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Perry Bowling Center hosting GRUSBC Scratch Memorial tournament this weekend

By Press Release

Update 6 p.m.:The 12:30 p.m. squad is currently full at 28 bowlers.

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Press release:

The Genesee Region USBC is kicking off the new year with the 67th Scratch Memorial Tournament on Saturday and Sunday at Perry Bowling Center.

The singles event features three four-game qualifying squads -- 12:30 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday -- followed by the semifinals and finals on Sunday afternoon. Entry fee is $55 ($50 for reentry).

Currently, 24 bowlers are signed up for the first squad, which means that four openings remain. Plenty of openings are available on the other two squads.

One in five bowlers from each squad (rounding up) will advance to the four-game semifinals. Bowlers with the top five semifinal scores will advance to the stepladder finals.

The top 60-and-over bowler not making the cut will advance to the semifinals unless a 60-and-over makes the cut outright.

To enter, contact Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC association manager, at: mikep@bowlgr.com or at (585) 861-0404.

Spiotta 289--775, Kraus 289 set pace in Turnbull Heating League at Mancuso's

By Mike Pettinella

Batavians Paul Spiotta and Kyle Kraus flirted with 300 games this week, reaching 10 strikes in a row before being stopped despite putting the ball in the 1-3 pocket on the 11th delivery.

Competing against each other in the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, both right-handers rolled 289 games -- with the 63-year-old Spiotta's coming in the third game to cap a league-high 775 series and the 35-year-old Kraus' coming in the first game en route to a 694 series.

Spiotta (who posted 238-248 in the first two games) was stymied by a stubborn 7-pin while Kraus (who finished with 231-174) left a 4-pin.

Also in the league, Chris Bailey of Le Roy finished with a 273 game for a 736 series.

Note: The three-person team league has an opening for one team when it begins its second half on Jan. 5. Call Mancuso's at 343-1319 for details. 

Elsewhere around the Genesee Region USBC, Rodney Jopson kept the hot hand with 277--741 in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, where he is aveaging 231, and Tony Sprague made it two straight 700 series with a 750 effort in the T.F. Brown's Adult-Child League at Mancuso's.

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

SCRATCH MEMORIAL IS NEXT WEEKEND

The 67th GRUSBC Scratch Memorial Tournament is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Perry Bowling Center.

Squad times for the singles tournament are 12:30 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday, with the semifinals and finals to follow.

Entry fee is $55 and first place, based on 72 entries, is $800. To enter, contact Mike Pettinella at (585) 861-0404 or by email at: mikep@bowlgr.com.

LeRoyan Hyde claims 2nd straight Genesee Region Senior Masters crown

By Press Release

Press release from Genesee Region USBC:

Mickey Hyde of Le Roy was a model of consistency on Sunday as he captured the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters Bowling Tournament for the second straight year, this time at his hometown Legion Lanes.

Hyde pocketed the $250 first-place check along with a plaque and paid entry to next month’s GRUSBC Scratch Memorial Tournament with a 200-184 victory over Batavian Mike Pettinella in the title match.

The 54-year-old right-hander, manager of Tompkins Bank of Castile in Le Roy, won the 2019 event at Mount Morris Lanes.

Pettinella, a two-time GRUSBC Senior Masters champion (2007 and 2011), earned $150 for placing second.

Hyde led the three-game qualifying round with a 626 score, one of only five series of 600 or better on challenging lane conditions.

He went on to post 466 in the 12-bowler, two-game second round and then rolled a 181 game in the six-bowler, one-game semifinals to earn the No. 1 seed in the three-bowler stepladder finals based on his six-game total.

Six of the 12 bowlers advanced in the second round and three of the six remaining bowlers advanced in the semifinals.

In the title match, Hyde doubled in the eighth and ninth frame to secure the victory after a pocket split in the eighth frame hurt Pettinella’s chances.

“I thought the shot was very tough but it was really fair, and there was less oil than normal,” said Hyde, who is the secretary of the Thursday night American Legion Men’s League in Le Roy. “It was fair because you were penalized if you missed your mark.”

He said he used a Hammer Black Widow ball during the qualifying round and a Black Hammer urethane ball for the second round and finals.

“I liked my chances because I knew it wasn’t going to be a carry contest and you had to be able to pick your corner pins,” he said. “It was a nice surprise to win and thanks to Paul Spiotta for running a great tournament.”

Pettinella qualified in the 10th position with a 563 series but then posted 418 in the second round (to capture the sixth and final spot) and 224 in the semifinals – the only bowler of the six to hit the 200 mark.

In the opening match of the finals, the second-seeded Pettinella, a GRUSBC Hall of Famer, defeated No. 3 seed Brett Van Duser of Perry, 202-192, with Van Duser being victimized by a split in the 10th frame.

Van Duser won $100 for his third-place finish.

Other cashers were as follows:

John Lowe of Le Roy, Rick Pernicone of Dansville (who had the high second-round score of 499), and Al Vlietstra of Geneseo, $70 each.

Spiotta of Batavia, Matt Balduf of South Byron, Jim Pursel of Batavia, Mike Johnson of Batavia, John LaGeorge of Retsof, Paul Bacon of Lockport, $50 each.

Mike Kime of Honeoye Falls, $35 (lost to Van Duser in a one-game rolloff after tying for the 12th and final qualifying spot).

The tournament drew 34 entries.

Submitted photo -- Mike Pettinella, left, and Mickey Hyde.

