Bowling Highlights Column 9-28-12

                                                  PBA's Fagan Ready For Strong Year 

                        

  Former Patchogue, NY Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour player Mike Fagan has just finished up an amazing year on the PBA Tour.

  Having met Mike a number of years ago at the PBA Tour stop at the Bowler's Club in Latham we've become friends and even communicate with his dad.

  Our first meeting was somewhat unique in that Mike was competing in one of his first PBA starts and during the qualifying round to get into the Sunday TV finals he was down in his match 3 games and was facing elimination. He was very much puzzled about his ball reaction and since I was sitting right in back of where he was bowling and right in front of me sat his bowling balls I could easily detect that he was getting too much ball reaction and had lost control of his ball.

  Before the start of his fourth game he came back and stood right in front of me looking at his ball selection and I could tell he wasn't sure which ball to use. I've studied bowling balls and their reaction for a number of years and I pointed to one which would not hook as much and I though would be a good match for the lane conditions at that time. 

  Mike scratched his head, picked up the ball I had pointed to and went on to win the next four games and the match 4-3.

  As soon as the match was over he came right over to me and thanked me and said I had to join him and his dad for dinner. We spend an evening getting to know each other and now whenever we see each other at a tour stop we share some time together.

  Mike has learned a lot on tour the last couple of years and two years ago moved to Dallas, Tex.

, Fagan is a Track staff player and  has signed on for another year as a member of the Track bowling team.

  For Fagan, it was an easy decision.

  “I am very pleased to be rejoining Track for another year,” he explained. “This past year was the best year of my career and I could not have done it without the help I received from Track. The range of equipment they offer gives me an opportunity on any condition I may come across.”

  Fagan’s performance this year was stellar, particularly in major events. Winner of the USBC Masters, Fagan had a strong showing of second in the U.S. Open, fourth in the Tournament of Champions, and 12th in the PBA World Championship. In addition, he was strong in international competition, winning the Brunswick Euro Challenge in Paris, France, earning second place at the inaugural PTT World Bowling Tour Thailand 2011 tournament in Bangkok. Fagan finished the season second in average with a 227.53, and third in both points and earnings.

  “I raise the bar for myself each and every year,” said Fagan. “I am looking forward to another great season with Track equipment. There’s a lot of new equipment coming this year and I can’t wait to get started.”

  “Fagan is a great match for our brand,” said Rich Hanson, Track Brand Manager. “He’s got a great attitude about the game, and we’re fortunate to have him on the team. His success last season will only increase in the 2012-2013 season.”

  Fagan’s great season earned him a spot as a finalist for 2012 Player of the Year honors, alongside Sean Rash and Jason Belmonte. 

Bowling Tip

By Mike Luongo

  Bowler's: This week's tip is a reminder that although there are so many aggressive high performance bowling balls available, the main component of the sport is having a sharp game and becoming a good shot maker. 

  Lane conditions in many houses today have become very soft and that combination with today's bowling balls has led to high scoring conditions.

  These conditions make the majority of today's bowlers very complacent about working on their physical game and what hopefully will save bowling are the Sport Bowling Leagues.

  These leagues make bowlers learn how to adjust to varying lane conditions and understand how to use today's bowling balls becomes 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. Finding an instructor who uses video technology to completely analyze your game will be very helpful. 

  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 a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and Roto-Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, call him at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com 

 Local Scores

 Kiamesha Lanes

 Monday Men's

  Eddie Lake 226, 233, 235, 694, Rick Lake 237, 277, 724, Mike Weiner 244, 613, Jaryl Scott 601, Vinnie Collura 246. 247. 672, Don Durland 235, 653, Larry Berens 602, John Hoffmann 279, 653, Rudy Belanchia 246, Jon Wilhelm 231, 647, Tom Belgiovene 626, Laresko Niifa 254, 642, Kevin Stackhouse 625, Charlie Tuttle 226, 643, Gene Smith 234, Keith Smith 236, 648, Pedro Agapito 245, 255, 269, 769, John Fischer 238, 247, 690, Dave Graham 225, 634, Jody Farquhar 226, 619, Jason Budd 237, 265, 689, Diego Caba 225, Bret Budd 627, Josh Strang 269, 608.

 Tuesday Mixed Firefighters

  Carena Collura 194, 535, Mary Lee Williams 198, 534, Trasey Barres 194, 522, Cara Nicholson 192, Ailene Washington 181, Paul Minton 269, 258, 748, Kyle Stevens 244, 236, 681, Ryan Lepke 237, 650, Walt Edwards Jr. 225, Al Frangipane 225.

 Wednesday Men's

  Dennis Matthews 246, 642, Kyle Matthews 230, 228, 650, Kevin Stackhouse 226, 620, Mikey Travis 234, 614, Pete Mitro 267, 692, Tim Bilyeu225, 238, 652, Rick Lara 606, Al Frangipone 264, 259, 255, 778, Paul Durland 605, Ed Blume 639, Dwayne Cabrera 233, 657, Shane Conner 614, Merrill Conner 609, Dan Van Aken 233, 239, 686, Tim McIntyre 279, 707, Josh Strang 259, 235, 654, Jaryl Scott 266, 258, 244, 768, Gene Smith 255, Keith Smith 236, 644, Pedro Agapito 259, 229, 690, Frank Eichenlaub lll a 226, 645, Roy Sweeney 243.

Thursday Ladies

  Cara Nicholson 188, Pat Shuart 199, Judy Magie 202, Karen Borowski 181, Audrey Woolard 189, 192, Kathy King 226, Liz Stubits 195, 181, Joan Lake 194, 225, 245, 664, Liz Burgio 187, Vera Bernhardt 195.

