Bowling Highlights Column 11-14-08 (Part 1)

Walter Ray Williams Jr. left, and Timothy Kauble

Obama Invited to Receive Tips From PBA Stars

Along with the presidency, President-elect Barack Obama has inherited the bowling lanes in the White House. If his experience during the primaries is any indication, Obama’s bowling game needs serious work, and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) is ready to help.
Everybody knows Obama’s first love is basketball, but with a few pointers from the world’s best bowlers, there’s no reason America’s 44th president could not continue the rich history of bowling in the White House.
Obama, who played two hours of pickup basketball on Tuesday in Chicago just hours before he was elected, was last seen bowling on the campaign trail, although doing it rather poorly.
During the primaries, Obama bowled a 37 over seven frames on March 29 at Pleasant Valley Recreation Center in Altoona, Pa.
Perhaps that’s why he told late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel soon after: “I hear there's a bowling alley and obviously that hasn't gone too well. So we're getting rid of the bowling alley and replacing it with a basketball court in the White House.”
Bowling and basketball were linked earlier this year when New Orleans Hornets star Chris Paul hosted the PBA Chris Paul Celebrity Invitational in Winston-Salem, N.C, which aired on ESPN in October. Paul, who is an avid bowler, teamed with 2007-08 PBA Player of the Year Chris Barnes to finish second in the event to champions LeBron James and Jason Couch.
PBA VP/COO Tom Clark thinks it would be a mistake to get rid of the bowling lanes, said to have gotten its share of use when Bill Clinton was in office.
“Once the family is settled in, the PBA Tour will be pleased and anxious to send some of our top male and female professional bowlers in to give lessons to the President Elect and first lady on the White House bowling lanes,” Clark said. “When the Obamas learn the basics of the game, they’ll enjoy it more and they’ll have hours of fun on the lanes for many years.”
“I have one bowling tip for Obama: take a lesson from me,” said Billy Oatman, the first African American on the exept PBA Tour. “Call Billy Oatman and he’ll get a lesson.”
PBA veteran Norm Duke said he’d be honored to teach Obama the finer points of bowling. Duke became the only man in PBA history to win three straight majors, a feat he accomplished at the 2008-09 World Championships in Wichita, Kan. two weeks ago.
“I saw the clip on YouTube and I have some tips for Obama,” said Duke. “Obama’s been in a suit and tie too long. He needs to get some athletic apparel and a bowling ball that fits his hand. He needs to work on hitting the head pin because he didn’t do that very well (on the YouTube clip).”
The bowling lanes at the White House were first built in the ground floor of the White House West Wing as a birthday gift for President Harry S. Truman in 1947 (in the location of the present-day Situation Room). Not much of a bowler himself, Truman did allow his staff to start a league. The lanes were moved to the Old Executive Office Building in 1955.
It wasn’t until President Richard Nixon came into office that the lanes began to get some serious use. Nixon and wife Pat were avid bowlers and had a new one-lane alley built in an underground workspace. Not only did Nixon bowl but was known to hold staff meetings in the basement area, as well.

Bowling Highlights Column 11-14-08 (Part 2 )

