MIKA KOIVUNIEMI SETS
“MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS”
RECORD, ROLLS TOWARD
PBA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mika Koivuniemi has sprawled on the approach in victory and in defeat during the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season, but the bottom line is that he has opened his bag and used the entire Ebonite International family of brands to roll his way into the frontrunner position in the PBA Player of the Year race.This season Koivuniemi has made PBA history by advancing to the nationally-televised finals in all four major championships. The Finnish native finished sixth in the eight-man stepladder field in the PBA World Championship in January, won the $1 million PBA Tournament of Champions a week later, finished third in the Bayer United States Bowling Congress Masters in mid-February and added a disappointing second place finish in Sunday’s Lumber Liquidators U.S. Open.All of this comes on the heels of two lackluster seasons on Tour and nearly three years since his last win.“It was time to make a change and I signed with Ebonite International last August,” Koivuniemi said. “I liked the idea that I had four brands to choose from (Ebonite, Track, Hammer and Columbia 300) and I’ve used balls from all of them this season.“It’s been great because there have been several new balls introduced recently that fit my style. They’ve come up with the right combination of balls that work the best with the adjustments I need to make.”One of those new balls is the Ebonite $250K, which was re-named in recognition of his record-breaking victory in the Tournament of Champions title where he won $250,000, the richest first prize in PBA history. He also used that ball extensively in the U.S. Open.“I used the $250K solely in the last 25 games of the U.S. Open and I used it on the TV show as well,” Koivuniemi said. “Right now I think that ball is really matching up the best for me.”The 43-year-old Hartland, Mich., resident is known for his ability to loft the ball through the front part of the lane, but needs smooth mid-lane roll and backend power for carry, and he has found that combination in the Mission $250K.With his runner-up finish in the PBA U.S. Open, a tournament he would have won had he not failed to convert a 10 pin in the 10th frame of the championship match, Koivuniemi has now earned $325,940 this season, moving him into third for most earnings in a season and over $1.4 million in his career.Not-so-ironically, the last time Koivuniemi was affiliated with Ebonite International was during the 2003-04 season when he earned the PBA Player of the Year title. During that season, “Major Mika” won two of his nine career PBA Tour titles, made seven TV appearances and earned more than $238,000 – his best season before 2010-11.“That was certainly in the back of my mind when I joined Ebonite International last year,” Koivuniemi said. “I just hope that I don’t miss six more opportunities for Player of the Year with Ebonite from this point forward.”About Ebonite InternationalEbonite International is a privately-owned company that services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets domestically and internationally. The company’s consumer product brands include Ebonite,Hammer,Robby’s,Columbia 300,Track and Powerhouse™; its commercial product brand is Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.
Friday, March 11, 2011
DEAF BOWLER FINDS SUCCESS
WITH TRACK BOWLING
You could have heard a pin drop when John Wukasch Jr. strung 30 strikes in a row on February 9th. But the 46-year old from Montgomery, Texas couldn’t hear a thing.Wukasch, who has been deaf since birth, used a Track 718A to record games of 278, 300 and 288 for an 866 series. The left-hander used the barrage of strikes to break the previous house record at AMF Woodlands (Texas) of 845.“I was nervous because everybody was standing back to watch me,” said Wukasch. “The key for me striking was to take one shot at a time, stay focused, and take deep breaths so I stayed relaxed. It made it easy to keep a steady rhythm.”Even though Wukasch couldn’t hear the cheers following the string of strikes, he could feel the crowd gathering and rising with every shot.“As a deaf bowler, I am more sensitive to motion, vibration and especially visual distractions,” Wukasch said. “For example, I’m aware of camera flashes, doors that open and let in sunlight, and loud low noises that cause vibrations that I can feel in my feet. One example would be balls rolling over finger and thumb holes several lanes away, I can feel the vibration.”While the 30 consecutive strikes were a first for Wukasch, this was not his first series over 850. His career high prior to the 866 set was an 855 score at 300 Bowl in Conroe, Texas.“The 855 was shot at 300 Bowl which is well-known for high scores and good pin carry,” he explained. “AMF Woodlands is generally a much more difficult place to get high scores. Typically the guys will average 10-15 pins lower in The Woodlands compared to Conroe.”The Track 718A was Wukasch’s ball of choice for his 11th career 800 series. The 718A is designed to be an improved version of the 715A, released in 2009. Wukasch said he turned to the 718A to combat the tougher conditions at AMF Woodlands.“What I saw was that the 718A is definitely more angular,” he said. “The ball revved up all the way down the lane, but didn’t change direction until very late. It creates very good angle through the pins and great carry.”Wukasch says he plans to bowl a few PBA Regional events, as well as continue to assist his father, John Sr., in the family pro shop.“My dad drilled the 718A with the intention of getting a strong smooth arc type reaction. It certainly did the trick for me.”Track Brand Manager Paul Figliomeni was thrilled to hear about Wukasch’s success.“What an inspirational story!” said Figliomeni. “Having a great score like that shot with a Track ball is an honor for our brand. This ball is fantastic and John’s definitely not finished being successful.”— Track Bowling Balls & Bowling Equipment - Track is a brand of Ebonite International, Inc. Based in Hopkinsville, Ky., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets domestically and internationally. In addition to Track, the company’s consumer product brands include Hammer, Robby’s, Columbia 300, Ebonite and Powerhouse™; its commercial product brand is Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.
