*Welcome to the New York State USBC Website *

CLICK HERE for the NYS USBC Facebook Page

Women's Senior Singles Tournament is Cancelled

MAY 28, 2020 -- Due to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State USBC board of directors has decided to cancel the 2020 NYS Women's Senior Singles Championships that were scheduled to take place in August at Roseland Bowl in Canandaigua.

The board's feeling is that cancelling the tournament is in the best interests of our bowlers as well as bowling center personnel and tournament workers. In most regions of the state, the reopening process is in the first of four phases, and bowling centers aren't slated to reopen until next month if all goes well.

The board also agreed to award the 2021 tournament to Roseland Bowl, with Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego and Kingpin's Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls pushed back a year to 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Refund checks are being mailed this week to bowlers who had paid their entry fees.

NYS Youth Team, Pepsi Regional Bowlers
to Receive $30,000 in Scholarship Awards

MAY 18, 2020 – New York State USBC youth tournament bowlers and their parents will be happy to know that scholarship awards are coming their way in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic that dealt a severe blow to the bowling industry.

In a joint statement issued today, Tom Solimine Sr., NYS Youth Team manager, and Nelson Chase, NYS Youth Pepsi manager, announced that more than $30,000 in scholarships will be distributed to bowlers who participated in their respective tournaments at the regional level.

“While we were all disappointed that the finals of both tournaments were cancelled, we are pleased to report that bowlers at the regionals will be receiving scholarships for the 2019-20 season,” they said. “Hopefully, we will be able to resume normal activities next season.”

Solimine and Chase thanked the young bowlers, parents and grandparents for supporting the NYS USBC events, and advised that scholarship awards will show up in the entrants’ SMART account over the next several weeks.

In the NYS Youth Team Tournament, the 70 teams that qualified for the finals will each receive $100, with each member getting $25.

In the NYS Youth Pepsi (Singles) Tournament, five regional competitions took place, and five were cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Bowlers in regions that did not compete (Regions 1, 3, 8, 9, 10) previously received refunds from the NYS USBC office.

In the regions where competition did occur (Regions 2, 4, 5, 6, 7), the decision was made to give a $250 scholarship for first place and $150 for second place in all divisions. That total comes to $23,700.

NYS USBC Announces
2019-20 Scholarship Winners

UPDATED -- MAY 14, 2020

MAY 7, 2020 -- The New York State USBC YES Committee has announced its Graduating Senior Scholarship, Spirit Award and Future Stars Award winners for the 2019-20 season.

2020 Graduating Senior Scholarship Winners:

Brenna Gleim, Equinunk, Pa., Priscilla "Pat" Zonneville Memorial Scholarship, $4,000

Patrick Ritz, Rochester, $3,000

Mykenzie Burnett, Shortsville, $2,000

Keith Kolaczyk, Victor, $1,000 (Sponsored by NYS Youth Leaders)

Dimitri Queior, Brewerton, $1,000 (Sponsored by NYS Youth Leaders)

Christopher Bayly, Kirkville, $1,000

Abigail Sarmiento, Rochester, $1,000

Youth Spirit Award - Athletes in Grades 9-11 ($1,500)

1st place - $750 JOSHUA BHOLAN (10th Grade), St. James
2nd place - $500 MATTHEW GRIMALDI (9th Grade), Farmingville
3rd place - $250 RACHEL HINES (11th Grade), Coram

Future Stars Award - Athletes in Grades 5-8 ($375)

1st place - $200 CITA ARCANGEL (8th Grade), Lake Ronkonkoma
2nd place - $100 SADRIANNA ERB (5th Grade), Farmington
3rd place - $75 SAVANNAH SWIATOCHA (7th Grade), Scotia

Future Stars Award - Athletes in Grades K-4 ($375)

1st place - $200 EZRA SYBERT (4th Grade), Newfield
2nd place - $100 NOAH COULMAN (4th Grade), Hudson Falls
3rd place - $75 GRAYSON QUICK (2nd Grade), Endicott

CLICK HERE for a closer look at the Spirit Award and Future Stars winners.

