PROFESSIONAL BOWLING ASSOCIATION
The 2007-08 Denny's PBA Tour kicks off this week with the Dydo Japan Cup in Tokyo, Japan, September 18-23. The tape-delayed ESPN telecast will air Sunday, October 21 at 1 p.m. ET.
The first event on American soil takes place October 21-28 in Milwaukee, Wis., with the United State Bowling Congress (USBC) Masters, one of four Major events. The live ESPN televised finals will take place at the Milwaukee Brewers' Miller Park on Sunday, October 28 at 1 p.m. ET.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Here & There Column 9-18-07
Politicians Say One Thing & Do The Opposite
You just got to love this time of the year.......it's politicians saying one thing and doing just the opposite after elections.
We are already seeing signs and hearing statements that read and say, "Lower Taxes", "Will Cut Your Taxes", "Vote For Me."
We have solidly endorsed the formation of the Sullivan County Council of Governments.
Although this is an ad hoc group of county, town, village and school district officials, they can be responsible to taxpayers throughout the county.
Kudos to this group for bringing up the subject on possibly consolidating services or if you will the merger of services.
Cutting costs and improving efficiency in services is a good thing and we would hope that the group takes it further then just justice courts, tax collection and public works.
But, in the meantime the Sullivan County Charter Commission shelved any recommendation on the creation of the position of county executive but have given some thoughts about adding a 10th member to the county legislature.
If this proposal became a reality if would be a full-time (chairman) position with an annual salary in the neighborhood of $80,000.
We are not too sure about this 10th member being elected on a county-wide basis as it might conflict with the full-time county manager's position and fiscally can Sullivan County afford something like this.
Some would say it's just adding another layer of government and do we need and can we afford this additional 10th member position?
Now we don't want members of the Sullivan County Charter Commission to misunderstand where we are coming from on this subject. This fine group of county volunteers have and or doing an outstanding job and residents of the county appreciate their efforts.
We would like to see the Sullivan County Council of Governments talk more about consolidating all the governments within the county instead of just the consolidation of services......but......this might involve elimination of some of their jobs.....and well you know...... politicians really don't work too hard on this subject.
Ironically, while some talk about implementing programs to decentralize services, the impetus should be to merge governments so that we can see better and cheaper government.
Sullivan County, like many jurisdictions throughout New York State and the United States, struggle at times with serious fiscal stress as a combination of higher costs for existing services and reduced tax revenues produce budgetary shortfalls.
Politicians find this difficult to talk about and more so don't want to go up this ladder because it might mean the loss of their job, but, in the long run we cannot continue to face tax increases year in and year out. New York State is one of the leaders in taxes and it's time voters put a stop to this and elect government representatives who will do something about this problem.
You just got to love this time of the year.......it's politicians saying one thing and doing just the opposite after elections.
We are already seeing signs and hearing statements that read and say, "Lower Taxes", "Will Cut Your Taxes", "Vote For Me."
We have solidly endorsed the formation of the Sullivan County Council of Governments.
Although this is an ad hoc group of county, town, village and school district officials, they can be responsible to taxpayers throughout the county.
Kudos to this group for bringing up the subject on possibly consolidating services or if you will the merger of services.
Cutting costs and improving efficiency in services is a good thing and we would hope that the group takes it further then just justice courts, tax collection and public works.
But, in the meantime the Sullivan County Charter Commission shelved any recommendation on the creation of the position of county executive but have given some thoughts about adding a 10th member to the county legislature.
If this proposal became a reality if would be a full-time (chairman) position with an annual salary in the neighborhood of $80,000.
We are not too sure about this 10th member being elected on a county-wide basis as it might conflict with the full-time county manager's position and fiscally can Sullivan County afford something like this.
Some would say it's just adding another layer of government and do we need and can we afford this additional 10th member position?
Now we don't want members of the Sullivan County Charter Commission to misunderstand where we are coming from on this subject. This fine group of county volunteers have and or doing an outstanding job and residents of the county appreciate their efforts.
We would like to see the Sullivan County Council of Governments talk more about consolidating all the governments within the county instead of just the consolidation of services......but......this might involve elimination of some of their jobs.....and well you know...... politicians really don't work too hard on this subject.
Ironically, while some talk about implementing programs to decentralize services, the impetus should be to merge governments so that we can see better and cheaper government.
Sullivan County, like many jurisdictions throughout New York State and the United States, struggle at times with serious fiscal stress as a combination of higher costs for existing services and reduced tax revenues produce budgetary shortfalls.
Politicians find this difficult to talk about and more so don't want to go up this ladder because it might mean the loss of their job, but, in the long run we cannot continue to face tax increases year in and year out. New York State is one of the leaders in taxes and it's time voters put a stop to this and elect government representatives who will do something about this problem.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Honored "Bucky" With Club Champions
Guest of Honor and local golfing icon Ellsworth "Bucky" Buck, left, with members of the Twin Village Golf Club board of directors Chuck Husson, Bill Knipscher, Ralph Kirchner and Dan Bando.