ALBION DUO WINS NO-TAP EVENT

Bill Logan and Jim Passarell of Albion combined for a 1,725 score with handicap to win the first GRUSBC No-Tap Doubles Tournament on Saturday at Medina Lanes.

Logan rolled 890 and Passarell had 820 for 1,710 scratch in the event, which awards a strike for a first ball of nine or 10 pins. The victory was worth $320.

Seven other teams (out of the 33 entries) cashed as follows:

Kyle and Mike Johnson, Batavia – 1,596 -- $220;

Chase Cone, Bergen, and Josh Elliott, Attica – 1,592 -- $160;

Tom Rohl, Le Roy, and Mark Brown, Attica – 1,586 -- $130;

Samantha and Mickey Hyde, Le Roy – 1,576 -- $120;

John Wolff and Bill Neubert, Batavia – 1,571 -- $110;

Gary Kuchler, Batavia, and Frank Jarkiewicz, Byron – 1,569 -- $100;

Paul Bacon, Lockport, and Derek Leach, Batavia – 1,567 -- $90.

TWO ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENTS IN JANUARY

Three GRUSBC tournaments are on next month’s schedule:

-- Jan. 2-3, Scratch Memorial at Perry Bowling Center;

-- Jan. 9-10. Adult-Junior at Mount Morris Lanes;

-- Jan. 23-24, Youth Team at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

For more information, go to www.bowlgr.com.

Culver 751, Sprague 747, Baney 729 as young bowlers strike it big on the lanes; Yates 299 at Rose Garden Bowl

By Mike Pettinella

Youth bowlers stole the spotlight in Genesee Region USBC league bowling action this week.

In the Saturday Junior Mixers League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, 13-year-old Ryleigh Culver put together games of 266, 247 and 238 for a 751 series -- his first USBC-certified 700 series.

Bowling on lanes 5-6, the Medina right-hander had no open frames over the three games using two new 15-pound bowling balls he got as early Christmas presents from his dad and grandfather -- the Storm Axiom and Roto-Grip Hustle.

In the T.F. Brown's Adult-Child League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, 18-year-old Tony Sprague of Batavia fired 268-224-255--747 to lead all bowlers.

And in the Genesee Region Youth Travel League today at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, 15-year-old Gavin Baney of Holley finished with a 278 game for a 729 series to lead the Oak Orchard Bowl tream over Oak Orchard Bowl II by a 26.5-1.5 margin. His first two games were 221 and 230.

Teammate Jesse Keller chipped in with a 649 series, his best three-game set ever.

In adult competition, William Yates of Churchville rolled a 299 game and 760 series to lead the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl. 

The 64-year-old right-hander left an 8-pin on a light hit on the final ball.

In the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso's, Nate Cordes of Batavia started with 266 and 287 en route to a 763 series. 

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

Vallance erupts for 300, 290 games in two huge series; Jarkiewicz posts his first perfect game

By Mike Pettinella

Jeremy Vallance of Batavia doubled his pleasure on the bowling lanes this week, registering a 300 game, 290 game and two outstanding three-game series while competing in two leagues at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The 43-year-old right-hander began the week with a 290-236-258--784 effort in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League -- using a Storm Crux Prime ball for his highest series ever -- and followed that up with a 300-214-262--776 performance in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man League -- using a DVD Turmoil. The perfect game is his third United States Bowling Congress-certified 300.

An employee of Summit Lubricants in Batavia, Vallance, a bowler for more than 30 years, raised his average ot 231 in the Monday league.

Vallance was one of several Genesee Region USBC bowlers who put up gaudy numbers over the past seven days.

  • Frank Jarkiewicz of Byron notched his first certified 300 game in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, posting 258-300-213 for a 771 series on lanes 3-4.. A furniture delivery driver for W.B. Mason, the 50-year-old righty used a Brunswick Melee Jab bowling ball.
  • Laurie Morgante of Bergen fired a 258 game and 716 series to lead the way in the Wednesday Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl.
  • Mike Pettinella of Batavia had games of 276 and 269 in a 772 series in the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso's, using the just-released MOTIV Fatal Venom ball to raise his average to 234.
  • Mark Brown of Attica finished with a 290 for a 762 series in the Toyota of Batavia league, while Rich Wagner of Batavia and Rick Underhill of Batavia each recorded 731 series while Mark Bisig of Le Roy rolled 731.
  • In senior league action at Gates Bowl in Rochester, Kevin Gray Sr. of Honeoye Falls, a GRUSBC member, notched a 300 game on Thursday, his seventh.

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

Two Genesee Region USBC tournaments are on this weekend's schedule -- a handicap no-tap doubles at Medina Lanes and the Senior Masters at Legion Lanes in Le Roy. Also, the GR Youth Travel League will be bowling on Sunday afternoon at Rose Garden Bowl.

For more information, go to the Genesee Region USBC website.

299 and 298 games, big 700 series highlight week's league bowling action

By Mike Pettinella

Four bowlers came oh so close to 300 games and 800 series last week in Genesee Region USBC league bowling action.

At Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, 22-year-old James Townsend and GRUSBC Hall of Famer Fred Gravanda each recorded 299 games with Townsend leaving a wobbly 4-pin and Gravanda leaving a solid 10-pin on their final balls.

Townsend came within 15 pins of an 800 series -- adding 232 and 254 for 785 -- while Gravanda finished with a 714 series.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, William Wood rolled a 298 game, being stymied by a 7-10 split on the final ball. Still, he finished with a 734 series.

At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Robbie Hanks, who posted a 300 game the previous week, put together games of 268-278-245 for a 791 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League.