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week the tip is for all bowlers to try to assist you on how to best use the dots and arrows on the approach as target aids.
When preparing to execute a bowling shot, whether it is a strike or spare, you must be prepared to understand the path down the lane you intend your bowling ball to take. With this in mind, when stepping on the approach you should have a focal point (the point from which the ball will roll off your hand in the direction you intend it to be ) [picked out.
If you throw a hook ball, you will be rolling the ball toward the intended break point--the spot on the lane you expect your ball to change direction. If you are rolling the ball straight, the pocket or the pin/pins will be your intended target.
The tip: look at your intended target and bring your eyes back to the spot on the lane that you are most comfortable looking at whether it be the dots or an arrow. To play the modern game, the sooner the ball comes off your hand the better. If you are looking at an arrow and tend to throw or hit up on the ball instead of rolling it off your hand, bring your eyes more toward the dots.
If you are a bowler that tends to play more across the boards with a lot of rotation, your focal point should be as far right (or left) as in between the lanes to get the ball to the correct break point.
If you play a straighter game with a small hook, your correct focal point may be toward the three pin.
Remember.....there is no substitute for making a good shot. If you combine good shots with good thinking, your scores will increase.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Regional Sales Manager with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league includes a 200 by Joyce Brooks, Joann Brockner 184, Leslie Knickerbocker 196, Sue Naughton 181, 180, 516, Lil Zieres 506, Pat Peters 180, Rebecca Rhodes 183 and Ingrid Ott 188.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Jeremy Gulley scored a 201, Josh Mulucky 209, Scott Herbert 212, Bob Cady 202, Mark Schriber 204, 200 and Mike Hubbard 226.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Laresko Niifa scored a 201, 213, 613, Paul Minton 220, Bobby Cooper 211, Mark Rutledge 225, Mike Beseth 218, 252, 639, Alan Rutledge 205, Kory Keesler 213, Mike Hubbard 201, Damion Vanleuven 225, 213, 618, Shirley Townsend 183, Gregg Burton 202, Ed Townsend 213 and Dave Maus 203.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 268, 615 by Nate Sanders, David Graham 216,247, 205, 668, Lloyd Bridges 225, Danny Ricco 200, Jim VanAken 214, 227, 639, Jason Jones 212, 200, 210, 622, Tom Belgiovene 216, 212, 627, John Hoffmann209, 236, 640, Rudy Belanchia 204, 203, Peter Mitro 225, 200, 608, Serifin Rodriguez 205, 205, Jo Jo VanKeuren 237, 613, Richard Levine 244, 234, 656, Jim Frost 205, Harrison Cherry 209, Joey Smith 235, Robert Hamilton 213, 238, 644, Tim Bilyeu 205, 203, 211, 619, Kevin Stackhouse 205, Rick Lake 248, 601, Eddie Lake 247, 227, 224, 698, Frank Scuderi 221, 607, Angel Rodriguez 232, 208, 633, Gil Suarez 214, Jack Moylan 224, 269, 671, Al Caycho 215, Mark Wegener 215, 232, 630, Jaryl Scott 236, 213, 637, Donald Durland 211, 247, 256, 714, David Goldstein 215, Bill Helms 239, John Fischer 226, Mike Mason 200 and Francisco Martinez201, 207.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Carol McAdam scored a 185, 517, Pat Mulhern 186, 202, 525, Debbie Wright 182, 502, Neil Bell Jr. 205, 202, Ed Guthrie 256, 644, Mary Lee Williams 204, 209, 604, Dorian Jennings 216, 191, 255, 662, Joan Lake 202, 524, Dan Allen 208, Stan Gilmore 204, Andrea Grossman 193, 543, Larry Berens 205, Donald Durland 242, 219, 263, 714, John Fischer 205, 214, 232, 651, John Hoffmann 224, 266, 269, 759, Robert Yakin Sr. 200, Kris Gwiozdowski 258, Dale Sonnenschein 203, Donna DuBois 506, Josha Wharton 202 and Fran Kaiser 180.
In the Wednesday Men's league Tim McIntryre scored a 244, 234, 661, Josh Strang 201, 246, 607, Vincent Scuderi 202, Charles McAllister 210, George Battle Jr. 224, 228, 646, Frank Muller Jr. 212, 213, 614, Allan Jones 268, 269, 729, Larry Berens 212, Dean Shattuck 226, 225, 217, 668, Paul Durland 200, John Hoffmann 221, 217, Tom Belgiovene 220, Vinnie Collura 210, 205, 603, Rich Hendricks 226, Al Caycho 206, 237, 641, Kenny Atkins 235, Wayne Atkins 257, 200, 625, Timothy Minton 226, 204, 609, Eddie Lake 279, 225, 246, 750, Chris Magie 223 and William Danchak 203, 201.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division, G. VanAken scored a 69, A. Edwards 70 and T. Porter 84. In the Bantams division N. Edwards scored a 120. In the Preps division M. DeGraw scored a 111, 124, N. Scudari 102, R. Patel 127, 117. In the Jr./Mjrs. division J. Moss scored a 172, S. Sinistorie 181, 181, E. Walsh 212, James Durland 246, 214, 214, 674, N. Price 191, Shane Deitchman 171, 179, B. Fraser 123, 113, 116, A. Bock 124, S. Patel 153, S. Comfort 84, K. Fraser 174, 174 and M. Gerow 174, 169.

