RAILRIDERS FRONT OFFICE MOVES

RailRiders Announce Additional Front Office Moves

New Faces and Promotions Highlight Staff Changes

Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are pleased to announce the addition of three new full-time members to its front office staff as well as multiple internal promotions.

New Additions:

Chief Financial Officer/Controller: Scott A’Hara is originally from Downingtown, Pa. He was previously the assistant controller for the Redskins. A’Hara played four years of Division I baseball and one season of football at Hofstra, graduating in 2011.

Director of Community Relations: Jordan Maydole, a native of Wenatchee, Wash., spent the 2016 season as the community relations Intern for the Oakland Athletics. The UCLA graduate also worked with the athletics department of the University of San Francisco as a student tutor for men’s basketball, business operations graduate assistant, and academic services graduate assistant from 2015 - 2017.

 

Office Manager: Amy Miller joined the RailRiders in February. She graduated from Nanticoke Area in 2002 and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Wilkes University in 2009.

“The new additions to the RailRiders’ staff have given us strong new leaders to help this organization continue its growth,” said Team President/ COO Josh Olerud.  “To say the new titles and promotions are well deserved would be an understatement.  Our leadership team is the driving force to our teams success and their hard work is paying off.”

Promotions:

Assistant General Manager of Baseball Operations added to his Vice President title: Curt Camoni originally joined SWB in 2005 as director of stadium operations. Prior to joining the team, he served 18 months as the Assistant Director of Football Operations for The University of Pennsylvania football team. He is a 2002 graduate of the University of Scranton with a B.S. in Management. He also graduated in 2004 with a master's degree in Sports Administration from Temple University. While at the University of Scranton, Curt pitched for the Royals baseball team. Camoni is from Jessup, Pa.

Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Services: Katie Beekman is from West Wyoming, Pa., and joined the SWB front office in 2010.  Prior to joining the RailRiders, she served as the assistant general manager of business development and marketing for the State College Spikes.  She spent the first ten years of her professional sports career with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where she served as the vice president of business operations.

 

Vice President of Ticket Sales: Bob McClane has been with the SWB since 2008. He is a 2003 graduate of Scranton Prep where he was a member of the cross-country, wrestling, and track teams and a 2007 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Business Administration, concentration in Marketing. 

 

Director of Business Operations: Billy Steiner was raised in Tamaqua, Pa., and has been with SWB since 2009. Prior to working for the RailRiders, he worked as a graduate assistant and Business Consultant for the Small Business Development Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

 

Senior Director of Graphic Design/ Corporate Services: Kristina Knight started with SWB since 2006. She is a 2001 graduate from Riverside Jr./Sr. High School and in 2005 earned a Bachelor Degree in Communication from Bloomsburg University.

 

Senior Director of Ticket Operations: Felicia Adamus hails from Erie, Pa. Prior to joining the RailRiders, she spent three and a half years with the Frederick Keys in the capacity of box office manager before and director of ticket operations. Adamus has also worked with her hometown Eries Seawolves and the Lakewood BlueClaws.

 

Inside Sales Manager: Kelly Cusick has been with the RailRiders since 2010 as a customer service/sales representative. She is a 2003 graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Business Finance. Cusick is a Scranton native.

Group Sales Manager: Mike Harvey, a Fleetville, Pa., native, joined the RailRiders in 2013 after graduating from Keystone College. He began his tenure as a ticket operations intern before joining the staff fulltime as a regional sales coordinator in 2014.

Corporate Services Manager: Noelle Richard originally joined the RailRiders in 2013 as a regional sales manager. Prior to her arrival in Moosic, she worked for the Lowell Spinners and in the television industry at ABC40/ FOX6 in Springfield, Mass., and WCTV.

Corporate Services Manager/ Director of Special Events: Gina Sorce grew up in Sparta, N.J. and graduated from the University of Scranton in 2015. She interned with both the New York Mets and New York Yankees in 2014. Before to rejoining the RailRiders, Gina served as a Business Development Coordinator for Seton Hall Sports Properties with Learfield Sports.