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

Bowling: Hanks rolls 300--762; Jopson 782, Burdick 768, Gurnsey 290--746, Hahn 738

By Mike Pettinella

Whether he's oiling the lanes, working on a pinsetter, helping out in the kitchen or bowling in a league, Robbie Hanks is known as someone who gives 100 percent to his father, Randy's, business -- Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

On Monday night, he was rewarded by rolling a 300 game while competing in the Sneezy's Monday League at Oak Orchard Bowl. His games were 225-237-300 for a 762 series.

The 28-year-old right-hander now has nine perfect games to go along with three 800 series, all at the Albion establishment.

Also in the league, Brandon Gurnsey started with a spare before stringing 11 straight strikes for a 290 game in a 746 series.

In other action around the Genesee Region:

-- Rodney Jopson posted 279--782 in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen;

-- Justin Burdick fired 266--768 in the Tompkins Bank Monday Night NFL League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia;

-- Tom Hahn spun 258--738 in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League at Mancuso's.

In the Genesee Region Youth Travel League, Juliana Allis of Medina, a 15-year-old righty, rolled 199-241-236--676 to lead Oak Orchard Bowl 3 over Mancuso's, 23-5, on opening week at Mount Morris Lanes. 

The Oak Orchard Bowl 1 team posted a 21-7 win over Le Roy Legion Lanes as Jesse Keller posted 232--623.

The league bowls again at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at Oak Orchard Bowl.

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

Bowling: Gray Jr. posts 770, MacDonald rolls 751 in league action

By Mike Pettinella

Warsaw's Kevin Gray Jr. continued his red-hot bowling in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen this week.

The left-hander popped a 279 game en route to a 770 series, his second big 700 set in the past four weeks. At the end of October, he rolled a 798 series.

Gray's latest effort raised his average to 233 after 30 games.

In other action around the Genesee Region USBC last week:

-- Gary MacDonald of Batavia fired a 751 series in the Wednesday Nite Misfits at Mancuso Bowling Center, raising his average to 229.

-- Laurie Morgante of Bergen rolled 658 in the Wednesday Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl.

-- Darlene Balduf of South Byron spun a 261 game and 627 series in the Wednesday Nite Ladies League at Mancuso's.

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

Bowling: Hyde wins Triple O Mechanical tournament at Rose Garden Bowl; Team Baney 1st at PAWS event

By Mike Pettinella

In a battle of former Golden Gophers, Mickey Hyde of Le Roy defeated Mark Brown of Attica, 279-213, on Sunday to capture the 13th annual Triple O Mechanical Handicap Singles Tournament at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

Hyde rolled 269 scratch (he received 10 pins handicap) to cap a high-scoring day and claim the $500 first prize.

It is the second local singles tourney victory for Hyde in a year for the Bank of Castile Le Roy branch manager, who placed first in the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters last November at Mount Morris Lanes -- using his favorite ball, the Roto-Grip Uproar in both competitions.

Hyde averaged 239 scratch for his seven games – three in the qualifying round and four in the eliminator-style finals, where two of the four bowlers on each pair of lanes advance to the next round.

Brown, who rolled 202 scratch in the title game (11 pins handicap), pocketed $250 for placing second in the event, which drew 58 entries.

Both Hyde (1984) and Brown (1987) are graduates of Pavilion High School and are longtime friends.

They reached the title match by defeating a pair of 18-year-olds, Dennis Van Duser of Perry and Kyle Johnson of Batavia, in the semifinals.

With handicap, Brown rolled 246, Hyde 242, Van Duser 228 and Johnson 212.

Van Duser and Johnson each won $110.

Quarterfinalists, winning $55 apiece, were Peter Pilaroscia and Scott Dingman of Rochester, and Jerry Menzie Jr. and Rob Husted of Bergen. Husted rolled 234 in the second round, falling three pins short of overtaking Hyde for the second spot behind Johnson’s 262.

Other cashers ($40) were Frank Jarkiewicz of Byron, Mike Johnson of Batavia, Brian Weber of Perry, Jillian Menzie and Harris Busmire of Bergen, Chris Mathis and Marcus Germonto of Rochester, and Mark Mack of Le Roy.

Busmire (297) and Jarkiewicz (290) had the high games in the USBC-certified tournament.

In other tournament action:

  • Team Baney placed first in the PAWS Triples No-Tap Tournament at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion over the weekend, rolling 2,562 with handicap to outlast 43 other teams for the $465 top prize. Members were Sammy Oddo, Matt Nolan and Paul Baney.

They were followed by Sticks 'N' Stones (Alishia Foss, Corey Winters and Bailey Hudson), $330, and El Leach (Derek Leach, Devon Leach, Josh Elliott), $275.

The top eight teams cashed in the event, which raised close to $2,000 for the PAWS Animal Shelter in Albion.

  • Bonnie Willey of Geneseo took top honors in the Class AA (75-and-over) division of the 35th Gladys Ford Memorial Women's Senior Singles at Livingston Lanes in Geneseo, rolling a tournament-best 676 series for the $150 first prize.

Carole Flicker of Lakeville was second at 661, winning $100. Other cashers were Dawn Bertrand, Wyoming, 656, $80; Bonnie Wass, Warsaw, 628, $50, and Joanne Reed, Livonia, 596, $30.

In Class A (70-74), Bernie Hotchkiss of Mount Morris placed first with 607, good for $85.

In Class B (65-59), Betsy Flint of Portageville was first with 596 ($85).

In Class C (60-64), Marian Gerhardy of Albion was first with 634 ($85), followed by Dawn Luckenbach of Caledonia, 626 ($57).