To see the bios of these deserving student-athletes scroll over the Youth tab and click on the Youth Scholarship tab.

USBC OKs Use of One Lane, Isopropyl Alcohol
During League and Tournament Competition

MAY 7, 2020 -- The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors approved waivers and modifications to USBC Playing Rules to allow certified leagues and tournaments more flexibility to return to bowling while adhering to local health guidelines related to COVID-19.  

The modifications allow certified competition to take place on one lane for the entirety of a game. Additionally, bowlers will be allowed to use isopropyl alcohol, more commonly known as rubbing alcohol, to clean their bowling ball during competition. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists isopropyl alcohol as an approved disinfectant for use against COVID-19.

“As bowling centers around the country are reopening, USBC intends to give operators the most flexibility possible to resume bowling within their local guidelines,” USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy said. “We have been listening to proprietors and members as they prepare to resume certified play and made these changes based on that input. Our goal is to facilitate bowling again in a way that meets the need locally and USBC is ready to quickly consider and activate additional changes based on feedback from centers and associations.”

The USBC Board has the authority to temporarily amend or suspend league and tournament rules in emergency cases. With the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, USBC reviewed its rules and policies to identify areas of concern relating to player safety and to determine how it could promote efforts while centers adjust operations to meet local guidelines.

Effective immediately, USBC has 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. It also waived the requirement that both lanes must be used for a bowler to be eligible for awards and average recognition.

The temporary waiver allows competitions to use one lane for the entirety of a game and allows recognition of scores bowled on a single lane for USBC High Score Awards and for a bowler’s official average.

USBC will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and can rescind the waiver of Rules 106a,106b, 320a and 320b at any time.

USBC also created an exception for Rule 18, which restricts the use of liquid cleaners to clean the outer surface of the bowling ball during USBC certified competition. The exception for Rule 18 applies only to isopropyl alcohol – no other USBC-approved cleaners will be allowed during competition.

The USBC Board, which has the authority over General Playing Rules, was able to make the rules waivers following the adoption of General Playing Rule 14 - Emergency Authorizations. Rule 14 states USBC may authorize temporary modifications to the General Playing Rules, Award, League and Tournament Rules in cases of emergency and that such authorizations will be for a specified period.

USBC Cancels Convention,
Moves Annual Meeting to 2021

APRIL 21, 2020 – The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors approved a special resolution to cancel the 2020 USBC Convention and postpone the Annual Meeting until 2021 because of COVID-19 public health restrictions.

The resolution was enacted to ensure a proper governance process under USBC Bylaws during these extraordinary public health circumstances. The resolution allows continuity of governance to be properly maintained in accordance with applicable laws until delegates can meet at the 2021 USBC Convention and Annual Meeting.

Under the resolution, the USBC president for the 2020-2021 season can appoint, with USBC board approval, delegate directors to fill the positions of delegate directors whose terms expire July 31, 2020. The delegates will be asked to ratify the appointments at the 2021 USBC Annual Meeting.

As part of the resolution, the proposed amendments for the 2020 Annual Meeting will be decided by delegates at the 2021 Annual Meeting. Any amendments approved at the 2021 Annual Meeting will take effect Aug. 1, 2021, unless stated otherwise. The legislative process for the 2021 Annual Meeting does not change, as members may request any bylaws or playing rules changes in writing to USBC by Sept. 1, 2020.

The USBC board also held its officer elections, with Melissa McDaniel of Raleigh, North Carolina, elected president and Adam Mitchell of Centreville, Virginia, selected as vice president. Both will begin their terms on Aug. 1, 2020.

New York State USBC
Postpones Annual Meeting
Tentative New Date is Aug. 29
at Holiday Inn in Binghamton

APRIL 20, 2020 -- Due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, the New York State USBC Annual Meeting scheduled for June 6, 2020 in Binghamton has been postponed.

NYS USBC President Roger Buckman is currently working with The Holiday Inn in Binghamton on possible dates to host the annual meeting and the 2020 Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

The tentative date for the Annual Meeting and Hall of Fame Dinner is August 29, 2020.