Flight Champions in the 2007 Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club Championship Tournament, are from the left, Lew Hendrickson Men's C Flight, Terry Knickerbocker Men's A Flight, Ralph Kirchner Men's B. Flight and Anna May Husson, Women's A Flight. Not available at the time this photo was taken was Lisa Failla Women's B Flight Champion. 
Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club Ladies President Cup Champion Gwen Baldo, left, shares the spotlight with Tuesday Women's league champions Anna May Husson and Becky Ackerly at the Club's Annual Dinner.Twin Village Club Champions-Bucky Honored
Champions of the Monday Night Men's league at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club are, from the left, Ken Knudsen and George Powell first place, Steve Bowers and Dylan Bowers second place and Tom Ackerly and Chuck Husson third place.Ellsworth "Bucky" Buck Honored At Annual Dinner
Championship Tournament winners, the Ladies President Cup champion, Men's Athletic Cup winners and Ladies and Men's league champions of the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club received recognition at the annual club dinner Saturday, September 8 at the Rockland House but the "main event" as they say at ringside went to honoring local golf icon Ellsworth "Bucky" Buck.
The 89-year-old "Bucky" (he will be 90 in January), has gone through a number of medical problems the past several years which kept him away from his favorite game this past summer.
Although "Bucky" has gone through a quadruple heart by-pass, leg/ knee problems and other medical situations he still loves and likes talking about golf and his famous 48-inch Yonex Titanium Plus driver and his 24-karet golf putter.
Up to two years ago he was a regular on the golf course at Roscoe where he subbed in the Monday Men's league, played a weekly match with Bob Williams on Saturday and gained fame throughout Sullivan County when he teamed up with former Sullivan County Supreme Court Judge Robert "Bob" Williams, Marv Newberg and Sullivan County Democrat Publisher Emeritus Fred Stabbert Jr. in the annual Bob Williams Invitational Tournament, which was held for many years at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club in Liberty.
Speakers at the dinner honoring "Bucky" were quick to point out that one could not find a more "gentleman golfer" than "Bucky" and that you could not find a better dressed golfer as he sported the Payne Stewart look with knickers-style pants and long socks.
Up to several years ago he always walked the course but leg/knee problems forced him to use a cart which he purchased and had his name printed on the front of the cart.
"Bucky" started out being close to the game of golf when he was a caddy between the ages of 10 and 15 at the Twin Village Golf Club. A heavy work schedule which included owning his own business kept him from participating in the game until he started playing seriously at the age of 71.
Born in Roscoe, he attended the Roscoe Central School and later moved to Monticello where he graduated high school in January 1937. He was well known in the diner business as one of the best short-order cooks around. He owned and operated "Bucky"s Diner" on South Main Street in Liberty from 1944-1950. He also worked at the famed Triangle Diner in Liberty and retired as the short-order cook in 1983. "Bucky" now makes his home in Liberty.
He was and still is an accomplished musician, playing both the clarinet and saxophone and is a well-known author and writer of poems, many of which have been published in the Sullivan County Democrat.
He is a pure gentleman and always proclaims his strong belief in God and his Christian faith.
Speakers reading honors at the dinner included Ed Townsend and Bill Knipscher.
Knipscher turned the tables on "Bucky" and adapted a Joyce Kilmer poem to honor "Bucky." The poem concluded in the last paragraph by saying " but only God can help "Bucky" off the tee."
"Bucky" stood and thanked everyone for the recognition and concluded his remarks by singing a song which was met with a standing ovation.
Invited guests at this annual dinner included Ed and Shirley Townsend, Steve, Vikki and Dylan Bowers and Tom, Kyle and Leanne Lake.
Champions of the Monday Men's league were introduced by Club President Dan Baldo and they included Ken Knudsen and George Powell first place, Steve Bowers and Dylan Bowlers second place and Tom Ackerly and Chuck Husson third place. The low handicap golfer in the league with a 1.79 was Terry Knickerbocker.
The President's Cup champion for 2007 is Gwen Baldo. The Men's Athletic Cup Ladder Tournament was won by Troy Kirchner.
Tuesday Ladies league champions announced included Anna May Husson and Becky Ackerly first place, Barbara Trask and Dot Quick second place and Sally Shey and Gwen Baldo third place. Anna May Husson had the low handicap in this league with a 7.29.
Ladies' Ringer Board Tournament winners were C Flight Ross Francis, B Flight Pat Hill and A Flight tie for first between Sally Shea and Jean Knickerbocker.