 

Director of Analytics/ Video and Website Manager: Victor Sweet was born in Niskayuna, N.Y. Prior to joining SWB In 2014, Sweet worked at WTEN-Channel 10 as an assignment editor and associate sports producer.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders open their 2017 home schedule on Monday, April 10 against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Philadelphia Phillies). For tickets or more information, please call 570-979-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

NAME THE PONIES MASCOT

Rumble Ponies Unveil Mascot, Need Your Help To Name Him

Binghamton, NY - The Binghamton Rumble Ponies unveiled their newest member of the staff during the annual Binghamton St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday. Now the team is looking for help from the citizens of the Southern Tier to name him.
Starting tonight at 5:00pm fans have the opportunity to log onto www.bingrp.com, the Official website of the Rumble Ponies, and submit their name idea. The Rumble Ponies will take name submissions until 12:00pm on Saturday, March 18^th.
The top five names will be put out for vote on Monday, March 20^th at 3:00pm. Fans will vote on the name they want for the new Rumble Ponies mascot. The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will reveal the winning name at the Meet the Rumble Ponies Dinner on Tuesday, April 4^th, 2017 at the Holiday Inn Binghamton Downtown.
Tickets for the Meet the Rumble Ponies Dinner are on sale now at the Starting Gate Box Office Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00pm, or by phone by calling 607.722.FUNN (3866).
For any questions please contact Eddie Saunders, Director of Marketing and Promotions, via email at eddie@bingrp.com. 
The Rumble Ponies open the 2017 season on the road in New Hampshire on April 6^th before celebrating their home opener at NYSEG Stadium on April 13^th. Tickets for the 2017 season are on sale now.

MEET THE RUMBLE PONIES

Do You Want to Meet the Rumble Ponies

Binghamton, NY – Baseball season is right around the corner and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Double-A Affiliate of the New York Mets, are pleased to announce the Meet the Rumble Ponies Dinner. The dinner will be held Tuesday, April 4th at the Holiday Inn in downtown Binghamton, with the help of United Way's Robin Alpaugh, long-time dinner chair.  Festivities will kick off at 5:30 PM.
This special baseball program will include an interview with new Rumble Ponies Manager Luis Rojas and introduction to coaches and players of the Rumble Ponies.  In addition, Rumble Ponies owner John Hughes will highlight stadium improvements and provide an overview of our exciting upcoming promotions. Some promotions include a special appearance by Darryl Strawberry, our first partnership for “We Care Wednesdays” with the United Way of Broome County, and A Night in the Twilight Zone, just to name a few.  Baseball fans of all ages will find this home-run event full of fun and excitement – with opportunities to meet future stars of Citi Field, collect autographs and win Binghamton Rumble Ponies memorabilia.  Attendees will also be eligible to win 2 tickets to see the New York Mets in person, with transportation provided by Uptown Limousine Service, as well as other prizes.
Individual dinner tickets are on sale for $35, which includes one reserved grandstand ticket for opening night.  Dinner tickets are available to 2017 Rumble Club members for only $30.  Fans can start purchasing tickets at 9:00am on March 2, 2017 by calling (607) 722-FUNN or coming directly to the stadium at 211 Henry St, Binghamton.
For any questions please reach out to John “JB” Bayne, AGM and Director of Community Relations at 607.722.FUNN (3866) or by email at jb@bingrp.com.
The Rumble Ponies open the 2017 season on the road in New Hampshire on April 6 before celebrating their home opener at NYSEG Stadium on April 13 vs. Erie. Season Tickets for the 2017 season are on sale now.

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DUTCHESS FAIRGROUNDS WELCOMES SPRING

DUTCHESS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS WELCOMES SPRING WITH A FULL SLATE OF ACTIVITIES

Rhinebeck, NY – As springtime approaches in the beautiful and bucolic village of Rhinebeck, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds is once again a premier destination for Hudson Valley fair and festival goers.  The multitude of activities scheduled for the upcoming season on the Fairgrounds’ 144 acres are as varied as the weather. 

On April 30, the Fairgrounds kicks off the season hosting the Autism Walk & Expo of the Hudson Valley. 