In Class D (55-59), Penny Brown led the way with 633, winning $85, and Lisa Granger of Silver Springs was second with 584 ($57).

In Class E (50-54), Diane Hurlburt placed first with 584 $60).

Thirty-four GRUSBC members competed. The GRUSBC contributed $200 to the tournament.

Photo: Tom Sardou, proprietor of Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen; Mickey Hyde, Mark Brown. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Bowling: Morris records 299 at Oak Orchard Bowl

By Mike Pettinella

Alex Morris of Batavia came within a pin of his first United States Bowling Congress-certified perfect game last week in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

The 31-year-old right-hander strung 11 strikes before coming up high on the final ball -- leaving a 3-pin -- for a 299 game. It is the second 299 for Morris, who will receive an award from the Genesee Region USBC. He finished with a 691 series.

High series for the week included Scott Gibson of Oakfield, 750 in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen; Curtis Foss, 749 in the Sneezy's League, and Jim Pursel, 741 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

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

Townsend posts 788; Krna, Leach roll 298 games at Mancuso Bowling Center

By Mike Pettinella

Press Release:

A pair of 298 games and a 788 series highlighted Genesee Region USBC league bowling action this past week at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

In the Antique World Tuesday Coed League, 22-year-old right-hander James Townsend continued his stellar bowling this season with 246-276-266 for 788 on lanes 17-18.

The Walmart automotive employee rolled nine strikes in game one, 10 in game two (including the first nine in a row) and the first eight strikes in game three. He needed two strikes in the 10th frame for an 800 series but fell short, getting nine spare and eight on his final ball.

Steve Krna of Alexander flirted with perfection, rolling the first 11 strikes before leaving two pins on his final ball for 298. He finished with a 703 series.

In the Toyota of Batavia Thursday League, Devon Leach posted 11 in a row before leaving the 4-9 split for a 298. He finished with a 686 series.

In the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Night League, Jeremy Vallance led the way with 753.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Warsaw lefty Kevin Gray Jr. made it three straight 700 sets with 266--750 in the Thursday Owls League, while Rodney Jopson stayed in the groove with 256--725 in the Wednesday Night Handicap League.

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

Bowling: Joshua Cummings rolls 300 in Le Roy; Robert Manners 299--786 in Bergen

By Press Release

Press release:

Genesee Region USBC league bowlers produced one honor score and several near misses to close out the month of October.

A pair of Rochester residents led the way as Joshua Cummings posted a 300 game in the American Legion Thursday Men’s League at Le Roy Legion Lanes and Robert Manners registered a 299 and 786 series in the Wednesday Men’s Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

Cummings, a 45-year-old right-hander, opened with perfection on lanes 1-2, catching a couple crossover strikes early before hitting the 1-3 pocket the rest of the way.

The 300 is his second (the first came at Dewey Garden Lanes in Rochester) to go with a 299 rolled in 1999 and an 812 series in 2009, both at Sunset Lanes in Rochester.

He said he used a Storm Match Up ball purchased last year specifically for Legion Lanes.

“I got the ball from Chris Lamb at Lightning Strikes (pro shop) just for Le Roy because I needed something to go long,” said Cummings, an employee of Panther Graphics in Rochester. “He polished it up and it has been working pretty well.”

Cummings lost his carry after game one, however, and finished with a 642 series. He averaged 195 in Le Roy last season and 215 at Sunset Lanes.

At Rose Garden Bowl, Manners, a 47-year-old righty, had the line from the start and kept in all night, rolling 299-267-220--786 in a substitute role.

Elsewhere around the region:

-- Veteran Batavia bowler Mike Pettinella stayed hot in the Turnbull Heating Tuesday Triples League at Mancuso Bowling Center, recording 268-247-259—774. The big series followed a 744 set the previous week.

-- Warsaw lefty Kevin Gray Jr. notched a 298 game and 739 series to take top honors in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl, edging his father, Kevin Sr., who rolled 279—733. Gray Jr. had a 798 series the week before.

-- Jeremy Vallance of Warsaw registered 269-237-244—750 to lead the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League at Mancuso’s, while Matt Balduf of South Byron put up the same score with 267-246-237—750 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man at Mancuso’s. Geoff Harloff of Batavia was next with 236-259-253—748.

-- At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Bill Logan of Albion had games of 267, 257 and 223 in a 747 series in the Sneezy’s Monday Night League.

For a list of high scores through Oct. 31, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Foss opens the season with 300, pair of 299 games and three 800 series at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion

By Mike Pettinella

Face coverings, plastic sheeting between the seating area and social distancing are no match for Medina resident Curtis Foss, the Genesee Region USBC's high average champion (246) for the 2019-20 season.

The 33-year-old right-hander is off to an unbelievable start in this COVID-19-hampered season, rolling a 300 game, two 299 games and three 800 series in league play over the past 10 days at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

Foss rolled 300--813 in the Friday Singles League on Sept. 18, 299--803 in the Thursday Men's Triples League on Sept. 24 and 299--811 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League last night.

Elsewhere around the Genesee Region: Robbie Hanks fired 269--766 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl; Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw rolled 258--751 in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen; Rodney Jopson recorded 269--747 in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl; and Darleen Balduf of Byron registered 244--652 in the Wednesday Nite Ladies League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Click on the Pin Points tab above for a list of early-season high scores.