"I will continue to provide updates as the event draws nearer or the situation changes," Buckman said. "Thank you to all who have inquired and shared their thoughts, opinions and recommendations as we navigate through this most difficult time.

My prayers and thoughts to all of you for good health and I can only hope we will be together in person soon."

----------------------

Additional information regarding the Annual Meeting:

The Holiday Inn Binghamton Arena is located at 2-8 Hawley St., Binghamton, NY 13901. The Annual Meeting will begin at 1 p.m., and will be preceded by a Memorial Service at 12:30 p.m.

The Holiday Inn also will host the NYS USBC board of directors meeting on Friday, Aug 28.

The hotel’s phone number is 607-722-1212. Room rate for NYS USBC delegates and guests is $119 plus taxes.

All registered delegates will have voice and voting privileges at the Annual Meeting.

Positions up for election in 2020 are as follows:

-- Vice President (see resume form for specific qualifications).

-- Three Adult Directors.

-- Two Youth Directors.

CLICK HERE for resumes of candidates for the preceding positions.

Anyone wishing to be nominated from the Floor must have a signed resume to the Nominating Committee chair at least 30 days prior to the start of the Annual Meeting.

IBC Cancels Junior Gold,
Other Summer Events
Qualifying Fees to be Placed into SMART Accounts

APRIL 16, 2020, ARLINGTON, Texas – International Bowling Campus Youth Development has canceled its national youth championships events, including the Junior Gold Championships presented by Hammer, scheduled for July in Las Vegas.

The cancellation of events includes the USA Bowling National Championships, the Bowling.com Youth Open Championships, and the Survivor tournament.

More than 4,000 youths already had qualified for the events, set to take place at seven bowling centers in Las Vegas from July 8-26.  

“All of us at IBC Youth understand and share in the disappointment, as July is our time to celebrate youth bowling with the athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers,” said Gary Brown, IBC Youth Managing Director. “But this summer is the time to ensure the focus is on the safety and welfare of our bowling families.”

The COVID-19 pandemic already has had a damaging financial impact on families throughout the country and likely will affect the ability of many athletes to attend. Others may choose not to attend out of travel concerns, and IBC Youth does not feel it is proper to put any additional stress on our advancers’ families.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support as we navigate through this,” USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy said. “The tournaments already were impacted as Junior Gold local qualifiers and USA Bowling regional qualifying events could not be held in the past month, which was the right thing to do as we protect our families.”

Over the next few weeks, every 2020 Junior Gold qualifier will have their qualifying fee ($100, $150 or $200) deposited into their SMART account.  IBC Youth will add an additional $70,000 to the scholarship pool, which will be distributed evenly to the advancers.

Refunds for Spectator Passes, along with Youth Open and Survivor entry fees, also will be processed during this time, and any tournament coordinator who was unable to conduct their event will have their entry fee refunded.

All scholarships and refunds will be completed by the end of April.  

IBC Youth considered postponing the events, but once we looked at the uncertainties about when local quarantines will be lifted and the logistical factors of an event that covers a few weeks and numerous bowling centers, moving to other dates was not a viable option.

And, of course, bowling centers also have been greatly impacted. As mentioned, local qualifying events were canceled and, with centers having been closed for at least a month, athletes likely would have taken part in their biggest tournament of the year without the ability to practice and train.

“Everyone has seen how businesses have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last month, and that includes bowling centers,” Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America Executive Director Frank DeSocio said. “Canceling the events has a financial impact on the centers but everyone understands protecting our communities is the goal. Hopefully, we are able to open our doors soon and get everyone back on the lanes.”

The qualifying season for the 2021 Junior Gold Championships still will kick off on May 1, 2020. IBC Youth Development encourages local coordinators to follow local guidelines before hosting a qualifying event.

Qualifying spots earned for the 2020 Junior Gold Championships and 2020 USA Bowling National Championships will not carry over to 2021 event. Age-division waivers will not be granted, and all athletes will be required to qualify in their appropriate age division during the 2020-2021 qualifying season.