A favorite for antique car enthusiasts is the Rhinebeck Antique Car Show & Swap Meet on May 5 – 7.  Car collectors can search for lost treasures amongst the many swap meet vendors that have engulfed the grounds and spend hours strolling through the endless field of impeccable antique cars. 

May 20 – 21 The Northeast Outdoor Sports Show will make its debut at the Fairgrounds.  This is a show for those with a deep passion for anything and everything pertaining to the great outdoors.  Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Camping, Cycling, Recreational Vehicles and Travel will be featured at this one of a kind show brought to the Hudson Valley.  This event will also play host to various workshops, seminars, celebrities, children’s activities and more! Memorial Day weekend May 27 and 28 Barnstar Antiques at Rhinebeck will transform the facilities into an antiques destination.

June 2 - 4, the Country Living Fair returns promising great shopping, seminars and demonstrations, delicious food and a chance to meet the editors of Country Living Magazine. June 9 – 11 the Goodguys Rod & Custom Car Show roars back into town for the East Coast Nationals.  Cool Cars! Good People and Good Times!  Looking for that one-of-a-kind, made in America gift? Be sure to mark your calendar for the Rhinebeck Crafts Festival on June 24 and 25 where some of the most acclaimed artists and makers will showcase their handmade wares and fine art to the public.

June 30 and July 1, experience the evolution of the motorcycle in all its three dimensional glory at the Rhinebeck Antique Motorcycle Show. Enjoy the spectacular shows, delicious eateries and magnificent Fairgrounds during this amazing weekend. July 29 The Insane Inflatable 5K extreme obstacle race is made up solely of inflatable obstacles that will challenge, surprise and leave you bouncing for more!

The Dutchess County Fair on August 22 through the 27, remains the second largest agricultural fair in the state.  For six days, fairgoers eat, drink and can be amused by the antics of the hundreds of farm animals on Livestock Hill.  The Fair features non-stop family entertainment and a thrilling midway.   Hours are 10am to 10pm daily; for more information visit www.dutchessfair.com.

September events start on the 9^th and 10^th with the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival.   Experience wines, distilled spirits, craft brews and gourmet specialty foods all in one beautiful location.  Before heading home from the Wine and Food Festival, be sure to stop at Potter Brothers Ski, Snowboard & Clothing Sale that takes place on the fairgrounds that same weekend.  You never know what off season bargains you may find.  The Color Run returns for its second year on September 30^th. This is a five-kilometer, untimed event in which thousands of participants, or “Color Runners” are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer.  It’s less about the 10-minute-mile and more about having the time of your life!

Barnstar Antiques at Rhinebeck is held October 7 and 8.  The season ends with the popular and unique NYS Sheep and Wool Family Festival, October 21 and 22.  This show presents hundreds of sheep, llamas and alpacas, crafts and fiber artists, cooking demonstrations, sheep dog herding and Frisbee dog shows and fleece to shawl competitions.  Wineries and specialty foods, Two by Two Petting Zoo and the funny antics of Mad-Science are also featured during this fun-filled weekend.

Commenting on the 2017 season, Fair Manager, Andy Imperati said, “We always look forward to spring and to present our exciting line up of events to our community”. 

For more information about any of the events at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds visit www.dutchessfair.com or call 845-876-4000.

EMOTIONAL GAME WITH SULLIVAN WEST

  GRAHAMSVILLE--Sports competition can be a powerfully evocative, emotional experience and powerful waves of emotions took over the Class C Division V league basketball game between the Tri-Valley lady Bears and Sullivan West last Thursday when two of Tri-Valley's leading players suffered game ending knee injuries five minutes into the first quarter of play.
  Junior guard Morgan Shamro and Junior forward Angelina DiToro both suffered knee injuries but DiToro reentered the game in the third quarter only to be forced to leave when it appeared she suffered additional injury.