 Friday Mixed

  Joan Lake 205, Kevin Stackhouse 237, Linda Schaefer 500, Eddie Lake 238, 245, 225, 708, Larry Whipple 257, 608, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 181, Tammy Sze 224, 187, 567, Bob Sze 237, 649, Frank Scuderi 237, 225, 639, Sill Boldiis189, Antionette Rau 205, 522, Frank Gerow Jr. 236, 602, Cathy Carpenter 223, 183, 579, Carolyn Williams 191, 233, 225, 649, David Graham 255, Craig Wilhelm 265, 650, Jon Wilhelm 236, 626, Donald Durland 245, 602, 

 Beechwood Lanes

 Monday Ladies

  Tracey Puerschner 184, Julie Yewchuck 150, Jody Gulley 160, 168.

 Fox Bowling Center

 Wed. Men's Independent

  Tom Anderson 233, 225, 616, Al Bullis Sr. 244, 628, Jim Dibble 225, 235, 256, 716, Brandon Drumm 232, Dyland Green 226, John Gurnick 244, 648, Paul Ignatovich 237, 623, Steve Jacobi 228, 600, Rob Johnson 264, 227, 232, 723, B. J. Johnson 231, Jerry Kulakosky 230, 249, 701, Dick Layton 244, Donnie Marino 226, 655, Josh Milucky 233, 237, 686, Mitch Persbacker 257, 227, 664, Sam Rowe 245, Paul Siegler 229, Jonathon Wayne 228, Zuke Wormuth 227, 636, Jeremy Wormuth 228, 276, 710, Scott Wormuth 233. 

 Thurs. Men's Deposit National

  Al Bullis Jr. 239, 626, Ray Cornwell 662, Norm Ellis Jr. 258, 682, Nate Finch 623, Paul Ignatovich 643, Greg Keesler 269, 632, Dan Koch 243, Anthony Seely 616, Paul Siegler 233, Scott Wahl 233, 605.

 Friday Couples

  Debbie Couse 190, Missy Dunlap 189, 504, Hope Jones 183, 188, 515, Dana McGraw 187, 518, Mark McGraw 232, 609, Sheri Oralls 182, Walt Oralls 233, Tim Smith 233, Dan Wormuth 600, Jeremy Wormuth 258, 651, Michelle Wormuth 188. 

 Callicoon Kristal Bowl

 Mon. Hortonville Ladies

  Sue Naughton 161, 177, Lillian Zieres 160, 184, Pat Peters 198,  Maureen Schlott 171, Debbie Loughrey 181, 166, Judy Mohn 206, Mardette Wilcox 163.

 Tues. Delaware Valley Men's

  Alan Rutledge 206, Kory Keesler 183, 184, Bruce Rutledge 182, Rob Bivens 189, 203, 183, John Fisher 197, Ed LeRoy 182, Kris Rasmussen 211, Brian Marino 189, Jeff Nober 180, 186, Albert Tyles 201, Wally Warren 184, Tom Bisig 189, Joe Gager 190, 204, Russell Lyons 181.

   Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of bowling. If you have league scores, score a 300 game or bowl your age let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or by fax at 845-205-4474. View this column at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook. 

                                                     

                                                    

                                              

Here & There Column 9-25-12

Are "Showcase" Tournaments Real ?

  When parents and sponsors of 17u and 18u pay Showcase boys baseball tournament directors hefty fees and then also have to add in additional travel gasoline, motel and eating expenses they expect to receive what this type of tournament is designed for........and that's college scouts to see the talent these teams come to the tournament to display.

  The Northeast Pride Showcase 17u team traveled some 4 to 5 hours to State College Pa. (Penn State) the weekend of September 7-9 to have their ballplayers get exposure to college scouts. 

  Unfortunately a steady  rain cancelled tournament play on Saturday but indications were made that teams would be provided with the opportunity to play 3 games on Sunday.

  There is always some favoritism and politics that takes place in tournaments like this and such was the case where all Evoshield Canes teams played at the Penn State University complex (and your guessed it folks), Evoshield ran the tournament. 

  Evoshield Canes Dynamic Baseball promised a 4 game guarantee (true the rain dealt a blow here) but the Northeast Pride team got shut out from playing on the Penn State stadium complex and in a revised Sunday schedule the Pride boys got pushed to the bottom of the barrel and were given two (one hour and forth-five minute games) while Evoshield Canes team were given the right to play nine inning games.

  In the revised Sunday schedule the Northeast Pride team (who was one of the teams that traveled the longest distance to and from this tournament) was pushed into a 4 p.m. slot and waited till 5 p.m. to begin play because favoritism was given to one of the Evoshield Canes teams that was not forced to adhere to the hour and fourth-five minute rule.

  Penn State local tournament director Jim Peterson made poor decisions and forced the Pride team to use their own baseballs at $48 a dozen and in something we have never witnessed before a $15 parking fee was charged every car to come into the Shaner Field complex parking lot. It got a little nasty in the last game of the day when one of the tournament crew told us when we walked by them, "if you don't like it go home."

  Jeff Petty, owner of Evoshield Canes and Dynamic Baseball should be ashamed of what did and did not take place at this "Showcase" tournament which might have had one coach (scout) (Penn State) in attendance.... coaches we spoke to said they did not see any scouts or coaches in attendance. 

  A strong suggestion here is that all Showcase travel baseball teams should avoid everything Dynamic Baseball is trying to sell and all coaches of Showcase teams should take the responsibility to receive a guarantee in writing of scouts and coaches that will be in attendance at tournament games and legal contracts should be signed designating what is to be provided by tournament officials and that if scouts do not show up tournament fees must be refunded. 