Leagues can use two lanes with 'appropriate barriers'; bowlers upset over face coverings rule

By Mike Pettinella

League bowlers who have been objecting to the one-lane rule received some good news on Tuesday, but the same can’t be said for those who are protesting having to wear a face covering while delivering the ball.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office ruled that leagues can be conducted as normal – switching each frame between two lanes over the course of a game – as long as “appropriate physical barriers” are put up between lanes.

Bowling proprietors throughout the state have been buying plastic sheeting, shower curtains and plexiglass, and are in the process of using those materials to separate bowlers in the seating area and at the ball return.

According to an email blast from the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association, the latest guidelines include the answer to two questions:

Q. Leagues typically use a pair of lanes when they are bowling. Is it permissible for teams to swap lanes (team bowls on the left lane, next time they bowl on the right lane) with the barrier still in place between the lanes and they stay seated on one side at all times?

A. Yes, if they don’t interact and otherwise maintain social distancing when switching.

Q. With regards to the number of players to any event (other than a regular league) at the facility being restricted to 50 or fewer, can that group bowl on consecutive lanes without barriers? For example, if a family of 10 comes in to bowl together they would normally bowl on two lanes next to each other. Do they need to have a barrier between their lanes even though they are together? This would be similar to a family out dining together.

A. No barrier needed here if part of the same group.

While league members will be pleased to know that two lanes can be used during competition, the rule stating that face coverings must be worn at all times for patrons/players is “the biggest issue” right now, said Mike Sputore, manager of Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

Sputore said the reaction at league meetings this week has been decidedly against the directive that masks have to be worn while actually rolling the ball.

“Our numbers are going to be way down if this isn’t changed, but I am optimistic that it will be,” Sputore said, noting that the number of bowlers in a few leagues that have met thus far has declined as much as 50 percent from last season. “The mask rule should be the same as with the restaurant – when you’re seated a table you can remove your mask. If a bowler is social distanced on the lane, why does he or she need to wear the mask then?”

He also said people are concerned about being able to breathe properly and those with glasses have problems with their glasses fogging up while wearing a face covering.

Other guidelines still in place for bowling are as follows:

  • Restrict facility capacity to no more than 50 percent of the maximum occupancy for a particular area as set by the certificate of occupancy, inclusive of employees and patrons/players;
  • Strictly enforce social distancing of at least six feet between parties of patrons/players, including during play by closing adjacent bowling lanes or enacting appropriate physical barriers between lanes;
  •  Ensure patrons/players interact only with their party at their assigned lane (i.e., no comingling of parties);
  • Rigorously clean and disinfect any rented or shared equipment (e.g., bowling balls, bowling shoes) between each patron’s/player’s or party’s use;
  • Limit the number of patrons/players to any event at the facility to no more than the current social gathering restrictions that are in effect for the region as a part of the State’s phased reopening (i.e., 50 or fewer people in Phase 4 regions, as of Aug. 15, 2020); and Adhere to the Department of Health's “Interim Guidance for Food Services during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency” and all other applicable state-issued guidance (e.g., State Liquor Authority) for food and beverage service on the premise of the facility; provided, however, that indoor food and beverage service remains prohibited in New York City until further notice, as of Aug. 15, 2020.

Further, responsible parties of bowling centers and alleys may consider these additional public health and safety measures:

  • Encourage patron/player visits be made in advance by reservation only, where practicable;
  • Consider measures to reduce interpersonal contact and congregation, such as: “blocking off” operating times to allow for enhanced cleaning and disinfection; implementing “sign-up” policies, so patrons/players only play during their allotted time; and/or offering “equipment valets” where employees retrieve equipment for patrons/players (e.g., employees retrieve bowling balls from rack for use);
  • Post signage and issue audio reminders for patrons/players to clean and disinfect equipment before and after use;
  • Impose reasonable limits on rentals of facility owned equipment (e.g., a single individual may only use one bowling ball for the duration of the patron’s/player’s play); and/or
  • Encourage patrons/players to bring and use their own equipment (e.g., bowling balls).

Also, billiards are not allowed to be open at this time.

Bowlers return to Mancuso's; league meetings scheduled for this week

By Mike Pettinella

Mancuso Bowling Center opened its doors for business at 3 p.m. today, welcoming bowlers back for the first time since being forced to shutdown in mid-March due to COVID-19.

Former Batavian Randy Johnson (top photo), an avid bowler, drove in from Buffalo to get in some practice time. Photo at bottom shows a sign -- Please Social Distance 6 Ft. Apart -- as part of New York State's reopening requirements.

Other changes include hand sanitizing stations throughout the faciliity and instructions on face coverings, food service and proper use of house bowling balls and rental shoes. Manager Mike Sputore said league meetings are being held this week.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Previously: Amid confusion, public health director responds to questions about bowling league guidelines

Amid confusion, public health director responds to questions about bowling league guidelines

By Mike Pettinella

Bowling center proprietors and managers are reaching out to state and local bowling association representatives and to the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association to find out what they can and cannot do when it comes to running their leagues for the 2020-21 season.

Normally, fall leagues begin just before or right after Labor Day, which is on Sept. 7th this year.

Last Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that bowling centers would be able to reopen on Aug. 17, ending a five-month shutdown of the state’s nearly 300 bowling establishments as New York dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor’s press release listed the following safety protocols for bowling centers:

  • Operating at 50-percent maximum occupancy limit;
  • Face coverings and social distancing will be required at all times;
  • Every other lane must be closed;
  • Patrons need to stay with the party at their assigned lane;
  • Thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared or rented equipment between each use;
  • All food service must follow all state-issued guidance.

Furthermore, in New York City, due to restrictions on indoor dining, food and beverage service will not be allowed in New York City bowling centers.