The teams that qualified for the 2020 USA Bowling National Championships are considered champions for their region, and IBC Youth will ship your team its national jerseys.

Indianapolis will be the host city for the Junior Gold Championships, USA Bowling National Championships, Youth Open Championships and Survivor tournament in 2021.

2020 USBC Open, Women's Championships
Moved to September with Modified Format

APRIL 15, 2020 -- The scheduled start of the 2020 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships and 2020 USBC Women’s Championships will move to September and include a modified format to allow for increased social distancing for competitors.

The move to September is designed to give tournament bowlers more time to focus on their personal situations during this difficult period. In surveys, registered competitors said they still would like to participate in the tournament late in the year, if public health conditions allow. Moving the tournaments to September gives everyone a chance to consider their options and plan for their own circumstances.

The Open Championships at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada, will start Sept. 12 and run until Nov. 21 (last team date), while the Women’s Championships at the South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas will kick off Sept. 19 and run through Oct. 18.

The tournaments will feature a shorter daily squad schedule, without early-morning or late-night squads. A survey showed 62 percent of Open Championships registered teams are interested in bowling in the fall, while 37 percent of Women’s Championships teams expressed interest. Since there is a lot of uncertainty, the schedule is built with some flexibility. Additional team squads can be added every other day or tournament dates can be extended, if more teams want to compete.

“Our first concern is the well-being of our members,” USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy said. “Moving the tournaments to later in the year gives our bowlers and their families a chance to consider what is best for their circumstances. We appreciate the amazing patience and compassion that we have seen from all of our team captains throughout this process.”

For both the Open and Women’s Championships, the format will include only one team on a pair, to allow for increased social distancing and reduce the number of teams per squad. USBC will continue to collaborate with its venue hosts and modify participant flow, space markings and occupancy, as well as photo and squad room processes, based on public health guidelines.

With the 2020-2021 bowling season officially starting on Aug. 1, the 2020-2021 season rules, including the no-balance hole rule, will be in effect.

USBC will provide pre-registration to Captain’s Club members – coordinators with five or more teams – starting April 17, asking them to submit a form with the dates their teams want to compete, which will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration will open to the public on April 27, at which time teams will be able to go into the Online Registration System and move their 2020 teams to any open dates/squads.

Teams that choose not to compete in 2020 may request to have their payment used for the 2021 tournament or they may submit a request for a refund.

Visit the Open Championships or Women’s Championships information page for directions on changing your team date, applying your payment to the 2021 event or to request a refund.

USBC Provides Guidelines in Light of COVID-19

APRIL 2020

This is a special combined edition of the Rules Extra and Tournament Flyer to discuss leagues and tournaments amid concerns about COVID-19.

League Play

USBC considers the coronavirus as an emergency situation and, therefore, the unanimous consent of all team captains (Rule 122) requirement for leagues to change the schedule does not apply. The decision to change the schedule may be made by a majority of the votes cast by the league board of directors (officers and team captains).

The league, before a decision is made regarding the league schedule, must come to an agreement with bowling center management concerning the league contract. Verbal or written, the league has a contract. Whether the center is closed by choice or because of governmental restrictions, league officers should contact the center before any league decision regarding a change in schedule is made.

The league needs to know if the center is going to charge lineage fees for the balance of the contract. Once the league has an agreement with the center, the league board of directors (officers and team captains) has a couple of options to consider. The decisions may be made via email, text, or phone or conference call during this difficult time.

1. Postpone the schedule and complete the league at a later date.

Some bowlers may choose to withdraw; USBC will not hold bowlers accountable for the fees required in Rule 114a. Any prepaid fees must be returned fully to a withdrawing bowler and should be done immediately. The bowler(s) also is entitled to a pro-rated share of the prize fund based on the number of weeks paid.

2. Cancel the league schedule.

All prepaid fees must be returned to the rightful bowlers. The standings are final as of the date the league decides to cancel. If the center charges lineage for the balance of the contract, it is deducted from the league prize fund. The league board of directors must also decide how the prize list will be adjusted. Click How to adjust a prize list for information on how to do so.