  Proper business procedures have to be followed even when it comes to travel baseball events.

                                                  

                                                                        

Don Winters Scores Ace

WINTERS SCORES ACE, MISSES DOUBLE EAGLE     

 

                                                       

                                    

  Liberty golfer Don Winters is well known throughout the Sullivan County and tri-state golf scene as a good golfer.

   At 58 Don admits his drives are not as long as the use to be but his shot game proved to be of championship form September 6 in the Bonacic Golf Challenge best-ball tournament held at the Villa Roma. 

  The tournament was a fund raiser for 42ed District Senator John J. Bonacic.

  On the 171-yard par 3 seventh-hole with an elevated green Winters used his 6 iron and fired the ball right at the pin. His three playing partners, Joe Decker, Joe Decker Jr. and Mike Rushanski all thought the ball went over the green so after searching for the ball Winters went to the cup and found his 16th career hole-in-one.  

  Don wasn't finished just yet as on the 495-yard par 5 eighth hole he hit a good tee shot, then took out his four iron and hit the flag pole with his ball just missing going in for a double eagle. The putt was made for an eagle and his team went on to win the tournament. 

  The winning prize for the hole-in-one was an Exotic Fairway Wood which Winters indicated has not yet been presented to him.

  Winters presently golfs with a 1 handicap and is a regular member of the Tuesday Men's Golf league at  Grossingers. He subs in the Wednesday Men's league at the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club.

  Success has also come his way this year in tournament play with three wins at Sullivan County Golf & Country Club, one victory at Grossingers and one win at the Villa Roma.

  One of Winters greatest achievements in golf came on July 27, 1999 when he proved his golfing prowess and long ball hitting ability by scoring a double eagle at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club's 275-yard par four 15th hole. He sank his tee shot but it is not called a hole-in-one on a par 4 hole.

  It is the first known double-eagle ever to be recorded on that hole.

  Winters has been playing golf since the age of 11  and is a well-known and respected competitor in the annual Sullivan County Democrat Two-Man, Better-Ball Tournament which he won with partner Tom Drobysh in 1986, 

  He lives in Liberty with his wife Pam. They have two children and two grandchildren. Don is employed as a heavy-equipment operator with Poley Paving Corp.

                                                        

 

Bowling Highlights Column 9-21-22

Ryan Shafer At Kristal Bowl

  Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) 9th ranked bowler Ryan Shafer will be part of an Storm-Roto Grip bowling ball demonstration November 17 at Callicoon Kristal Bowl.

  Joining him will be Mike and Mickey Luongo, sales consultant and regional sales manager for Storm and Roto Grip. 

  Many local bowlers know Mike and Mickey during their operation of Mike's Pro Shop in Middletown, Chester and Newburgh. 

  Mike is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with Storm & the Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. He is also a long time contributor with his Bowling Tip to the Bowling Highlights Column. 

  Mickey Luongo worked with his father Mike in their pro shops for several years and has been associated with Storm and Roto Grip for three years. 

  Ryan Shafer, 46, resides in Horseheads, NY with his wife Michelle and achieved a 9th place ranking during his competition in this years professional tour. 

  Shafer owns four PBA tour titles, was selected PBA rookie of the year in 1987 and won his first tour title in the 2000 Orleans Casino Open in Las Vegas, won his second title later that season and finished with a career-high 11 championship round appearances. 

  Ryan won the 2003 Empire State Open at the Bowlers Club in Latham, NY., has made the finals in major championships 13 times, finished runner up five times, rolled a nationally-televised 300 game in the semifinal round of the 2007 Pepsi Championship, became the 30th PBA member to reach the $1 million mark in career earnings and is the owner of 19 PBA regional titles. 

  Shafer was diagnosed with diabetes at age 19 but has competed on tour with the disease his entire career. 

  During the 2011-12 tour his best finishes came in PBA's major tournaments, finishing second in the PBA World Championship and fourth in the U.S. Open at North Brunswick, NJ.

  The event at Callicoon Kristal Bowl will feature sample balls from both Storm and Roto Grip, see our game video lessons will be available, a question and answer period and possibly a small seminar.

  Ryan and Mickey will help bowlers with the sample balls and Mike will do the lessons. 

  Final details of this historic bowling event in Sullivan County are presently being worked out with Callicoon Kristal Bowl ownership and the exact time will be released in the near future. 

               

Identification of Photos in the order they appear:

Ryan Shafer

Mike Luongo

Mickey Luongo

Bowling Highlights Column 9-21-12

Bowling Tip

By Mike Luongo 

  

    Welcome back bowlers.

    This week's tip was suggested by a league bowler and applies mostly to those bowlers who are using modern bowling balls. 

    You may not know that the modern bowling ball is porous with several different densities and has numerous chemicals in the cover stocks. 

    As these balls change temperature, the cover and core will expand and contract. Due to the different materials used for the core, inner core and cover, this fluctuation occurs at different rates.

     Leaving the ball in a car when temperatures are severe, very hot or very cold, the expansion and contraction causes severe stress on the cover. This stress is even greater when a cold ball is used to bowl while it is still cold.....this may indeed cause the ball to crack.

     So the tip is not only educational but let it serve as a reminder to take care of your bowling ball investment--and if you carry your balls to and from the center, don't leave them in your car.

     Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and 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 Brip Bowling Ball Company. If you have any questions or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by telephone at 435-720-7939 or via email at mikel@stormbowling.com 

Radio Bowling

News 24 Hrs.

