BGHT: March 2020

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

LO BORSCHUK, A USBC HALL OF FAME MEMBER, DIES AT AGE 97

ARLINGTON, Texas – Elois “Lo” Borschuk, a United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame member from Sioux City, Iowa, died Monday, March 30. She was 97.

A Women’s International Bowling Congress administrator for 24 years, she was inducted into the hall of fame for Meritorious Service in 1988.

During her time with WIBC, she served on 15 committees, including the Advisory and Planning, Finance and Budget, Site Inspection and the Equipment Specifications committees. She was elected a Member Emeriti in 1991.

Borschuk served as the Iowa Women’s Bowling Association secretary-treasurer for 15 years and was inducted into the Iowa State USBC Hall of Fame in 1979. In 2005, she was the first woman inducted in the Greater Siouxland Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

She was heavily involved in youth bowling, starting a youth program and establishing the Sioux City Junior Bowling Association, which she served as secretary-treasurer for 18 years.

Borschuk coached thousands of youth bowlers and took teams to district and state tournaments. She was president of the Iowa State Junior Bowling Association for four years and was part of starting the first league for physically and mentally handicapped young bowlers in Sioux City.

She was honored by the National Women’s Bowling Writers Association (NWBW) with the 1974 Helen Duval Award for Outstanding Service in the Young American Bowling Alliance Field and the 1987 Jo Ettien Lieber Award for Distinguished Service to the Game of American Tenpins.

Borschuk served as a hospital volunteer for 15 years and was on the St. Luke’s Medical Center Auxiliary Board. She coached Little League baseball teams for several years, and, as the only woman manager/coach in 1958, led her Little League team to the city championship.

Her first husband, Charles Biggerstaff, died in Italy in World War II, and she was married to Michael Borschuk Jr. for more than 64 years until he passed away in 2010.

She is survived by her sons and their spouses, Ken and Jackie Biggerstaff of Sioux City, Mike and Jan Borschuk of Dakota Dunes, and Rick and Linda Borschuk of Exeter, Rhode Island, and seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). USBC conducts championship events nationwide including the largest participation sporting events in the world – the USBC Open and Women's Championships – and professional events such as the USBC Masters and USBC Queens.

Founded in 1895, today USBC and its 1,638 state and local associations proudly serve more than a million members. USBC is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, working toward a future for the sport. The online home for USBC is BOWL.com.

NORTH CAROLINA YOUTH BOWLER SELECTED AS ALBERTA E. CROWE STAR OF TOMORROW

ARLINGTON, Texas – Caroline Thesier of Mooresville, North Carolina, who won the U17 title at last summer’s Junior Gold Championships, has been selected as the 2020 Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow by the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee.

The prestigious award recognizes the star qualities of a female high school senior or college student, including accomplishments on the lanes, academic achievement and community service. Thesier will receive a $6,000 scholarship as this year’s award recipient.

“Winning this award means more to me than words can describe,” Thesier said. “To be among the many talented women who have also received this honor is truly inspiring. Alberta Crowe devoted her life to bowling, and to be recognized as someone following in her footsteps is a dream come true.”

A senior at South Iredell High School, she has a 4.0 grade-point average (4.60 weighted). She has taken numerous International Baccalaureate classes, from the Middle Years to the Diploma Programme, in biology, math, chemistry, psychology, and Spanish. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club, and is in the national honor society for English, Spanish, math and science.

She has been a volunteer with the Top of the Lake Rotary Club for seven years, and through the Interact Club has worked various events including the Relay for Life and the Carolina Balloon Fest. Thesier has volunteered at an elementary school for the last seven years, assisting teachers with items such as pre-year setup, has worked with her honor societies and Red Cross Club on events such as food drives and book drives, and works with young bowlers at her local summer bowling camp.

Thesier runs her own non-profit business, Cords for a Cause, handmaking bracelets, keychains and similar items. Ninety cents of each dollar from sales goes to the Ballard vs. The Big C charity, with 10 cents going to purchase new supplies.

