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Ross, Lyons, Balduf, Townsend shine on the lanes

By Mike Pettinella

Several 750-plus series and a 290 game highlighted this week's league bowling action in the Genesee Region USBC.

At Medina Lanes today, John Ross of Middleport led the way in the Sunday Rolloffs League with a 787 series. His games were 246-263-278.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Mike Lyons of Elba kept the hot hand with a 762 series in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League. His games were 247-247-268.

And at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Matt Balduf led the way in the County Line Stone Friday Trios League with a 759 series. His games were 275-259-225, while James Townsend fired a 290 game and 710 series in the Tuesday Coed League.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Cline 300, Quilliam 297, Alishia Foss 712 at Mancuso's

By Mike Pettinella

The high scores continued in league action at Mancuso Bowling Center this week, with Brian Cline adding to his long list of perfect games.

Cline, 44, a prolific left-hander from Middleport, opened the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League with 300 and finished with a 725 series. The big night upped his average to 236.

Two members of the County Line Stone Friday Trios League registered games with 11 straight strikes. Jason Quilliam rolled 297 in a 715 series and Geoff Harloff put a long string together after an open in the first frame for 278 on the way to a 703 series.

Other high series at the Batavia establishment included Scott Culp with a trio of 250-plus games for 770 in the Mancuso Real Estate League; Alishia Foss with a 712 series in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 4-Man and Nick Johnson with a 771 series in the Turnbull Heating Triples.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Bowling tournaments abound as November rolls around

By Press Release

Press release:

Several Genesee Region bowling tournaments are in store for the month of November.

The list includes:

  • Nov. 5-6, Genesee Region USBC Gladys Ford Senior Women, Le Roy Legion Lanes.

GRUSBC women members age 50 and over are eligible to compete, with bowlers divided into six age classifications. Entry fee is $30. Winners are determined by three-game pinfall with handicap. To enter, contact Joann Van Duser at jmvd@frontiernet.net or by calling 585-370-1671.

  • Nov. 5-6, PAWS Triples No-Tap, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion.

Squad times are noon, 2 and 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 and 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 6. Entry fee is $75 per team and one in six teams will cash in the handicap event. To enter, contact Curtis Foss at 585-590-0804 or Oak Orchard Bowl at 585-589-6900. Proceeds will benefit PAWS Animal Shelter in Albion.

  • Nov. 12, 3-Person No-Tap to Benefit Claude Schultz, Mancuso Bowling Center, Batavia.

Squad times are 1 and 3 p.m. for the handicap fundraiser. Entry fee is $90 per team, with $15 of each team entry going toward Schultz’ medical expenses. First prize is $750, based on 40 entries, and one in six will cash. To enter, contact Mark Brown at 716-474-7960.

  • Nov. 13, 15th annual Triple O Mechanical Singles Handicap, Rose Garden Bowl, Bergen.

A $700 first prize, based on 48 entries, is being offered with the entry fee at $40. Squad times are 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., with eliminator finals to follow. Incentives for women, senior (55 and over) and super senior (65 and over) are part of the rules. To enter, contact Mike Pettinella at 585-861-0404.

  • Nov, 26, 17th annual GRUSBC Senior Masters, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion.

Qualifying squad times are 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., with the finals set for 4 p.m. Entry fee is $40, with first prize, based on 48 entries, at $350 plus a free entry into the GRUSBC Scratch Memorial in January. One in four will cash in the scratch tournament. To enter, contact Paul Spiotta at 202-6458.

Medina's Curtis Foss claims seventh Masters Tournament title; Batavia's Mike Pettinella places second

By Press Release

Press release:

The 60th and final edition of the Genesee Region USBC (and former Batavia) Masters Tournament was written over the weekend and, once again, Curtis Foss of Medina was the headliner.

The 35-year-old right-hander captured his unprecedented seventh Masters’ crown Sunday at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen by winning six of eight matches and averaging 218 on a challenging oil pattern in the eight-bowler Peterson Point match play final round.

Foss amassed 409 Peterson Points. Under that system, 30 points are awarded for winning a match and points added or subtracted for each game score in relation to 200.

In claiming the $300 first prize, Foss became only the second bowler in Masters’ history to win three consecutive tournaments (2019, 2021 and 2022). The event did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tony Martino of Batavia won the Masters’ three straight years from 1974-76.

Foss’ previous titles came in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015.

The top-seeded Foss actually started slowly, losing 229-175 to Perry’s Brady Weber in the opening match, before putting together three straight victories with games of 237, 204 and 277 to move into first place.