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     Bowlers wanting to hear bowling news 24 hours each and every day can tune in the internet at www.phantomradioshow.com                      

 Ed's Outlook

     Following the close of the 2010-2011 bowling season this past spring the bowling community lost a man who dedicated himself to the sport of bowling and had friends in many places. 

     George Edward "Spoon" Battle Jr. of Pine Bush passed away on May 1 at the age of 72. An avid bowler "Spoon" bowled in leagues in Ulster, Sullivan and Orange Counties. A member of the United States Bowling Congress he was a member of the Middletown Bowlng Hall of Fame.

  While a Little League coach in Brooklyn he coached future Mets pitcher John Franco. 

     "Spoon" was indeed well loved by everyone and was a friend to all. RIP George. 

 Local Scores

 Kiamesha Lanes

  Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 639 series by Eddie Lake off single games of 234, 235, Shane Conner 610, Michael Weiner 619, Jaryl Scott 225, Paul Durland 257, 620, Vinnie Collura 233, 244, 678, Donald Durland 233, 266, 289, 788, Erik Miller 228, John Hoffmann 226, 248, 676, Rudy Belanchia 226, 225, 226, 677, Jon Wilhelm 225, 234, 675, Tom Belgiovene 248, 617, Laresko Niffa 235, Ronnie Totten 228, 231, 680, Charlie Tuttle 247, 244, 681, Juan Lopez 246, John Lopez 225, Kenny Atkins 237, Pedro Agapito 231, 641, John Fischer 235, 621, Dave Graham 228, 660, Michael Amore 226, Jason Budd 227, 620, Diego Caba 226, Dan Van Aken 246, 638, Josh Strang 227, Tom Palmer 247, 656.

  In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Paul Minton 245, 256, 691, Kyle Stevens 227, 655, Jack Rustic 247, 653, Ed Guthrie 228, 634, Tracey Barres 204, 181, 204, 589, Debra Blackford 190, 187, 543, Carena Collura 507, Mary Lee Williams 181, Joan Lake 180.

  In the Wednesday Men's league Will Bruce 606, Charlie Tuttle 240, 612, Ronnie Totten 638, Jason Rogers 245, Serifin Rodriguez III a 268, 675, Rick Lara 603, Frank Emmens 245, 630, Pete Meachum 237, 632, Russell Bivins 621, Carlos Torres 247, 657, Robert Stewart 244, 225, 660, Paul Minton 246, 256, 226, 728, Shane Conner 240, 647, Merrill Conner 227, 614, David Garlinghouse 255, 620, Dan Van Aken 236, 245, 701, Gene Smith 234, 245, 671, Frank Eichenlaub III a 236, 246, 696, Timmy Minton 235, 622. 

  In the Thursday Ladies league Carly Sklar 186, Cara Nicholson 180, Monica Lane 204, 204, Shirley Bowers 197, Sonya Robinson 195, 196, Cheryl Neist 184, Tina Schultz 184, Connie McKenley 181, 184, Valerie Fersch 191, Liz Stubits 181.

  In the Friday Mixed league Eddie Lake 236, 268, 689, Tom Palmer 247, 628, Larry Berens 268, 650, Tammy Sze 181, 222, 541, Frank Scuderi 264, 680, Ryan Lepke 227, Cathy Carpenter 523, Craig Wilhelm 655, Jon Wilhelm 248, 675, Mardette Wilcox 218, 183, 551.

Beechwood Lanes

  Recent highlights scores in the Monday Ladies league include Lori Kimmes 154, Jackie Gieger 160, Janet Bertholf 172, Dot McCormack 154, Tracey Puerschner 193. 

 Fox Bowling Center

  Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Men's Independent league include Al Bullis Sr. 608, Dale Conklin 254, 665, Frank Couse Sr. 234, 657, Craig Gehrig 236, Jeremy Gulley 612, Jack Hazen 246, 608, Paul Ignatovich 603, Larry Jensen 614, Rob Johnson 248, 246, 717, Jerry Kulakosky 248, 614, Donnie Marino 270, 701, Wayne McClenon 239, Ed Milk Jr. 256, 267, 695, Sam Rowe 237, 233, 676, Anthony Seely 227, Cory Wellman 232, 625, Hank Whitmore 237, 639, Zuke Wormuth 608.

  In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Al Bullis Jr. 256, Dale Conklin 244, 613, Jeff Curtis 245, 647, Norm Ellis Jr. 235, Nate Finch 243, 630, Scott Jensen 235, Dave Lester 235.

  In the Friday Mixed Couples league Frank Couse Sr. 236, 654, Gino Jones 259, Hope Jones 505, Bonnie LaDuke 190, Rick Mills 257, 645, Walt Oralls 624, Tammy Stanton 184, Sandy Winans 213, 543, Dan Wormuth 653, Jeremy Wormuth 268, 639, Mitzi Wright 246, 245, 662.    

Callicoon Kristal Bowl

  Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 181 by Lillian Zieres, Sue Naughton 167, 160, Linda Millis 164, Kelly Gombita 167, Pat Peters 161, Joyce Brooks 179, Debbie Loughrey 169, Mardette Wilcox 163, 164, Nicole Rossomando 187, Charlene Meola 166.

  In the Wednesday Men's Delaware Valley league Bruce Rutledge 213, Ed LeRoy 192, Dick Pones 185, Gary Maas 190, 187, Brian Starr 214, Eugene Fulton 183, Eric Kubenik 184, Steve Lagoda 180, Dean Shattuck 198, Bob Head 186, 

  

   Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the professional and amateur sport of bowling. If you have league scores, tournaments, score a 300 game or bowl your age let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or by fax at 845-205-4474. View this column at http://bght.blogspot.com  We are also on Facebook. 