  No team or coach enjoys taking a win like this one but there has to be a winner and loser in every game as the Bulldogs won the right to get into sectional play with a 46-35 win.
  "You don't ever want to have to win a game like that," an emotional Sullivan West coach Pat Donovan said in his opening post game remarks.
  Tri-Valley coach John Tenbus noted that "with the injuries in a tough game like this I'm more proud of them tonight than any of the 10 wins we had this year."
  "They battled to the end" and "we were fighting our way back and we could have easily folded and said boo is us with all the injuries and things that happened but they still continued to get after it and they me proud, they made their team mates proud and they made the community proud," Tenbus added.

  "We're still division champs with them (Sullivan West) and we're still in sectionals," Tenbus said.

  Initial medical reports on Shamro, Tri-Valley's leading scorer averaging 16-points per game, who left the gym in a wheel chair, were negative which also could mean no broken bones but she was to see an orthopedic doctor yesterday for further evaluation.
  DiToro, one of the team's top re-bounders averaged between five and eight points per game and might be available for the sectionals.

  Speculation is that Shamro's injury might cause her to miss the remainder of the season including the sectionals.
  And yes, there was a basketball game played that night and Sullivan West's leading scorer Josephine Martinez started her 15-point scoring attack with a quick two-pointer following the opening tip controlled by the Bulldogs.

  Sullivan West stretched  the lead in the first quarter to 5-2 with 7:25 on the clock and then Shamro went down and minutes later DiToro suffered her injury.
  The Bulldogs finished the first eight minutes of play scoring 14 points with Josephine Martinez adding seven on two two-pointers and a trey, four points by McKinley Bernitt, a two-pointer by Danielle Brockner and a foul shot by Sabrina Martinez.

  The Bears struggled posting only six points with Samantha Raymond's two two-pointers and two points from Nicole Beach.

  The second quarter found Sullivan West outscoring Tri-Valley 11-7 with Sabrina Martinez finding the net for five points off a two-pointer and three foul shots while Josephine Martinez added two two-pointers. Nicole Beach scored a trey for the Bears who also got two points from Jaclyn Musa and Anna Hendrickson.
  Coach Tenbus rallied his team in the third quarter and the Bears fought their way back to outscore Sullivan West 14-13 off the scoring efforts of Musa with two two-pointers, Taylor Cox with four points, Raymond with four points and Jill Mungeer adding two points. Sabrina Martinez led the Bulldogs with five-points off two two-pointers and a foul shot.

  An aggressive defense by the Bears in the third quarter limited Sullivan West to six points off of one field goal and four foul shots. Tri-Valley got their eight points in the final eight minutes of play off two treys by Musa and Cox and a two-pointer by Musa.
  Turnovers were almost even with Tri-Valley committing 18 and Sullivan West 14.
  Twin sisters Josephine and Sabrina Martinez led the scoring for Sullivan West, Josephine with 15 points off six two-pointers and a trey and Sabrina with 14 points off three two-pointers and eight free throws.

  Jaclyn Musa had 11 points for the Bears off four two-pointers and a trey while Samantha Reymond added eight points off four 2's.
  Sullivan West upped their record a 7-7 and 1-1 in league play while Tri-Valley's record with this game went to 10-7 and 1-1 in OCIAA league play.

  Bulldogs coach Pat Donovan liked  the way his team "executed their plays" and he indicated "that is looks right now that the four teams in Class C sectionals will be Sullivan West, Tri-Valley, Pine Plains and Millbrook."
  Playing without their two-injured players Tri-Valley was again in action at Eldred Friday night and lost to the Yellowjackets 50-35 as Jordan Lepes scored 17 or her 24 points in the second half.


                                                              -





PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME

                                                  

Tri-Valley coach John Tenbus, center, with the two senior girls honored on Senior Night, Kacie Allison, left, and Nicole Beach.                         


                                                       

Sullivan West's Josephine Martinez goes up for a two-pointer seconds after the opening tip as the Bulldogs went on to defeat Tri-Valley 46-35 last Thursday in a must win game that propelled them into the Class C sectionals.                                                        


                                                         

Tri-Valley's leading scorer, Morgan Shamro, left,  with her right knee iced down and Angelina DiToro, one the teams leading re-bounder, holding her bandaged left knee, were forced to the sidelines with their injuries early in the first quarter of the Sullivan West-Tri-Valley game last Thursday at Grahamsville.