Gravity Alley

Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Fall Fun league include a 202 by Calvin Skinner, Dave Predmore 237, Bill Rutledge 229, John Daniels 207 and Jerry Kammeier 213.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Men's Independent league include a 204, 257, 233, 694 by Frank Couse Sr., Don Marino 249, 244, 667, Howie Couse 258, 214, 647, Thomas Anderson 245, 248, 643, Daniel Wormuth 207, 245, 632, Bill Gleim 258, 628, Josh Rice 206, 218, 204, 628, Frank Couse 225, 215, 622, Jack Hazen 213, 224, 622, Paul Ignatovich 219, 232, 620, Hank Whitmore 209, 203, 207, 619, Robert Johnson 253, 617, Tony Wright 224, 605, Brian Drumm 226, 218, 601, Sam Rowe 217, Maurice Wormuth 233, David Thomason 231, Richard Price 226, Allen Bullis Sr. 224 and Joel Keelser 258.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Ray Cornwell scored a 290, 234, 719, Paul Fritz 234, 223, 652, Robert Johnson 222, 234, 648, Andrew Bullis 204, 205, 234, 643, Norm Ellis 241, 631, Matt Johnson 244, 206, 629, Al Bullis Sr. 289, 623, Neil Mosher 201, 236, 618, Howard Couse Sr. 206, 210, 614, Al Bullis Jr. 245, 215, 613, Carl Davis 223, 205, 606, John Lanner 235, Greg Keesler 227 and Harold Morgan 234.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Scott Ellis scored a 200, 254, 648, Greg Keesler 236, 210, 637, Brian Robinson 227, 246, 635, James Dibble 257, 623, Daniel Wormuth 218, 202, 612, Bill Gleim 204, 246, Rick Mills 245, Gary Resti 215, Anne Couse 186, 181, 187, 554, Robert Ellis 201, Michelle Wormuth 217, 530, Kristina Couse 189, Shirley Spencer 189, Tracy Resti 188 and Judy Ellis 182.
In the Sunday Mixed Fun league Don Marino scored a 223, 245, 256, 724, Dave Mills 255, 213, 239, 707, Fred Shakelton 235, 213, 212, 660, Norm Ellis 213, 227, 205, 645, Marty Haeussler 215, 202, 604, Rick Mills 212, Ray Cornwell 225, Crystall Ellis 180, 199, 520, Scott St. Clair 214 and youth honors to Savanna Mills with a 130.


PBA NEWS

Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Ocala, Fla. took home his 45th Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour title last Sunday at he Lake County Indiana Golden Anniversary Championship at Olympia Lanes in Hammond, Ind. Williams Jr. defeated Bill O¢Neill of Levittown, Penn., 246-202, in the televised championship round. Senior bowler Timothy Kauble of Marion, Ohio claimed his first career senior title at the Lake County Indiana Golden Anniversary Championship; additionally, Sunday's championship round marked his first career television appearance. Kauble defeated Hugh Miller of Seattle, Wash., 235-185, for the win.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the professional sports of bowling. He is also a member of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores of tournament information, Ed can be reached by calling 439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of this bowling column, please visit the Web site http://bght.blogspot.com

Here & There Column 11-11-08

Our Economic Meltdown Should Not Include Tax Increases

We are presently grappling with the worst financial crisis in seven decades and local Sullivan County Municipalities are projecting increases in taxes.
This topic was hotter then the home brewed coffee and fresh baked donuts at our most recent coffee klatsch last week.
Wow......the boys were jumping mad as this topic came up just as the three Democrats, three Republicans and one Independent in our klatsch sat down to review the election of president-elect Barack Obama.....more on this discussion in a later column.
Each of our seven klatsch members unanimously agreed that our economy is in very bad condition.....something along the line of being the worst financial crisis this country has seen in decades and local municipalities proposal to raise taxes does not fit into the equation of helping the locals through this crisis.
It has been reported that government will bring forth a county budget with single digit tax increases and Town of Rockland taxpayers could see a 9 percent tax hike.
Several in the klatsch sympathized with the fact that there had been an increase in fuel costs but because there is now a drastic reduction in fuel and gasoline government could be creating a false image here.
There also was not one negative comment about government employees receiving a raise......folks working in any profession deserve salary increases.
What the klatsch discussed and asked is why local governments are not working harder at consolidation to secure cost savings. One of our members strongly pointed out that consolidation is the mechanism used to achieve economies of scale by reducing numbers of local government units.
Several of the klatsch members pointed out that subsequent to consolidation new governments reduced property taxes by 29% in its first three years and continued to reduce taxes in each of its first nine years.
Our coffee klatsch strongly denounced tax increases during this financial crisis and instead urged our local governments to work harder and more seriously towards merging and consolidation that will achieve reduction of staff and elimination of duplicate services.