                                                                         

                                               

                                                                         

   

  

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Here & There Column 9-18-12

Little Town In Upstate NY

  There's a new era at Penn State and our visit there on September 7-9 truly showed that a statement about a "I'm from a little town in upstate NY" can give you the surprise of a lifetime. 

  While having lunch between two "Showcase" 18u baseball games Sunday afternoon at State College, Pa (Penn State) a very friendly waitress at TGI Friday's told us her name as "Tess" and that she would be serving us our lunch. 

  I asked Tess if you was a Penn State Student and she replied that she was in her senior year majoring in elementary education. Tess's last name is Beecher and her home town is Matamoras, Pa. She is a graduate of Delaware Valley High School in Matamoras.

  Having already been told that there are 44,000 students on the main campus I decided to ask Tess if she played sports which she acknowledged that prior to the school years she had played but could not play college sports because she had to work.

  I said to Tess that we were from a small town in upstate NY and the first two words out of Tess's mouth were "Marissa Diescher." She gave me a high five and said she knew Marissa well having played travel baseball with her with the Tri-State Angel's girls travel softball  team and that she knew Marissa's parents and grand parents. 

  Tess acknowledged she had limited access to see Marissa but added that "she comes in here every once in a while."

  One has to stretch that all familiar statement "that it's a small world" that out of 44,000 students we had one of them answer that simple statement we made with Marissa's name.

  Having had some time to kill Saturday since all games were rained out we talked to residents and students from the State College, Pa. area who almost in unison spoke about the new era at Penn State and that Lions faithful have united to show their support for Penn State football. 

  We heard statements like "maybe we can stop talking about the scandal now," "we don't care about the sanctions lets support the team," and one strong Joe Paterno supporter said, "JoePa is in heaven, he does not care what you think, we love JoePa and he's here in spirit." A number of students and folks in that area also are wearing anti NCAA t-shirts as a result of the NCAA sanctions placed against Penn State. 

  The 44,000 student population campus is like a small city and one look at Penn State's Beaver Stadium football complex shows why over 100,000 fans can fit in this huge stadium.

  The big time atmosphere that overshadows this educational system will have to take a back page to our experience of "we are from a small town in upstate NY."

                                                           

IDENTIFICATION OF THE BELOW PHOTO

State College Pa TGI Friday's waitress Tess Beecher knew the correct answer to "we're from a small town in upstate NY."                                                            

 

  

McMichael Tourney Oct. 7

Tournament Honors McMichael 

  CALLICOON-- The 4th Annual Kathy McMichael Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, October 7 at the Villa Roma Golf & Country Club.

  Funds raised go towards helping local families who have been struck with catastrophic illnesses.

  The Kathy McMichael Memorial Foundation is now officially  a foundation under "The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan," and they serve families in need in Sullivan County who have a family member with a catastrophic illness.

  The Sullivan County BOCES family continues to express their sincere thanks for helping continue Kathy McMichael's legacy and noted that "through Kathy's inspiration, courage and love of life, Kathy influenced our hearts to help those in need and that she was an outstanding colleague, a devoted mother, daughter, sister and a loyal friend."

   Kathy was a teachers assistant at Sullivan County BOCES for six years and passed away on May 5, 2008 after a long battle with cancer at the young age of 41. 

   Tournament chairman is Jeffrey Molusky.

   Platinum division sponsors give outstanding community support to this event. Interested sponsors can contact Molusky at 845-702-2373 or 570-224-5027 or at molusky21@hotmail.com 

   Tournament registration will take place at noon with a shotgun tee off at 1 p.m. The $75 per player fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, dinner, prizes, contests and raffles. The dinner fee only is $15.

  Paid reservations for golfers must be made by October 1.

  Tournament information is available at the above noted email or telephone numbers.

                                        

Bowling Highlights Column 9-14-12

PBA Snubs Tri-State Bowlers

   The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) has been super-sized but once again the PBA has snubbed the many Tri-State bowlers who over many years have enjoyed the PBA Tour stops in Cheektowaga, NY, Latham, NY, Long Island and Norwich, Conn. 

   The only PBA stop on the East Coast will be the United States Bowling Congress Masters on February 18-24 at the Brunswick Zone Carolier in North Brunswick, NJ This event is one of the PBA's Major Championships and offers an open field. 

   The upcoming 55th annual PBA Tour season will be longer. The number of titles up for grabs will be greater. The fields will be larger. Even the length of many TV shows will be increased. 

    PBA Commissioner Tom Clark made the announcement Tuesday that the PBA’s historic 2012-13 campaign will run from November's PBA World Series of Bowling IV at South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas through December 2013 and include up to 40 opportunities for players to win PBA Tour titles. 

    "This season will be big," Clark said. "Every year the greatest players in the world produce unforgettable moments in their quest for PBA titles, but the PBA and its fans wanted more. The stage is now set."

     The PBA schedule will include two World Series of Bowling, five major championships, new Winter and Summer Swing open events with multiple titles at stake, and an estimated 15 World Bowling Tour stops that will award PBA Tour titles if won by PBA members and PBA International members.

     Approximately 50 hours of action will be televised nationally during the season. Additionally, the PBA's online bowling channel Xtra Frame plans more than 200 hours of live coverage.

     Clark said the 14-month season will also mean a move towards a regular calendar-year PBA season starting in January, 2014. 

     Significant highlights from the 2012-13 schedule include:

      The United States Bowling Congress Masters will be held at Brunswick Zone Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick, N.J., in February, the PBA Tournament of Champions will be hosted by long-time PBA host Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis in March, and the 70th U.S. Open will be held at a site to be announced soon. The U.S. Open was formerly held at North Brunswick, NJ.