In addition to winning the U17 title at the 2019 Junior Gold Championships, Thesier owns more than 30 scratch youth titles. She was selected for Junior Team USA in 2019, after finishing 11th (sixth among youth bowlers) at the U.S. Amateur, and participated at the 2019 U.S. Open in her hometown, earning a spot in the 144-player field through the pre-tournament qualifier.

Thesier is headed to Vanderbilt in the fall, where she plans to double-major in neuroscience and psychology and bowl for the Commodores.

USBC Hall of Fame member Betty Kuczynski was the first Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow winner in 1961. Other Hall of Fame members to receive the award are Joy Abel (1962), Judy Soutar (1963), Mildred Ignizio (1967), Susie Reichley (1969), Cheryl Robinson (1970), Donna Adamek (1975), Nikki Gianulias (1978), Tish Johnson (1980), Lynda (Norry) Barnes (1988) and Liz Johnson (1993).

Visit BOWL.com/ScholarshipsAwards for more information on scholarship opportunities for youth bowlers.

ALBERTA E. CROWE STAR OF TOMORROW AWARD WINNERS
Year, winner, hometown
1961 Betty Kuczynski, Cicero, Ill.
1962 Joy Abel, Lansing, Ill.
1963 Judy Soutar, Leawood, Kan.
1964 Ann Bosworth, Belleville, Ill.
1965 Karen Linton, El Paso, Texas
1966 Betty Jo Crow, Fairway, Kan.
1967 Mildred Ignizio, Rochester, N.Y.
1968 Pamela Carver, Phoenix, Ariz.
1969 Janice Sue Reichley, Dallas
1970 Cheryl Robinson, Destrehan, La.
1971 Rosalyn Raab, San Antonio, Texas
1972 Karen Gustafson, Sunland, Calif.
1973 Leslie Ferris, Arlington, Va.
1974 Pam Dusek, Ontario, Calif.
1975 Donna Adamek, Apple Valley, Calif.
1976 Regina Loveall, Amarillo, Texas
1977 Kathy Kirst, San Antonio, Texas
1978 Nikki Gianulias, Vallejo, Calif.
1979 Audrey Gable, Whitehall, Pa.
1980 Tish Johnson, Panorama City, Calif.
1981 Shelley Johnson, Toledo, Ohio
1982 Vicki Parker, Pelham, N.H.
1983 Laura Dulisse, Blauvelt, N.Y.
1984 Kristine Gross, Citrus Heights, Calif.
1985 Becky Kregling, Stratford, Conn.
1986 Lori Benge, Wichita, Kan.
1987 Dionne Lee, Modesto, Calif.
1988 Lynda Norry, Concord, Calif.
1989 Stefanie Marek, Wilmington, Del.
1990 Kelly Everding, Arvada, Colo.
1991 Laura Ross, Mahwah, N.J.
1992 Kari Murph, Dayton, Ohio
1993 Elizabeth Johnson, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
1994 Pamela Inloes, Modesto, Calif.
1995 Kassy Hyman, Dyer, Ind.
1996 Michelle Ewald, St. Clair Shores, Mich.
1997 Kimberly Claus, Mesquite, Texas
1998 Diandra Hyman, Dyer, Ind.
1999 Amy Rocco, Phoenix
2000 Robin Crawford, Hendersonville, Tenn.
2001 Melissa Bellinder, Fullerton, Calif.
2002 Anita Manns, Austin, Texas
2003 Lindsey Coulles, Centerville, Ohio
2004 Amanda Burgoyne, Newport, Minn.
2005 Cassandra Leuthold, Blackhawk, S.D.
2006 Josie Earnest, Vandalia, Ill.
2007 Joi Bell, Pflugerville, Texas
2008 Brittni Hamilton, Webster, N.Y.
2009 Ricki Williams, Wichita, Kan.
2010 Heather D’Errico, Rochester, N.Y.
2011 Nicole Mosesso, Centerville, Ohio
2012 Megan Buja, Rockford, Ill.
2013 Melanie Hannon, Cheektowaga, N.Y.
2014 Melanie Crawford, Plano, Texas
2015 Emma Kuhn, Texas City, Texas
2016 Gazmine Mason, Cranston, R.I.
2017 Natalie Koprowitz, Girard, Ill.
2018 Crystal Singh, Coral Springs, Fla.
2019 Mabel Cummins, Elburn, Ill.
2020 Caroline Thesier, Mooresville, N.C.