For split season leagues, because of the inability to hold a playoff, the league board may declare co-champions and divide any additional playoff money equally among teams in the playoff.

Tournament Flyer

Tournaments also face the decision to postpone or cancel operations. USBC rules allow tournament management to make decisions regarding tournament operations. A tournament could continue operations if possible, postpone the tournament or squads or end the tournament as of the last date of competition.

1. Postpone the schedule and complete the tournament at a later date.

Although Rule 314 does not allow refunds, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic USBC is allowing tournament management to issue refunds or credit for a future tournament to any entrant(s) who choose to withdraw from the tournament. The same also would apply to bowlers who did not bowl in the tournament.

When a tournament postpones squads, and entries close prior to last squad and the tournament allows walk-ins, USBC will permit tournament management to allow walk-ins during the rescheduled squads. However, no additional squad times can be added when squads are rescheduled.

2. Cancel the schedule.

Tournaments may choose to cancel the remaining squads without penalty. The tournament is paid based on the standings as of the last date of competition and the number of bowlers that bowled. All other entries are refunded or credited to another tournament.

Tournaments that guarantee prizes may base the guarantees on the entries. Comprehensive tournaments that reschedule events after Aug. 1, 2020 must certify these events as a 2021 tournament.

 For additional information, click FAQ to assist leagues, tournaments and state and local associations.

NYS USBC Revises Schedule
for Adult Championship Tourneys

MARCH 31, 2020 -- The New York State USBC has adjusted its adult championship tournament schedule in light of this year's cancellations due to the COVID-19 Pandemic that has shut down many businesses and forced citizens to stay in their homes and practice social distancing.

ALL NYS USBC ADULT AND YOUTH TOURNAMENTS
HAVE BEEN CANCELLED THROUGH JULY 31;
SEE ARTICLE BELOW ON THIS PAGE

Starting with the Open Championships, the 2021 tournament will take place at Boulevard Bowl in Schenectady -- which was the site of this year's Team, Doubles, Singles and All-Events competition.

Dates for the 2021 tourney are April 16-18, 23-25, 30-May 2, May 14-16.

The 2021 Women's Championships are scheduled to take place at Transit Lanes in Buffalo on April 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-May 2, May 14-16.

CLICK HERE for a Reservation form.

Please send these forms to the address listed on the form prior to July 31. Watch for communication on where the forms should be sent after that date.

This year's tournament was to be held at AMF Strike 'N Spare Lanes in Syracuse, but was cancelled. Since AMF Strike 'N Spare was unable to host the tournament next year, it was awarded the Women's Championships in 2023.

CLICK HERE for an updated list of NYS USBC adult tournaments.

Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship
New Yorker Amanda Naujokas
is One of Five Recipients

ARLINGTON, Texas, March 26, 2020 – Five United States Bowling Congress Youth members, including Amanda Naujokas of Lake Ronkonkoma, were selected to receive an Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship in recognition of their academic achievements and contributions to their communities.

Recipients were selected by the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee from submitted applications and each receives a $5,000 scholarship. The scholarship is named in honor of the legendary hall of famer who was dedicated to helping youth bowlers.

The five recipients of an Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship are:

Amanda Naujokas, Lake Ronkonkoma, New York
Bridget Bazile, Tigerton, Wisconsin
Bailey Knierim, San Antonio
Alexander Kobus, Crown Point, Indiana
Lane Thompson, Irving, Texas

Amanda Naujokas is a senior at Sachem North High School, where she has a 4.0 GPA and has taken honors courses in psychology, world and United States history, environmental science and Spanish. A member of the National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, and Business and Marketing Honor Society, she has more than 200 hours of community service.

The captain of the bowling team, she currently is a member of the Junior Team USA U17 Development team. She has signed to bowl for Vanderbilt in the fall.

Youth Ambassador of the Year
Long Island's Courtney Morelli
Receives USBC National Honor

ARLINGTON, Texas, March 24, 2020 – Courtney Morelli of Selden, New York, and Tanner Ausec of Colorado Springs, Colorado, have been selected as the United States Bowling Congress Youth Ambassadors of the Year.