      The new PBA Winter Swing will be contested in January at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Mich., host of WSOB I. In addition to four national titles including a revamped PBA Players Championship, the Winter Swing will introduce a significant new format to be announced.

      Ten of the scheduled nationally-televised shows have been increased from 90 minutes to two hours, which means the USBC Masters and PBA Tournament of Champions, among others, will feature five-player stepladder finals instead of four.

     All World Series event finals will return to stepladder formats.

      The PBA Tournament of Champions will return to a traditional limited-field invitational event.

      The World Tenpin Bowling Association’s World Bowling Tour points list – based on cumulative totals over a span of two years - will determine the finalists for the men's and women's WBT Finals presented by the PBA which will be held at both WSOB IV and WSOB V. 

      Also to be announced will be the annual PBA Chris Paul Celebrity Invitational.

      Future announcements will also detail the full ESPN and Xtra Frame coverage slates. Additional updates will be posted on pba.com. Also follow the PBA on Twitter @pbatour and on its Facebook page Professional Bowlers Association (PBA).  To subscribe to Xtra Frame, visit pba.com.

     2012-13 PBA TOUR SCHEDULE

     (Tentative: certain elements subject to change; PBA Tour and PBA International members only are eligible to win PBA Tour titles in World Bowling Tour events. Additional WBT events are expected to be added later.) 

     Nov. 2-11 - PBA World Series of Bowling IV, South Point Bowling Center, Las Vegas

      Men’s and Women’s World Bowling Tour Finals presented by the PBA; Cheetah Championship; Viper Championship; Chameleon Championship; Scorpion Championship; PBA World Championship (major). WBT Women’s Final also will be included, but is not a PBA Tour title event. (Open to all PBA members).

     Nov. 29-Dec. 1 - Round One's International Japan Cup, Japan (invitational).

     Dec. 4-8 - WBT Dubai Open, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (open field).

     Dec. 9-15 - WBT Qatar Open, Doha, Qatar (open field).

     Jan. 4-13 – WBT Brunswick BallMaster Open, Helsinki, Finland (open field).

     Jan. 15-19 - WBT International Bowling Championship, Nagoya, Japan (open field).

     Jan. 19-28 - PBA Winter Swing, Thunderbowl, Allen Park, Mich.

     Carmen Salvino Classic; Mark Roth Classic; Don Carter Classic; PBA Players Championship (open to all PBA members).

     Feb. 18-24 - United States Bowling Congress Masters, Brunswick Zone Carolier, North Brunswick, N.J. (major championship; open field).

     March 3-9 - WBT Bahrain Open, Oman, Bahrain (open field).

     March 13-17 - WBT Kuwait Open, Kuwait City, Kuwait (open field).

     March 15-24 - WBT Brunswick EuroChallenge, St. Maximim, France (open field).

     March 26-31 - PBA Tournament of Champions, Woodland Bowl, Indianapolis (major championship; invitational).

     May 20-27 – PBA Summer Swing, site to be announced

     Four PBA Tour titles to be announced (open to all PBA members).

     July 21-28 - 70th U.S. Open, to be announced (major championship; open field).

     Aug. 31-Sept. 4 - WBT Las Vegas International Open, site to be announced, Las Vegas (open field; follows WTBA World Championships).

     Sept. 24-30 - WBT Thailand Open, Bangkok, Thailand (open field).

    TBA - WBT Vienna Open, Vienna, Austria (open field).

    Oct. 21-26 - WBT Australian Masters, Sydney, Australia (open field).

    Nov. 1-10, 2013 - PBA World Series of Bowling V, Las Vegas

    Men’s and Women’s World Bowling Tour Finals presented by the PBA; four PBA “pattern championships”; PBA World Championship (major). WBT Women’s Final also will be included, but is not a PBA Tour title event. (Open to all PBA members).

    Nov. 27-30, 2013 - Round One's International Japan Cup, Japan (invitational).

Bowling Highlights Column 9-14-12

Bowling Tip

By Mike Luongo 

  

    Welcome back bowlers.

    This week's tip was suggested by a league bowler and applies mostly to those bowlers who are using modern bowling balls. 

    You may not know that the modern bowling ball is porous with several different densities and has numerous chemicals in the cover stocks. 

    As these balls change temperature, the cover and core will expand and contract. Due to the different materials used for the core, inner core and cover, this fluctuation occurs at different rates.

     Leaving the ball in a car when temperatures are severe, very hot or very cold, the expansion and contraction causes severe stress on the cover. This stress is even greater when a cold ball is used to bowl while it is still cold.....this may indeed cause the ball to crack.

     So the tip is not only educational but let it serve as a reminder to take care of your bowling ball investment--and if you carry your balls to and from the center, don't leave them in your car.

     Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and 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 Brip Bowling Ball Company. If you have any questions or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by telephone at 435-720-7939 or via email at mikel@stormbowling.com 

 Radio Bowling

 News 24 Hrs.

 Each Day

     Bowlers wanting to hear bowling news 24 hours each and every day can tune in the internet at www.phantomradioshow.com                     

 Ed's Outlook

     Local bowling leagues are just starting and league scores will soon become a part of our bowling column. Once again scores will be reported from Callicoon Kristal Bowl, Beechwood Lanes, Fox Bowling Center and Kiamesha Lanes. 

     Sadly league scores will no longer be coming from Liberty Lanes who recently announced that after 42 in business there would be no league season and that they will soon start putting their fixtures and machinery on the market.