WITH TRACK BOWLING
You could have heard a pin drop when John Wukasch Jr. strung 30 strikes in a row on February 9th. But the 46-year old from Montgomery, Texas couldn’t hear a thing.Wukasch, who has been deaf since birth, used a Track 718A to record games of 278, 300 and 288 for an 866 series. The left-hander used the barrage of strikes to break the previous house record at AMF Woodlands (Texas) of 845.“I was nervous because everybody was standing back to watch me,” said Wukasch. “The key for me striking was to take one shot at a time, stay focused, and take deep breaths so I stayed relaxed. It made it easy to keep a steady rhythm.”Even though Wukasch couldn’t hear the cheers following the string of strikes, he could feel the crowd gathering and rising with every shot.“As a deaf bowler, I am more sensitive to motion, vibration and especially visual distractions,” Wukasch said. “For example, I’m aware of camera flashes, doors that open and let in sunlight, and loud low noises that cause vibrations that I can feel in my feet. One example would be balls rolling over finger and thumb holes several lanes away, I can feel the vibration.”While the 30 consecutive strikes were a first for Wukasch, this was not his first series over 850. His career high prior to the 866 set was an 855 score at 300 Bowl in Conroe, Texas.“The 855 was shot at 300 Bowl which is well-known for high scores and good pin carry,” he explained. “AMF Woodlands is generally a much more difficult place to get high scores. Typically the guys will average 10-15 pins lower in The Woodlands compared to Conroe.”The Track 718A was Wukasch’s ball of choice for his 11th career 800 series. The 718A is designed to be an improved version of the 715A, released in 2009. Wukasch said he turned to the 718A to combat the tougher conditions at AMF Woodlands.“What I saw was that the 718A is definitely more angular,” he said. “The ball revved up all the way down the lane, but didn’t change direction until very late. It creates very good angle through the pins and great carry.”Wukasch says he plans to bowl a few PBA Regional events, as well as continue to assist his father, John Sr., in the family pro shop.“My dad drilled the 718A with the intention of getting a strong smooth arc type reaction. It certainly did the trick for me.”Track Brand Manager Paul Figliomeni was thrilled to hear about Wukasch’s success.“What an inspirational story!” said Figliomeni. “Having a great score like that shot with a Track ball is an honor for our brand. This ball is fantastic and John’s definitely not finished being successful.”— Track Bowling Balls & Bowling Equipment - Track is a brand of Ebonite International, Inc. Based in Hopkinsville, Ky., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets domestically and internationally. In addition to Track, the company’s consumer product brands include Hammer, Robby’s, Columbia 300, Ebonite and Powerhouse™; its commercial product brand is Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Here & There Column 3-8-11
Tourney Helps County Economy
Kudos go out this week to the outstanding efforts made by representatives of Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) and other community folks who have worked hard to bring a Men's College Basketball National Championship Tournament to Sullivan County.
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III National Championships will be hosted at SCCC in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse this Thursday (March 10) through Saturday (March 12).
Eight of the best NJCAA Division III men's basketball teams will compete for the National championship beginning with the first game March 10 at 1 p.m. The Sullivan County Community College Generals, presently ranked No. 5, play the 8 p.m. game Thursday against the Joliet (ILL) Community College. SCCC's overall record going into this tournament is 27-4 and they are the Region XV champions.
The championship game is scheduled for Saturday March 12 at 8 p.m.
The Sullivan County Generals are four-time NJCAA National Champions winning the championship in 1992, 1995, 1996 and in 2007 when the team went a perfect 32-0. They also hold the national record (10 appearances since 1992) for most appearances in the NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball National Championships.
Sullivan County is putting it's best foot forward for this event which includes a coaches welcome reception March 9 at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and accommodations have been booked at the official headquarters for tournament teams at the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center.