From there, he held that spot by winning three of his last four matches.

Genesee Region USBC Hall of Famer Mike Pettinella of Batavia finished in second place, posting seven games of 200 or better – highlighted by a 259 in a game five win over Mark Brown of Attica, another GRUSBC Hall of Famer.

Pettinella, 67, averaged 215 in the finals – splitting his eight matches and totaling 288 Peterson Points. He and Foss had a close battle in game two, with Foss prevailing, 237-235, by striking on his first ball in the 10th frame.

Foss, a Professional Bowlers Tour member who has 60 perfect games and 49 800 series to his credit, called his victory “an incredible achievement and one that I work for day in and day out each year.”

“It has always been my favorite tournament,” he said. “It means a lot to me, sharing it in winning with my dad (the late Robert Foss Jr., who won the event in 2012).”

A user of Storm bowling balls, Foss maps out and drills his own equipment at a pro shop he has set up at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

“I am truly thankful for the support I get from my best friend, Brittany; my mom, Susan; the Hanks family; my grandma, Cathy, and friend, Melissa,” he said. “And, of course, all the love from my dad and (late) grandparents, Darrell and Millie. This is dedicated to them all.”

Rick Pernicone II of Dansville finished in third place, winning six matches while averaging 200 for 213 Peterson Points.

He was followed by Jake Rosenbeck of Medina (4-4, 206 average, 208 points); Weber (4-4, 199 average, 172 points); two-time Masters’ champ Tom Rohl of Le Roy (4-4, 191 average, 69 points); Brown (3-5, 187 average); Derek Leach of Batavia (1-7, 165 average).

The GRUSBC contributed $450 to the prize list through its Masters' designated fund but will be dropping the tournament from its lineup due to a decline in entries over the past few years. This year’s event had 22 entries.

Submitted photo: Curtis Foss, left, is congratulated by Mike Pettinella, Genesee Region USBC association manager, following his Masters victory. Pettinella placed second as the tournament concluded a 60-year run.

Green 299-801, Culp 299 at Mancuso Bowling Center

By Press Release

Batavia left-hander Brian Green and Honeoye Falls right-hander Scott Culp set the pace during a high scoring week in Genesee Region USBC league action at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The high-revving duo each posted 299 games, with Green topping the 800 mark with 801 and Culp falling just short with a 794 series.

Green rolled games of 246, 256 and 299 in the County Line Stone Friday Trios League -- leaving a 6-pin on the last ball.

Culp registered 299, 228 and 267 in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League -- leaving a 4-pin on the final ball of the opening game.

Other big scores last week:

  • Mike Pettinella of Batavia rolled a 775 series in the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso's on games of 279-229-267.
  • John Lowe of Le Roy rolled a 791 series in the American Legion Men's League at Le Roy Legion Lanes on games of 278-246-267. A 4-pin after a strike in the 10th frame of game three cost him a shot at 800.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Colleen Pimm posts 707 at Rose Garden; Foss hits 802

By Mike Pettinella

Colleen Pimm of Bergen, who came up through the youth bowling program at her hometown Rose Garden Bowl, registered her first United States Bowling Congress-certified 700 series on Saturday night in the Every Other Saturday League at Rose Garden.

The 47-year-old right-hander rolled games of 246-236-225 for 707. The daughter of the late Don Rich, a longtime league secretary at the Bergen bowling center, secured the 700 with a spare in the 10th frame. She consistently averages in the 180s, with a high of 196 in 2019-20.

In other Genesee Region USBC league action:

  • Curtis Foss of Medina posted his second 800 series of the season with a 279-244-279--802 effort in the Rick & Morty's Friday League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion;
  • Mickey Hyde of Le Roy came close to his first 800 series, recording 279-286-212--777 in the American Legion Thursday Men's League at Legion Lanes. A pocket 8-10 split in the 10th frame of game three cost him a chance at the honor score.
  • Dennis Meyer of Rochester led the way in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl with a 276 game and 761 series.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Bacon 300, Quilliam 814 at Mancuso Bowling Center

By Mike Pettinella

Mancuso Bowling Center surrendered a couple more honor scores this past week, with Paul Bacon posting 300 on Monday night and Jason Quilliam spinning 814 on Thursday night.

In the Mancuso Real Estate League, Bacon started with 191 and 215 on lanes 3&4 before stringing 12 consecutive strikes in game three to finish with a 706 series. 

The 57-year-old Lockport resident (and Batavia native) now has six USBC-certified 300 games. He is off to a hot start with a 239 average after four weeks.