About International Bowling Campus
The International Bowling Campus (IBC) is the headquarters for the bowling industry and directly serves the more than 69 million bowlers in the United States. The IBC houses the resources of the United States Bowling Congress, the governing body and membership organization for the sport; the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, representing the business interests of bowling centers; IBC Youth Development; Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm for the industry; the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame; the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association; the International Bowling Media Association; the Bowling News Network; the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America; and the International Training and Research Center.

Monday, March 30, 2020

Rumble Ponies Season Postponed Until At Least May 10

Binghamton, NY – The Rumble Ponies in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, have postponed all Home Games before May 10.

We will continue to work with state, county, and local officials as well as the health experts to monitor this ever evolving situation. As soon as any updates in regards to baseball being played at NYSEG Stadium can be made we will update fans through social media and team website.

“Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our fans, staff, players, and coaches. Although we are saddened to postpone the first 17 games of the 2020 season, we understand the severity of the situation and look forward to providing a safe and healthy fan experience once we are able to play baseball at NYSEG Stadium,” said John “JB” Bayne.

Any ticket purchased for a game before May 10^th will be treated as a rain check and will be redeemable for any 2020 Regular Season Home Game (excluding July 4^th). Tickets will be exchangeable once the Box Office opens back up.

Our staff remains working remotely, but are accessible through email. For all general inquiries, please email info@bingrp.com.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Mets. For more information follow along with the Ponies on Facebook facebook.com/RumblePoniesBB, or on Twitter at @RumblePoniesBB.

Friday, March 27, 2020

#GadesGivingBack

The Hudson Valley Renegades are here for you, whether it's safe at home, or at The Dutch, we want to make sure we are doing our part in helping our community during this time. We have implemented our #GadesGivingBack initiative to donate a portion of profits from ticket sales, gift cards and food and beverage back to the community.

Our first #GadesGivingBack initiative can be supported through purchasing gift cards that you can use now, or save for later. These gift cards can be purchased for either $25, $50 or $100, with fans receiving an additional 20% value to spend on anything at Dutchess Stadium during Renegades games this summer, and 20% of each sale will be donated to Dutchess Responds. These gift cards are available for purchase now through the entire 2020 season and can be used into the 2021 season.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

EARL ANTHONY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO FIVE USBC YOUTH BOWLERS

ARLINGTON, Texas – Five United States Bowling Congress Youth members were selected to receive an Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship in recognition of their academic achievements and contributions to their communities.

Recipients were selected by the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee from submitted applications and each receives a $5,000 scholarship. The scholarship is named in honor of the legendary hall of famer who was dedicated to helping youth bowlers.

The five recipients of an Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship are:

Bridget Bazile, Tigerton, Wisconsin
Bailey Knierim, San Antonio
Alexander Kobus, Crown Point, Indiana
Amanda Naujokas, Lake Ronkonkoma, New York
Lane Thompson, Irving, Texas

Bridget Bazile attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she is majoring in Animal Science. She was captain of the basketball team her last three years of high school and played softball. She was a Central Wisconsin Conference Academic All-Conference award winner each of her four years. Her volunteer work through the National Honor Society included running a blood drive, helping with the Salvation Army, and working elementary school events.

She has been actively involved with the Wisconsin Trappers Association (WTA) since 2014, receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2017, and the Caroline Lions Club since 2011. She has been a bowling youth leader since 2017.

Bailey Knierim is a senior at William J. Brennan High School, where she ranks sixth in her class of 693. She is an AP Scholar, having taken courses in English, calculus, physics, biology, history, government and economics. She has worked with the San Antonio Food Bank, Special Olympics, and has more than 100 hours of work for the Brennan Theatre community.