The annual award recognizes a male and a female USBC Youth bowler for exemplary contributions in the sport outside of league or tournament play, academic accomplishments, and community involvement.

Selected by the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee, based on submitted applications, Morelli and Ausec each will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

Morelli has been a member of the Long Island USBC Youth Leaders program since 2013, and currently serves as treasurer. She chairs the Fundraising and Recruitment committees, and mentors new members.

She also is the vice president of the New York State Youth Leaders board, which she has served on for the last two years.

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor,” Morelli said. “I absolutely love participating in Youth Leaders events and helping out in any way possible. This is such a validation to all the years I’ve spent participating as a Youth Leader and furthering the bowling program.”

While her work with the Youth Leaders program has helped the local and state association, it also has taught Morelli valuable skills.

“I have always been a shy kid, and joining this program has really built up my confidence,” Morelli said. “I have developed my social skills and how to interact with adults. My organization and planning skills have really improved, as well as my problem-solving skills.”

A senior at Newfield High School, she has been a member of the school’s bowling team since the seventh grade. She also competes in a travel league.

She plans to study business administration in the fall.

Ausec currently is serving his third one-year term as a youth director on the Pikes Peak USBC board, ensuring local youth are represented and served through tournaments and awards programs.

“I have been fortunate to receive so much from the local bowling community,” Ausec said. “Whether through coaching, equipment, or knowledge, there have always been people to support me. As I grew up, I learned to understand the importance of giving back wherever possible, which is why I began coaching. This award is an acknowledgment of not only my efforts to give back to the game, but recognition of all that I have received from my local bowling community, as well.”

A senior at Rampart High School, Ausec has a 4.19 grade-point average and ranks sixth in his class. On the lanes, he helped Rampart win back-to-back state team titles the past two seasons.

He started coaching youth bowlers at King Pin Lanes in Colorado Springs four years ago, as part of a National Junior Honor Society community service requirement. He said he quickly realized how much he enjoyed teaching the basic skills of the sport, and it gave him a greater appreciation of those who coached him.

“Coaching has taught me a number of things, but first and foremost it is a constant reminder that bowling should always be fun,” Ausec said. “It has also taught me to be a better student of the game, and my skill level has benefited because of it.”

Ausec will attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the fall and plans to bowl for the Warhawks.

Morelli and Ausec also may have the opportunity to serve on the IBC Youth Committee and be eligible for additional scholarship funds. Youth Ambassadors selected to serve on the IBC Youth Committee must be at least 18 years old as of Aug. 1 in year of selection.

Attention NYS USBC Members
2020 Adult, Youth
Tournaments Cancelled

MARCH 15, 2020

To New York State USBC members:

Based on recent developments within New York State in regards to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the NYS USBC has determined that in the best interest of our membership and  the local communities we are cancelling all NYS USBC tournaments (youth and adult) scheduled for the remainder of the 2020 bowling season, which ends on July 31st.

The tournaments cancelled are the NYS Women's, Queens and Open Championships; Youth Pepsi regionals, Youth Pepsi and Youth Team finals and Adult-Youth tournament.

Thank you all for your comments, opinions and suggestions as to what we should do to address this critical concern.  Please be patient while we process the return of entry fees. They will be processed as quick as possible.

Team captains and individual bowlers are advised to cancel their hotel reservations at the various state tournament sites as soon as possible.

Roger Buckman
President
NYS USBC

Youth Volunteer of the Year
USBC Honors Tom Solimine Sr.
for Many Years of Dedicated Service

ARLINGTON, Texas – Thomas Solimine Sr., who has coordinated tournaments for youth bowlers throughout New York and runs youth leagues at the local level, has been selected as the United States Bowling Congress Youth Volunteer of the Year by the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee.

The award recognizes an adult volunteer who has displayed outstanding efforts to foster, organize and promote certified youth bowling programs at the local, state and/or national level. The IBC Youth Committee selects the national award winner from submitted applications.