We say a great big welcome to all eight teams, their coaches and their fans who should give a nice boost to our local economy this weekend.
If you want to see some great college basketball get over to SCCC for this great event. Tournament passes may be purchased by calling Georgia Lyons at 845-434-5750, ext. 4294.
Kudos go out this week to the outstanding efforts made by representatives of Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) and other community folks who have worked hard to bring a Men's College Basketball National Championship Tournament to Sullivan County.
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III National Championships will be hosted at SCCC in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse this Thursday (March 10) through Saturday (March 12).
Eight of the best NJCAA Division III men's basketball teams will compete for the National championship beginning with the first game March 10 at 1 p.m. The Sullivan County Community College Generals, presently ranked No. 5, play the 8 p.m. game Thursday against the Joliet (ILL) Community College. SCCC's overall record going into this tournament is 27-4 and they are the Region XV champions.
The championship game is scheduled for Saturday March 12 at 8 p.m.
The Sullivan County Generals are four-time NJCAA National Champions winning the championship in 1992, 1995, 1996 and in 2007 when the team went a perfect 32-0. They also hold the national record (10 appearances since 1992) for most appearances in the NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball National Championships.
Sullivan County is putting it's best foot forward for this event which includes a coaches welcome reception March 9 at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and accommodations have been booked at the official headquarters for tournament teams at the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center.
We say a great big welcome to all eight teams, their coaches and their fans who should give a nice boost to our local economy this weekend.
If you want to see some great college basketball get over to SCCC for this great event. Tournament passes may be purchased by calling Georgia Lyons at 845-434-5750, ext. 4294.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
TV WINS CLASS C SECTION 9 CHAMPIONSHIP
The Championship Section Nine Class C Tri-Valley Lady Bears give the No. 1 sign following their victory Sunday afternoon at SUNY New Paltz, defeating Millbrook, 40-27. They advance to the state tournament Wednesday at 5:45 to playHaldane at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.
Jason Semo co-chairman of Section Nine Basketball, left, hands the championship ball to Tri-Valley Lady Bears coach John Tenbus.
Mareena DiMilia, left, and Jakki Pugh hold the Section Nine Class C Championship trophy following the teams 40-27 win over Millbrook Sunday afternoon at SUNY New Paltz.
The Championship Tri-Valley Lady Bears team following their Sunday win at SUNY New Paltz came across the court and waived their thanks to the many fans who showed up in support of them. 
Tri-Valley's Lady Bears ace senior Jakki Pugh . left, passes the ball during the Section Nine Class C Championship game Sunday afternoon at SUNY New Paltz. She scored 17 points in Tri-Valley's 40-27 win over Millbrook. 
Tri-Valley fans almost filled one side of Elting Gym at SUNY New Paltz Sunday afternoon for the Lady Bears championship win against Millbrook. TRI-VALLEY LADY BEARS ARE THE 2011 SECTION NINE CHAMPIONS
NEW PALTZ--It took a quarter to shake the championship game jitters but then it was all Tri-Valley as the Lady Bears behind strong defense and a 17-point scoring effort of senior Jakki Pugh went on to defeat Millbrook, 40-27 for the Section Nine Class C Championship Sunday afternoon at SUNY New Paltz.
Tri-Valley got strong support from their loyal fans who almost filled one side of the college Elting Gym.
The Lady Bears play Section 1 Champion Haldane in the opening round of the state tournament at 5:45 Wednesday at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Tri-Valley Advances to Sunday Championship Game
Tri-Valley Central School varsity girls basketball ace Jacki Pugh, No. 30, passes the ball during Tri-Valley's sectional win ( 57-38) Friday night against Pine Plains. Pugh had 27 points and 4 assists. Tri-Valley plays Sunday at 1 at New Paltz.
Diescher Adds 14 points In Manor Win
Marissa Diescher, No. 20, goes up for 2 of her 14 points in the Livingston Manor Central School girls sectional varsity game against Chapel Field Thursday night at the Manor. Livingston Manor won 47-29 and advanced to the championship game Monday at New Paltz.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Pastor Ienuso Signs New Book
Well known Sullivan County Pastor Richard Ienuso, pastor of Lighthouse Ministries in Neversink, signs a copy of his book, "The Unveiling Of Jesus Christ" for New Windsor resident Jaime Larmon at one of his recent book signings. The book signings for the book which is a unique synopsis on the Book of Revelation have taken place at the Borders Book Store in the Middletown Galleria Mall, at the Woodbourne Firehouse and at the March Aglow meeting at the Youngsville Reformed Church. The book is available at http://www.amazon.com/
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