Still, those who operate these facilities have expressed a degree of confusion, seeking more specifics. They also have varying ideas of how they believe (to some extent, wishful thinking) things should proceed.

Proprietors and managers -- judging by initial conversations with league secretaries -- are anticipating a drop off in membership as a result of one-lane only and face covering mandates.

In an effort to answer their questions, The Batavian reached out to Paul Pettit, Genesee/Orleans public health director, with the following:

Q. Can a team in a league, let’s say of four members, bowl on a pair of lanes (as is normally the case) – having just one bowler on the approach at a time – and have the pair of lanes next to them dark? For example, one team on lanes 1-2, lanes 3-4 dark, another team on lanes 5-6, lanes 7-8 dark, another team on lanes 9-10, and so forth? This still meets the 50-percent occupancy requirement.

A. On Aug. 14, the Governor’s office published a press release outlining the stipulations for bowling alleys to safely reopen (see above). An interim guidance has yet to be released by the State. Based on the press release, every other lane must be closed.

Q. Do masks have to be worn on the approach, or can a bowler remove the mask as he or she steps onto the lane, and then put the mask back on when stepping off the approach?

A. Face masks must be work at all times.

Q. How is the 50-percent capacity determined?

A. The 50-percent capacity would be based on the establishments building occupancy (not by multiplying the number of lanes by a specific number).

Q. Is there a chance these restrictions could be eased?

A. These restrictions are set forth by the state. Locally, we do not have the jurisdiction to alter or lessen the state requirements. If the restrictions are lifted or lessened, the state would be in charge of making that formal announcement.

Q. What else can you share at this time?

A. Again, we are waiting for the state to deliver the formal guidance for bowling alleys. This is not the first time the state has allowed a business to reopen with little to no guidance.

Facilities should monitor the New York Forward website for specific guidelines when they are released. Facilities can also email specific questions to the Finger Lakes Regional Control Room at: flnyf@esd.ny.gov. We appreciate the patience of the community as we wait for the state to release the guidance.

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Doug Bohannon of Glens Falls, president of the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association, provided information about what is considered a “group or event”:

“We are allowed to operate at 50-percent capacity. The part in the guidance about ‘limiting the number of patrons/players to any event at the facility to no more than the current social gathering restrictions that are in effect for the region as a part of the State's phased reopening (i.e., 50 or fewer people in Phase Four 4 regions, as of Aug. 15, 2020)’ is confusing but I have obtained clarification from Albany which states that a league is not a group or event.

“This part of the guidance refers to, for example, a church group or a summer camp that wants to book an outing to your center. If that type of group wants to book an outing, then they are limited to 50 people.”

Restrictions on capacity, lane usage pose formidable challenges in bowling league scheduling

By Mike Pettinella

Bowling center proprietors have crossed one giant hurdle, finally convincing Gov. Andrew Cuomo that they can reopen their establishments safely, but now they face another significant challenge in figuring out how to run their leagues.

On Friday, the governor announced that centers will be allowed to reopen starting this Monday – good news for managers who rely on the weeks before Labor Day to determine the strength of their leagues and recruit new bowlers.

However, with the mandate to limit capacity to 50 percent and to keep every other lane closed due to social distancing, deciding where and when leagues will be able to bowl when they begin in early September likely will take on the look of musical chairs.

Normally, league opponents are set up to bowl on two adjoining lanes – lanes 1-2, for example – and to alternate lanes for each frame over the course of their three-game match.

In the first game, the team starting on lane 1 would bowl frames 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 on lane 1 and frames 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 on lane 2. The alternating pattern would continue through the next two games.

Rule Changes Allow Bowling on One Lane

Fortunately, several weeks ago the United States Bowling Congress, the governing body of the sport, temporarily waived USBC Playing Rules 106a, 106b, 320a and 320b, which state two lanes must be used for competition and bowlers must alternate lanes – bowling five frames on each lane of the pair.

The USBC also waived the requirement that both lanes must be used for a bowler to be eligible for awards and average recognition.

Those rule changes open the door for leagues to continue, but league bowling teams are going to have to be flexible and be willing to bowl on just one lane until the time comes when Albany loosens the limitations on lane usage and capacity.

“It’s tough,” said Mike Sputore, manager of the 24-lane Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, which plans to open on Aug. 24. “We’ve come up with a couple thought processes, but there’s no perfect plan … bowlers are going to have to work with us.”

Sputore said the only fair way to get the ball rolling is to “offer all of our leagues an opportunity to have a meeting and gauge the total number of league bowlers willing to still bowl (considering the restrictions).”

“One of our thoughts is to run double shifts for all the leagues, for instance, our Tuesday league that bowls on lanes 1 through 10 would be able to have five teams bowl on that first shift – maybe go odd (team numbers) the first week and even (team numbers) on the second shift,” he said. “That’s the only fair way to allow all of the teams to participate.”

Will League Bowlers Start Earlier?

He also said the weekly starting times could be moved up, so instead of the league starting at 7 p.m., it would be willing to start around 5:30. That way the second shift would be able to begin around 7:30 or 8 p.m. – the exact times determined by the number of bowlers on each team.

Sputore also said an option could be to have all the bowlers in one league bowl on the first shift on the first and third weeks of the month, and another league scheduled for that particular night having the first shift on the second and fourth weeks of the month.

That way, all members of a 12-team league, for example, would be able to bowl at the same time, but spread out over the 24 lanes, skipping every other lane.

Mancuso’s has the most lanes of all the centers serviced by the Genesee Region USBC, with other “larger” centers being Medina Lanes (20), Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion (18) and Livingston Lanes in Geneseo (16).