“It is a great honor to receive this award by USBC,” Solimine said. “It is a recognition of many years of work, but as you know, you never do it alone. I have worked with many great volunteers over the years and they deserve some of the credit also.”

Solimine, who lives in White Plains, New York, has been involved in youth bowling for more than 30 years. He currently chairs the New York State USBC Youth Committee and serves as the youth representative on the Westchester County USBC. He has served in many roles at the local and state level, including president of his local association and of the NYS USBC Youth association.

While he has directed many tournaments, the NYS USBC Adult/Junior event might be at the top of the list. Started in 1999, as part of the NYS USBC Youth Championships, the first event had 50 teams, and now draws bowlers from throughout the state.

“Something that started out as a fun event in 1999 has turned into a very special tournament,” Solimine said. “Our State Adult/Junior Championship tournament has been a great success. We have averaged over 300 doubles teams each year and have awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to our champions.’

Solimine also has served on the Young American Bowling Alliance Coca-Cola National Committee, is a former president of the New York State Bowling Council, served as a volunteer with Special Olympics and was an Empire State Games Tournament Director.

He runs the Saturday Morning Youth Bowling Program at Bowlmor White Plains, which he has overseen for more than 20 years, and serves as a volunteer with a local football league, helping coordinate referees.

He was inducted into the Westchester County USBC Hall of Fame in 2000 and the New York State USBC Hall of Fame in 2012 for his work with youth bowlers

Seven to be Inducted
into NYS Hall of Fame

JANUARY 3, 2020 – The New York State USBC's Awards Committee has announced its selections for induction into the New York State USBC Hall of Fame for 2020.

In the Superior Performance category, Jerry Brunette Jr. (Rochester NY USBC), George Barnes  (Greater Buffalo USBC) and Becky Ripic (Southern Tier USBC) will be enshrined, and in the Meritorious Service category, Dennis O’Donnell (Auburn USBC), Kevin Martin (Rochester NY USBC), Barbara Rake (Southern Tier USBC) and Rosa Moro (Central NY USBC) will be inducted.

Stephen Fawcett (Schenectady USBC) will receive the Service to Youth Award.

CLICK HERE for a Hall of Fame dinner order form.

Brunette Jr. built an impressive resume that includes a New York State Masters title (1995), three Rochester Masters titles, more than 50 singles tournament victories and top 10 finishes in the 2016 USBC Senior Masters and 2017 PBA50 National Doubles.

The left-hander holds Rochester city records with a 250 Standard average in 2008 and a 227 Sport league average is 2008-09, both at Sunset Lanes. All told, he has more than 60 300 games and 40 800 series, including a 300-836 on a Sport condition – earning him a crystal pin from the USBC.

A resident of Florida for the past couple years, Brunette won two gold and two silver medals at the Empire State Games in 2006 and finished 11th in All-Events at the USBC Open Championships in 2007. He has a lofty 231 average in league play since 1999. He was inducted into the Rochester NY USBC Hall of Fame in 2010.

Barnes, a member of the Greater Buffalo USBC since 1954, was a regular participant in the NYS Open Championships for five decades through the early 1990s – with three NYS titles to his credit -- and continues to hold a 190 average in league play at the age of 82.

A top Buffalo Classic League bowler from the 1960s-1980s, Barnes was a member of the first-place team in the 1969 NYS Open Championships (in both handicap and scratch divisions) and won the 1975 doubles with partner Bill Hohensee.

Nationally, his Suburban Lanes All-Star team placed eighth at the ABC Championships in Syracuse in 1973. He has bowled in 56 ABC/USBC national tournaments and is tied for 51st place on the participation list and 34th place on the pin fall list.

Local awards include numerous top 10 finishes in the association tournament, including second place in scratch singles and all-events in 1975. A longtime local director and member of the Greater Buffalo USBC Hall of Fame, Barnes has two 300 games, a high series of 785 (1998) and high average of 213 (2004).

Ripic has performed consistently well in NYS Women’s Championships competition since the early 1990s, cashing numerous times in all of the events and claiming a team title with the Laurel I team in 2013 in Albany.

