) and West/Northwest (Chris Barnes, Lennie Boresch Jr., Lonnie Waliczek) Regions.

The winners of the six Regional Championship matches will compete in the April 10 telecast where the East will meet the South, Central will meet the Midwest and Southwest will meet the West/Northwest in one-game matches to set up the field for the April 17 finale.

SALVINO DEFEATS ANOTHER GENERATION IN WEBER FAMILY
PBA Hall of Famer Carmen Salvino, one of the PBA Tour’s all-time great characters along with being one of its greatest stars on the lanes, bowled in the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs at age 77. The PBA charter member and winner of 17 PBA Tour titles bowled Round One on the same lanes with 26-year-old Nick Weber, grandson of the legendary tournament namesake and son of John Weber, the PBA’s Director of Regional and Senior Tours.

After Salvino out-bowled the young Foristell, Mo., resident in the 15-game opening round, he looked the third-generation Weber in the eye and jokingly said, “I beat your granddad once. I beat your father once. And now I’ve whipped you once.

“Are you married?” Salvino then asked?

“Why?” Nick Weber replied.

“Because you need to hurry up and have a kid so I can beat him, too,” Salvino smiled. “I’m getting too old to wait much longer.”

Nick Weber laughed, and Salvino laughed.

“The truth is,” Salvino said later, “if I’da had to make a living bowling against Dick Weber every week, I’d’ve had to find a new career. I beat Dick Weber once in my career and it’s the only time I ever lost that I didn’t mind losing. That’s how much respect I have for that man.”

“USBC KIDS” GET SPECIAL INSIGHT INTO LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR
For the third season in a row, a lucky group of youth bowlers in every Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour city has had a unique opportunity to see the Tour from the inside-out, thanks to a cooperative venture between the PBA and the United States Bowling Congress.

The “USBC Kids” project involves the random selection of five youth bowlers in each tournament market who are then given an “insider’s tour” of PBA Tour events, including an opportunity for the young people to meet their heroes along with tickets to watch the final round of match play and the TV finals.

“I just would like to say that words such as "thank you" and "it was a pleasure" do not have enough meaning to express to you how much fun and excitement the six youths had during their PBA experience (in Indianapolis),” wrote USBC Indianapolis Youth Director Rich Sirola following the preliminary rounds of the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs at Woodland Bowl. “Yes, I said, six - the five youths selected by the USBC Indy Association and the 48-year-old kid writing this thank you note.

“From the behind-the-scene tour in the equipment trailers, to watching our favorite bowlers on Friday night, to the primo front row seating we had for the telecast, right down to Chris Barnes going down the line high-fiving the kids, this went above and beyond all expectations.”

BUSS, MORGAN WIN POST-PBA PLAYOFFS REGIONAL TITLES
Immediately following the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs in Indianapolis, a large group of Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour players along with regional competitors from across the nation reconvened at Scott Air Force Base near St. Louis for the PBA Midwest Region’s Stars & Strikes Open. Jesse Buss of Wichita, Kan. defeated Jason Wojnar of Chicago, 259-257, on March 13 to win the $2,000 top prize and his third career PBA Regional title at Stars & Strikes Bowling Center.

Buss defeated Wayne Garber of Modesto, Calif., 278-235, in the semifinal match after eliminating Sean Swanson of Springfield, Mo., 267-245, in the first stepladder finals match.

Also on March 13, Gary Morgan of Marietta, Ga., defeated Charlie Tomey of Spartanburg, S.C., 232-176, to win the PBA South Region Franklin, Va. Senior Open at Franklin Bowling Center. Morgan, a nine-time South Region title winner, took home $2,000 along with his first Senior Regional title.

QUICK NOTES
PBA Hall of Famer Amleto Monacelli will make his “national team” comeback in 2011, according to the Venezuelan Bowling Federation. According to a report on bowlingdigital.com, the Board of Directors of the Venezuelan Bowling Federation selected Monacelli for the Venezuelan team that will compete in the Pan American Bowling Confederation Men's Championships, May 7-14, and the 16th Pan American Games, Oct. 22-27, both at Bolerama Tapatнo in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The quote of the week belongs to Walter Ray Williams Jr., who entered the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs without a title for the first time in 17 seasons. When he was asked by Indianapolis Star bowling writer Mark Ambrogi to assess his 2010-11 season, Williams said, “It’s the worst year on Tour I’ve had since 1982, and I didn’t bowl in 1982.”