She is a four-year member of her high school bowling team. She has been a youth league representative the last two years and a youth leaders association member since 2019.

Alexander Kobus is the top-ranked senior at Boone Grove High School, with a 4.13 grade-point average (4.0 scale). He has completed honors classes in algebra, geometry, history, biology and English. His community service includes numerous volunteer activities through the National Honor Society and the Boy Scouts, where he is an Eagle Scout.

Kobus recruited high school bowling teammates to assist with Special Olympics Bowling, which he has volunteered with since 2018. He was the 2019 Annual Zeb Scholarship recipient and was selected to the 2018-2019 Dexter High School All-American Team.

Amanda Naujokas is a senior at Sachem North High School, where she has a 4.0 GPA and has taken honors courses in psychology, world and United States history, environmental science and Spanish. A member of the National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, and Business and Marketing Honor Society, she has more than 200 hours of community service.

The captain of the bowling team, she currently is a member of the Junior Team USA U17 Development team. She has signed to bowl for Vanderbilt in the fall.

Lane Thompson, a senior at Nimitz High School, is captain of the bowling team and plays saxophone in the school band, including the jazz band and orchestra. He is on the NHS Superintendent Advisory Council and was an American Sign Language (ASL) educator for teachers at his high school the last two years.

He was the North Central Texas USBC Youth Bowler of the Year in 2019 and helped run the youth state tournament. He assisted at the International Training and Research Center when the 2018 Junior Gold Championships were in Dallas.

In addition to being a USBC Youth member, applicants for the Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship must have been a senior in high school or a college student, and have a record of strong community involvement and academic achievements, as well as financial need. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Visit BOWL.com/ScholarshipsAwards to learn more about scholarships available for USBC Youth bowlers.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

USBC HALL OF FAMER BOB HANSON DIES AT AGE 93

ARLINGTON, Texas - United States Bowling Congress Hall of Famer Bob Hanson died Tuesday morning at a hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, following a short illness. He was 93.

Hanson, selected to the USBC Hall of Fame in 2004 in the Veterans category, was born Feb. 2, 1927, and didn't start bowling until he was in his 20s. Despite the late start, he quickly became one of the most prolific performers in the Minneapolis area.

He found the national spotlight as part of the famed Hamm's Beer team, collecting three titles at the USBC Open Championships - Team All-Events in 1965 and Regular Team in 1970 and 1972. He participated in the tournament 45 times from 1962 to 2008.

Hanson's momentum brought him international accolades, as well.

In 1971, he represented the United States at the World Bowling World Championships in Milwaukee, where he earned gold medals in the five-player and eight-player team events.

Hanson again donned the red, white and blue at the 1974 Pan Am Bowling Adult Championships in Venezuela, winning a silver medal in the eight-player team event and a bronze medal in doubles.

He was inducted into the Minneapolis USBC Hall of Fame in 1975.

Funeral services will be held later this year at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Additional information will be forthcoming.

For more information on the USBC Hall of Fame, visit BOWL.com/HallofFame.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). USBC conducts championship events nationwide including the largest participation sporting events in the world - the USBC Open and Women's Championships - and professional events such as the USBC Masters and USBC Queens.

OHIO HIGH SCHOOL BOWLER SELECTED FOR ANNUAL ZEB SCHOLARSHIP

ARLINGTON, Texas – Hannah Vaughn of Fredericktown, Ohio, who started bowling competitively after joining her high school team as a freshman, has been selected as the Annual Zeb Scholarship recipient by the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee.

The Annual Zeb Scholarship recognizes a United States Bowling Congress Youth member who has achieved academic success and gives back to their community through service. The recipient, who must be in their junior or senior year of high school, receives a $2,500 scholarship.

Vaughn, a Fredericktown High School senior, admits she was not very good when she joined the bowling team her freshman year – “I averaged around 90 and was very excited if I ever broke 100” – but as an athlete who had competed in basketball, volleyball and track, she proved to be a quick student of the game.