In the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 4-Man League, Quilliam registered 259-289-266--814 on lanes 17-18.

It is the 42-year-old Batavian's second 800 series and raised his average to 236.

At Medina Lanes, Joe Dellario rolled a 300 game in the Thursday Firefighters League on Oct. 5.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Townsend rolls 299--797 at Mancuso Bowling Center

By Mike Pettinella

James Townsend of Batavia flirted with a perfect game and 800 series last week in the Tuesday Night Coed League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The 24-year-old right-hander posted 264-299-234--797, with a 5-pin on the final ball of game two preventing him from a 300.

In other action at Mancuso's, Samantha Hyde started with a 266 game en route to a 640 series in the County Line Friday Trios League and Jennifer Wagner erupted for a 269 game in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 4-Man League.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Bill Neubert led the way in the Thursday Owls League with a 279 game and 758 series.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Rick Howe records 299 at Le Roy Legion Lanes

By Mike Pettinella

Rick Howe of Le Roy started his league bowling season in fine fashion by rolling a 299 game on opening night of the American Legion Thursday Night Men's League at Le Roy Legion Lanes.

The 50-year-old right-hander, competing on lanes 1-2 on Sept. 15, started with 246 and 191 before stringing 11 straight strikes and leaving a crossover 8-pin on the final ball for the 299. His series was 736.

Howe does have one United States Bowling Congress-certified 300 game to his credit.

In other action around the Genesee Region USBC:

-- Karson Hurlburt of Arcade posted his first 300 game in the Thursday Nite Intertown League at Letchworth Pines. Hurlburt, 20, rolled games of 300, 246 and 203 for a 749 series.

-- Nick Johnson of Bergen finished with a 289 game for a 752 series in the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia. The 41-year-old left-hander posted the last eight strikes in a 269 middle game and the first 10 strikes in the 289 before leaving a 10-pin.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Allis, Jarkiewicz open with 300 games; Gray Jr. 299

By Mike Pettinella

Genesee Region USBC bowlers wasted no time putting up honor scores this season -- rolling a pair of perfect games and a 299 over the past week and a half.

Alex Allis of Medina opened the Thursday Firefighters League at Medina Lanes with a bang on Sept. 8 by posting 300 in the first game. He added 262 and 198 for a 758 series.

Ironically, his father, Mike, did the same thing -- roll a 300 game in the first game -- of the same league about 20 years ago.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Frank Jarkiewicz of Byron and Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw rolled 300 and 299, respectively, with bowling coming within a few pins of hitting the 800 mark.

Jarkiewicz, on lanes 5-6, recorded 247-244-300--791 and Gray, on lanes 7-8, spun 299-239-259--796.

William Yates wasn't far behind with a 289 game and 764 series.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Bowling league meetings set for Aug. 16, 18

By Press Release

Press release:

League secretary meetings for the 2022-23 bowling season are scheduled for Aug. 16 at T.F. Brown’s in Batavia and Aug. 18 at Mount Morris Lanes.

Both meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. Pizza and refreshments will be available at no charge, courtesy of the Genesee Region USBC.

Informational kits for secretaries of leagues at Medina Lanes, Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Legion Lanes in Le Roy and Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen will be distributed at the Aug. 16 meeting.

Kits for secretaries of leagues at Mount Morris Lanes, Perry Bowling Center and Letchworth Pines in Portageville will be distributed at the Aug. 18 meeting.

GRUSBC President Mike Johnson and Association Manager Mike Pettinella will be at the meetings to talk about the association’s league and tournament programs and changes for the coming season.

League secretaries of record will be notified by telephone later this week.

Batavia-based teams place first, second at New York State bowling championships in Latham

By Mike Pettinella

A pair of Batavia-based bowling teams – Johnson 3 and Johnson 2 – captured first and second place in the 1,001 and Over Division at the 97th annual New York State Open Championships.

Competition in five-person team, doubles and singles took place in April and May at Spare Time in the Albany suburb of Latham.

The Johnson 3 team of Gregg Wolff, Scott Gibson, Mike Lambert, Fred Gravanda and Jim Pursel earned the $4,500 top prize with a 3,321 handicap score – 3,116 scratch plus 205 pins handicap.

Pursel led the way with a 681 series, followed by Gibson at 662, Wolff 604, Lambert 600 and Gravanda 569.

Wolff and Lambert also were on the Johnson 2 team that took runner-up honors out of 130 teams – good for $2,250. That squad’s score was 3,292 – 3,047 scratch and 245 pins handicap.