Bowling Highlights Column 11-7-08

Tom Skiff Jr. and his soul mate Joan Redington

One of the pictures that the late Tom Skiff Jr. cherished was when his good friend Paul Minton bowled a 300 game during a Monday league and Tom bowled a 300 during a Wednesday league at Kiamesha Lanes several years ago. When asked to pose for a picture Tom insisted that he wanted to share the limelight with Paul.

A Tribute To The Great Tom Skiff Jr.

Tom Skiff Jr. was a great friend and an outstanding league bowler and his death last Friday, October 31, will leave a void in every ones heart who knew him.
We and many others who associated with Tom in the "Bowling World" that he loved so much knew that at times he could be very stubborn and quite vocal in the various positions he took regarding bowling and the regulations that effect this sport.....and how passionate he was when defending the positions to took.
His positions sometimes did not sit too well with others but he stood firm in what he believed was right.......and 99.9 percent of the time we knew he was right.
The "In Loving Memory" card at the Harris Funeral Home in Liberty read just as if Tom wrote it himself. It stated, "I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one," and of course that's the way Tom was....a happy go lucky guy who loved to tell jokes and passed many jokes along to his e-mail buddies.
The card went on to say, "I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done," and that truly is the way Tom was because I've heard him say similar statements. "I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of Happy Times and laughing times and bright sunny days."
"I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun, Of Happy memories that I leave when life is done," the card said..... and I'm sure Tom concluded when he passed on to his heavenly home.
Following the end of the 2006-2007 bowling season at Callicoon Lanes last March, where Tom bowled with the Sullivan County Democrat team including myself, John Hoffmann, John Fink and Bob Cady, Tom remarked that he would be taking this season off and would not be bowling so that he could address his health problems.
And he kept me and others very well informed via e-mail. He never skirted the medical problem he was facing. In early April he said, "Well the test results are back and it is confirmed that I do have cancer and I'm beginning my chemotherapy on April 14. He took time in May to wish me a belated happy birthday and kidded me by saying, "lemme see if my calculations are right you are 1 year older then Fred Flintstone and that makes me 5 years younger than you, I'm catching up dude."
I never owned a ranch but he always labeled me as "dude."
His positive approach to life and the battle with the cancer was terrific as he e-mailed in early May that "to all of you in the bowling community if things go well I will begin exercising and trying to gradually rebuilt some of the muscle I have lost over the months .....don't be surprised to see me back next year opening a can of Whoop Ass on some pins....and he joked by saying one of his favorite remarks, he he he (as in a laugh)."
Such a humble and caring man, even with this cancer he asked "please if ya gonna say a prayer for me also include others who are less fortunate than me in this case, thanks guys."
His attitude remained strong and in late June he e-mailed and noted that he had competed his fourth round of chemotherapy and that "so far the tumor on my neck has shrunk to a little bigger than a golf Ball so chemo is working....I'm winning the battle's.
Tom spoke about his attitude and reminded us that "my attitude is good.....I figure everyday that I wake up and greet a new day I have won a battle." He added, I figure this is the Lord's way of saying you worked hard all your life trying to be the rock for your family now it is time for me to relax and let my kids take over."
He jokingly said, "well let me say this....the only reason I can figure this is happening to me is I must have messed up Big Big Time in my younger years...maybe not enough beer or not enough Jack Daniels or quite possibly not enough Hard Partying."
He continued to offer great hope to his many bowling friends and family by saying that bowling was not entirely out of the question and if and when he got to the alley's he would be "razing the h__ out of you guys and of course cheering ya on."
Just don't know too many people who faced with what Tom was going through to offer his great sense of humor along with a powerful message for his bowling friends and family.
And yes folks.....Tom could really write and I often got great stories and tidbits from him as he offered and presented a great style and approach to writing. He was truly gifted with this talent. He said in an e-mail "to the poets keep up the good work, if I ever get back into a writing mode I just may surprise the heck outta all of ya...he he he he."
He remarked to me last year that one of the greatest thrills of his bowling career is that he was able to record 7 perfect career 300 games and that during the 2005-2006 season he accomplished the outstanding bowling feat of bowling four 300 games during this one bowling season.
Tom was a strong student of the game, he studied bowling balls and lane conditions and tried his best to match both of them with his bowling talents. He dedicated much of his life to this great sport, served as league officer, was on the board of the former Sullivan County Men's Bowling Association, was a member of the Tri-State NY USBC Association and was an inductee in the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame.
He remarked on many occasions about the special attention and instructions he always received from Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor Mike Luongo who Tom called "the most knowledgeable ball driller and the best instructor in the world."
Skiff gave Regional Professional Bowling Association (PBA) a shot several years ago and learned as many told him that this was an entirely different world but he went into it to have some fun which he did.
His career high series was a 798 off single games of 250, 300, 248 bowled on December 2, 2005.
He started bowling at the age of 5 and completed over 30 plus years of bowling last year. He bowled until he was 17 and then returned to the game at the age of 32. He maintained a 200 plus average during the past several years at Kiamesha Lanes.
His dream in life was to own a bowling alley and he always noted that he wished his life soul mate, Joan Redington, would have kept ownership of the Colonial Inn Lanes in Jeffersonville, owned and operated for many years by Joan's parents, George and Joan Redington.
As I remarked to Joan the other day when she called me about Tom's death, "he is now with two people he loved very much (George and Joan Redington) and they are probably asking God about the steps they have to take to set up a bowling alley in Heaven."
This was the real Tom Skiff Jr. ..... once in a lifetime a nice guy like this comes along to bring great love and joy to our lives.