                                                          

Elias Cup Gets Big Sponsor

L.L. Bean to Sponsor 2017 PBA League Elias Cup at Bayside Bowl

Expanded Portland, Maine center also will host MaineQuarterly.com Roth/Holman Doubles Championship

PORTLAND, Maine - Bayside Bowl and the Professional Bowlers Association announced Wednesday that Bayside Bowl will host the 2017 L.L. Bean PBA League Elias Cup, sponsored by one Maine’s best-known brands, and the MaineQuarterly.com Mark Roth/Marshall Holman PBA Doubles Championship in April.

“Bayside Bowl is excited to welcome L.L. Bean as the title sponsor of this year’s PBA League Elias Cup. L.L Bean is Maine’s iconic brand,” said Justin Alfond, co-owner of Bayside Bowl. “We are also thrilled to continue our partnership with the Maine Office of Tourism. We couldn’t have picked better partners to showcase the best of Maine to the country.”

“Bayside Bowl and the Portland community can’t wait for the Professional Bowlers Association to come back to town,” said Charlie Mitchell, Bayside Bowl’s managing partner. “The Elias Cup and the Roth/Holman Doubles Championship showcase the world’s best bowlers, most passionate fans and incredible sponsors that realize what a big deal this event is for our state.”

“We’re super excited to be partnering with two great organizations, the PBA and Bayside Bowl, on this fun, unique event,” said Chuck Gannon, L.L. Bean’s corporate advertising manager. “This is a rare opportunity right in our own backyard, so we’re really happy to be involved. Plus, bowling is a great activity for folks of all ages, especially families.”

An expansion of Bayside Bowl from its original 12 lanes to 20 lanes, plus the installation of a mezzanine and bar overlooking the new construction that is currently nearing completion provide the PBA and Bayside Bowl with an opportunity to also bring the Mark Roth/Marshall Holman PBA Doubles Championship to Maine as part of the 2017 program, which will give more PBA players a chance to bowl in Maine.

“The PBA is fired up to bring the Elias Cup back and to showcase for the first time the Roth/Holman Doubles Championship as part of our program at Bayside Bowl,” said PBA CEO and Commissioner Tom Clark. “Bayside Bowl has the best audience in bowling and our players love Portland.”

The entire event will take place from April 9-16. The MaineQuarterly.com Roth/Holman Doubles Championship will be aired live on ESPN on April 16 at 1 p.m. ET. The L.L. Bean PBA League Elias Cup will air on ESPN on four consecutive Sundays at 1 p.m. following the doubles telecast:  April 23 and 30, and May 7 and May 14. ESPN telecasts also live stream on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app.

In addition to the ESPN telecasts, PBA’s live streaming service, Xtra Frame, will cover a new qualifying round for PBA League teams as well as qualifying rounds for the Roth/Holman Doubles Championship. For Xtra Frame subscription information and broadcast times, visit pba.com or xtraframe.tv.  

For supporting materials, please visit: http://bit.ly/2koMDYz

MAINE QUARTERLY.COM MARK ROTH/MARSHALL HOLMAN PBA DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP AND L.L. BEAN PBA LEAGUE ELIAS CUP SCHEDULE

Bayside Bowl, Portland, Maine, April 9-16

Sunday, April 9

Noon and 3 p.m. – Roth/Holman Doubles practice sessions

6 p.m. – Bayside Bowl pro-am

                                                                                                             

Monday, April 10

10 a.m. – Roth/Holman Doubles A Squad, 6 individual (12 team) qualifying games                

4 p.m. – Roth/Holman Doubles B Squad, 6 individual (12 team) qualifying games                

                                                                                                             

Tuesday, April 11

10 a.m. – Roth/Holman Doubles A Squad, 6 individual (12 team) qualifying games                

4 p.m. – Roth/Holman Doubles B Squad, 6 individual (12 team) qualifying games                

Top 8 teams based on combined 24-game team totals advance

                                                                                                             

Wednesday, April 12

10 a.m. – Top 8 teams, 8 Baker format (alternate frame) games

3 p.m. – Top 8 teams, 8 Baker format (alternate frame) games

            Top 4 teams after 24 team and 16 Baker format games advance to live ESPN stepladder finals on Sunday, April 16, at 1 p.m.