Mike Johnson led the way with 647, while Lambert chipped in with 643, Wolff 606, Jason Quilliam 605 and Josh Caryl 546.

Two other Johnson teams (organized by Mike Johnson) cashed in the tournament, with Johnson 4 placing 13th and Johnson 1 placing 16th.

Other Genesee Region USBC bowlers who did well in the four-weekend event were as follows:

DOUBLES

  • 400 and Under Division – Steve and Haley O’Dell, 15th place, 1,180, $160;
  • 401 and Over Division – Matt Buckley and Leon Hurd, 12th place, 1,384, $261;

SINGLES

  • 201 and Over Division – Scott Culp, 3rd place, 771, $912;

ALL-EVENTS

  • 201 and Over Division – Culp, 5th place, 2,111, $199; Matt Balduf, 6th place, 2,098, $165.

NYS WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIPS, VESTAL

Several Genesee Region USBC members cashed at the 85th annual NYS Women’s Championships at Midway Lanes in Vestal.

DOUBLES

  • 299 and Under Division – Alexis DeLong and Darleen Balduf, 6th place, 1,181, $286; Darlene Merle and Kelly Klump, 7th place, 1,176, $265; Jennifer Merle and Alishia Foss, 10th place, 1,165, $222; Jennifer DeLong and Tammy Fisher, 18th place, 1,144, $163.

SINGLES

  • 150-189 Division – Tammy Fisher, 3rd place, 645, $255.50.

ALL-EVENTS

  • 149 and Under Division – Jennifer Merle, 10th place, 1,909, $86;
  • 150-189 Division – Cathi Fournier, 6th place, 1,826, $120; Fisher, 8th place, 1,815, $104.

Submitted photo: Members of the first-place team at the NYS Open Championships, from left, Batavians Fred Gravanda, Mike Lambert and Gregg Wolff and Oakfield's Scott Gibson. Jim Pursel of Batavia also was on the winning squad.

Fluker, VanAlst, Fonte inducted into local bowling Hall of Fame

By Press Release

Press release:

The three men who were inducted into the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame on Saturday night shared a common theme – “giving back to the sport that has given them so much” over the years.

Tom Fluker of Batavia and William VanAlst of Stafford, both in the Meritorious Service category, and Tim Fonte of Dansville, in the Achievement Veteran category, were enshrined at the local bowling association’s annual banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Ninety-six people attended the event, which also included the presentation of the Barbara J. Kreiley Scholarship Award to Alexis Patterson of Dansville, a standout youth bowler at Mount Morris Lanes who will be attending Canisius College in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

Fluker, 51, served on the GRUSBC board for 12 years, including six as president. He was instrumental in promoting youth bowling, establishing the Genesee Region Youth Travel League and developing the association’s generous awards program. He also is a United States Bowling Congress Level I bowling instructor and traveled around the Northeast to conduct clinics for those wanting to teach the sport to kids.

About 40 of his former youth bowlers, their parents, family and friends on hand to celebrate his induction, Fluker thanked all of them and congratulated the members of the teams that advanced to the New York State Youth Team Championships on two occasions.

A Pepsi-Cola sales executive, Fluker said he “his competitive spirit” drives him to be the best he can be in all walks of life. An accomplished bowler with 11 perfect games, he said he got more satisfaction from watching his youth bowlers thrive.

“I sacrificed going to many tournaments because I was coaching,” he said. “And to me that was priority one. The kids knew Saturday morning was their time … and I got more enjoyment out of their success than mine.”

He said he encouraged his youth bowlers to put in the practice time to improve.

“I wanted to give them every opportunity to succeed, letting them know that today is the day to seize it because they might not have it tomorrow,” said Fluker, who was nominated and presented by Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC association manager.

VanAlst, 71, has been a fixture at Le Roy Legion Lanes for the past 48 years as a member and current secretary-treasurer of the Tuesday Night League and previously as coordinator of the youth bowling program and Le Roy Junior Travel League. He also served as secretary-treasurer of the former Genesee Valley Youth American Bowling Alliance that included nine bowling centers.

In his speech, he said he never has shied away from helping out when needed, but still didn’t imagine he would be involved in the same league for nearly 50 years.

He joked that Don Laurie “railroaded me into that spot (secretary) in 1977 and I’m still here today … and once you get elected to it, it’s pretty hard to get out unless you leave the area or pass away. Fortunately, I haven’t done either.”