Sally Shea reported that the Ladies Golf Association had donated $1,500 to the club for weed and feed, a new roof and flowers. She also noted that the junior tournament sponsored by her and Steve Bowers had 11 congtestants in its's inaugural year. The winners were Ian Wilson and Jesse Huggins who tied at 48.
The club this year went with a new format for what use to be the Club Championship and used the best 8 scores golfers shot in the Men's and Women's league. Golfers paid an entry fee to get into the Championship tournament which ran for the months of June, July and August.
Winners of the Championship Tournament were:
For the ladies in the A division, Anna May Husson first place, Gwen Baldo second place and Sally Shea third place. B division Lisa Failla first place, Cindy Woodard second place and Liz Hendrickson third place. C division Betsy Levy first place, Pat Enger second place and Ruth Ulshafer third place.
For the men in the A division, Terry Knickerbocker first place, Jim Bowlers second place and Steve Bowlers third place. B division Ralph Kirchner first place, Dennis Bennett second place and Bill Knipscher third place. C division Lew Hendrickson first place, Ed Townsend second place and Dan Baldo third place. Some 49 golfers participated in the tournament.
Attractive and embroidered Tri-Mountain Viking jackets with the Twin Village Golf Club 2007 Championship Tournament logo was awarded to first, second and third place winners in each division.
Chuck and Anna May Husson spent a lot of time putting together a video collage of photos from the recent and past of Twin Village Golf Club members and events many of which included photos of the late Bill Jones, Bruce Lindsley, Laverne Knickerbocker, Jack Rosetti, Ray Pomeroy and many others. The video was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all.
Guest and members attending the event also enjoyed the program front page drawing of "Bucky" done by Bill Knipscher.
Championship Tournament winners, the Ladies President Cup champion, Men's Athletic Cup winners and Ladies and Men's league champions of the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club received recognition at the annual club dinner Saturday, September 8 at the Rockland House but the "main event" as they say at ringside went to honoring local golf icon Ellsworth "Bucky" Buck.
The 89-year-old "Bucky" (he will be 90 in January), has gone through a number of medical problems the past several years which kept him away from his favorite game this past summer.
Although "Bucky" has gone through a quadruple heart by-pass, leg/ knee problems and other medical situations he still loves and likes talking about golf and his famous 48-inch Yonex Titanium Plus driver and his 24-karet golf putter.
Up to two years ago he was a regular on the golf course at Roscoe where he subbed in the Monday Men's league, played a weekly match with Bob Williams on Saturday and gained fame throughout Sullivan County when he teamed up with former Sullivan County Supreme Court Judge Robert "Bob" Williams, Marv Newberg and Sullivan County Democrat Publisher Emeritus Fred Stabbert Jr. in the annual Bob Williams Invitational Tournament, which was held for many years at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club in Liberty.
Speakers at the dinner honoring "Bucky" were quick to point out that one could not find a more "gentleman golfer" than "Bucky" and that you could not find a better dressed golfer as he sported the Payne Stewart look with knickers-style pants and long socks.
Up to several years ago he always walked the course but leg/knee problems forced him to use a cart which he purchased and had his name printed on the front of the cart.
"Bucky" started out being close to the game of golf when he was a caddy between the ages of 10 and 15 at the Twin Village Golf Club. A heavy work schedule which included owning his own business kept him from participating in the game until he started playing seriously at the age of 71.
Born in Roscoe, he attended the Roscoe Central School and later moved to Monticello where he graduated high school in January 1937. He was well known in the diner business as one of the best short-order cooks around. He owned and operated "Bucky"s Diner" on South Main Street in Liberty from 1944-1950. He also worked at the famed Triangle Diner in Liberty and retired as the short-order cook in 1983. "Bucky" now makes his home in Liberty.
He was and still is an accomplished musician, playing both the clarinet and saxophone and is a well-known author and writer of poems, many of which have been published in the Sullivan County Democrat.
He is a pure gentleman and always proclaims his strong belief in God and his Christian faith.
Speakers reading honors at the dinner included Ed Townsend and Bill Knipscher.
Knipscher turned the tables on "Bucky" and adapted a Joyce Kilmer poem to honor "Bucky." The poem concluded in the last paragraph by saying " but only God can help "Bucky" off the tee."
"Bucky" stood and thanked everyone for the recognition and concluded his remarks by singing a song which was met with a standing ovation.
Invited guests at this annual dinner included Ed and Shirley Townsend, Steve, Vikki and Dylan Bowers and Tom, Kyle and Leanne Lake.
Champions of the Monday Men's league were introduced by Club President Dan Baldo and they included Ken Knudsen and George Powell first place, Steve Bowers and Dylan Bowlers second place and Tom Ackerly and Chuck Husson third place. The low handicap golfer in the league with a 1.79 was Terry Knickerbocker.
The President's Cup champion for 2007 is Gwen Baldo. The Men's Athletic Cup Ladder Tournament was won by Troy Kirchner.