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

This tip is for all bowlers regardless of age or level of play.
So very often today bowlers find themselves off balance at the foul line.
While there are many reasons for this, what you may not realize is that most bad finishes are a result of a bad start.
The tip: Check your first step and see if it's too long. This will cause you to push the ball away too far and then your feet will have to play "catch up" to keep you from falling down.
Try a smaller first step next time......it may help.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Regional Sales Manager with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

Ed's Outlook

Tri-County NY USBC Association Manager Michele Bensley is wanting to let league bowlers know that the association computer recently died and a new computer has been purchased but that the USBC Winlabs Program is not yet in total operation so she is far behind and about 30 leagues are waiting for processing. So if your looking for awards or membership cards if will probably be about 2-3 weeks....be patient while she is getting this program up and running.
The Brittany Miller Foundation team tournament and auction will be held at Kiamesha Lanes on Sunday, Novermber 16 at 12 noon. The tournament is both a fund raiser with a prize fund as 1st, 2ed and 3ed place teams will win prize money.
The Brittany Miller Foundation is a Pediatric Cancer Fund.
Four person Mixed teams or any configuration will receive 100 percent handicap based on 220 and you must have verifiable sanctioned averages to win.
The prize fund is based on 16 teams and a second squad at 3:30 will be created if necessary.
There will be raffles and door prizes plus refreshments. Make the "baby split" and win $2 and make any bigger split and win $5. These must be observed by a tournament director.
Entry fee is $100 per team and entry forms are available at Kiamesha Lanes.