VanAlst, a partner in a Rochester engineering firm for the past 49 years, thanked all of his fellow bowlers and his wife, Karen, who provided much assistance in compiling the scores and keeping the standings from the youth programs. He said they both got involved when their sons, Scott and Matt, were little.

“I wanted them to learn how to bowl correctly, how to keep score and how to play as a team member,” he said. “Bowling is a sport that you can enjoy year round and you can enjoy for your entire life. And it's good to know the proper way to do that.”

VanAlst was nominated by GRUSBC Director AJ Allenbrandt and presented by his son, Scott VanAlst, who shared that his father’s legacy is one of “dedication, commitment, loyalty, caring and kindness.”

Fonte has been an association member for 47 years – averaging over 190 consistently in the era before high scores and over 200 for nine of the past 10 seasons. He rolled a 300 game in 1997 and an 806 series in December of 2021 at the age of 73. His tournament victories include the Lilac City in Rochester and Wild Irish Rose in Canandaigua, and he placed second in the GRUSBC Senior Masters in 2019.

He also worked at the pro shop at Mount Morris Lanes for 25 years, serving as manager from 1994-2003, and coached youth bowlers there for 15 years.

A Vietnam veteran, Fonte said he started bowling and working at Panorama Lanes in Rochester, remembering the day he found a fingertip ball on the rack that proprietor Marcel Fournier said that he could have.

“That started by career,” he said, stopping to thank the Hall of Fame committee for inducting him and “Jesus Christ, my Savior, who made all of this possible.”

Fonte said he underwent 10 major surgeries after returning home from Vietnam, and found “that the only sport I could do was to bowl.” He then found his way to Mount Morris Lanes, where he joined a league and eventually learned how to drill bowling balls at the pro shop there.

He was nominated by GRUSBC Director Karen Bonner and presented by his son, Kris, who called his father and bowling teammate his “hero.”

Ray DiSanto Sr. of Rochester, a Batavia native and member of five bowling and sports halls of fame, was the keynote speaker.

DiSanto, 92, spoke about his numerous bowling tournament achievements – he averaged 200 at the age of 14 – and his career as a respected bowling coach and longtime owner of Bowlers World Pro Shop in Henrietta.

He also offered some tips to today’s bowlers, noting that creating ball speed is essential to achieving high scores with the technologically-advanced bowling balls.

In the modern game, he said, bowlers need to learn to be “late at the line to create more power and more ball speed.”

“The weight of the ball is not as important as it was years ago, when 16 pounds was the norm,” he said. “Today, 15s, 14s and even 12-pounders. So, if you think the ball is too heavy and you’re rolling it too slow, don’t be afraid to go down in weight. These balls are extremely powerful.”

Re-elected to three-year terms on the GRUSBC Board of Directors were Karen Bonner, sergeant-at-arms; and Frank Jarkiewicz, Joann Van Duser, John Wood and Gary Kuchler.

Champions of the GRUSBC Association Tournament also were recognized with plaques, as follows:

Open Team -- Jason Quilliam, AJ Allenbrandt, Michael Lambert, Mike Johnson, Batavia, 3,061;
Women’s Team -- Montana Bzduch, Joann Van Duser, Rachel Huntz, Katy Bzduch, Perry, 2,339;
Open Doubles -- Geoff Harloff and Ed Doody, Batavia, 1,504;
Women’s Doubles -- Christine Bovee and Karen Henry, Dansville, 1,276;
Open Singles – Ricky Daniels, Albion, 838;
Women’s Singles -- Donna Wolff, Batavia, 690;
Open All-Events -- Brian Cline, Middleport, 2,295;
Women’s All-Events -- Donna Wolff, Batavia, 1,997.

Seasonal league leaders received plaques, as follows:

High Series, Men – Brian Cline, Middleport, 847; High Average, Men – Curtis Foss, Medina, 240.

High Game, Women – VJ Frew, Piffard, 300; High Series, Women – Amy Allis, Medina, 735; High Average, Women – Amy Allis, Medina, 203.

High Game, Boys – Dominic LaPiana, Mount Morris, 268; High Series, Boys -- Gavin Baney, Albion, 690; High Average, Boys -- Ryleigh Culver, Medina, 197.

High Game, Girls -- Alexis Patterson, Dansville, 231; High Series, Girls -- Juliana Allis, Medina, 613; High Average, Girls -- Gracelin Mahnke, Medina, 175.

Winners of the annual grand prize drawing were David Lohmer of Canaseraga, Jason Quilliam of Batavia and Robert Nolan of Albion, $500 each, and Rick Pernicone of Dansville, Chris Huntz of Castile, Eric Sickles of Perry and Roger Allis of Medina, $25 each.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Top photo: Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame inductees, from left, Tim Fonte of Dansville, William VanAlst of Stafford and Tom Fluker of Batavia.