Tuesday Ladies league champions announced included Anna May Husson and Becky Ackerly first place, Barbara Trask and Dot Quick second place and Sally Shey and Gwen Baldo third place. Anna May Husson had the low handicap in this league with a 7.29.
Ladies' Ringer Board Tournament winners were C Flight Ross Francis, B Flight Pat Hill and A Flight tie for first between Sally Shea and Jean Knickerbocker.
Sally Shea reported that the Ladies Golf Association had donated $1,500 to the club for weed and feed, a new roof and flowers. She also noted that the junior tournament sponsored by her and Steve Bowers had 11 congtestants in its's inaugural year. The winners were Ian Wilson and Jesse Huggins who tied at 48.
The club this year went with a new format for what use to be the Club Championship and used the best 8 scores golfers shot in the Men's and Women's league. Golfers paid an entry fee to get into the Championship tournament which ran for the months of June, July and August.
Winners of the Championship Tournament were:
For the ladies in the A division, Anna May Husson first place, Gwen Baldo second place and Sally Shea third place. B division Lisa Failla first place, Cindy Woodard second place and Liz Hendrickson third place. C division Betsy Levy first place, Pat Enger second place and Ruth Ulshafer third place.
For the men in the A division, Terry Knickerbocker first place, Jim Bowlers second place and Steve Bowlers third place. B division Ralph Kirchner first place, Dennis Bennett second place and Bill Knipscher third place. C division Lew Hendrickson first place, Ed Townsend second place and Dan Baldo third place. Some 49 golfers participated in the tournament.
Attractive and embroidered Tri-Mountain Viking jackets with the Twin Village Golf Club 2007 Championship Tournament logo was awarded to first, second and third place winners in each division.
Chuck and Anna May Husson spent a lot of time putting together a video collage of photos from the recent and past of Twin Village Golf Club members and events many of which included photos of the late Bill Jones, Bruce Lindsley, Laverne Knickerbocker, Jack Rosetti, Ray Pomeroy and many others. The video was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all.
Guest and members attending the event also enjoyed the program front page drawing of "Bucky" done by Bill Knipscher.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Bowling Highlights Column 9-14-07
Visionary WebsiteVisionary Controls Quality & Performance Of Their Equipment
Visionary Bowling Products was started in the beginning of 1997 at their plant in St. Louis, Missouri.
Although Visionary has only been around for the past 10 years, the research and development team at Visionary include a chemist, chemical engineer, mechanical engineer, production manager, and a machinist with over 95 years of combined experience in manufacturing high performance bowling balls.
John Wonders Sr. created the original "Hammer" bowling balls in the early 80's and manufacturing high quality bowling balls has been in the family ever since.
In 1997, with extensive knowledge base and experience, the next generation of Wonders (Jim, Jason and Josh) decided to start Visionary.
Unlike some other bowling ball companies, they manufacture all of their performance balls from start to finish. By doing all of the work themselves, they are able to control and maintain the quality and performance of their equipment.
Many companies do random inspections, but at Visionary every ball is checked individually for hardness, roundness, weight, top weight, pin placement, and overall quality. If it's not right, it doesn't leave the factory.
Their goal is to produce a well rounded line of equipment that will allow any bowler the ability to use at least one Visionary ball with great success, no matter what style of bowling they have, or what conditions they are bowling on. Instead of releasing a new ball every month just to have something new, they look at where they have a void in their product line.
They then research and do extensive testing to make sure that the new ball performs as desired, and is significantly different than the other balls in their line. They don't want to have multiple balls that react the same or similar enough that you can't tell the difference, and as a result they don't release a lot of new balls each year - But the ones they do produce are essential to filling out their product line.
Everyone's sure to find a Visionary ball that matches their game - from the very versatile mid-price OGRE line, to their extremely exotic high performance IMMORTAL line, and everything in between (GRYPHON, CENTAUR, & AMB lines).
To find out more information about Visionary's bowling balls, accessories, test staff program or just see all the success bowlers have had in their Honor Score sections visit http://www.visionarybowling.com/
Visionary Bowling Products was started in the beginning of 1997 at their plant in St. Louis, Missouri.
Although Visionary has only been around for the past 10 years, the research and development team at Visionary include a chemist, chemical engineer, mechanical engineer, production manager, and a machinist with over 95 years of combined experience in manufacturing high performance bowling balls.
John Wonders Sr. created the original "Hammer" bowling balls in the early 80's and manufacturing high quality bowling balls has been in the family ever since.
In 1997, with extensive knowledge base and experience, the next generation of Wonders (Jim, Jason and Josh) decided to start Visionary.
Unlike some other bowling ball companies, they manufacture all of their performance balls from start to finish. By doing all of the work themselves, they are able to control and maintain the quality and performance of their equipment.