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlights scores in the Monday Men's league include a 200, 238, 601 by Nate Sanders, Willy Bartley 209, David Graham 265, 615, Chuck McAllister 233, 202, 604, Keith Smith 212, Danny Ricco 204, 212, 213, 629, Jason Jones 237, Jim VanAken 205, 205, 605, John Hoffmann 225, Rudy Belanchia 225, 225, 623, Jo Jo VanKeuren 223, 225, 647, Harrison Cherry 213, Robert Hamilton 268, 246, 704, Tim Bilyeu 278, 247, 678, Francisco Martinez 204, Mike Mason 204, John Fischer 279, 235, 699, Bill Helms 201, Bob Wase 213, Donald Durland 232, Paul Durland 221, 214, 625, Jaryl Scott 214, 211, 624, Mark Wegener 219, 269, 677, Al Caycho 290, 213, 697, Jack Moylan 202, 225, 207, 634, Kort Wheeler 236, 245, 222, 703, Angel Rodriguez 202, 246, 622, Glen Fraser 244, Frank Scuderi 203, Eddie Lake 207, 204, Ricky Lake 235 and Allan Jones 202, 237, 265, 704.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firemen's league Carol MacAdam scored a 213, 204, 562, Pat Mulhern 204, Debbie Wright 188, 188, 512, Neil Bell Jr. 203, Bryan Babcock 210, Ed Guthrie 201, 227, 610, Mary Lee Williams 200, 538, Dorian Jennings 246, 244, 224, 714, Joan Lake 202, 525, Andy Richardson 213, 215, Peter Scannell 210, Jack Rustic 255, George Kelley 214, Russ Keesler 212, 216, 201, 629, Stan Gilmore 240, Tom Hickman 223, Lisa Cartwright 190, 190, 559, Larry Berens 222, Debbie Durland 204, 204, 573, Kevin Stackhouse 212, John Fischer 245, 205, 200, 650, John Hoffmann 203, 256, 224, 683, Chet Smith 219, Barbara Yeomans 183, 185, 539, Linda Schaefer 193 and Barbara Merton 193.
In the Wednesday Men's league Shane Conner scored a 205, Donald Durland 223, 205, 611, Jon Wilheim 235, 206, 636, Tim McIntyre 234, 611, Alpesh (A.C.) Patel 212, Rick Lara 225, Josh Strang 248, 259, 699, Vincent Scuderi 201, George Battle Jr. 213, 600, Frank Muller Jr. 203, Allan Jones 225, 210, 626, Larry Berens 208, Dean Shattuck 200, 212, 278, 690, Paul Durland 200, John Hoffmann 204, 257, 643, Tom Belgiovene 223, 216, 627, Vinnie Collura 221, 216, 626, Pedro Agapito 201, 236, Danny Ricco 225, Al Caycho 216, Michael Weiner 268, 664, Eugene Morton 222, Kenny Atkins 216, Wayne Atkins 216, Eddie Lake 246, 240, 237, 723, William Danchak 200 and Frank DiCostanzo 214, 227, 633.
In the Saturday Morning Yough leagues, in Pee Wees division G. VanAken scored a 99. In the Bantams division N. Edwards scored a 92. In the Preps division S. Patel scored a 100, P. Patel 119, 125, R. Patel 127, 121, 132, N. Goldsmith 128, M Hope 117, 150. In the Jr.Mjrs division B. Fraser scored a 141, 103, 105, M Scuderi 196, P Agapito III a 202, J. Durland 221, S. Patel 161, K. Patel 182, C. Israel 128 and M. McCormack 131.