GRUSBC President Mike Johnson of Batavia congratulates Alexis Patterson of Dansville on being the recipient of the Barbara J. Kreiley Memorial Scholarship. 

Foss rolls 808; Batavian 3rd in Medina event

By Mike Pettinella

Curtis Foss of Medina closed out the Sneezys Monday Night League season at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion on a high note last week by rolling an 808 series -- his seventh 800 in league play since last October.

The right-hander's games were 260-290-258.

In the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Josh Elliott posted 258--733 and Frank Jarkiewicz shot 278--723.

In league play at Medina Lanes, Amy Allis rolled 279--717 on April 4 and followed that up with 256--735 on Thursday night.  A solid 10-pin in the 10th frame of the 279 cost her a chance at a perfect game.

ROCHESTER BOWLER TRIUMPHS

Nicholas Manioci of Rochester claimed the $750 first prize in the Hop Between Singles Handicap Tournament at Medina Lanes, defeating Hayden Allis of Medina, 206-204, in the title match. Allis earned $500.

Rounding out the top five were Derek Leach of Batavia ($350), Teagan Miller of Albion ($250) and Chris Foss of Medina ($175).

Eighteen of the tournament's 60 bowlers cashed.

Mancuso Bowling Center will be hosting a three-person handicap no-tap tournament on April 30, with squad times at noon and 2 p.m. The entry fee is $75 per team and first place, based on 40 entries, is $750. Call 716-474-7960 to enter.

Genesee Region USBC Annual Banquet is May 14; Fluker, VanAlst, Fonte to be inducted into Hall of Fame

By Mike Pettinella

Three longtime Genesee Region USBC members will be inducted into the bowling association’s Hall of Fame at its annual banquet at 6 p.m. May 14 at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road.

In the Meritorious Service category, Tom Fluker of Batavia and William VanAlst of Stafford, will be enshrined while in the Outstanding Achievement Veteran category, Tim Fonte of Dansville will be honored.

TOM FLUKER, BATAVIA

Fluker made his mark as a GRUSBC director and officer for 12 years – including six years as president – and also as a United States Bowling Congress Level I bowling instructor. He was instrumental in creating numerous adult and youth tournaments in the association and oversaw the growth of the Genesee Region Youth Travel League.

He served as president of the Turnbull Heating Junior League at Mancuso Bowling Center for 14 years and previously was an officer of adult leagues at Mancuso’s. Fluker also had a lead role in creating the GRUSBC’s website and creating the association’s awards program, which is one of the strongest in New York State.

On the lanes, Fluker, 51, has recorded 11 300 games and has high league averages of 225 and 221. He also placed first in the GRUSBC Bracket Challenge tournament in 2019 and inthe association scratch singles event in 2017.

WILLIAM VANALST, STAFFORD

VanAlst, 71, has been an association member for 48 straight years – all with the Tuesday Night League at Le Roy Legion Lanes, where he has served as secretary-treasurer since 1977.

He also was director and coach of the Legion Lanes junior bowling program and Le Roy Junior Travel League from 1987-2001, coaching more than 160 young bowlers over that time.

Prior to the formation of the GRUSBC, VanAlst was secretary-treasurer for 10 years of the Genesee Valley Young American Bowling Alliance that included programs from nine bowling centers – Le Roy, Oakfield, Caledonia, Livingston, Mount Morris, Perry, Letchworth, Bennington and Dansville.

TIM FONTE, DANSVILLE

Fonte is one of Mount Morris Lanes’ most consistent bowlers over his 47 years as a member of the Perry Bowling Association and GRUSBC – averaging over 190 for many years before the era of high scores and over 200 for nine of the past 10 seasons.

He rolled a 300 game in 1997, 299 in 1998 and recorded another milestone – an 806 series – on Dec. 1, 2021 at the age of 73. Fonte has excelled in tournament competition as well, cashing in the Lilac City Tournament in Rochester and the Wild Irish Rose Tournament in Canandaigua, as well as in local association events.

Off the lanes, he worked at the pro shop at Mount Morris Lanes for 18 years, serving as manager from 1994-2003. He also coached youth bowlers there for 15 years.

Alexis Patterson of Dansville, a bowler in the Mount Morris Youth League and GR Youth Travel League, will receive a $750 scholarship given annually to graduating seniors.