Finding something that works at the smaller centers will be all the more difficult.

Eight Isn't Enough

“I’m really hoping that the guidelines change again by the time we start our leagues,” said Bob Santini, proprietor of Mount Morris Lanes, which has eight lanes and a full weekly schedule of leagues, including two with five members per team. “If we have to go every other lane, it’s going to be tough.”

Santini, like Sputore, mentioned the first and second shift notion, but bemoaned the fact that the second squad of a five-person league wouldn’t finish until around 11 p.m.

He said the other option would be to allow half of a particular league to bowl on week one of the month, and the other half of the league to bowl on week two of the month. However, that would reduce the number of sessions for each group to 16 (for a 32-week league), effectively cutting his income in half.

“There’s two options and neither one of them are very good,” he said.

Santini also wondered if the requirement out of Albany that everyone has to wear a face covering applied when the bowler is actually on the lane, making his or her delivery. He mentioned that masks aren’t required when people are sitting down at a table eating.

“We’ve had two league meetings thus far and for the most part, everybody’s good with everything, except the masks,” he said.

The other Genesee Region USBC bowling centers with certified leagues are Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen (8 lanes), Paris Lanes in Oakfield (12 lanes), Perry Bowling Center (8 lanes), Letchworth Pines in Portageville (12 lanes), and Legion Lanes in Le Roy (8 lanes).

Waiting for More Guidelines

Doug Bohannon, of Glens Falls, president of the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association, said he is waiting for further details on the guidelines, including if face coverings have to be worn at all times.

“I know in Texas you have to wear a mask even when you’re bowling, and Florida it might be that way, but all the states surrounding us, you don’t have to wear the masks when you bowl,” he said. “The state has let us open, but they really haven’t given us the full set of rules yet.”

As far as all the requirements, Bohannon said proprietors will just have to make it work.

“It’s much better than staying closed,” he said. “If everybody just keeps doing what they’re doing (in terms of health and safety protocols), I think we will see a loosening in the restrictions.”

Other guidelines for bowling centers include: social distancing required at all times; bowlers need to stay at their assigned lanes; thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared or rented equipment between each use will be required; and all food service must follow all state-issued guidance.

Hawley delighted that NY bowling alleys can open at 50-percent capacity on Monday

By Press Release

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is celebrating the state’s decision to allow local bowling alleys to reopen at 50-percent capacity this upcoming Monday.

All bowling alleys will be able to start up with food being served by wait staff, ensuring that local economies receive the boost in revenue they need while also allowing locals to get in some exercise and play after being cooped up inside for so long.

“I’m thrilled to hear that progress continues to be made with the reopening of the state,” Hawley said. “I had written a letter some time ago to the governor asking for bowling alleys to be opened as soon as possible for the sake of local economies alongside the service they provide citizens in stretching their legs and having some light fun.

"Our conference had then sent another letter requesting much of the same. It’s good to hear that the governor is hearing us and taking into account the steps needed to ensure that people are protected and remain healthy during this continually challenging time.”

Local proprietor: Bowling industry is on the brink of disaster if centers aren't allowed to open soon

By Mike Pettinella

The proprietor of Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia believes the future of the industry is at stake if Gov. Andrew Cuomo doesn’t allow bowling centers to reopen immediately.

Rick Mancuso, in a letter sent to Assemblyman Stephen Hawley today, is imploring the governor to let bowling centers reopen in a safe and conscientious manner, adding that the month of August sets the stage for operations continuing into next spring.

“If we do not get our leagues signed up and committed, bowlers will find other options for entertainment,” Mancuso wrote. “There will be no coming back for this recreational past time that has provided for local communities in a multitude of ways.”

Mancuso is speaking for proprietors of nearly 300 bowling centers and close to 9,000 employees in New York State, many of whom have written similar letters, signed petitions and sent emails, held press conferences – and even sent bowling pins featuring pleas to reopen to the governor – in an effort to solicit a response from Albany.

Bowling centers were forced to close in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, wiping out the end of their league seasons and any tournaments on their schedule. And while centers in Connecticut and New Jersey have reopened; halls in New York remain dark. At least two centers in the state have closed for good, including Miller Lanes in Honeoye Falls.

A fixture in the community for nine decades, Mancuso Bowling Center is one of 10 centers serviced by the Genesee Region USBC, a local association affiliated with the United States Bowling Congress. The USBC cancelled its national tournaments in 2020 and, more recently, announced that it will not conduct any events through the rest of this year.

Mancuso said he is very concerned for the future of individual businesses and the industry, in general.

“The timeline for events in the bowling business begins from the beginning of August to the middle of August for the upcoming 30-week season and the startup of leagues is generally immediately after Labor Day,” he indicated in his letter. “We need to get some guidance and communication now as to what the plan is for bowling centers across the state … a plan as to how we are going to survive and move forward.”

He also noted that the bowling industry has been in a steady decline over the last couple decades due to a number of factors, mostly unrelated to the owners’ own actions.

“This (present) time is threatening to push the industry over the edge and force closure of centers. Hundreds of thousands of square feet of buildings will become vacant, which will affect not only local/state taxes but the quality of life in hundreds of communities,” Mancuso said.

In a related development, Randy Hanks, owner of Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, was on a Zoom videoconference this morning, and he reported that the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association will be distributing a two-minute public service announcement to NYS proprietors.

“It will explain what we’re doing in regard to social distancing, disinfecting and other measures to ensure that we open safely for everyone – customers and our employees,” he said.