Gravity Alley

In the Wednesday Mixed Fun league Dave Predmore scored a 211, Bill Rutledge 222 and John Daniels 222, 207, 614.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league includes a 224, 185, 570 by Kathleen Stanton, Nikki Andriano 191, 208, 551, AnneCouse 202, 546, Louise Botsford 220, 532, Jennifer Raymond 184, 526 and Tammy Kane 186.
In the Wednesday Independent Men's league Daniel Wormuth scored a 217, 267, 229, 713, Brian Drumm 252, 268, 694, Paul Ignatovich 203, 257, 215, 675, Howie Couse 213, 241, 213, 667, Robert Johnson 238, 204, 225, 667, Ryan Kille 243, 220, 662, Jack Hazen 205, 226, 227, 658, Bill Gleim 236, 248, 651, David Thomason 252, 216, 645, Don Marino 234, 248, 630, Ed Milk Jr. 217, 234, 627, Lee Stanton 223, 203, 618, Jon Stanton 205, 203, 203, 611, James Dibble 230, 214, 608, Mitch Persbaker 231, 206, 608, Jonathon Wayne 216, 213, 606, Joel Keelser 246, Brian Tiffany 235, Jim Merwin 221, Frank Couse 225, Scott Ostrander 235, Josh Rice 222 and Frank Couse Sr. 223.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league John Lanner scored a 214, 268, 267, 749, Robert Johnson 245, 264, 236, 745, Al Bullis Jr. 226, 277, 202, 705, Bill Gleim 216, 246, 233, 695, Len Terrell 257, 235, 682, Andrew Bullis 231, 232, 645, Paul Ignatovich 247, 203, 644, Al Bullis Sr. 210, 208, 213, 631, Jeff Curtis 200, 226, 610, Matt Johnson 237, 604, Rich Lenio 207, 212, 602, Norm Ellis 219 and John Gurnick 226.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Brian Tiffany scored a 246, 251, 256, 753, Greg Keesler 278, 212, 201, 691, Howard Couse 216, 235, 214, 665, James Dibble 212, 224, 227, 663, Anne Couse 236, 180, 192, 608, Daniel Wormuth 214, 203, Brian Robinson 237, Gino Jones 203, Michelle Wormuth 193, 190, 535, Sandy Winans 198, 513 and Julie Martin 211.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Don Marino scored a 231, 201, 259, 691, Fred Shakelton 231, 234, 213, 678, Dave Mills 235, 257, 657, Ray Cornwell 214, 206, 613, Marty Haeussler 205, Julie Cornwell 199, 525, Crystal Ellis 202, 507, Jean Mills 194 and youth honor score to Savanna Mills with a 105.

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league included a 212, 508 by Pat Peters, Debra Loughrey 192, Dee Dee Schrader 193, Barbara Pingel 181, Sue Naughton 197, Lil Zieres 197, 527 and Debbie Schick 188.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Gary Brockner scored a 220, 211, Mark Schriber 205, Mike Hubbard 213, Bob Cady 234, Jason Rogers 201, Gary Erlwein 235, Tim Ackerman 200, 200, 213, 613, Jon Duffy 212, Ken Darling 204, Jon Wayne 212, 241, 651, Damien Vanluven 206, 220 and Charles Reichenback 204.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Paul Minton scored a 202, Roger Widmann 224, Ed Townsend 201, Damien Vanleuven 212, Joseph Gager 204, Kory Keesler 206, 231, 615 and Shirley Townsend 184.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For an expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com/

Kegel's Len Nicholson To Do High Roller's November Senior Lanes

We are pleased to announce that Len Nicholson, famed lane maintenance guru, will prepare the lane conditions that will be used for High Roller's November Senior Classics! Nicholson is no stranger to High Roller events, having served as consultant for many Showboat High Roller events over the years. This will mark the first time that High Roller has retained his services since moving operations to Sam's Town. Nicholson is very familiar with the lane surfaces and lane machines at Sam's Town. Nicholson, former head of lane maintenance for the PBA, among his many other positions, has proven many times over that he can assist tournament promoters put out a consistent and playable pattern. He will work closely with High Roller and the Sam's Town staff. According to Nicholson, "Kegel will also send in Service Rep. Bud Dacheax to ensure that the Kegel lane machines are all up to par and that the players can rest assured that everything will be as professional as humanly possible." Each of the three Classics will have a different condition, though not "night and day" from the previous Classic. And the free practice sessions offered by Sam's Town will assist players in matching up their equipment. The patterns will be posted on site. "We are very excited to bring Kegel on with us,"says High Roller's Brad Edelman. "Many players who bowl with us see similar lane conditions each year and it's time we showed them something different. Len has the ability to bring the most players into play without creating abnormal scores!" Walk-ins are welcome! Senior Classic week starts with the "Age 60 & Over" event November 23rd. The "Age 50 & Over" Classic starts November 26 and the finale is the "Age 50 & Over" Classified Classic, for non-winners, on November 28th. Amateur seniors can bowl in any or all of the Classics that they are eligible for. Once again Sam's Town will offer the best rates around for the tournament players coming into town for the holiday week. Call them toll free at 1-877-593-5993.When at Sam's Town, make sure you receive and use your Player's Card. The same card is valid in all Boyd Gaming and Coast Properties. Roto Grip is the Presenting Sponsor of the entire Classic series. 100 new high performance balls will be distributed during Senior Classic week and Roto Grip staff members will be on site, as always, happy to lay out your new ball. High Roller has now paid over $16 Million in Senior Classic prizes since 1993! Visit us at www.high-roller.com or call for info at 1-800-257-6179!