Many companies do random inspections, but at Visionary every ball is checked individually for hardness, roundness, weight, top weight, pin placement, and overall quality. If it's not right, it doesn't leave the factory.
Their goal is to produce a well rounded line of equipment that will allow any bowler the ability to use at least one Visionary ball with great success, no matter what style of bowling they have, or what conditions they are bowling on. Instead of releasing a new ball every month just to have something new, they look at where they have a void in their product line.
They then research and do extensive testing to make sure that the new ball performs as desired, and is significantly different than the other balls in their line. They don't want to have multiple balls that react the same or similar enough that you can't tell the difference, and as a result they don't release a lot of new balls each year - But the ones they do produce are essential to filling out their product line.
Everyone's sure to find a Visionary ball that matches their game - from the very versatile mid-price OGRE line, to their extremely exotic high performance IMMORTAL line, and everything in between (GRYPHON, CENTAUR, & AMB lines).
To find out more information about Visionary's bowling balls, accessories, test staff program or just see all the success bowlers have had in their Honor Score sections visit http://www.visionarybowling.com/
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Varsity High School Championships Set
Denny's, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) have announced plans for the 2008 Denny's All-American High School Championships set for next March in North Brunswick, N.J.
"Given the success of the inaugural Denny's All-American High School Championships, Denny's and our partners couldn't be more pleased to forge ahead with the second annual high school event,".said Michael Polydoroff, Director of Sales Promotion and Licensing for Denny's. "We've made some changes this year to attract an even greater pool of varsity seniors, and look forward to another exciting opportunity to showcase a talented crop of young bowlers."
Under the rules for the 2008 Denny's All-American High School Championships, Denny's, the PBA and the USBC will select one female senior and one male senior from each state that recognizes bowling as a varsity sport and is a member of a high school varsity bowling team. The total field will be made up of 18 girls and 16 boys from around the country. Updates to this year's application include a minimum GPA (grade point average) requirement of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale) and an extension of the deadline for application into late January.
"All of the sponsors were extremely impressed by the 29 students who participated in last year's championships," said Jeanne Klescewski, Director of USBC High School and Collegiate. "The students not only demonstrated tremendous skill as bowlers, but also represented the highest levels of academic achievement and sportsmanship, as well as great enthusiasm and a sense of fun that made the competition a pleasure for everyone involved."
The 2008 tournament will be held March 28-30, to coincide with the 65th Denny's U.S. Open in North Brunswick, N.J. The competition will feature the top girl and top boy varsity bowlers facing off on March 29, to narrow the tournament field down to two male and female competitors, who will compete head-to-head on March 30. Student bowlers selected for the DAAHSC will compete for up to $10,000 in scholarships and the opportunity to bowl on ESPN with PBA professionals.
"Last year's inaugural Denny's All-American High School Championships event was a tremendous success, and we're ecstatic about bringing it back this season," said Fred Schreyer, PBA Commissioner and CEO. "Our hope is that the participants in this prestigious competition strive to emulate the stars of the Denny's PBA Tour and can join them someday on Tour. In addition, we're pleased to be able to stage the tournament in conjunction with our signature event " the 65th Denny's U.S. Open."
For more information, visit www.pba.com or go to the high school section at www.bowl.com, and click "Denny's Tournament" to download the 2008 Denny's All-American High School Championships official forms and details. Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 21, 2008.
Local Tri-County NY (USBC) Open Meeting Oct. 27
The annual Open meeting for bowlers in the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) which includes Ellenville in Ulster County, and bowlers in Sullivan and Orange County will be held on Saturday, October 27 at 2 p.m. in the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Building located at the intersection of 17-K and 208 in Montgomery (Scotts Corners).
For additional information or directions call or e-mail Association Manager Michele Bensley at 845-239-0163 or email at keglers@optonline.net
The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo
This week's tip is for all bowlers.
However, youth bowlers, new bowlers and bowlers who have not had a correctly fitted ball will benefit the most.
Choosing the correct weight for a bowling ball is not rocket science, although it is made out to be at times.
A poorly fitted ball (lane ball or hack job) will take excessive grip pressure to hold onto. This makes the ball seem too heavy.
A good rule of thumb when getting a custom fitted ball is to go up 2 pounds over what a poorly fitted ball weighs. You will be surprised at how much lighter a properly fitted ball will feel.
When a ball is fitted properly, minimal grip pressure is needed to hold the ball, allowing you to swing the ball without putting a death grip on it. This applies to both fingertip and conventional grips. Understand that gravity, not upper body muscles, should control the swing.
For youth bowlers, always err on the heavier side for several reasons. First, it is instinct to grab a ball and throw it, not roll it. If a ball is too light, it is hard to teach a youth bowler to use gravity as their friend and roll the ball. Second, children are still growing and you may get an extra year our of the ball before the the youth bowler outgrows the weight.