Holder of two 800 series, eight perfect games and five 299 games, she has been the Southern Tier USBC “Bowler of the Year” three times and averaged 227 in 2007-08. 

Ripic also has earned national recognition as a member of the Ripic's Pro Shop team that combined for a 2,378 scratch score on March 5, 2019 at Midway Lanes in Vestal. She rolled a 791 series during that league session and helped the trio place first in the 2-men, 1-woman team series category on the USBC National Team Score recognition list for the 2018-19 season.

O'Donnell has been a major contributor to the success of organized bowling in New York State over the past 11 years, serving on the Board of Directors in various capacities, including his current position as Sergeant-at-Arms.

The former president of the Auburn USBC (2001-02, 2008-12), he became a director of the Empire State USBC upon its inception in 2009, and continued on as a director on the NYS USBC board. He currently chairs the Awards Committee (but had no input into his selection as a Hall of Famer) and also serves on the Finance, Tournament and Conflict Resolution committees.

Additionally, he has assisted at several NYS USBC tournaments, either as a tournament director or in running the brackets.

O'Donnell started two major events in the Auburn area -- the bowl & golf and Senior Masters tournaments - and is the secretary of the Bill Stanley Memorial League. An Auburn USBC Hall of Famer and member for 56 years, he has eight 800 series and 17 300 games.

Martin, owner of Parkview Bowl in Rochester, has been a strong supporter of NYS USBC and Rochester NY USBC tournament bowling since the early 1980s, regularly organizing large groups to participate.

A youth bowling coach and former Empire State Games coach, he has donated his time and lanes to the development of high school programs and supports various charitable causes as both a director and sponsor. His fundraising efforts have benefited organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, ARC and Bowlers to Veterans Link.

Martin’s commitment to tournament bowling has had a positive impact upon Rochester association events, and his annual memorial tournament for bowlers 60-and-over has developed a strong following.

An avid bowler, he has a high game of 300, high series of 778 and high average of 203, and placed third in the NYS Open doubles in 1985.

Rake has been active on the national and state level as a member and officer of the Women’s 600 Club for more than 20 years, having served as club chairman, sergeant-at-arms, nominating committee chair. Additionally, she has bowled in the USBC Women’s Championships and NYS Women’s Championships for 33 years.

A local association hall of famer, Rake served on the transition committee to merge the former Binghamton-Johnson City – Endicott (B-JC-E) WBA with the men’s association to form the Southern Tier USBC, and has served the B-JC-E and Southern Tier USBC as an director and officer for over 30 years.

Moro has been a consistent participant in NYS Women’s and Queens Championships and Syracuse (now Central NY USBC) tournaments for the past 40-plus years, promoting the tournaments by enlisting new bowlers and providing on-lane instruction and advice.

She has contributed greatly to the sport not only as a tournament promoter, but also through her expertise at crafting distinct plaques, trophies and memorabilia for bowlers and other sport competitors.

On the lanes, she has averaged consistently in the 190s, and has had several top finishes in both the NYS Women’s and Queens events.

Fawcett has been a dedicated youth league and tournament organizer, director and coach in the Schenectady area for three decades, and his hard work and commitment have had a profound, positive effect on hundreds of youth bowlers.

Currently, he serves as treasurer for the local travel youth league and coach of the Sportsman Bowl girls’ teams, helps prepare a few of the girls to compete in the U12 Junior Gold Championships, and facilitates the awarding of scholarship money for bowlers in the travel league in the Capital District.

Fawcett also has been instrumental in raising more than $150,000 in scholarships through the youth tournament that he started – the Capital District Youth Scholarship Tour, which also sends 40 to 50 young bowlers to Junior Gold every year (an event that he attends annually at his expense).

At the state level, Fawcett, a NYS USBC regional tournament manager, takes a lead role in promoting and directing youth tournaments and programs, including the NYS Youth Leaders.

Scholarship Opportunities Abound
NYS USBC to Award
$15,250 for 2019-20

CLICK HERE for a one-pager about the scholastic awards.

For more information, scroll over the Youth tab and click on the Youth Scholarships tab.