In the past two seasons, she was named Most Valuable Player on her bowling team, and she finished second at the 2020 Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Girls Division II State Bowling Championships.

She has been actively involved with 4-H since 2005, serving as a 4-H Camp Counselor for three years, and the National FFA Organization. She has served as a member of the Knox County Equine Advisory Committee and Knox County Canine Council since 2011.

“This scholarship means so much to me,” Vaughn said. “I appreciate being recognized for my community service and academics so much. In 4-H, FFA, and school, I have been able to give back to my community by volunteering. In the classroom, I have worked very hard to get good grades and take college classes. This scholarship will help me to continue my education without having as much stress about debt.”

She has a 4.0 grade-point average, is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, was named to the Academic All-Ohio team and has taken honors courses in math, biology and business. She is taking college courses at Central Ohio Technical College, where she made the President’s Honors List.

In addition to her work through 4-H and FFA, she has volunteered with the Salvation Army, Hot Meals of Fredericktown, made blankets for the Children’s Hospital, and hosted petting zoos for the Eastern Star Nursing Home.

She plans to attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University in the fall, where she will study sports management and finance, and bowl for the Cougars.

The scholarship is named for Jim Zebehazy, who served as executive director of the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) from 1996-2004 and later as a regional manager for USBC. Zebehazy is a member of the 2020 USBC Hall of Fame class.

Visit BOWL.com/ScholarshipsAwards to learn more about scholarship opportunities for youth bowlers.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

NEW YORK, COLORADO BOWLERS SELECTED AS YOUTH AMBASSADORS OF THE YEAR

ARLINGTON, Texas – Courtney Morelli of Selden, New York, and Tanner Ausec of Colorado Springs, Colorado, have been selected as the United States Bowling Congress Youth Ambassadors of the Year.

The annual award recognizes a male and a female USBC Youth bowler for exemplary contributions in the sport outside of league or tournament play, academic accomplishments, and community involvement.

Selected by the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee, based on submitted applications, Morelli and Ausec each will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

Morelli has been a member of the Long Island USBC Youth Leaders program since 2013, and currently serves as treasurer. She chairs the Fundraising and Recruitment committees, and mentors new members.

She also is the vice president of the New York State Youth Leaders board, which she has served on for the last two years.

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor,” Morelli said. “I absolutely love participating in Youth Leaders events and helping out in any way possible. This is such a validation to all the years I’ve spent participating as a Youth Leader and furthering the bowling program.”

While her work with the Youth Leaders program has helped the local and state association, it also has taught Morelli valuable skills.

“I have always been a shy kid, and joining this program has really built up my confidence,” Morelli said. “I have developed my social skills and how to interact with adults. My organization and planning skills have really improved, as well as my problem-solving skills.”

A senior at Newfield High School, she has been a member of the school’s bowling team since the seventh grade. She also competes in a travel league.

She plans to study business administration in the fall.

Ausec currently is serving his third one-year term as a youth director on the Pikes Peak USBC board, ensuring local youth are represented and served through tournaments and awards programs.

“I have been fortunate to receive so much from the local bowling community,” Ausec said. “Whether through coaching, equipment, or knowledge, there have always been people to support me. As I grew up, I learned to understand the importance of giving back wherever possible, which is why I began coaching. This award is an acknowledgment of not only my efforts to give back to the game, but recognition of all that I have received from my local bowling community, as well.”

A senior at Rampart High School, Ausec has a 4.19 grade-point average and ranks sixth in his class. On the lanes, he helped Rampart win back-to-back state team titles the past two seasons.

He started coaching youth bowlers at King Pin Lanes in Colorado Springs four years ago, as part of a National Junior Honor Society community service requirement. He said he quickly realized how much he enjoyed teaching the basic skills of the sport, and it gave him a greater appreciation of those who coached him.

“Coaching has taught me a number of things, but first and foremost it is a constant reminder that bowling should always be fun,” Ausec said. “It has also taught me to be a better student of the game, and my skill level has benefited because of it.”

Ausec will attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the fall and plans to bowl for the Warhawks.