Statistics for the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season will be finalized on Monday, April 18, following the conclusion of the Dick Weber PBA Tour Playoffs on Sunday, April 17, in Indianapolis.

FIVE USBC BOARD
NOMINEES SELECTED

Incumbent United States Bowling Congress President Darlene Baker of Mahomet, Ill., and USBC Director Marci Williams of Wichita, Kan., join newcomers Jo Dimond of Columbus, Ohio, Karen Jost of Alexandria, Va., and Karl Kielich of El Paso, Texas, to form the 2011 slate of candidates for the USBC Board of Directors. > > The five nominees were selected by the USBC Nominating Committee as candidates for four open positions on the board. The committee may slate up to two candidates for each open position. Additional candidates may still run from the floor.> > Baker began her first term as president in 2010 and has served on the USBC Board of Directors since the organization's inception in 2005. Williams was elected to a three-year term in 2008. Dimond, Jost and Kielich are being considered for the first time.> > Current USBC Board members Nicholas Hoagland and Barbara Chrisman are not seeking re-election. > > USBC Convention delegates will vote on the four open positions July 1 in Grapevine, Texas. Biographies of the slated candidates will be available on BOWL.com no later than the end of April.

Here & There Column 3-15-11

The Dirty Game Of Politics

I guess the truth and real facts tend to ruffle the feathers of left leaning politicians.
Some liberal factions are trying to tell the folks that the federal, along with many state and county governments are not broke....wow......don't know what they are smoking but reality is not in their vocabulary.
Throw in the Union faction and the first to jump on this bandwagon are left leaning thinkers.
Now when you bring up the facts it is true that Unions have been very helpful and we support the many good things they have done for union members.
Unions politically do what they do and this means pouring millions of dollars into politicians pockets and as you travel down this path government has mostly supported Unions in their demands for higher wages and benefits that most other non-union members do not get and truthfully could not afford.
The federal government's deficit it staggering but left leaning politicians just want to continue spending, spending and spending. Many states now find themselves in deep debt and are faced with laying off many state employees. No one will win in this battle.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has directly called upon county, town and village governments to consolidate because there is just too much duplication but even some local politicians support the theory of just doing business as usual.
The old saying "politics makes strange bedfellows" could easily be described in the difference between state governments and the unions in Wisconsin and New York. Like it or not Wisconsin is not a battle for our nation's soul but a government that is facing the true facts and reality and unions have trucked in supporters from all over to stage the anti-government demonstrations we see. The unions have agreed to have their members pay for some of their benefits which hopefully will reduce some of the state's $137 million budget shortfall and we would hope to see Wisconsin give back to union members the right to collective bargaining.....compromise is best. A small amount of compromise is evident in Sullivan County.
We complement Sullivan County Chairman Jonathan Rouis for asking for cooperation from the unions in his annual State of the County message.
In New York State Gov. Cuomo while on the campaign trail last year made it very clear that the folks in this state were stretched to their limits and that public worker unions were among the special interests that had turned New York the wrong way and changes and layoffs would be taking place........but wait a second here.....where are those nasty union demonstrations like in Wisconsin.....it might be just plain politics as one governor is Republican and the other Democrat. The liberal left apparently don't like the changes that are sweeping across America.
Politicians who use phantom writers, make false statements and take cheap shots at others will get their reward at the polls..
Some nasty remarks are made in the heat of political battle and we would all be better off if these folks learned how to work together and compromise for the benefit of everyone.

SCCC Takes Third Place

The Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) Generals became the third best team in the nation with their win Saturday night against Ocean County (NJ), 56-53, in the NJCAA Division III Men's National Championship tournament held this year at SCCC.

The National Champions of the NJCAA Division III Tournament held last weekend at Sullivan County Community College are the Mountain View College Lions from the Dallas Texas County Community College District.

The Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) Generals basketball team came back from their Friday night defeat to take third place in the NJCAA Division III men's basketball championship played this year at SCCC.

The win Saturday night was over Ocean County (NJ), 56-53.

SCCC Freshman Cleanthony Early, a Pine Bush graduate, was the scoring leader for Sullivan with 16 points. He also pulled down six rebounds.

SCCC will host this national tournament for the next two years.

The Mountain View College, Dallas (Texas) County Community College District, won the national championship game Saturday night by defeating Rochester (Mn) Community Technical College, 72-64.