In the case of a youth bowler switching from conventional to fingertip, I would not recommend going too heavy as you do not waist to make it an unpleasant experience. The best recommendation would be to re-grip the old ball and get used to the grip before drilling a new ball.
Note: If a bowler---youth or adult---is bowling to enjoy themselves, a conventional grip is best. If a bowler is interested in some form of competitive bowling in the future, the fingertip grip is the way to go.
Remember, there is no substitute for a properly fitted ball.
Parents of youth bowlers, please have the fit checked at least every six months.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro-Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.). Mike is also a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by calling 845-341-1694 or by sending an e-mail to mikespro@warwick.net
Ed's Outlook
Wow....... another bowling season is upon us and we have lots and lots of features lined up for this 2007-2008 bowling season. We'll be covering the Professional Bowling Association ( PBA ) tour at several locations this year and will of course highlight local bowling scores from all our area bowling establishments. An expanded version of our column with scores and highlights from bowling establishments in Ellenvile and Orange County will be available on our Web (BLOG) page at http://bght.blogspot.com
All bowling league secretaries are reminded that they can send their weekly scores to me at bowlgolf@earthlink.net or by regular mail at P.O. Box 116, Livingston Manor,. NY 12758. My telephone number is 845-439-8177.
Bowling Calendar
Feb. 16-June 28, 2008, USBC Open Championships, Albuquerque, NM Team entry fee is $225. Visit www.USBCopen.com or call 800-514-BOWL, ext. 3170 for more information and to book your trip.
April 10-July 6, USBC Women's Championships.Detroit, MI. For more information and to book your trip contact www.USBCwomenschampionships.com or call 800-514-BOWL, ext. 3173.
This column is written by Consultant to the professional sport of bowling Ed Townsend. Ed is also president of the Northeast Bowling Writers Association. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league scores, standings or tournament information, please call Ed at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Please visit our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com .
Denny's, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) have announced plans for the 2008 Denny's All-American High School Championships set for next March in North Brunswick, N.J.
"Given the success of the inaugural Denny's All-American High School Championships, Denny's and our partners couldn't be more pleased to forge ahead with the second annual high school event,".said Michael Polydoroff, Director of Sales Promotion and Licensing for Denny's. "We've made some changes this year to attract an even greater pool of varsity seniors, and look forward to another exciting opportunity to showcase a talented crop of young bowlers."
Under the rules for the 2008 Denny's All-American High School Championships, Denny's, the PBA and the USBC will select one female senior and one male senior from each state that recognizes bowling as a varsity sport and is a member of a high school varsity bowling team. The total field will be made up of 18 girls and 16 boys from around the country. Updates to this year's application include a minimum GPA (grade point average) requirement of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale) and an extension of the deadline for application into late January.
"All of the sponsors were extremely impressed by the 29 students who participated in last year's championships," said Jeanne Klescewski, Director of USBC High School and Collegiate. "The students not only demonstrated tremendous skill as bowlers, but also represented the highest levels of academic achievement and sportsmanship, as well as great enthusiasm and a sense of fun that made the competition a pleasure for everyone involved."
The 2008 tournament will be held March 28-30, to coincide with the 65th Denny's U.S. Open in North Brunswick, N.J. The competition will feature the top girl and top boy varsity bowlers facing off on March 29, to narrow the tournament field down to two male and female competitors, who will compete head-to-head on March 30. Student bowlers selected for the DAAHSC will compete for up to $10,000 in scholarships and the opportunity to bowl on ESPN with PBA professionals.
"Last year's inaugural Denny's All-American High School Championships event was a tremendous success, and we're ecstatic about bringing it back this season," said Fred Schreyer, PBA Commissioner and CEO. "Our hope is that the participants in this prestigious competition strive to emulate the stars of the Denny's PBA Tour and can join them someday on Tour. In addition, we're pleased to be able to stage the tournament in conjunction with our signature event " the 65th Denny's U.S. Open."
For more information, visit www.pba.com or go to the high school section at www.bowl.com, and click "Denny's Tournament" to download the 2008 Denny's All-American High School Championships official forms and details. Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 21, 2008.
Local Tri-County NY (USBC) Open Meeting Oct. 27
The annual Open meeting for bowlers in the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) which includes Ellenville in Ulster County, and bowlers in Sullivan and Orange County will be held on Saturday, October 27 at 2 p.m. in the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Building located at the intersection of 17-K and 208 in Montgomery (Scotts Corners).
For additional information or directions call or e-mail Association Manager Michele Bensley at 845-239-0163 or email at keglers@optonline.net
The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo
This week's tip is for all bowlers.
However, youth bowlers, new bowlers and bowlers who have not had a correctly fitted ball will benefit the most.
Choosing the correct weight for a bowling ball is not rocket science, although it is made out to be at times.