Stefanie Nation and Brad Angelo

Brad Angelo and Stefanie Nation Win First Career PBA Titles in Omaha
Nation wins first PBA Women’s Series event of 2008-09 season

It was a day of firsts last Sunday afternoon as Brad Angelo and Stefanie Nation each captured their first career PBA title at the Pepsi Viper Championship at Thunder Alley in Omaha, the second stop of the 2008-09 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour.

Angelo, a seven-year veteran of the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour, defeated No. 1 seed Chris Loschetter of Avon, Ohio, 256-215 in the championship match. With both bowlers vying for their first title, the game was tied at 107 in the fifth frame and Angelo proceeded to strike in the sixth through 11th frames to run away with the victory. Prior to today, Angelo had appeared in 13 PBA televised finals without garnering a title.

“This is what everybody on the Tour always dreams of, it’s what we all do it for,” Angelo said. “I’ve been knocking on the door for several years, and it finally happened for me.”

Angelo, of Lockport, N.Y., who entered Sunday’s live televised finals as the No. 3 seed, defeated No. 4 seed Wes Malott of Argyle, Texas, 222-195, and No. 2 seed Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Ocala, Fla., 221-214, in order to advance through the stepladder format. Williams Jr., who is the all-time PBA titles leader with 44, became the first to surpass the $4 million mark with his third-place finish.

Stefanie Nation, of Arlington, Texas, a veteran of last year’s inaugural PBA Women’s Series which is sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), also claimed her first PBA title on Sunday, defeating Michelle Feldman of Auburn, N.Y., 225-200. Nation struck in the third through sixth frames keeping the match close. Feldman, opening in the ninth frame, enabled Nation to clinch.

“I think this is the first time in my life that I’ve been speechless,” Nation said. “It’s an amazing feeling. I just came out and bowled, and everything fell my way. It seems like just yesterday I bowled Michelle at the (Women’s) U.S. Open. I knew I had to make great shots because she’s a great player.”

The PBA Tour travels this week to Hammond, Indiana for the Lake County Indiana Golden Anniversary Championship with the live finals airing on ESPN Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. ET.

Men’s Finals results
Stepladder Game 11, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 7,5782, Wes Malott, Argyle, Texas, 7,544 $5,500Stepladder Game 21, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 7,7992, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 7,605, $6,500Finals1, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 8,055, $25,0002, Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, 7,803, $13,000

Women’s finals results
Finals1, Stefanie Nation, Miami, Fla, 5,304, $10,0002, Michelle Feldman, Auburn, N.Y., 5,408, $6,000

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others.

Here & There Column 11-4-08

Miss Sulivan County Pageant contestants in the opening number

Pageant Is A Work In Progress

If you were at the Miss Sullivan County Pageant held October 25 in the Monticello High School auditorium you definitely witnessed young girls who had gone through a learning experience in which they gained self-confidence, made new friends and shared experiences which made each of the contestants winners in our society today.
The contestants, who competed in three categories, Young Miss (5-8), Pre-Teen (13-18) and Teenager (13-18) go through several weeks of training to enable them to compete in events that include the opening routine, formal and party wear competition and brief on stage interviews. The Teenager group is asked to answer a question usually dealing with a topic of the day.
We've seen these young girls as they arrived for the first sign-in night and what a difference the Pageant training makes as they compete before the Pageant judges and a crowd consisting of their parents, grand parents, relatives, friends and many Pageant supporters.
The crowning of the three new Pageant queens is definitely the highlight of the Pageant festivities but the true meaning of what this event is all about is brought out in the farewell speeches of the outgoing Queens and what the many events they attended through their year as Queen has meant to them........and of course some tears usually flow also at this time.
We can't say enough about all the hard work and dedication that is put forth to make this event a yearly success with all the credit for this going to directors Maurice Gerry, Christina Buckler and Amy Bernhard and the wonderful staff of folks that pitch in and help out.
So when you see this years Miss Sullivan County Pageant Queens, Young Miss Noelle Hermann, Pre-Teen Sarah Carr and Teenager Ariana Kaminski give them a nice round of applause....they deserve it.