                                                                                                             

L.L. BEAN PBA LEAGUE QUALIFYING

Thursday, April 13

Noon – 8 games Baker format qualifying (to determine seeding positions for television)

6 p.m. - Pro-Am program

                                                                                                           

Friday, April 14

Day off

Saturday,  April 15 (ESPN PBA League Quarterfinals)

Noon – L.L. Bean PBA League Quarterfinals 1 & 2 (to air on ESPN on Sunday, April 23 at 1 p.m. ET)

Team #1 vs. Team #8; Team #5 vs. Team #4                           

3:30 p.m. – L.L. Bean PBA League Quarterfinals 3 & 4 (to air on ESPN on Sunday, April 30 at 1 p.m. ET)

Team #2 vs. Team #7; Team #6 versus Team #3                           

                                                                                                           

Sunday, April 16

1 p.m. –MaineQuarterly.com Roth/Holman Doubles stepladder finals, live on ESPN

4:30 p.m. – L.L. Bean PBA League Semifinals #1 and #2 (to air on ESPN on Sunday, May 7 at 1 p.m. ET)

7:30 p.m. – L.L. Bean PBA League Elias Cup finals (to air on ESPN on Sunday, May 14 at 1 p.m. ET)

About Bayside Bowl:

Bayside Bowl opened its doors in 2010 as Maine’s premier bowling entertainment center. Bayside Bowl is home to 12 lanes, a full bar with 12 beers on tap, an award-winning kitchen, live music, and Maine’s best bowling league, Bowl Portland. In March 2017, Bayside Bowl will unveil its expanded venue, complete with eight new bowling lanes, a mezzanine and bar overlooking the new space, and a rooftop deck. For more information, visit www.baysidebowl.com

PBA HALL OF FAME ENTRIES

Mark Gerberich, Three Former PBA Stars Enter PBA Hall of Fame

2016 PBA award winners also recognized during banquet to kick off PBA Tournament of Champions week

SHAWNEE, Okla. (Feb. 13, 2017) – The Professional Bowlers Association’s FireLake PBA Tournament of Champions week got off to a memorable start Monday when a ballroom filled with players and special guests welcomed former PBA Commissioner Mark Gerberich and standout players Bryan Goebel, Steve Hoskins and Mike Scroggins into the PBA Hall of Fame.

Also recognized during the dinner were 2016 GEICO Chris Schenkel PBA Player of the Year EJ Tackett of Huntington, Ind.; Harry Golden PBA Rookie of the Year Francois Lavoie of Quebec City, Quebec; Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award winner Tom Smallwood of Saginaw, Mich., and Tony Reyes Community Service Award winner Rhino Page of Orlando, Fla.

PBA Hall of Famer and long-time ABC-TV color analyst Nelson Burton Jr., who emceed the event, noted millions of people have bowled, trying to be good enough just to qualify for PBA competition, and among the thousands who have joined the PBA, only a handful have ever bowled well enough to earn admission to the hall of fame.

“This group dwells in rarified air,” Burton said.

Gerberich, who served as commissioner from 1995-2000 when the organization was sold to ex-Microsoft executives Chris Peters, Mike Slade and Rob Glaser, rose from an entry-level job as PBA membership services director in 1983 to Commissioner 13 years later, was introduced by his long-time friend and former Deputy Commissioner Kevin Shippy.

“This is a long, long overdue induction,” Shippy said. “It was Mark’s commitment to working with the new owners that kept the organization alive.”

Shippy noted that Gerberich was at the helm when ABC-TV dramatically reduced its rights fees payments to the PBA, and eventually dropped the PBA from its network lineup, but he kept the organization operating despite the hardships.

“Throughout his tenure, no one accomplished more with less than Mark did,” Shippy said.

Gerberich, in his response, deflected a lot of credit to the groundwork Shippy did and he noted PBA founder Eddie Elias “was one of the greatest innovators ever.”

Speaking of himself, he said, “It’s really, really cool to even be considered.”