NYS BPA President Doug Bohannon, proprietor of Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls, said that proprietors will be reimbursed up to $50 for posting the “Safe, Sanitized and Ready to Roll” commercial spot and sharing it with as many people as possible.

“We are working hard to get the governor’s attention … to keep the awareness up there concerning our situation,” Bohannon said.

He also mentioned that fitness center and gym owners are in the process of filing a class action suit against the governor, but that the NYS BPA is not considering going down that route at this time.

State lawmakers go to bat for bowling proprietors disillusioned by prolonged shutdown

By Mike Pettinella

New York State bowling center proprietors are going on the offensive in an effort to convince Gov. Andrew Cuomo to allow their businesses to reopen.

Rebuffed in their attempts to be part of the state’s Phase Three reopening plan, proprietors are becoming increasingly frustrated and worried after not being able to resume operations when Phase Four went into effect on June 26.

With backing from the Bowling Proprietors Association of America and the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association, bowling center owners have reached out to state lawmakers, hoping to impress upon them – and ultimately, the governor -- that with proper social distancing and disinfecting protocols in place, bowling can resume in a safe environment.

Local Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and Long Island Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano as well as Senator Daphne Jordan, who represents an area including Saratoga Springs, have written letters to the Cuomo on behalf of the bowling industry.

Hawley’s letter in June, pushing for a Phase Three opening, was signed by 17 other state legislators.

DeStefano hosted a press conference via Zoom videoconferencing last week and another at noon today that was broadcast on Facebook Live today from Coram Country Lanes in Suffolk County.

Today’s event attracted bowling proprietors and bowlers from across the state.

'We're Ready, Willing and Able'

“We know that bowling centers are supposed to be within Phase Four. We’re in Phase Four but yet the bowling community has not been advised as to what to do about reopening,” DeStefano said. “We’re here today to show everybody that the bowling community is ready, willing and able to do the things necessary to reopen.”

DeStefano said bowling centers “are not looking for a handout, we’re not looking for something for nothing … we want to do what is right for our communities. This is something that both sides agree on and the only person who hasn’t been listening is the governor.”

Nassau County Assemblyman John Mikulin said that bowling proprietors, like other business owners, want everyone to be safe.

“Bowling centers have a plan and can implement that plan and maintain social distancing,” he said. “Bowling contributes much to our communities.”

Approximately 300 bowling centers in New York employee around 8,700 people.

“Those are 8,700 people that are no longer working since March,” DeStefano said. “We need to get these people back to work and off the unemployment rolls.”

Looking for Clear Direction

Robert Martinez, representing Tom Muratore, Suffolk County legislator, said “if the pandemic does not hurt us, keeping our businesses closed and keeping people sitting home and waiting to work will certainly destroy us.”

DeStefano echoed the proprietors’ disappointment over the lack of direction from Albany.

“There are plenty of things that we have done so far to try and get these centers open again,” he said. “Unfortunately, for whatever reason, we’ve reached out to the Department of Health, we’ve reached out to the governor’s office, we’ve had a Zoom conference with the governor’s office and today we still haven’t heard … any guidance.”

Joe LaSpina, proprietor of Maple Family Centers on Long Island (and a center in Florida that has reopened), displayed his company’s 30-page reopening document that underscores customer safety, employee safety and exceeding the Center for Disease Control guidelines.

“We’re ready to embrace testing and social distancing. A pair of lanes is 11 ½ feet wide; that’s ample space for social distancing,” he said. “Our bowlers are aching to come back.”

At the Mercy of the Governor

Anthony Palumbo, another Long Island assemblyman, questioned Cuomo’s motivation in not responding to the proprietors.

“It’s almost if the governor is relishing in the fact that he can arbitrarily decide what is going to open and what isn’t going to open,” he said. “We’re all adults; we can do this safely and smartly. These small businesses will never reopen unless they allow us some leeway to do it smartly and safely.”

Chris Keller, owner of The All Star, a bowling center in Riverhead, said that since the shutdown, proprietors have focused on developing a plan for “clean, responsible and safe reopening when it was time.”

“Well, it is time. It’s time for the governor to trust in us; it’s time to let us open our doors again; it’s time to rehire our 8,700 employees; it’s time to enjoy our wonderful sport again,” he said.

John LaSpina, Joe’s father and longtime industry leader, pointed out that 40 years ago, bowling proprietors joined forces with the NYS Insurance Fund to create a safety group for all member centers.

“Through all of those years we have made significant strides in workplace safety, we have benefited by our collective exchange, reaped the benefits of discounted premiums and annual rebates based on our own safe performance. As you can see, safety is nothing new to us,” he said.

Bowling Supports Youth, Veterans

He also talked about the USBC’s commitment to youth bowling, noting that $80 million is being held in SMART accounts as scholarships earned by boys and girls across the nation. And that bowling has raised more than $50 million for veterans through the Bowlers to Veterans Link since the fund’s inception in 1942.

John LaSpina brought up that bowlers in the Downstate area are traveling to New Jersey and Connecticut to bowl.

“So, we wave and wish them luck on the lanes and remind them of all those tolls,” he said.

What he really would love, he said, is to have a “private conversation” with the governor.

“I would tell him that I was glued to the TV for almost every one of his briefings and that I salute him for making hard decisions, which is what leadership is all about,” he said. “Give us clear guidance of your expectations and we will deliver. We will enforce social distancing, lower occupancy and follow all sanitation protocols.

“We are ready, we are smart, we are safe … it’s time for you to open our doors and let us show you what we can do.”

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