A poorly fitted ball (lane ball or hack job) will take excessive grip pressure to hold onto. This makes the ball seem too heavy.
A good rule of thumb when getting a custom fitted ball is to go up 2 pounds over what a poorly fitted ball weighs. You will be surprised at how much lighter a properly fitted ball will feel.
When a ball is fitted properly, minimal grip pressure is needed to hold the ball, allowing you to swing the ball without putting a death grip on it. This applies to both fingertip and conventional grips. Understand that gravity, not upper body muscles, should control the swing.
For youth bowlers, always err on the heavier side for several reasons. First, it is instinct to grab a ball and throw it, not roll it. If a ball is too light, it is hard to teach a youth bowler to use gravity as their friend and roll the ball. Second, children are still growing and you may get an extra year our of the ball before the the youth bowler outgrows the weight.
In the case of a youth bowler switching from conventional to fingertip, I would not recommend going too heavy as you do not waist to make it an unpleasant experience. The best recommendation would be to re-grip the old ball and get used to the grip before drilling a new ball.
Note: If a bowler---youth or adult---is bowling to enjoy themselves, a conventional grip is best. If a bowler is interested in some form of competitive bowling in the future, the fingertip grip is the way to go.
Remember, there is no substitute for a properly fitted ball.
Parents of youth bowlers, please have the fit checked at least every six months.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro-Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.). Mike is also a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by calling 845-341-1694 or by sending an e-mail to mikespro@warwick.net
Ed's Outlook
Wow....... another bowling season is upon us and we have lots and lots of features lined up for this 2007-2008 bowling season. We'll be covering the Professional Bowling Association ( PBA ) tour at several locations this year and will of course highlight local bowling scores from all our area bowling establishments. An expanded version of our column with scores and highlights from bowling establishments in Ellenvile and Orange County will be available on our Web (BLOG) page at http://bght.blogspot.com
All bowling league secretaries are reminded that they can send their weekly scores to me at bowlgolf@earthlink.net or by regular mail at P.O. Box 116, Livingston Manor,. NY 12758. My telephone number is 845-439-8177.
Bowling Calendar
Feb. 16-June 28, 2008, USBC Open Championships, Albuquerque, NM Team entry fee is $225. Visit www.USBCopen.com or call 800-514-BOWL, ext. 3170 for more information and to book your trip.
April 10-July 6, USBC Women's Championships.Detroit, MI. For more information and to book your trip contact www.USBCwomenschampionships.com or call 800-514-BOWL, ext. 3173.
This column is written by Consultant to the professional sport of bowling Ed Townsend. Ed is also president of the Northeast Bowling Writers Association. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league scores, standings or tournament information, please call Ed at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Please visit our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com .
Monday, September 10, 2007
Here & There Column 9-11-07
Ray Price Over 10,000 See Legend Ray Price Steal The Show
Two back to back "Country Music" shows at Bethel Woods somewhat proved that the old and true country style music is more popular than today's modern-style country music and that 81-year-old country music legend Pay Price clearly was the fan favorite from fans we talked to.
Terri Clark, Gary Allan and Trace Adkins opened the country music extravaganza at Bethel Woods on Friday, August 24 and fans overwhelmingly gave Adkins the thumbs up.
And you have to wonder sometimes what country music brings out in their fans as a gal sitting next to me said, "if you don't have a beer in one hand and a cowboy hat on are you country?" And if we heard it once this night is actually became the theme this evening by country singers saying, "let's party out here tonight."
Terry Clark in her opening act joked with the folks sitting up on the lawn area when she remarked, "my dog peed all over that grass today."
Gary Allen told the audience "we've been looking forward to this gig," as there "is a lot of history here."
During the Allen show it appeared that a whole lot of drinking was going on between members of his band and they really took to the Jack Daniels bottle during the "Whiskey Drinking Song."
Then that real big country dude (Trace Adkins ) took to the stage making reference to his theme of "I got my game on" as he sang many of top hits including Dangerous Man, Ladies Love Country Boys, I Came Here To Live, Swing and Fighin' Words.
He definitely has a good voice with a wide range and proved to be highly talented and a fan favorite this evening.
Local Country Radio Station Thunder Country 102 presented their second "ThunderJam" starting at 4:30 . and country music fans were treated to almost three hours of entertainment from local banks such as The Rausch Brothers, Rivers Edge Bank, Farmers Daughter,Cooper Boone and Somerville.......wow a smorgasbord of country music and then the main show added almost three more hours of country music.
One of the highlights of the ThunderJam was the introduction and singing of 13-year-old Trista Wheaton of Farmington where she is a ninth-grade student at Canandaigua High School. Trista won the Thunder Country regional competition and competed the following week in the Colgate Country Showdown.
A great job by Thunder Country 102 and we are sure their partnership with Bethel Woods will continue again next year.