Morelli and Ausec also may have the opportunity to serve on the IBC Youth Committee and be eligible for additional scholarship funds. Youth Ambassadors selected to serve on the IBC Youth Committee must be at least 18 years old as of Aug. 1 in year of selection.

Visit BOWL.com/ScholarshipsAwards to learn more about scholarship opportunities for youth bowlers.

Friday, March 20, 2020

March 20 Statement on Upcoming LPGA Tour Schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 20, 2020) - Today, the LPGA Tour is announcing updates to our schedule as we continue to navigate the global Coronavirus pandemic.

After previously announcing the postponement of our events through the ANA Inspiration and following broadened directives from the various health organizations, the LPGA Tour informed its players that three additional events on our schedule are now postponed: the LOTTE Championship in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii (April 15-18), the HUGEL-AIR PREMIA LA Open in Los Angeles, Calif. (April 23-26), and the LPGA MEDIHEAL Championship in Daly City, Calif. (April 30-May 3).

The LPGA Tour also announced that its first major of the season, the ANA Inspiration, has been rescheduled for September 10-13 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The Cambia Portland Classic in Portland, Ore., which had previously been scheduled for those dates, will now take place September 17-20.

The LPGA continues to work with its partners on plans to reschedule previously postponed events and will provide further updates once those plans are finalized.

Note: LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan shared the attached letter with LPGA Tour players earlier this morning.

Official World Golf Ranking and Rolex Women's World Golf Ranking Statement

The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and Rolex Women's World Golf Ranking (WWGR) will be paused until further notice with professional golf currently inactive due to the global threat posed by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Governing Boards of the OWGR and WWGR have decided that the rankings will be frozen at Week 11 (the week ending March 15^th and 16^th 2020) and will continue to monitor the impact of Coronavirus COVID-19.

An announcement about the resumption of each respective ranking will be made in due course.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Rumble Ponies Set For Home Opener On April 9^th - YES Really

Binghamton, NY – In light of recent news from Minor league Baseball on the postponement to the start of the 2020 season, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies are pleased to announce they will start their April 9^th Home Opener on MLB The Show 20.

Over the course of the coming weeks, Rumble Ponies staff will conduct “Spring Training” to tune up their baseball skills on MLB The Show 20. Each day we will provide videos and reports on how the prospects are doing as we count down to the roster being released. On Thursday, April 9^th the Rumble Ponies will officially start their Season against the Akron RubberDucks in what was scheduled as the Ponies Home Opener. This game will be available via a link on our web site and social media so fans can get the full experience of having Rumble Ponies Baseball. Staff will continue to play the 2020 Regular Season Schedule until such time that live baseball returns at NYSEG Stadium.

“We support the efforts to stay safe and at home as directed by local officials”, said “JB” Bayne, Managing Director of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. “We thought we would offer a little fun and entertainment as we all stand together in this time of unity”

More information will be passed along in the coming weeks on times and how to follow along with all of the action.

Please continue to check our website for updates as they become available.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Syracuse Mets Postpone Meet the Syracuse Mets Preseason Fundraiser

Syracuse Mets also close offices; staff to work from home

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets formally announced today the postponement of the scheduled Meet the Mets “Welcome Home” dinner as well as the closing of the team’s office at NBT Bank Stadium in response to the efforts to combat the coronavirus.

For the safety of fans, players, and staff, and in conjunction to New York State and Onondaga County’s requirement to cancel events for 50 or more people, the Syracuse Mets have postponed this year’s Meet the Syracuse Mets Preseason Fundraiser event. The team is monitoring developments, and any information about rescheduling the event will be released at a later date.

The Meet the Mets “Welcome Home” dinner was to be held at the Embassy Suites at Destiny USA for the second year in a row. The dinner is designed to be a fundraiser for The Challenger Baseball League as well as each team in District 8 Little league.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to delay the season, but we totally understand that the health and safety of the entire community is the most important thing right now,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “This event was very popular and enjoyed by our fans. We hope to be able to do a similar type of event this summer that still supports the Challengers and District 8 Little League.”