The guest speaker for the evening will be Ramon “Ray” DiSanto Sr., a member of three Halls of Fame in New York State – GRUSBC (1976), Rochester NY USBC (1978) and NYS USBC (1995). DiSanto recently retired after many years as owner-operator of Bowlers World pro shop in Henrietta.

The event also will serve to honor tournament champions and individual season leaders.

The cost of the dinner is $30, with the following exceptions:

  • NO CHARGE -- GRUSBC directors, Hall of Fame inductee(s) and one guest, adult tournament champions (limit one tournament only), youth tournament champions and one guest (limit one tournament only), guest speaker if applicable, scholarship recipient(s) and one guest.
  • HALF PRICE -- Past GRUSBC Hall of Famers, league secretary or representative (limit one per league).

The deadline for reservations is May 5. No reservations will be taken after that date and no one will be allowed to "walk in" on May 14. Seating is limited, so ask fast.

Open to all GRUSBC members and guests, the banquet also will include a brief memorial service and election of officers and directors.

RSVP by May 5 by sending an email to mikep@bowlgr.com or by calling 585-343-3736.

Townsend posts 300 game at Mancuso Bowling Center

By Mike Pettinella

Batavian James Townsend notched his second 300 game of the bowling season last week, starting with a perfect game en route to a 730 series in the Tuesday Coed League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The 24-year-old high-revving right-hander also rolled a perfect game on Oct. 12, 2021, as well as a 299 on Nov. 18, 2021 and a 298 on Jan. 1, 2022.

Other high series for the week included Josh Elliott's 769 and Ron Lawrence's 748 in the Wednesday Men's Handicap and Thursday Owls leagues, respectively, at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, and Mike DeVay Jr.'s 750 and Jeremy Vallance's 743 in the Mancuso Real Estate Doubles and Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man leagues, respectively, at Mancuso's.

For a list of high scores around the Genesee Region USBC, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

TWO LOCALS CASH

Two Genesee Region USBC members -- Reid Cole of Albion and Kevin Gray Sr. of Honeoye Falls -- cashed at the Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour event at Pleasure Lanes in Hilton last week.

Cole rolled a 700 series in qualifying and made it to the second round of the eliminator finals, earning $100. Gray qualified with 681 before being eliminated in the first round, winning $70.

John Danielwicz of the Buffalo area placed first, earning $330.

The final tournament of the season is set for 11 a.m. May 1 at Sunset Lanes in Rochester.

 

Vallance: 795; Medina Lanes tourney is April 9-10

By Mike Pettinella

Batavian Jeremy Vallance came oh so close to his first United States Bowling Congress-certified 800 series in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center. 

The 44-year-old right-hander posted games of 257-259-279 for a 795 series. A 4-pin in the ninth frame of the third game stopped him from the 800 and also from a chance at a 300 game.

Lefty Mike Johnson of Batavia was next for the night with a 742 series.

In other Genesee Region USBC league action, Keith Czamara rolled a 746 series in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

MEDINA HOSTING TOURNAMENT SATURDAY

Medina Lanes will be running the Hop Between Singles Handicap Tournament next weekend with qualifying squads (three games) at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Finals are scheduled for noon Sunday. The top 18 bowlers will advance to the eliminator finals, where half the field advances each game.

The top two places are guaranteed -- $750 for first and $500 for second. The entry fee is $55.

To enter, call 585-318-4474.

High scores abound as Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament concludes

By Press Release

Press release:

A high-scoring 15th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia came to a close on Sunday with the JAMM team of Batavia taking over the top spot in the Open Team division and Ricky Daniels of Albion jumping into the lead in the Open Singles division.

In unofficial standings released today, the squad of Jason Quilliam, AJ Allenbrandt, Mike Lambert and Mike Johnson posted a 3,061 score – 2,886 scratch – to move past Balduf’s, which had been leading the tournament at 2,920.

Allenbrandt led the way with 757, his best series ever, while Lambert shot 729, Johnson 702 and Quilliam 698.

First place in the Open Team event is $1,000.

O’Dell’s is in third place at 2,902, with Trigger Tribute II in fourth at 2,852.

In Open Singles, Daniels found the line for 233-245-279—757 scratch. Adding his 81 pins handicap based on a 195 average, he finished with 838 to go ahead of previous leader Matt Bourg, who had 780 – 537 scratch plus 243 pins handicap based on his 135 average.

Batavian Mike Pettinella rolled 232-288-250--770 to place third and claim the scratch singles title.

In Open Doubles, last week’s 1,504 (1,456 scratch) by Geoff Harloff and Ed Doody was challenged but remains in the top spot.