Some 4,500 plus fans attended the Friday shows but on Wednesday, August 27 over 10,000 fans came through the Bethel Woods gates for the Last Of The Breed Tour featuring Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price.
Watching closely the fan reaction and applause it clearly showed that the overall favorite for the two nights of Bethel Woods country music was 81-year-old Country Music Legend Ray Price singing many of his top recordings such as San Antonio Rose, For The Good Times, Heartaches By The Number and Release Me.
Price in commenting about the surroundings at Bethel Woods said, "This is a wonderful place up here for allergies."
There is no doubt that Price can still sing with a beautiful tone in his voice. The violin section of his band was also outstanding.
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996, he celebrated his 50th year in the music business in 1999.
It was very clear to see on this night why Ray Price was name eight times the "Number One Country & Western Singer."
His timeless music, incredible voice, and innovative genius have yet to be equalled by any other singer in today's country-music world.
A popular hit, Okie From Muskogee by Merle Haggard received heavy applause. One of his comments to the crowd was "we're not use to playing in places as nice as this." Nelson's singing of his popular songs, You Were Always On My Mind, , Crazy and Whiskey River got the audience into the swng of the evening.
Polka music favorite Jimmy Sturr joined Willie with the singing of Just Because. The two have joined up for many shows and recording sessions.
We tip our country hat to Bethel Woods for bringing great stars like these to Sullivan County.
Can't wait to see the 2008 lineup.
Two back to back "Country Music" shows at Bethel Woods somewhat proved that the old and true country style music is more popular than today's modern-style country music and that 81-year-old country music legend Pay Price clearly was the fan favorite from fans we talked to.
Terri Clark, Gary Allan and Trace Adkins opened the country music extravaganza at Bethel Woods on Friday, August 24 and fans overwhelmingly gave Adkins the thumbs up.
And you have to wonder sometimes what country music brings out in their fans as a gal sitting next to me said, "if you don't have a beer in one hand and a cowboy hat on are you country?" And if we heard it once this night is actually became the theme this evening by country singers saying, "let's party out here tonight."
Terry Clark in her opening act joked with the folks sitting up on the lawn area when she remarked, "my dog peed all over that grass today."
Gary Allen told the audience "we've been looking forward to this gig," as there "is a lot of history here."
During the Allen show it appeared that a whole lot of drinking was going on between members of his band and they really took to the Jack Daniels bottle during the "Whiskey Drinking Song."
Then that real big country dude (Trace Adkins ) took to the stage making reference to his theme of "I got my game on" as he sang many of top hits including Dangerous Man, Ladies Love Country Boys, I Came Here To Live, Swing and Fighin' Words.
He definitely has a good voice with a wide range and proved to be highly talented and a fan favorite this evening.
Local Country Radio Station Thunder Country 102 presented their second "ThunderJam" starting at 4:30 . and country music fans were treated to almost three hours of entertainment from local banks such as The Rausch Brothers, Rivers Edge Bank, Farmers Daughter,Cooper Boone and Somerville.......wow a smorgasbord of country music and then the main show added almost three more hours of country music.
One of the highlights of the ThunderJam was the introduction and singing of 13-year-old Trista Wheaton of Farmington where she is a ninth-grade student at Canandaigua High School. Trista won the Thunder Country regional competition and competed the following week in the Colgate Country Showdown.
A great job by Thunder Country 102 and we are sure their partnership with Bethel Woods will continue again next year.
Some 4,500 plus fans attended the Friday shows but on Wednesday, August 27 over 10,000 fans came through the Bethel Woods gates for the Last Of The Breed Tour featuring Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price.
Watching closely the fan reaction and applause it clearly showed that the overall favorite for the two nights of Bethel Woods country music was 81-year-old Country Music Legend Ray Price singing many of his top recordings such as San Antonio Rose, For The Good Times, Heartaches By The Number and Release Me.
Price in commenting about the surroundings at Bethel Woods said, "This is a wonderful place up here for allergies."
There is no doubt that Price can still sing with a beautiful tone in his voice. The violin section of his band was also outstanding.
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996, he celebrated his 50th year in the music business in 1999.
It was very clear to see on this night why Ray Price was name eight times the "Number One Country & Western Singer."
His timeless music, incredible voice, and innovative genius have yet to be equalled by any other singer in today's country-music world.
A popular hit, Okie From Muskogee by Merle Haggard received heavy applause. One of his comments to the crowd was "we're not use to playing in places as nice as this." Nelson's singing of his popular songs, You Were Always On My Mind, , Crazy and Whiskey River got the audience into the swng of the evening.
Polka music favorite Jimmy Sturr joined Willie with the singing of Just Because. The two have joined up for many shows and recording sessions.
We tip our country hat to Bethel Woods for bringing great stars like these to Sullivan County.
Can't wait to see the 2008 lineup.
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