The Syracuse Mets have also shut their business offices at NBT Bank Stadium, choosing to have the front office staff work from home remotely. A skeleton staff is still working at the stadium, and the team is still preparing for the anticipated abbreviated season ahead.

“Our staff is pound for pound the best in the Minor leagues, and we are just adapting to the new reality of the battle against this virus as best we can,” said Smorol. “We still have work to do, and the Mets have made it easy for us to work from home. We will come through this, and when we do, the Syracuse Mets will be ready for our community.”

Friday, March 13, 2020

Binghamton Rumble Ponies Statement Regarding 2020 Season

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) announced Thursday that it has postponed the start of the season. The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are working with Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball in accordance with the guidelines they are setting forth to handle the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of players, coaches, team personnel, front office staff, and our fans.

The Rumble Ponies remain committed to the Southern Tier community and working closely to do our part in this national safety effort. Baseball will eventually be played at NYSEG Stadium during the 2020 season as soon as it is deemed safe for all. We remain steadfast in helping our fellow neighbors in this challenging time. In order to protect our staff and community as a whole we will be closing our offices to include the Lourdes Armory Team Store and our Box Office. Sales for merchandise and tickets are still available on-line or over the phone.

When MiLB announces opening day the Rumble Ponies are committed to providing a clean and safe environment for players, coaches, staff and fans. We appreciate the continued support of the community as we work through the proper channels to play Eastern League baseball in Binghamton in 2020.

Please continue to check our website for updates as they become available.

Statement on Upcoming LPGA and Symetra Tour Schedules

Today, the LPGA informed its players that in an effort to minimize risks with the global outbreak of COVID-19 and following the California Government’s directive regarding events, the next three events on the LPGA Tour schedule are postponed: the Volvik Founders Cup in Phoenix, Ariz., which was scheduled to take place March 19-22; the Kia Classic in Carlsbad, Calif., which was scheduled to take place March 26-29; and the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, Calif., which was scheduled for April 2-5. The plan is to reschedule these events for later dates in the 2020 season.

The upcoming two events on the Symetra Tour that were set to take place in California were also postponed (the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Beaumont, Calif., from March 27-29 and the Windsor Golf Classic in Windsor, Calif., from April 2-4).

“This is a difficult situation and as we navigate these uncertain times, we appreciate the support of all those involved with the LPGA. I am fully committed to rescheduling these important events on our 2020 schedule, especially our first major, the ANA Inspiration,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “Our thoughts are with all of those around the world affected by this virus. And on a personal level, it pains me to see the impact of this health crisis on our athletes, our sponsors and our fans. That said, I know keeping our LPGA family safe, and all those who follow us safe, has to be my top priority.

We will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation with our global health partners and are planning for different scenarios for future LPGA events should they be necessary.”

PBA To Limit WSOB XI Televised Finals to Players, Families, and Officials

New York, NY – In accordance with the latest guidance from federal health organizations, the Professional Bowlers Association has decided the Storm World Series of Bowling XI will go on without spectators present during the tournament.

PBA CEO Colie Edison addressed the PBA’s position on dealing with the coronavirus outbreak that has created complex issues around the world, “It is with an abundance of caution and in cooperation with South Point that the PBA has decided the Storm WSOB XI televised finals will go on without spectators present during the tournaments. Attendance will be limited to competitors, players’ families and those in an official capacity only.

“We are thankful all of our loyal fans will be able to watch the finals of all WSOB XI events on FS1 and, internationally, on FloBowling’s livestreams.”

Please refer to pba.com for future updates.

About the PBA

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated to the sport of bowling and its professional competition, with thousands of members and millions of fans throughout the world. The PBA plays host to bowling’s biggest tournaments from the Go Bowling! PBA Tour, PBA Regional Tour, and PBA50 Tour. In 2019, the PBA was acquired by Bowlero Corporation, the world’s largest owner and operator of bowling entertainment centers with more than 300 locations throughout North America. For more information, please visit PBA.com.