Lambert and Quilliam combined for 1,497 on Saturday – with Quilliam posting a 279 game and 791 series – to move into second, with Harloff and Rick Underhill in third with 1,482 and Johnson and Allenbrandt next at 1,472. Underhill had a 289 game in the doubles event.

Brian Cline leads in Open All-Events with 2,295 – all scratch – with Allenbrandt in second at 2,264 and Shayne Herold in third at 2,249. Daniels finished at 2,204 and Brian Green tallied 2,201, including a 300 game in singles competition on Saturday.

Green also had an 802 series in the team event, second in the tournament behind Harloff’s 814.

In the Women’s Team event, PBC Women held on with 2,339 edging Wendy’s Girls by 22 pins.

Members of the Perry team are Montana Bzduch, Joann Van Duser, Rachel Huntz and Katy Bzduch.

In Women’s Doubles, Christine Bovee and Karen Henry, bowling out of Mount Morris Lanes, is in first with 1,276, with Batavians Donna Wolff and Wendy Morse next at 1,259.

Wolff’s 690 (488 scratch) leads in Women’s Singles, with Morse next at 648 (522 scratch), and Wolff also leads in Women’s All-Events with 1,997, with Bonnie Wass of Warsaw in second with 1,837.

The tournament drew 43 teams (four more than last year) and 62 doubles sets (13 more than last year).  There were two 800 series, 41 700 series and 13 games of 279 or better.

At least one in five will cash. The Genesee Region USBC has 30 days to pay the prize list.

BATAVIANS CASH IN ROCHESTER

Three Batavia bowlers cashed at the Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour stop at Bowl-A-Roll Lanes in Rochester on March 20.

Mike Pettinella and Fred Gravanda made it to the Round of 8, earning $100 apiece, while Bill Neubert earned $75 for making it to the Round of 16. Neubert was the high qualifier with a 696 three-game series. Kevin Gray Sr. of Honeoye Falls also qualified in the top 16, taking home $75.

Mike Fiola of Rochester captured his second title of the season, winning $320 with a 248 game in the finals.

The next tour event is at 11 a.m. April 3 at Pleasure Lanes in Hilton.

Curtis Foss rolls two 800 series, 300 game; Bailey 781

By Mike Pettinella

Curtis Foss of Medina added to his long list of honor scores this week by rolling an 814 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

The 34-year-old right-hander had games of 278, 257 and 279 for the big series -- his second 800 in 10 days at Oak Orchard Bowl.

On March 18, he rolled 300-279-231--810 in the Rick & Morty Doubles League.

Elsewhere around the Genesee Region USBC, Chris Bailey of Batavia posted 258-265-258--781 in the Turnbull Heating Triples League and Fred Gravanda of Batavia finished with 276 in a 765 series in the Toyota of Batavia 5-Man League, both at Mancuso Bowling Center.

For a list of the high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Harloff's 814, Green's 802, Cline lead the way at GRUSBC Association Tournament; entry deadline is tonight

By Mike Pettinella

The opening weekend of the 15th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center produced honor scores by Batavians Geoff Harloff and Brian Green and a remarkable All-Events score by Middleport resident Brian Cline.

Harloff rolled an 814 series in Doubles competition – ending with a pair of 279 games – while teammate Ed Doody of Pavilion added 642 to move into first place with a handicap score of 1,504.

Harloff (691) and Doody (676) also sit in the top spot in the Team event as members of the Team Spatula squad that posted 2,902 with handicap. Steve O’Dell of Oakfield led the way with 723 while Matt Templeton of Dansville chipped in with 655.

Green recorded an 802 series to lead the Trigger Tribute II team to a 2,852 score, good for second place heading into the final weekend. His games were 287-256-259.

Cline found the line early and never lost it – posting 770 in the Team event, 789 in Doubles and 736 in Singles for an All-Events total of 2,295, a 255 average.

In Open Singles, Shawn Hurlburt of Freedom moved past Cline into the top spot by rolling 749 scratch – 757 with handicap.

On the women’s side, the Nuttie Buddies team of Batavians Mary Ann Stone, Kathie Pacino, Arlene Underhill and Cindy Linderman are in first with 2,305, while Bonnie Wass of Warsaw and Grace Bogle of Perry lead in Doubles with 1,242, Carol Sonnleitner of Hunt leads in Singles with 621 and Wass is first in All-Events with 1,837.

The tournament concludes with squads this Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. The paid entry deadline is tonight. To enter, send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com or call 585-861-0404.

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