     The property was sold some nine months ago to Ideal Snacks.

     It's truly sad to see a family run bowling center close as Liberty Lanes gave bowlers a bowling shot where they could maintain a true average.......not an inflated average as some bowling centers produce. 

     The Fix family had an oustanding reputation for always making sure that their bowling center was clean and well maintained and they seldom had machinery breakdown. Their food preparatrion was some of the finest we have ever tasted and the burgers and hot dogs were from the best meats they could buy.

     With the closing of Liberty Lanes the Sullivan County bowling industry takes a big loss. 

     Although we had some issues over the years with members of the family we are sad to see the demise of Liberty Lanes and truly wish the family the best.

     Following the close of the 2010-2011 bowling season this past spring the bowling community lost a man who dedicated himself to the sport of bowling and had friends in many places. 

     George Edward "Spoon" Battle Jr. of Pine Bush passed away on May 1 at the age of 72. An avid bowler "Spoon" bowled in leagues in Ulster, Sullivan and Orange Counties. A member of the United States Bowling Congress he was a member of the Middletown Bowlng Hall of Fame.

  While a Little League coach in Brooklyn he coached future Mets pitcher John Franco. 

     "Spoon" was indeed well loved by everyone and was a friend to all. RIP George. 

     Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the professional and amateur sport of bowling. If you have league scores, tournaments, score a 300 game or bowl your age let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or by fax at 845-205-4474. View this column at http://bght.blogspot.com  We are also on Facebook. 

                                                                          

Here & There Column 9-11-12

Getting That Baseball Opportunity

  Travel baseball for area youth has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years and now there is a big emphasis by organizations to help high school juniors and seniors get their opportunity to play college and professional baseball. 

  Showcase teams are organized for the sole purpose of getting exposure to college coaches and scouts which hopefully end up producing scholarships to Division I, II and III schools.

  Sullivan County NY and Wayne County Pa. seniors and juniors are getting looked at by college scouts thanks to the great efforts of Norheast Pride Baseball located in Wayne County and Pro Prospects out of Monticello. 

  The two baseball orientated organizations joined forces to provide area high school baseball players a better opportunity for skill training along with exposure to college scouts. 

  Pro Prospects will be a feeder program for Northeast's tournament teams and provides Pro Prospects with a local travel team option. 

  Becoming a part of the Northeast Pride Showcase 18u team means a lot of sacrifice by not only the players but by parents and sponsors of these ballplayers. It's also an expensive but very rewarding experience with initial expenses for uniforms and equipment and separate tournament fees for each event, travel expenses for gasoline, eating out continually and motel housing expenses. 

  New bonding friendships for both the players and parents are formed and the travel team family gives that kind of support these ballplayers need to be successful in that next level of college or professional baseball. 

  The Northeast Pride 18u Showcase team has had scouts or coaches from St. John Fisher and Long Island University look at them at the Chester Tournament, at the Millersville Pa. University coaches present included Millersville University, Eastern University and Penn State Abington. Other teams that were supposed to be attending were York College, West Chester, Kutztown, Penn State Harrisburg, Arcadia, Franklin & Marshall and Allbright. 

   Kudos to the Northeast Pride 18-u Showcase organization including  manager Steve Alhona and coaches Chad Goetz and Cliff Kelly for giving area youth the chance of a lifetime to  grasp that golden ring and a college baseball career. 

  

                                                      

Identification of the above photo

Sullivan West first baseman Patrick Pierce at bat for the Northeast Pride 18u Showcase team at Millersville Pa. University over the Labor Day weekend. 

                                                                 

Golfing Highlights Column 9-7-12

Putters That Roll The Ball

  "The Putting Doctor" Joe Bermel states very clearly that putting is 40 percent of the total golf game.

  PGA professionals we have talked with firmly state that golfers can't score well without putting adequately and that it's generally accepted that you're a bad putter only if you use more than the allotted 36 putts per 18 holes of golf which comes down to 2 putts per green.

  Along with the putting game itself is the technology and design of putters. We outlined in detail a number of weeks ago information about the belly and long putters.

  Today we bring you information about a putting design we found at the Somerset NJ North Coast Golf Show this past spring.

  We met and talked in detail with Rick Monroe, CEO/Founder of the R&B Putters company in Lockport, IL. with Rick noting that his company is the maker of the brand name "High Five Putters" and all the putters are designed with a 0.8400" radius, the exact radius of a golf ball which "creates perfect forward roll and eliminates all hop and skid."

  Monroe pointed out that "the radius face of these putters is height matched to strike the ball on or slightly above the equator of the golf ball."

  We asked Rick what the advantage if there was any of this style of putter and he explaned, "every golfer, no matter what handicap you are, has experienced the golf ball hop after striking their putt and that this hop is frequently the reason for putts not tracking the intended line."

  He added, "a putt that hops or skids just one-quarter of an inch off line will create an error of two and one-half inches on a 10 foot putt and that this is over half the width of the cup."

  We asked about the "golf ball hop" and Rick pointed out "that the hop is due to the fact that most putters have at least a 3 degree loft on the face but that his putters eliminate the hop and skid on your putts."

  Rick in explaining to us what his "Radius-Roll Technology is said, "when one round object is struck by another round object of the same radius, the first object will immediately begin a forward roll without any skid......the lack of skid creates a very true track to the putt and the ball will continue on the line in which it started."

  According to Monroe the success of these style putters is that "because of the perfect forward roll there is no friction as the golf ball leaves the face of the putter and the lack of friction eliminated any vibration and creates a very solid sweet feeling putter."