“I’m proud of what we accomplished,” he added. “In 1991, we got $200,000 a show which went into the prize funds. A year later, we got $50,000. In 1997, we were paying $150,000 to stay on TV, so I understand exactly the difficulties the PBA faces.”

The intervention of Peters and his partners, Gerberich said, “was a godsend. Without them there wouldn’t be a PBA today.”

Goebel, a 10-time PBA Tour winner with the 1998 Brunswick World Tournament of Champions included in his résumé, had his best season in 1994 when he won three titles.

“In 1988, I had been a pro bowler for eight years and I didn’t have a title,” Goebel said. “I quit my job and decided it if I was ever going to be a pro, I had to do it now. I missed a cut and came home whining. My wife Kelly said, ‘well, you quit your job; you’d better go out and bowl better.’”

And he did. He jokingly thanked fellow inductee Hoskins for “letting” him win his Tournament of Champions title, and he thanked fellow hall of famer Danny Wiseman for letting him win his 10th title, which made him hall of fame-eligible.

“I’m up here by myself, but it took a lot of people to help me get here,” Goebel added. “I have the greatest circle of family and friends a person could possibly have.

“I thank the PBA for providing the stage, the playground for me to go out and live out my dream,” Goebel said. “I honestly don’t know if I’m deserving when I think about the great players who are in the hall, but I thank you for putting me in with them.”

Hoskins was a colorful, high-backswing power player who rolled onto the scene in 1989, winning PBA Rookie of the Year honors which led into a 12-year, 10-title career that included a pair of major championships in the 1997 and 1999 Bayer/Brunswick Touring Players Championships. He also was the 11th player in PBA history to bowl a nationally-televised 300 game (in the 1997 Ebonite Challenge).

“This is a day I’ve looked forward to for quite some time,” Hoskins said. “It’s the greatest honor I ever could have expected.

“Most people who are asked if they expect to get into the hall of fame give the politically correct answer. Not me,” Hoskins said. “I had dreams and, damn it, I was going to fulfill them. I tell my kids, it you have dreams, follow them because you might get there.

“No one gets here without a great support system and I certainly had one,” he added. “I owe the people who helped me a debt I can never repay.”

             

Scroggins, who has bowled extensively at every level of PBA competition and won at all of them as well, earned his hall of fame nod after winning eight PBA Tour titles including a pair of majors in the 2005 USBC Masters and 2009 U.S. Open.

“It’s a dream come true. When I got the phone call from (PBA CEO and Commissioner) Tom Clark, a wave of emotions came over me,” Scroggins said. “I just sat there and cried for about an hour, thinking about my whole career. I went to the website and looked at the list of hall of famers, and it was just amazing to realize the group I’m joining.

“I wondered if those guys had a defining moment in my career,” he continued. “I had one in 1992. I had just filled out an application for a job at the post office. I needed a real job to get on with my life, but the post office wasn’t’ hiring for another month. So my father told me to go bowl another month. I didn’t cash the first week, and the second week in Las Vegas I wasn’t bowling well. I called my dad and told him I was going to quit and come home. He told me to not quit for the wrong reason, to go ahead and bowl the last two weeks.

“I was in Vegas so I decided to play black jack. I was dealt a black jack…and I beat the dealer, who had 20. I thought ‘this is fate,’ so I went to the next PBA event and won, and the rest is history. So I can thank one hand of black jack for my career.”

Scroggins also thanked his travelling roommates for their roles in his career.

“You know the saying, ‘If it doesn’t kill you, it’ll make you stronger?’ That applied to my first group of roommates,” Scroggins said.

“I’m so proud to be a PBA Hall of Famer,” he concluded. “I never thought I’d be standing up here.”

The FireLake PBA Tournament of Champions will get underway Wednesday. The live ESPN-televised finals will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Xtra Frame, which provided live streaming coverage of the PBA Hall of Fame ceremonies Monday, will continue its Tournament of Champions preliminary-round coverage Wednesday and continue through Saturday’s final qualifying round. For subscription information and the current schedule of broadcast times, visit pba.com and xtraframe.tv.