  The explanation sounded good to me so as I lined up a 15-foot putt with one of the R&B putters I also remembered the putting teaching lessons of "The Putting Doctor" Joe Bermel, took my time, got comfortable in my stance, put Bermel's putter grip tip on the putter, got a good look at the cup and followed through with my stroke......success folks the golf ball ended up solidly in the cup.

  All R&B putters conform with USGA rules.

  Two local golf professionals, Tarry Bray's Glenn Sonnenschein and Swan Lake Golf & Country Club's Bob Menges both admitted they have never tried this technology and were not familiar with these type of putters.

  Sonnenschein said, "I'm not familiar with this type of putter," and Menges noted "I have never tried this technology and I believe anyway you can limit the amount of air underneath the ball when you first strike a putt will help you keep the putts on line better."

  Seeking the reason for new technology in our great game of golf taught us and I hope everyone that reads this the importance of learning and exploring the new ideas our great game offers.

  Rick would love to talk to you about the R&B Putters and his "Radius-Roll Technology" You can call him at 815-905-0123, at his email address of rbputters@comcast.net or on his Website www.rbputters.com 

 Ed's Outlook

  This is our Golfing Highlights wrap up column for the local 2012 Sullivan County Golf season. Our sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to provide us with local golfing information, scores, tournaments, league standings, personal interviews, golf course information etc. etc.

  There is plenty of good weather ahead so enjoy fall golf and we will, God willing and the creek doesn't rise, return with Golfing Highlights next spring.

  We will be back next week with our Bowling Highlights Column. 

  Rory McIIroy  stole the show at Kiaway Island, where he captured hig second major title, the PGA Championship. 

  McIIroy won by eight strokes....the same margin of victory he had at the 2011 U.S. Open. It came after an up and down summer that saw him miss four cuts and have his desire questioned.

  At the age of 23 he achieved his second major quicker than Tiger Woods did in terms of age....although Woods needed fewer majors as a pro.

  Such comparisons are inevitable. And they will continue as long as McIIroy continues to win majors t anything approaching a Tiger pace.

  Ed Townsend is a consultant to the sport of golf. If you have league scores, tournament info, a hole-in-one, score your age or any topic that you feel would make good reading, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177, by email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or by fax at 845-205-4474. View his column at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook. 

 The Golfing Tip

 By Robert Menges

  Buried Bunker Lies

  To blast the ball out of the sand, your club needs to swing more up then down to create a steeper angle of attack.

  To help illustrate, have someone stand several fee behind the ball. In the backswing, hinge your wrists early to get the club up more, avoiding the person.

  Also make note of the length of the backswing. It should almost be a full swing. In order to create enough speed and energy to blast the ball out of the sand, avoid taking a short and/or low backswing.

  From this position, you will be able to swing the club into the sand on the downswing. It's imperative that you strike down into the sand 1 to 2 inches behind the ball and finish with the club low to the ground.

  Amateur golfers often try to scoop or help life the ball out of the sand. This usually results in the club hittig the sand too far behind the ball or missing it completely or taking too much sand and leaving the ball in the bunker. The club can also miss the sand and strikes the top of the ball, resulting in a topped shot that can go anywhere.

  Robert Menges is the head golf professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hpe Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by phone at 845-292-0323 or via email at menges@hughes.net 

 Putting Tip

 By Joe Bermel

  Here is one of the best putting drills.

  A Quadrant Drill.

  1. Take 1 golf ball.

  2. On practice green, establish on one hole at four foot distance only.

  3. First putt straight uphill.

  4. Second putt straight downhill.

  5. Third putt right edge slight right to left.

  6. Fourth putt left edge slight left to right.

  Every golfer has these four putts many times every round. Do this drill again and again.

  Make yourself make three consecutive putts at each quadrant.

  This will make you a better two putt per hole average.

  Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD "How To Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his Web site www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com 

                                           

IDENTIFICATION OF ABOVE PHOTOS

R&B Putters Corporate Officers at the North Coast Somerset New Jersey Golf Show included, from the left, CEO/Founder Rick Monroe, COO Bob Hand, President Frank Horn and Distributor Wright Smith. 

                                                    

The 0.8400 inch radius rounded face of the R&B putter.

                                     

  

  

Here & There Column 9-4-12

 Joshua Following Family Tradition

  Four-year-old Joshua Albert has been performing with the Rivers Edge Band since he was three and this up and coming young talent was warmly received August 18 at the Grahamsville Little World's Fair.

  This popular country western band played two performances at the fair just prior to and following the Legion Fireworks display on Saturday evening. 

  Rivers Edge calls it like it is when they say "a country band we are," and they perform both original, old and new country music.

  This band is highly respected and has a large following. 

  They have been performing for some 15 plus years.

  Rivers Edge has been the opening act for Stephanie Bently and Ray Price and also has been on the venue with Lonestar, Trace Atkins and Ray Price. Additionally they also have played along with Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Ray Price in their "The Best of the Breed" concert several years ago at Bethel Woods.

  Traveling throughout the Northeast Rivers Edge has entertained at many events and various organizations. They have played at the Grahamsville Fair for approximately 10 years.

  Young Joshua is the grandson of Rivers Edge Bass player Tony "Dance" Albert  who also is the band's sound engineer and technician. Tony sings lead vocals and is from a family of musicians......starting out playing in the band called Country Kut-Ups and as he grew older played with his mother and uncle.

  Proud parents of this young musician are Joshua and Amanda Albert.

  Joshua is certainly following family and his grandfathers tradition.

  

                                                         

IDENTIFICATION OF PHOTO

Four-year-old Joshua Albert performing with the Rivers Edge Band at the Grahamsville Little Worlds Fair.